Multi-day rides

BGray96@aol.com
Sat, 26 Oct 1996 15:31:01 -0400

Hi Karen;
I hope I can answer some of your multi-day ride questions. I love multi-day
rides...my favorites are Outlaw Trail and Pony Express. I've ridden Outlaw
Trail 6 times on Omner and won 1st overall 5 times. I think that rugged
mountain course is Omners forte. And you can't go too, too fast on the 1st
three days or you will blow up your horse before the 5th day or you will get
lost!
I've never ridden Death Valley Encounter, but its a great ride!
One exciting feature of multi-day rides...the horses seem stronger by the
last day than the first!
1. On a 5 day ride, the horses seem to eat constantly..so I pack enough hay
to last my trip to the ride and throughout the ride. Of course, don't change
the diet by thinking you can buy hay at the ride. I've seen problems. Lots of
Hay.
2. Water. I only bring one horse(I just plan to ride the whole race on
Omner). I know I can obtain water at various points of the event about every
other day. So I pack 40 gallons. I guess the weather can be cool at DV so
you might not need as much to cool your horse. Check with the manager about
water availabilty.
3. No, I don't plan any early arrival unless I want to "ride around" or
sightseeing.
B. I have a 9 to 5 so I always need to rush home the day after the ride.
4. It's great to have a crew..but sometimes I need to go solo. I've found
lots of help and support from the other crews. (and thanks again for all you
guys that have helped me :))
5. My fanny pack is full with Cliff bars, Power Bars, raisins etc. whatever
works for you,
and lots of water for you.
7. It's actually what do you expect the 3rd day of the ride. I think thats
when you recover from the paralysis :) (not really) and really get into the
pacing, your incredible horse and your friends.
8. I do ice after each day.
9. I usually give Omner 3 weeks off after a multi./before 3 weeks.
10. Yes, expect some weight loss throughout the ride. Since I am a Dynamite
Distributor (no commercial intended) I use the High Energy Supplement HES.
It is a high energy, high fat (extruded soybeans), lots of calories in a
pelleted form. I can pack it in baggies and feed handfuls right from the
saddle. Outlaw and Pony XP only have one vet check each day so I need to
pack food and electrolytes and feed along the way before and after the vet
checks. I like the Equi-Marine electrolytes since Omner will just open his
mouth for his dose..he loves it and will eat and drink after his
electrolytes.I also carry some carrots and an apple to feed along the trail.
Also I carry a flashlight, solar blanket, easy boots, vet wrap, compact
rainjacket, hoof pick all that emergency stuff, extra 800mg motrin (which I
hardly ever use, but I seem to need it for everyone else). Wow am I ever
weighted down!!
11. Pacing..just really take your time if you plan to ride all 5 days. Its a
great thrill to finish all 5 and you will be so proud of your horse and
yourself. Crocket and Sharon Dumas have a nice Outlaw Trail video that also
might be helpful. It just gets me anxious for next years OT.
12. Have a Great time..I wish I was going!!!
I'm happy to answer any questions, I hope there are a few tips for you.
Beverly Gray
BGray96@aol.com