assorted comments on River Run

Rae Bolton (bolton@pbhs.brevard.k12.fl.us)
Wed, 20 Nov 1996 15:40:54 -0500

First of all, since everyone who was at River Run felt the need to
tell their story, I thought I would jump in also......
This was my second year at River Run and I must say that it is
without a doubt my favorite ride of the year, but remember I am a fairly
new rider to the sport and I don't want to offend all those ride managers
whose rides I haven't been to yet!:))). The people at in Hahira, GA have
the market cornered on hospitality, organization, facilities, food, and
trail marking in MY humble opinion!! Those of you that have never made
this ride....it is worth the drive. These people should write the book on
running a ride and they get an A+ in my book......yes, I am a teacher....
My congratulations go out to Tina Hicks for her BC and to ALL the
riders who completed. I'm sure after my description, the average reader
would have thought we finished, but unfortunately we didn't and had to pull
due to a small accident.....a little mud on the trail......we fell in
it:-)) And what makes it worse is that there really wasn't hardly ANY mud
on the whole beautiful trail and it was my FIRST pull in riding CTR and
endurance over that last 12 months. Yes, I am still getting over this!!
Both horse and rider(me) are doing good. What I want to know does the
second quessing ones' self and looking back at a fall ever end??? I am
about to drive Rob(hubby) crazy with "what ifs"....Oh well, we will get
over it!!
Yes, I use Roger's R. heart monitor and love it.....it was some of
that "stuff" that I bought this last year that I really "needed"!! And it
is worth every penny!!
Another comment, anyone correct me if I am wrong, but I think the
horse that was 28 yrs old at River Run, did not actually get a completion.
He/she was pulled at the P/R by the vet for what ever reason, but the rider
did continue back to camp on the trail and did cross the finish line. I
think the rider said they were pulled for something like lameness or gait
aberration........the horse was a Tennessee Walker. The rider said she had
had the horse for 28yrs and felt she knew her horse....actually the horse
looked OK to me(and damn good for 28!!)....but what do I know I was having
my horse checked again for lameness, because we fell IN the mud!!(Did I
mention there was very little mud on THAT trail?) Anyhow, my question is,
" Does anyone know of the oldest endurance horse to compete and top 10??"
Overall, we still had a fun and safe trip to a really nice place
and got to see alot of friends that I email, but don't see very often.
Can't ask for more.......but next time I want to finish!!!

Rae

PS. Someone earlier wrote, "they would rather get BC than WIN a race...".
Well, I am at the point in my riding career where, I would rather come in
LAST than PULL!!!!:))

Rae Bolton
3875 Toby Ave .
Valkaria, Florida 32950
E-Mail: bolton@pbhs.brevard.k12.fl.us