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Leigh Ann unfortunately is now on crutches after being kicked in the
knee the day after the Kenilworth ride. She is hoping to get back in
the saddle as soon as possible. She says "Hi" to all her friends in
America. If anyone wants to pass a message to Leigh Ann, please feel
free to do it through me.
KENILWORTH RIDE
Sharahd Fantasy and I were floating down the road at an extended trot,
heading for the first climb of the ride. The moon was full guiding us
up the hill when I said to Roger, "I cannot think of a better way to
spend a Saturday night." It continued on to be one of the best I have
had since I arrived in Australia.
I was counting on Sharahd Fantasy to show me the ropes of Australian
Endurance Riding. As it turned out, she did not have to because
everyone was so helpful. I was really pleased with the attitude of the
riders and the crew that produced the ride. Due to a few differences in
Australian Rules vs. U.S. rules, I had plenty of questions that people
were happy to answer.
In the States we do not produce log books at the vet checks. The ride
provides vet cards for each competitor who then has to keep track of it
throughout the ride. On a hot day, it can be a challenge in itself
trying to find a safe dry place for your vet card. I was quite happy
when the vet asked me to return the log book I attempted to carry back
to camp.
The next new experience was the token necklace. All of a sudden more
and more people were carrying around these "things". I thought, I
wonder if I need one of those strings. Someone showed me where to pick
up my tokens and explained their purpose. I found them much more
effective in comparison to the methods in the States. Often at our
checkpoints you have two or even three people taking numbers, most
people being in a hurry figure the louder you call it out, the faster
you will go through.
Speaking of numbers, I was also happy to see that I was in charge of
wearing my number rather than my horse. Oil sticks are popular in the
States. Upon finishing the pre-vet check, someone scrawls your number
across the horse's rump, leaving a sticky colourful number that not only
stands up to the sweat, dirt, and washing that occurs during the ride,
but the grooming, washing and scrubbing for the next two weeks.
Finally, a very pleasant surprise, was the Best Conditioned horse
procedure. In the States it is usually the first ten horses to cross
the finish line that are judged for best conditioned. It was quite a
shock when I discovered I needed to get Sharahd Fantasy ready to join
four other Lightweights for the presentation. I quickly hosed her off
thinking I would be leading her around, only to find I was to ride her.
Not being in the best athletic condition, I was searching around for
someone I could pay to ride her for me. My muscles were doing their
best to prevent me from mounting up. I am still not so sure about this
next day riding business.
All in all, my first Australian Endurance Ride was a great experience.
I look forward to participating in many more. Hope to see you out on
the trail!
Leigh Ann Goldberg
Regards
Anne
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