ridecamp@endurance.net: WA marathon report

WA marathon report

Anne Barnes (barnes@numbat.murdoch.edu.au)
Tue, 8 Apr 1997 14:05:00 +0800

Hello again,
Well, we all had a great week. The weather was just right for riding - no
deluge, just cool, overcast, with a breeze to keep the horses cool but not
seize up. Numbers were down a lot from last year seeing as the ride was run
during the week and not over the Easter holiday, but it seemed everyone who
was there was aiming to give it their best shot.

There were 9 successful completions from 16 riders in the 4 x 80 km ride,
and I think 17 out of 22 in the 3 x 40 km ride. There was no award for being
first in, but everyone that completed the bigger ride received a buckle and
certificates were presented for the shorter ride. The horses all looked
great, with the main reason for non-completion being lameness. It seemed
everyone had learnt a lot from last year's ride (our first marathon) and
many horses were shod with pads against the stony gravel. The horses ate and
drank really well, and recoveries were excellent. There was an award for
Best Managed horse, based on all four days recoveries.

There was a great friendly atmosphere throughout the camp, and plenty of
tall tales to tell - unfortunately not round the campfire as there was a
total fire ban. The organisers did a brilliant job. Although the course was
40 km loops back to camp, they tended to be different and not cross over too
much (apart from "horror hill" which seemed to get a fair look in, appearing
a few times). The water access was good, and there was even a horse
smorgasboard of hay and all sorts of treats laid out at the last water
point, which made everyone grin. There had been rain in the week before, so
there was green feed along the way as well, and the tall timber provided
shade and beautiful scenery.

All in all, a most excellent ride. Maybe we will see some of you there next
year?!

Happy riding,
Anne
Western Australia

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