There's something special about rides in the southeast I've gathered
from other riders who have ridden elsewhere and come to ride here. The
great majority of participants here are genuinely good people who place
sportsmanship and care for their mounts as priority.
Hahira started out to be a torrential swamp, but the good Lord brought
his sun out and helped dry out things a little before the race started.
Saturday morning was cloudy and cold with a bit of wind. Forcasters were
predicting a nice sunny day with the high of 60 degrees.
The 50 milers started out at 7 am with the 25s starting at 8am. This was
a very nice thing for management to do...sleep later:)
I rode with a friend of mine, Natalie who had never done a limited
distance ride before. She got interested in the sport as we all do
because she loves to trail ride. Well, the day looked as if it would be
a perfect first ride.
We started around the middle front of the 70+ LD riders. Her horse, Star
is a fiery thoroughbred and took the lead with confidence. My horse, a
4yo baby Fly Bye, stayed at his hip for the first 3-5 miles. The ride
went smoothly and we met a new friend Barbara who rode our pace into the
first vet check. We had made good time averaging 10MPH! It's the fastest
my baby has every ridden! After our 30 minute hold, we started the final
10 mile loop to the finish.
The last loop was mostly fast dirt road and it looked like we were going
to at least keep our first loop speed. About 5 miles into the final loop
a group of 4 of us were galloping nicely along a wide, flat dirt stretch
when all of a sudden, Star spooked and did a little sidepass to his left
and Nat came off, rolling off his R shoulder. I was slightly behind with
my baby while he was trying to slow a bit a catch his breath and watched
in horror as Nat hit the ground at the gallop. I was by her quickly
before I could slow, but was able to catch Star up ahead. Barbara
stopped and dismounted to help Nat on the ground.
As I approached with Star in tow, Barbara said " She has a hole in her
eye!" There was blood on the ground and on Nat's hands as she cupped her
face and knelt on the ground. I asked Barb to hold Star and Fly while I
checked her out. She had a deep 1.5" long gash on the edge of her R eye
that was flowing blood. Barb had a water bottle that was almost full of
water she let me have to squirt the gash with. Nat almost passed out,
but because of the cold water squirts didn't leave us.
A good friend, Samm Bartee came trotting up and seeing what had taken
place said she'd ride ahead and call for an ambulance. Very soon a jeep
arrived from base camp and took Nat to the hospital where she received
great care and 15 new stitches to her face.
Barb and I tried to pony Star but didn't do very good at it at all.
Then, someone from the ride came and held Star until the horse ambulance
could pick him up.
Barb and I finished our ride in good shape. The horses vetted in well
and felt good at the end. Pam Linahan, ride manager told me where Nat
was taken and that she was being well cared for and if she could help in
any way to let her know. After I took care of Fly I got my girls
together and went to see how Nat was doing.
She was just coming out of the hospital in a wheelchair led by a nurse,
Nancy, who had a daughter riding in the race. She was a smiling friend
who really helped Nat through the pain of getting her stitches..(Nat
hates doctors and hospitals) Nancy really helped calm her through the
ordeal.
The rest of the afternoon for Nat was spent getting drugs at a local
pharmacy in Valdosta GA and sleeping. She missed the spectacular
parachute show in the pasture, but felt well enough by dinner to eat the
fabulous feast the Linahans always provide. After all awards had been
given out, Pam called Nat to come to the front and receive her "
Hardluck Award". Not only did Nat have a bad fall but she ran out of
water in the shower after she had soap all over her body:)! She
appreciated the gift anyway and all the genuine hospitality from
everyone we met.
This sport of endurance is a rough sport. It's not only hard just riding
the horse, but the preparation for and care after a ride is hard. Our
southeastern riders and ride managers are the best people around when
there is a crisis or even when there isn't. I sure hope if I ever leave
this area I move to an area where the people are just as caring and
competent.
Thanks Again to Samm and Hahira Ride Management!:)
Happy Tails
Susan & the Fly Bye