Texas Bluebonnet Classic

[George McGraw <georgem@computrac.com>]

Texas Bluebonnet Classic
Decatur, TX - April 4, 1998
 
The Texas Arabian Distance Riders Association again hosted the seventh
annual running of the Texas Bluebonnet Classic at the scenic LBJ
National Grasslands near Decatur, TX. El Nino stayed away resulting in
perfect 70* temperatures combined with a good breeze and sun shine for a
perfect day for an endurance ride. 
Ride Manager Eddie Spurgeon sent the four 100 milers out for the first
loop at 5:30. The ride would be full of first as it was the first 100
for three of the horses and one of the riders. Shelley Bridges who is no
stranger to 100'rds was first across the line with a time of 12:11 for
first time hundred horse Windswift Barak. Second across the line was
Gail Fiebelman riding Topaz in her first hundred with a time of 15:13.
Bruce Burton in his and his horse's first hundred were third also
finishing in a time of 15:13. Windswift Barak was awarded an embroidered
wool cooler for his high BC score of 687 by Head Veterinarian Dennis
Seymour.
The 50 mile event had 53 starters which made for one of the largest
starting fields for a Central Region ride. The front runners sent a fast
pace in what would be a record setting time. Featherweight Lynn Zeigler
riding a Bab Terah which she borrowed from sister Jan Wright was first
across the line with a 3:48 time. Lynn's Junior daughter Hillary was
only seconds behind riding Bab Sheeba to wrap up a one two finish for
the Zeigler clan. Middleweight Darolyn Butler riding Conquistador was
third in what would normally have been a winning time of 4:01. The top
ten was rounded out by Luara Stoicesce/Bab Razzmatazz, Jim
Wiseman/Cyrano, Dolly Miller/GS Silverado, first Heavyweight
GeorgeMcGraw/Forward Motion, Paul Bryan/Shaik Al Paso, Michael
Campbell/Solesta Seraya and Kathy Crothers/Rebel Travler. Shaik Al Paso
was awarded Best Condition for his 730 score along with receiving
acknowledgement for his high Vet score of 460 from ride Vet Cory Soltau.

The 25 mile Limited Distance event was well run with 43 finishers from a
field of 47. Jake ridden by Heavyweight Bob Wennerstrom was first to
reach criteria with a time of 2:14. Jake was also awarded BC for his
score of 775.