re: New Behavior / Backs /etc

[Kimberly Price <PLOUGH1@ix.netcom.com>]

Hello!

Thanks for the replies to Mystery's new behavior, I really think it is
only the excitement of new trails, last night he did not exhibit the
behavior and just about feel asleep at the trail head (an old one) so I
think it is just nerves.  It is just strange that it is showing up now
after riding for 5 years, but he is in great shape and getting, once
again, too competitive.

He kicked out again at a horse during a full gallop (horse was behind us
but not close), I don't know if it is just high spirits but I cannot
trust him in this situation, period.  Other times he is fine but when he
perceives he has competition coming up from behind he deals with it by
kicking out.  I will have to be careful about starting him in a high
stress situation and will have to have his tail red flagged...I don't
know what else to do!  It is only during full gallops with mature,
competitive horses.  Of course I reprimand immediately but how to keep
him from doing it period, when we are going full gallop.  Obviously I
cannot react fast enough to whatever hints he is giving me that he is
going to kick out.  I am pretty bummed about it.

I only got two replies to the back checking.....that yes all backs are
checked and counted (but no criteria given) and no, we didn't see any
backs being checked period.  Ok, different perspectives gives us
different answers!    Management thinks they are doing a good job at
checking backs, observers don't see these checks being done.
Interesting, but typical of human nature.  Observers did see really sore
backs at the end of the ride on completed horses, I'm not about to say
who, only I received comments from a few people (not all ridecampers).
So I must wonder if something is amiss.

Also, I've enjoyed the wonderful stories (too few!), great photos, and
hard work all the volunteers put into broadcasting Tevis98, as I'm sure
we all have.   Thanks to all participants!  I especially enjoyed Nick's
story and his acknowledgement of riders caring enough to wait for others
to let their horses drink etc., I wish everyone would follow this
protocal.  I've learned what the opposite effect can be first hand.
When riders believe "to finish is to win", and therefore are competing
against theirselves and own best times, then mean competition is
forgotten and real competitors help each other.

Hoping to do the Gold Country...horse is more than ready....it is the
saddle I am concerned with (hence the sore back question), will just do
the 30 although his back is 100% now and I am tempted to do the 50.
Decisions, decisions...

Happy riding to all!
Kimberly "off to swim with the sea turtles"
& Mystery the Morab "hey, my turn to be first, back off or else cause
I'm a brat!"
Pt.Reyes, CA