Winning the PAC

["guest@endurance.net" <guest@endurance.net>]

Connie Walker swalker@turbont.net
I just want to take this opportunity to say thanks to all of the people out there that made us a success at the PAC.  I couldn't continue to succeed in this sport without the undying support of my husband, Scott, and my family.  God knows the sacrifice they suffer in the name of endurance riding!

I have to say that I could not have made it this far without an incredible staff of  professionals to rely on.  My primary Veterinarian; Barbara Leclair, accupunture & chiropractic; Dr. Heather Hoyns, farrier; John Hammond, massage therapist; Dixie Doran, riding instructor; Robin Groves, nutritionist; Jenifer Powell-Ovens (Nutrena Feeds).

I'm not even going to begin to list all of the friends and members of my community who helped get me out to Manitoba, the numbers are phenominal!  I will say, most belong to the Hartland Riding club of Hartland Vermont.  I do have to mention that my good friends Pete and Cory Navoy took time out of  their lives to be there every step of the way for us, and for that I am eternally greatful.  Cory even provided us with not one, but two of her great, home-made polar fleece "Cozy Covers," that Smoke lived in every night we were away from home.

I really need to thank Nutrena Feeds for their great high fat feed "Legacy", and for the support in making our trip to Manitoba possible.

I feel very proud to have been chosen to represent the USA East.  The riders and horses we have here are all top notch competitors, and to survive competing in the Northeast to this level is a real challenge.  I can't thank our Chef d' Equip, Dwight Hooton DVM & assistant Sue Greenall, and our team Vet, Ann Stuart, enough for their amazing knowledge and professionalism in bringing home not only the individual, but the team GOLD!!!!  A special thanks to our incredible farrier, Jay Perry from Georgia.
And I really mean incredible!

I want to add that we had the most awesome group of riders (and crew people) on the USA East team.  We didn't just ride-WE HAD A BLAST!!!!!

Now, that I haven't said a word about the ride, I just want to make a point of saying that it isn't just an awesome horse and a strong rider that make a winning  team, but the knowledge about every facet  of the sport they can learn, combined with good riding strategy, and lots of back up support!

Okay, now I will say I did not go to the PAC with any thoughts of winning.  I went hoping and praying my horse survived the long haul in one piece, and to be lucky enough to get around the course.  Being named to the squad was such a thrill.  I promised to ride as I was instructed to help our team, which initially was to be a solid top ten finish.  After the 3rd loop I was asked to pick up the pace if I thought Smoke was up to it.  So we did!  It was as big a shock to me that we won as to anyone there!

And just to set the record straight, contrary to the buzz at the finnish line about "Connie Who?", my last name is actually WALKER!

Congradulations to all of the USA EAST riders, and to all of the others who managed to survive all those miles of MANITOBA SAND!

Connie & Smoke





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