Re: Have to have crew?

[Horsestwo@aol.com]

April;

Be sure to mark all your stuff and use tote boxes like the Rubbermaid kind to
keep it all together.  Mark the outside of your boxes with big letters so it
is easier for RM or vet check help to identify.  Remember that they are doing
you (and probably many others) a favor so be aware of not overdoing it.

I read somewhere (possibly here!) to use luggage tags on important pieces of
tack and on coolers/blankets so if they are misplaced they can find their way
back.  On almost everything else you can use permanent markers or stick on
labels.

Just be sure to introduce yourself to mgt. and explain you are new and ask
what you can do to make sure your stuff makes it to all checks and back to
basecamp.  Get good directions as to whose vehicle is going to vet checks and
where your stuff will be at the VC.  Also, where stuff will be once ride is
over.  This helps with communication but always be prepared to do without.
Carry plenty of water ON you and have some kind of food such as granola bar,
fruit, trail mix with you as well.  Almost all rides (here in the West) have
hay and water for the horses and drinking water/juice for riders so you could
easily make it thru a LD with nothing at the VC.  As other people have
mentioned, endurance rides are very informal and it's not unusual for people
to share what they have with others.  Be careful you don't let yourself or
your horse be rude without knowing it.

In the future, you will get to know some of the riders in your area and you
can "share" a pit crew.  ALWAYS be kind to crew (and vet check help) and
remember that crew stands for "Crabby Riders Endless Waiting"!

Good luck and happy trails,

Melanie in AZ