I really like the trials at Long Leaf. But with Misty at the breeding barn
now and I haven't been able to ride Dan for six weeks because of travel
associated with work I just couldn't do it. I remember when I did Long
Leaf the first time. It was April first 1995 It was cold that day and
bitter that night. I was cold and got off to jog and warm up at about 90
miles. I got a cramp at about 93 or 94 miles and I was warm anyway so I
decided to get back on. But with a 16-2 hand horse, a cramp in my
hamstring and not a downed log in sight I couldn't make it - that says
something for a short horse. So I ended up on the ground the last 10
miles. My horse was fine - I just could get back on!
Samm, a big congrads on Revel. You have done a great job bring him back.
Maybe we can all talk Samm into doing another 100 on Revel. I first met
Samm and Revel at the LBL in 93. I was just getting started and Samm was
doing her first 100. I said to myself if that big old appy can do a 100 so
can this tall gangly walking horse.
>The second was a disturbing thing I witnessed while out on the trail. I
>got behind a couple of riders--ON THE FIRST LOOP--and they were really
>giving this horse a hard time. They were using a crop to keep him
>cantering and kicking and yelling at him to move. Now, I don't know
>about a lot of you, but I think that if you have to beat a horse in the
>first 5 miles to get him going, he is not a good candidate for the upper
>distances, or any distance at all!! Just my opinion.
I aggree 100% I don't know about other people but if I make it through the
first 15 miles in one piece I am extremely happy. Pushing Misty on at the
first part of are ride has yet to be a problem - keeping her from thinking
she is at Churchhill Downs seems to be more of the problem. And of course
I have heard rumors of Revel galloping sideways down the trail at the
beginning also.
Truman
Truman Prevatt
Sarasota, FL