ridecamp@endurance.net: My Witch Dance Story (little long)

My Witch Dance Story (little long)

Daniel Padgett (dpadgett@acesag.auburn.edu)
Fri, 24 Oct 1997 16:59:07 -0500 (CDT)

Hey ya'll, I thought I'd submit my little thoughts of the ride and give
acknowlegements to those who have helped me along the way. Those of you
that have been to the southeastern rides since this spring have quite
possibly seen me helping out as a volunteer in the vet checks at some of
the rides, or at least seen me doing something useful somewhere down the
line. Samm got me interested in attending the rides and learning what
endurance rides were about back in April. I have done my best to learn as
much as I could from-the-ground-up as a volunteer until I could have a
chance as a rider.

I'd like to thank everyone that has taken time to teach me the operations
of the vet checks, and that has answered all my questions about this type
of competiton. I'd also like to thank all the people that have patiently
put-up with me in the vet checks while I was running around like chicken
with no head. :)

There are many great people (and horses!) that have definitely contributed
in making endurance rides a great and fun experience for me. I wish I
could thank each of you individually, but that would take a while --
especially since I have a hard time with names! (You all know who you
are!!)

Well, as Samm mentioned in her story, I have been working with Samm's
horse Weagle (nickname) for a little while. It has been quite an
experience working with that mare. She has been learning and improving by
leaps and bounds, which really impresses me. Finding time to ride and
condition was (and still is) hard, but we did what we could do to get her
ready. Samm was confident that she'd be able to handle Witch Dance, so we
made plans to be there.

I must say that I was nervous about it since it was going to be MY first
ride AND Weagle's first ride. :) Somehow-or-another, I knew that
everything would be fine though. All that we were looking for was a
completion and a good ride. I looked toward Samm, Kathy, and Sabrina for
TONS of advice and support......which they readily gave! I couldn't have
done it without them!

Trails were great! A bit rough at times, but a good challenge (at least
for a newbie!). I set Weagle in behind Sabrina and Susan, and away we
went! Weagle tired down a little towards the end of the first loop, but
quickly caught a second wind at the vet check for the second loop. Samm
and Kathy were kind enough to crew some for me when they had a chance. I
was thrilled that Weagle did so well with the vet checks! And I could
have laid a brick in my pants when I was told that I had came in 9th for
the 35 mile distance!

In conclusion, I wish to thank the people who have worked closely with me
in preparing Weagle (and myself) for the ride:

Thanks Samm, for giving me the opportunity, the education, and all your
help.
Thanks Kathy, for riding with me on Wednesdays and other days, your help,
and thoughtfulness.
Thanks to Sabrina and Susan, who were patient and willing to allow me to
ride along with them at Witch Dance.
Thanks to Weagle, for being such a good horse even after a called her a
hard-headed nag. :)

I had a great time! Well, I always have a great time at rides, but this
was even more special since it was a first competition for me and Weagle!
I look forward to future rides, and seeing everyone there!

Daniel

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