American River Endurance Ride - last week of April, 2002

Report by Debbie Boscoe

Well, it rained Friday night, but we were sleeping in the horse trailer and were pretty dry. Steve jumped up and put a raincoat on Cal, bless his heart. It threatened to rain the entire ride, but I wore rain pants and had waterproofed my windbreaker so it didn't. It was cold, and there were no gates to holds - as soon as your horse met criteria at the 4 vet checks you could go. Lunch you just had to hold on hour, and meet criteria sometime in the first half hour. We left blankets on for all checks. But at the end the sun came out and we could wash their legs and let me eat and warm up.

The ride was beautiful. Second half was hard - from Auburn down to the river and back up, then down and up again. And pretty rocky. I have funny padding stories for you when I see you. And it was single track almost the entire way. I wanted to start in front so as not to get caught, but didn't quite know how to get there with all the hot shots. However, at the ride meeting the manager said it was a controlled start (someone leading out until you are past the roads and dangerous spots) and asked for volunteers. No one did, so I did, and grabbed another lady that I had been talking to to lead also; she was from the area and knew the trail. Great plan - we were in front and top ten for the first 15 miles with no hassels. Slowed down a little and rode in the teens the rest of the way. Finished either late teens or 20th. We really slowed down the last 6 miles, and walked them down the dangerous, rocky road down to the river. Horses finished in great shape, and not as tired as last time.

Her horse was black also, and looked a bit like Cal. She was very good company and the horses bonded instantly, so it was just a great ride.

First two leaders were both pulled for lameness. We saw a lot of lameness at the 3rd vet check. There were 5 checks all together. Don't know what the final count was. Ride dinner was Friday and they gave out appreciation awards (hats) instead of completion, so we could all leave when we finished. Great idea. All in all, I'd do this one again. The only downside was there were no toilets!