T.R.O.T. Sleigh Rally February. 2010

I went to my first ever sleigh rally Sunday. I trained my horse, Marie, to drive years ago and though I had not hitched her in years and she had never pulled a sleigh, I decided to take her and give it a try. Marie is such a good dependable girl I was quite sure it would be no problem.

The rally was held at my friend Amy's home. The first problem was I don't have a sleigh. Amy said not to worry, she would find me one to use. Ok, problem one solved. Second problem, there was very little snow with the fields being nearly bare. We waited and listened to the weather report all week hoping for some snow, but no such luck. While the rest of the east coast, mid-west was getting buried under record breaking snow falls, not a flake was falling in Maine. Even TX and FL were getting snow!!!!! Amy said it looked like it would be changed to a carriage rally. But, Saturday, Amy's husband, Gary, was determined it would be a SLEIGH rally so he started trucking in snow from every snowbank around and he used a manure spreader to spread the snow over the field. Then he had a snowmobile grooming machine come and groom the field. By Sunday morning, the sleigh rally was on! So, my (reluctant) husband, granddaughter and good old Marie headed out early and were the first to arrive. One of the Beem's barns was heated and it was all set up with the food, tables and chairs and the registration table. A nice place to get out of the cold. It wasn't a bad day but it was cold with a bit of a biting wind out in the open field.




Amy showed me my choice of sleigh's to use. There was a metal road cart that had removable wheels and runners you could put on. Then there was the absolutely adorable Portland Cutter. I could not resist the cutter. Maire was feeling a bit lonely and wondering were everyone was and being quite vocal about it. That is between bites of hay because nothing puts her off her food. I harnessed her up and took her over to the sleigh. She was a bit of a pill to get hooked up at first as people were starting to arrive and she wanted to know if any of her buddies were around. But, we finally managed. Then the big moment, I knew she had not forgotten how to drive, but would she mind the different feel and sound of a sleigh. I climbed in, took a deep breath and asked her to walk out. No problem at all. It was like she'd pulled a sleigh all her life. GOOD GIRL!!! I called Susie R. and left her a message to tell her the hitch was a success!




I took a spin around the field alone then took Madison, my granddaughter, for a spin around the field. I then unhooked Marie and tied her back at the trailer as it was a while before my first class. I went into the barn to warm up. Someone had brought some Yellow Lab pups that were for sale and that was the highlight of Madison's day. She could not take her eyes off those puppies for the rest of the day. Before I knew it, it was time to hitch back up again and get ready for my first class. This time Marie was much more cooperative and in no time I was ready. Marie was a bit fidgety so I had to keep her slowly walking around at first but then she settled down. A lot of people had shown up and there were also quite a lot of spectators. There was some beautiful draft teams giving sleigh rides and a few that were there just for the show. No mules though.




My first class was pleasure driving. It was a big class. Marie was wonderful and did everything asked. We didn't place though so apparently I didn't ask all the right things. Next was the reinsmanship class. That was done one at a time in the ring. You had to go in, stop at a cone for 4 seconds, then do a figure 8 pattern and out. I had a total brain cramp and managed to do a figure z or maybe a figure x or...... but it was NOT a figure 8! DUH! Oh well, once again Marie was great and did just as I asked. At this point, Susie called me back and said she and David were coming up to watch. Next I did the obstacle course. I did manage to get that right! Then on to the marathon course which I once again managed to do right and Marie was great and really getting into it.

I was asked by several people if I'd entered the 'half & half' class. That was the obstacle course done with two drivers in a sleigh. The first driver would go once around the course and as you came around by the start/finish line, you would hand the reins over to the other driver and then would drive once around the course. Well, I didn't have anyone to go with me. Amy said she would but just about then, Susie showed up. I grabbed her out of the audience and she was thrilled to help me out. Susie did great as did Marie of course. The obstacles were set up near the end of the field by the woods where there actually was some snow and there were a few spots that were getting a bit scary as it was a bit deep and getting rutted up with all the sleighs and a few times we were afraid we might tip, but didn't.



After the class, I took Susie for a spin around the whole field, then Susie helped me unhitch and remove Marie's harness. I gave Marie lots of hay which she attacked with her usual gusto. We all went in for lunch. Susie and David left before they gave out awards. That was too bad as Susie and I got 6th place in the 'half & half' class!!! And I got 2nd place in the marathon.

It was a wonderful day and I am so glad I went

GMHA 3 day 100 mile CTR, Woodstock, VT September 2009

I was up early on Thursday morning, loaded up Ruby and headed to Susie’s house. We were going together to the ride. The haul to the ride was uneventful. It took about 4 hrs. Both Ruby and Susie’s horse, Spark, were relaxed and ate plenty of hay in the trailer. Though Ruby did manage to poke out the screen in Susie’s trailer. She loves to ride with her nose stuck out the windows as far as she can get it.

The weather for the ride was going to be fabulous. No rain in the forecast at all. It was going to be in the 70’s during the day and 40’s at night. Low humidity. When we arrived and checked in, I had been $1 short on my entry when I sent it in. I only had 90 cents and had to borrow 10 cents from Susie. How pitiful is that. The ride was held at the GMHA ground (Green Mountain Horse Association) in South Woodstock, VT. It is a beautiful place. Many types of Horse venues are held here and they are high level events from carriage driving, eventing, dressage, endurance and CTR’s. As well as many pleasure trail riding events. There are 4 shed row barns as well as another huge barn for stabling. A covered arena, numerous outdoor arena, a complete high level cross country jumper course. There are also buildings for indoor gatherings and meetings. The grounds are beautifully kept and maintained. Woodstock Vermont is a beautiful area of hills and farms. It is a very wealthy area. The cows in Woodstock live in better accommodations then my house. Many of the homes border on being palatial and many of them are just second or summer homes of the wealthy. There are miles and miles of dirt roads there and that is the way the town wants to keep it. As well as the roads are miles and miles of wonderful trails. There are no public lands in Woodstock so all the trails are by the grace of private landowners. But the town is very equine oriented. There is also an ordinance against camping on Woodstock. You can’t set up a tent in the town. How strange is that. So, for most events at GMHA, you have to find a hotel, B&B or such to stay at. At this ride, GMHA members were allowed to camp on grounds but ONLY in self contained rigs and there could be no awning, campfires or such. There is also NO cell phone use in Woodstock as there is also a town ordinance against cell towers on private land. And there is no public land.

Anyway, the area is absolutely gorgeous. When we arrived, we first went to the GMHA office, got our ride packets and our stall assignments. We were in Barn “C” brook side. We quickly unloaded our stuff into our assigned tack stall. I had meant to bring my own shavings but forgot. So, had to pay their $10 fee for a bad of shavings. ECK!!!! In the next stalls down from us were Basi and Chris who Susie had met at a previous ride. They are a married couple and both compete in distance riding. As well as distance biking and swimming. Marsha Deleware was on the other side of us and we were very happy about that. She is a wonderfully sweet woman. Esther Fiddes was also on our side and she is just a riot. Once Ruby and Spark were settled into their stalls, Susie and I sat by the stream and had PB&J sandwiches. Then I walked Ruby and Spark while Susie set up “house” in her trailer. One woman we passed us made the comment about Ruby that “that certainly isn’t an Arabian”. I told her that wasn’t true as Ruby’s mother was a registered Arabian. The woman walked off with a puzzled look on her face. I passed the same woman a while later and she stopped me and asked me, “Ok, really, just what is she?” She had to be mule educated.

It was finally time for vetting and we headed up to the covered arena. The vet judge for the ride, Art King, had seen and vetted Ruby at a number of rides. He is a Ruby fan. The hands on went well with Ruby being a real lady. So, then the trot out…..We headed straight down to the end of the arena. At the end was a platform that is actually part of a deck connected to the meeting hall. There were a bunch of people sitting on the deck watching. Just as Ruby got half way around her first circle, she really noticed all the mule eating humans sitting up on that platform. At the same time she also noticed the open arena gate nearby. She immediately decided to exit the arena. THANKFULLY, she is not a bolter and when she got to the end of her lead line, she spun around to face me. She then got her head together and decided to trot her circles. She looked good and passed to start the ride. YIPPPEEEEEE!

After vetting, we had to go weigh in. EEEKK! We had to be weighed with all our tack. I had to keep telling everyone that my saddle weight 100 lbs. I don’t think anyone believed me. Susie and I visited with Marsha and Tracy for a while enjoying a glass of wine. For dinner that night there was a dress up banquet at a country club down the road. So, Susie and I dressed up off we went. Chris and Basi rode with us. Open cash bar was at 6:00PM. But with the wine being $10 a glass, I decided I would skip drinks. 6:30PM was dinner and the food was absolutely fabulous. After the meal there were several speakers that talked of their experiences of riding 3 day 100 mile events. There was a man there that was being honored for his years of riding this particular event. The man was 85 years old. The last time he rode the 100 was only 5 years ago when he was 80 years. Old. And he still rides every day.

When we got back to GMHA, Nancy and her friend were there. The were doing the pleasure ride that was being held at the same time as the CTR. Susie and I walked Ruby and Spark and let them graze before heading to bed. It was a beautiful night. Clear with a full moon. As every night following it was while we were there.

Friday morning Susie and I were up at 4:30AM. The weather was perfect as predicted. We fed then went up to the office for breakfast. Breakfast was simple being muffins, pastries and breads but all made by a professional bakery and absolutely delicious. There was a bit of a mix up in the starting order and they had Susie going out 2 minutes ahead of me. We managed to get that straightened out. The riders meeting was at 6:15AM. Then we tacked and got ready to go. Ruby was VERY keyed up. Susie and I mounted and were walking around warming up, we notice on young woman trying to mount her horse with little success. Her mother was trying to help her but was on crutches and was limited in how much she could help. When we come around the next time, we were just in time to see that the woman had mounted with the assistance with a few men holding the horse and the horse immediately started bucking. And that horse meant business. The horse ran bucking towards on of the barns, she turned when she got to the barn and headed back the way she came and she was still bucking hard. At this point the woman was still on but had lost one stirrup and was laying over the horses neck. The horse came up right behind a parked car and swerved around it throwing the woman hard into the car. She landed very hard. She did get up but you could see she was hurting. It took a number of people to catch the horse. And if the grounds were not mostly fenced, the horses would have been long gone. The woman did remount the horse but was very dizzy and confused and was sent to the hospital. We later found out she was ok. We also found out that her mother was on crutches due to being thrown from the same horse a few weeks earlier.



Susie and I were finally released to start at 7:00AM. Ruby and Spark headed out like gangbusters. We started out riding through the cross country jump course. Geesh but those jumps are scary looking but lovely to ride through. The trails were very tough as you were either always going up or going down. Very hilly and the hill were long. The footing was beautiful though. About 10 miles out, Ruby started shaking her head, then started stretching it down. This is not normal for her and I knew something was wrong. Though she was still very eager to go and I was actually holding her back. Her stride did shorten and she wanted to canter more then trot. So, I slowed her down much to her disgust. At the first water stop, Ruby was panting more then usual. It was not that hot so I was really getting worried about her. She still was very eager to go but I just knew things were not right. We got into the hold in good time. Ruby did pulse down ok but at the trot out was definitely lame. It was her left front. The same one we had the trouble with last year. I was heart broken. And so was Ruby. We were pulled from the ride at 20 miles. It was definitely the right thing to do to pull her. But I’ll admit I cried as I watched Susie ride out. And Ruby seemed to feel the same. She bawled for Spark as he left. I was very proud of her though. Once Spark was out of sight, she was so well behaved and entertained the volunteers with her mule antics and enthusiastic rolling. Another woman had also been pulled from the ride and both equines were trailer back to GMHA. I settled Ruby into her stall. She was not happy about being alone in the barn but behaved well. Since I had nothing better to do while waiting for the other to finish the ride, I cleaned all the stalls on our side of the shed row we were in. Then I sat and relaxed in my chair and snoozed. I was peaceful sitting there by the stream. Around 2PM it was announced over the loudspeakers that the first riders were due to come in anytime so I went up by the arena to watch. Each rider was announced as they arrived. And each rider had to ride once around the arena. Marcia and Esther came in together. Susie came in just a few minutes behind them. Spark looked real good, he pulsed down great and had a wonderful trot out. After we got him settled into his stall with plenty of food and water, we had our lunch. Ruby sure was glad to have Spark back. After we ate, I got Ruby out and her left front pastern was slightly swollen and she was showing even more lameness. That evening there was a BBQ. It was great as all the food had been so far. After the BBQ, I asked Art, the vet, if he would look at Ruby again. He did. He asked me not to give her anything because he wanted the treatment vet to look at her in the morning. And since the swelling was minor and her pain did not seem bad, he didn’t think this would be a problem.

Out friends that have come for the pleasure ride were staying at a local Inn. We went over there so Susie could take a shower. When we got back, we went walked Ruby and Spark on last time. Ruby was happy to get out of her stall. She is not used to being in one for so long. Ruby was getting tons of attention. Everyone loved her and she was accepting all the attention with her usual grace. Everyone was so sad she had been pulled. Everyone had really been rooting for her. It was so wonderful to have such open acceptance of her. Whenever I was walking around the grounds without her, people kept coming up to me and asking where “the mules” stall was so they could go see her. Quite time was at 9:00PM so we headed to bed then.

Saturday morning the alarm went off at 4:30AM. I fell back to sleep as I wasn’t riding. Susie said she would feed Ruby. I woke an hour late to the sound of Ruby braying because Susie had taken Spark out to walk. I got up and went up to the office for breakfast. The treatment vet came to look at Ruby. He was a very nice man. He had spent 20 years on a racetrack and had a lot of experience with lameness issues. Ruby’s left font pastern was still slightly swollen and she was still consistently lame when trotted. He asked her history and looked her over and really feels I am going to continue to have problems with Ruby. I must admit I only understood half of what he told me but it had to do with her ringbone and how it was affecting the ligaments in her pastern …. And so on. He said he would place bets that I will get two good rides, and one bad ride, and one good ride and two bad rides until she just broke down. He said he would guarantee she will develop arthritis in both pasterns as she has ringbone in both. He felt that riding would be good for her; endurance riding would not be so good. Just too hard on her joints with the speed and distance involved. Certainly not what I wanted to hear, but something I had suspected for a while.

After all the riders had gone out, I cleaned all the stalls on our side of C barn except for Joanie’s stall as her horse was still in it. I drove out to the hold to help out as a volunteer. I was soon very busy with my duties as professional horse holder and fetcher of food for hungry riders. The time went quickly and I had a good time helping. When Susie came in, she said the ride so far had been extremely hard with very steep climbing. It had taken them 2-½ hrs. to do the first 13 miles. That left them with time to make up on the 2nd half of the ride. And everyone else was on about the same pace. After all the horses had left the hold, I drove up to the top of Heartbreak Hill to watch some of the horses go by. I headed back to GMHA and got lost. But, not bad and soon found my way back. Once back I cleaned all the stalls on the opposite side of our barn. A man came over to tell me that he had been watching Ruby all day and wished the horses were half as well behaved as my mule. He just loved her and said he kept talking to her from his trailer while I was gone and she would nicker/grunt at him in reply. He was just so impressed with how well behaved she was with being all alone in the barn. I knew it wouldn’t be long until the first horses started to come in so I got Ruby out and walked her up toward the finish line. The swelling was out of her pastern and she was walking much better with only occasional signs of lameness at the trot. There was one arena up by the finish line with perfect mule rolling sand so I took her there so I could watch the riders come in. Ruby was in mule heaven there and rolled to her hearts content. By this time I realize that people are starting to follow me around with cameras when I had Ruby out. It was like hanging out with a movie star and being followed by the paparazzi!!! It was getting kind of bizarre. Ruby spotted some cows on a hillside across the road and was staring at them, ears pinned forward totally fascinated. The paparazzi went wild with all the beautiful posing. She would stare, head up, eyes bright, then prance a circle around me and pose again. Her antics spooked the first horse that came across the finish line so I quickly returned her to her stall. But, whenever I walked around without her, even more people were looking for her. I was thinking I would just make up some maps to her stall to hand out and start charging admission to see her. Overall I have received very positive reactions to Ruby in this sport. But this was over the top and really wonderful, if bizarre, to see. Susie, Marsha and Esther came in together on time. They were thrilled and exhausted. All three had great trot outs and were cleared to ride the last day. Susie, in her desperation to get clean quickly, took a bucket of water into her Sparks stall, stripped naked and bathed there with me guarding the door to keep people away.

Dinner that night was at a tack shop right next door to GMHA. Nice shop and the food was great. After the dinner, we came back to the barn and the party continued right in front of Ruby’s stall. Well, she just loved all the activity and really hammed it up begging for pretzels, of which she got quite a few. She was the hit of the party. Quiet time was once again at 9:00PM so we had to break the party up early and head for bed.

Sunday morning, Susie was up once again before me and fed Ruby. I came out soon after and walked Ruby when she walked Spark. Ruby continued to look better. I went up for breakfast while Susie got ready for the ride. Susie was once again riding with Marsha and Esther and I cheered them as they left. They only had 20 miles to ride and no hold. So, they would be done before 10:00AM. Once all the riders left, I went over to visit with my friends that were doing the pleasure ride. Nancy’s horse had gotten a swollen spot on his back that hadn’t gone down. And her friend’s horse had gotten horrible girth galls the previous day. So, neither were sure if they were going to ride. Joanie did ride but was worried as her horse was recovering from Lyme disease and still on antibiotics. And she’d had a long day the previous day because she’d gotten lost and done a few more miles then planned. As the pleasure riders were gathering to get ready for their ride, I went back to C barn and I cleaned all the stalls on both sides of our barn. Then I brought Susie’s truck over to the barn and packed everything up that I could. By then, it was time for the first horses to come in so I grabbed my camera and headed up to the arena so I could take pictures of everyone as they made their ride around the arena. Right on time, Susie, Marsha and Esther came in. I was so excited for them!!! All three horses looked good and all three riders looked exhausted but happy. Ruby was very happy to have her buddies back. All three pulsed down fine. Hands on were done first. When Susie was done with that, I got Ruby out and walked with her and Spark. She needed to keep him moving so he would not stiffen up before the trot out. Ruby was thrilled to be out and with her buddy. We let them graze a bit also. When it was time for Susie to go up for her trot out, I put Ruby back in her stall much to her disgust and went up to watch. Spark and Esther’s horse, Pokey, trotted out very well. Marsha’s horse Piper was a little bit lame but would get a completion. Everyone was thrilled. All the horses were settled in their stalls with lots of hay and water to rest and eat. And then we all went up to have our brunch. It was, yet again, absolutely wonderful.

This CTR is unlike any other I’ve been to in that the award ceremony is done mounted and in the arena with much pomp and ceremony. Very cool though a pain in the butt to saddle up again after having just finished riding 100 miles in the past 3 days. I went up and sat on a hill above the arena with Joanie and Nancy to watch and take pictures.

Halfway through the ceremony, my name was announced over the loud speaker for winning an award! I was a bit shocked when I was brought down the arena and given the “on ground sportsmanship” award!!! Apparently my barn cleaning, horse holding and food fetching and been much appreciated. It was embarrassing but very nice. (blush) Steve Rojeck came up to me later and said he thought it was his wife that had been cleaning his stall every day and he was wondering why she was being so nice to him. He thanked me and many others also came up to say how much they appreciated coming back from the ride to clean stalls. Well, it’s not like I had anything better to do and I find stall cleaning quite relaxing.

The past 2 days that Ruby had been alone in her stall, she had been quite. But, during the ceremony, she knew all the horses were nearby and she brayed during the whole thing. THANKFULLY, she was just far enough away so it was no disruption and everyone actually got quite a kick out of it saying she was just cheering for all the winners.

Once the ceremony was done, Susie wanted to get going as soon as possible. We didn’t have much more to pack up and one of our friends on the pleasure ride that was staying to the next day said she would strip out stall for us!! So, we loaded up and headed home. Susie was tired so I drove and we got home safe and sound.

Fryeburg 2 day 50 mile CTR, Fryeburg, ME July 2009

My favorite ride of the year, the Fryeburg 50. It is a 2 day ride of 25 miles each day. Bonnie came with me and she rode my horse Marie. Bonnie and I had planned to head to Fryeburg first thing Friday morning. But, it was pouring rain and wasn’t going to clear off until early afternoon. So, we decided to go later. I met her over at Susie’s house where I had to pick up my horse at noon. We had decided to go to the Town Landing for lunch but we loaded Marie into the trailer to keep Ruby quiet while we were gone. We knew as long as they were together, they would be happy as clams. After lunch we headed out. It is close to a 2 hr. drive to Fryeburg. The ride is at the Fairgrounds there and the grounds are lovely with wonderful shedrow barns. Nice bathrooms with showers. Everything is so convenient with water available at every 4th stall and being able to camp right in from of the barns.

We arrived at around 3:00 PM. The rain had let off by this time. Very quickly we realized that the mosquito’s were unusually bad. Actually, that doesn’t even begin to describe it. They were HORRIBLE! As someone described them as being in "biblical proportions". We quickly had Ruby and Marie settled into their stalls and camp set up. I had brought my dog, Zephyr along also. We cleaned both girls up and got in line to be vetted in. The vetting didn’t take long. Ruby and Marie both vetted in well. We settled them both back into their stalls and went into town for supper. When we got back, we were just being driven crazy by the mosquito’s. So were Marie and Ruby. There was no relief anywhere. Not in the barn and even the bathrooms were filled with them! No amount of fly spray seemed to help at all. We ended up putting light stable sheets and fly masks on Ruby and Marie to limit the amount of skin that was exposed to the mosquito’s. That seemed to help and they seemed much more comfortable. Everyone ended up heading to bed early as no one could stand staying out with the mosquito’s so bad. Not that there weren’t plenty in the trailer. We had to sleep with ourselves covered as much as possible. Zephyr slept up in the gooseneck with me, but on his own bed.

I woke up in the night and it was pouring rain. AGH! We got up around 5:00 AM to feed the girls. the mosquito’s were still horrible. We then went into the office for breakfast. The mosquito’s were horrible in there too! Steve Rojeck said in all the countries he’s competed in, and all the thousands of miles he’s ridden, he had never seen anything like it. Riders meeting was at 6:30 AM. Ride started at 7:00 AM. We got the girls tacked up and ready to go. The rain ended before the ride start. Our time out was 7:10 AM. Ruby naturally took the lead and headed out like she was on a mission. Before long we caught up with the riders in front of us. It was Marsha Deleware, Lois Crowley and another woman I didn’t know. I decided to stay with them as I know Marsha always sets a nice steady pace. AND she is fun to ride with. The 3 horses and Ruby all got along and traveled well together. We moved right along. Because of all the rain we’ve had this year, the ride manager was limited on trails. We could only do one of the agricultural field roads. We usually do quite a few miles in the fields. And we had to do several miles along the roads. But, it was that or sloghing through mud. We told her we’d be happy with the roads, there was enough mud on the trails as it was. And the mosquito’s were just as horrible out on the trail. Bonnie and I both had fly masks and fly nets for our equines necks. It really helped a lot. Before we knew it, we were at the hold. Marie was her usual rude self looking for the food she knew was there. Ruby was a lady and very good. Ruby pulsed right down. We had to use the full 10 minutes for Marie but that’s normal for her. At 10 minutes Ruby was 48, Rosemarie was 60. The trot out went fine for both. We had made such good time on the way out, that we had to go slower on the way back. We ended up walking the last 4 miles and then still waiting in the field before the finish line because we were back too early. While we were letting them graze while waiting, Bonnie suddenly yells at me, “Watch out, she’s going down!” While I was thinking, who’s going down, Suddenly Ruby and I are on the ground! Ruby had decided to roll. I yelled at her in surprise and thankfully, she got right back up. Finally, it was time to cross the finish line and we were done. Ruby pulsed right down to 40 at then end. Marie was at 58. Since it was a 2 day ride, that was ok. It was high but within parameters and would not count towards scoring. We did our trot outs and both girls did fine. Yahoo, we were both good to ride the next day. I was so relieved since I’ve been worried about Ruby since she had her injury last year.




The sun had finally come out and it was quite warm and much to our relief, the mosquito’s were not so bad. We had lunch and then sat with everyone visiting. Susie & David arrived and Marie knew right away that Cody was there and started hollering. Susie decided to camp at the barn behind the one we were in. The ride provided a nice supper. Joanie and Nancy showed up in the evening and camped out back with Susie. I decided to take a quick shower before heading to bed. I had so much bug spray on me, I felt like a walking chemical factory. The mosquito’s started getting bad again as it got later so we blanked Ruby and Marie again.

The 2nd day’s ride was the same as the first. We were up again by 5:00 AM to feed. The mosquito’s weren’t quite as fierce as the previous morning but still bad enough. We had breakfast, and after the riders meeting, tacked up. It had started to rain so we tacked up in the stalls. Ruby thought Marie had gone and she pitched a fit making getting her saddled a bit of a chore. By the time we headed out, once again at 7:10 AM, the rain had let off but we took our rain gear just in case. Ruby was even more forward and energetic then the previous day. The mosquito’s were once again quite bad on the trail. We eventually put on our rain jackets just to keep them off us. Not far from the hold, Susie caught up to us. We rode into the hold together. Once again, Ruby pulsed right down to 40. Marie just squeaked in at 60. We took extra time at the hold since we knew we had more time then we needed to get back to camp. We rode nice and easy on the way back walking the last 3 miles or so. We finished in good time.

At the end Ruby pulsed down to 38. Marie was 48. Not bad for her so I was pleased with that. The final trot out went well for both Marie and Ruby as did the hands on. After all the vetting was done, we settled Ruby and Marie into their stalls with lots of hay and water and finished packing up camp. Then we sat and relaxed until supper and awards.

Bonnie and Marie got a completion. Marie got 6 points off for lameness. She was not lame but she travels funny and this happens often. Ruby and I got 2nd place. Ruby only had a score of 98.5. She only got 1 ½ points off for windpuffs. I was so proud of her, she did such a great job!! Good mule!

Fryeburg 50 CTR 7/25/09 13/S-12/F
Judges:
J1. AJ Morning Star Wakita / Bedard, Cassidy
1. Beaujolais (L J)/ Rojek, Steve
1. Bedrocks Handsome Fello / Alexander, Lee
3. Guysborough Gray / Bridges, Jean
4. McAllister's Ruby / Ross, Cynthia
4. Silver Britches / Brooks, Leslie
6. Weasel / Fellows, Sally
7. Cry Me A River / Wright, Caliegh
8. Highcountry Piper / Deleware, Marcia
9. MDA Billy Four / Munn, Donna
10. Craggy Lea Jazzy Lady / Ring, Wilson
11. Marie / Hinz, Bonnie
DNF Ashmoro Billy Alan / Batchelder, Rhonda

Trails from the Crypt, Sumner, Maine October 2008

Cindy on Marie and Bonnie on River


The last ride of the season, and one of the best. I was taking my horse Marie. My friend Bonnie was going and it would be her mule, River’s, first CTR. The weather was predicted to be good, if a bit cool. We were excited though I was sure going to miss riding Ruby.

We headed out after Bonnie got off work and arrived around 3:00 pm. We quickly set up the pen and turned out Marie and River with hay and water. Though they were most interested in the lush green grass. As we were setting up camp, Terry York came down from the vetting area and asked if we could get up to the vetting as soon as possible since we were the last ones to be vetted and they could be done. So, we went up immediately. Bonnie and I decided to switch equines for the trot outs. River had not been previously trained to trot in hand or on a lounge line. I had worked with him a few times the week before the ride so we thought it would be best if I did his trot out. Marie is an old pro at trot outs so that would be fine with Bonnie. River did great. He was a bit confused but did fine. Bonnie and Marie did great also and we both passed the vetting with flying colors.

After settling River and Marie back into the pen, Bonnie and I finished setting up camp then headed over to the house. The Ride manager, Laura, opens her house for the ride. It is wonderful since it can be cold this time of year and nice to have somewhere warm to hang out and socialize. And, Laura always has lots of good food. We ate, then there was a brief ride meeting. Then we just visited with everyone until it was time to go to bed. It was cold overnight but Bonnie and I both came prepared with our 0º sleeping bag, down comforters and plenty of warm clothes.

The hard part was getting up in the morning……but not too bad. At least there was no wind. That makes a difference at this ride site at it is in a huge open field on the side of a mountain. There was ice on the top of the water buckets. River and Marie had been pretty quiet overnight and we slept quite well. We got up, fed the critters and quickly headed into the house for some breakfast and coffee. Before long, it was time to saddle up. We mounted up to warm up about 20 min. before out ride time. I could tell Bonnie was a bit worried about how River would handle everything. And when we went up to the drive way, where everyone was riding to warm up, River spun back once as it worries him just a bit to have thing coming at him head on. But, we waited for a quiet space and went up onto the driveway and he was fine. Pretty soon, it was our turn to head out. Susie was riding with us. At the last minute, Marsha Deleware asked if she could join us also. Ride management ok’d it and we all headed out together. We were glad to have Marsha along. Bonnie was very worried right at first. River was a bit excited and she wanted to keep it slow. But, we headed right off at a trot sure that he would settle right out in no time. He did and was wonderful the whole ride.

Cindy on Marie, Marsha on Piper and Bonnie on River



We made very good time. At the hold, I had some trouble getting Marie pulsed down. She wasn’t high enough to worry about but just over the max. FINALLY, she came down and it was a rush to get out of the hold on time. We didn’t make it and were about 5 min. over. But, the trail was easy and we were ahead of time coming into the hold so weren’t worried.

The second loop went great. We had to slow down a bit so we wouldn’t come in too early. And even then, we had to stop in the field near the finish line and let the horses and mule graze a bit before we could cross the line. That was good for Marie though. I would not have to worry about getting her pulsed down at the end. Bonnie and I traded equines for the trot out again. River was not worn out for sure and he was still a bit confused about the whole trot out thing. He took right off, bucked and kicked and cantered a few circles before settling into a trot! Silly mule! Marie did her usual lackluster trot. Though Bonnie added a bit of excitement by dropping her lead rope. Marie nearly completed the trot out on her own before realizing she was loose and wandering off across the arena. Hands on went uneventfully.

We settled River and Marie back into their pen with hay and water and went into the house for the meal and to wait for the awards. The meal was fabulous!! And then awards …. (drum roll) ….. Bonnie got 4th place overall with a score of 99 with River!! Yippee!!! And we later learned there was a 4 way tie for 1st place all with a score of 99. The mule did us proud!!!!





Cindy doing final trot out with River


Trail from the Crypt 25 Oct 18, 2008 20/S-F
Judges: L. Buggia DVM - J. Brunjes
J1. SA Mr Madazsin / Potter, Christina
J2. Dew Drops Te Party / Buckley, Sarah
1. Slar Alladins Storm / Seams, Peter
1. Alar Enchanted Safire / Seams, Cynthia
1. Attala / Dockham, Peg
1. River / Hinz, Bonnie
5. Innis Free / Palmer, Judy
5. Aramis / Robbins, Kathleen
7. Michabou KT Brigadear / Rice, Stephanie
8. SS Polar Ice / York, Cara
9. MacKenzie / Reinheimer, Susan
9. SPD Carousel / O'Connor, Colleen
11. Nikademus / De Falco, Sarah
12. Nerzans Lady Mariah / Bonneau, Heather
13. Marie / Ross, Cindy (93.75 pts)
14. Potaca / Rice, Bill
15. Kheme-o-Alexs / Fortucci, Ashley
15. Highcountry Piper / Deleware, Marsha
17. Miss Dixie / Abbott, Melissa
18. Cliffes Copper Penny / Buckley, Stephanie

Western Maine 55 mile endurance ride, Fryeburg, ME July 2008

I decided to go to the Western Maine endurance ride. This is a five-day ride with 50 to 55 miles each day. Each is a separate ride. There is also a 30 to 35 mile limited distance ride each day. And if you rode the same horse for 3 consecutive days, Wed, Thurs & Friday, then you would be eligible for the “Pioneer ride” awards. Since Ruby had done so well at the Moonlight 50 in VT 10 days earlier, I decided to try for the Pioneer ride.

The day I was heading out to the ride, the farrier had to come to my house to replace a shoe on my boarder’s mule. Now my shoes were only 11 days old but with so many miles to be ridden over the next few day, the farrier wanted to check Ruby’s shoes to make sure they were all good and tight. He found a broken nail on Ruby’s left front shoe. He pulled one end of the nail out the top of her hoof with no problem. But, when he pulled the nail head end out of the bottom of her shoe, Ruby just about jumped through the ceiling! That nail had been moving around and created a bit of a hole and she was a little sore from it. He pulled the shoe off and reset it. She was fine with that. He did not put another nail in that area of course. He only puts in 3 nails on each side, the first 3 from the toe. So, he used the 4th nail slot behind where the broken nail was. When he was done, we trotted Ruby out and she looked sound. The farrier was worried but didn’t see any reason not to go to the ride. So, I loaded Ruby up and off we went.

The ride was located at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds. It is a large and beautifully maintained fairground with nice shed row stalls. Water piped in between every 3rd stall. You can park your trailers and camp right in front of the stalls. And the big bonus is there are nice bathrooms and showers. This is my favorite place to ride from.

Ruby loaded right up with no problem at all and we had an uneventful trip to the fairgrounds. I arrived around 3:00 pm. The weather was lovely. It was in the 80’s with a nice steady breeze. As soon as I got Ruby settled into her stall, I registered for the 3-day Pioneer ride. When I presented Ruby for her vetting, I explained about the broken shoe nail. Art King was the vet. Art has seen Ruby many times now at rides and just loves her. He was at the first ride Ruby and I ever did and was the first vet to “vet” her in for a ride when she surprised Art and me with a mortal fear of stethoscopes! She is very much over that now. Ruby was slightly off on her trot out. But very slight and the vet didn’t feel there was much to worry about and passed her to start the ride.

I took Ruby out in a big field to graze for a while then settled her back in her stall with lots of hay. Some of the riders that had ridden that day were giving me warnings about how tough the trail was for the 55-mile ride. They said there was a section of very rocky trail with some bad mud holes. A few riders withdrew from the 55 mile ride and changed to the 35 mile ride so they wouldn’t have to go through that section of trail a second day. Oh, great! Bill Rice was one of the riders that switched from the 55 to the 35. What have I gotten Ruby and I in to? Well, tough trail is a mules specialty. I asked Bill where his wife was and if she was riding at all. He told me that she had been kicked by a cow the previous day and had to go to the hospital! Poor Stephanie! She was going to be fine but had a bad bone bruise and had to take it easy for a while.

Later as I was sitting in a chair resting in front of Ruby’s stall Elliot Bridges came by. He told me he heard a mule braying and knew it must be me. Ruby was being very vocal. There were no horses in any stalls close to her so she was talking to everyone. I rode with his Elliot's wife Jean at the Crooked River CTR this spring. As usual, I had the only mule at the ride. Elliot and his wife Jean are from Canada. I was thrilled to see them. Jean is 71 years old and an inspiration to me. She rode the Fryeburg 2 day 50 mile CTR on Saturday and Sunday, and then stayed to ride the Western Maine 250 through the week. She was riding the limited distance rides and planning to do 4 of the 5 rides.

The ride provided a very good spaghetti supper and then they had the award ceremony for Tuesday’s ride. I had a nice time visiting with Janet Brunjes and Irving. Janet was scribing for the vets and Irving was doing some of the LD rides. After the awards ceremony, I took Ruby out to graze again. A lot of people were out grazing their horses and it is a fun time for humans and equines alike to socialize. And there were few bugs! This was an unexpected but pleasant surprise. I settled Ruby back in her stall and fed her. Then got everything ready for the ride and packed into my hold bag. I did not have anyone to crew for me on this ride. This would make things harder but I’ve found everyone on these rides to be so helpful and ride management will provide what “public” water they can at the holds for us crewless competitors. And will get your hold bags to the holds also. Before I went to bed I gave Ruby a buffet of dengie, beet pulp with carrots and alfalfa cubes to munch on during the night and buried her in lots of hay. I also gave her some loose minerals and loose salt in separate pans. She really went for the minerals. And though she still had no neighbors, she was quiet through the night.





I slept fitfully and was up at 4:00 AM to feed Ruby. The ride start was 5:30 AM. I was quite chilly. I heated up some water for oatmeal with fresh wild blueberries. And got coffee at the ride office. Ruby was very eager to go and danced around some when I was saddling her up. I decided to start out riding her in her hackamore. She has just been so good at all the rides this year I did not foresee any problems controlling her with just the light hackamore. We warmed up for about 10 minutes then we heard the anticipated “trail is open”. Ruby and I were second out of the gate. I just let Ruby choose her pace and she took up a big lovely trot. She quickly passed the rider in front and we led the race for the first 45 minutes. The first 10 miles were flat and easy. There were long stretches through agricultural fields where Ruby would get on a nice easy canter for several miles at a stretch. A couple riders passed me, then I was doing well maintaining a 3rd place spot. At the first few Pit crew stops, some other riders pit crew would always offer Ruby water or ask if we needed anything. This is what I mean about everyone being so supportive and wonderful that endurance rides. Kathy Brunjes dumped water over Ruby as several pit crew stops. And it shows what a pro Ruby as become that she is no longer startled by a stranger running up to her and pouring a bucked of water over the top of her neck. I was going along at a good canter when suddenly I came out of the fields onto a road and realized there were no marker ribbons. Dang!!! When had I seen the last one???? I realized I was off trail and had to backtrack. RATS!!!!!! As I was heading back, I came across a rider, Cindy Nelson, coming my way. I told her there were no markers down this trail and I was sure we were both off trail. She turned around also and we went back. Not far from where I met her, we found the trail and got back on course. But, 3 riders had passed us while we were off trail. Cindy’s horse and Ruby were well matched in pace and we stayed together the rest of the ride. Cindy was a lot of fun to ride with. We hit some long hills just before coming into the hold. The first loop to the hold was 16 miles. It was warm now and a bit humid but not bad at all. The first hold was 45 minutes and we had to strip tack. Ruby passed her vetting fine and the vet thought she looked better then when she vetted in the previous day. I offered Ruby beet pulp with some grain, carrots and apples in it. As well as some dengie and alfalfa cubes. She ate well. She had not taken a drink yet.





Cindy and I headed out together for our second loop. This loop was 22 miles and very tough. We started right out on some long hills. Then we went onto national (or state?) forest land and what were really hiking trails. This was very rough. There were lots of short but steep hills. It was very rocky and a few very nasty mud holes. Ruby was in her element here and did fabulous often leading the way. Cindy commented a number of times how nice she thought Ruby was and it was making her want a mule. We caught up with Steve Rojeck and 2 others riding with him at a river crossing. Steve is on the US Endurance team and has been competing all over the world…… forever I think! There was a bad bridge that could not be crossed by horses and we had to go around. Steve and those with him and gone to the right side of the bridge to cross and it was not a good spot. It was soft and muddy with no good way out on the other side. They floundered around and had a hard time getting out. The left side looked better. The footing in the water was good and the far side had a nice place to get out. But there was a straight drop off into the water on the near side and none of their horses would jump off that bank into the water. I pointed Ruby at it and she didn’t even hesitate. She gave it a quick look, and jumped right off the bank into the river! GOOD MULE! Ruby and I came through with no trouble at all. Cindy’s horse followed Ruby. You should have heard all the “Wow, did you see that!” “That mule didn’t even hesitate”. “What a great mule”. I was so proud of Ruby that my head was swelling so bad it’s a wonder I didn’t fall out of the saddle from being so top heavy!

Cindy’s husband took care of Ruby as well as his wife’s horse at all the pit crew stops. The second hold was at the same place as the first hold. This was another 45-minute hold where we had to strip tack once again. Ruby passed the vetting just fine. And she was drinking well now. She ate well too.

The last loop back to camp was the same 16-mile loop we came out on. Ruby was getting a little tired now but it didn’t take much encouragement from me to get her to keep up with Cindy’s horse. And a few times, when Cindy’s horse lagged a bit, Ruby would take the lead and get him though. In that last loop I suddenly got so thirsty I was ready to jump off Ruby and suck water out of a road ditch! I had brought water with me but apparently not enough. Cindy offered me her last swallow of Gatorade and it was a lifesaver! Cindy and I crossed the finish line tied for 6th place. And we were cheered across the finish line by no other then IVAL! I was so glad to see her! I immediately stripped off Ruby’s tack and sponged her with lots of cool water. You could tell that Ruby had had enough. That was the longest distance we’ve done and faster then we’ve gone before. Our ride time was 7 hrs. 28 min. Ruby and I could have stood for the Best Condition award. But, Ruby was tired and I knew there was no way she was going to do a trot out in circles that would look good enough to win the BC award. And, at the end, her pulse was down, but not steady. I had a long talk with the vet and we decided it would be in Ruby’s best interest if I didn’t ride the next day. I would give her a day off and ride again on Friday. I kept a close eye on Ruby for the next hour or so to make sure she was fine. She snoozed for a while but was drinking, pooping & peeing. You know, all the things you want to see a tired but healthy equine doing. I visited with friends between checking on Ruby. First Jean & Elliot, then Bill & Stephanie. Finally, I went over to visit with Ival. She and Wendy were very busy getting ready for the next days ride so I didn’t bother them for too long. Though I did have Ival take me to meet Shorty. She is a very nice horse. I really liked her. Later I took Ruby out to let her graze for a while. She was huffing down grass like she had never eaten before. She looked very good and was her usual alert self interested in everything going on.

Dinner was great. Pulled pork with beans (yeck!) and salads. Steve Rojeck sat at my table. He mentioned how impressed he was with Ruby at the river crossing and was interested in her breeding and previous experience. He wanted to know if all of Anthony’s mules are as nice as Ruby. The awards ceremony followed. After taking Ruby for one last walk and letting her graze on some more grass, I settled her in for the night and went to bed early.

Thursday dawned very cloudy. I fed Ruby who had begun nickering insistently at around 4:00 AM. Everyone was disappointed when they found out I was not riding. Ruby has built up quite a fan club. Her wonderful work ethic on the trail and sweet disposition has won the hearts of everyone. I decided I would crew for Ival and Wendy. I didn’t tell them but would surprise them at the first pit crew stop. I unhitched my truck, filled my water tank with water, loaded up buckets, sponges, carrots and all else they might need and headed out. At the first pit crew stop, I cheered them on, quickly sponged Shorty, gave her a carrot and they were off. They all came into the hold looking great. This was a 45-minute hold with mandatory tack off. It took Shorty a bit longer then Wendy’s horse to pulse down but she is a bigger horse and it is her first 50-mile ride. Shorty was fine and was soon passed through the vet check. And I was once again impressed with what a sweet horse she is. I did what I could to help Ival and Wendy then. Making sure they had their hold bags, holding horses so they could take care of themselves. Just before they left the hold, the rain started. And it rained hard. Ival had a raincoat with her but decided not to wear it. It was quite warm out and she figured she would probably get just as wet sweating in it. Wendy did put a raincoat on. They left the hold right on time. There were 4 of them riding together. By the time they got to the 2nd pit crew stop, we were in the middle of a nasty thunderstorm. Once again, I offered water and carrots to the horses but none of them needed to be sponged for sure! At the 3rd pit crew stop, Lynn Heartman was just waiting there with her horse that was very unhappy and bouncing around. I finally got out of my truck (I was hiding in there staying out of the rain) and asked if everything was ok. She said she had lost her riders card and she knew the rider behind her had picked it up. So she was waiting for her because she had to have the card when she got to the next hold. I told her I would get the card for her and I would be at the hold by the time she got there. She was very relieved and headed out. Ival and her group came though soaked to the skin but looking great and everyone was still smiling. The 4th pit crew stop was out in a cornfield and you had to drive through the field and across a river to get there!Only those of us with trucks could go to this one. And I sure recognized the spot because it was where I had gotten lost the previous day. Because not all the crew vehicles could get to this stop, I offered water and carrots to all the riders that passed me here while I was waiting for Ival to come through. The rain would let up at times but then come down in buckets again. I was so glad I was not out riding and could have kissed the vet who talked me out of it! The 5th pit stop was not far from the 4th and they almost beat me to it. When I got to the second hold, it was raining buckets once again. I hid under a tarp with the vets and scribes until I thought it was close to time for Ival to arrive. Then I got everything ready for them setting food and water out for the horses. They came into the hold still looking good. Wet but good. Shorty was doing great. Ival was getting tired but doing just fine. Due to the rain, the hold time had been shortened to 30 minutes and no tack off. Ival was too worried about taking care of Shorty that she really was not taking care of herself enough! Most of us do that though. It was still raining as they headed out on the last 16-mile loop. The trail had to bypass the agricultural fields this day. They were having a problem with some kind of potatoes blight and were spraying some heavy-duty chemicals on them. I met them at the last pit crew stop and they were all still looking fine.

When I got back to camp the rain had finally stopped. I dropped off all of Ival and Wendy’s things at their trailer and went to check on Ruby. Boy was she terribly offended at having been left behind and me not being there all day. She nickered to me when I pulled up, but when I came up to her stall, she went to the back and was just giving me a very offended and hurt look. She wouldn’t come to me until I opened the door and went in. Then she came right over and loved up to me. I took her out and grazed her until Ival came in. Ruby and I escorted Ival and Shorty across the finish line. Shorty looked great. Ival was very tired but fine. I was so happy for her.

Just a little later I took Ruby over to be vetted out for Friday’s ride. She was quite lame at the trot! Her left front pastern was a bit swollen. Both vets looked her over and had me trot her out a bunch of times. One vet thought she was lame on the left front and the other vet said it was the left rear. They checked her with a hoof tester but didn’t really get any reaction out of her. They poked and prodded and felt her legs back and front. She stood quiet and calm. One vet held up her back leg to do a flexion test. And he told everyone that was standing around us that this was a rare moment that you would ever catch him bent over near the back end of any mule holding up it’s back leg. And he said that was how impressed he was with Ruby’s disposition and manners. Ruby was no worse with the flexion test. They both palpated her all over and did find she was a little sore in her left hip. So, they came to the conclusion that the broken shoe nail had made her sore in the left front and she was taking more weight on the left rear causing that hip to get a little sore. In any case, I was not going to be riding Friday. And I was not going to make her stand around in a stall another night. So, I decided to pack up and bring Ruby home. While I was packing up Cindy Grant and her daughter Emily came over to say hello. I felt so bad that I would not get more time to visit with them. It was so nice to see them. But, they don’t really live that far from me so we will just have to get together some time.

So, I had a great ride and Ruby was a super star. But, now I will give her some time off and make sure she heals up. I will soak her foot as it may very well develop an abscess. Poor Ruby has had a tough year so far with first the pulled shoulder and now the broken shoe nail. I should have just kept riding her barefoot!!!! Both problems were caused by shoeing!

Western Maine 55 July 30, 2008 12/S-11/F
1. 6:16 Godwin, Claire R. on PL Mercury
2. 6:51 Rojek, Stephen on Julio
2. 6:51 Sleeper, Meg on Syrocco Reveille
2. 6:51 Reynolds, Jeremy on Sambet
2. 6:51 Bentley, Kelly on Lazaarr
6. 7:26 Nelson, Cindy on Arek Sunset Traveler
6. 7:26 Ross, Cynthia on McAllister's Ruby
8. 7:54 Hershberger, Barbara on Anydaynow
8. 7:54 Keilholtz, Karen M. on Tsunami Storm
10. 8:17 Walker, Constance on VSF Otis+/
10. 8:17 Sherman, Joyce on JOD Proud Zorro
Lame - Akerstrom, Sharon on Tonkakola Gold

Moonlight 50 Mile Endurance Ride, Woodstock, VT July 2008

We were finally going to the Moonlight 50/Vermont 100 mile ride! Ruby’s second 50 mile ride. And it would be my first time to this particular ride. This is a unique ride. As well as being an endurance ride with 50, 75 & 100 mile distances. It is also a 100 mile ultra marathon run for people. Now how insane is that? All out on the same trails at the same time. And it was the 20th anniversary for this event.

I trailer pooled with my friend Susie. We headed out early Friday morning. Also going were Susie's husband David, who was our “crew” and another friend, Barbara, who was going to be working at the ride as a scribe for the vets. Oh, and we had Susie and David’s dog Callie along as well.

We had packed everything into Susie’s trailer Thursday night so all we had to do is load up Ruby and Cody and we were off. The trip to VT was uneventful and took about 4 ½ hrs. By the time we arrived at ride camp, it was hot and humid. A friend, Terry, had saved a parking spot for us beside her. We quickly set up the portable pen for Ruby and Cody. Then set up the tent where Barbara and I would be sleeping. By now we are all drenched with sweat and wanting to jump into a big vat of ice! We checked in and got our riders packets and of course we each had to buy a 20th anniversary ride t-shirt. There were a lot of people on the grounds already. 80 horses were in the ride between the three distances. And there were 300 runners in the 100 mile run. There were two huge tents set up for meals, meeting, etc. And most all the riders and runners have crew people. Not to mention all the ride officials and volunteer workers.

After we checked in, Susie wanted to go for a quick ride before we vetted in. It would be good to stretch Ruby and Cody’s legs after the long trailer ride. And since Cody can be a handful to ride sometimes, Susie wanted to give him a chance to work “some kinks out” before the ride on Saturday. I was too hot and sweaty to really want to go but knew Ruby would be very upset if Cody left her. She was in full heat and mooning over Cody something awful. So, we saddled up and off we went. It actually was quite pleasant in the woods. We rode nice and easy for about an hour. Ruby felt good. I was worried about doing this ride because Ruby had struggled with some lameness after a bad stumble from catching a shoe and pulling it off 6 weeks earlier. The vet had seen her 2 weeks before the ride. He found her shoulder and elbow had been pulled out of alignment and her sternum had dropped. He did some work on her and told me he felt she would be fine to take to the ride. So, here we were.

When we got back to camp, we sponged Ruby and Cody down, cleaned them up and went to be vetted in. Ruby was very calm and relaxed and stood like an angel for the vet. Trot out went fine. She got straight A’s on her vet card. We were going to ride! Woooohoooooo.

We put Cody and Ruby in their pen, fed them and buried them in lots of hay. The riders meeting was at 4:30 PM. Then there was a meal provided. There was a looooooooong line for the meal with so many people there. Lots of pasta dishes. Carb loading for the runners!

We didn’t stay up long after supper. I had worked the previous night so was getting very tired. Ruby had rolled and managed to catch the fence and tear down one corner. We put it back up and she spent the rest of the evening standing near Cody and squirting at him. Hussy! We had divided the pen so we could monitor what each was eating and drinking. They were both drinking very well and Ruby was wolfing down hay, which is unusual for her. I was very pleased by this.

We were woken up at 3:30 AM by music over the loud speakers. “Chariots of fire” was being played and the running were getting ready to go. At 4:00 AM the foot race started. 300 runners, starting off in the dark all with headlamps or flashlights. Everyone was cheering and yelling to them. Many of the riders went to their pens to hold their horses in case all the commotion scared them. Some horses were upset. Ruby was fine. She watched them with great interest but was not scared at all. It was quite a sight.

Just before 5:00 am, once again the Chariots of Fire theme was played for the 100 mile endurance riders. There were 30+ horses in this distance. The race was on and they were off. This got Ruby more excited. She wanted to go with them.

We were all wide awake at this point and knew we would not be able to go back to sleep. Susie, Terry and I went into town to get some coffee and a few supplies we forgot to bring with us. When we got back, we got all of our stuff ready for the hold and packed it into Susie’s truck. After that, we didn’t really have much to do but wait. Oh, and I have to mention that during the night “Aunt Flow” came to visit me. (come on girl’s you all know who I mean….) Something I wouldn’t normally talk about in a ride story but it has later consequences…..DRAT! So, I started dosing myself with ibuprophin to kill the cramps. Well, no doubt I was going to be doing that before the ride was over anyway! My two post menopausal friends thought it was kind of funny …….

At 9:00 AM the 75 mile riders went out. There were only 5 riders in this distance. Ruby had continued to wolf down lots of hay and was still drinking well. The 50 mile race didn’t start until 2:00 PM so we still had lots of time. We hung around in what shade we could find and relaxed as best we could. Unfortunately, Running Bear Tack Shop was a vendor at the ride and it was such a good place to kill time ….. looking at tack …. Buying tack ……. Actually, I did have to buy some reflective gear. I forgot that was a requirement of the ride since we would be riding at night.

Finally, it was time to get ready. We got Ruby and Cody all saddled up and at 1:45 PM and mounted up so we could warm them up. But, being hot and humid, I’m sure they didn’t think they needed any warming up. There were 38 horses in the 50 mile race. Once again they were playing Chariots of Fire and all the horses were very charged up. Ruby was doing very well and behaving like a lady. Finally we heard the much anticipated words “trail is open” and off we went!

We traveled along at a good pace to start. Cody was VERY charged up and he was pulling Susie’s arms out of her sockets. Ruby was fabulous. She was NOT pulling. She settled into work immediately. We were only out about a ½ hr. when we started to hear thunder. Great! Not what anyone wants to ride in. We just hoped it would circle around and miss us. Yeah right. It kept getting closer and then the rain started. About 3:00 PM the skies opened and it just poured buckets. And the storm was right over us. Lightening and immediate deafening thunder! Very scary. At this point our friends Terry and Irving had caught up to us. Just when we thought it couldn’t possibly rain any harder ….. it would. Ruby and the horses were taking it all well. All of the sudden, the temperature dropped dramatically and the hail started! It was freezing and we were being pelted by hail first the size of pencil erasers, then bigger. I’m starting to get really scared wondering how big the hail is going to get! Suddenly, a huge explosion of wind, rain, hail and tree parts came blowing straight at us from the trail ahead. It hit us and for a moment completely blinded us! Cody was in front and wheeled around and knocked into Ruby. She jumped to the side and everyone just froze for a moment wondering what had just happened! I have never experienced anything like it in my life. The temperature starting rising all of the sudden, the hail stopped and it was just pouring rain again. We continued down the trail for lack of anything better to do. Not far down the trail, there was a huge tree down. All twisted and broken with tree limbs and splinters everywhere. It had been struck by lightening. We were all a bit shaken up but there was nothing to do but keep riding. The rain started to slow down but now the trails were unbelieveably muddy. And this was in the VT hills. You are either riding up or down. Not much flat going. So much water had come down so fast that the trail was like a river and we were just sliding down some of the hills. I sure was grateful for Ruby and her mule like 4 wheel drive. She handled this great. We saw a couple horses go down in the mud sliding down the hills. Anyone what to know how much water a “stayfree” can absorb? A LOT. And guess what, it won’t stick to the things it is supposed to stick to when everything is SOAKED! And it was working it’s way up towards my back. This was not good………..

Our first stop was a 15 minute stop back at ride camp. This was just a mandatory rest stop and not a regular hold with a vet check. They put this in because the first loop was 12 hard miles with lots of steep climbs and descents. Though no one knew just how hard that 12 miles was going to be. As we were riding into camp, some people started cheering and calling to me. They yelled out that they had $50 on my mule to win the race. Gee, that was cool but I felt kind of bad as I was not even planning on trying to win the race! We rode into camp and I just gave Ruby to David and asked him to take care of her so I could change into the extra DRY riding clothes I had been smart enough to bring. He informed me that my tent had been flattened. I looked over and it was still standing???? He said a pole had broken and torn through the fabric. It was actually still standing so I went in to see the damage. The floor was covered in water. I saw Barbara’s cot and sleeping bag had a big pool of water on it. Low and behold, my cot, with my bag of clothes were in the only dry spot in the tent. PHEW! I grabbed my clothes and went into the dressing room of Susie’s trailer and changed as quick as I could. And I had to keep my lower half dry somehow under my circumstances ….. (sigh) My saddle was soaked with it’s nice suede padded seat and was not going to dry anytime soon. So, I put on my dry riding pants, and then rain pants. The only dry shoes I had that would stay dry were my red (with little doggies all over them) wellie boots. I didn’t know what they would be like to ride in but I was going to find out.

David had fed Ruby some beet pulp with a bit of grain and carrots in it. And she ate all of it. I was shocked. She is usually such a picky eater. We quickly mounted up and we headed back out on trail. The rain had just about stopped now. We left Terry and Irving behind pretty soon. The trails were tough with all the mud and running water. And trees were down all over. Ride management did a fabulous of getting volunteers out with chainsaws to clear the downed trees so the ride could continue.

We got to the first hold in good time. This would be a 45 mile hold. It was very hot and humid now. I had my rain pants rolled up over my knees to help keep cool. And with my red doggie print wellies, I made quite a fashion statement. We stripped off tack and sponged Ruby and Cody down a lot. But, didn’t wait too long before going to the pulse gate. The pulse requirement for this ride was 64 bpm or less to pass. At first check Ruby was 68. Darn! I just had to go to the end of the line and come through again. There WAS no one in line but the P&R person said he could tell Ruby’s pulse was dropping fast so I just had to lead her out and then back in. She was rechecked and was 64 bpm. We did our trot out for the vet and that went great. Then on the second pulse check after the trot she was 54 bpm. Excellent! She got a mix of A’s and B’s on her vet card with a B+ overall. Cody did fine also so we took them back to our crewing area and fed them. Once again Ruby ate like a pig. She didn’t eat much beet pulp this time but gobbled down all the dengie and alfalfa cubes and carrots I gave her as well as eating some grass. I was so thrilled with her since she has not typically eaten well at the competitions. I think she is finally figuring this whole thing out and what she needs to do. And she was behaving so well on trail that I switched her from her usual bit to a light “S” hackmore so she could eat and drink easier out on trail.

Soon, we were back out on trail. We moved along at moderate pace. Susie’s horse is 21years old and Ruby just coming off a lameness, we had decided before we even started that we were just going to go easy with our goal of just finishing the ride with sound healthy equines. We rode with various riders on and off meeting some fun and interesting people. At the top of one long hard climb there was a field of beautiful clover and a beautiful view. We stopped and let Cody and Ruby eat some grass. There were quite a few riders letting their horses catch their breath here and letting them get some grass. Soon, it was getting dark and we were finally catching some of the runners. The runners we were coming on were at about 75 miles into the race. I couldn’t believe how good they looked! I just kept imagining what I’d look like after running 75 miles through the Vermont hills on muddy trails. Soon it was full dark and it was really neat coming up on the runners. You’d see their bobbing head lamp up ahead. And the trails were marked by glow stick hung from the trees. Very cool. I wondered what Ruby would think of all the people out on the road with all the head lamps. She was fabulous and took it all in stride.

We were lucky in that our crew was able to make it to all the “fly bys”. Our friend Terry was being crewed by a woman who had previously lived in the area. A number of roads were closed due to downed trees and anyone who didn’t know the area could not figure out how to get to the fly bys. But Sally, being familiar with the area, knew how to get around all the closed roads and David followed her. Ruby continued to eat and drink very well. She was hungry enough that occasionally she would suddenly pull off the road or trail and start munching grass we couldn’t even tell was there due to it being dark. We got to the second hold but this time did not have to strip tack. It was a 30 min. hold. Since it had cooled off some (though it was still quite humid) we felt we could go right to the pulse gate. Ruby was fine and pulsed at 56bpm. Trotted out sound and pulsed at 44 pbm. GREAT! Once again she got a B+ overall on her vet card. We headed out on our final loop. Terry and Irving once again caught up to us. This was Terry’s very first 50 mile ride and she was doing great. We traveled together for quite a while. It was a bit foggy but occasionally the sky would clear. There was a full moon and it was beautiful. We tried not to use our head lamps more then necessary when we were in the woods and it was dark. The horses and mule did just fine with the dark and it was better not to mess them up with the light of the headlamps. Ruby led down the roughest woods trail and did such a great job. She would put her head down and stop when we came to anything such as water or ledgey areas, take her time to check it out then go though like a pro. I was so proud of her.

The last few hundred feet of the trail were marked by glow sticks in plastic milk cartons on each side of the trail every few feet. It looked so cool and was neat to ride through. Ruby didn’t give them a second look. There was a big crowd at the finish line cheering all the riders and runners.

We went to Susie’s trailer and stripped off tack. Sponged down Ruby and Cody then went up for our final vetting. Ruby did fabulous. She ended up with straight A’s on her vet card. GOOD MULE! Our ride time was 9 hrs. and 48 min. We had come in 25th place out of 38 riders. I was just so relieved that I had finished with Ruby sound.

We settled Ruby and Cody into their pens. We put coolers on them and gave them lots of hay and some grain. It was 2:00 AM and we were all exhausted. I went in to survey the damage to my tent again to see if there was any chance of being able to sleep in there. There was still a lot of water on the floor. But, my cot and sleeping bag were dry. And, much to Barbara’s delight, her sleeping bag turned out to be water repellant so she just wiped the water off the top and she was fine also. Thankfully, we had staked the tent down well. Many tents suffered a worse fate them mine in the storm.

Sometime during the wee (or rather wee-er) hours of the morning, someone knocked on Susie’s trailer door. Susie and David were sleeping in the gooseneck of their trailer. They asked if Susie owned a mule. She said yes. They asked of she would come and get the mule. Susie answered “no that’s ok”. David waited a minute and then asked Susie is she was going to do anything about the mule. She said no, she wasn’t hungry and fell back to sleep. David woke her back up and made her get me. We had such a laugh because she thought the people were asking her if she wanted a “meal”! Susie woke me to get Ruby. She had once again rolled and caught the fence and torn part of it down. We got it back up and Ruby settled back in and we all went back to bed for a few more hours of sleep. Not easy since every time a runner or rider came in, the crowd at the finish line cheered them. The runners had 30 hrs. to finish the race.

We got up and started packing everything. Everything was wet and covered in mud. I would have to do some serious tack cleaning when I got home! The award ceremony for the riders was at 9:30 AM. Then there was a BBQ brunch at 10:30 AM. By now a steady rain has started. But, we were all under a big tent for the awards and meal. It was a great, is sometimes terrifying, ride. I can’t wait to do this ride again. Maybe 100miles next time……….

Moonlight 50 July 19, 2008 38/S - 33/F
1. 5:36 Brunjes, Kathy on Theatric BC
2. 6:24 Hutchinson, Tom on Tektonic
3. 6:24 Bean, Lindsay on Lazaarr
4. 6:29 Boyer, Susan on Daystar Chari
5. 6:41 Welles, Allen on Hawks Nest E
6. 7:12 Dorian, Lisanne on Nation's Glory
7. 7:21 Niedoroda, Susan on Izusu
8. 7:21 Stygles, Amanda on Thunder
9. 7:35 Thurber, Lorraine on Sadie
10. 7:42 Ferland, Ruth on Fire Inthe Sky
11. 7:42 Bennett, Abbie on Mecca Bey
12. 7:58 Cahill, Becky on Shaliil
13. 7:58 Fisher, Renee on CH Yaa Shaibiy
14. 7:58 Hillard, Dean on RA Saultan
15. 8:01 Sukalski, Kathy on Storms Minnietonka Apache
16. 8:48 Parsons, Amanda K. on Dime A Dance
17. 8:59 Jack, Kelley-Ann on Jahya Jamlin
18. 8:59 Jack, Sarah on Linkk
19. 8:59 Rice, Bill on Epyc
20. 8:59 Rice, Stephanie on Prymtym
21. 9:04 Soule, Leanne on Paula's Major
22. 9:04 Greenall, Susan on OXB Tyger Dann
23. 9:47 Carangia, Linda on Quest Enchantor
24. 9:47 Williams, Pamela on Valour Ruhani
25. 9:48 Reinheimer, Susan on Xavier Sunnyacres
26. 9:48 Ross, Cynthia on McAllister's Ruby
27. 9:52 York, Terry on A.D.Laureado
28. 9:52 McNaughton, Irving on RC Neon
29. 9:57 Closi, Pamela on Corkeys Pride
30. 10:16 Carter Gary on Ben
31. 10:17 Johnson, James on Youkon
32. 10:23 Gardener, Jeffrey on Gazelle
33. 10:23 Gardener, Katherine on Tremcel Ulysse Nostra
RO - LeMiddle, Alexander on Bedrocks Handsome Fellow
RO - Franklin, Pete on Royal Lee
RO - Franklin, Sandra on WVF Alebai
Lame - Fraske, Charlene M. on TA First Class
Metabolic - Foedisch, Casey on Duncan

Crooked River 60 CTR, Waterford, ME May 2008

First ride of the season! YIPPEE. I've been getting jealous hearing of all the fun Ival has been having for months now down in NJ. I headed out Friday about noon for ridecamp. Just by luck, I ended up getting a prime parking spot with a level spot for the trailer and good place to set up Ruby's pen. AND close to the food and bathrooms. It was a cool day. I got the pen set up quickly and then took MY mule Ruby right up for vetting. All went well (except for a brief downpour!) and she vetted in well with a very good trot out. I settled her in her pen then some friends and I went out for supper.

After supper I walked Ruby for a while and let her graze for a while. After visiting with friends, I headed for bed. Very soon ANTHONY'S mule Ruby started braying...... and stomping up and down in her pen. That is going from end to end without turning. Walking forward to one end and letting off a kick or two, then backing straight up to the other end, and letting off a kick or two! I hadn't ridden her in over a week with going to Texas and she was excited and didn't want to hang out in a pen. She was very disgusted. ANTHONY'S mule Ruby kept this up all night. Letting out a good full bray every few hours ALL night long. Bet my neighbors enjoyed this.

Cindy on Ruby and Jean on Sky at start of ride

Cindy on Ruby and Jean on Sky at start of ride


By morning Ruby was very excited. But, quite good while being saddled. I was riding with a friend from Canada that I hadn't seen in a few years. She has a nice Morgan mare named Skye. My friend is 71 yrs. old and can outride me I think. She is in incredibly good shape and an inspiration. We were the first team out and ANTHONY'S mule Ruby was very hyped up and danced sideways down the road at first. Then, after only about 1/2 mile, it suddenly came to her how long and hard these rides can be and MY mule Ruby settled right down and went to work like the good mule she is. It was a fabulous day. Not too warm and with a slight breeze. Ruby and Skye traveled very nicely together. There were lot's of black flies but that is normal for the time of year. We got into the hold in good time and through with no problems at all. We actually went a bit too fast at the start of the ride so had to slow right down and walk a lot of the last five mile to keep from coming in too early. Ruby didn't drink at all through the ride. She never has drank much at any of the rides but has never had a problem with being dehydrated so I didn't worry too much about it. P & R's went fine as well as our trot out. We were both good to go for the second day.

MY mule Ruby was a perfect lady Saturday night. Tired enough to behave herself until 4:30am. And then she just started the stomping forward and backward across the pen. But NO braying thankfully! Guess she was ready for a second day. Once again Jean and I were first ones out. We were riding the same trail as the previous day so were relaxed and not worried. We promptly got lost! DUH! We got back on trail but added about 3 miles to our ride. And now we were behind everyone and had to make up some time. We moved along at a good pace. A few miles before the hold we finally started catching and passing riders. All went fine at the hold. Except for ANTHONY'S mule Ruby snatching a leafy twig out of the P&R persons (Janet Brunjes) hat! The leafy twig was to help keep the black flies from landing. MY mule Ruby was super for the second half of the ride and we came in on time. All went very well for the vetting. Ruby got a score of 96. VERY GOOD MULE! Oh, Ruby also won high point grade horse. HUMPH! Anthony will be insulted that the supersonic mule he bred with his very special and cleverly planned breeding program got lumped in with the grade horses! It was a wonderful weekend and Ruby was a star. She was so well behaved (after Friday night!) and everyone was very impressed with her. And I was real proud of her. Great weekend!

Cindy on Ruby and Jean on Sky out on trail

Jean on Sky and Cindy on Ruby out on trail

Jean on Sky and Cindy on Ruby Coming into the finish

Cindy on Ruby coming into the finish

Jean with Sky and Cindy with Ruby at final trot out

Crooked River 60 May 25, 2008
Judges: Sheivly/Day
J1. Linkk / Jack, Sarah Jane
J2. Paula's Major / Soule, Leanne
1. Shryocco, Lyric / Kimberly, Jenny
2. Tyger Dann / Greenall, John
3. Omar's Montana / Bottesi, Marlene
4. SRF Atlas / Rojek, Dinah
5. Langwoods Lorelei / Stratemeyer, Joan
5. Johna Saffire / Bridges, Jean
5. Little Acre Prince John / Alexander, Lee
8. Finch / Rojek, Steve
9. Nick of Tyme / Fisk, Deb
10. Patenude Vulcan Gazelle / Gardener, Jeffrey
11. McAllister's Ruby / Ross, Cindy (96.00 pts)
11. Zehphyr's Elegant Gift / Levasseur, Sharon
13. Braeden / Welles, Allen
14. JB Roman Tarbask / Warner, Kerry
15. Midnight Satin / Lasher, William
15. Jahyr Jamlin / Jack, Kelley
17. Apollo / Tenggren, Traci
18. Amber Mist / Christman, Patty
Completion - Teeze Me PW / Lasher, Joanna
MCO - Aleser / Greenall, Sue
MC0 - Theatric / Brunjes, Kathy