[Jess!]

...didn't go as planned

I pushed a bit too much for the first loop [14 miles], and her heart rate wasn't dropping as much as I'd like. Then the volunteer sponger sponged down her back and hind quarters, which made her crampy. I passed the vet check and the vet said I could continue on, but he didn't recommend it. I love my mare, and wouldn't do anything to purposely hurt her so I pulled her.

But what really peeves me is the lady that was talking **** last year about how I rode Tank too hard [even though I finished first and passed all the vet checks with flying colors] was determined to win this year, and she pushed her horse to stay with Kandee and I. Her horse kept wanting to break back down, and she wouldn't let him.

I got ahead about a mile, and I was at one of the water tanks sponging Kandee off, giving her a breather, etc and was about ready to get back on when she came barreling up. I asked her, politely, "Would you like me to stay so that he can get a drink?" Because it was the NICE thing to do, because I would like someone to do that for me. She said yes, let her horse touch the water with his lips...

Then turned and took off! Didn't let her poor gelding get a drink, and left me on the ground trying to get on Kandee who was flipping out because he took off without her!

Well, needless to say her horse didn't pass the vet check. His pulse didn't come down within the required 30 minutes to 60bpm [Kandee's did! Yay!] and he was tying up bad. She kept arguing with people saying no, he wasn't tying up. The vet had to drug him and give him medicine so obviously he was!

So, Kandee got all A's except for impulsion on that vet check, but I pulled her anyways. I love my horse, it's not worth hurting her for a stupid completion.

But, I do have some pictures from before the ride. She was so awesome, she took absolutely EVERYTHING in stride and the only time she was bad was when I sent my best friend back to the trailer with her horse to grab my vet check card. Kandee reared, spun and tried taking off after her, but I didn't allow it.

So, here are the pictures:


All shaved and ready on Thursday night



I got the BEST parking spot underneath some trees! Kissing Harley


Eating the oak tree



Hi mommy!



Eating the tree again


Sharing the water bucket



Eating the weeds



Harley




Staring at the trailer that just pulled up



Looking at something else


Giving more Kisses



Number 32 ftw!


Pretty pony!


Sniffing


more in next post

[Jess!]

Itching




Picture perfect!




Eating the stupid tree again


Umm...oops? Hi!


That's it

[Finallyownhorse]

Good for you for putting your horse first. She sure is a pretty girl. Thank you for posting your adventures. I had really hoped to try endurance this year, but with the ligament thing, it needs to wait.

[Buckshot]

You're a smart rider.

Kandee is such a great little horse!! I enjoyed the pics.

[bnttyra]

Good for you! I just love Kandee! She is gorgeous and I am glad her broken tail is getting better.

[endurgirl]

Darn, hate that you got pulled!!

And shame on that trash talker who did you dirty like that. That is a rule of thumb at endurance rides...waiting on the other horse to finish drinking

[Lady barth]

I am glad Kandees broken tail feels better, I thought you were going to be out for the season. Next time you two will do better, its hard the first time out and dealing with rude people to boot.

[PaintedRocket]

Kandee looks great, Jess! Glad you guys seem to had a great time. You're a smart and caring rider, good for you for not pursuing it further. I'm sure Kandee appreciated it! Great pictures girl! Now we need to see some more of you riding!!

[SuZQuzie]

Good for you! I love to hear stories when riders make the right decision for their horses. Despite that, you should be proud of both of you! Congrats on a successful ride!

[oldhorsehome]

Good for you for pulling out. There will always be another race.

I love that last pic. Looks like she got a little branch stuck up her nose!!