Here we go!

Upon telling my first trainer about my new horse recently, I was met with all the reasons I should start on the Arab show circuit. After all, my boy has a great show record and is plenty healthy to do it. She's always wanted me to show. I've never been that interested. I find it to be a better opportunity to do something different for him and something that truly interests me... trail/endurance. No, it's not as full of ribbons and shiny slick horses. Which is nice in it's own right but I find that there are just certain disciplines the horses just seem to enjoy their job - distance/trail riding is one of those. All that, suits me. I hate to disappoint her but we're at least trying my idea first. For the first time, ever, I get to make that choice and boy it feels good!

So, this weekend, we are going out. A nice lady whose mare and she have been out of endurance for over a year are getting back in. She was interested in a trail buddy the Old Dominion Endurance Ride Association put her in contact with me... and Wa-lah!

I'm nervous. Shocker, right? Since last time I chronicled some of my fears and it seemed to help me and going to spell out what's worrying me and my plan/s.

We're planning on doing 10 miles which sounds SO far to me but I know it's not that bad. She says he'll surprise me - and I have been very honest about his condition. My boy has been ridden a good bit in the past few months and had lots of turnout in the last 3 weeks so he's not totally out of shape. I WILL be hurting but okay, it's to be expected. We are not planning on going too fast - spurts of long trotting likely the highest gear. She's been asked questions in our conversations that lead me to believe she has his interest in mind. Such as what sort of saddle am I riding in (weight/ability to post) and am I sure it fits him well? I figure if he's looking/acting pretty spent, she won't be upset if we turn back before she'd planned. I of course will turn back either way, in that situation. So, I'm trying to settle into the idea of that distance and be okay with it. After all, that's the whole point right?

There are bridges on this trail. I looked. We've never crossed a bridge and I have no idea but am assuming he has never. I hope he doesn't care. Most likely he'll be a good sport. He isn't big on mud/standing water ... I wonder if there are any creek crossings. No idea how that will go. No, he doesn't get stupid but he surely expresses his displeasure with muddy/wet toes. I will carry my crop just in case but I doubt I'll need it.

He has lost some weight (needed) at his new barn. I have not had a chance to get a smaller girth... he needs a smaller girth now. I will either borrow a smaller leather one or do my best to get to that last hole this weekend. I'm ordering a new smaller girth today.

Electrolytes? I'll go get some. I don't have a saddle bag... I never thought I'd say it but I almost wish I had a fanny pack still for my owner water/treats! Hahaha. I need to take a bucket and maybe some extra stuff for him and hay for the ride.

I don't have shipping boots... but I was told he never got his legs wrapped for rides. Was that in a two horse bumper pull though? I might at least do something... he'll be with a mare he meets for the first time on the trailer and he's got shoes on all four. I'd rather wrap/boot him. Even if it's unnecessary.

I will take our first aid kit and his coggins. His shoes aren't due for several more weeks and they're still looking good - I will check them prior to loading him. Of course I'll be scouring him for ANYTHING prior to loading him that would suggest he isn't well.

I will try and do a couple miles tonight of mostly trotting and gauge how he does.

Anyone else have any suggestions? Even just traveling with him at all is new to me. He's a show horse so the trailering won't bother him (I hope she drives sanely!!!!) but I bet he'll be surprised to see woods instead of a show ground. I think he'll like it. I think I will too. It's our first 'test' though so we'll see. I WILL stay calm and relaxed and have fun. After all, that's the whole point, right?

This is where we're going: Beaverdam Park. Here is the trail guide/map.

I'm excited-nervous. Here we go...