MRRT 2012

Well.....MRRT has come and gone, Buffy and I completed, but we both were pretty beat up!  I should have caught on that the week end would have less then optimal weather when we were getting ready and it started to rain.

I guess I should have gotten a clue when driving through Spokane the next morning in a wind and rain storm!  Thank goodness Buffy had her blankets on!  As we got closer to Ellensburg and ride camp, the weather cleared, but boy did the wind blow!  I did not realize that the ride camp was right next to I-90, in fact it was so close that the noise was in escapable!  Buffy did not want to get out of her trailer, but I conviced her that her corral would be much more enjoyable.  Buffy was so freaked out by the wind and noise that she had to be tied to the trailer inside of the corral to prevent her from running circles! 

Setting up the tent proved to be very difficult, I thought we would all take flight during the night!

Well, we did get kind of set up, the kitchen could not be used, because of the "hurricaine" like wind!
I took the dogs for a walk, and found this sign...I think these people mean business!

If you can just ignore the highway, the scenery was really pretty!

It was really cold at night, here is a picture of the ice on our table...

The ride meeting was very informative, they warned us that this ride was very deceptive in its simplicity, it was a relatively flat hard packed trail with cuts filled with rock.  We would ride to the river which was 17 miles down a 2% grade, go through a vet check, and back up the 2% grade to the 2nd vet check.  Dr. Jen warned us that the wind had a very drying and had a dehydrating effect on the horses, and we should be very carefull!  Little did I know......One of the highlights of this ride was when I sponsored a junior rider.  Julia and her game little mare were great company, and we supported each other along the way.  Julia's mother was there at the vet check for us with sandwich's and water...I was very greatful!
Buffy was very aggitated on ride morning, I know that I was in for trouble when she piaffed next to me during the initial vet check the evening before!
The morning dawned with a beautiful and welcomed sunrise, and guess what...No wind!!!!

Buffy was ready to go as usual, I was not however, amused with her crow hopping!

The neighbors watched, and wondered what all of the fuss was about!

Here is a picture of us waiting to leave...

It was obviously to me that I was not in very good shape, I had to have Garry and Julia's friend trot Buffy out for me, my knees would not allow me to do anything more than waddle!  Going into the last 8 mile loop, I was not sure that Buffy and I would be allowed to complete.  She normally pulses down immediatly, but this time it took 1/2 hour.  Dr. Dick said that she was ok though, and thought that part of the trouble was just the fact that it was the first ride of the season, in less than optimal conditions....We did complete though, we did a fair amount of walking, and Julia got first Junior...

Buffy and I were very tired and sore the next day on the ride home, as usual I learned alot....

One of the best parts of the ride's is the camping experience and seeing old friends and meeting new ones!

I was very happy that we were able to park next to our good friends Katrin and Katya...It is fun to share meals.

We left early the next morning, and on the way home stopped at the rest area near the columbia river, the water was very high and fast.

Buffy and I were glad to have the first ride of the year out of the way, I do not think that we will go back there next year.  I think that we will just go to Regina's..... where it feels like home!