Lake Sonoma 50—2012

Major rockin' the trail! Baylor-Gore Photography.

To save you the trouble, we completed! Following is an overly long post with too many photos...

waiting for his buddy Friday

Major was loaded in the trailer and ready to pick up Friday and C at 8:30 am. Then a long (for me, three hours) drive to Healdsburg. But I was going home! I grew up in the area, spent many winter days up out of the fog at Lake Sonoma. A little fog on the way there, but blue skies and gorgeous weather when we arrived at Ridecamp.

another trailer ahead, and a fog bank

gorgeous weather in Healdsburg

settling in to ridecamp

We tucked the truck and trailer over on a side, so we could use the high-tie on the trailer for Major and the ones provided for Friday. There were many rigs still to come, and soon the lot would be more than full!

What are we doing here?

Major was completely unconcerned about all the goings-on, and was happy with a full bag of hay. Vetting was simple, no issues, as we went for a short warm-up ride.

Quick, easy vetting

warm up ride on the red loop

ridecamp filling up quickly

Dark comes too quickly this time of year, but the bed in the back of the truck was super comfy. The horses got light blankets, and I crawled into bed totally early. The ride managers had changed the start time from 6:30 to 7:30, which was MUCH better!

starting at dark-thirty

So onto the real story: the ride! There were three loops for the 50. Blue, then red, then blue again. I started a bit late, wanting the fast people out ahead. It was a tough start, only because it went downhill for at least a mile, and not a gradual downhill, but pretty steep. So I needed to keep Major pretty well contained, and he listened OK, but it would have been nice to let him move out a bit. Luckily there was no big misbehavior, but I saw plenty of bucking and people walking down the hill.

And on we went. Major was fresh but listening, when I stuck him behind a group of three other riders. They were moving out nicely, but then slowed too much, so we took the opportunity and passed. We came to a good uphill climb, Major's favorite, and powered up. I knew late in the day that climb would be much harder! There were more than 90 riders, and never did a find a nice pocket for myself. I really would have liked to, especially on the first loop. I didn't want to go too fast, but was often stuck behind people going a bit slower on single-track. Major wasn't really able to move at a good pace for him. He was a little frustrated, but totally behaving, so I give him extra credit. I do think it is hard if Major can't move at a "normal" pace for him, because it uses different muscles, he wasn't quite able to stretch out. I saw most of the trail from behind someone, which isn't my ideal situation, but you take what you can! There was one section with lots of ribbons missing, everyone was milling around, and it became quite a mess. Luckily some riders who had been before thought the trail went one direction, and I decided to follow them. We finally saw another ribbon, but it was quite confusing.

We came into the first vet check strong. And too hot. It took us a bit to cool down (10 minutes, too long), but then we pulsed just fine. Our hydration scores were B's, which the vet was OK with, as we got an overall A. It was hot out (75 degrees, in November!) and lots of horses were already having problems. Just a half-hour hold, where Major worried about his buddy Friday (doing the 25) and didn't eat as well as he could have.

sparkly water

But out onto the red loop we went. I found a more compatible rider, and had a nice time. This loop wasn't quite as steep, and had lovely views. A couple of slower downhills I even managed to take a couple photos, but not of the cool, winding trail through madrone, oak and bay forest. It smelled so good!

nice views along the way

Red loop went by quickly, and we were back for our one-hour hold. Major found a bucket of apples and ate a few, while again my awesome crew/SO helped sponge. I pulsed in and vetted fairly quickly, the vet was happy with Major's pulse of 52, but B again on hydration (everything else A).

Just a few, but boy are they delicious!

This hold Major managed to drink and eat some hay. He wasn't interested in his mash, but enjoyed some apples and carrots. A veritable smorgasbord was in front of him, while I ate a peanut butter and jelly and chocolate milk.

Major is NOT thrilled to be leaving camp! Look at those crabby ears!

Too soon we headed out, blue loop again. Major wasn't too happy to leave the trailers again, but he grudgingly left. He perked up nicely when we were on our way, and we went along for awhile with the rider from the second loop (I'm terrible with names, sorry!). We passed them up on hills, and got caught on the downhills. On one big downhill I got off and hiked for a bit, which gave us both a break!

blurry, cool redwood grove, I was getting tired, maybe it really looked like this

still looking pretty happy halfway through the final blue loop

Major was getting tired towards the end. I had no lagging this ride, but he was just tired. He drank well at the few troughs, and still wanted to trot the hills. About five miles from the end I did lose a wet, muddy boot. The guy behind me noticed, and I just popped it back on. We were taking it easy, but then we passed a couple people, Major found another gear, and we headed into the archery range region with plenty of energy.

archery range trail

I tried to get him to drink before the finish, but he knew we were just a few hundred feet away. So we trotted up the hill, and we were done! He seemed pretty strong, so I went to the trailer, where his friend Friday was waiting (who had successfully done his second 25-mile LD, at 19 years old!). Major was much happier, and ate mash, and hay, and drank. Crew/SO was awesome, and took off tack and sponged my sweaty horse. I had an hour to vet, but Major seemed good, so led him over to vetting.

Coming up to the finish (shadow of my crew/SO/photographer!)

Where everything was A! Taking it easy and drinking on the final loop had brought his hydration up, and he still had plenty of impulsion. I was happy to be middle-of-the pack (they said 51st) and not to have any issues. There were quite a few horses who were being treated for tie-ups, and also some heart-rates that wouldn't come down. I think the unseasonable heat, even with horses who were clipped, was just a lot to handle for some horses.

final vetting, all A's!

It was about 4pm, and there was no dinner or awards. Many people packed up and went home, but I wanted to let Major rest, and didn't want to drive home three hours in the dark with a horse who just did 50 miles. Since Major and Friday were relaxed in camp, staying was the best option. We had plenty of company, interesting that most of the larger rigs left, and it was more people with two-horse trailers and trucks who stayed.

sunset over ridecamp

The best part after the ride: a shower! Wonderful SO boils a pot of water, we add it to a cool bucket. Sweep out the back of the horse trailer, put down a clean towel, and wash away. Feels great to be clean. Again crawled into bed pretty early, I think we stayed up till 8:30, woohoo! The horses were super quiet all night, as were we!

The horses looked good in the morning. Major had a tiny bit of filing, but that is his normal after standing around (even at home if he is confined at all). C and I packed the horse stuff, SO packed the human stuff, and we were on the road by 9am.

We're ready to go home now!

It seemed like a long drive back, but we were just all tired. Back home Major did exactly what I expected: trotted up the hill, rolled and drank his "own" water, then went to look for food. I'm super proud of him! Overall a fun ride, with more elevation change than I thought (about 7,000 feet, though I can't trust my GPS). I would have preferred to not see the same trails over and over. The red and blue overlapped quite a bit, and we did the blue loop twice. I know logistically that it is easier to put on a ride where every loop comes back to base camp, but they said in previous years the trail went more around the lake, which would have been fun to see other scenery and trails.

route and elevation

Fall colors and happy horse and rider. Baylor-Gore Photography.

I ran my GPS app (Strava) the whole time, but the mileage is way off (even if it was a "short" 50, I don't think it was only 31 miles!). I think the elevation or trees must have really thrown it off. I haven't had that issue before at home, and if anyone is interested, here is the GPS track of the entire ride.

I am way too proud of my horse. And my friend C and Friday did great. And my great SO who is awesome crew not just for me, but for C, and who also managed to help put a boot on a horse who lost a shoe, catch a loose horse, and help our other friends too.

Now we rest. No more rides till spring, nothing on my calendar. I want to do some fun rides, maybe a picnic ride by the lake, explore a couple areas that are nice in winter, and just hibernate a bit. I'm ready for a warm fire, hot chocolate and a good book. Major is ready to be taken for nice walks to eat the new grass, and to hide from the raindrops. (I say that now, give me a couple weeks and I'll be anxious to do something!)

Halloween treat

what cha doing? are we going somewhere? what'd you have? it must be for me!

Poor Major got nothing this year. Nothing he says. Except carrots. And an extra beet pulp mash. But other than that, nothing!

He did not get to wear a costume like last year. This year I was dressed as a Phoenix, as my entire office was dressed as mythology. It was great fun, but by the end of the day it was dark, windy and getting cold as I got to the barn. I was in a skirt and heels (not even once a year does that happen) with wings that had been driving me crazy all day. I was done. Major was proably happy I didn't dress him up. He nickered to me as I walked up the path...because I had a pan of the delicious mash!

I'm also busy packing for Lake Sonoma 50! How do the horses need so much stuff? Seriously. If I kept my tack in my trailer it might be easier, but half in the barn, some in the trailer, and I took the rest home to wash. It'll get done. My friend C and her horse Friday are coming with us to do the 25. C has had a very bad week, but like a true horsewoman, knows that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a (wo)man, and still decided to come. I wouldn't have blamed her at all if she'd rather just stay home and hug her pony, but we will have a good time.

The rain is letting up, it just seemed to be a quick storm, so hopefully the trails are nice and cool, though they're saying 77 degrees for Saturday! Major isn't too fuzzy yet, but that is going to feel pretty damn hot. I may try to do just a neck clip...I've never tried that, it could be interesting. In a few hours the trailer will be packed, truck too, and we'll be loading up in the morning. Off on another adventure!

rump rug project

I don't even know if I need this. But it doesn't hurt to have one. Colder months are approaching. And orange fleece was so cheap. And I've already finished my Halloween costume. And there were a few days of rain. So I need a project or I go stir crazy.

Now, I'm domestically challenged. I can use a table saw, but a sewing machine scares me. Last time I tried to use it I spent half an hour trying to thread the damn thing (I even have the instruction book!) and the bobbin gave me fits. I think it all stems from the trauma of my sixth grade home economics class, where I tried to make a turquoise plaid skirt (it was the 80s, forgive me) and proceeded to sew the hem of the skirt to the pants I was wearing. Seam rippers became my friend.

So I hand sewed this project. It only took a few hours in front of tv reruns, a quick try on by Major, then finishing the edge. Many quicker/nicer ways to make these, or buy really nice ones, but this worked for me! I totally stole the idea from Adventures on Arabee (who has great directions), with modifications by Boots and Saddles.

gather materials

Gather materials: A yard of your favorite fleece fabric. A small amount of plain cotton fabric. My color choice being orange, these upcoming photos will burn your retinas, do not blame me. You also need velcro, 1/4 inch elastic, buttons and embroidery thread. Also needle and thread. Or a sewing machine if you're actually clever like that.

cut square (nice to have a tile floor for grid!)

make simple edging

Make sure your fabric is cut square, and fold in half. (I used 60 inch wide fleece, which was just right). Make a piece of edging out of unstretchy fabric (plain cotton, I had this already). My edging was 3x20, folded to be 3/4x20.

attach velco, button and elastic

I then centered and sandwiched the cut edge of the fleece in the edging. And just stitched it together. I cut Velco to 10 inches, then sewed male to female parts so it was 20 inches long. I attached those 14 inches apart on the edging, which I'd measured on my saddle was right for using the lower back D rings. Outside of that I attached a large button, and on the flip side 15 inches of 1/4 inch elastic. Repeat on the other side.

trying on his clothes, yes I usually have a girth on my saddle!

Before I finished anything, I wanted the horse to try it on. Major stood there and wouldn't look at me. "Why do you make me wear these dumb clothes? Nope, not paying attention, orange is not MY favorite color."

rounded corners, stitched, blinded people....

I took the blanket home, and did a blanket stitch around the loose edges (one side is still the folded edge.) I rounded the corners for aesthetics, yeah, because a rump rug is all about how cute it is...

Actually looking pretty cute all decked out.

Will I use this? Maybe for a cold ride. Right now I'll probably not attach it but throw it over to keep him warm. But just like how it rained in June at the Skillman ride, I'd rather be prepared!

Now, what else could I decorate it with? Hmmm, I'm thinking flames...

racing the storm

We never saw the sun on Sunday, it threatened rain all day. Overcast sky, cool temps, a hint of damp months to come.

heading out, gratuitous ear/no hands/river photo

 But we rode, and it was good. Major and I joined Friday and C at the Auburn Staging area. We boldly set off about 9:30, C smartly bringing a windbreaker just in case, I was being braver (I have a new day-glo orange sweatshirt, I wanted to try it out. It is so bright it hurts your eyes to look at it. Awesome.).

Fall river, this is about all the color we get around here

Down the canyon, across the bridge, over the highway, down quarry trail to Poverty Bar. Trotted and cantered, Major and Friday are well matched. This ride was a bit of a test, I'm going to try the 50 at Lake Sonoma, and C will do the 25. Were the horses ready? Are we? 11 miles, and then a quick lunch break.

my lunch view, constantly bugging me, "what cha got there?"

Major had his own carrots, then sampled everything I had: peanut butter and jelly, a few almonds, candy orange slices, and kept bugging for more.

poverty bar crossing

dreaming about riding the other side

The trail continues, on the other side of the river. This is where the Tevis riders cross, water is held back in the upstream dam to make it safer. This time of year the water looks low, but is deceiving. No crossing for us, so we headed home. The horses had lost some motivation. It made me worry a bit, Major was dragging, I'd ask to trot and he would, then slow when the opportunity arose. Friday did the same. We walked plenty, they didn't seem particularly tired. Hmmm.

Hawyer cave: you go first

We stopped a moment to look at Hawyer cave, where cool prehistoric bones were discovered, locked tight now because of vandals. Could a mammoth walk in there? Maybe the mammoth bones were dragged in by predators. How cool would it be to go in there?!

Life-vest borrowing station, too many drownings on this river

We crossed No Hands bridge on the way back, picking up a trot in the middle of the bridge. C is NOT a fan of heights, but sure puts up with all the crap I want to do, excellent riding buddy! Major found his motivation, and picked up a trot on his own. We continued to trot up the hill, stoping to wade through the beautiful waterfall (he did not drink) then a little bit father on is a dirty little spring/puddle next to the trail (where he slurped off the top). He found another gear, some nice cantering, and a quick gallop (with whoops and hollers) up the Robie Point hill. Both horses kept going till the staging area, where everyone finally slowed down.

 still life (blurry random) with muddy boots, muddy sneakers and reins.

all done, warm, snack, good

It was getting brisk, a breeze picking up, too cold for a bath. But sponging and I threw on Major's cooler so he'd be dry when we got home. (I know, my cooler does not match my color scheme, that will need to be remedied one day.)

its good to grind the sand into your face

and be sure to coat both sides evenly

Back home Major was pulling on the lead as I took him into the arena. Halter off, he ran off, dropped and rolled, hopped up, did some ridiculous bucking and trotted around. I opened the gate to his pasture and he ran up the hill, dirt clods flying, to eat his leftover breakfast.

He sure didn't seem tired at all! I'm a bit concerned over his lagging behavior earlier. He was bright eyed, seemingly happy, should not have been tired. Was it just attitude? I'm leaning that direction unless I see otherwise. But then I worry that he isn't happy doing this job. I'll take him on a shorter speed and hill workout this coming weekend, see how that goes, and evaluate for Lake Sonoma. I sure want to go, for me it is "home" turf, though I've never ridden a horse there!

Sunday evening the rain finally caught us, and it poured down all day Monday, with crazy wind, local funnel clouds (possibly tornadoes), and more rain to come. Soon the trails will be a muddy mess, but for now I'm hoping it clears the air and settles the summer dust.

threatening clouds at sunset

conversations with major: spa day

Hey buddy!
What are you doing here? You were here already when I got my feet cut off.
You got a foot trim, and were a little bit of a jerk.
I try to pull my foot away when I think he's going to cut my foot off.
You know the trimmer, he is a nice guy. He hasn't cut your foot off yet.
But he COULD! I am being cautious.
Right. OK, Let's go.

Oh good! You don't have riding pants on, so I just get to eat grass.
Not exactly.
What do you mean?
Just stand here. Put these on your feet.
But I got new orange boots last week. I like my orange go-fast boots. These are ugly clunky, NOT fashionable. Ah, now they have water in them!
Just a quick soak after a new trim, gets any yucky stuff out.
Whatever. Not interested anymore. Carrot?
You have to stand for awhile and be patient.
You always say this "pay-shunce." I think you should pay someone else, I don't like to stand here.
Good, because we'll be done in a few minutes.

Done, yeah, we're done, let's eat grass. Wait, I don't want to go over there. 
It's the last warm day of the year.
Not sure what that has to do with anything...oh look, a snack!
It's some bribery for after...
I don't know what this "bribery" is, but it looks like my new favorite snack, alfalfa cubes, oh boy. Gimme! Wait, after?

I am wet.
I know.
But I see my snack. Is it "after" now?
Sorry, no.

I am not talking to you.
It's not that bad Major.
I was wet, which was bad enough, Now I have poison on me.
It's soap.
It is scary white stuff.
But you'll be SO nice and clean after.
hmff!

Get it off. I can see it. And I am still wet. The poison will kill me.
Not dead yet!
It's not funny.
I think it is, sorry buddy, one bath a year, you'll be fine.

Here you go, though you were a bit dramatic.
Oh, my treat! Yum! nom, nom, nom.
See, that wasn't so bad, right?
Can't hear you, I'm eating, I haven't eaten all day.
You still had some hay in your slow-feeder when I got here, leftover from breakfast.
Oh, that hay, it wasn't GOOD wet stuff, plus it was in the torture net.
You eat just fine from the net.
It takes me longer than EVERYONE else to eat.
Well Major, you're just special then.
I know.

Let's just go for a walk, and you can dry off.
Let's eat here.
OK.
This is the best stuff, but I can barely reach it!
There is plenty all over.
THIS stuff is good. It is UNDER the fence, can't you see?
Not especially Major, you horses are weird.

Behave yourself, and you can eat out here.
Out here! In the runway?
Do NOT think of it as a runway Major, it is the chute between pastures, You can only stay here if you behave.
This is the BEST grass.
It is the same weeds in your pasture 50 feet away.
Nope, these are better. I'll behave.
I've heard that before. But you need to dry a bit more.
Why?
Just because.

Time to go back now.
But I haven't finished eating all the grass in the runway.
There is too much for one day, maybe later.
Is NOW, later?
No buddy, sorry. Back in the pasture.
OK, oh carrot in my salt pan, yeah! trot, trot, oh, poo pile! I should roll!
Hey Major, come over here, have another carrot.
Oh boy, more carrot! 
Good, that distracted you a bit.
What, huh? Distracted? From what?
Nothing...you're just so clean and pretty...
Don't worry, I know I smell weird, I'll roll soon.
Just TRY to stay a little clean, I think you look and smell pretty.
I think you're the weird one...