21 – My First 3*
I read the date in Lace’s logbook, checked in my spreadsheet, went to my box of certificates and stuff and found the programme… the North Island Champs in 2009 was on January 3rd & 4th, this was unusual as they are normally run late January to coincide with either the Auckland or Wellington Anniversary holidays. It was run by Taumarunui and was at the Aria course where we had recently done 40km in the trial saddle.
Lace and I were in the 3*, our first, and it was pretty disappointing to find that it was going to be only 140km not 160. I’m not sure why they did that. Possibly a good thing to step up the distance again by only a small amount, but we were ready now to cope with 160 I think. New Zealand Endurance has aligned it’s rules closely with the FEI rules and until recently all Championship rides were FEI. Shimar and Emma were entered in the 3* too but did not end up going, no doubt Shimmy had done something dumb! However he was fine a month later at Okoroire so nothing serious.
After our 120 Lace had a lot of short, easy rides rather than an actual break – still worrying about her tying up, she has never tied up at a ride it is always when you are getting back into work proper after a break after a big ride. We then had a 40 at Whatawhata followed a week later by 80 at Waimiha, then again a lot of short rides to avoid that tie up.
I remember that 40 at Whatawhata, it was the last time we rode that course and it was really hot. It is a hilly course with some steep hills, we had just come down one such hill and were standing in a small stream cooling off. We were down in a valley there was no breeze, it was so hot but Lace was enjoying the cool on her feet. When it came time to leave the stream and climb the large hill back out of the valley she said NO! That is the only time she has ever done that! It didn’t take too much to persuade her though and when we got back to base I was very pleased that I had thought to bring ice, normally for 40km in December it would not be needed.
There were only eight entries in the North Islands 140. That sort of put paid to my starting out slowly behind the first group. There was only one group, and in the dark it’s often better to stick with the group, at least that way if you get lost you’re not the only one! So began my main philosophy about night starts… where possible ride with people who will be doing the same sort of speed as you’re planning and then Survive the First Loop! The aim is to look after your horse, concentrate on the track and not get into any trouble. Once you’re through the first vetting is plenty of time to start worrying about the rest of the ride.
Aria is a lovely course, lovely grassy farm tracks that, although there was a good climb initially, we then wound along the sides of the hills with lovely contour.
I don’t remember much about the first two loops, but already there were some vet outs. On the third loop we went out in the other direction. Lace was totally unsettled, we were riding across open paddocks that were raised above the rest of the farmland, so Lace was busy noticing every other horse on the course. Every time we stopped at a trough she would be looking here and there, seeing everything that moved. I tried getting off but that didn’t help, Another rider stayed with me briefly, but after all this was the 3*, you don’t wait around too long at troughs for people with neurotic ponies. So I kept my eyes open for a trough that was down where you couldn’t see anything and found one right down in a substantial dip just below a house. I got off and we stayed there until she calmed down and drank, without being able to sight-see it didn’t actually take too long.
However the loop had taken its toll and her metabolics were pretty crappy… skin recoil 3, capillary refil 2, mucous membranes B, gut sounds 2 down. It was compulsory represent before the next loop anyway so we were sent off to our 40 minute hold. We got some Boost paste into her (vitamin B, amino acids and all sorts of good stuff) and she seemed happy, and ate well…. Nervously back for the represent… All A’s and 1s! Two more loops to go…
And it started to rain. Not only rain it absolutely heaved down. By the last loop the track was getting very slippery in places. Murray was well ahead on Toy Boy, there was only Lace and I and Sean left in the ride. Kerry pointed out that the main concern now was to pick our track, stay balanced and be very careful not to slip going downhill, a hind leg slip could easily tweak a muscle… So we slogged around in the wet… and came second! My new saddle was now well and truly broken in and no longer shiny!
The next day the weather was perfect, even hot.
The track was muddy though and the first loop for the 120 had been a worrying time for our friend whose horse was barefoot. So the Waikato team swung into action and helped her for the rest of the ride… nearly back fired when we put ice boots on the back legs though! She objected a little violently.. no harm done thank goodness.
Only two of the three finishers presented for the best conditioned… our first time.
There was a great competition in the Junior 120, two of them racing for the finish, everyone rushed to the far side of the base to watch… Sian and Oscar in the lead, Michael just behind… then Sian cuts the corner slightly coming through the gate and hits the post! BANG, the saddle is actually broken, Sian is half off, Oscar still running… Sian manages to scramble back on and still in hot pursuit. Everyone rushes across base for the finish, the horses go around the outside of the field. Down the straight, Sian back in the lead, her Mum screaming her head off…. And Oscar shies violently just before the finish, Sian injured from the gate collision falls off. Very dramatic! Luckily Sian is able to get on to cross the line to finish second and Oscar vetted through ok (I think!)
Prize giving and Lace wins the Best Conditioned! So proud of my pony. I remember Murray’s comment in his winner’s speech… There aren’t many rides where you can get soaking wet, use absolutely every piece of gear you have AND get it dry the next day in time to pack up!
