May 25/10
Elaine’s Long Lake Story continued... Saturday riders had some rain, but the real killer was a sharp wind out of the north that kept the crew and volunteers and FEI folks frozen. Sunday was only marginally better, with only a few light showers, but the temperature stayed low (6 C) and the wind stayed brisk. The trails were set up so that riders traveled the loops twice in succession. The 25 milers did Pink twice. The 100's did Orange twice, then Black twice, then Yellow twice. Originally, the 100's were to ride pink (12.5 miles), not yellow. But rain and hooves had done a number on the footing, and there were very poor conditions on that trail. In addition to the fact that every section was ridden twice, some stretches were common trail for coming and going, and/or two different loops.
There was also a major issue with a dangerously bad downhill, and Ride Management was trying to find options around it. With only 5 minutes until Terre (leading) was to head out on Pink, Ruth Carlson came over to tell her that the Ground Jury had made a change, and they would now ride yellow, a 10 mile loop, with some of the same poor trail as pink, but good stretches of sand road as well. In order to make up the distance difference, the riders would travel 2x around the big loop around a farm at the far end of the trail the first time. Terre was relieved, Kathy was relieved ("Thank you, thank you, Oh there is a God!"), I was relieved, Kos was just twitching to get going again.
Apparently the only one not happy with the change was Doc, who could not understand why Gail made him loop the farm again, and let her know he was displeased! The Black loop proved to be a major headache. Touted ahead of time as good riding, with lots of open meadows for making time, it became a source of frustration and delay. Terre and Kathy and Ariel were all riding together, and Kathy knew the trails, but they still got lost quite often. Then they would spread out looking for the next ribbon, one would spot the flagging, and off they went again.
With rain and wind winding ribbon tight to trees, and some ribbon lost to wind or on the ground, the trail just wasn't that easy to follow. The second time around, the 3 riders still together, they still got lost 3 times. With time a-wasting, towards the end of the loop, Terre rode on alone. After 75 miles, she was just barely over time for a CoC. So the change to yellow gave her hope, as did a promise of a hot shower and a cold beer at the end.
After that loop, Terre had made up enough time (almost 30 minutes) that she could afford to ease up a bit on the final loop. Gail made up time on that loop, coming in almost a half hour ahead of expected. Kat and Ariel kept a good pace too, and after a strong second yellow finished up fairly close behind Terre. The first 3 horses showed for BC, and all looked really good, trotting their circles. Kos had a girth rub because the neoprene protector for his cinch ring was lost after the second loop, but neither of the others looked to have a mark on them.
We can't say the same for the riders. Tree branches and faces - what else to day. Terre ended up very lame from hitting her knee on a tree trunk. Lee Hutton kindly trotted Kos for her in the BC and did an excellent job. Ariel and Zorro got BC. All for now
Elaine

24 July 09
Young Riders Championship Ride - Kentucky
from Gail J - BC riders Ariel McLeod and Kate Coady
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry
1st 25 miles front runners in about 844 and first place horse (Kirstin). Pulled metabolic. Way too fast for conditions. Our canucks came in at 9:05 faster than planned but looked good and recovered right away ate/drank.

Slowing down next loop to around 7 mph. Word is that US west and US east are going to battle each other... They make up the 9 or so front runners. Our guys left 11 12 13th place. Should be in to the 40 mile mark around noon...

4:40 pm -- All out on last loop 10 more miles. Attrition all over the place. Getting really exciting! Everyone is getting the Canadian buzz! Gail...

7 pm -- Canada rocks! All FEI completed, placings: Apache and Kate 9th, Lee and Jazz 10th (Ontario), and Ariel and Rosie 11th! Rosie and Jazz got their FEI 2 star and both Apache and Lee presenting for BC! We are sooo proud of our girls! BC 7 am so we are busy!

9:45 pm -- AN EXPERIENCE THEY WILL NEVER FORGET..... WE ARE SO PROUD!(dr)

The youth are done, asleep. We are enjoying a glass of wine and reflecting. Wonderful connection with Lee and Colette, very intentional and open to team concept. The girls so got it. Lots of great stories. Again the whole team concept proves itself. Not to forget our Mexican teammates. They both finished and were our anchor!  The Mex and Canucks were checking in on each other all day! We plan to get together tomorrow to celebrate some more! Gail & Elroy

CANADA WINS TEAM SILVER!!

July 09 - The Ticket Raffle for a 3 day vacation at Idabel Lake Resort (benefit for International Riders) was won by Kari Tierney - Congratulations!

Jun 20/09
International Fundraising initiative POSTER provides info about a must attend event on July 10th for all who would like to help our international riders do their best for us!

May 18/09
A TICKET RAFFLE is underway to raise funds for International Riders. The prize is a 3 day vacation in a private cabin at Idabel Lake Resort, 40 minutes south of Kelowna. Tickets are $2 each. The draw will be held at the Rainbow ride site on July 5th. Contact Gail Jewell to buy tickets or to help sell them!

Jan 15/09
Report on a recent meeting with Daphne Richard, Julius Bloomfield, Toni B, Murray and Bianca Mackenzie, Elroy Karius and Gail Jewell in attendance. See the proposed recommendations regarding International riding HERE

WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP, MALAYSIA, NOV/08

Wendy just called, they are on there last loop. All the horses look good. We will finish a team. Bob is riding with the King of Malaysia, he has for the last 2 loops. When I say him, I thought the King was one loop ahead, but he was not. Boy, won't Bob have a story to tell. Do you think he will call it "The King and I"? Congratulations to all our Horses, Riders, Pit Crew support staff, Kay, Maura and the Vets for making this dream come true. Our Team Did It. We are so proud of all of you. Endurance is truely a fantastic sport, and we are so lucky to be a part of it. All you need is a dream, and you could be the next riders on your way to Kentucy in 2010, and we will be hear to cheer you on. We are so proud of our Canadians.

Ken and Lynda Townsend

Kay said they were the only ones to finish with 4 riders.
Pretty darn good, I'd say.
Boy are we proud.