Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Team 32 - Rather Be Riding

rather be riding

 

My name is Julia Mruz.  I live in rural Gibbon, Nebraska & am originally form Honey Creek, IA.  I have been riding my entire life; as soon as I was old enough I was doing Competitive Trail with my mom & did that for 13 years - once I went off to college I rode mostly for pleasure, now I'm looking to get back into Competitive Trail & do some Trail Challenges & continue dabbling in a little showing.


I don't ride as much as I use to when I was competing Spring- Fall but am always looking for a challenge & something to help push to set goals for myself, my horsemanship, my horse, & my training; I think this derby could be just the thing!


My main man/mount is my old man; Festus - a 20 year old (in 2013) Grullo Quarter horse that I have had now for 16 years. He is my "once in a life time horse" and even with his quirks I still can't imagine ever having to replace him. My second mount is my mare Libby; a 12 year old (in 2013) Chestnut 1/2 Welsh, 1/4 Thoroughbred, 1/4 Trakanter that we had breed for us as the "ultimate trail horse" by a close friend. We couldn't be happier with our cocktail of a horse. She is a blast to ride and is a go go go girl with a 5-mph walk that's to die for.

 

So excited to get out, get riding, and meet new horse fanatics like myself!

99 comments:

  1. Julia
    I'm in the Derby!

    ReplyDelete
  2. 1-5-2013
    Miles: 11.6
    Total time: 2.25 hours
    Average pace: 4.78 MPH
    Fastest: 13.95
    Mount: Libby
    Route: http://nikeplus.nike.com/plus/running/home/JuliaMruz

    MILES TO DATE: 11.6

    My friend, who also is a neighbor, is out of town; I've been taking care of her cat; so I decided to ride over instead of drive. Good sunny day. Flushed out a few pheasant & meet a herd of horses that wished they could have been going along with.

    ReplyDelete
  3. 1-6-2013
    Miles: 6.1
    Total time: 1 hour 12 min.
    Average pace: 5.05 MPH
    Fastest: 12.15 MPH
    Mount: Festus
    Route: http://nikeplus.nike.com/plus/running/home/JuliaMruz

    MILES TO DATE: 17.7

    ReplyDelete
  4. 1-6-2013
    Miles: 8.87
    Total time: 2 hour 2 min.
    Average pace: 4.33 MPH
    Fastest: 13.3 MPH
    Mount: Festus then Libby
    Route: http://nikeplus.nike.com/plus/running/home/JuliaMruz
    - Rode Festus 1st then came back, pushed pause, added layers, switched horses & rode the same route again, opposite direction on Libby

    MILES TO DATE: 26.57

    ReplyDelete
  5. note: the above date I rode 8.87 SHOULD be 1-12-2013, I copied & pasted & didn't change the date. Miles to date is correct.

    ReplyDelete
  6. 1-13-2013
    Miles: 5.21
    Total time: 3 hour 14 min.
    Average pace: 4.33 MPH
    Fastest: didn't look - we did a slow and steady ride
    Mount: Libby then Festus
    Route: http://nikeplus.nike.com/plus/running/home/JuliaMruz
    - Libby was extremely & unusually good/slow... so good it made me wonder if something was wrong, I think the frozen ground bothers her. Festus was his normal naughty, kicking at the dogs. Saw 2 Bald Eagles! WOW - I see them a lot by the river but never right in my back tree line - so awesome!

    MILES TO DATE: 31.78

    ReplyDelete
  7. 1-19-2013
    Miles: 11.55
    Total time: 3 hour 15 min.
    Average pace: 3.53 MPH
    Fastest: We mostly walked
    Mount: Libby
    Route: http://nikeplus.nike.com/plus/running/home/JuliaMruz

    -Got to ride with my nieghbor, Marlene, 1st time for MONTHS - it was a good long slow ride. Explored the min. maintenance roads a little farther East than we usually go.

    1-19-2013
    Miles: 6.66 (fitting for how he acted)
    Total time: 1 hour 22 min.
    Average pace: 4.83 MPH
    Fastest: 14.45 at a nice powerful canter
    Mount: Festus
    - About 2 miles into my ride had to do a fast 180; the tail flag in the distance that I thought was a turkey, nope SKUNK & I had my 2 dogs & of course they had to harass it! Lucky no spray! And Wow - has Festus gotten Libby sour - every chance he got he tired to head back home & if wasn't head home was just a little crap head - The ride was about 3 miles more than I planned because if he was going to pull that - he was going to work! Oh the joys of old horses pulling old tricks :)

    MILES TO DATE: 49.99

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So glad that skunk didn't spray your dogs...been-there-done-that :-(
      Buddy sour....humph....gotta love those herd animals.

      Delete
  8. 1-20-2013
    Miles: 5.07
    Total time: 1 hour 10 min.
    Average pace: 4.83 MPH
    Fastest: 13.45
    Mount: Festus then Libby
    Route: http://nikeplus.nike.com/plus/running/home/JuliaMruz
    -Got Festus into his BIG trot at 13.45MPH, last time I clocked him it was 12.5MPH - I can't wait until the Spring when he is in shape & we have some good dry soft ground; I think he can get to 14-14.5MPH! Wouldn't know it by looking at him, but he can move!
    -Libby was a little tired & felt a little sore from the 11 miles ride yesterday so we took it slow & just stretched out.

    MILES TO DATE: 55.06

    ReplyDelete
  9. 1-26-2013
    Miles: 13.2
    Total time: 2 hour 39 min.
    Average pace: 4.96 MPH
    Fastest:
    Mount: Libby
    Route: http://nikeplus.nike.com/plus/running/home/JuliaMruz


    MILES TO DATE: 68.26

    ReplyDelete
  10. 2-5-2013
    Miles: 2.93
    Total time: 51 min.
    Average pace: 3.4 MPH
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus (my friend rode Libby)
    Route: found out you all can't actually see my route, so... I'll stop trying to post it. haha
    -Haven't seen my friend in months, even though we are nieghbors, got off early so we headed out for a quick ride before I had to take my girls (dogs) to class... could have used 6 more hours of daylight & 20 more miles to actually get caught up!

    MILES TO DATE: 71.19

    ReplyDelete
  11. 2-9-2013
    Miles: 12.65
    Total time: 3hours 10 min.
    Average pace: 5.45 MPH
    Fastest:
    Mount: Libby
    Route:
    -Rode a little farther North & a lot father East then I've gone before. Rode the road directly South for the river. Good ride - about 3 miles short of home it started to really rain so I had my boyfriend come with the trailer - no need to get soaked and cold; of coarse as soon as I load it stops raining. Oh well. Windy but not unbearable.

    MILES TO DATE: 83.84

    ReplyDelete
  12. 2-10-2013
    Miles: 4.01
    Total time: 45 min.
    Average pace: 5.27 MPH
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus
    Route:
    -Old man whom thinks he is 3 + 2 dogs that were stir crazy because they didn't get to go yesterday + strong Northern wind = "light in the saddle" ride.

    MILES TO DATE: 87.85

    ReplyDelete
  13. 2-16-2013
    Miles: 11.67
    Total time: 3 hours 5 min.
    Average pace: 3.75 MPH
    Fastest: 14.36
    Mount: Festus
    Route:
    -Rode with my neighbor again, nice slow walk ride- she has a cold so we went as far as she could then turned back. AWESOME day! Light breeze but sunny & warm; should be even better tomorrow - hopefully I'll be able to ride after volleyball.

    MILES TO DATE: 99.52

    ReplyDelete
  14. 2-17-2013
    Miles: 9.33
    Total time: 2 hours 15 min.
    Average pace: 3.75 MPH
    Fastest:
    Mount: Libby
    Route:
    -Got home at a decent time from volleyball so I headed out on a short ride on Libby, only Amelia got to go with, Kali was limping on the front; pry stepped on while harassing the horses. About 2 miles out ran into my neighbor so we rode together for a couple miles then split ways again to head home. AWESOME day, a little breezy but was glad for it because I got hot. This derby is pushing me to ride longer and farther than I ever would this time of year - but the whole reason I entered was to improve myself & my horses; it's paying off - Libby is really making some noticeable changes- I've always liked her but our bond is getting stronger with every ride. Such a sweet girl.

    MILES TO DATE: 108.85

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh what a wonderful post. I love to read about the bond between rider and horse getting better :-) Glad your ride was so awesome!
    Diane

    ReplyDelete
  16. 2-23-2013
    Miles: 6.77
    Total time: 1 hours 36 min.
    Average pace: 4.61
    Fastest: 11.2
    Mount: Libby then Fetus
    Route:
    - Wasn't going to ride today but my nap kept getting interrupted with texts - so I got up, painted the back laundry room & then went for a short ride; 1st Libby - whom seems like she is always "in heat" lately... whatever, I think it's just an excuses to get out of work! lol!!! Then pushed pause to switch to Festus who didn't like the snowmobile buzzing around at the neighbor's - acted like a complete 3 yr old. - still love that old man! :) Wow is he a power mover - still hitting a 11.2 MPH extended trot in deep snow; what a rush that is to ride. All in all got what I wanted to do done - tired out the dogs, they will sleep good tonight :)

    MILES TO DATE: 115.62

    ReplyDelete
  17. 3-2-2013
    Miles: 15.05
    Total time: 3 hours 50 min.
    Average pace: 3.91
    Fastest:
    Mount: Libby
    Route:
    - Headed our with my neighbor, Marlene, again. We headed West on the sand roads this time, crossed the Hwy & rode south on a fantastic sand road. I rode HILLS!!! Ok, they are baby hills compared to home back in IA, & if it wasn't for the Platte River flood plain I currently live on, I would consider them a bump, not a hill... but never the less - it was a hill - which brings a smile to my face :) I was a great ride - falling more in love with my little red pony (mare) with every ride. On my way back a herd of 13 deer ran along side me; 9 adults, 4 fawn - wish I had a gun & could aim! haha, deer jerky, yum.

    MILES TO DATE: 130.67

    ReplyDelete
  18. 3-3-2013
    Miles: 10.01
    Total time: 2 hours 41 min.
    Average pace: 3.70
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus
    Route:
    - Tom, my boyfriend, went with for the 1st time in months. I've seem to have gotten too far ahead of him in "horse shape" so he doesn't go with as often because I want to go so far. I put him on Libby, his usuall mount is Festus, but after the 15 miles I did with her yesterday & his added 80lbs, I figured she would behave herself, and she did, she was an angel :) We meet Marlene to ride the April 10th PRR route to tome it out that I will be leading; it will be a nice 6+ mile ride and about 1 1/2 hours. We saw wave after wave of snow geese - So awesome - I think they flew over us for a 1/2 mile. Then after we were done I dropped Tom & Libby off at home to take Festus for a little run around the back property line; found where those 13 deer are living - Kali my heeler thought she could catch them; all! haha

    MILES TO DATE: 140.68

    ReplyDelete
  19. 3-14-2013
    Miles: 5.62
    Total time: 1 hour 36 min.
    Average pace: 3.48
    Fastest:
    Mount: Libby
    Route:

    MILES TO DATE: 146.3

    ReplyDelete
  20. 3-15-2013
    Miles: 3.88
    Total time: 1 hour 14 min.
    Average pace: 3.1
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus- Megan rode Libby
    Route: Rode with my friend - just a quick ride before I had to head out to the campsite to meet my family

    MILES TO DATE: 150.18

    3-17-2013
    Miles: 4.1
    Total time: 1 hour 24 min.
    Average pace: 2.9
    Fastest:
    Mount: Libby- Danielle rode Festus
    Route: Got up early & took my cousin for a ride before she had to head back to Lincoln - too early & to chilly. I've been fighting bad allergies & bad sinus pressure since Thursday... did not want to get up this morning! But both the ponies were good. Glad to know that I can stick somebody on either horse and not worry too much.

    MILES TO DATE: 154.28

    ReplyDelete
  21. 3-31-2013
    Miles: 3.88
    Total time: 2 hour 20 min.
    Average pace: 3.4
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus


    MILES TO DATE: 165.38

    ReplyDelete
  22. 3-31-2013
    Miles: 3.88 <-------------mistake!!!!
    Total time: 2 hour 20 min.
    Average pace: 3.4
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus

    MILES TO DATE: 165.38

    WOW - this is a HUGE typo! It should be
    11.1 miles - which then would equal my 165.38

    ReplyDelete
  23. Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I need to pay more attention to when I "copy/paste" to make sure I update ALL line items!!!! hahaha

      Delete
  24. 4-3-2013
    Miles: 9.71
    Total time: 2 hour 3 min.
    Average pace: 4.7
    Fastest:
    Mount: Libby - Tom rode Festus
    Rode with Diana at Bassway. Great night for a ride. Did some moving out so it was a good paced ride - love those :)


    MILES TO DATE: 175.09

    ReplyDelete
  25. 4-21-2013
    Miles: 9.06
    Total time: 2 hour 25 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus
    Seems like it's been forever since I've logged any miles! But between this hormonal Spring weather, the horses teeth float, Libby's scare with the vet & me now volunteering as a youth v-ball coach at the YMCA.... times hasn't been my friend - but finally today I made myself suck up stressing about Libby & went for a very nice ride on Festus with my neighbor & the girls (my dogs) which were happy to finally go too! Love horses but they can be as stressful as they are healing when ill :(


    MILES TO DATE: 184.15

    ReplyDelete
  26. 4-27-2013
    Miles: 2.62
    Total time: 28 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus
    Very quick ride! Busy doing yard work all day & then in town trying to find supplies to Dr. Libby's face; the Cellulitis went from draining to opening a hole in her cheek, poor girl!

    MILES TO DATE: 186.77

    ReplyDelete
  27. 4-27-2013
    Miles: 5.29
    Total time: 1 hour 4 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus
    Another quick ride. Would have loved to make the 200 mark this weekend but started too late in the day & have a lot to do. Haven't been able to keep up with my personal mile goals, but want to reach 200 by the end of the month - I think I can do it! Only 8 more miles to go in 2 days, Monday is out because of v-ball so 8 miles on Tuesday it is!

    MILES TO DATE: 192.06

    ReplyDelete
  28. 4-30-2013
    Miles: 7.83
    Total time: 1 hour 36 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus
    You have got to be kidding me! - Thought I needed just under 8 miles... I was off by just a couple .00!!!

    MILES TO DATE: 199.89

    ReplyDelete
  29. 5-11-2013
    Miles: 5.47
    Total time: 1 hour 32 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Elmo & Berry
    Started riding Karen's horses again. Area riding. Can't believe I rode so many miles in an area - would have over 6 if I had pushed start when I started, opps. The "map" of what I rode looks like a little kids yellow, orange, red & green circle scribes :) Very humerus to watch it map out.

    MILES TO DATE: 205.36

    ReplyDelete
  30. Sorry about your "opps" but congrats on getting over 200 miles :-)

    ReplyDelete
  31. 5-26-2013
    Miles: 9.18
    Total time: 3 hour 35 min.
    Average pace: Slow Mountain climb
    Fastest:
    Mount: Joker
    On vacation in Vail, CO with my mom, her friend & her daughter. We did a "ride-fish-ride" guide day. Mom & Angie went with Logan their fishing guide & did a whole day of Fly fishing while Ashley & I went with our Fly fishing guide, D, to a horse guide outfit where we meet up with our horse guide Bryan (if any on you have seen Modern Family - Bryan was Haley's boyfriend, Dilon when he decides to stay at the dude ranch! OMG looked, sounded & acted JUST like him - I got the best laugh out of it!!!) Great 2 hour ride up the mountain packing on a mule our fishing gear to a private pond where we Fly fished for about 2 hours, then rode back down the mountain - AWESOME! D our guide was the BEST! So much fun. I rode a little gray (now white) Mustang mare named Joker - sweet girl - & I knew I was in good hands on a mustang!
    - don't know how to attach a photo here-

    MILES TO DATE: 214.54

    ReplyDelete
  32. 1-1-2013
    Miles: 5.73
    Total time: 1 hour 32 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Elmo & Berry
    Rode Karen's horses again. Area riding. Wow have they come a long way since I 1st started with them last year! They both are starting to GET it.

    MILES TO DATE: 220.27

    ReplyDelete
  33. That above date should say 6-1-2013! Geez... I don't want it to be 1-1-13 cold again!!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. 6-2-2013
    Miles: 3.42
    Total time: 1 hour 21 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Caliber & Dusk
    Rode Lindsey's gelding. Helping her learn how to teach him how to pick up leads on cue. Rode Dusk just a little; she is still young, only 4 but wanted to see what she knew already so Lindsey would know what ground work to work on so she'd be ready when the time came for really riding under saddle more serious.

    MILES TO DATE: 223.69

    ReplyDelete
  35. 6-8-2013
    Miles: 5.68
    Total time: 1 hour 40 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Elmo & Berry
    Rode Karen's horses again; arena training

    MILES TO DATE: 229.37

    ReplyDelete
  36. 6-13-2013
    Miles: 1.15
    Total time: 33 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Ottis
    I've been working with Cher's horses this past week - got on Ottis tonight; round pen work & lots of bending & weaving.

    MILES TO DATE: 230.52

    ReplyDelete
  37. 6-18-2013
    Miles: 1.53
    Total time: 42 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Ottis
    Ottis again tonight; round pen work & lots of bending & weaving... again

    MILES TO DATE: 232.05

    ReplyDelete
  38. 6-20-2013
    Miles: 2.79
    Total time: 1 hour 21 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Elmo & Berry
    hot Area work

    MILES TO DATE: 234.84

    ReplyDelete
  39. 6-29-2013
    Miles: 2.74
    Total time: 39 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Elmo
    Area work

    MILES TO DATE: 237.58

    6-30-2013
    Miles: 2.76
    Total time: 46 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Libby, Tom rode Festus
    My babies are back!!!!! Took it easy on a short ride - 1st ride for Libby in 8 weeks & 6 weeks for Festus. All & all, they were pretty good - really wanted to GO; would have run if we let them, but they are out of shape so Slow & Steady was the pace.

    MILES TO DATE: 240.34

    ReplyDelete
  40. 7-5-2013
    Miles:3.81
    Total time: 56 min
    Average pace:
    Fastest: 14.31 @ ext, trot!
    Mount: Festus
    Old Man was feeling good tonight! The end of pivot sprayer aka: dinosaur in the trees, almost ate us! haha. He challenges me to this day, but still love him more than anything!


    MILES TO DATE: 244.15

    ReplyDelete
  41. 7-6-2013
    Miles: 4.31
    Total time: 1 hour 26 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Elmo & Berry
    hot Area work

    MILES TO DATE: 248.46

    ReplyDelete
  42. 7-10-2013
    Miles: 3.43
    Total time: 57 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus
    1st nice evening in a while where it hasn't been deadly hot! Festus & I had a little bit of a disagreement; he wanted to blast down the trail & I wanted to focus & collect... so it wasn't the best ride - but at least I got one in. Not sure it was the best idea, because my legs were noddles at volleyball!

    MILES TO DATE: 251.89

    ReplyDelete
  43. 7-11-2013
    Miles: 2.24
    Total time: 40 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Libby & Festus
    Arena work!

    MILES TO DATE: 254.13

    ReplyDelete
  44. 7-13-2013
    Miles: 6.53
    Total time: 1 hour 48 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus, Elmo, Bella, & Berry
    Arena work.

    MILES TO DATE: 260.66

    ReplyDelete
  45. 7-14-2013
    Miles: 4.98
    Total time: 1 hour 17 min.
    Average pace: 3.82 MPH
    Fastest:
    Mount: Libby
    Got up early & headed to Cottonmill; just Libby & I. Man I LOVE that mare, such a good horse! No she isn't perfect & has her days & her issues, but she is just what we breed her for. She was so happy to go; willing, eager, a mover, sweet... she didn't even want to go back to the trailer. I haven't ridden Cottonmill is so long, not since I lived here in college. Those trails remind me so much of when I did CTRs, even got a little choked up thinking about how much I miss them & how great Libby did at the 1 & only I did on her. I just wish I had the means to do them again.

    MILES TO DATE: 265.64

    ReplyDelete
  46. 7-14-2013
    Miles: 4.98
    Total time: 1 hour 42 min.
    Average pace: 3.82 MPG
    Fastest:
    Mount: Libby
    Got up earily & headed to Cottonmill; jus Libby & I. Oh how I love that mare! She is so awesome! Not perfect by a long shot; has her days & her issues, but over all I couldn't ask for a better trail horse. So much heart, go, curiosity, want, drive & such a sweet girl, no spook & sure footed. She didn't even want to go back to the trailer - wanted to go go go, like always.
    I haven't ridden Cottonmill in years, not since I lived here in college - those trails remind me so much of doing CTRs, even got a little choked up missing them & remembering how well Libby did at the 1 & only I did with her a few years back. Just wish I had the means to go to them again!
    MILES TO DATE: 265.64

    Glad I checked this today- I logged these miles on here last night, it said it was uploaded (but internet was being slow) so I see today it didn't actually load. Grr. On here now, that's what matters!

    ReplyDelete
  47. The loss of a good friend, great horsewoman, & all around wonderful person came as a horrify shock today. Still can’t wrap my head around it. She passed doing what she loved; riding. Beth was a large part of my horse life & learning; those that know me know horses are my life so it hurts my heart & my heart hurts for everybody she loved & that loved her.

    Some of you may or may not have know Beth Bliss. Originaly lived in Council Bluffs, IA, now lives in Grants Pass, OR - she passed today after her horse fell in a hole at a 50miles over the weekend. Beth did a lot of NATRC rides in IA/NE & that's who I got the bug from, now she does enduance rides & completed the Tevis a few years back.

    - I know nothing more than this e-mail. My mom & her went to nursing school togerther & they have been best friends for over 20 years. She found out from me, where I found out from facebook (what an aweful way to find out about somebody you loved so much) I'm sure my mom will at some point get ahold of Beth's husband, but she doesn't want to bother him at such an sensitive time.

    ReplyDelete
  48. This is the e-mail I recieved explaining what happened:

    A Beautiful and Somber Weekend Saturday night awards at Bandit Springs was one of the most personally difficult ride meetings I have ever done. We had our awards and did a bit of giggling and what not. But what was really on everyone’s mind that night was Beth Bliss, a 50 mile rider from Grants Pass OR. What I told everyone Saturday night was that I wanted to share what I know to be facts, to stop speculation (though that is human nature…we want to know why, how, and all the details) that doesn’t help anyone. I’m sure there’s lots of stuff I don’t know (and lots of folks to back that up! J) but here’s what I do know about Beth and her injuries. Beth like to go fast! And Saturday morning was no exception. She and her mare, Ivy, were about 6 miles and 45 minutes into the 50 mile ride, on a new section of the trail. It is an old logging road. Ivy tripped in a hole that had previously been filled but must have been unfilled by a four-wheeler or someone else on the trail. It has us trail folks a little confused because we’ve not ever seen anyone else on that trail prior to Saturday.

    ReplyDelete
  49. . I should clarify that this scenario is educated speculation by myself, Melissa Coy (one of the first on the scene and an OR nurse) and a few others from the scene of the accident and her horse’s injuries. Ivy went down to at least her left knee (scraping it up some) and onto her shoulder. Beth was about 20 feet from the hole, on her back and the left side of her helmet was dusted. There were no cracks or other damage to the helmet. Michelle Kronsberg was first on the scene, probably within in 1-2 minutes. Melissa Coy, OR nurse from Coos Bay, OR, was there right after that. Melissa took charge. Other riders stopped to give coats, blankets, rump rugs. It was nippy at 6:45am in the mountains. Every 50 mile rider passed by Beth that morning and everyone wanted to do something. Mike Motschenbacher, a rider and a vet, stayed to help in case CPR was needed. Kristen Mullholland stayed with her cell phone and galloped back and forth, trying to get a signal and trying to talk the EMTs and rescue people. From ride camp, we saw an emergency vehicle with lights drive slowly by but didn’t figure it was for any of our riders because everyone would have been further out from camp. Then we heard the helicopter, then a Search and Rescue vehicle was coming into Ride Camp. Gary Pegg, Adam and I talked to the guys and it took us a little time to figure out where the injured rider was because Kristen would tell dispatch one thing and only part would be relayed. For example, she said on the 25 mile loop by lots of yellow caution ribbons and we got on the 25 mile with yellow ribbons. Once we figured out where Beth was, I was on my four wheeler ready to go but the Rescue folks wanted to organize a bit more. I finally told them that I really needed to go and that their four-wheelers should follow. After what seemed like an eternity, but in reality was only a few minutes. In the meantime, Kristen was going crazy trying to get help out there. The Search and Rescue and EMTs were great.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Once we got to Beth, it was immediately apparent that she was in trouble. I took Copper, Melissa’s horse, and went to stand out of the way of the professionals. The helicopter soon landed in a nearby meadow (after first landing at Ride Camp, which was pretty amazing to witness) and the Life Flight nurses were working to get Beth stabilized to get her out of there and to Bend. It was absolutely amazing to watch them work. They immediately recognized Melissa as a real pro and the three of them and two EMTs worked to get her ready for the flight. Because Melissa had been with her since the beginning, she was able to pass on valuable information to the medical team. I know that it quite a while to get the medical help to Beth just because of the confusion regarding where she was and how to find her. The Search and Rescue team had been at Walton Lake (as the crow flies about ½ mile from the accident) so we had a huge group of folks ready to help. It was mostly a matter of getting them to the right place. Also, one of the riders, Tammy Shunk, had a Spot GPS and she activated the SOS and left it with Beth and I understand that the Search and Rescue where able to get close with the helicopter and then Mike’s watch, shining in the sun, brought the helo in. Though it took a while for help with tools, to arrive (Melissa did a great job but didn’t have much to work with). Getting to Beth sooner wouldn’t have changed the outcome but would have eased the hearts and the anxiety of those trying so hard to help. We are already planning on how to avoid this confusion in the future, or as much as we can. Beth was apparently taken off the ventilator today and passed away. What more is there to say? I know she died living her life, doing what she loved. And frankly that doesn’t help my aching heart. Whether or not you knew Beth, her life and death can’t help but make each of us reflect on its fragility. It could have been a person before her or after her or even no one at all. Hug your family and friends and maybe pause before that unkind word next time. And while a helmet did not help Beth Saturday, please remember that most of the time it does help. Minimize the danger that you can and try to live with the danger of life that still exists. The NW riders showed what they are made of this weekend. Everything that could be done, was. It was amazing to see the group able to balance the seriousness of the situation and help in all ways possible and go on and complete their rides, knowing that everything that could be done, was happening. Her horse was ponied in by two different riders and had minimal injuries. She had come with a friend that had more So OR riders to help get her and Beth’s rig home on Sunday. Indeed we are a village, as silly as that may sound. And I’d rather be with my village than anywhere else.
    -Jannelle WildeBandit Springs Ride Manager

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  51. Sorry I had to break the e-mail into 3 parts because of the 4,000 something characters it would allow me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for sharing the details. It makes us all so sad. Our thoughts are with the family, friends, & first responders.

      Delete
  52. My heart and prayers goes out toe everyone who helped and to Beth's family and friends. What a tragic thing to happen :-(

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  53. I read about this on the endurance and CTR lists. What a tragic thing to happen and I am sorry you have lost a friend. What a shock! Thank you for sharing the add'l information. Take care.

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  54. 7-17-2013
    Miles: 6.15
    Total time: 1 hour 58 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus
    Rode Cottonmill with the central PRR group.

    MILES TO DATE: 271.79

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  55. 7-18-2013
    Miles: 6.15 (exact miles I did yesterday... that couldn't happen twice! ha)
    Total time: 1 hour 32 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Elmo, "Pony", & Berry
    Arena work.

    MILES TO DATE: 277.94

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  56. 7-20-2013
    Miles: 10.31
    Total time: 2 hour 33 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus
    Great ride! Perfect weather!

    MILES TO DATE: 288.25

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  57. 7-21-2013
    Miles: 7.46
    Total time: 2 hour 25 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Libby
    Rode Peckerneck Trail with Marlene & Lindsey. Hot! Great trail, but Libby is still out of shape for heat of the day riding add hills, which I don't have at me house, & not going to lie; I got a little concerned. So we took it slow & I kept water on her. But man... still love that mare - so curious & willing!

    MILES TO DATE: 295.71
    - goal, get to 300 by the end of the month - 10 days.... I better be able to do it! :)

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  58. 7-24-2013
    Miles: 2.37
    Total time: 55 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Libby
    Checked out the Minden arena before Karren brings them tomorrow. It's RIGHT by the airport- Libby got to see a few crop duster planes land and hear the constant pop of the Wednesday gun club. She's such a trooper - nothing phases her - accept the empty fairground pig pens... she hates pigs! & the leftover smell even gets her stirred up.

    MILES TO DATE: 298.08


    7-25-2013
    Miles: 3.4
    Total time: 1 hour 40 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus, Berry,& Libby
    Minden arena.

    MILES TO DATE: 301.48
    MADE IT TO 300! & 1 week ahead of my goal, YAY!

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  59. Congrats on getting over 300 miles :-)

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  60. 7-31-2013
    Miles: 5.65
    Total time: 1 hour 42 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus
    Cottonmill with the PRR group, 12 riders

    MILES TO DATE: 307.13

    8-1-2013
    Miles: 3.6
    Total time: 1 hour 37 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus
    Arena work

    MILES TO DATE: 310.73

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  61. 8-7-2013
    Miles: 6.02
    Total time: 1 hour 14 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Libby then Festus
    Quick ride around the section on each pony.

    MILES TO DATE: 316.75

    8-9-2013
    Miles: 3.23
    Total time: 1 hour
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Berry then "Pony"
    Arena work

    MILES TO DATE: 320.2

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  62. 8-11-2013
    Miles: 1.83
    Total time: 38 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus
    Played "show" in the back yard; ahahah. I love Libby, she's such a dynamic sweet ride but there is something magical about Festus' & I's bond, relationship, & understanding... we just mesh. He can be a little stinker sometimes but no matter what it's so easy go, ride, teach... everything with him & I comes so easily and quick. I can ask him something totally new, and because we "get" each other so well, in 10 minutes he has it. It just makes my heart smile. But I guess after 16 years together through bad, good, growing up, winning, losing, learning, going to hundreds of new places together that's what you get.

    MILES TO DATE: 322.03

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  63. 8-14-2013
    Miles: 5.38
    Total time: 1 hour 24 min.
    Average pace:
    Fastest:
    Mount: Festus
    Another great ride on my old man.

    MILES TO DATE: 327.41

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  64. 8-15-2013
    Miles: 7.64
    Total time: 2 hour 11 min.
    Mount: Berry, Pony, & Festus
    Arena riding

    MILES TO DATE: 335.05

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  65. 8-16-2013
    Miles: 2.06
    Total time: 50 min.
    Mount: Berry & Pony
    Arena riding

    MILES TO DATE: 337.11

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  66. 8-17-2013
    Miles: 9.58
    Total time: ALL day aka: 12 hours!
    Mount: 90% Festus, Berry a tid bit
    Buffalo Bells Open Show
    So much Fun, not on are the Buffalo Bells a super nice group of people, the competitors are too - met some really great people today (which doesn't always happen at shows, at least for me - I love to laugh & joke, doesn't always go over well at shows)hahaha!
    My age group was a big class, 21! We placed 3rd in Trail & 5th in Reining. So proud of Mr. Festus! Such a trooper - he was sooo ready to go home. Not only did we do EVERY class, except Showmanship, he did barrels & poles twice, Page rode him in age 8-11, then Me. She placed 5th on him in Poles!

    MILES TO DATE: 346.69

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  67. 8-18-2013
    Miles: 10.59
    Total time: 2 hours 38 min.
    Mount: Libby
    Kept my promise to Libby that Sunday; we ride! Her attitude has been a little sour toward me this past week & half because I've been riding only Festus & not her (they are both so jealous!)getting ready for the show that was yesterday, but today it was her day. Half way through our ride we ran into Marlene & rode with her for about a hour - then parted ways to head home before dark.

    MILES TO DATE: 357.28

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  68. 8-22-2013
    Miles: 6.98
    Total time: 2 hours
    Mount: Festus; Jessica rode Libby
    Little bit of odd situation lead to the meeting of an awesome new riding friend. Meet Jessica through one of the horse facebook groups I am a part of - she came and rode with me tonight. Awesome girl! Hope we get to ride together again soon! It's so hard to find people to ride with, even harder to find somebody my age. Nice new change.


    MILES TO DATE: 364.26

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  69. 8-28-2013
    Miles: 3.26
    Total time: 43 min.
    Mount: Libby
    Quick late ride - muggy & lots of bugs. But got out with the dogs that's all that matters

    MILES TO DATE: 367.52

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  70. 9-1-2013
    Miles: 9.07
    Total time: 2 hours 15 min.
    Mount: Festus
    Finally the heat has broke! Oh did old man feel good about that. He was a go getter today!

    9-1-2013
    Miles: 2.45
    Total time: 38 min.
    Mount: Berry

    MILES TO DATE: 379.04

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  71. 9-2-2013
    Miles: 4.94
    Total time: 1 hour 37 min.
    Mount: Berry, Pony & Bella

    MILES TO DATE: 383.98

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  72. 9-4-2013
    Miles: 6.96
    Total time: 1 hour 33 min.
    Mount: Libby
    Couple bucks tonight... you can always tell when she hasn't been ridden in awhile. She really is an "every day ride" type of horse.

    MILES TO DATE: 390.94

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  73. 9-5-2013
    Miles: 5.42
    Total time: 1 hour 15 min.
    Mount: Festus
    Started out with the pace of moving a barge with a canoe paddle, but in true form; as soon as we turned in the direction of home he wasn't a dead head anymore - such a stinker!

    MILES TO DATE: 396.36

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  74. 9-6-2013
    Miles: 5.16
    Total time: 1 hour 38 min.
    Mount: Festus
    Kim & I went to Ft. Kearney - crossed the big bridge. Good ride, getting ready for tomorrow's trail challenge.

    Miles: 2.89
    Total time: 1 hour 12 min.
    Mount: Berry
    Arena work; getting ready for Sunday's show

    MILES TO DATE: 404.41

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  75. 9-7-13
    Miles: 8.86
    Total time: 3 hour 58 min.
    Mount: Festus
    Trail Challenge

    MILES TO DATE: 413.27

    ReplyDelete
  76. Congrats on getting over 400 miles! Glad you made it to the trail challenge and hope you had fun :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had SO much fun, so did mu friend that rode my mare. I WILL be back next year if I can. God was with us when those clouds came! :)

      Delete
  77. 9-8-13
    Miles: 3.19
    Total time: paused on & off between classes
    Mount: Festus
    St. Paul Open Show. placed 1st in trail! :) Did well in English too. Old Man is such a trooper; long day on Saurday with the hot trail challenge, rode twice on Friday, but still was a good boy for today! Page got 1st on him in Poles too!

    MILES TO DATE: 416.46

    ReplyDelete
  78. 9-13-13
    Miles: 2.67
    Total time: 44 min.
    Mount: Libby. Tom rode Festus
    Short little ride around the property

    MILES TO DATE: 419.13

    9-15-13
    Miles: 6.94
    Total time: 2 hours 16 min.
    Mount: Libby. Danielle rode Festus
    My cousin came up from Lincoln & stayed Saturday night - rode Cottonmill on Sunday. Do I darn say... it was a little chilly?! A few sprinkles & quite breezy, could have used another layer.

    MILES TO DATE: 426.07

    ReplyDelete
  79. 9-18-13
    Miles: 7.11
    Total time: 2 hours 3 min.
    Mount: Libby. Scott rode Festus

    MILES TO DATE: 433.18

    9-19-13
    Miles: 3
    Total time: 45 min.
    Mount: Libby

    MILES TO DATE: 436.18

    ReplyDelete
  80. 9-25-13
    Miles: 5.74
    Total time: 1 hour 12 min.
    Mount: Festus
    oh how I love that old man!!! :)

    MILES TO DATE: 441.92

    ReplyDelete
  81. 9-29-13
    Miles: 9.91
    Total time: 2 hour 39 min.
    Mount: Libby
    Met up with Marlene & had a great ride.

    MILES TO DATE: 451.83

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  82. 10-2-13
    Miles: 4.49
    Total time: 1 hour 16 min.
    Mount: Libby, Tom rode Festus
    - So glad my boyfriend can stay on... Festus gave him a little challenge through a strip of muddy trail & acted like a complete idiot!

    MILES TO DATE: 456.32

    ReplyDelete
  83. 10-12-13
    Miles: 3.57 & 7.31
    Total time: 1 hour 17 min. & 1 hour 53 min.
    Mount: Berry & Pony then Libby
    Rode Karen's horses at the arena, then came home & meet up with Marlene & rode Libby. Top 10 day to ride - it was BEAUTIFUL. The wind finally gave it a rest after 4 days of high winds.

    MILES TO DATE: 466.2

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  84. 10-15-13
    Miles: 4.01
    Total time: 47 min.
    Mount: Festus

    MILES TO DATE: 470.21

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  85. 10-23-13
    Miles: 4.5
    Total time: 45 min.
    Mount: Libby
    Great ride, but cut a little short when we came around the corner by the place with all the thourghbreds - 2 Chihuahuas came out of the proprety - my dogs don't want a fight... Kali followed me; Ameila book it home! All the way home... 1.5 miles dead run home. By the time I turned to see that she wasn't following me she was out of sight! Big dog scared off by two little dogs; priceless :)

    MILES TO DATE: 474.71

    10-27-13
    Miles: 5.91
    Total time: 1 hour 19 min.
    Mount: Festus
    Top 10 riding day! It was BEAUTIFUL!!! Only regret is that I didn't sleep well Saturday night so I slept in Sunday morning & didn't get to ride as much as I wanted. Still a great ride.

    MILES TO DATE: 480.62 - goal; get to 500 by the end of the month (3 days!). WAY behind for what I wanted this year, but never the less... keep riding!

    ReplyDelete
  86. 10-29-13
    Miles: 3.98
    Total time: 1 hour 6 min.
    Mount: Libby
    Misty out but not cold - actually over dressed & got hot.

    MILES TO DATE: 484.6

    10-30-13
    Miles: 5.38
    Total time: 1 hour 16 min.
    Mount: Festus

    MILES TO DATE: 489.98
    Didn't get to my 500 goal... wasn't going to be able to do 10+ miles safely with the amount of light I have after I get home. Hope to get there & past this weekend, weather looks like it's going to be nice.

    ReplyDelete
  87. 11-9-13
    Miles: 10.49
    Total time: 2 hour 30min.
    Mount: Libby
    Good ride on a good horse in good weather.

    MILES TO DATE: 500.47
    Made it!

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  88. 11-16-13
    Miles: 15.02
    Total time: 3 hour 15 min.
    Mount: 7.01 on Festus & 8.01 on Libby
    Festus was as wild as a kite on a windy day (hates gun shots, it was opening riffle deer hunting day... I knew what I was in for). Libby was surprisingly a good girl... probably because she has an hour+ to run around while I was out on Festus. GREAT beautiful day to ride!

    MILES TO DATE: 515.49

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  89. 12-1-13
    Miles: .9
    Total time: 19 min.
    Mount: Festus
    Just a quick bareback round around the alfalfa field.

    MILES TO DATE: 516.39

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  90. 12-14-13
    Miles: 4.8
    Total time: 1 hour
    Mount: Festus
    Old man was REALLY glad to finally get out!

    MILES TO DATE: 521.19

    12-15-13
    Miles: 5.83
    Total time: 1 hour 21 min
    Mount: Libby
    Great weather, great ride, great horse.

    MILES TO DATE: 527.02

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  91. 12-25-13
    Miles: 5.23
    Total time: 1 hour 18 min
    Mount: Libby then Festus
    LOVE when I get to ride on Christmas!!!
    Two short rides on each horse, but I got to ride.

    MILES TO DATE: 532.25

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  92. 12-28-13
    Miles: 10.14
    Total time: 2 hour 35 min
    Mount: Libby
    Rode with Marlene over to my friends to take care of her cat. Beautiful weather for the end of December, good ride

    MILES TO DATE: 542.39

    ReplyDelete
  93. 12-31-13
    Miles: 10.04
    Total time: 3 hour 18 min
    Mount: Festus
    Rode at Cottonmill Park with Christine, some of her students, Diana, Franny, Molly & Mary. What a great day to ride. I was very proud of Festus today - in the past with small groups he has had some issues, but I nipped them in the butt as soon as he started to fuss & he settled right in. I have to remember that his horseality needs tough love sometimes otherwise he walks all over you - after 16 years you think I would know this - but he's my baby & I let it slide sometimes...
    Had a GREAT year. So excited for next year & new adventures!

    MILES TO DATE: 552.43

    ReplyDelete

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