| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| MaryLD |
Posted - Feb 13 2012 : 06:12:40 AM
Last Sunday, I met friends for a Trail Ride here in Texas, that was on its way to the San Antonio Rodeo. Horses, riders, and wagons- I was only able to go for one day. Weather predictions had been for cold and rain, so I dressed the part and showed up on time, only to be ribbed endlessly for my Nanook of the North attire.
Waiting to start the 17 mile ride, one of the riders came off his horse. I did not see how it got started, but I did look up in time to see the man landing on his back what looked like the horse stepping over/ on top of the rider. Off I went, the first medical person on the scene. The man was alert, oriented, and able to move all extemilites, with no obvious signs of internal bleeding. Later arriving folks asked about my medical title, and I said "midwife!" They laughed and the fallen man asked if he could hold my hand- which he did! The ride was about to leave, and I was going to have to stay until EMS arrived, but luckily, an RN was willing to stay, and she took over the watch. The ride left promptly, and the horses handled the then- arriving EMS sirens very well as we went out onto a short stretch of highway before hitting the backroads.
Long story short, the weather grew colder and more wet. Let's just say, the ride went on in 40 degree rain. After about one hour, riders began tying their horses to the wagons, and climbing aboard to sit under cover. At the lunch stop, about 3 1/2 hours into the ride, many had called for their horse trailers, and went back to camp - but only after partaking of the homemade chili and homemade tamales provided at lunch.
In my group of seven, 2 of us finished the ride. Here's my secret- New England childhood. If you can still walk easily, you are underdressed in cold weather. Silk wool long johns ( with some holes), long tank top,shirt, hooded med wt. sweatshirt, socks, wool socks, heavy cotton breeches ( from horse rescue benefit yard sale), full chaps (given to me by a friend), thrift store down jacket, handknit by me silk wool bandana, wool unbder- helmet balaclava, riding helmet, golves. Whew!
We rode about 1 1/2 hours after lunch. Back in camp, it was soon time for dinner- bbq smoked beef, bbq smoked WILD HOG- unbelievably good- amazing campfire scalloped potatoes, and, of course, beans. ( Bring your own veggies on these rides, lol) Dessert was Dutch Oven peach cobbler, yummy!! AMAZING! Soooooo much fun!
The Pats lost the Superbowl, but this New England girl knew how to dress for the ride. I can't wait for the next one. For lighter bad weather, I just made a pair of rainpants and a pair of riding sweatpants with knee patches- all with accumulated vintage fabric and with the ultrasuede I've chipped away at for 17 yrs since it was given to me. The day ride was $15 with food, and I could have camped if life had allowed. It's easy to stay warm and have fun, Farmgirl style!
Mary LD |
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