whatever the ride times and mph, still great accomplishment.I had a chance this weekend to try the "don't dally" and keep going attitude on the second loop of our 25 mile LD. I chose the 25 because there is alot of sand at Road Warrier in Athens, TX and my horse isn't ready for a sandy 50. The first loop we started out 15 minutes behind everyone, walked for 5 minutes or so. then slow trot. one person passed us and put him into his "race brain" so i wouldn't let him go very fast as he was too nervous, pulling. 

 

Finally after 5 miles, much better, but pretty technical trail and lots of sand. I think it took us about 1 1/2 hr or 5 to 5.5 mph pace for that first 15 miles. I was being conservative. Horse wasn't drinking or eating well, either, so another reason not to push.

 

then the second loop was a blast. had the horse w/ mind and body. Left camp at a canter and hardly ever slowed down. he ate and drank. did that 10 miles in just over an hour! woo hoo. I had fun passing people, one after the other. that's what I like about negative splits. horse came win all As except for gut sounds. probably because he was too nervous that first loop to eat real well.

 

next up a  50 at thanksgiving.

see ya'll

Donna