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2008 Ft. Valley Ride - 30 miles (by Brian Coss)
Last page update: 04/11/2009

I can say is it was a lot lot harder then the Genesse ride as far a steepness and footing. Both races were in moist ground that is softer in many places. Stetson does know how to dance though. And I try to give him a verbal warning to wake up when I see bad footing ahead and I think he hears me. I do remember the waterfall area on the second loop. There was no established trail - just plastic ribbons on a tree every 30 yards or so. That was so tuff I had to dismount and walk him up, we even had to backtrack 20 steps once or twice because a route was blocked. There was just no where to go.

I don't think Stetson was anywhere near as good a shape during the Genesee ride. I recall he was blowing after a hard canter to keep up with Gobi near the end of the Genesee ride. On this recent ride he did not do that once. In fact, at the risk of seeming egotistical, I suspect the competition at the Fort Valley ride was weak. Stetson could have done even better with faster horses to race with. I have not yet figured out how to make him go strong on his own. The last climb before the end of the first loop seemed like nothing to Stetson and the other 3 horses around Stetson seemed pretty tired. Stetson will be going back for more swim camp in the future.

Brian