|
|
|
|
|
To reply to any of the messages below, please visit
Potato's Blog |
| 26 Jan 2008 -
Introduction
- Hello Tevis Post viewers; This is a
discussion website (or blog?) dedicated to those interested in the
Tevis Ride. Our goal is to help everyone who supports the ride and or
riders to achieve their goal! It would be a great pleasure to see
everybody that challenges the course to take home a buckle or another
certificate as the case may be, after all it only takes one buckle to
hold up your pants. If we all share our experiences, problems, and
pleasures, we should all profit. Please help make this website a focal
point for Tevis Cup enthusiasts. |
| |
|
26 Jan 2008 - Cougar
Rock - 175 Days till Tevis 2008. A good day to
ride, nice and sunny. If you watch the video collection on this web
site you will see riders attempting Cougar Rock in 2007. I say
attempting Cougar Rock because some didn't make it up. Some went
around to the right after a few attempts since there is a trail to the
right just before the rock that allows those who have difficulties or
are just not wanting to try. There is even one rider who got to the
top in a way I have never seen before. She went around to the left of
the rock. Next time I am up there I plan to examine it close to see
how she did that. I didn't even know it was possible and I have been
climbing that thing for over 30 years. Anyway if you examine the
riders closely you will observe that the ones who have the most
difficulties are also the same riders who have several obvious
handicaps in my opinion. First handicap is they are too far back in
the saddle. If you review my short video where I give a demonstration
with the wheelbarrow in the video collection link, you will see why
this kind of position is so bad. Another thing I see a lot of in this
Cougar Rock video is riders with a lot of excess baggage on their
saddles. I recommend you give that baggage to your crews and have them
bring it to the vet stops where you would more then likely need it if
at all. One more observation I have about this experience is that when
your horse has the horse in front of it still in its sight it is more
likely going to follow it. Hopefully the rider in front of you goes
the correct way. There was a sergeant at arms telling everybody to go
one at a time and the consequences of that was your horse would lose
sight of the rider in front and not be able to follow. I understand
that this year that problem will not exist thank goodness. I can say
without exception I have been up or down Cougar Rock literally more
then a hundred times, mostly up and I have never had a problem. Most
of the problem starts in your mind and the horse picks up on that, add
the other situations mentioned above and you will most certainly
encounter a problem. I look forward to your perspective on this
subject. Potato |
|
|
|
20 Feb 2008 - "My mentor" - Potato and his horse Fifi d'or were an new open door on the equestrian
world and to myself. Potato is my mentor in endurance and as a
European trainer, I more than appreciate his qualities technique on
the sport, pschycologique for the rider and his knowledge on the
horses care. He and his horses gave me a lot more respect for the
Arabian breed. AMAZING! - Nathalie |
|
|
|
05 Mar 2008 Hi
- Was wondering how your endurance competitions compare to on the
continent. I ride in Norway and our national rules are basically the
same as FEI rules. I would like to ride in the States one day, on a
borrowed horse, but I have not ridden more than 128km so far. Hoped to
perhaps do my first 160km (100 mile) in Norway this year. What is an
average speed for the Travis ride? Otherwise...nice site Potato.
Clare |
|
|
|
Clare, good luck with your future rides. You can
review nearly every statistic you can imagine on the Tevis web site
www.teviscup.org just explore the site and you will find very
good detail. With the exception that it has not been updated for
nearly a year, it has a great history of the various riding speed to
win or just finish. However you must remember that the Tevis trail is
unique and every ride will have it's own characteristics to consider.
When you decide to ride here in US it is easy to find other riders
that will share a exchange with you so they can ride in your country.
All you need to do is contact a venue such as this blog and also
consider contacting AERC at their web site
www.aerc.org. Come visit
and watch the Tevis sometime, perhaps you can even join my support
crew at Tevis. Potato |
|
|
08
Mar 2008 As I look forward to possibility of a 2008 ride,
I have been reflecting on 2007’s. I owe a wonderful first and the
amazing experience of Tevis to Potato and his wealth of experience
and fun loving disposition. He shared his insights openly, kept the
riding fun as it should be and the stress low. With Potato’s input,
my French trainer, Nathalie Guion, arrived at a world class
conditioning strategy based upon cross training that worked
extraordinarily well for Tevis training. The result of this amazing
team of coaching, a 41st finish for my Morgan Stallion’s
first 100, what ends up being a historic accomplishment for the
Morgan breed. Thanks Potato and I look forward to more fun on the
trail. Drew
|
|
|
|
15
Mar 2008
Well - I'd sure like some advice on how to get my
horse from the east coast to the west coast without stressing her,
keep her conditioned to compete, and get through the Tevis without
having a nervous breakdown.
My biggest
concern is the cross country trip for my horse. Any and all
insights will be greatly appreciated. If all goes well this year, I
believe we can do it in 2010. Dodie |
|
|
|
21
Mar 2008 Well I've had good luck with Equine Express out
of Aubrey TX. They make weekly trips coast to coast with layover apx
half-way there north of Dallas. I don't know about prep for the
competition, I had one friend who placed 14th her first Tevis who
transported from TX just a few days before. She said it was better to
either get them out and go, or you need to give them 2 weeks to
acclimate. Just random thoughts...Potato |
|
|
|
April 02, 2008
I’m so glad I
won the chance to have a “Tevis Trail Ride with Potato Richardson” at
the Endurance Capital of the World Expo at
Auburn, CA. |
|
|
|
Dear Potato, Thanks again for the wonderful ride
on the Tevis Trail. I was really looking forward to it along with the
opportunity to visit the Sliger Mine Ranch. You have a lot of beautiful
Arabians. I loved the beautiful setting of your ranch and the
spectacular views. The Tevis and surrounding trail trails are truly
amazing. I can’t believe that I got to ride your famous “Fifi
d’Or!” An actual Tevis Horse Winner!!! In fact, I was there when she won
the Tevis in 2005? I was stationed at the Placer County Fair Grounds
finish line (as a volunteer.) I vividly remember seeing her come
across the finish line. Fifi looked gorgeous and everyone was
admiring her beauty and athleticism. That is why it was so exciting for
me to ride Fifi! I was secretly hoping that I could ride, but I
would’ve been happy with any of your fine horses. I was impressed with your stallion
“Garcon” too. I was thankful and glad to see he was well behaved too! As far as the ride goes, I have to
admit that I couldn’t believe how fast your horses moved out. I ride
with quite a few endurance friends with horses, but they never go
quite that fast. Yes, it was a little scary at first, but I
appreciate how you slowed down to a pace where I felt comfortable. I
felt safe and secure. I sensed that Fifi was a very confident horse. I
appreciate the fact that she took excellent care of me too! She moves
so graceful and swift, it’s like she just glides down the trail. I can
see how see won the Tevis, because she just flies! I enjoyed our conversation and
appreciated how you took the time to give me helpful hints and
pointers. Since my goal is to someday
compete The Tevis 100 Mile Ride, this was a perfect ride for me!
Thanks for making it a “training” ride. I know you have been an
inspiration to a lot of people (and me included.) I adopted a young mustang from the
BLM; his name is Sunny. He is a 6-year-old palomino mustang. I had to
gentle him first (which took two years), and then train him to be
ridden. I have continued his formal training through Sierra College
Colt Training classes. I’ve been trail riding him for a few years now. My next goal is to do some limited
distance Endurance rides. Sunny is coming along, but it has been a
very slow process. Like you said, if I can just consistently keep
going down that trail, then maybe someday we can do the Tevis too?! I
realize it’s a lot of hard work, but if it’s what you love to do, then
it should be “a labor of love.”
P.S. Your Arabian babies are
darling. I’m glad to see you are raising future Endurance horses out
of your stock. Thanks for moving me a several steps closer to my
dream! I thoroughly enjoyed riding Fifi, talking with you and visiting
your ranch. Thanks again for taking me on this unforgettable ride. It
was a beautiful day. I was surprised at how many beautiful Arabian
horses you had on your ranch. The babies were darling. I’m glad to see
you are raising our future endurance horses out of your stock
Marcy
|
|
April 10, 2008
Wow!
I did it...and if I can do it anyone can....Let me reiterate what I
stated in a previous note..I am EXTREMELY new to the sport of
endurance riding. In fact up until the 5th of April I had never
even completed a limited distance ride but boy was it fun.
Potato and I
headed up to Palomino Valley Friday afternoon, got the horses vetted
in and settled for the night and I anxiously awaited the next days
events. I had no idea what to expect at the start of an endurance
ride and was a little nervous but as soon as I got up on Fifi I knew
I was in good hands. The race manager said "go", and off we went.
It was a gorgeous, sunny day and I was excited to be doing my first
ride. After riding for 5hours and 33minutes (along with a one hour
hold and a 15 minute hold) I had completed the ride and was smiling
from ear to ear. Potato is a great mentor and his horses are all
incredible athletes. My muscles aren't sore anymore and I am looking
forward to riding again at Buck Meadows on April 19th. Thank you
Potato for believing in me and pushing me when I thought I was
done!! Ride on!! Heather
|
|
April 23, 2008
Dear Potato, Thank you so much for
taking me to the Buck Meadows Boogie ride and allowing me to ride
Zoltaan with you and Heather. It was my first multi-day ride and my
first top 10 completions. WOW! What a thrill to come in top 10 back to
back on a multi-day ride! What incredible horses you have! Zoltaan
felt so strong the whole time. He moved ahead eagerly with his ears
pricked forward. It was fantastic to move with the balanced cadence of
that horse through the incredible mountain scenery. Zoltaan felt
invincible, moving with steady consistency up the long hard hills and
back down them again without any signs of fatigue. What an experience
to ride a horse like that! Garcon is awesome, the way he floats above
the ground. And Fifi! What a competitive mare! She really flies down
the trail. Her pulse recoveries were absolutely incredible. I have
learned some important things from you, Potato. Thank you for sharing
your knowledge gained from long experience. I have seen it work! I was
not sure my body would make it through two back to back 50 mile rides,
but amazingly enough it did! I hardly have any soreness today at all.
What I do have are great memories. What fun! What a thrill! Thanks
again Potato, Heather, Zoltaan, Fifi, and Garcon!
Sharon |
|
|
April 29, 2008
So, you may have been wondering, like I was, if my
top 10 finish on April 5th was a fluke. After all who am I? A person
who has only been riding horses for about 4 years and trail riding at
that. You know the type of riding I speak of; slow and leisurely,
only covering a few miles and often stopping to picnic and "rest".
Well I'm writing to tell you that it was not a fluke.
Potato, Sharon and I left for the Buck Meadows Boogie I and II rides
on April 18th. This was very exciting as this was my first multi-day
ride and a test to see if I could really do it again. The ride
Saturday was beautiful. in every way; the weather, the scenery, the
horses, etc.. Once we placed our three horses in an order that was
conducive to all (FiFi was in Heat and Garcon is a Stallion...I'll
leave the rest to your imagination) we were floating down the trail
and having an incredible ride. Potato always says, "just ride your
ride and enjoy the day". That is exactly what we did and we had a
great time. Finishing 7th, 8th and 9th. Wow!
When I awoke at 5:30am Sunday morning with ice on the inside of my
tent I was questioning why this was so enjoyable and having a hard
time remember how great Saturday was. Not wanting to be quitters,
Sharon and I mounted up and headed out for the first loop of three
(Potato stayed behind with his friend
Wojtek to crew for us -which
made our day so much nicer) and as we headed down the trail, I "got
it". There we were, out on the trail on two incredible horses
enjoying Gods country without a care in the world. The sun came out,
it warmed up and both horses moved effortlessly keeping a steady pace
and allowing us to actually look around and enjoy the scenery. One
loop, then two and finally the last 22 and 1/2 mile loop came and went
and we had done it again. We finished in 4th and 5ht place, the
horses sailed through the vet check with no problems and we were
smiling ear to ear. I am now 1/2 way to achieving the 300 miles I
need to be able to ride Tevis and I am so excited. I can actually
visualize myself completing the Tevis ride where before it was just an
idea. I am so thankful to Potato for giving me an opportunity I
wouldn't otherwise have had. Thanks Potato and FiFi.
Heather |
|
|
|
April 30, 2008 Yes Heather it was
a great week-end. The fact that Wojtek showed up at the last minute
to crew for us was certainly a big plus! My giggles when I read
your message was because I was wondering if the reason Wojtek and I
staying behind to crew for you was the what made you say "which made
our day so much nicer" or was it because you were riding without me
and SMR Garcon. Wojtek has crewed for me several times on Tevis and
he is a very attentive guy. I agree his company was super. I hope
to keep him around till at least Tevis. He is getting hooked on
riding a lot. In closing let me say that it was great that you and
Sharon rode out together and your experience of riding this last few
months have made you a great rider too. Now you have the confidence
to do Tevis without a doubt. I hope you let me ride with you!
Potato
|
|
|
|
May 04, 2008 Hi Group, This
is my first Tevis. I live in the Middle East & have done most of my
Endurance riding in the UAE. In the UAE the riders travel light with
any water or other provisions the rider may need supplied to them by
the crew vehichle which follows. I understand that there are areas at
the Tevis that are not accesible by crew. What sort of provisions &
water should a rider take with them. What are the best ways to take
water & provisions along with you that would be the lest interfering
with horse & rider? Bonnie |
|
|
|
May 08, 2008 Bonnie, There
are many sections of the trail where there is absolutely no access.
Many riders carry water bottles and even backpacks with a constant
supply of water fed via a tube that attaches to the vest of the rider.
Personally I think it is not really a problem to ride a few hours
without water. Fact is there are 9 stops along the way where a rider
can get a drink. The longest section is from Foresthill to Francisco's
and that is always later in the day and it is cooler so the need for
water is not critical. If a rider is in good health and fit then at
the most in my opinion a water bottle attached to your waist is great.
Most riders carry way too much stuff on their saddle and it just
becomes a burden to the horse. Absolutely the worst thing I see quite
often is a plastic gallon jug cut into the shape of a scoop. Sometimes
a rider will even have two of them tied to their saddle. They flop
around and made a terrible noise and there really is very little need
to even use them. Download and watch my tips video and you will see
some good advice. I look forward to your feedback.
Potato |
|
|
|
May 08, 2009 Well Heck, I'll
jump in here with some thoughts. :-) I'm one of those riders that MUST
carry water with me on every ride, even training rides. If I do not
drink at least one bottle of water (16 ounces) every hour, I get
dehydrated, and can get myself sick. And we know that a sick rider, is
not going to be able to help their horse. Potato has an advantage to
many of us, that he can train at altitude. Altitude / elevation more
than what ones body is used to, can cause degrees of altitude
sickness. It is even MORE important for those of us who train in the
flatter areas (my case, Texas, where we are at about 800' elevation)
to keep hydrated at a ride like Tevis. For many, the heat is different
than where they train also. First time riders get so excited about
being AT the ride, they forget to take care of themselves. Also, most
of us ride at a slower pace than Potato is able to do, so we are on
the trail longer between those check points. I hate saddle packs that
flop and bounce. I like the Stowaway packs from Easycare, and make
sure they are attached very well. They hold 2 water bottles, and packs
for you to carry anything else YOU feel you might need. What I might
feel I need, most likely will be different from Potato and other
riders. And do NOT try something new at the ride! Practice with any
packs, or camelbak water packs that some riders wear well ahead of the
ride. www.camelbak.com/ I have never used one of their packs, but many
riders do.
http://www.easycareinc.com/Other_Products/Stowaway_Packs.aspx I
have these. You can get them for the pommel, or cantle. Anyway, just
some point of view from a very slow rider, who will never be as fast,
or as fit as Potato and his horses, so I might view things different.
:-) Jonni |
|
|
|
May 13, 2009 Jonni, You have
brought up a very important point. Rider fatigue is a very important
aspect of endurance. Participants in all disciplines must have the
stamina and strength to carry on by the very definition of endurance.
In my video I recall mentioning that Bobby Fisher worked out 4 hours a
day in a gym while he was challenging the Russian champion for the
World Championship in Chess. In 1982 when I ran the WS 100 mile run if
it had not been for the water I was drinking I would have never
finished the event. Little did I know that experience would take me on
a path of study about water that has never ceased to amaze me. Rather
then repeat everything here I suggest you go to
www.CoolWaterCo.com and read the first page. This information
continues to amaze me even this very week I had great feed-back on the
Revitalized Water. This could very well change your whole outlook as
well as your water consumption habits.
Potato |
|
|
|
May 14, 2009 I have only
completed three endurance rides so far so I am no way an expert on any
of this but I do agree that you should not try anything new just
before a ride. I have been training with Potato since about March and
have learned an enormous amount in this short time. The most important
thing I have learned and implemented on the Buck Meadows Boogie Ride
(especially in Potato's absence on Sunday when Sharon and I were left
to our own abilities) is to be consistent. Ride at a steady pace that
is comfortable for you and your horse and you both will be better off
because of it. If you take off fast then slow down when you or your
horse are fatigued it is harder on the body (equine or human). A lot
of people told me that Potato rides really fast and it would be hard
for me to keep that pace. I was a little worried but quickly put at
ease after my first few rides. He keeps a steady consistent pace and
it seems to be a system that works and has worked for him for many
years. Ride on!! Heather |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
