I have a bunch of other posts in the wings, we’ve had a fairly busy October! This is one I felt was important to get out now, as I’m filling out the form to nominate my Ride Manager of the Year for PNER (Pacific Northwest Endurance Riders). An endurance season isn’t a solo endeavor, and we had so much encouragement and help and advice from so many folks this year.

First off and with all my love is my husband. He’s never made it to a ride (and probably won’t, not into camping at all!) but getting to ride camp wouldn’t have been possible without all his fussing over the truck and trailer. He’s changed the truck’s oil, helped me pack the trailer’s bearings, designed and 3D printed various solutions for horsey things, and even waxed the trailer! The whole dang thing! Well, he made me do one small side at least. He also holds down the fort and wrangles the kid while I’m out of cell phone range. He listens patiently when I return home super late on a Sunday night, exhausted and smelling like horse and sweat and sunscreen, then tells me what he fixed or built for the house while I was gone. He’s the horse husband that rarely touches the horse!

Next up are my two non-endurance ride or dies, A & S. Tarma and I wouldn’t be the team we are without all your “you’ll get through this with your tough mare” pep talks, manners instilling rides, pool noodle battles and crewing for me even when I become monosyllabic and stuck in tunnel vision. The endurance bug hasn’t bitten either one of you, but ya’ll are the best cheerleading squad a lady could wish for! Special thanks to R, who does ride endurance (though her gelding has made it clear he’d rather do 25s and leave time for eating!) for company on all the conditioning rides, tips and tricks and joy through a tough personal year.

A huge shout out to my PNER team captain Terri P. She gave us some critical advice at the beginning of the season, told me it was “perfectly normal” to throw up after my first 50 completion, and spoke well of me to the vets at a ride when it mattered. I never see Terri without a smile or hearing encouragement and enthusiasm for whoever is around, and there’s few so supportive of the sport. A smaller but no less appreciative thanks due to Kristen G., who used the perfect combination of encouragement, cheering, and nagging to get me through to the finish of our first 50.

Helping me keep Tarma upright and thriving all season long is an incredible team of smart, dedicated professionals (who all happen to adore Tarma!) My lovely barn owner N. provides the best dang property and top notch care every day, which is where it all starts. Our farrier Jerry H. has helped whip Tarma’s feet into shape and wrangled the EasyCare Versa Octos (which sadly didn’t always work for us, but not for lack of trying!) The amazing Dr. Sammons of Lavender Equine kept Tarma straight and feeling good all season, especially after her dust up with the Hi-Tie. Our dressage trainer Sarah Orloff has brought us such a long way, our messy arena training helping build a stronger Tarma for the years to come.

A broader shout out to all the ride managers, ride vets, volunteers, friends, other riders and ride photographers who make rides happen, keep them moving smoothly, and take epic photos to remember them by! Our region is spoiled for choice of beautiful, exciting, well run rides, and I’m just sorry I couldn’t get to more. I’m happy I got the chance to both ride and volunteer this year, and can’t wait for next season!

This post wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the one who will never read this: Tarma herself! I wouldn’t have gotten back into this sport, or enjoyed 99% of the miles and sweat and tears if it wasn’t for my spicy chocolate lady. Charging down a trail just to see where it goes is where we both click and flow together, miles flying under her hooves. We may disagree occasionally on directions and eating appropriately and pacing, but I don’t doubt Tarma loves this sport as much as a horse is able.