Tevis was powerful this year. I was carrying my dad's ashes & for the first
time riding Tevis without him leading my crew. I went into it not knowing if
Raven was up to his previous ability. Two years ago he ran in the top ten all
day before he was pulled at Quarry with a thorn in his knee. He was two years
older now & had lost his competitive edge.
He started out strong from
Pen One & we flew into Squaw Valley & up to Granite Chief. He was going
well, but without his usual fire. We tackled Cougar Rock & he took it well!
I was pleased to see how the EasyCare Glue On's gripped the rock! Definitely my
Tevis hoof wear of choice from here on! Going into the canyons Raven was slower.
After passing the dead horse I was much more cautious. What an awful accident
& terrible for the rider! I had Raven walk most of the rest of the canyon
trail. That put us behind in time. When we got to Chicken Hawk he just wasn't
pulsing down well. I had already planned to rider option at Foresthill if we
got there. So the pull came 4 miles earlier. I had a great crew! Kara & her
mother, Pam. Sharlene & her family, I had met her at the Ed Ride. Also my
friend Jeff came up last minute & helped! Steve jumped in when needed, too.
Thanks to all!
I was satisfied with how the ride went. I'm retiring Raven
to 50's & will concentrate on conditioning the mustang. Raven has been an
incredible 100 mile horse. It hurts to see that end.
Sue Walz
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