Conference noted::equitation

346.0. "Bridges Can be Murder" by LAUREL::REMILLARD () Thu Jul 30 1987 19:42

    
    	Hi folks...
    
    	I just thought I may mention this - It may save someone from
    	harming themselves or their nag.
    
    	Bridges.... This past Saturday I was out marking trails for
    	a ride that will be held in Hill, New Hampshire.  The trails
    	out there are very remote.  I was with another rider and
    	we were just discussing the trails - I mentioed that someone
    	must use this trail alot - and she said that there was a 
    	stable that used them alot.  Well, we came to another bridge
    	and I just was wondering WHO took care of all these bridges
    	as the bridges all were kinda old - but seemed in good shape.
    	They must be rite? - All those folks and nags going over 'em?
    
    	Well, she went over fine and Cody and I started to go over
    	and (OH, what a feelin'!) Cody and I went THROUGH the bridge!
    	Poor Cody had all 4 legs through and when he went down he
    	kind of fell flat on his face too... that really saved us -
    	He used his face to stand on and got one of his forelegs out
    	of the hole - then he was lucky enough to be able to step
    	on solid bridge.  I had bailed out when we went down - I worried
    	that my extra weight would hold him.
    
    	I really thought that he would have broken legs or guts ripped.
    	(You know what goes through crazed hoss folk's minds!)  He
    	was really ripped up and bleeding - but nothing serious!
    	THANK GOD!
    
    	Well, when I looked at the bridge before I went over I noticed
    	that it had about 3-4 inches of sand on it... beware! That
    	can really rot it out.  I learned MY LESSON... Even if it looks
    	safe and I SEE HOOFPRINTS - if it has LOTS of sand or looks
    	like it is a low point for water - I will try to cross somewhere
    	else - or I will GET OFF and stomp on it to see if it looks
    	safe.
    
    	I know I don't want to risk having that happen again.  I could
    	of been in alot of trouble..... there was no way to get a trailer
    	to me.
    
    	I am very proud of Cody.... he handled this all very calmly
    	and better then I ever thought - but then - I have found out
    	when the chips are down you can really count on yer nag!!!!
    
    	Look out fer those bridges!!
    
    
    		HAPPY TRAILS!
    
    	Susan