That is a question I never imagined I would be able to answer. It was definitely the ride of a life time! One I hope to never experience again.

Endurance day at Radnor started out great. I was in 24th place, only 10 points out of the lead. My horse, Tommy's Pop Gun, ("Tommy") was feeling great. We made the time on Steeplechase and were ready to take on Mike ES's course.

We came out of the start box with tons of energy and had great jumps at #1 and #2. Then, to my dismay, my right stirrup leather broke on the landing side of #3, a down hill vertical log, and I was left with only my left stirrup. My first thought was, "No way! What do I do?" I was rapidly approaching #4, a large ditch and wall. I thought, "OK, I can do this. If I get into trouble, I'll pull up." #4 jumped well, considering. Tommy was full of running and did not seem bothered by this awkward situation. The next 3 jumps were a true test of my ability to continue and steer. #5ab (pictured rt.) & #6, a large "cabin" with a sharp left turn to 2 more cabins, down hill and at an angle. I managed to get the turn, and Tommy took over, sailing over the cabins. On to #7, a large table. No problems there.

The announcer had informed the crowd by the time I jumped #7 that I had lost a stirrup, and was continuing on course. After every jump I took from then on, I received a wonderful cheer from the onlookers. The cheers helped me press on to the next fence! Adrenaline - my new best friend!

The next question was #8, the double brushes. I had to really take the time to slow Tommy. This is very challenging with one stirrup! I had to hold the reins in my right hand, and hold myself back with my left hand on the pommel. I got the correct canter, and made sure to wait with my shoulders. My coach's (Mike Huber) words stuck in my head, "It's better to be a little left behind." This helped me keep my mind on the job at hand. We took the corners with no problem. I think Tommy sensed I was in trouble, and he really showed his heart! All I needed to do was get him on the line, and let him do his job.

Fence #9, the zigzag fence was no problem. My confidence was up and I was settling into my new found position. The next bit of the course was galloping up and down steep hills and road crossings. Up hill was much easier than down. I had to hold myself off the saddle with my left hand going down hill, restricting my steering skills to neck reining. Thank goodness I taught Tommy how to do that! #10, another corner, jumped well. I was able to slow down and take it at show jumping speed. #11ab (pictured) was very difficult. Huge tables set at 90 degrees from each other with 5-6 strides in between. Tommy responded to me well, and we made it in 6.

The trakhaner at #15 and the road crossing at #16ab rode really well. Tommy landed and galloped hard up the hill, where I missed a turn, costing me valuable seconds! Oh well, I had too much to think about to let that get to me. On to the first of two water complexes. The steep downhill to the water required me to plead "whoa!" all the way down the hill. I got to the narrow well, put 4 strides to a large log, dropped into the water, and kept my eyes on the narrow (pictured below) after the bank up. Tommy responded extremely well, and jumped it like I had both stirrups. He knows his job well!

I was beginning to tire. My leg was feeling heavy and my left arm was getting sore. We pressed on, a bit slower now and got through the Palisades, the Flower Boxes, the Oxer at #21 and the second ditch and wall at #22. The last of the water complexes was now in view. I had to really steady Tommy for the vertical in, 3 strides to the large rolltop, drop into the water and a very difficult turn to the left to another log on the top of a small hill. I landed half way up Tommy's neck on the landing side of the roll top into the water. I had to really work hard to get my reins organized, turn, and stay on for the next element. It was far from pretty, but we got it done. Then on to the table at #24, the last fence, and a site for sore legs!

Tommy came off the x-country and recovered really well. I took lots of Aleve and used liniment on my right leg. We both trotted up sound the next day, and completed our second CCI**, my main goal had been reached!

So, what did I learn? I will triple check my equipment in the 10 minute box from now on. I learned that anything can happen at any time. I also learned that my horse really knows his job, and loves it more that I ever imagined (he is still getting treats for that run!). I have a greater appreciation for the need for rider fitness. Luckily, I have been lifting weights, running and riding lots of horses. I learned alot about myself, and my desire to compete well in eventing. And finally, I learned how important it is to have a strong partnership with my horses.

I would especially like to thank my groom, Angela Gryzwinski (pictured right with Megan Larsen helping too). She took incredible care of Tommy. She iced his legs, hot toweled his back several times, feed him countless carrots and was an incredible friend to me.

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