81=1000

the trail
photo credit: K. Stelfox

OCTRA Spring Ride was glorious.

We entered everything and completed everything.

The gods were smiling on us.  

The universe was conspiring to shower blessings on us.

Grateful for many things along the way. At the risk of missing someone, here are some highlights:


Of course, Sonja and Horses of the Sun for our great April training camp.

Yves, the guy from Fix Auto Nepean who managed to put the broken driver side mirror back on my truck with duct tape after an unfortunate accident while it was parked on our street. And the honest person who left a note on the windshield with a correct name and phone number so insurance took care of everything.

Lloyd, who arranged to have my trailer safetied the week before we left.

The trailer
photo credit: K. Stelfox

Mike, who trimmed and glued boots on Luba in record time on an evening when I had to leave early to teach yoga in Winchester.

Ready to Run and Ride N Tie
photo credit: P. Pecile

Kara, for turning out to be a kindred spirit, a great travelling companion for me and Charlotte and a huge extra pair of hands with Luba at the ride, not to mention a terrific photographer!

Dr. Cam, for the great pre-ride chiropractic tune-up so Luba could be at her best.

photo credit: K. Stelfox

Charlotte who was the best crew, waking up early every morning to do her "chores".

Up early

photo credit: K. Stelfox

Crew, horse and rider heading down to vet in for CTR
photo credit: K. Stelfox

The Wright Family, Rob, Chrystal, Emily and especially Olivia, who took great care of Charlotte, was her pit crewing mentor and who took super care of me and Luba both days. Best line of the weekend: "Just ask if you want something done". I am not used to having crew but with crew like Olivia, Charlotte and the other kids, I could get used to it. Luba also enjoyed being fawned over, hand fed and continually sponged on a hot day.

Chrystal and Emily for being slow enough for me to ride part of the last loop of the 50 with them.

High maintenance mare
Photo credit: K. Stelfox

high maintenance mare
photo credit: K. Stelfox

Rob, Chrystal and Angie for letting me use their vehicles to get gear to and from the crew spot.

Lysane and Mae for their enduring trail companionship. Just follow the woodpecker white marking on Mae's behind. Right up there with the "Follow the white rabbit" line from The Matrix.

follow the white woodpecker
photo credit: K. Stelfox

Stephanie, who helped crew Luba at the end of the 50. "I'm yours until Lysane arrives".

Nancy B,  surprised to see us so soon at the finish line, saying "You must have passed a lot of people. That's great fun, isn't it?"

Maurice, who held Luba while I went to the loo and refueled and most of all for encouraging us to ride again on Sunday when we were having a "tired" moment on Saturday at supper time.

Denise, for checking Luba after the 50 and pronouncing her muscles not too tight.

Mike and Joe for keeping us company on the CTR.

super crew
photo credit: K. Stelfox

Fred, who made Charlotte feel very independent when she vetted Luba at the beginning and the end of the Ride N Tie.

The finish 6 mile Ride N Tie.
photo credit: K. Stelfox

Marg, for the popsicles for dessert after 81 miles.

Luba dragging me around on Monday morning, after covering 81 miles in 2 days :)
Photo credit: K. Stelfox

What a weekend!
Photo credit: C. Tremblay

And 81 miles = 1000 miles for me! :)

OCTRA Rider History
Nancy Zukewich

OCTRA ID: 125
AERC ID: M39187
AHA ID: 643963
Endurance Canada ID: 30
Equine Canada Sport Licence: 4078431
FEI Rider ID:
Home Town:
Lifetime Mileage: 1000
Lifetime Worker Credits: 375