Luba's Excellent Adventure in Florida

It snowed yesterday.

I schooled Luba in the sand ring on Saturday and then drove home in a white-out on the icy Highway 417 with a lame wiper on the driver's side.

Ottawa: Low of -17 C tonight. Feels like -23 C with the wind chill.
Bronson, Florida: 8 C tonight, with a high of 21 C tomorrow.

The North American Endurance Team Challenge in Florida can't arrive soon enough!

I invite you to join Luba's Excellent Adventure in Florida as a sponsor.

Every donation of $50 or more will receive a pair of hand-knit socks or a toque!
 Luba's Excellent Adventure in Florida!

Thanks to our sponsors!

My parents

T minus 15 - Getting the ducks lined up

Wet and rainy today. Good weather for a duck! Wish I had put a tarp over the top of the camper while it was still dry yesterday. Looks like it will be below zero now until we leave for Florida on December 7. Thankfully, the forecast calls for a bit of snow, but no freezing rain.

Luba and I are staying as active as the weather and footing allow. Focusing on body work, staying limber and a bit of speed work when we can. Using the sand ring as much as possible. Had a great canter ride with Kim and Ziggy/Shaka Khan last weekend on a balmy sunny Saturday.

We have been cross training as well - mounted archery! Finally put all the pieces together last Sunday.  What fun! Can't wait for skijoring! Charlotte good some great photos and a video.

Uwe and Samba photo: C. Tremblay

Agnus the arrow retriever photo: C. Tremblay

photo: C. Tremblay

photo: C. Tremblay

Uwe and I go to get hay for the trip on Saturday and Dr. Jenn from Navan Veterinary Services is coming to do the export papers for the trip.  I am grateful for her advice on keeping Luba in good health and making sure we have all the paperwork for the big trip! She is a rider herself, so I feel like she shares the excitement! Ducks of a feather flock together! Thanks, Dr. Jenn!

Dr. Jenn Hubbard, Navan Veterinary Services

The countdown...

“I set my goals, allow the power of the Living Universe to take over, and I enjoy the ride.”

The 100 mile North American Endurance Team Challenge is just a month away.  The gods willing, Luba and I will set out to ride 100 miles in a single day in the Goethe Forest in Florida on Friday, December 13, 2013 as part of one of  Canada's zone teams.

Supportive spouse and daughter bless Mom's adventure.
Deanna and Kara have agreed to crew for us :)
Travel plans are firming up - big girl pants pulled all the way up. Luba, rider and crew heading down in our own rig. Trailer clean and safetied. 
Annual leave approved.
Cabin and paddock booked at Black Prong Equestrian Centre.
Kind Mary has offered her guest paddock and guest bedrooms for a layover in Virginia :)
Paperwork and entry fee payment submitted to Equine Canada.
Flu booster done. 
Coggins done. 
FEC zero. 
Export papers in the works.
Square bales ordered.
Team uniforms ordered.
Bio and pictures submitted.
Luba blanketed with new insulated rain sheet and started on Biotic 8 and Ulcer Therapy Mix for a happy gut for the trip.

And we have even had time to take some group lessons with Sonja at Horses of the Sun and have some great group canters with Captain Wendy on  Club Équestre les Forestiers riding trails in St. Lazare. 

Just ride!

photo: K. Woolley

AND THANKS TO RENEGADE HOOF BOOTS FOR SPONSORING US! 

photo: wendywebbphotography.com