I am leaving in the morning for the fifth ride in as many weeks and . . . I haven't gotten to ride in any of them.

My faithful mount stepped off the side of the ramp on the horse trailer in April and scraped his leg. I thought that was all there was to it, but after getting pulled in the next three rides and giving him two months off, he was still not completely sound. It looked like he may have strained some muscles in his upper back and I wouldn't be competing him any time soon.

I had a wonderful schedule lined up so decided to just go to the rides anyway, helping out where needed and just having a good time.

First was the Leatherwood ride in the mountains of North Carolina. This one has been around a while but this was the first time in the fall. A tough ride but quite a popular one with all the amenities. The vets were thoroughly spoiled with a cabin complete with hot tub. Continued my education with timer deluxe Nancy Gooch. She makes life wonderful for the Southeast ride managers by keeping up with all the horses and riders and paperwork.

The next week was the ride closest to where I live--the Big South Fork. This is also an old established ride but had a brand-new ride manager who also happened to be my neighbor. That meant I was needed for all kinds of duties, including trail marking before and then PR work during the two-day event. I have to say the food for the help was the best ever.

Next it was off to Wisconsin where I was to be an FEI official at the Colorama ride. I had never been up there, but had heard of the Kettle Moraine rides for many years. Another excellent ride and absolutely the greatest group of volunteers I have ever seen at a ride. Hopefully all riders liked the experience of an FEI ride and there will be more in that area.

I had planned to go to the Kentucky Stampede ride the next week but decided maybe we should stay at home. Then I thought we might as well go on up as Nancy probably needed some help and I would see some riders there that were not at the other rides. Another old ride that is always well run.

As I write this column, this week is the Yellowhammer ride on the Alabama-Georgia line. A ride has taken place here on and off for 20 years or more but this is to be the first three-day pioneer ride. So of course I figured they could use some help. I worked this ride last year and had hoped to get to ride this time but as with many of my plans, it didn't happen. This location is where the Southeastern Endurance Riders Association (SERA) has a wonderful relationship with the Forest Service and has built bridges and helped build new trails. The camp is very tight with trees everywhere and my trailer is long so I need to get there early to be able to park.

I have been thinking that since I don't know how to stay home anymore, I might take off to Maryland the following week to check out the ride site for the North American Championships next year. Ain't retirement wonderful?