We finally got a beautiful weekend (yes both days) in Illinois.  We decided to take the new (to us) LQ trailer on it's maiden voyage.  After working extensively over several days with Ed my hard to load QH, he hopped in the trailer without missing a beat, I threw in Daisy the belgalinger and away we went.   Of course, we parked in campsite number thirteen, and it cost thirteen dollars to camp for the night. I shoulda known better.  While we were struggling to level and set up camp, Ed broke his halter and took off across camp.  Luckily I packed an extra.   Then when I went to plug my brand new extension cord into the electrical box, I realized that the box was about 6 inches too far away.   We had to hook the beautifully leveled trailer up again, move foreward 6 inches, then re level and such.  After all that was said and done, we had lunch and tried to ride.  We rode in the arena several days prior to our adventure, but the horses sure didn't recall the lessons they learned.  They were completely nuts.   Somewhere between the jigging and trotting my boyfriend's wallet squeezed out of his pocket.  Thank GOD we decided to make a 180 and head back for camp. As we were riding, I looked down, and saw a wallet laying there.  He didn't even know it was missing.   We lived to return to camp, and put the horses on the picket line.   Our camp fire for the night was a dud.  It lasted about 5 seconds, so we cooked pizzas in the oven. 

The next day's ride started with lunging of the horses and constructive circling of trees and trash cans and we had a much better ride.   After a midday nap, we decided to hook up and leave.  Of course Ed had other plans.  He simply refused to load.  After about 30 minutes of being super nice, letting him take his time, coaxing with grain hay and sweet talk, we attracted the attention of nearby campers.  With whips and sticks and high hopes we struggled for about another 40 minutes before Ed finally quit being a butthole and went in the trailer.  The ride home was uneventful, until we blew out a tire.  All the tread peeled off.   We pulled off on an exit ramp, and began to attempt to change the tire.  It wasn't going well.  Our jack was not good, and to make matters worse, our spare had only 30psi in it.  I called US rider, after all, I paid for it.  They were great, and said someone from Joe's towing and repair would be by within 1/2 and hour.  Well, we got the spare put on while we waited so Joe would only have to give us 30lbs of air.  After 40 minutes, USR called back.  I told them that Ole Joe hadn't made it to us yet.  After more waiting as the semis buzzed by, we found out that Joe's rig had broken down before getting to us.  Go figure.   After holding up a self-made sign with duct tape letters that said "AIR"  in hopes that a semi would stop and help us, we gave up and hobbled to the next town, hazzards flashing, and found the nearest gas station.  We filled up with air, and went to leave the station.  As we pulled out, who did we see cruising around town, but Joe the towing guy.  He sure didn't look broke down to me.   It turns out that Joe's towing and repair was less than 2 miles from the spot we broke down. 

   We made it home, but the BF ripped my mud flap off my truck by backing over a big dirt lump in the yard.   I guess nobody got hurt over the weekend, and I only lost a mud flap and a tire.  I learned some valuable lessons...don't park in campsite 13, budget at least 2 hours and a couple beers to get your horse loaded, don't call Joe to change your tire, but most of all, take a riding partner who you love and can hug at the end of the day while laughing about all the adventures of the trip....even though he ripped off your mudflap.

Amanda

That's typical,but guess it could have been a lot worse.

One thing I believe I'd do,although all it probablywould accomplish would be to make me feel better: I think I'd call US Rider and advise them about "Joe."

Well, Amanda, after that start to the riding season  I would think things can only get better!!!  I hope.  Remember, a bad day on your horse beats a good day at work every time.

Happy Trails!

JacciB

Glade to hear it was your boyfriend and not your husband! A few of us gals can only imagine how it might have turned out outherwise!  

Just glade you did make it home safe! We have this happen every time I try and take my old boat out! Husband now refuses to go after the last three trips from H_LL! I just laugh!

Loved your story.  Sorry for your mishaps, they are expected though and on the bright side, after all of those in 1 trip, the rest of the season should be great, no way that could happen more than once a year!! dono where you were in illinois, but our weather waaaay down here....