I wrote and recorded this during my time as a sales rep for Fiber Fresh NZ and our sponsorship of NZ Endurance. Great times and memories

Before the sun has thought about arising, you will see them out there

Hustling and bustling, searching in the dark for that bit of lost gear.

All too soon through the gloom comes the call to start,

The rider trying to keep the mix of fear and excitement from an overflowing heart.

Steady the pace, pick the line, a kilometre turns like a page,

Remembering that the finish line is just another stage.

Reflectors and light, cast an eerie shadow in sight, two stages to go before the sunlight.

The horse is keen and he feels good, sound and extremely fit

A bucket of water sits steaming as the call comes in, the strapper attentive, clipping the lead under the chin. Knowledge is an efficient exchange of words, “Yeah he feels good, had a small stumble, HEART RATE, where are we placed, have you heard?”

Steady the pace, pick the line, a kilometre turns like a page,

Remembering that the finish line is just another stage.

Time now seems to warp and bend, three circuits, hold times, feed and water, will he get to the end?

Ligaments and tendons, muscles and bones, the true test of horsemanship is revealed trotting through the vet cones.

Steady the pace, pick the line, a kilometre turns like a page,

Remembering that the finish line is just another stage.

Last time around, and now rider and mount are aware, tired eyes and legs can lead to their greatest fear. A stray stone, hole or hidden rut, all seem to conspire together, to prevent the rider making the final cut.

Steady the pace, pick the line, a kilometre turns like a page,

Remembering that the finish line is now the final stage.

Now the day is over, time keepers, marshals, TD’s and Vets trudge wearily their day is done,

Meanwhile in the back office, the team is crunching the numbers, Who has won?

Glory and heartache, smiles and pain, in your heart you know it’s worth the gain.

Steady the pace, pick the line, a kilometre turns like a page,

Remembering that the finish line is just another stage.

So it is with this my little ode, that the team from Fiber-Fresh salute your code.

Ride strong and wise, straight and true, and for goodness sake, feed Fiber-Fresh first, whatever your do!