Tell us about your horse. When/how did you come to get him/her?   I bought Beau as a 7-yr old CTR horse for our son, then doing NATRC rides in his early teens. Steve rode Beau for about 7 years, earning a NATRC National Championship in 1989. When Steve left for college, I decided to begin more endurance rides in early 90s.

What is your horses breeding?   Arabian (Polish)
Sex:  G
DOB:  6/18/78
Horse height:  15.1 hh
Approx. Weight:  875
Color:  bay
Shoe size:  0

Did you do endurance with any other horses before this horse?    Some, but mostly CTR, many miles

How many different horses have you ridden in this sport?   3

Do you participate in any other horse sports or activities?    Dressage training currently with both Beau and younger horse

How many years have you been involved with horses?    Since early 70's In endurance? since 1990

What got you interested in endurance riding? What was it that kept you interested?    Wanted a change from CTR, go a bit faster, have continued to enjoy people and places in our sport all over USA

How old was your horse when first started?    That I know of, Beau did quite a bit of CTR with his first owners before I purchased him. First ride?   First endurance ride at age 12

How many rides did you do the first, second, and third ride seasons?  Don't have the early CTR history, but the pace is probably one reason that this horse has stayed sound over years of distance riding with no major lay-offs. In ENDURANCE, his first serious season at age 15 was 490 miles, then 365 in 1994, and 255 in 1995

What mileage distance did you start with?  Started with 50s

How long till you top tenned or 'raced'?  Consistently in Top Ten in 1993, 1995

How much time off do you give between ride seasons?   Light riding in Nov/Dec

If you have done 100's, how much time off do you give after doing one? What is your schedule in the month leading up to the ride?  Usually a month, depending on trailer distances. Prior: shorter training sessions twice a week, one longer less fast ride per week, complete rest week of ride

If you have done multidays, how much time off do you give after doing one? What is your schedule in the month leading up to the ride?   Similar to above

What kind of tack do you use?   Orthoflex, snaffle

What kind of shoes do you use on your horse?   Steel shoes, pads when necessary for terrain

What kind of problems have you encountered?  Beau is a somewhat picky eater, and managing his feed/hydration during rides has been the greatest challenge

What was the worst or most severe injury your horse has had?  none, I have been very, very fortunate in this regard. One year he had a slight “mystery” lameness after a ride in Ohio, possible blind splint, but two months rest seemed to heal the problem

Describe the best ride you ever had on your horse?  I believe the ROC in 1997, when three of us with “older” (i.e. 18,19) horses (Harrop, Crandall, and Ayala) came across the finish line together after 100 miles.

Describe the worst day you ever had with your horse?  Getting lost at 95 miles on a 100-mile ride!

What was your most humbling experience?  Receiving the Pardner's Award at AERC Convention

What lessons have you learned along the way that you feel are the most important?  Only you can truly know your horse and his limits; riders need to be constantly aware of the “little signs” that vets might not catch in a two-minute evaluation, and be honest with yourself as to what you can ask of your horse on that day

Where does your horse live?   Boards in 20 acre pasture, in for feeding during day, out otherwise

What kind of environment did your horse spend the first few years of its life in?  Don't know

What are your horse's strengths?  Kind, steady, sound   Weaknesses?  picky eater

Looking back, what would you do differently?  Not much

What do you feel you did right?  Rode within my horse's capabilities and limits over the years (still going at 25!)

What was your highest goal for your horse?  Continue to enjoy the endurance competition over the years, keep him sound and happy  Did you achieve it?  yes

Describe your horse's personality?  Willing and lively. We seem to blend well as a team.

E What kinds of rides do you enjoy the most? (multidays, 100's, 50's, etc.)   Have participated in all of the above; love the multidays, but we have few in the East.

Describe your electrolyte protocol.   Constant and frequent on the trail, before and AFTER as well.

What kind of supplements (if any) do you use?   ABC Plus, Vitamin E and Selenium

Do you give any kind of joint products?  Started Adequan shots two years ago

How far do you usually travel to rides?   Not so far any more, but have traveled to Maine, Michigan, Utah, Florida and states in between over the years

Do you go to many rides outside of your region?  I used to.

Name three people involved in the sport of endurance that you look up to, and why?   Steve Rojek, for the grounding he gives his horses and for his never-ending courtesies to riders and ride management. To a host of Ride Managers for taking time and energy to put on rides!

In choosing your next horse, what would you look for?   Slightly shorter horse! At mid-60s and 5'1”, I want to climb on without a log! Otherwise, many of the same qualities as Beau.

I could never begin to say how much pleasure Beau has given me over the years. We just finished this past weekend (Oct 2003) the Western North Carolina 100-mile competitive trail ride as 3rd lightweight, at average speed of 7 mph. What an accomplishment for a 25-year old life companion! We are looking forward to two more endurance rides at reasonable pace to complete our 4000-mile endurance travels together.

Return to Top