Riders Name:            Maynard Munger

 

Horses Name:            Rushcreek Daos ("RC")

 

Region:            Southwest and West

 

Tell us about your horse.  When/how did you come to get him/her?

When I decided to get back into endurance riding, I researched my options and sought out Rushcreek Arabians based upon their reputation.

 

What is your horse's breeding? By SAHR Magnafy out of Rushcreek Pretty

Sex:     Gelding

DOB:            04/26/89

Horse height:            15 HH

Approx. Weight:            950 lbs

Color:   Bay with white socks

Shoe size:            2

   Or, Easyboot size:     2

 

Why did you decide to purchase this horse (or if you didn't purchase, why did you choose to use this horse in endurance)?

I visited Rushcreek in Nebraska and was shown two horses. When they were brought into the catch pen, RC galloped around the pen, jumped the fence and returned to his pasture. After the wrangler caught him and brought him back I rode RC and didn't consider the other available horse. I wanted RC.

 

Did you do endurance with any other horses before this horse?

Yes.

 

How many different horses have you ridden in this sport?

Four, but the other three only briefly.

 

Do you participate in any other horse sports or activities? (if so, describe)

Previously rode in NATRC

 

How many years have you been involved with horses?  In endurance?

34

 

What got you interested in endurance riding?  What was it that kept you interested?

The four most important: relationship with an equine athlete, personal fitness, grand friendships and riding in world class beauty. I enjoy long distance hiking but it is easier to ride and see the sights.

 

How old was your horse when first started?  First ride?

Four years old. First endurance ride at five years old.

 

How many rides did you do the first, second, and third ride seasons? (list w/ distances)

RC did two 50 mile rides the first season; four 50 mile rides and one 100 mile ride the second season and five 50 mile rides and one 100 mile ride the third season.

 

What mileage distance did you start with? (25, 50, etc.)

50

 

How long till you top tenned or 'raced'?  (if you did)

Off and on from the beginning but only when conditions were right and the horse was able to do so.

How much time off do you give between ride seasons?

I have found that the rider needs time off, but generally, I have given the horse three months off each year, with light workouts.

 

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?

I have generally given two months off after a 100. I believe one should never "over train" and if the horse is already fit then use care before a 100 and ride easy.

 

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

Not much time off, easy work for a few weeks following the multi-day. If the multi-day was ridden slowly the horse just gets stronger. I use the same schedule to prepare as I do for a 100.

 

What kind of tack do you use? (saddle, pads, girths, bits, etc.)

SR Saddle, pad is Saddle Right orthopedic. Kimberwicke or snaffle bit; SR girth; splint boots on front legs.

 

What kind of shoes do you use on your horse?  Pads?  Easyboots?

Steel shoes, pads occasionally depending on terrain.

 

What kind of problems have you encountered?

None

 

What was the worst or most severe injury your horse has had?

Suspensory ligament problems due to riding in sand.

 

How did you work thru it?

Since then I have used a trainer and taken lessons to get the horse balanced and on the bit. Gave RC a year off following the injury for recovery with hand walking, easy walking under saddle and exercise within a plan developed with my veterinarian. He remains sound.

 

Describe the best ride you ever had on your horse?

Outlaw Trail – Point to point; all five days.

 

Describe the worst day you ever had with your horse?

Looking at the ultra sound image of the damaged suspensory ligament

 

What was your most humbling experience?

Realization that you can't ride at 72 years old the way you did when you were 40 years old. Each completion of the Tevis was a humbling experience.

 

What lessons have you learned along the way that you feel are the most important?

That I am very lucky to have that "once in a lifetime" horse, Rushcreek Daos.

 

Where does your horse live?  (pasture--# acres, dirt lot, paddock,

etc.)  Board?  At home?  Full turnout?

Well-sized corral, in Arizona, in the winter; and small pasture in California in the summer. Boarded near my home.

 

What kind of environment did your horse spend the first few years of its life in?  (pasture, w/ a herd, etc.)

RC grew up on open range with a herd at Rushcreek Arabians. Pasture was one mile wide and four miles long.

 

What are your horse's strengths?  Weaknesses?

Strengths:            RC is intelligent, he loves to run, and he is people oriented, gentle and kind.

Weaknesses:            RC picks up a rider's bad habits, he is playful and mischievous.

 

What advice do you have for new riders?

Find someone who knows the sport and has good habits to act as your mentor. Take lessons and ride correctly to help your horse.

 

Looking back, what would you do differently?

I would have had more respect for formal riding instruction and training and had lessons when I first started riding. I began riding in an era when taking lessons was not looked upon as something men did.

 

What do you feel you did right?

I have a personal interest in my horses and make it a high priority to spend one-on-one time with them. I allow the horses to have fun.

 

What was your highest goal for your horse?  Did you achieve it?

Completing the Tevis and riding multi-days. Yes, RC has four Tevis completions and many multi-day completions.

 

Describe your horse's personality?  How is it like or unlike yours?

RC is steady, reliable, and safe. He is the same year after year. Our personalities are pretty much alike.

 

What kinds of rides do you enjoy the most?  (multi-days, 100's, 50's, etc.)

Multi-days

 

Describe your electrolyte protocol.

I use Lyte-Now electrolytes at the rides. Generally the night before depending on the weather, always carry electrolytes and give small doses when the horse is drinking well, depends on the weather. Don't use electrolytes to excess.

 

Is there anything special about your nutrition program you attribute to your success?

Nothing special. I mix my feed on my own. Always feed Strategy, flax seed, oats and some bran.

 

Are there any major changes you've made to your nutrition program (i.e., changed from one hay to another, added something special) that you feel made a noticeable improvement or solved a problem?'

I now use timothy hay because it keeps the horse in good condition for endurance. RC eats well and enjoys his food. I do supplement with alfalfa.

 

What kind of supplements (if any) do you use?

I use some Dynamite products.

 

Do you give any kind of joint products? (describe)

Glucosamine/chondroitin supplement

 

How far do you usually travel to rides?

Typically 400 miles, farthest was 1400 miles.

 

Do you go to many rides outside of your region?

I ride in the Southwest, Pacific South, Mountain and West regions

 

Name three people involved in the sport of endurance that you look up to, and why?

Wendall Robie, Hal Hall and Julie Suhr – I have ridden with all of them and admire them for committing their lives to developing and organizing this sport of endurance riding.

 

Did you have a mentor or first trail partner?  Tell us about him/her/them.

Walter Tibbits, lives in Foresthill, CA. Walter is an understated, excellent horseman and strong rider. He taught me everything. We rode together every Wednesday and Saturday for months preparing for my first Tevis completion.

 

In choosing your next horse, what would you look for?

Temperament – good level head, willing to go but safe for an older rider.

 

Add any additional comments or stories that you can think of:

I enjoy riding and packing into remote areas when not competing. I just love to take off wilderness camping with my horse in the Sierras; especially Kings Canyon National Park.