Jan Creighton raised Emirat. Emirat was three years old when I met him, he is now eighteen. He is Polish Arabian gelding out of Dar and Eloratzia, born in August of 1985. Height 14.2, weight approximately 1000 lbs, bay, Easyboot size #1.

Purchased Emirat because (simple answer) I fell in love with him. He did endurance because I did.

Before Emirat there was a Spanish Mustang named Pride of Castile who taught me how to do endurance. The only difference between Spanish and BLM is that we knew who his parents were. He grew up in the mountains of Arizona, free on the range. This horse had limited experience in endurance with a former owner but that is not what made him a great teacher. He had the experience of survival in the mountains and how to deal with terrain. If I asked him to do something that he knew was not right, he would just stop, and the big head would turn and look at me. When I would realize I was stupid and let him go up, over, or under what ever we were facing he would do so then stop and look at me again. It did not take a lot of these experiences to finally learn to listen to him.

I have ridden six horses in this sport. Before starting we raised and trained quarter horses. Involved with horses for approximately 19 years, endurance 12-13.

Got interested in endurance from another rider, what kept me interested was the partnership with the horses and being able to see great trails.

I started riding Emirat when he was 3 but did not do endurance with him until age 5. I did several 25 mile rides with him, but his first 50 was Jan Creighton's northern California ride at Fall River Mills. I think it was called Shasta View.

First three ride seasons: 1) Three 50's; 150 miles. 2) Fifteen rides, 50's and 55's; 770 miles. 3) One 50.

My first ride with the Mustang was Outlaw Trail and we finished all five days.

Never raced, horses get 1 week after a fifty and a month after a multiday. Don't do 100's- hate riding in the dark. Saddles are Orthoflex, tack leather progressed to zilco, bits what ever works. Shoes-iron with pads when needed for a particular ride. Problems- not getting enough time off work to do rides. Worst injury- Emirat blew out 50% of his right front suspensory ligament. Dr Jerry Black (Pioneer Equine Hospital) treated him aggressively (he couldn't stand to watch me cry) and after a year of rest we started back in endurance. Emirat has logged a lot of miles since then.

Best ride- every time I'm on him!

Worst day- lame from the suspensory injury.

Humbled daily.

Lessons learned- only ask the horse for what he is capable of. Always treat the horse with love and respect.

Horse lives in a single pasture of about an acre, at home. At Jan's he was with other horses.

Strengths-the way he takes care of me. Weaknesses- He doesn't have any.

Advice- try to appreciate the partnership with the horse.

Looking back I would try to find a way to keep him young.

Goal was to keep my horse competing with me for a long time- I think we did it.

Personality- willing, calm, quiet, wants to be with me (besides my wife he is my next best friend), enjoys being out on the trail, travels well, always takes care of himself, especially where food is concerned. During his training, as soon as he understood what I wanted I got it. Never any arguments never any resistance.

We enjoy multiday rides.

Electrolytes- Evening dose with grain, during ride 1-2 doses depending on temperature and amount of water.

Nutrition program- Success due to Emirat's ability to eat (non-stop if allowed). With this horse the only program I have is to be sure to bring enough food. On a typical five day ride he will go thru 3-4 bales of alfalfa, 40 lbs of grain and bran. Other horses I have to bring several different kinds of hay. Supplements include Stride vitamins, corn oil, apple cider vinegar, Trail Ease (glucosamine), Strongid C.

Usually Utah, Nevada and throughout California.

I look up to anyone I see taking good care of his or her horse.

Mentor and first trail partner- Pride of Castile (Spanish Mustang) Emirat benefited greatly from what that horse taught me.

I would really like another Emirat- and I've gone through a lot of horses looking.

Comment- His name is Emirat. That translates to JEWEL and if it doesn't it should because he is. Over the years many people have heard me say this and I meant it every single time. If by the end of this you can't tell how I feel about him call me.

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