Re: RC: Breed of Horse

[Trailrite@aol.com]

In a message dated 6/12/00 10:50:09 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
guest@endurance.net writes:

<<I know Arabian is, but what about Qtr Horses or TN Walkers? I would like to 
get a TN Walking Horse and currently have a Qtr Horse.  Which is better to 
have?>>

    Hi, not sure if I can help you, but, can I ask why you want to do 
endurance on either a qtr. horse or a Ten. Walking horse.  I been doing 
endurance since 1976 and have seen some qtr. horses and some Ten. walkers do 
endurance.  What I haven't seen is the same horses in this sport for long in 
general.  I do know a few qtr. horses that have been good endurance horses 
more than the TN walkers.  There is a qtr. horse that has done the Tevis 
about 13 times.  The rider though, does not ride a fast ride (about middle of 
the pack or better).  It is a wonderful horse but...that is only one that I 
know of out of many I've seen started.
    One of the other things is, TN walker and 1/2 Arab, and qtr horse and 1/2 
Arab, make wonderful horses and have done very well in endurance.  If you are 
new to this sport then tackling a non Arab breed is going to be a longer 
learning experience.  Not that having an Arab isn't, but the breed is meant 
for longer distances and it sure makes it a little bit easier for a beginner.
    One of the cautions of buying a horse other than an Arabian is the type 
of mussel tissue they have.  You will have different types, such as fast 
twitch, slow twitch and some in-between these types. Some breeds are just 
meant to not go long distances.  It is no fault of the breed but the mussel 
type for their breeding was meant for certain activities and sports.
    The best way to find out which horse other than an Arabian will be good 
for endurance is first check the mussel type of that horse.  Then of course 
feet, legs, etc...  You can have a vet do this for you if you have found a 
horse that your thinking about buying along with your pre purchase exam.
    This should get you started in the right direction no matter what breed 
of horse you choose.
Good Luck!
Tammy Robinson
Trail-Rite Ranch & Products
661/513-9269