Alternative Endurance Horses

[Joane Pappas White <Lyoness@Castlenet.com>]

Hi Kelsey,

Four years ago, I started endurance on my beloved Thumper the Quarter
Horse.  Thumper was only 5 years old but he was the best conditioned and
level headed horse on my friend's ranch.  I was put on Thumper so he
could take care of me--that way the Cowboys would not have to spend so
much time making sure I didn't get into trouble. Thumper did a very good
job of training me.

Thumper and I spend 100's of hours doing our training.  During the week
while I was at work, Thumper worked on the ranch.  Needless to say, he
was in wonderful condition.  He has a very low resting heart rate for a
QH, solid feet and a really competitive attitude.  We did well in
limited distance but more important, we were a solid team.  I could
trust Thumper to get me through about anything--still can--and he could
trust me not to take him further than he could comfortably go.

We stopped at 30 milers.  I know many people do 100's on non arabs but
Thumper is a big, heavy muscled QH and I notice a difference in his
performance between 25 and 30 milers soooooo--that is enough.  

My Cowboy buddies on the ranch ride TB's for power and speed. I'm told
their feet won't hold up in endurance--sure hold up okay on the ranch. 
Grandpa's big geldings are all over 15 years old and go all day long.

My Anglo Arab was a really good endurance horse and did 100's with her
prior owner until a non ride related foot injury ended her career.  I
also have an 1/2 Arab 1/2 Trakehner who is awesome and has always vetted
out soundly. But I have to admit the purebred arabs Tzar and Falon are
the horses Morgan and I ride because of their consistency.

If you want to consider something really different in your area, I
talked to the gentleman who started the cross breeding program for the
Nez Perce (?) indian tribe about 5 years ago.  They were crossing the
Akhal Teke stallion they were given off of their own appys.  They were
getting some really solid endurance prospects.  I have always wondered
how they are turning out and if any are competing. I was impressed with
the Akhal Teke information I read in the Middle East while I was there
and also enjoyed riding Lari Shea's AK's.

Good Luck and Take your time selecting your equine partner,

Joane White
Price, Utah
Thumper the QH with an Attitude