SoCal Newbie has more questions! :0)

[Jennifer Thompson <jlthompson@earthlink.net>]

Okay, so now all of you great folks that responded to my
"Where to start out in SoCal" question have me all pumped up
and chomping at the bit to get started in endurance, I have
questions re: the suitability of my horse before I go any
further:

As I said before, two trainers have suggested endurance for
her.  One of these trainers is a western and cutting trainer
who she has been with for 8 months now.  He suggested it
because in his words "she's got  more guts than any horse
I've worked with, even the other Arabs", meaning no matter
how hard he works her, or how long, she is always ready to
give more.  She just doesn't seem to ever get worn out.  She
can be dripping sweat after an hour of strenous arena work,
but still be breathing pretty easily and still full of
energy for more.  He told me a few months ago, that he was
amazed at her stamina.  He said that he simply could not
wear her out - don't know why he'd try, but that's what he
said.

Now, I realize it must take more than this in a horse to do
well in endurance.  My first concern is her temperament.
She is not bold or dominant when in a herd, and actually
dislikes being out if front on a trail ride (will balk
sometimes and spook more often), unless we're cantering or
galloping - then she forgets her insecurities and wants to
overcome the other horse.  But overall, she prefers to tag
along behind and be a follower.  Does this bode badly in
regards to competitive trail or endurance riding?  (Can you
tell I've been reading the on-line handbook on the "Help for
Newbies" page?  LOL)

Next concern is that she is *really* spooky.  A pin can drop
and she's on her toes ready to bolt.  She can go from
plodding along half asleep on a trail ride to a freaked out
bundle of nerves from just the sound of a rabbit moving
through the brush.  She is nine years old, and has always
been like this.  We've done trail riding over the years, but
admittedly, not often enough.  More like once a week,
sometimes less depending on how my schedule was at the
time.  She even sat as a pasture potatoe for over a year
(two years ago) when I was going through some bad personal
stuff.

Do spooky horses ever get over this stuff?  If not, can they
still be successful at this sport?

That's it for now!  I'm looking forward to meeting some of
you next Saturday at the Sunland ride.

Thank you,
Jennifer