Ridecamp: [RC] Breed Bashing

Just for a note, I ride a 15 hand sorrel quarterhorse mare I have owned for 8 years.  In that time she has toted my daughter through western pleasure classes, horsemanship, hunt seat, trail, hunter hack, poles etc....usually placing extremely well at the local and state level of  AHSA, AQHA, and 4-H.  This mare has competed with me in most of those same classes as well as level 1 dressage.   I am a ranchers daughter but have learned the different disciplines when opportunities presented themselves.  It has been wonderful, the people have been interesting and my wonderful horse takes it all in stride.  I love my horse, in fact I love all horses.  Each of these disciplines and breeds have some reason for being and with few exceptions I can appreciate them all...don't have to own them all but can appreciate them.  I do draw the line at abuse and neglect but true cases of these are fortunately not frequent
.  

I just finished my first 25 mile ride at Old Dominion.  We set no speed records but truly enjoyed the ride.  I understand the competitive folks that are pushing the limits.  My ridecamp buddies with their arabs did well and I applaud them.  They have an edge on Katie & I  in terms of breed and time to truly race condition that I currently do not.  

My horse started and finished sound and with good HR's despite her 17 years.  She took the river with confidence.  She enjoyed her ride.  That was my goal. 
I attribute this success from my little show horse who had never seen a trail until age 14 to good performance breeding, a good mind, and a great heart.  Yeah for the little quarterhorse with heart!

So, enjoy your arabs and standard breds for the wonderful animals they are.  Enjoy your competition and your training.  A few good natured jokes shouldn't hurt anyone but keep it in perspective.

All for my soap box.

Adelia Ramey
the newest kid on the block