Ridecamp: [RC] extremely fast 100s

In a message dated 09/19/2002 8:47:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time, mmieske@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:



> How does one know if they have that exceptional horse?  I am sure we all "think" we have one but I'm just curious what qualities you feel an exceptional horse would have.  



Hi Maggie:

I believe exceptional horses can come from almost anywhere.  They can be intentionally bred combining proven bloodlines or can be saved from death from the killer.  Just a few examples of the latter...Redman was bought by me at an auction when he was five.  He looked pretty weedy just standing around, but when he was shown under tack--my God, he was stunning.  I just bought him on a whim based on pure intuition.  I didn't look at him closely and knew nothing about his breeding (he's a great grandson of Bask on the sire side and Count Dorsaz on the dam side).  I think the gut can tell you a lot.  Valerie Kanavy bought Cash out of a backyard for almost nothing, partly because he was cheap but also because he just had "something."  I understand Crystal's Charm was a feedlot save. 

Exceptional starts with optimal conformation, from the feet on up.  The best ones are very quick with pulse recoveries.  Horses get better in that department with training and time, but some are just naturally better than others.  Redman defied most people's logic when it comes to picking a viable campaigner, because he didn't travel well.  He was a very nervous traveler, who would sometimes tremble all the way to the ride and back home again.  He wouldn't eat or drink well at camp and would stay edgy.  Yet, when the race began he would just fly.  He never stopped for water as often as everyone else, so he would stay somewhat dehydrated all day, but that's what worked for him.  

I believe you find what works with each and every horse and put it to work.  Not one is the same or responds the same to the stress of competition and training.  The best horses in our sport or any sport also like what they do and are naturally competitive.  Redman has the "look of eagles."  And his heart always seemed limitless.  What's inside them is as important as what's on the outside, at least when it comes to winning.  Just my thoughts...

Debi Gordon