The dream that started more
than 18 years ago has come true. I got my hands on a little book called
The Hundred Milers. It was written by a junior rider (sorry I don't
know the name) who was training to ride her mustang with Linda Tellington
Jones. I read the chapters as bedtime stories for my girls. A dream
seed was planted. THANKS
At age 32 I adopted a 9 year
old BLM mustang mare, who was my first horse. I thought "maybe I
should breed her to an Arab". I found a farm that had an older stallion
that had been bought from Rushcreek. The owners said he had distance
riding lines, and were willing to breed him to my mare.
THANKS
I discovered NATRC and rode in
Region 6 off and on for 13 years. It taught Corduroy and I many
things. THANKS
After moving to Oregon, I found
myself surrounded by people who liked to ride endurance, and rides nearby to
try. THANKS
I decided to go for it, and
asked my riding buddies, many who are not endurance riders, to support me in my
quest.
As a group they encouraged
me, rode faster than they liked with me, went to the WST fun ride with
me, rode in the dark with me, believed in me, and ultimately made it come true
for me. THANKS
To my husband who is not a
"horse person" and has had to put up with my passion for many years, and
came to support me at the Tevis. THANKS
To all the wonderful volunteers
and keepers of the trail THANKS
To the fellow riders who
were encouraging, cheerful, helpful, friendly and knowledgeable
THANKS
To my farrier and my saddle
repairer - THANKS
Mostly, I have to thank my
horse, Corduroy Knickers. He was strong and sure, taking me with him
to his births' destiny without hesitation at the age of 17 having
never done 100 miles before, and his dam, Wild Dream Lady, who is 32 and
going strong, teaching my 6 year old granddaughter the joys of riding with the
beauty of nature around her. THANKS
