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Hi Jonni
I'm glad you put it in such elegant terms. I always thought I rode and 
bred Arabians because I am a masochist--- love being tested 5 times/hour 
while on trail (making sure I am not daydreaming about things other than 
riding), I enjoy making sure my mount is not bored with the terrain and 
that the trail is not lacking in horse-eating objects behind every bush, 
and heaven help me if I decide to go into a cafe with a hitching post to 
feed my face while my mount is expected to do what???!!! in my absence? 
Yes, after riding all other breeds since I could walk, I've finally 
decided I am a masochist for my current horse of choice :-)
Bette and Bunny--- who still begs for seedless red grapes-- now what 
other breed is soooo picky???!!!

Jonni Jewell wrote:

> Mustenogirl asked "Whats up with all the arabs? I mean isn't there some
> other horse you people ride in an endurance race?"
>
> By your questions,(hopefully you are truly curious, and not just trying to
> irritate folks)  I am wondering if you are a young adult (or to some, a
> 'kid'). You seem to be accusing those who ride Arabians of some wrong doing
> by the above questions.   Like those who have chosen an Arabian over other
> breeds have committed some sin.  But, I'll humor you, and give you the
> reasons why many ride Arabians, and a little about the sport.
>
> Endurance riding has been around about 50 years. It is one of the horse
> activities where you can choose ANY breed of horse that you want, and give
> it a go. There is no breed discrimination. All are welcome, registered or
> unregistered.  The judge is the clock. If your Draft horse, Mustang, or even
> as mentioned Zebra, can finish the distance in the required time limit, and
> pass all the vet checks, you have an endurance horse. Now, if you want to be
> competitive, you and your horse must have the ability to do all the above,
> faster than anyone else. You name the breed, and it has been used in
> Endurance riding at one time or another. There are many Mustangs in the
> sport, and some are very competitive. The two high mileage horses for this
> year are not even Arabians. One is a Mustang, the other is an Icelandic
> pony. But, maybe you are confused as to why so many ride Arabians. So, here
> is a little info for you:
>
> The lighter muscling of an Arabian horse dissipates heat and
> lactic acid more readily than other breeds. The larger flaring
> nostrils provide the Arabian with maximum oxygen intake, and its
> large trachea allows for larger lung capacity. Also, that pretty
> arched neck has a function besides looks, in which it carries plenty
> of air to the lungs and helps keep the windpipe clear. They have
> bigger, stronger hearts for their size, which pumps a higher volume
> of blood. That blood runs through the blood vessels which are very
> close to the surface than other breeds, covered by thinner skin,
> which also aids in cooling the animal when it works. Last, the bone
> density is known to be greater in Arabians than other breeds, with
> tougher tendons and ligaments. All of these traits were bred for
> thousands of years, when the horses were used in their country of
> origin, to travel great distances in the harsh conditions. Those that
> did not hold up, did not survive.
>
> And why do I ride Arabians? I personally like their temperaments,
> disposition, intelligence and personalities. Have owned them for about 20
> years now, and don't think we will ever be without them. I may have another
> breed in my pasture someday, but there will always be an Arabian with it.
>
> Jonni in TX
>
>
>
>
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--
Bette Lamore
Whispering Oaks Arabians
Home of Bunny and 16.2h TLA Halynov
who lives on through his legacy Hal's Riverdance!
http://www.arabiansporthorse.com

Always remember: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." (George Carlin)




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