I got started when I was 3 or so. Had my
first ride on a horse and I was hooked ever since much to my parents
disgust. They finally broke down and bought me a horse when I was 11 after
I started reading the horse books in the public library for the second
time. Did I ever have fun. My little mare, I believe she was part
arab, was steady as a rock. She took me everywhere, past busy highways
with semis roaring by her, by trains, across train tracks, and she was fast
too. I had no clue what I was doing, I hung on to survive but she
was steady as a rock. I marveled that my parents made this match for a
horse crazy kid. I did try showing, what a joke, she kicked at every horse
that passed her and I learned that showing was not for me! When I was 30,
I did my first 50 endurance, my first distance ride ever. I took a
wrong turn cause I couldn't see the pie plate, but I did do 50 miles. My
next ride was a 100. See I didn't mess around. That is where I
learned tons. A very nice man who vetted the Tevis walked me around camp
and taught me a few facts about getting a horse in condition and told me about
the wonders of the extended trot!! I managed 50 miles before I pulled but
now I had a game plan and the understanding that ol' Chief was not going to do
the job with class! My next horse was a part arab and at the age of 31
with a green broke 5 yr old horse (Was I STUPID or what!) I started the road on
my distance career. I did both competitive and endurance, had a blast,
have made many memories and tons of friends, and learned how to condition my
horse as well as myself. I read, shared ideas, talked to more
knowledgeable folks, managed to develop those special bonds that we all get with
our four legged friends. Now I am 65 and still going. I wouldn't
trade the experiences that I have had for anything.
Jeanie
