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[RC] Question for all of you riders - starhaven@xxxxxxxxxxx
My retired endurance mare NC's Boozer has been telling me as I have been conditioning my 16.1 Hungarian gelding, that she wanted to go again. She convinced me she was not lame and absolutely wanted to go. She has been retired for 5 yrs, had two lovely foals for us and little riding the last few years. I put some time in on her and she continued to convince me she wanted to go again. I thought o.k Honey we'll try a 15. Her training rides the week before Hillsdale convinced me that just would not do. Any rate off we went to do the 30. I held my breath though the preride check.....the two horses in front of me were lame and did not start. Would she vet through? And what the heck am I doing taking an 18 yr old horse who has been off for 5 yrs except for some light trail riding? She told me she wanted to go. Well she was awesome! She had always been a great horse to ride and it was like old times.If her stupid rider had not missed part of the trail and had to go back and make it up she would have made Top 10! As it was we got completion, a great day, great ride. Today as I was working the gelding she called and followed in the pen and barn so she always had her eyes on us. I went afterwards to get her to check for any sore muscles and she put her head in the halter when I went in. She was ready for her training ride (she is still on her days off, but is ready to go again). I have always said with this and any equestrian sport, there is nothing more perfect than having a horse that loves it and gives it't all to it. Whether they come in first or get the turtle if they love it and you are enjoying it go for it! Yeh and Susan Young I can only hope I can be as funny and good humored after a 75mile ride as you were...you are a riot girl! Leah McGregor
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