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RE: [RC] So if I wanted an endurance Arab, how would I find out more? - Jim HollandJennifer, my experience in working with Arabians...and their owners...has been that people tend to ask too much too soon. This is just my personal opinion based on observation and experience. I have no "studies" or anything else to back it up. Arabians are just "different"....I don't know any other term for it. They mature later, and seem to have that "childlike" silliness for longer than other breeds. I don't take mine out in "public" until they are at least 6, have impeccable ground and saddle manners, and wait even longer depending on the "maturity" of that particular horse. They are EXTRMELY intelligent, however in that strange "horsy" way we're still trying to understand. I can teach a "trick" or "behavior" amazingly fast because they are curious, interested, and love interacting with people. They respond to consistent, strong leadership and PATIENCE. I suspect that many of the "problems" are due to the rider, not the horse. I have always found it interesting how radically different Arabians respond to different people. They seem to be more strongly empathic than some of the other breeds. Both of my Endurance horses, Sunny and Magic have about 1000 miles in Endurance, I don't own a bit, and neither has ever been ridden in one. Like all horses, they DO spook sometimes, and act silly on occasion, but they are safe, reliable trail horses, tolerate chain saws, search/rescue helicopters, and about everything else you can think of. Both did a 50 as their first Endurance ride and started the ride in a hackamore. There are a lot of Arabians out there with right physical "stuff", but the horse you are looking for is MADE, not born. Visitors to my farm often ask "Where do you find such nice horses?" And the answer is "They don't come that way". There is something special to me about the Arabian. I guess it has something to do with walking out into the pasture, calling him and hearing that little soft nicker, the little head toss, the graceful arch of his neck, the ripple of muscle under that thin skin, and the grace of his movements as he trots over and nuzzles my face. That, and the sheer athleticism....the power, grace, strength, and that "never quit" attitude.....always gives his all... This advertisement brought to you by....uh, never mind. :) Jim, Sun of Dimanche+, and Mahada Magic (And "Wiedy", who may turn out to be the best of the three) Richard T. "Jim" Holland Three Creeks Farm 175 Hells Hollow Drive Blue Ridge, Ga 30513 (706) 258-2830 www.threecreeksarabians.com Callsign KI4BEN -----Original Message----- From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jennifer Adam Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2006 11:24 PM To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [RC] So if I wanted an endurance Arab, how would I find out more? Okay, I'm not saying that anyone has managed to change my mind about my mustang's potential for endurance, but I ain't stupid either and it is clear that Arabs do have certain advantages over most other horses. I actually looked at getting an Arab before I fell in love with my mustang, and I have to say I was disappointed by what I found in my area. Obviously I need to know more! Most of the Arabs in my area are of the glitzy, sissy show type. Beautiful - but far too silly to ride on a long trail, IMHO. I talked to different breeders and told them what I was looking for - I told them I had always heard Arabs were high strung, and they all told me that really they're just sensitive. Perfect! I love sensitive horses with a lot of spirit - as long as they're smart too. Jen (who loves all horses, but especially three mustangs, a fat Paint, and my mother's Saddlebred - and who might - just might - someday have room to love an Arab too) <G> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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