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[RC] LD Story - Ranelle RubinHere is my favorite LD story:3 years ago, I rescued a mare who was headed to the auction if not sold in the next 10 days. The owner was afraid of the mare, having been dumped three times while dismounting. I had seen her trainer riding the horse on our local trails. What I saw made me want to cringe. He was riding her in a western saddle, with spurs and a curb bit. Now, I am not a "cowboy basher"..I love tight Wrangler Butts...but this was a 4 yr old horse. He had her so "bunched up"..wild-eyed and afraid. She was a sensitive, delicate mare. He took the horse to her first LD, when she turned 5 that year, Neversweats, and won it. He was so proud of himself. I was horrified. The owner was equally impressed until she and I had a talk about starting young horses. The only saving grace was she got BC, so I know at least at the end of the day, she was physically ok. It took this mare 2 years to learn about being a horse..and trusting humans. Funny thing is she is now owned by a lady who was camped next to her at that ride. She had been out on the trail and had seen the incredible heart and movement of this horse. She always told me that if I ever wanted to sell her to please let her know. The guy who rode her left her in a hot wire fence unattended while he and his buddy went to town to the bar. Abby saved her when she got tangled up in it somehow. Our own Ridecamp contributor Kathy Sherman rode her nicely on her first 50. When I found a horse I could not live without (Ranger, Fellow's little Bro), I called Abby...they are a perfect fit. Sierra is lucky to have Abby in her life. Another side note: The lady who I got her from took a retired horse of mine to get her confidence back..and now that horse is being ridden by a 14 yr old Autistic child who talks only to him. She now has her dream "gray mare" and is looking forward to her first 50. She, by the way, was a CTR and NATRC competitor for years on gaited horses. The circle of horses in our lives keeps giving. Just ride, really ride..at whatever distance and speed is best for you and your horse. At the end of the day, if you can look your horse in the eye and know you did well by him, smile..and be at peace. Ranelle Rubin, Business Consultant http://www.rrubinconsulting.com Independent Dynamite Distributor raneller@xxxxxxx 916-663-4140 home office 916-718-2427 cellular 916-848-3662 fax =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 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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