Re: How small is too small?

[Teddy Lancaster <Teddy@runningbear.com>]

Not to mention: if you try a ride 'n tie....I did a few some years ago and had
a blast, but the horse got TALLER as the day went on.

Teddy


Stephanie Wind wrote:

> Ann, Speaking personally, I like the small horses better. After 55 miles up
> and around Mt Wrightston (Old Pueblo), my 15.1 hand stallion looked like a
> really tall horse!!! And at the end of the 60 miles, it was a long way
> down... :-)
>
> Stephanie Wind McCray
>
> ----------
> From: Ann Hatfield <keithr@nocdc.bc.ca>
> To: ridecamp@endurance.net
> Subject: How small is too small?
> Date: Friday, June 05, 1998 10:03 AM
>
> I have been given a scant 14:1 hand registered Arab to put trail experience
> on so that he is more saleable.  He has had ring riding, some show
> experience and some road work.  An instructor who worked with the young
> owner felt this horse might make a CTR  horse er, pony, and I think they
> are right.  I also think they may have set their sights too low-I think he
> may make an endurance horse.
>
> Is he too small to be saleable for this purpose?  He is solidly built with
> a well sprung barrel so one doesn't feel as though there is little horse
> under one-I'm 5'8" and I can put a leg on him without any problem.  He has
> lots of bone and fine feet-sizeable and thick walled and open.
>
> After only a bit of brush up schooling and a whole three trail rides I
> really like this little fellow.  Today we rode for a fund raiser for the
> Children's Wish Foundation.  Now keep in mind that his three rides were
> once out with Antique Appy for reassurance, once over same trai by himself
> and then a two hour trailer ride to a strange area with 50 horses and the
> crazy rider decides to add a crupper to the rig!  I know, I know-don't tell
> me-but I have a strange faith in this little guy and he isn't prone to
> bucking!
>
> He was a fool about creeks-leaping over then in monster jumps and
> sideswiping a coupleof other horses to avoid getting his feet wet
> initially-but it got way better after the 10th creek and 20th puddle and
> muddy bit-so he is reprogrammable.
>
> He goes well in the ring and his ground manner and general attiude are
> absolutley terrific.  And go on the trail!  He's very soft still but always
> is willing to do more.
>
> So, what do you think?  Is he too small for the usual run of CTR and
> endurance horses?  Is this not too much of a factor-is it truly judged on
> how well the animal goes?
>
> Ann H