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RE: [RC] (RC) Spooking-Yes, Zaynate spooks - Marinera

When I rode Zayante at the Race Of Champions in South Dakota around 1994 (I 
think) I pre-rode the last 6 or 8 miles to the finish a couple of days before 
so Zay would kind of recognize it on ride day.  About five miles from the 
finish, you had to cross a huge meadow, maybe a mile or two in length and there 
were a bunch of cows in there plus pools of water and puddles and Zayante was 
just all over the place scaring me to the point I was going to pull out of the 
ride.  But I didn't. We had driven half way across the country to get there. 
The 
day of the ride started out okay and we were always with other horses and he 
behaved pretty well.  I left the last vet check, about six miles from the 
finish, and we were alone. Just Zay and I and a bunch of cows and a million 
puddles and pouring rain between us and the finish line. I hit the start of 
that 
meadow and figured I was probably going to die out there so I would get it over 
with fast.  I kicked him in the ribs and put him in a gallop and he streaked 
across there, past cows, through mud and puddles and never veered an inch. He 
was making a bee line for the finish and he did not care what was in his way. 
Probably the most exciting  couple of miles of my life. We hit the single track 
forest trail and he was totally manageable the rest of the way in.
I consider him the best horse I have ever ridden, and while many of you may 
wonder why his riders put up with his nonsense spooking, if you rode him just 
once you would know. Once you climb on his back, you know you are on the best 
the horse world has to offer.
Nobody has begun to empty that horse's gas tank. And I hope they never do.
Julie Suhr

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