Some do remember that Amber had some concerns some
months ago, about a person she had been communicating with on a gaited list, who
wanted to "kick some Arabs butts" in endurance. (her words, not mine. ) We
had a bit of discussion on the list, and Keith did join the list, and explained
his background etc. with horses, and his personal running background. I
communicated a few times off the list with Keith, and if I remember, he sounded
like he had toned down a bit on his goals, and just wanted to "finish" a 50 mile
ride. (those e-mails long since deleted) But, as I read Keith's story, I
remembered Ambers original posts and concerns about the path he might be
taking. So, now Keith did his first 50, and his horse went fast, and his
horse came in 3rd. I personally would have been MUCH MUCH more impressed with
his horsemanship as a distance rider if he had told us how he went slow and
easy, and the horse breezed through all vet checks, and they had fun, and then
watch him slowly ask for more of the horse at future rides. But, I'd have felt
that way with ANY newbie to the sport on their first ride, no matter what breed
of horse they were on. I feel the ability to go fast, and "race" at a ride, and
manage ones horse to the best of ones ability is something we build up to.
I've been around this sport too long, to see many who come in wanting to WIN
right off the bat, and have it catch up with them, and the horse gets injured,
or worst. And horses often can zip through a ride looking
pretty good but the effects of the ride don't catch up to them until later
or when the horse gets home.
The whole time I read Keith's story, I kept
thinking "Amber might have been right". Hopefully we are indeed wrong, and
Keith and Blues can continue to do this sport for a long time, and excel, and
give a great example to others that many breeds can be competitive at this
sport.
