I have never been pulled at a finish but can think of at least one instance
where I should have been. In 1991, I was working on my first 300-mile
blanket (the year-end award in AHAO). The mandatory ride was at a very
difficult trail and poured down rain the first day. Star was very stiff
and sore but I was allowed out on the second day. I walked alot and went
as easy as I could but he was lame and I crossed the finish line crying,
even though much of the stiffness was worked out. Granted, it was a CTR,
but I was awarded completion, so I could quailify for the blanket. This
was a very important goal for me and I had invested lots of money in entry
fees, etc that I really did not have to spare. I am not making excuses for
my actions, but I was devistated when Star became sore. He recovered and
that very night trotted out sound in the pasture. I am ashamed of what I
did, but would not trade that blanket for all the gold in Africa.
Just recently, I was in a 50 mile endurance ride. Out of 10 starters, 4
finished. It was the most difficult trail I have ever ridden. The flyer
said "moderate difficulty" and, unfortunately, I believed it. Had I but
known, I never would have entered. Star was stiffening at the last vet
check but was not lame yet and still willing to go out on trail away from
camp(one of my fatigue indicators). I continued with another rider who's
horse was so tired, she had to be on Star's butt or she wouldn't move
forward. Despite his stiffening, Star never hesitated to move out and gave
no indication of anything beyond being tired. We used up our entire 12
hours and were the last horses in. Once again, Star was very stiff, but
not "lame". He has such a high pain tolerance, that I think his leg would
have to be broken to show Grade III.
Two weeks later we had a novice level event. After jumping clean the
second day, his leg swelled up and he was showing lameness at the trot.
Diagnosis - strained superficial flexor tendon. Not torn, not beyond
repair, but enough to provide guilt for the rest of my life. The hard
trail had taken its toll and the jumping brought it to light.
I do not want you to think I abuse my horse. I have had him for 10 years
and can not bear to part with him, but there are times where I have not
listened hard enough to what he is telling me, because of his willingness
and eagerness to do what I ask of him. Because of this, he is now on
pasture rest and light hacking for 6 months.
We ask much of our horses and they do it, I believe, because of a love and
a depth of character that I know I will never possess. It is very hard to
admit that we are wrong sometimes. I have even more trouble because I must
scrape together entry fees and continually justify to my husband the
expense of keeping my horse and competing him. To not finish is very hard
but to lose my horse would be even harder. I only hope that when Star
tells me he cannot go continue down that trail, that I will be listening.
I apologize for the length and emotionalness (is this a word?) of this
post, but it is something that I have needed to get off my chest.
Shannon Loomis and Quail Meadow Star