On the 94 OD I pulled at 70 miles because my walker was dehydrated. The
trial from 55 to 70 was very dry, it was the hottest part of the day and
there were very few places for a crew. I walked in and Misty since did not
want to go. I feared she was tying up. The vet took a long hard look at
her. After she had water (and electrolytes) she recovered and the vet told
me I could go on, but being conservative and know that once they get
dehydrated it is very hard to catch up, I pulled. In an hour she was
climbing the walls wanting to go on.
In a conversation with the vet he said that she seemed to have a sense of
self perseveration. She some how know she should stop and did and because
of this she didn't get into trouble. He went on to say he wished more
horses had this since it would make his job easier. He stated that most of
the Arabs they see in endurance don't have this - they will go till they
drop.
My new horse (an Arab) thinks he is in much better shape than he is. He
can go forever but the legs aren't ready for him to go forever. I am glad
I started with Misty - she was honest about how she felt. I could trust her
and I listened to her. It took a year longer to get her to her prime
condition than it would an Arab, but when she got there she was ready to do
a sub 4 hour 50. This guy could do it but he is no more ready than the man
in the moon.
Just because the horse can run like the wind doesn't mean he should. The
partner with the brains needs to make the decision when the horse is ready
- not the horse.
Truman
Truman Prevatt
Sarasota, FL