Re: Paso Finos

[CMKSAGEHIL <CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com>]

Bravo, Lynn!

The sentiments you state echo those of many of my friends and fellow
competitors who ride other sorts of gaited horses.  The wonderful thing about
this sport is that there are as many different goals on a given day as there
are riders entered in the ride.  That is why I encouraged the original writer
who started this thread to make her choice of breed based on her goals.  The
diversity makes for a more interesting day for me when I am the ride vet, too.

I had a very interesting time in October of 1996 when I was invited to vet a
ride in Germany.  On that ride, I saw Friesans, Norwegian Fjord Horses, Orlov
Trotters, various and sundry Warmbloods, at least one Oldenburg cross, a
Knabstrupper, and various other breeds almost too numerous to mention.  And
yes, there were even a few Arabs.  It was one of the most fascinating
experiences of my life. Each rider was riding what he or she had, and was
trying to do the best for that horse on that given day.  Isn't that what we're
all here for?

Heidi Smith, DVM--Sagehill Arabians (Oregon)