Tell us about your horse.  When/how did you come to get him/her?  Claude bought him in December 1992 from a local Arabian farm. He did not lend himself for showing because of low foot carriage.

What is your horses breeding?   We were told Crabbet. We did not get his papers, were told they were lost.

Sex: Gelding
DOB: 1986, we think & were told
Horse height: 15.1 h
Approx. Weight: 950 lb
Color: Chestnut
Easyboot size: 0--St. Croix, Diamond size 1.

Why did you decide to purchase this horse (or if you didn't purchase, why did you choose to use this horse in endurance)?  He was bought for resale. I took him across the mountain as soon as he came home and decided to keep him for myself.

Did you do endurance with any other horses before this horse?  Yes, 5 other horses.

How many different horses have you ridden in this sport?  5

Do you participate in any other horse sports or activities?  No. I used to do some NATRC rides before I started riding endurance.

How many years have you been involved with horses?  In endurance?  I have been involved with horses since 1972. My first endurance ride was in 1985.

What got you interested in endurance riding?  I liked the riding pace and the people. Claude started endurance before I tried it. It is something we can enjoy together.

How old was your horse when first started?  First ride?  That Boy's first endurance ride was in 1993, he was six years old.

How many rides did you do the first, second, and third ride seasons?

First: 2 ride/55 & 50.
Second: 7 rides/5x50 and 2x100.
Third: 8 rides/5x50, 1x55, 1x75, 2x100.

What mileage distance did you start with?  I started with 55 miles I did not race, only tried to finish, however we placed top ten..

How long till you top tenned or 'raced'?  Top tenned first ride, but did not race.

How much time off do you give between ride seasons?  None, I ride year around.

If you have done 100's, how much time off do you give after doing one?  What is your schedule in the month leading up to the ride?   At least two weeks, sometimes a month. I use short, taxing workouts of approx. 5 miles once a week in the mountains and in mud. I rest my horse one week before the ride.

If you have done multidays, how much time off do you give after doing one?  What is your schedule in the month leading up to the ride?  We did one multiday ride, the 5-day Timberon in New Mexico in 1997. He went all 5 days. I took him to another ride 2 months later and let him rest one month after the multiday ride.

What kind of tack do you use?  Brown Orthoflex saddle; Dixie Midnight No sweat pad, sliding gag snaffle. I am planning to switch this season to the bitless bridle, it's easier for eating. I have used it in training rides and like it.

What kind of shoes do you use on your horse?  Used regular keg Diamond for 9 years. St. Croix for the past 2 years. Never used pads. He never has lost a shoe on a ride.

What kind of problems have you encountered?  Had no major problems.

What was the worst or most severe injury your horse has had?  Never had a severe injury.

How did you work thru it?  n/a

Describe the best ride you ever had on your horse?  I had so many good rides it would be impossible to pick a best ride. He has top tenned 36 rides, but I guess any finish with my horse in good shape is a great ride. We did finish the Biltmore 100 once before dark, I guess it could be my best ride.

Describe the worst day you ever had with your horse?  When I entered the Biltmore 100 FEI and went the wrong way for approximately 10-15 miles because a number taker told us to go straight. My horse got cut crossing a logged area and was lame at the vetcheck.

What was your most humbling experience?  Anytime we don't complete is very humbling.

What lessons have you learned along the way that you feel are the most important?  It is important to be able to keep the horse under control. Also, to stay relaxed, have fun and of course not to take it too seriously.

Where does your horse live?  He lives on a 50 acre pasture with 12 other horses.

What kind of environment did your horse spend the first few years of its life in?   I don't know.

What are your horse's strengths?  Weaknesses?  His strengths are that he loves to go and he seems to enjoy endurance. He is willing to move on without a riding buddy, going just as fast. He likes to catch horses in front of him. Weaknesses ? I would like him to come down faster at the vetcheck.

What advice do you have for new riders?  A new rider should learn as much as possible about the sport and from experienced riders. If they get a mentor it would be great. Then they should relax and have fun, don't think about winning or placing.

Looking back, what would you do differently?  I would not do anything differently.

What do you feel you did right?  I am always careful not to override in training and in competition.

What was your highest goal for your horse?  Did you achieve it?  Finishing a 100 was one of my high goals. We have finished 16 up to now. Also riding all 5 days in a multiday ride, which we did.

Describe your horse's personality?  How is it like or unlike yours?   He appears laid back and I can ride him on a loose rein almost all of the time, however he is very competetive and likes to go. Enjoys catching horses in front of him. We are pretty much alike.

What kinds of rides do you enjoy the most?  I like them all.

Describe your electrolyte protocol.  Electrolytes the night before the ride, before the start and each vet stop. Three doses each of a homemade mix. 2 parts salt, 2 parts no-salt, 1 part dolomite with applesauce and vinegar..

Is there anything special about your nutrition program you attribute to your success?  He has free choice grass in a well established pature, weeds, trees, acorns, plain white salt, Purina 12x12 minteral mix, dolomite. Once a day he receives grain.

Are there any major changes you've made to your nutrition program (i.e., changed from one hay to another, added something special) that you feel made a noticeable improvement or solved a problem?   No.

What kind of supplements (if any) do you use?  None.

Do you give any kind of joint products?   None.

How far do you usually travel to rides?  We usually stay on the East coast all the way from Florida to New Jersey. We live in NC. We went once to ride in New Mexico and once to California to do the Tevis but did not complete.

Do you go to many rides outside of your region?  Very few.

Name three people involved in the sport of endurance that you look up to, and why?  Nina Warren because she won almost every ride and her horse looked great at the finish. James Barnett because he is such a very nice person and he takes great care of his horses. My husband Claude who always helps me at rides and he is a great riding partner.

Did you have a mentor or first trail partner?  My husband. I have learned so much from Claude. He is also a wonderful trail partner.

In choosing your next horse, what would you look for?  A horse that enjoys endurance as much as That Boy and who gives me as smooth a ride as he does.

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