This message is from: Janet McNally <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Carol wrote:
"dumbing down the breed to turn out trail horses would not be fulfilling the obligation we have of breeding for versatility, strength, and the many other unique qualities of the breed." Carol, Some of the trail riding I have done required significant stamina and strength to haul my weight over 20 miles at high altitudes, for 10 days in a row, required athleticism to safely scramble over 20 some odd belly high logs in a day, required trainability to collect for safe, controlled down hill descents down steep and slippery slopes, required extension to catch up on the flat spots so we get back to camp before dark, required sensibility to remain calm when a pack slipped sideways, requires even more sensibility when you unexpectedly meet a roaring motorcycle around a curve in the trail, requires excellent conformation to do all of this without swelling or lameness in the legs, and needs even better conformation to do all of this at a comfortable walk/jog so that I am not lame at the end of the day. There is no room for a dumb horse on the trail, not when you are riding in more remote areas, miles from any help, and possibly in weather that can be life threatening if you are thrown and disabled. And about versatality, yes we expect that same horse to be able to move the cows, pull 700 lb bales of hay, be a safe mount for my kids, and take the family on a sunday drive. I am not alone, I am just amazed at how many people just in our neighborhood alone, who have hauled their horses out to all the same places we have to ride the trails. This is trail riding and it seems to be a growing sport. We have two popular trail riding destinations near by, and there can easily be 100 people camping there on a weekend. Janet W McNally
