"Rio and I did our 4th endurance ride recently in the Sam Houston National Forest near Huntsville, TX.  I haven't been able to ride much at all since the March 10th ride, but got talked into going anyway.  It was a 30 miler and the 1st loop was 17.5 miles.  I was about to die, but Rio was like the energizer bunny.

"Rio keeps himself in shape in his pasture at home, constantly moving and even lunging himself.  I almost pulled myself from the second loop, but decided I just wouldn't do that to Rio.  He did awesome and held me together for a finish.  I am so glad I pushed myself. 

"We now have 130 miles under our belt (saddle) in 6 months.  We are still learning about strategy and every time he continues to amaze me.  I just wish I could ride him even close to his full potential. 

"After the ride, during the vet check trot out, I hoped out loud that I wouldn't fall down while trotting him out and one of the ladies I rode with part of the way laughed and said Rio looked like he could do 50 more, just bouncing behind me.  When people ask me about his breeding, most still haven't heard of the Spanish lines and of course I educate them as much as I can."
 
 

Copyright © 2007 by the Spanish Arabian Horse Society. 
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