The First Big Step

                                                         The 1st and 2nd Steps

           Since I was a kid I have dreamed about the Tevis Cup, I know, pretty bold dream... I have read book after book, and with the advent of the Internet been able to watch rider's video of their experiences while riding the Tevis.    I have a handful of friends, (Ann Szolas, Amy Durga, Laura Bond, Clara Ramsdell) that ride LD and Endurance, I follow their progress and watch them each year accomplish their goals.  All the while thinking, I should go buy me a horse I can do endurance with......     Well, I decided to sell one of my Quarter Horse mares, and look for a Polish/Russian Arabian gelding.  For many months I perused DreamHorse ads, finally one day I stumbled onto Willomar Arabians, and found WM Phyre aka Pete.  He was everything in conformation I was looking for.  

     Humbly, I e-mailed Lynn and George Allen, and we became fast friends.  After going to their place and meeting them and their horses.  I purchased Phyre, he was very kind, but very green, and he had never been trailer-ed.  As a testimony to his character, he stepped into the trailer with very little encouragement and hauled quietly home and stepped out. 

   Whether I ever ride the Tevis or not, I now have a horse that with proper training, at least has the potential to do it. 

 **Lord willing, and the creek don't rise  ;)

Hauled home Sept. 11th 

                                  The Training Begins ~ 

Monday September 12, 2016

Pete and I went to the round pen, with long line and checked out  what he really knew.

Although the world is a scary and new place, Pete does well, when he startles it is in place so far he doesn't blow over the top of me.  Very pre- occupied with all the sights, activities, sounds and smells. 

Tuesday September 13, 

Pete and I round penned today, did even better than yesterday

Wednesday September 14, 

6:30 AM.   Round penned with only the long line and he did better.  

4:30 PM.   Round pen with Surcingle and bit longing did very well Pete is better and better every day.  We walked up and around the house and back down to the barn.  

Thursday September 15, 

6:30 AM Round pen, with Surcingle, and bit did very well and he is starting to handle cantering longer each time.  The garbage truck came today while we were working, and he did wonderful.. 

Friday Septermber 16,

6:45 AM Round pen, with Surcingle, and bit. A little unsure when tacking up and tacking down, so we did that repetitively.. Finally got a sigh, and one hind leg cocked in resting position. Quiet eye, lowered head. Way to go Pete <3