When the Going gets Tough by Patti Bailey - Previously printed in Arabian Horse World, July 1990
Copyright Patti Bailey 1990
My Arabian stallion, Remington Steele, is the only US and Canadian National Top Ten Halter Stallion in the history of the breed to successfully complete the Tevis Cup 100 Miles One-Day Ride, the granddaddy of all endurance races held in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains each summer. The reason why this particular accomplishment has not occurred before — especially in the same year — became painfully apparent as we progressed through the undertaking… one of the most grueling tests of endurance, stamina, and athletic ability in the world. “Why would anyone in his right mind enter a Top Ten Stallion in such an event?” asked my show ring associates. “A show horse can’t make it!” declared my endurance riding friends. “You’ll ruin him!” proclaimed everyone.
But we’ve always believed that a top halter mare or stallion should also be a top athlete. Since halter classes are really breeding classes, judges should consider from to function, and a good Arabian should represent both well.
Yes, I recognized that I was taking a chance with a valuable, proven show horse and sire, but Remington was worthless to me as a stallion unless he could do something… and do it well — balanced, comfortable and correctly using his conformation. How sad for the Arabian horse, if this most noble of all God’s creatures… this bold and hearty war horse whose spirit and courage was instilled in him by the very breath of God– is reduced to being an object d’art so fragile it should no longer be called on to perform…a museum piece instead of a capable companion.
But we’ve always believed that a top halter mare or stallion should also be a top athlete. Since halter classes are really breeding classes, judges should consider from to function, and a good Arabian should represent both well.
Yes, I recognized that I was taking a chance with a valuable, proven show horse and sire, but Remington was worthless to me as a stallion unless he could do something… and do it well — balanced, comfortable and correctly using his conformation. How sad for the Arabian horse, if this most noble of all God’s creatures… this bold and hearty war horse whose spirit and courage was instilled in him by the very breath of God– is reduced to being an object d’art so fragile it should no longer be called on to perform…a museum piece instead of a capable companion.
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