cross country

Question
Dorthy,
as a fellow 40 yr. veteran, and a total alien to your world, I was wondering what you would consider the ultimate test of a horse. I love your cross country horses, the heart, the stamina, the ability.... but I grew up in no horse country, the Western horse is my world and our test, of like, is the Working Cowhorse. Ever seen an event ? A true test. Think it compares? Just in fun!
You live in a fantasy world to most.

Answer
Hello Bill in Canada,

Thank you for your question.  I believe the ultimate test of a horse is a full three day event like in the old days.  This includes a dressage test, roads and tracks, steeplechase, more roads and tracks, cross country obstacles and finally the show jumping.  All of this may take place over three or even four days.  I believe it is the ultimate test because it demands the same horse (and rider) to be versatile, accomplished in four disciplines, and totally fit and sound. It is the ultimate triathlon for the horse and his or her rider. I said, like in the old days, because recently the officials have done events without the roads and tracks and steeplechase; although they are coming back into vogue.  

It is as though you took your working cowhorse to a competition and on the first day he did regulation reining, then on the second day he did about 10 miles of trail work with galloping sessions, finishing up with working cows, and the third day he had to be a roping horse. All the horses entered in your competition had to do all of that to be equal to our Eventers or Combined Training as it is also known.

I know of no other test in the world for equines of this sort. What is demanded, in addition to the heart, stamina and ability, is versatility. He has to wear four different hats and have four different mind sets, one right after the other.  If you show me a Western horse just as accomplished and versatile, or if your Western world had such a competiton, I would love to see it.

And yes, I have seen working cowhorse competition and they are thrilling. It would compare to one of our disciplines but not all four.

I may live in a fantasy world, as you say, but I got there by hard work and much study.  Anyone can do it if they have the talent, intelligence and drive.

Have a very good weekend,
Best wishes,
Dorothy