Built for distance: Two Appaloosa breeders share their insights on the physical and mental qualities of great distance and endurance horses

摘要

A great Appaloosa distance and endurance horse covers ground at a strong but steady pace. His steps are careful, his mind quiet and his hody sound. He's a trusted partner and well respected for his surefootedness on rough terrain, a quality attributedto his heritage as the Nez Perce American Indians' horse in the rugged Northwestern United States. While the Appaloosa has a natural talent for the trail, great distance and endurance horses are no accident. Their bodies and minds have to hold up to training for and competing in races spanning 25 to 100 miles over varied terrain. These talented horses result from careful breeding, selection and training, according to Appaloosa breeders Carol Ann Beckner and Kay Williams.