It's going straight into my file Saved For Later Large Prints. Look at the dainty little feet on that baby... they're gorgeous animals.
That's the major 'beauty point' some hold against Arabians, their comparatively large hooves. But that was to promote navigating treacherous sand dunes, and I think it even helps their stamina. They also have an undeserved reputation in some quarters of being flighty. I say that's due to human fault entirely. Every one I ever had was as cool under pressure as a cucumber. In fact that was the nickname for one of my saddle mares. I could and often did ride her straight into a flock of birds resting on the ground. When they flew up all around us (sorry, birds!) she'd shake her head and whinny at our mischief. Loved it.
Since I'll never be able to keep horses again, I'd really love to get my hands on some Marsh Tacky videos. I'm totally entranced with them.
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PS: In the past I might've had an edge at those races, however, given equal mounts, because my preferred saddle was a 3-lb Stueben that was little more than a leather pad with racing stirrups. God love people who ride Western, but it drives me battier than I am already when I try. I need a forward seat with as much direct horse contact for myself as possible. I was great at plunging at top speed across unmarked rough terrain, but I'd be pretty useless working on a ranch. (Love to watch cutting horse competitions.) Never used more than a broken snaffle, either.
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