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10.03.2006


Colorado Horse Park Challenge!

Wiping the dusty footprints from the bathroom scale reminded me that each footprint was as different as every rider’s perception of endurance. The Colorado Horse Park Challenge 2006 was held in Parker,Colorado, at The Colorado Horse Park on Labor Day. While negotiating the rolling high prairie terrain and enjoying spectacular views of the Front Range and Pikes Peak, ride managers and volunteers as well as the endurance riders experienced personal definitions of endurance.

 

Shirley Donaghue logged her 12,000th mile at the ride this year.  If that alone was not a deserved accomplishment, she did it uniquely.  Unfortunately, during the pre-race count Shirley was un-seated from her mount Lassie.  Donning a new helmet,as hers was cracked in half by the fall, she remounted.  With courage and determination she finished her 50 mile event.  Shirley has been riding endurance since 1982 and undoubtedly is an example of perservance and fortitude.  In a later conversation, Shirley informed us that not only did she break her helmet, but her arm was also cracked in 3 places with her fall.  Shirley deserves a big hurrah from all as she rode 50 miles and accomplished her 12,000th mile with a broken arm.

 

SS Storm Warning met with his own challenge at the Colorado Horse Park this year. The 15 yr. old Arabian gelding was bred and trained for distance riding.  He holds many wins and BC’s in both endurance and competitive trail. In May 2005 on a return from a training ride, Stormy began stumbling for no apparent reason. A veterinary diagnosis of EPM meant months of layoff and rehabilitation.  For the last year, his owner Marybelle Cooper has been rehabilitating him with ground therapy trying to help him understand that even though his body still works, his brain and coordination are not what they used to be.  Many hours have been logged to allow this brave animal to continue his endurance career. Stormy is thrilled to be back in competition and The Colorado Horse Park Challenge was his 7th 25 miler this season.  Way to go Marybelle and Stormy!