Just last weekend we were asked to Open the PRCA Rodeo in our State Capital, Helena with a tribute to the troops. We chose God Bless The USA to ride to and just to be sure we covered the "WOW factor", I decided we'd do it Bridleless. Well... if the horse was ever gonna check out and leave me hangin'...he had just about every reason I can think of to do it.... Over 7000 people pounding thier feet on aluminum bleachers to show thier excitement; Bulls being loaded into the shoots right behind him; Barrel Racing Flag Carriers running high speed circles around us (some of them riding mares in heat); Amusment park rides going; no lights, excepts the spot lights that illuminated the ground around us but blinded us to anything beyond our small, moving immediate area. Many smells and sights and sounds that Whizdom had never experienced before. HE WAS ROCK SOLID! He was completely free to make whatever choices he wanted to...and he was completely obidient. He stayed soft,quiet and in the "communication zone" with me throughout the entire 11 minute performance. I don't think I've ever been more proud or impressed with him than on that night. It was even more exciting for me than our Immediate Open win at the NRHA Champioship Show in 2003.
So let me ask you.... How many horses do you know that you can show time after time, in big, open pens or small, short pens, with or without a bridle, and have him slide 30 feet and spin at mach speeds, change leads on a straight line every 3 strides... and remain completely honest? Are you starting to get the picture?
He combines his grit with tremendous desire to please and the result is OUTSTANDING preformance....day after day after day.
He's more than just a great preformer. He's cuddly. He's tender. He's emotional. He loves to earn his praise and tender touches. He loves to rest his beautiful chiseled head in my arms and wrap his thick, glistening neck around me to give me a horse hug. He's kind to little things....little dogs...little cats...little kids. He's just a nice guy and everybody who meets him can see that little extra "something" that you just can't hardly put into words that makes him extra special. If it's attitude that seperates the good from the great...He certainly has that area covered. God just doesn't make them with any better attitude.
He's bred to be really, really good. But the horse has something special...something more than just good breeding and training. He has a real WANT to please and do well at whatever he's asked to do. He has the heart of a warrior and a servents spirit.
Thank you Lord for creating this animal and blessing me with the priveledge of being his Upright.
Theresa