How long have you been involved in Endurance?

I've been racing endurance about 20 years, mostly with 3 horses. I have accumulated 14,600 race miles - that is 230 rides and 222 completions. Before endurance, I raced Ride and Tie and also ran marathons.

What lessons have you learned along the way that you feel are the most important?

I don't RACE as much as I used to with AA Omner. Although I have 75 career wins, I have learned what my horse is capable of on that day and time. I'm very competitive, but I have learned that if I care enough about the future of my horse, that many good top ten placing come from riding within the capacity of my own horse, and riding at a steady pace, rather than to getting caught up with the pace of others.

Is there anything special about your nutrition program you attribute to your success?

Pasture in the summer and grass hay in winter.
Since 1991, I have consistently used the Dynamite Specialty Program nutrition program. It is my "rabbits foot" and I share all my secrets about the products.

TNT, is a vitamin / mineral supplements that covers many of the added supplement needs.

HES, is the High Energy Supplement which I use for fats, and maintain weight during competition.

The fat is in the form of extruded soybeans.

Pelleted Grain Formula, chemical-free oats, corn and barley

Pre-Race Pak, a blood builder prior to the race.

Also, Dyna-Pro probiotic, free choice NTM salt, free choice 2 to 1 and anything and everything for any special needs.

I also use the Human vitamins to keep up my health and stamina!

Do you use joint supplements?

Yes, I regularly use Legend and GL5500.

What do you look for in an endurance horse?

I like a good size, 15H-15.3H, good heart girth, big feet, nice sloping shoulder and powerful hind-quarters. Arabian or part Arabian (Anglo Arabians are my favorite). I like a bold, competitive attitude, which is usually the top man in the pasture hierarchy. It goes without saying, superb nutrition program, hoof care, teeth, parasite control.

What tack do you recommend?

I've been riding in the Arabian Saddle Company Solstice Endurance model for 10 years. It is an exceptional well made saddle that is comfortable and balanced for myself and my horses.

I also like the Merino Wool pad distributed by Cool Down Under tack.

Zilko is my choice for headstall and breastcollar.
My horses work well with the Mylar Combination with the Comfort Snaffle bit.

Pal is extremely competitive and the Myler bits really help him keep his form and my control.