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In 2001 Mouse (Barrister Sonata) was injured and it looked like she might not recover. Karla needed a horse to ride for her physical therapy. T (JMF High Time) was just too young and immature to start under saddle.
After searching within 200 miles for an 8 to 12 year old gelding ready to be competitive on the long trail rides, no horse was found. A call to Janzen Morgan Farm in Canada (they bred the lovely JMF High Time) to check on stock, hoping still for that gelding, found them in California with Cherry on the trailer. Some person had decided that Cherry was not the mare for them. Dorothy and Will Janzen brought Cherry to Karla's boarding stable. She decided that Cherry was definitely the mare for her. Of course, Cherry was the absolute antithesis of what was thought to be needed, but she was perfect for Karla: green, pregnant, and only five!
Cherry and Karla rode many trails in a hackamore as she needed some dentistry done and Karla did not want to jeopardize the foal. They had some very exciting adventures, some discussions, and a lot of fun. On Feb 9, 2002, at 6:15 a.m. Cherry had Sparky - Cherry was only 6 hours and 15 minutes beyond her due date (at least as Karla calculated it!).
In 2003 Cherry began her endurance career with a very quick 25 miler. Cherry is competeting in 50 mile endurance rides now and doing well. Cherry's rider holds her back some, so Karla is working on that. It is hard to believe the changes in the pair as they have conditioned and trained. Cherry is now very fit and trim. Although not as easy going as T, Cherry is a wonderful spirited mount for a sensative rider.
Cherry was awarded "Best Condition" on a 50 mile ride in 2004. Due to Karla's injuries and current bout with breast cancer, Cherry will not be competeted in 2005, but we will return strong in 2006, I hope.
photo by Karen Chaton
Cherry on a rainy day at the 2004 Desert Gold Multi-Day Endurance Ride
photo by Gore/Baylor Event Photography
Windhover Regency, Sire of Cherry
