Hi, my name is Denise Conroy and I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My husband is deathly allergic to horses, and I thought my dream of ever being a horse owner would never be realized. Until we found out about the American Bashkir Curly Horse in 1996. Not only is he not allergic to them, but he has a curly of his own now and enjoys riding with me on occassion. We've had curly horses for almost 20 years now. We were breeders for about 10 years, but riding is my love and there was just no time to do both. We are now down to just 2 amazing riding geldings - my husband horse, Zig and my horse Bear. They are 23 and 20, but still very healthy and I pray they will go another 10 years. =]
Over the last 20 years or so, I've owned a few different curlies and have dabbled in lots of different things, like showing western and english, competitive trail etc., but my true love is trail riding and exploring new areas. I also love camping and doing parades. =] Last year we did our first team cow penning event and that was a blast. Bear is pretty laid back so we weren't fast but we did pretty good!
I joined the Distance Derby because I love logging miles and setting goals. It's very motivating to me. Being part of a group like this is also so much fun..sharing from across the country/world. The last time I did anything like this was back in 2008 but it was just a frequent riders point system. We rode 1208 miles that year. I don't know if I will log that many this year - my personal goal is 750. But we will see. I want to keep it fun and not forced. Motivating but not an obligation for miles. My other goal is to build a bond with Zig, my husband's horse and get comfortable riding him. He is a high energy, sensitive horse. And I am also high energy, and can get anxious. So we aren't the best team that way, but I am learning to be a calm, confident leader with him. This derby has really motivated me to ride him for short spurts through the week. It's been exciting and fun to progress with him. My husband doesn't ride much anymore, so Zig just sat around. He loves people and I felt so bad for him. Now I have two great horses that greet me at the gate - each so different, but so wonderful.
Bear is my "heart" horse - that once in a lifetime horse that is honest and takes care of me. He carries family members and friends safely and is so willing and such a gentleman. Does whatever is asked of him. Just a gem..a true gift!
I look forward to this year and all that God will teach me through this derby and through my horses.
Feb 11, Rode 3.43 miles. (2.07 on Zig and 1.36 on Bear), Hubby is helping create new trails on our property...storm today so just rode long enough to check out a section. YTD: 83.14
Feb 12. Rode 3.92 miles. (2.30 on Zig and 1.62 on Bear) It was BITTER cold today. Wasn't even planning to ride, but it was so sunny and beautiful! YTD: 87.06
Feb 13. Rode 2.15 miles on Zig. Weather turning, blizzard coming. Sub zero temps. No riding the next couple days. Extreme windchill - horses get a day off. =] YTD: 89.21
Feb 15. Rode 3.27 miles. It was -3 but the sun was out and I rode the horses lightly so they wouldn't break a sweat. Rode Zig 1.32 and Bear 1.95. YTD: 92.48
Feb 18. Rode 2.77 miles on Zig. It was pretty darn cold, 7 deg, felt like -10. 22 MPH gusts. But I had to reach my 100 mile mark!! And we did it! Praise God! YTD: 101.65 SO SO happy!
Feb 25. Rode Zig. 2.99 miles. Temp was 6 deg and sunny, but felt SO cold for some reason. I have just about met my goal for the year so far which is 120. Yay! YTD: 119.82
May 9 10.37 miles - Bear May 10 - 3 miles Zig (not logged) May 13 - 6.32 miles Zig w/ Karen - great ride, second time on new trails this year. (kinross was first)
Hi, my name is Denise Conroy and I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My husband is deathly allergic to horses, and I thought my dream of ever being a horse owner would never be realized. Until we found out about the American Bashkir Curly Horse in 1996. Not only is he not allergic to them, but he has a curly of his own now and enjoys riding with me on occassion. We've had curly horses for almost 20 years now. We were breeders for about 10 years, but riding is my love and there was just no time to do both. We are now down to just 2 amazing riding geldings - my husband horse, Zig and my horse Bear. They are 23 and 20, but still very healthy and I pray they will go another 10 years. =]
ReplyDeleteOver the last 20 years or so, I've owned a few different curlies and have dabbled in lots of different things, like showing western and english, competitive trail etc., but my true love is trail riding and exploring new areas. I also love camping and doing parades. =] Last year we did our first team cow penning event and that was a blast. Bear is pretty laid back so we weren't fast but we did pretty good!
I joined the Distance Derby because I love logging miles and setting goals. It's very motivating to me. Being part of a group like this is also so much fun..sharing from across the country/world. The last time I did anything like this was back in 2008 but it was just a frequent riders point system. We rode 1208 miles that year. I don't know if I will log that many this year - my personal goal is 750. But we will see. I want to keep it fun and not forced. Motivating but not an obligation for miles. My other goal is to build a bond with Zig, my husband's horse and get comfortable riding him. He is a high energy, sensitive horse. And I am also high energy, and can get anxious. So we aren't the best team that way, but I am learning to be a calm, confident leader with him. This derby has really motivated me to ride him for short spurts through the week. It's been exciting and fun to progress with him. My husband doesn't ride much anymore, so Zig just sat around. He loves people and I felt so bad for him. Now I have two great horses that greet me at the gate - each so different, but so wonderful.
Bear is my "heart" horse - that once in a lifetime horse that is honest and takes care of me. He carries family members and friends safely and is so willing and such a gentleman. Does whatever is asked of him. Just a gem..a true gift!
I look forward to this year and all that God will teach me through this derby and through my horses.
Feb 4, Bitter cold and blustery today. Rode 2.47 miles on Bear.
ReplyDeleteYTD 63.74 miles
Feb 5, Rode 2.65 miles on Zig.
ReplyDeleteYTD 66.39
Feb 6, TGIF! Rode 2.95 miles on Zig. GREAT ride!!
ReplyDeleteYTD: 69.34
Feb 7, Rode 3.97 miles on Bear. Snowy and very pretty.
ReplyDeleteYTD: 73.31
Feb 9, Rode 2.96 miles on Zig. Beautiful sunny day.
ReplyDeleteYTD: 76.27
Feb 10, Rode 3.44 miles on Bear. Checked out a new trail my hubby made for me.
ReplyDeleteYTD: 79.71
Feb 11, Rode 3.43 miles. (2.07 on Zig and 1.36 on Bear), Hubby is helping create new trails on our property...storm today so just rode long enough to check out a section.
ReplyDeleteYTD: 83.14
Feb 12. Rode 3.92 miles. (2.30 on Zig and 1.62 on Bear) It was BITTER cold today. Wasn't even planning to ride, but it was so sunny and beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYTD: 87.06
Feb 13. Rode 2.15 miles on Zig. Weather turning, blizzard coming. Sub zero temps. No riding the next couple days. Extreme windchill - horses get a day off. =]
ReplyDeleteYTD: 89.21
Feb 15. Rode 3.27 miles. It was -3 but the sun was out and I rode the horses lightly so they wouldn't break a sweat. Rode Zig 1.32 and Bear 1.95.
ReplyDeleteYTD: 92.48
Feb 16. Rode 2.99 miles on Zig.
ReplyDeleteYTD: 95.47
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ReplyDeleteFeb 17. Rode 3.41 miles on Bear.
ReplyDeleteYTD: 98.88
Feb 18. Rode 2.77 miles on Zig. It was pretty darn cold, 7 deg, felt like -10. 22 MPH gusts. But I had to reach my 100 mile mark!! And we did it! Praise God!
ReplyDeleteYTD: 101.65 SO SO happy!
Feb 20th. Didn't ride yesterday..coldest day of the year. -6 as high. Today I rode Bear 1.98 and Zig 3.27.
ReplyDeleteYTD: 106.9
Feb 21st. Rode Bear 3.13 miles.
ReplyDeleteYTD:110.03
Feb 23. rode Zig 2.63 miles.
ReplyDeleteYTD: 112.66
Feb 24. Rode Bear 4.17 miles. BEST ride so far..like a winter wonderland!
ReplyDeleteYTD: 116.83
Feb 25. Rode Zig. 2.99 miles. Temp was 6 deg and sunny, but felt SO cold for some reason. I have just about met my goal for the year so far which is 120. Yay!
ReplyDeleteYTD: 119.82
My goal of 60 miles per month, I mean. =]
DeleteFeb 27. Rode 2.58 miles on Bear.
ReplyDeleteYTD: 122.40
Feb 28, last day of the month!! Rode Zig 3.14 and Bear 1.87.
ReplyDeleteYTD: 127.41
May 9 10.37 miles - Bear
ReplyDeleteMay 10 - 3 miles Zig (not logged)
May 13 - 6.32 miles Zig w/ Karen - great ride, second time on new trails this year. (kinross was first)