For the Love of Horses: Meet Serengeti š
Endurance horses have a quiet strength. They carry their riders over rugged trails, through deep woods, and across wide fields with heart and grit. Serengeti is one of themāa retired endurance horse with Arabian blood and a loyal heart. His name means āEndless Fields,ā a fitting tribute to his nature. My friend and neighbor, Whitney, knows his spirit better than anyone.
Serengeti rode thousands of miles during his career; although not the fastest or the showiest, (being a little too curious about the competition behind him), he had a love for the trail! Whether it was a 25-mile ride or a tougher longer race, he moved with eager ears and bright eyes, always ready for what lay ahead. Endurance horses are known to ride up to 100 miles in a day – an absolutely stunning accomplishment!
Today, Serengeti is retiredābut don’t tell him that. For over ten years, he ran those trails, proving what endurance riders know: itās not about speed as much as sheer courage and perseverance. With thoughtful care and steady pacing, Serengeti stayed strong well into his later years.
Now that Geti’s retired, he enjoys staying connected to his heard, savors life and eagerly enjoying the treats we share with him.
He shows us that itās not just about the miles you cover. Itās about the heart you pour into your mission. With his steady gaze and curious gait, Iām happy to call him my enduring friend!
If you enjoy the song “Rivers End” feel free to visit iTunes for more! https://music.apple.com/usRiver’s End by Celeste Howard Ray
Lord Byron comes closest with equine imagery. In his poem Mazeppa (1819), he writes:
“The horse, the horse! The symbol of the power / Of manās strong will, to make the desert cower.” – Lord Byron
ENDURNACE EQUINE NOTABLES:
- History: Originated from military needs, like the Pony Express, and became a competitive sport in the 1950s.inside.fei.orghorsepilot.com
- Achievements: Arabian horses and riders like Spainās Maria Alvarez Ponton (with her gelding Nobby) have excelled. Australia has also secured numerous medals at the World Equestrian Games.inside.fei.orgequestrian.org.au
- Rules and Awards: The Best Conditioned (BC) award, based on speed, weight carried, and vet scores, is often more valued than first place.
- Controversies: The UAE faced FEI bans in 2015 and 2020 for welfare violations, doping, and rule non-compliance, highlighting ongoing concerns about ethical practices in some regions.