+ PET LOVER
“He has won Grand Champion more than once, and nearly always places in the top ten.”
Goose /
A rescue horse turned champion
G
oose, an eight-year-old quarter horse, is proof that rescues can achieve greatness. Coming from a hoarding situation where he was tiny and malnourished, his rescuer and owner, Heidi Douts of Longshot Stables, never expected him to turn into the strong and competitive horse he is today. “He’s a lot of fun with a touch of crazy,” Heidi said. “I’ve never ridden a horse with as much raw takeoff as he has.” Goose is a versatile competitor, performing in events from barrel racing to crosscountry jumping. However, his greatest talents are in endurance trials. “When Goose was younger he was very high energy. I started researching endurance riding and knew it fit his personality. I spent a year conditioning him by building his muscle and bone strength before we began competing. We got hooked on the event, and I have also gotten several of my riding students involved.”
14 LANCASTER COUNTY PET
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written and photographed by Samantha St.Clair
“Endurance riding is like a marathon on horseback,” Heidi explained. “We compete in 25-mile events, though there are also 50 and 100-mile events. It takes us around four hours to complete 25 miles.” Endurance events are not races, as the horse and rider are evaluated based on the horse’s fitness level, not on beating the times of other riders. “I enjoy endurance trials because you compete against yourself. You have to condition your horse to an appropriate level and you’re always working on improving your team.” Endurance is entirely about the horse and rider and finding what works right for them. Every horse is judged as an individual, so riders can always work to beat their previous milestones. While Arabians are the most popular breed for endurance trials, Goose never let that stop him. He has won Grand Champion more than once, and nearly always places in the top ten.
“I love the challenge he brings me. Even after owning him for eight years, he is challenging. I think I’d be bored without him around. He is not a very affectionate horse, but we have built a bond out of respect. We enjoy our time competing together, and I appreciate his drive and dedication. He never gives up.”