Everything Horses and Livestock® Magazine February 2018 Vol 3 Issue 1

Everything Horses and Livestock Magazine ®

Witez II several times! Years passed and on Whitney’s

thirtieth birthday, Dennis surprised her with “Slick”. The Journey begins

“As soon as I saw you, I knew a grand adventure was about to happen.”

researching the best trainer for Miles. There are a lot of trainers to choose from, but she wanted the perfect trainer for her high energy horse. She chose Ashley Purdin from Louisburg, Kansas. What a perfect choice she made in Ashley! Ashley proved to be an amazing person and trainer. She worked so well with both Miles and Whitney. For two months, Ashley devoted her amazing knowledge and time to this team. She was the right

choice, a match that was meant to be. During his time at the trainer, Whitney spent countless hours researching and planning. She planned everything from a special feeding protocol with a customized diet, special shoes, tack, along with an exercise and training program to help them reach their goal. It was the beginning of September 2015 when Miles came home from the trainer. The pair eagerly started their endurance training program and by the end of October, they headed for their first American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) ride at Hillsdale Lake, Hillsdale, Kansas. Over a year ago, Whitney had made a goal to be ready for this ride. Excited to be there but concerned after heavy rain left the trails slick and muddy, Whitney decided to test him and Continued on Page 40

Whitney’s dream started materializing as “Slick”, affectionately renamed “Miles”, began his journey from Wisconsin to Kansas. The young colt was worn out when he arrived. She immediately began their bonding and making him comfortable in his new home. A four-year-old gelding, not broke to ride and barely halter broke, was going to take some time. Day after day, the two spent quality time together. She groomed, led him around, put the saddle and bridle on him, and did groundwork with him daily to gain his trust in her. Some nights she was still in the barn with him at midnight and many hours were spent just sitting on him in his stall. As Whitney thought ahead, she began to spend time

5 Everything Horses and Livestock® | February 2018 | EHALmagazine.com