Timeless Dezign Back From Retirement, If Only Temporarily
When Timeless Dezign (Zedann x *Fatmaa) won the 2005 Carolina Challenge 25 Mile Endurance Ride last fall, it was decided that she would be retired to the brood mare barn.
However, nothing is forever. Just days before the Biltmore/Mountin' Hopes Fall Fling, Gunnar Palm found himself in need of a horse in order to participate in this endurance ride.
With his present mount, Citadel Batal (*Simeon Shai+ x Matrabbs Melody) getting some well deserved rest after the 60 miles completed at the Big South Fork in Knoxville, Tennessee, Gunnar had his eyes set on a grey mare in the pasture.
Dezign, having the spirit of the true Bedouin war horse, was a very talented endurance horse. Had it not been for the fact that she was to serve as the replacement for her dam, Gunnar and Dezign would probably still be a team. And because of that very special relationship that the two share, the decision was made to travel to Asheville, North Carolina for the ride September 23, 2006.
It would be a challenge for both horse and rider. Dezign had not been ridden since the Carolina Challenge approximately 10 months prior. Gunnar would have his hands full with a horse that was born to run.
Gunnar's strategy was to approach it as a 30 mile trail ride. His only reason for attending was to familiarize himself with the terrain in preparation for spring 2007. Dezign had other thoughts. She was there to win.
At the start of the ride it was apparent that the battle was on. Gunnar was trying to hold Dezign back and Dezign was confused as to why he wouldn't let her go. But after much give and take, from both parties, Gunnar and Dezign completed the 30 miles safe and sound. It wasn't their best time nor their best finish, but it is a true testimony as to the courage, strength and loyalty that the Egyptian Arabian has for his rider.
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