Destino was the ambassador for Paso Fino gaited horses in the East Mountain area of NM ; he filled the role magnificently. Nearly everyone who was privileged to ride and experience his smooth as glass gait was hooked and had to have a Paso Fino or Peruvian Paso for their very own! Unfortunately Destino left us at the tender age of 11, off to introduce the spirit world to gaited horses! For now his likeness in glass greets me every morning with the sunrise behind him! Destino, born and bred for show in his native Latin America undoubtedly experienced some rough handling in his training but he was able to rise above it and become a loyal and trustworthy steed. He still had the fire and presence of a show Paso Fino but he became trustworthy and was even able to flat walk; quite an accomplishment for a show Paso whose breeding and training is all about their Brio or controlled fire. Destino and I rode many happy trails together until his untimely death September 2007. My terrific friends Liz and Leigh bestowed Leigh’s last stained glass masterpiece on me for Destino’s one year anniversary of his passing. It hangs in a place of honor facing east and greeting the sunrise every morning.

Dervatiw Gwyddion

I had the pleasure this last week of getting to Know Ruth and her sport Arabian stallion Charming Raffi WGR! Recently from California where her farm Cerridwyn Arabian Sporthorses is located along with most of her horses; she brought several here to keep her company. This 4 year old stallion is in training in Placitas where we drove up to see him. What you ask is the difference with sport Arabians versus non sport Arabians? The secret is in the correct conformation and movement which allows it to compete and perform in the sports events:  dressage, jumping and eventing. Always eager to learn more about specific breeds I certainly enjoyed learning and meeting Raffles.  Although not a gaited horse I look forward to more adventures with Ruth and her sport horses!