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Here is what I know, Mariah came to California sometime in 1995 as a 10 year old. She was purchased at a Southern California auction where her female owner was riding her in a halter only, showing off her advanced training, Mariah was brought home to Lancaster, Ca and lived with Roxy and Jessica for 5 years. With Jessica, Mariah won many Gymkana ribbons and a Buckle in AA times for the year end award.
In 2000 Mariah was then sold to a fellow club member for the wife of the family, With little activity exept for a few 4H Horse shows, Mariah was again listed for sale in December 2001, Since I missed the opportunity to purchase Mariah in 2000, I wasn’t going to let that happen again. I called the current owner and verified that it was in fact Mariah that was for sale, I’ll take her" I said, That was 4 years ago.
I do know she has had at least one foal, per the vet while being palpated. During a visit with an animal comunicator (don’t knock it till you try it) I learned that Mariah was raised and trained on a working ranch somewhere in Texas or Oklahoma and was trainded by a young person who was very gentle with her.
Mariah is a Varnish Roan with a base color of Bay. She doesn’t get whiter with age, as a matter of fact her summer coat is very dark grey.
Mariah appears to be of TB breeding vs. the QH type.
I am hoping someone knows more about Mariah and her history.
I had no intention of Mariah being my main horse but after having several geldings not work out, I thought well what the heck, she’s nicely broke and quiet, I’ll ride her. That’s when I signed up for the Sherrif’s Dept. Mounted Unit in Palmdale, Ca. I had no clue how well we would do, but Mariah was so highly trained sometime in her life that none of the sensory training bothered her and she always has done what I have asked of her. We qualified for the Mounted Unit with no problem and in the meantime participated in several Trail Trials and did very well.
We have even done a few Horseshows and placed well.
UPDATE 7-23-06
As in life, time goes by so fast you don’t realize that your best friend is aging too. Today I competed with Mariah for the very last time. We participated in this years Invitational Trial Trial in Shadow Hills, Ca and placed 8th with 27 points. Most of these points were a result of her increasing blindness. I knew going
into the day that this was my last ride with her. It appears that Mariah has lost most of her depth
perception and has a hard time negotiating anything on the ground.
Happy Retirement my BEST FRIEND
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| Miss Mariah |  | | Sporting her winter fuzzies |
| Beach Training for the |  | | Sheriff's Dept. Mounted Unit |
| Mariah loves to give lessons |  | | She is so good with the little kids |
| Don't we clean up nice? |  | | Strutt'n our stuff |
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What is a Trail Trial? A Trail Trial is an organized trail ride with 10 obstacles planted along the ride.
The trail will be marked with ribbons so you can’t lose your way, this is really a nice way to ride in an area you are not familiar with, Along the way you will encounter 8-12 obstacles at which you and your horse will be graded on from 0-10, 0 being the best. There are a few rules that can cause deductions at certain obstacles and all obstacles are done at a walk.
Control and Safety is the main focus at a Trail Trial and the better your horse is on the trail and with the obstacles you have practiced on, the more fun you will have.
This is an event that those who only trail ride can compete in and still have a relaxing day on thier horse | THE TEST.....
The Invitational Trail Trial is the final ride of the year. It is only open to those who have placed 15th or better in any Trail Trial during that season. Hence being "Invited" to participate.
This Trail Trial is made more difficult by an additional rule that states " Horse and rider must stay 100 feet away from the other participants"
This can be rather difficult if you have a horse who prefers to ride with a buddy. I have found that Mariah is very good at this as long as she cannot see anybody in front of her. So keeping our space between riders is extremely important in this TT.
| The Invitational Trail Trial |  | | Second Place with only 2 points |
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Road Trip to
Wellington Nevada | After having several long conversations with Judy Stovall, owner of Stovall Ranch Appaloosa’s, I convinced her to take a trade for the spotted horse I wanted so badly.
I took this opportunity to take along my favorite mare as well so I could go for a ride while I was visiting. I pulled a Coggins on Mariah and Zippie (Everafter Zippintime) and we were on our way. 7 hours later we arived to see acres of green alfalfa pasture and paddocks with grass.
I don’t think Mariah lifted her head the whole time we were there. Sure wish we had that green stuff here in the desert of Southern California.
| A weekend in HEAVEN |  | | Stovall Ranch Appaloosa's |
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