88 SIDELINES DECEMBER 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Going the
Distance
e
My Story
GHP Baile Hill, a Cleveland Bay cross.
Photo by Stephanie Sutch
Baile and Stephanie on a Florida Horsemen’s 3-day 100-mile
Challenge.
Photo by Tre Wheway Photography
By Stephanie Sutch
In any discipline you compete in, you always hope to find that
once in a lifetime horse. The horse that is not only athletic and
talented, but the horse you connect with and have a true bond
with. If you can throw in good looks and a charismatic presence
it is a dream come true. GHP Baile Hill, a Cleveland Bay cross,
is without a doubt my once in a lifetime horse, who possesses
all the qualities you could ever ask for in a horse: athleticism,
intelligence, charisma, phenomenal movement, handsome looks
and, best of all, a fantastic personality.
Our story began in 2006 when I purchased him from a couple
in Michigan. Physically, he was not quite filling out right to match
their four-in-hand driving team and he needed to be rehomed. He
caught my eye as soon as I saw him and I had no clue of our
journey ahead.
He had impeccable ground manners, but something from his
past triggered a tremendous fear of being mounted and he would
bolt and buck. Back then, it seemed just about anything could
set him off – from a jump standard being moved, to him spotting
blue jays nesting in the oak tree. It seemed he took more after the
Thoroughbred side than the sound-minded Cleveland Bay! We
slowly worked through his emotions and sensitivity, and I hoped to
have a nice horse that could one day show over fences or do some
dressage. I assumed due to his sensitivity that trail riding, not to
mention distance riding, wouldn’t be his strong suit. Besides, he
isn’t an Arabian, a breed known for their ability in distance riding.
One day while schooling over fences, I decided to take him on
the trails that surrounded the facility. At first he was wide-eyed and
ready to flee at the drop of a hat. Then, something came over him,
as if a switch clicked in his head and he hit the best stride I ever
had with him. I could feel the joy and thrill he had exploring the
local trails and he didn’t want to return to the trailer to go home.
I couldn’t believe it! Maybe, just maybe, he could do distance. I
knew he had endless energy and amazing stamina, but was it
