About Checkers

One of my great joys in life is simply watching my horse Checkers out in the pasture on warm, sunny days. I won my third National Title at the National Mountain Trail Championships on him, and he’s become the spotlight of my successes. Today, Checkers is undisputedly the nation’s finest example of a Mountain Trail and Extreme Trail horse.

Checkers and I have developed a partnership based on principles and knowledge of horsemanship that have taken me years to refine. When Checkers (also, Sir Rugged Chex) came into the world in 1999 I immediately applied my principles in his training. He now demonstrates a fundamental understanding of what humans expect of him; that he can make choices which can be right or wrong. This is the cornerstone of my training.

Checkers’ greatest quality is his aptitude for respecting the trainer. I can move any part of my body and Checkers can perceive it. I use that perception to instill boldness and confidence in him so he can negotiate difficult obstacles on a trail. Yet what really makes Checkers special is not his innate talent; his disposition and colossal heart make him stand out from the rest. He tries to please at any cost and it’s that spirit that draws you toward him.

In the end, Checkers is a horse. Watching him graze in the pasture with his herd mates makes you realize that it’s what’s inside that makes him special. You see him play his boy games with other horses and enjoying life. He’s chosen to share part of his life with people, gently, and with an understanding that people are not horses but other creatures who also love to share in his joy.

As the sun warms his face, Checkers looks up and into my eyes, still chewing and decides to walk toward to me. At this moment I can almost feel God’s pleasure.