It’s well known that the American Paint Horse can do it all from the racetrack to the show pen to the ranch. And on Tuesday, Im Original demonstrated he is a true testament of the breed’s athleticism, stamina and beauty.
With Heather Lynn Meyer of Tucson, Arizona, in the saddle, the 16-year-old gelding, known as “Ringo,” bested a field of eight in the Hart Non- Pro Versatility Challenge.
The Challenge consists of four disciplines —hunter under saddle, Western pleasure, reining and barrel racing—and each must be completed without the horses or riders leaving the arena.
Each entry has two team members who are responsible for dragging a wheelbarrow piled high with needed equipment through the arena to the horse and rider to help with clothing and tack changes. And they only have 3 to 4 minutes for riders to strip off clothing from one discipline and switch to the outfit for the next. In the meantime, bridles and saddles are also quickly changed.
It’s all a matter of precision teamwork, and Heather and Ringo couldn’t have done it without “Team Original,” Heather’s trainers Tim and Karen Wildes.
“They are the best!” Heather said after posing for photos in front of the new Hart 3-horse trailer she won. The pair won with 31 points which came from a first in barrel racing, fourth in reining, third in Western pleasure, and fifth in hunter under saddle.
But it was just another day at the office for Ringo. Owned by Heather’s parents, Catherine and Robert Meyer, the sorrel overo has 46 Registers of Merit, 24 Superior Event titles, two reserve world championships, and seven world championships.
“My horse is just incredible,” Heather said. “He always does his best and tries really hard for you.”
One would think after his whirlwind evening, Ringo would be able to head back to the stall for some rest.
“Oh, no!” Heather said with a laugh. “We’re off to the practice trail course now. He has Senior Trail in the morning. But he’s a good boy, and doesn’t mind all the hard work. He loves to do it all.”
Of course he does … he’s a Paint.
