Milliron Monday: The Journals January - March 1976

 

Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: 

April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate 

the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, 

Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.

A continuation of Jody’s Journals.

The year was 1976, and Jody, at a lively 38, was a maestro conducting the grand orchestra of her life—only sometimes the orchestra was a herd of sheep that wouldn't stay in tune. Her days were a whimsical tapestry woven with threads of tireless work and unexpected adventures. While she continued to be the backbone for Pete and the bustling Milliron Clinic, she squeezed in a few micro-naps; or, when she wasn't juggling children, housework, barn chores, you might have spotted her atop her favorite horse.

Jody co-managed two sheep herds—the Western herd and the House herd. With numbers reaching into the hundreds, these woolly mischief-makers provided daily entertainment and the occasional frustration when they escaped. Milliron Farm patrols were her specialty: spotting trespassing hunters, stray killer dogs, dead sheep, deer in the meadow, trapped rodents, and the loveliest of wildflowers.

The farmhouse creaked and sighed with history, the barns were alive with secret meetings between burros and geese, and every corner harbored a critter with personality.

As a 4H parent, Jody mentored budding animal enthusiasts. Her passion for dogs wasn't just a hobby; it was a competitive sport. She and her canines trotted off to State and National competitions.

Winter on Milliron Farm brought its own set of challenges. When the farm was blanketed in snow and the animals were tucked away, Jody found solace in cozying up by the fireplace with a good book—or at least attempting to before nodding off and dreaming about renegade sheep. Occasional trips to the local cinema, concerts, and the library helped her cope.

Each name here—be it dog, horse, or any other creature—was a chapter in the vibrant novel that was Jody’s life. Her world was a delightful romp through responsibility and revelry, a testament to her ability to find joy and humor in the daily hustle. Indeed, she was the spirited heartbeat of Milliron Farm, navigating her days with a smile, and perhaps a well-timed nap.

 

JANUARY 1976

·        Tracked Song, Puff, Day One, Week Two

·        Took Pat, Kanga, to Phillip’s Place > tracked Song, Puff > rode in with J L’H, picked up car, picked up photos at J Croxford’s > picked up Pat, Kanga, Mike Cuckler, basketball practice > took photos, skirt to J Jones > let dogs run in paddock at dark, used flashlight, saw rabbit

·        Pete, Pat, fed sheep at barn, took Puff, let him run over hill, picked up well > lunch at Shafer’s, Nelsonville > Pete, Vet School program “stapling” > J, P, me, Kingsville Shopping Center, Lazarus, etc. > ate at Shade Restaurant, Canal Winchester

·        Church

·        Couldn’t get car started > ran errands for Pete, house sale

·        Pete, took up grain, salt, dog trap, fed at barn

·        Heavy, wet snow, electricity off over 8 hours, 40 deg in house

·        3-4” snow, no school > fed horses, sheep

·        J, P, made tollhouse cookies > gave dogs, Trefa, shots > Pat dug out barn doors, patched up paddock fence, turned lambs out

·        Tracked field behind hospital, snow > saw R Redford movie

·        Church, lunch at Perkin’s > check dog traps, Puff chased Suffolk ewe, tracked Puff, Song, tracked well

·        Re-dyed bedspread deeper blue > tracked Puff, Song, Phillip’s bottom, Marquis > Pete took Thompson’s uphill in 4-wheel drive, got sick

·        Bad cold (me) > no school > hill, sheet of ice > Pete got Coleman lanterns working

·        Fed at barn > tracked Song, Puff

·        Tracked last track of day at Jackie’s > picked up Pat, Mike, Bill, from basketball practice

·        Ed Sheridan here > fed at barn > tracked Puff, Song, 1^st track, week 3 > dropped Pat off at Chadwell’s

·        Pete, Jessica, to Charleston > took Pat to Dr. Fugate’s, ran errands, picked up chainsaws, etc., > Cistern pump shut off, screw broke on handle to switch water systems, opened it with vice grips > fed at barn > walked over pasture with Jim, 1 sheep missing (?), 27 counted > put a dozen bales of straw against gaps in house foundation

·        Slept late > ate at Pizza Hut > movie “Challenge to Be Free”

·        Tracked long field, cold hard ground > kept Debbie Croxford > put tags on dog collars

·        No school, snow, ice > old Suffolk ewe (H15) died, pneumonia > fed at barn, kept Debbie > tracked in hay meadow, let Puff run in blackberry meadow > turned possum lose from dog trap > Pete clipped dog’s toenails

·        Gas pressure about 2 lbs. > snow, wind, drifts > children out early > clipped dogs’ feet, tattoo’s, wrote letters

·        Let Puff, Kanga, Boo run in pond pasture, drifts, etc., > helped Pete feed sheep, pulled out tractor (stuck in creek crossing) with red truck, fed lambs

·        Fed lambs, took Jim > fed at barn, took Puff > took bank deposit > allergic reaction (chamomile?) went to O’Bleness emergency room

·        Ralph Guthrie swapped well > took Jim down to Phillip’s Place, put sheep in > fed at barn, Jim killed possum in dog trap, let dogs run in paddock > Pete, John Branner to Chillicothe, horse calls > Pat, basketball game, overnight Chadwell’s

·        Very icy roads > Marion Show, J Open A, 2^nd 195 CDX!, Puff 2^nd Reserve > helped clean, package 9 ducks

·        Picked up Brent, Pat, Mike, at Amesville > talked to Katharine Foster (Joyce Nelson) at hospital

·        Migraine > fed at barn > tracked in hay meadow, snow all 3 tracks, Song, Puff > young possum in dog trap

·        Bedded down Pete’s sheep barn > fed at barn > tracked 2 tracks > school meeting, rode with Morgans and Thompsons, brought Pat, Bill Wright home, Bill here overnight

·        Took grain to Landmark, shopped, library, met Game Warden at City Building, signed complaint, got groceries > day 5 tracking, almost dark > Athens Premiere Bicentennial move for Ohio, very good

·        Pete, office meeting, Abdella’s

·        Slept late > fed at barn > 1 track hay meadow, finished well, saw 6 deer, checked dog trap, let Puff run > took Sassy down to clinic barn, lame in front > let dogs run in paddock

 

FEBRUARY

·        Pushed Jan Thompson’s car > Church, Pete ushered > Dolen’s lunch, I ate in car due to smoke > Pete, J, and I rode around thru woods, saw 5 deer, quite a few tracks > dewormed horses, burros, ponies, trimmed Tinker, Angel, Persimmon’s feet > worked at desk, wrote letters

·        Napped, meditation > napped again > fed at barn, took Puff, Kanga > let dogs run in paddock > watched last part of basketball game, brought Pat, Mike Cuckler home

·        Helped Pete, fed lambs, etc. > tried to sort off rams, unsuccessful, loaded hay, etc. > took bank deposit, groceries, carried them up hill > picked up Pat > jumped rope, worked at desk

·        Ran errands, oxygen tanks, etc. > fed at barn, used mask > tracked Puff, Song > washed Pete’s wool Pendleton shirt

·        J home, sore throat > picked up Pete, ate at hilltop > picked up Pete at Jan’s > fed at barn > checked dog trap, Kanga killed possum > Pat, basketball game

·        No school, ice storm > took bank deposit, groceries, stopped at Sharp’s > left SW at Russell’s > took Pat to Chadwell’s, drove Pete’s red truck, tracked 1 track at Chadwell’s bottom, excellent tracking > wrote Betty, Abbott > Pat, game, overnight at Chadwell’s

·        Began fast, 122 lbs. > tracked 3^rd track, finished week 4 > picked up Pat > took Pat, Mike Cuckler to tournament Albany High School > made gingerbread with whole wheat flour

·        Fast day 2, 120 lbs. > Church > tracked 2 tracks > walked up fence line to check no hunting signs > worked at desk, wrote letters

·        Fast day 3, 118 lbs. > to court, hunter didn’t show up > took pictures to J L’H, took magazines to K Foster > took lambs to Snap’s (4) > took Brittany bitch to dog pound > picked up Pat > read > watched Olympics, dance skating, lovely

·        Fast day 4, 117 lbs. > went to Charleston with Pete, Colonial Stables, Lipizzans, John Leslie’s, home 12:30 pm

·        Fast day 5, 115 lbs. > sorted magazines > napped > package from Mom (pens, hats, shirt, key chains) > read magazines, made phone calls about Kashler Clinic

·        Mom, Valentine’s, checks for J and P > fed at barn > Jackie laid track for Song > J laid track for Puff > pick up Pat at Middle School > balanced bank statement

·        Cleaned out Pete’s Levi drawer, sorted mail > to Dr. Gwandi > looked for key to Pete’s desk safe > Pat ballgame

·        Tracked Puff, Song > ran errands, took chainsaw, Pat’s motorcycle in for repairs, shopped > watched Westminster on TV > baked, decorated “Heart Cake” > J Betsy’s overnight “Madame Butterfly”

·        Pete got grain > J to Columbus Horse Show with Nancy Rogers > Pat laid track for Puff, finished day 3 > fed at barn, took Puff, let him run in pasture > Pat, Kanga, checked dog trap, got/skinned groundhog > John Hanson here > worked at desk, wrote letters

·        Pat, Johnny, Kanga, groundhog hunting > picked up J at Amesville, Driver’s Ed

·        Meditated > Pat laid track for Puff > dropped Pat off at Chadwell’s basketball practice

·        Curriculum meeting, Bill Morgan, Jim Thompson > J Pony Club, Dottie drove

·        Picked up lamb > to Mansfield > J, Pat, dentist

·        Went to Boggs Equipment after screen for grinder > tracked Song, 2 tracks, Puff, 1

·        Church > tracked dogs

·        Ran errands, took Bess > fed at barn, checked dog traps, rebaited it, took Puff > called Mom > read, finished Campbell’s “Problem Behavior In Dogs”

·        Pete, OVMA, Columbus, went to Lazarus, Union, Limited, lunch at Neal House with Phil Karns, Albert Strouss, toured “Continent” Shopping Center, took wool to Woolgrowers, got formaldehyde, etc.

·        Fed at barn > Pat shot .30 .30, took Puff > made honey custard > took J, Heather, Booth’s to Pony Club > Pat Grover Center

·        Pete treated Cheviot ewe > Pat laid track for Puff, Song > Pat basketball game > took Jim to look for Cheviot ewe

·        7 am drove to Katherine Foster’s > walked around shops, Milford, Ohio > AKC Mini Symposium > dinner in Chillicothe

MARCH

·        Went after Ruff, waiting by logging truck (stuck in creek) took Jim, Kanga > Church > dewormed my sheep, put them thru formaldehyde (fresh), except Cheviot > Pat repaired water gap

·        Took book to J L’H, got camera, picked up grain, got milk > put my sheep thru formaldehyde troughs > fed at barn > read “Dog Training My Way” by Barbara Woodhouse

·        Pete, Doug O’Dell to Charleston > ran my sheep thru formaldehyde (not Sassy) > fed at barn > used Jim to catch ducks, put them in snow fence, put them in barrel a few times

·        Lent, fast before Communion, fast on Friday > worked Jim in ducks > put my sheep thru formaldehyde (Sassy escaped) > picked up Heather > Ash Wednesday Communion > J, Heather Pony Club

·        Napped > took bank deposit, stopped by highway patrol, safety check, with Puff, Boo, Kanga, Bess > J Croxford, Debbie, Tinker Toy > put sheep and Sassy thru trough > worked ducks with Jim > Pete, Jan, put Western ewes thru formaldehyde trough > ate at Spanish Maine > Pete dewormed horses at Jr Kennedy’s

·        Put my sheep through troughs, not Cheviot, but included Sassy > Pat ballgame

·        Tracked Song, Puff > Ping Inauguration, Pete represented Colorado State University, buffet luncheon > Pat finished digging out my gate, worked Jim on ducks, put my sheep (all) thru troughs, put Pete’s sheep thru trough’s - finally

·        J Pony Club > Church, Pat and I drove car, Pete came in truck later > ate at Wendy’s > Pete to Laird’s > Pat and John worked on clearing a place in rabbit shed for lumber > worked Jim on ducks, put sheep (not Sassy, Cheviot) thru trough > helped Pete put Western ewes thru formaldehyde > wrote letters > worked at desk

·        Helped Pete put sheep thru formaldehyde, used Jim, Kanga > lunch, Oak Room > Pat fed hay at red barn, worked Jim on ducks, put my sheep thru trough > 4H

·        Pat and I fed at barn, worked Jim on ducks, put sheep thru troughs > Book Sale, $2.25 worth of books > watched “Incredible Machine > worked at desk

·        Took bank deposit, took Puff, Boo, Kanga, Bess, picked up girl hitching (from clinic) with 2 dogs > Bess, heat shot > worked Jim on ducks > fed at barn > put sheep (not Sassy or Cheviot) thru troughs

·        Took Kanga, Jim down to herd sheep- not ready > Cheviot down > worked Jim on ducks > took Pete into O’Bleness > let dogs run in paddock

·        Checked down Cheviot > visited Pete (vasectomy), shopped uptown > napped > check Cheviot, all right > picked up Pete, ate at Dolen’s

·        Church, ate at DQ > Pete ground feed, etc.,; Pat and I fed at barn, watched TV basketball > J and me to Columbus, Collie Specialty, Hopeful Hunter Show, Fairgrounds, then to Eastland Mall, bookstore > Pete ate down at Jan’s

·        Migraine > picked up books at S. Nolan’s > took chainsaw to Logan for repair > Princess, Cheviot ewe died > 4H

·        Pete to Charleston > put dead ewe in hay meadow, checked dog trap, it was open/empty > snow

·        Baked Shamrock sugar cookies > took Pete to hospital > went to OHA conformation class with Joyce Nelson, Judy G., Columbus

·        Pete smallpox vaccination, got coveralls at Mac’s > worked Jim on ducks, fed at barn, Lucas’ bull chased us out of bottom > tracked Song, Puff

·        Took Pete to airport, missed plane > got salt, Landmark, groceries at A&P > worked Song, Puff > Pete, dinner with parents, New York > Pat to dance, Denny D here for weekend

·        K Clinic, Columbus (Licking River Club), J, Song, Puff, Joanne, Anne L’H (sis-in-law), banquet at Howard Johnsons

·        Tracked fields down 550 across from Eddy’s > worked at desk, typed up sheet for puppy class > speckled face ewe died

·        Picked up Pete at airport, went to Woolgrowers, lunch at Eastland Mall, browsed in bookstore, checked flight for Pete’s luggage, napped > Pat camping out at Hanson's

·        Put sheep in with Jim, Howard Strode began shearing > tracked Puff, Song, 550, Puff did last track, crossed water beautifully

·        Took Jim, sorted sheep, sheared > tried to trim sheep’s feet, couldn’t > fed at barn, worked Jim on ducks > checked, repaired fence line (sort of) > worked Puff, gaiting > migraine

·        Took J and Apple to Laird’s, truck stalled in Albany > Pat bicycle downtown

·        Pete, Paul Mingus, trimmed my sheep’s feet – 24 head > cut fence thru to bottom, rode Blaze, let Kanga, Puff run in bottom > Pete oyster supper, McDougal Square Dance, Millfield Miners

·        Church, napped, fed at barn, worked Jim on ducks, rode Blaze in bottom, let Puff, Kanga run, wrote letters

·        Freezer/refrigerator repairman here > took Pete’s 4W truck in for repairs > Barbara Donovan Vance here to sell insurance > $40 check from Mom > fed at barn, put ducks in, rode Blaze up thru Browns (Pete heard chainsaw) > 4H

·        Helped Pete put rams in (Lucas’) > rode Blaze looking for sheep > put sheep in paddock by house > birthday box from Mom > went on calls with Pete to Rock Springs, Charleston, etc., home at 1:30 am

Please forgive typos, name or place misspellings; transcription from

vintage handwriting sometimes requires a magnifying glass and random

interpretation.

Connect with Gina

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian. 

The Spirit and Soul of Horses: An Interview with Lara Baeriswyl

Photography by Lara Baeriswyl, Award-Winning Equine Photographer (c)

Dudingen, Switzerland

The Spirit and Soul of Horses: An Interview with Lara Baeriswyl

by Gina McKnight

All photos copyright (c) Lara Baeriswyl

Archived from the February 2025 issue of Florida Equine Athlete 

No duplication without permission.

In the idyllic town of Düdingen, Switzerland, where the rolling hills and verdant pastures echo with the gentle whispers of nature, resides the prodigious equine fine-art photographer and artist, Lara Baeriswyl. An award-winning visual storyteller, Lara’s journey into the world of photography and artistry is as captivating as the subjects she immortalizes through her lens.

With a profound passion for horses that transcends mere hobby, Lara possesses an uncanny ability to encapsulate the very essence of equine majesty, fusing her creative genius with an innate understanding of these noble creatures. Her work isn't just admired; it has been showered with accolades, such as her triumph at the 2023 SPC Photo Awards in Zurich, where her mesmerizing piece "Dancing in the Dust," featuring the stunning Haflinger gelding "Mikado," received well-deserved recognition.

Since embarking on her professional path in 2024, Lara’s oeuvre has consistently mesmerized audiences far and wide. Her creative process is deeply intertwined with her life, shared with her partner and two beloved cats in her charming hometown. Among her equine muses, the young Franches-Montagnes gelding named Cantico holds a special place in her heart.

Through the enchanting visuals she crafts, Lara invites us into a world where the spirit and soul of horses are rendered with breathtaking clarity, compelling viewers to see beyond the surface and into the profound bond between human and horse. Join us as we delve into an engaging conversation with Lara Baeriswyl, exploring the depths of her artistry, her inspirations, and the meticulous process of creating works that resonate with such poignant beauty.

Welcome, Lara!

GM: Lara, Congratulations on your accolades! What first sparked your passion for photographing and painting horses?

LB: I've had a passion for horses since childhood. They have been an anchor for me as a shy and not very self-confident person and I was spending my free time at the stable. I remember seeing beautiful photos of horses on a blog and thinking to myself: I want to learn how to do that! 

GM: How do you go about revealing the 'soul' of a horse in your art? Is there a particular process or mindset you adopt?

LB: I'm always interested in the stories of horses. I observe their natural behavior and capture photos at just the right moments, rather than posing them the way I want. Every horse is unique, and I'm genuinely interested in getting to know their character and story.

GM: Could you share the story behind one of your most memorable awards? What did it mean to you personally and professionally?

LB: I’ve only won one award so far, but it’s motivated me to keep striving for more. The photo that won was of a Haflinger dancing gracefully through the smoke—a shot I created during a phase when I was experimenting with smoke in my photography. It was for a Swiss photo contest, and I remember thinking, 'Why not give it a try?' Honestly, I didn’t think I had a chance. When people hear someone is a horse photographer, their first reaction is often, 'Oh, cute, horses,' as if it’s not serious art.

In the contest, there were different prizes—three decided by public votes and one chosen by the jury. To my amazement, my photo won the jury prize! It was such a surprise and, at the same time, an incredible reward for all the effort and passion I’ve poured into my photography.

GM: How would you describe your artistic style, and how has it evolved over the years?

LB: I would say that my artistic style is moody, nostalgic, unique, and artsy. I feel like I’ve truly found my style over the past two years. In the beginning, it was less bold than it is now. These days, I love trying new things and experimenting.

GM: What are some unique challenges you face when working with horses compared to other subjects?

LB: I often notice that horse owners have certain expectations and end up putting too much pressure on themselves and their horses. But it could be such a fun and relaxed experience instead!

GM: Living in Dü­dingen, Switzerland, how does the natural landscape and culture influence your work?

LB: I live very close to the Alps, which influences my work a lot. I love visiting herds in the Alps during the summer and simply spending time with them, observing and taking photos. It is really inspiring and grounding at the same time.

GM: Do you have a personal connection with the horses you photograph and paint? How does this relationship impact your art?

LB: I feel a connection with every horse I photograph—some more than others. It’s hard to put into words; it’s just a feeling. That connection definitely influences my art. The Haflinger in the award-winning photo I mentioned earlier was like a muse to me. His owner is a good friend, and I always knew that if I had new ideas or wanted to try something different, I could count on her. Many of my favorite photos were of him.

There was something about his presence that sparked my creativity. His beauty and wisdom inspired me in ways I can’t fully describe. Sadly, he passed away last year, which was heartbreaking. 

GM: What specific techniques or tools do you use to achieve the fine art quality in your work?

LB: I use a Sony a7R IV and a Sigma 135mm F1.8—a fixed lens—as well as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. I’ve created my own presets (reusable settings), which I use most of the time..

GM: What exciting projects or themes are you planning to explore in the near future?

LB: I'm planning my first creative photography retreat this spring in Spain. This year, I’ve also made it my goal to focus on my own creative projects—doing more things on my own and exploring what I truly want to pursue.

GM: What advice would you give to aspiring equine photographers and artists who want to capture the beauty of horses as you do?

LB: Practice as much as you can. It might sound cliché but learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist. Try not to compare yourself too much.

Connect with Lara…

https://lara-baeriswyl.ch/en/

Follow on Instagram and Facebook @ Lara Baeriswyl 

 

Punjab to Pushkar in 12 Days Manu Sharma’s Dream Ride

Photo Courtesy Manu Sharma (c) 2012

Punjab to Pushkar in 12 Days  Manu Sharma’s Dream Ride 

Archived from the February 2013 Issue of Going Gaited Equine Magazine

No duplication without permission. 

    On November 17, 2012, world-renowned equestrian and equine photographer, Manu Sharma, set a new endurance record for India. He has set the record for riding a Marwari Horse 612 kilometers in 12 days, a great feat of equine endurance and equestrian perseverance celebrated by Manu and horse lovers everywhere.

    From Patiala, India, Manu prepared for this great event for many months. His record breaking endurance ride began at Param Gill Stud Farm, village of Chinniwal, district of Barnala, Punjab. Manu’s love for his native horse, the magnificent Marwari, shines through. Manu explains, “It was my dream to ride a horse for a very long distance. I started with training two Marwari colts; Manak and Punjab Kesri. I trained them for three months. Both stallions had enough stamina to travel 40 kilometers in one day, but in the end, I chose Manak for the endurance because Punjab Kesri was too young to take the stress of the journey.”

    Manak is a beautiful dark bay Marwari. He has the Marwari signature curved ears that frame the heart of India. At seven years, Manak stands at 15.3 hh and weighs 425 kg. His long defined legs and solid muscular silhouette exemplify months of training, conditioning and Manu’s expert care. Manak is a true performance horse. His conformation is structurally correct; balanced perfection from majestic head to aesthetic tail. His forelock settles neatly over his white star, between his inward curving ears. A luxurious coat gently shimmers in the sultry India sun, covering his stalwart, suave frame. His powerful neck and artistic formation are the envy of his stall mates. 

    Manu’s ride began at 8 AM with a plethora of equipment and people. “A ten member team followed Manak and I all the way by truck,” Manu says.  “The team included cameramen, a farrier (who also helped with horse massage), medical advisors, and equine scientists from the National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE), Bikaner, India. The crew helped me a lot during the ride.”

    Dr. Ramesh Kumar Dedar and Dr. Vijay Kumar, equine scientists from NRCE, were on hand for the entire endurance. Dr. Dedar explains, “When Manu told us about the idea of more than a 600 kilometer ride, we decided to help Manu and his team. Our group of scientists accompanied them from the start of the journey. We monitored physiological parameters, like pulse rate, respiration, rectal temperature, body weight, and body condition of the horse. We also monitored hematological parameters, such as blood lactate, blood glucose and creatinine kinase levels of the horse. These investigations throughout the endurance helped us to keep the horse healthy and accordingly we modified the diet and electrolytes supplementation of the horse.”

    Riding through diverse terrain, Manu rode six to seven hours each day, overcoming man-made and natural obstacles to reach his goal. Sometimes cantering, sometimes galloping, Manu’s inherent horsemanship was evident. While maintaining an impressive pace, Manu was ever aware of Manak’s safety and welfare; zigzagging through spongy wetlands, farmer’s fields, asphalt highways, torrid deserts and emerald hillocks.  A vast array of endemic flora and fauna complimented the trail. Khejri trees were a welcome oasis for shade and rest. Hues of blue sky embellished the vast countryside as well as the intense cityscape. Mesmerizing sunrises and cameo sunsets provided a sumptuous spectrum of scenery and color.

    Temperatures during the day sometimes climbed to 35 degrees C.  When temperatures were high, the team would find shade and resume the endurance in the cool evening hours. Periodic rests were essential for Manak’s scientific evaluations; a cool drink for both horse and rider, and time for Manu to call his family in Patiala. After a days ride, team members would make camp for the night. The beauty of the twilight desert set the stage for a night of quiet comradery, needed sleep and necessary rejuvenation. Manu expounds, “Everyone stayed in their own tents, but Manak and I stayed in the same tent. It was good to take off my shoes, walk through the night desert, and bond with my horse.”

    On November 19, after 12 days in the saddle, Manu and his team reached their destination – Pushkar, India’s premier horse fair. Arriving at Pushkar, crowds of people rushed to greet Manu and Manak.  Cheers and bravos came from natives and tourists. Manu and Manak quickly gained celebrity status with India’s equestrians. Manak confirmed that the Marwari breed is an all-around sport horse. Manu exhibited Manak’s adjustability, hardiness and stamina. It was an unforgettable journey for both horse and rider. It is a milestone for India’s indigenous Marwari. Manu smiles, “I rode all the way, 12 days of riding! I wish to thank Param Gill, Aarpi Gill, Raghu Chahar, and my entire team. They made my endurance possible.”

    India’s countrymen are excited about Manu’s eventful journey from Punjab to Pushkar. Anish Gajjar, equestrian extraordinaire and Co-Founder of the Equestrian Club of Gujarat, says, “Manu's ride should be an inspiration for young riders to train themselves and their horses for stamina over long distances. The ride was for 12 days, but the preparation must have taken months and these results can only be achieved with passion and persistence. I hope more people will follow in his footsteps and take up horse riding in a more dedicated manner". Virendra Kankariya, Founder and President of the Gujarat Equestrian Association, Vice President of the All India Marwari Horse Society, Jodhpur, says, “Manu’s ride is an epic one as it exemplifies and showcases the amazing endurance power of the Marwari Horse.”

    Manak, a steadfast stallion, remains ready and willing for the next legendary endurance. Manu resounds, “The horse is the real hero of any equestrian game. Manak is the real hero. The air that flows between his ears comes from heaven.  Nothing comes close to riding a Marwari. When I am very old and pass on, make a saddle of my skin. I want to be on horseback for a few more years.”

Follow Manu on Facebook @ Manu Sharma Photography

All photos courtesy Manu Sharma

Congratulations to Manak and Manu!

Gina McKnight is a freelance writer from USA. http://gmcknight.com 

Feb 2, 2013