Aron Moon+//, a 23-year-old Arabian/Welsh Pony cross, owned by Mike Tracy of Hollister, CA, has been named the winner of the 2006 Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Distance Horse of the Year Award. As the winner, his name will be engraved on a perpetual trophy donated by the Arabian Horse Owners Foundation and designed by Joe Staheli.
During his 18 year endurance career, Aron Moon has had 95 endurance ride completions out of 108 starts, with an 88 percent completion rate and 5,625 miles. He has also earned 536 achievement awards and attained the Legion of Excellence level.
Aron Moon was four years old when Tracy bought him in 1988 for $400. They began actively competing in 1989.
“It was a learning experience,” noted Tracy. “We were both green, and I got thrown off a number of times. It took quite awhile for us to bond.”
The first time Aron Moon competed on the Western States (Tevis) Trail Ride, he tumbled down a steep slope and almost drowned trying to find a place to get out of the swift-moving water. Following rescue by rafting groups using a hastily rigged flotation device made from lifejackets, Aron Moon and Tracy made their way back to the trail where the gelding was vetted out and finished the ride.
“He has the heart of a lion and the speed of the wind,” said Tracy. “There is no quit in him.
During the AHA National Endurance Ride in 2000, the gelding slipped during a river crossing at mile 86 and split his coronet band. Tracy cut off the sleeve of his jacket to staunch the bleeding, patched the split with chewing gum, and led Aron Moon the six miles to the vet check for medical attention.
“It’s an honor to win the AHA Distance Horse of the Year Award,” says Tracy. “I’m sure riding, diet, shoeing, veterinary care and even chiropractic care had something to do with his long and successful career, but his heart is God-given. Aron Moon exemplifies what endurance is all about – being tired, hungry, and sore and still striving, because to finish is to win.”
For more information on AHA distance programs, visit www.ArabianHorses.org/Distance.