Making Memories with Gus
Shared by Linda Nelson

My “Gus” is a 24-year-old Quarter Horse gelding who has done just about everything a good old Quarter Horse can do. He’s got great Quarter Horse bloodlines with a lot of Skipper W in him (Diamond Skip Easy is his registered name). He won’t catch your eye as being the prettiest or flashiest horse around, and some people have even snickered at his definite swayback.

Gus started his life in Montana and was a ranch horse out in the mountain states. Years later, he became a midwest trail horse for different owners, often going out for multiple-day rides. I bought him eight years ago as a recreational rail horse for my husband. At that time, a trainer (who was helping me with my mare) encouraged me to show him. I didn’t think that a ranch/trail horse could be so versatile as to also compete in the show ring, but we decided to try that, too.

So he started his show career at age 16, with a naturally slow and smooth walk and trot, and is now considered my “Steady Eddie,” a real trooper at spending hours in the summer heat, waiting for my class to be called. Early in our show career, I did have a surprise when we were competing in a walk-trot class and passed by the cattle chute, where he became a little anxious. Then it dawned on me - he grew up out west and I’m sure that cattle and rodeo work were part of his past. He didn’t forget that, but he just as easily switched back to show mode with a bump of the reins.

Two years ago, Gus had a terrible bout of colic that resulted in a trip to the University of Wisconsin Vet Hospital in Madison. He survived the surgery, but was diagnosed with an intestinal problem which has no cure. I was told that I would probably have him for six more months (at the worst) or up to five years (best-case scenario). Six months later, almost to the day, he had another bout of colic and the local vet told me to put him down. I opted to go back to Madison again, and it ended up being a minor colic situation, not related to his other problem. I was so glad I trusted myself to make the right decision. After that scare, the 2006 show season turned out to be our best ever, even winning first place in the Walk-Trot Pleasure and Horsemanship classes at that year’s Smiles show, which is always tough.

So now Gus has experienced ranch work, cattle trail riding, and show competition, even showmanship, which is not his strong suit, but he tries. We don’t do halter, as we haven’t seen the class “Old Swayback at Halter” yet. He never hesitates to get on the trailer and go somewhere new, and is comfortable anywhere he is, especially in his big, comfy stall at night. I do think that Gus likes and appreciates me, but I know his favorite female is my big, beautiful mare, “Silky.”

We are keeping our fingers crossed for another show season and trail rides this year. I have told Gus that he will get a break and I will bring my mare to some shows. But when I hear a weather forecast of 90 degrees, I do think twice about fussing with my mare. Do I really want to bring her to a show where she will spook at _____ (fill in the blank), then take 2-1/2 hours to get on the trailer (that’s her current record). My previous gelding, King, was around 35 years old when he left this earth. I don’t think that Gus will be that fortunate, but I do love these old geldings. Gus and I may not be the most eye-catching duo out there, but we know what we’re doing, and while the awards are great, the memories we’re making are even better.