Robert McMannamy and Wild Garden Woodsong with Best Conditioned Award, received at the Renegade Rendezvous 25-mile ride

Robert McMannamy riding Wild Garden Woodsong taken in June of 2003 at a 25 mile ride at Libby Mountain

 The story of Wild Garden Woodsong actually began a few years ago with a love for Arabian horses.  After moving to Idaho and meeting local Arabian, Morgan and Morab breeders, I really admired Morgans and fell in love with the Morabs.  The search was on to find a Morgan stallion for our Arabian mare, Marguessa Ole, of predominantly Crabbet breeding.  After looking at many farms, the stallion that fit the bill was Khim’s Idaho Gem, owned by Wallace and Sue Dow of Summer Wood farms.  Our goal was to add old Government and western working line, we were thrilled to find Rockfield in his pedigree.  A stallion we had heard so much about from the now dispersed Shawalla Morgan farm.

The resulting filly, Woodsong, actually named during a Yanni concert, was born very correct with tremendous improvement of hindquarter, croup and hip.  But it wasn’t until she was four and stared in her first 30 days of training by friend and horseshoer Mike Glick, that she really was everything that we hoped for and that Morabs are noted for: the best of both worlds.  She has strength, beauty, stamina, bone and a level, kind, smart and very tractable mind.

 My prime interest in horses has always been trail riding in the backcountry, so naturally endurance and competitive trail logically became my endeavor. Our goals will always be to finish with a sound, healthy happy horse, fit to continue.  In AERC, the motto is “to finish is to win.”  I am thrilled to finish in the top 10, and Best Conditioned Horse is our ultimate goal.

 In 2003 as a five year old, Woodsong finished her limited distance endurance rides in the Top 10 and went on to win Best Conditioned at one ride.  With this, she won the Morab Horse Association’s High Point Award in AERC.  Also in Competitive Trail, she was twice Top 5; one was a second with a score of 98!

 This year we have more rides planned including a few 50s.

 Thanks to all I have encountered and talked to along the way.  We are really happy with such a bright start and look forward to many miles of riding and meeting friends, old and new.

 Robert McMannamy

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