by Merri Melde-Endurance.net
Mershann
15-year-old Arabian gelding
by Merlann X Mah Roshan, by Ibn Raffinee
owned by Nina Bomar
3595 Endurance miles
It was not love at first sight when Nina first laid eyes on 4-year-old "Cheeky."
"My longtime farrier had told me about him," Nina says. "He had a client who needed to downsize and she had bred/raised him and wanted to be sure he went to a good home. My farrier told me to go get him.
"I drove out with my trailer, and when I got there, I wasn’t impressed. He was scrawny, skinny, and pretty lifeless. I felt sorry for him. He had never been in a trailer, and I figured if I couldn’t get him in, that would be my excuse for not taking him. I opened the trailer door and he practically ran me down to get inside. I truly believe that he chose me!"
After Nina got him home, her friend came by to see the 'new horse.' It was not love at first sight for her, either. "I remember her saying... why did you take him, he’s not a very good looking horse? She kept repeating herself almost as if she was in shock that I took him."
But the gelding just got more beautiful as the days, weeks, and months went by. He loved the trails and Nina ponied him everywhere in the hills above Malibu, California.
"He turned out to be a very smart and loyal companion... strong too! We finished the Virginia City 100 and the Tevis 100, though unfortunately we were pulled for thumps at the Tevis during the finish vetting, which was pretty devastating considering he got all A’s on his vet card. It was a great disappointment but he has redeemed himself many times over since.
"He’s a great multi-day horse, having completed many XP Rides. This year we were set to get our decade team award! Not sure that will happen with the lack of SoCal rides.
"He’s a joy to be around. He’s quiet and a thinker and he likes to do things right. He’s a great traveler and super independent. I love him with all my heart."
