Ten Years of Search & Rescue Work
By age five, Qui had qualified as an official asset of the Commonwealth of Virginia as he and Leah became extremely active in the Search and Rescue (SAR) community throughout Virginia. Search managers would even call and ask for Qui by name because he was so steady in the field and such a valuable asset on a search.
For nearly ten years, Qui and Leah responded to searches for missing persons throughout the entire state of Virginia. During that time, they handled radio communications; covered miles of search tasks; called in clues; transported equipment and supplies to other searchers; and even located missing hunters. The pair also provided many training presentations to Scout troops (both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts) on safety in the woods. Qui might roll his eyes when it was over, however when children were climbing all over him and stroking his soft fur, he never moved a muscle. He was always a perfect gentleman.
Unfortunately, in 2013, Qui tore his right hamstring muscle and had a long, slow recovery. With great vet care, massage and chiropractic work, he recovered; however his days in SAR were over due to the strenuous terrain that often had to be covered on a search.
At the end of the show, Leah and Quixoté had the privilege of riding in the Barrida, the parade of champions. There was Quixoté, that supposedly worthless gelding, riding in formation with all those horses and their professional trainers. It was the most beautiful sight in the world.
Fast forward ten years and Qui showed his championship spirit once again when he qualified for 2014 Peruvian National Championship Show in Tunica, Mississippi
after an award winning performance at a regional Peruvian show in northern Virginia. In October, 2014, he competed well on a national stage, placing in three out of four classes, including winning a first and second place. He also took first place in the Open division at an ACTHA AOC held during the show.
To date, Qui has never missed winning a Versatility Championship at any regional Peruvian show when he has competed. He is truly the example of a versatile horse, going from the trail to the show arena without missing a step.
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Photo by Katie Stowers