Pyro was a gift to my husband, Jeff Loe, from George Altenberg, a breeder of Old World Polish Arabians. His only provision was that we keep Pyro intact to preserve his unique and revered Polish bloodlines.
I never intended to ride a stallion, especially in endurance. But by 4 yrs old, Pyro had proven himself a trustworthy spirit, gentle, cooperative, sane and athletic, with a liquid smooth trot that was effortless for him and for me!
Riding a stallion in endurance demands vigilance, not because the stallion is a problem, but because other riders may not notice the yellow tail ribbons signaling he’s a stallion and to be aware.
From the beginning, Pyro reveled in the challenge of the trails with enthusiasm, focus and natural speed, while I cautiously resisted, unsure of myself riding faster.
It took me 12 years to summon the courage to “let that pony run,” but when I did, Pyro literally “blew my hair back.” In 2016, we completed 1005 miles, winning AERC 1st Place Jim Jones Stallion Award, AHA 1st Place Middle Distance Award, AERC 1st Place NW Division, and PNER 1st Place Oregon. Of all the horses competing in AERC that year, he earned the highest point score of any stallion or gelding competing in endurance in 2016.
Along with 104 recorded ride completions, Pyro and I also formed such a strong bond that one pulse taker exclaimed, "That horse must really love you; when you walked away, his heart rate went up, and didn’t come down till you returned!” That love is mutual!
Pyro has always been safe to ride, self-correcting any momentary shyness by getting back under me to keep me in the saddle. This considerate trait helped me return to riding him after a near-fatal brainstem injury, and later, 2 spinal compression fractures forced me into 4 years of rehabilitation.
During that time, Pyro was my only physical therapist, carrying me patiently and slowly back toward strength, balance, and hope. Thanks to Pyro’s uncanny guidance, we are now competing again, in LDs, until or unless I can handle more.
Last fall we joined the Century Club with our first LD completion, me 75, him 25, combined ages 100. I have no idea how far Pyro will take me in endurance. But I trust him with my life and entrust him with our future together, hoping he will carry us 50 more endurance miles to earn AERC’s coveted 5000 miles award.
My husband, Jeff, and Hillcreek Pyra, Pyro’s daughter, achieved Legion of Excellence in 2022. Jeff has since been riding Hillcreek Pyrate, Pyro’s son, 960 miles so far, winning AERC NW Regional Mileage Championship and 1st Place NW HW division in 2024.
In addition to completing 235 miles this year, Pyro also, at age 26, bred and settled George Altenberg’s Pure Polish Arabian mare, Bella Donna SF, AHR 632936, that is due to foal in April 2026. This will preserve Pyro’s birthright legacy as well as his personal one, as an Arabian endurance National Champion.
-A story of SFF Pyro+/ by Patty Bratsberg
Photo Credit: Say ‘treat’ Photography
