2023 Distance Horse of the Year is Cynthia Mettes' Nchantedprincevaliant+

Arabianhorses.org

February 13 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Greenwood Village, CO – February 13 – Congratulations to the 2023 Distance Horse of the Year, Nchantedprincevaliant+ (Valiant), an 13 year old gelding out of FSF Dakaros Enchanter X SHF South Comet and owned and ridden by Cynthia Mettes.

Valiant started his distance career in 2016 with his breeder/owner, Pamela Burrows. Valiant did 2 limited distance rides with Pam that year. In January 2017, Valiant was purchased by his current owner, Cynthia Mettes. Since Valiant’s career has blossomed, in between 2017 to 2022, Valiant completed several Endurance and Competitive Trail events. In his first year, he completed one limited distance ride and then moved up to 50 mile rides, completing three 50 mile rides that year, one at a distance of 55 miles.

Valiant completed a tough 50-mile AERC endurance ride in August of 2018, the Spanish Peaks ride in Colorado, placing fourth. Valiant also placed first in the AHA Region 9 CTR Championship with a perfect score of 200, he turned around and did the same thing again the following year. Valiant was also awarded his Legion of Honor in the 2019 season. Cindy states “Valiant is a total blast to camp with. Whenever I come around the trailer to his pen, I call out his name and he calls back to me with great gusto. He is very “verbal” and it puts a smile on my face every time.

For the 2023 competition year Valiant completed 11 NATRC Open competitive trail rides, placing first and Sweepstakes in 4 of those competitions. He earned his NATRC National Championship award along with placing third in the nation for the NATRC President’s Cup award. Amongst all the NATRC competitions, he completed two AERC 50-mile rides, Valiant was Reserve Champion in the AHA Region 9 50-mile ride and fourth in the AERC Open ride. Valiant then went on to win the AHA Region 9 Championship CTR and placed first and Sweepstakes in the Open competition.

Cindy states “Competitions are all about the food. I get up 4 hours before a competition starts and feed him an early breakfast. I hurry to get it to him as he won’t quit screaming until I get him his breakfast – just about wakes up the whole camp! It certainly gets all the other horses stirred up and wanting THEIR breakfast. Valiant has me trained when it comes to carrots. He “asks” for them in camp with lots of nickers, and I comply (those nickers just melt my heart). On the trail, he will stop and bend his head around for a carrot. I carry a LOT of carrots with me on the trail!! He always tries so hard to do what I ask. He is just a fun-fun-fun horse, no drama, just a joy to be with. And really, the best part is that after a competition I don’t feel like I have done anything. Valiant is a delight to ride and very easy on me since he has learned to carry himself so nicely.

In summary, Valiant is a horse that has continued to compete each year, placing well. He is a testament to the longevity and versatility of the Arabian horse.

For more information on the Arabian Horse Association, please go to www.arabianhorses.org.