Thumping, Tevis Cup and Jim Mather

"Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better."
– Samuel Beckett

 

  Jim Mather was  Thursday’s TV’s guest on  “ It Has Nothing to Do with Age or Gender.” Young Jim has attempted to complete the historic Tevis Cup ride on three occasions. On our program, he talked in detail about this year’s ride and the problems that he encountered. His major goal this year was to complete the ride. Unfortunately, two weeks prior to the ride his horse came down with pneumonia and he wound up using his wife’s horse for the ride.

Jim talked about his unfamiliarity with the horse and how the horse has progressed this past year. All went well as he was ready that morning of the ride. He described the start, as well as the spirited horses all around him. The team did well until they reached Robinson Flat. There was concern about an equine condition called thumping(an electrolyte imbalance).

From Robinson Flat  to Forest Hill Jim’s mental toughness came into play. Jim realized that he had to be off his horses back during most of this distance. Going through the canyons in  triple digit weather conditions is not a picnic for anyone. Jim realized that his major goal of completion was  compromised. Feelings of disappointment crept in. However, that did not discourage or dissuade him from   substituting a second goal “protect the horse.” Jim did just that as he  put his energies into saving his horse. The various barriers and obstacles that interfere with this ride include  extreme weather conditions, technical trail, and whether  the horse  is fit to continue. Jim did his best, and at Forest Hill it was determined to discontinue the ride.

Within three hours of rest conditions for the horse, the thumping issue was resolved. Jim’s disappointment of not completing the ride was apparent. However, the secondary goal of taking care of the horse was achieved. Jim’s mental toughness prevailed.

I also asked him about his father , Chuck. Jim’s immediate response was, “ he is a jerk.” The Mather’s have an odd sense of humor. For the rest of the interview, Jim talked about how his father has been there for him; how he spends time riding and   working  on the trail with him; and his father is his best friend. He also said that as a teenager he wanted to be around him, but also wanted to be as far away from him as he could. Feelings of  love- or hate surface at times in any significant relationship. Over the life of Jim Mather, he did not love his father 100% of the time. However, this does not mean that he doesn’t love his father very dearly.

Ride and Tie and mentally tough endurance rider Jim Mather http://youtu.be/t8t2Th0ArPk

More about love-hate relationships to follow on my next blog.