Will He Be An Asset

Tourist feels a little like one we raised ourselves. We originally purchased him as a yearling through the NSBA Sale, and because his training years happened to fall during COVID, there was no rush to get him to the show pen. Instead, Mark had the opportunity to take his time and give Tourist a solid, well-rounded education.

Mark rode him for two years before ever showing him. Tourist spent time outside the arena, riding trails, going through water and gaining the kind of real-world experience we value before eventually making his debut in the Ranch Riding as a four-year-old (2020 Covid).

From there, Tourist was purchased by a Select Amateur competitor who went on to successfully show him in the ranch classes. When the opportunity came to purchase him back in the summer of 2026, we were happy to bring him home.

And since then, the person who has enjoyed him the most is our son.

Tourist is point-and-shoot, uncomplicated and forgiving. He knows his job without being sour about it, and he doesn't require someone to constantly manage or outthink him. He has the education to walk into the show pen and be competitive, but he's just as comfortable leaving the arena behind and relaxing on the trails. Our son has ridden the trails, fun play days and soon the county fair. 

For a beginner or amateur rider wanting to learn the ropes, that combination is incredibly valuable. Tourist already understands his job, allowing his rider to concentrate on learning theirs.

He's versatile, experienced and so easy to have around—and we're in absolutely no hurry to see him leave.  Tourist is more than welcome to stay here and continue helping our son learn his way around the show pen until the right person comes along.