Wednesday, March 13, 2024

“Bold and the Beautiful”'s Katherine Kelly Lang Returns to Endurance Horse Racing After Her Ankle 'Was Totally Dislocated'

Ca.Style.Yahoo.com - Full Article

Cara Lynn Shultz
Tue, March 12, 2024

The actress talks to PEOPLE about her return to endurance horse racing after breaking her ankle in three places

Katherine Kelly Lang was just three years old when she discovered her love of horses.

“I sat on a horse with my mom, and I fell in love and that was it,” the Bold and the Beautiful actress tells PEOPLE exclusively about her first exposure to horses — riding the kiddie pony rides in Los Angeles’s famed Griffith Park.

“They strap you in and they make the ponies trot around in a circle, with fences on each side, so you're very safe. All I remember back then was, ‘Oh, boy, these ponies are really bouncy.’ But I still loved it,” she continues.

Growing up, Lang, 63, says, “horses were my thing,” and she harbored dreams of being an Olympic-level equestrian.

But when Lang was 22, during a solo ride she stumbled upon a campsite. “There was lots of trailers, lots of horses, lots of people. And I'm like, ‘What is going on here?’ And somebody said, ‘Oh, you don't know about endurance riding?’ ” she recalls...

Read more here:
https://ca.style.yahoo.com/bold-beautiful-katherine-kelly-lang-185250414.html

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

2023 AERC National Championships

ArabianHorseWorld.com - Full Story

01.31.24
By Shaunna Angell
All photos © Remuda Photography 2023

As featured in the Winter 2024 issue of Arabian Horse World.

As the late October sun rose over Davy Crockett National Forest in East Texas, riders from many states were well on their way along the pine and elm-lined trails of the 2023 AERC National Championship. The Armadillo Endurance Ride management hosted a competitive group of 40 horse and rider pairs in the 50-mile National Championship and 28 entries in the 100-mile National Championship. The day provided sunny skies and an abundance of anticipation and excitement for everyone involved, especially for the teams who battled through the forest for 2023 National Championship titles.

Being the fastest to conquer the course in the 50-mile competition was Alisija Zabavska aboard DA Luciano, a 10-year-old Arabian gelding who was bred for the show ring but found a true passion for endurance. “Luciano means ray of light in Italian,” Alisija says fondly. “He is just that! He is the sweetest horse, just a lap dog...”'

****

With an exhilarating win in the 100-mile national championship was Lily Creek Kong, a 15-year-old Shagya Arabian Trakehner cross, piloted by Jenna Harrison and owned by Cameron Holzer Gaytko...

Read more here:
https://arabianhorseworld.com/2023-aerc-national-championships/?fbclid=IwAR1FiLqjbkwcoZZDEGqbV0cn0mGDDktOLEvYH0tUhISGMbPWHDmLZdgLU2A

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

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.

Thursday, February 08, 2024

Go Horseback Riding In Houston At This Urban Ranch Just Outside Downtown

SecretHouston.com - Full Article

You don't need to travel out to the countryside to get a taste of the ranch life: Cypress Trail allows visitors to go horseback riding in Houston just 30 minutes outside of Downtown

Colby Smith Colby Smith • February 7, 2024

City meets country at Cypress Trails Ranch LLC. Located just 30 minutes outside Downtown, the ranch is a hidden gem in Houston for equestrians and adventure seekers alike.

Get a taste of the Old West at Cypress Trails Ranch LLC. Here, Houstonians can escape from the urban hustle and bustle by connecting with nature and horseback riding through picturesque trails.

Riders can choose from a variety of trails that cater to different preferences and skill levels, ensuring that each journey is a unique and personalized experience. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a leisurely ride or an experienced equestrian craving a more challenging adventure, Cypress Trails Ranch LLC has the perfect trail to match your aspirations...

Read more here:
https://secrethouston.com/horseback-riding-houston/

Wednesday, February 07, 2024

Endurance Horse Podcast: Erin Glassman on Overcoming Obstacles & Achieving Goals - Tevis 2023

Endurance Horse Podcast - Listen

Jan 17, 2024

Episode 61

I'd like to welcome back to Endurance Horse Podcast rider, writer, musician, mother and goal setter, Erin Glassman. Erin has been on Endurance Horse Podcast back in the day when it was send in audio, before the interviews started! She has completed Tevis three times on two different horses and is so in love with the sport that she decided to help preserve some of the Rushcreek Arabians bloodlines by continuing them at her PrairieSylvania Arabians in Hutchinson, Kansas, USA.

I hope you enjoy this conversation with Erin today, I know I did. We did go off trail a little bit at the end when discussing the topic of how to handle negativity, and I did ponder the thought of taking it out- though chose to leave it in. Hope you enjoy!

If you DO like the podcast please take a moment to like, subscribe and leave a positive review.

If you'd like to support the podcast, please consider going over to our website at www.warhorseendurance.com and sign up for one of our 100 mile challenges. We have been free and commercial free here at Endurance Horse Podcast since 2018. Also, check out our other podcast - The Warhorse Journal Podcast- also on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and Podbean. Happy Trails!

Saturday, February 03, 2024

Baubletina is 2023 AERC High Mileage Standardbred

Noelle Snyder photo.

USTrottingNews.com - Full Story


February 2, 2024, by Jessica Schroeder, USTA Membership Enrichment and Outreach Coordinator

Columbus, OH – The 2023 American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) High Mileage Standardbred, presented by the U.S. Trotting Association, is Baubletina. The 15-year-old mare is fresh into her third career, courtesy of long-time endurance enthusiast Larry Gray from Pennsylvania.

“I actually started endurance as a teenager, it was a family sport for us,” said Gray. “While I took many years off, I was excited to jump back in after 20 years.”

Gray has a lifetime lease on Baubletina from breeder Winning Key Farms and took her home in April of 2022. She completed her first 50-mile ride in November of 2022.

“’Baubles’ has flourished in her new career and absolutely loves the trail,” continued Gray. “The off-the-track mentality and conditioning gives her a competitive edge. I cannot say enough good things about Winning Keys (who have been) supportive in every way.”

For the 2023 ride season, Baubletina and Gray went to seven rides and accumulated 200 competition miles. They placed first in two of those rides, and both times were also awarded the “Best Condition” score...

Read more here:
https://ustrottingnews.com/baubletina-is-high-mileage-standardbred/

Friday, February 02, 2024

2024 Tevis Cup entries are open

TevisCup.org

The link for entries will is here: https://teviscup.org/

~Remember, ALL entries will be done online, including payment. So, you will need a credit card or debit card to complete the process. This includes reserving stalls, RV spaces, and North Lot camping spots.

~You will also sign the liability release and waiver online with a “DocuSign” form. This part of the entry MUST be completed, or your entry will not be accepted.

~You must meet the minimum qualifications to enter BEFORE submitting your entry. Those qualifications can be found here: https://teviscup.org/about-the-ride/rules-policies/

~Lastly, reservations are “First come, First served.” Even if you are the first person to submit an entry, if you don’t fill out the online forms in their entirety, provide the necessary documentation, pay the fees, and sign the waiver, your entry won’t be accepted and you won’t get that reservation.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can call or email the office (530-823-7282 WSTf@teviscup.org) Please be patient when waiting for a return call or email. At this time of year our office is not staffed full-time. You can also ask questions here via social media, but be aware that while some folks mean well, they do not always have the most accurate or up to date information.

Thursday, February 01, 2024

'The gold is right there, keep going': Dunlap woman to compete in grueling endurance horseback race

WCBU.org - Full Article

WCBU | By Collin Schopp
Published February 1, 2024

Laurie Kaplan started riding horses when she was 5. She told her mother she was interested and her mom got to work finding a barn in her hometown of East Lansing, Michigan.

Now, Laurie Kaplan lives outside Dunlap, Illinois and the barn is her own. Snow, slush and mud covers the ground at the Kaplan farm, home to chickens, cats, a large friendly dog, sheep and, of course, two horses.

“It’s the connection with the horse, they connect with us energetically,” said Kaplan about her passion for horseback riding. “When we show up in a bad mood, or a grumpy mood, if we don’t change that mood while we’re working with them, they may reflect back on us. They’re mirrors.”

Kaplan said she did a few competitive events in childhood, as well as teaching summer camps. Now, she’s about to take on the biggest challenge of her horseback riding career: the Gaucho Derby...

Read more here:
https://www.wcbu.org/local-news/2024-02-01/the-gold-is-right-there-keep-going-dunlap-woman-to-compete-in-grueling-endurance-horseback-race

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

2024 Scheduled AERC Convention Seminars

AERC.org
Here are the seminars scheduled for the 2024 AERC Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico on February 23 and 24 (subject to change).

Friday, February 23, 2024

9:00-10:30 am
Langdon Fielding, DVM, MBA, DACVECC, DACVSMR
Dr. Fielding, of Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center in California, will be speaking on common trail emergencies relating to endurance horses.

10:45-11:45 am
Trisha Dowling, DVM, MSc, DACVIM, DACVCP
Dr. Dowling is a professor in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. She specializes in equine pharmacology issues. (Exact topic TBA.)

3:00-4:00 pm
Deirdre Monroe
What can you do to build and preserve trails and get a seat at the trails planning table? Deirdre Monroe has worked extensively in New Mexico to plan, map, and expand trails; she and Marsha Hayes of Kansas will discuss how to build relationships that put equestrians at the table on trails issues.

Saturday, February 24, 2024

8:30-10:00 am
Jeanette Mero, DVM
Co-chair of AERC’s Veterinary Committee, Dr. Jay Mero will be speaking on tying up aka exertional rhabdomyolysis — severe cramping that may happen after exercise. Learn the latest information for prevention and treatment.

11:00 am-12:20 pm • General Session

1:00-2:30 pm
Katrin Silva
A trainer for 30 years, Katrin Silva will discuss dressage for endurance. She is the author of “Dressage for All of Us” and “Ride With Feel: A Guide for the Rest of Us” and competes and coaches various dressage disciplines.

3:00-4:30 pm
Susan Garlinghouse, DVM
“Beating the Hitch in the Giddyup” will focus on managing arthritis in distance horses. Learn how to proactively manage the effects of inflammtion and concussion before they turn into career-ending arthritis.

Monday, January 22, 2024

Endurance Horse Podcast: Dante LaPierre on MS Dennie MHF & Tevis 2023

EnduranceHorsePodcast - Listen

Jan 03, 2024
by Christina Hyke

Episode 60

Today on Endurance Horse Podcast we have the pleasure of chatting with Dante LaPierre about her lovely mare Ms Dennie MHF. Dante has ridden Dennie to three top ten finishes and discusses the excellent opportunity it is to give an Arabian off the racetrack a second career as an endurance horse.

I hope you enjoy listening in to this episode of Endurance Horse Podcast, share it with and friend! If you'd like to support our podcast please like, share, subscribe & visit https://www.warhorseendurance.com

Listen:
https://endurancehorsepodcast.podbean.com/e/dante-lapierre-on-ms-dennie-mhf-tevis-2023/

Sunday, January 21, 2024

2024 January's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen

Endurance: Husband & Wife Team, Lenhart Completes 20th 100, Tips For an Efficient Competition, for Jan 9, 2024

Jan 9, 2024

2023 AERC winners of the Bob and Julie Suhr Husband and Wife Award with 2170 miles Alanna and Gunnar Frank join us along with Sudi Lenhart, VP of the Southeast Endurance Ride Assoc. Karen has some tips on making your competition run smoothly.

Listen:
https://horsesinthemorning.com/endurance-husband-wife-team-lenhart-completes-20th-100-tips-for-an-efficient-competition-for-jan-9-2024/

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Bold & Beautiful star Katherine Kelly Lang returns to Endurance Riding at Fire Mountain

Soaps.SheKnows.com - Full Story

Bold & Beautiful Star Katherine Kelly Lang’s Latest Adventure Leaves Castmate Cheering, ‘Get ’Em, Girl!’

Amy Mistretta
January 18 2024

Those who follow Bold & Beautiful’s Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke) on social media know she loves her horse and the CBS soap actress recently completed a 50-mile endurance race and shared “some snippets” from the “great day!”

With the star riding her white beauty, Lang stated, “Our goal was to have happy and healthy horses at the end,” then relayed, “They did fabulous!”...

Read more here:
https://soaps.sheknows.com/the-bold-and-the-beautiful/news/714529/katherine-kelly-lang-horse-race/

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Endurance Icon Treasured Moments awarded prestigious 2024 WAHO Trophy for USA

PurebredArabianTrust.org

January 12 2024

As the American registering authority for the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO), the Purebred Arabian Trust (PAT) is proud to announce that it has awarded the 2024 WAHO Trophy to the purebred Arabian mare and endurance racing icon, Treasured Moments. The fourteen-year-old mare by legendary race sire, DA Adios+ and out of Hidden Treasure, was bred by the Alan Kirshner and Deborah Mihaloff’s notable Cre Run Farm in Doswell, Virginia, and is proudly owned by Heather and Jeremy Reynolds of Dunnellon, Florida.

“Treasure,” as she is referred to in the barn, began her career in 2014 on the racetrack wearing the recognizable colors of Cre Run, one of the world’s most prominent breeding programs for Arabian racehorses. (Cre Run is the only program in the world to have bred a horse that has won three million-dollar races in the span of one calendar year, as an example.) Treasure ran seven times as a four-year-old, with one first and three seconds and earnings of $11,315.

In November 2014, she caught the professional eye of Heather and Jeremy Reynolds, avid endurance riders at the top levels of the sport, and Treasure exchanged her racetrack life for the world of endurance.

Since then, the celebrated pair have recorded over 3,000 competition miles and countless wins together, including two Tevis Cups, one Haggin Cup, and the 2021 Italian Championships, which marked the first time an American horse has won overseas since the 90s. Treasured Moments is also a recipient of the Robie Cup, a medallion that is issued to horses upon the completion of five Tevis Cups. The medallion’s equine figurehead is Wendell Robie’s mare, a paternal great grand dam to Treasured Moments.

Additionally, Jeremy and Treasure incorporated a new dynamic in 2023 – competing bridleless. In fact, the two won the 2023 Tevis Cup in an incredible 15 hours and 14 minutes, and they did it minus a bridle. It was a poignant image that spoke to their profound partnership.

The WAHO Trophy program was initiated in 2005. Each worldwide registering authority of WAHO is granted the ability to choose its respected trophy recipients. Trophies are not necessarily awarded annually and are given out at the discretion of each country.

Requirements for trophy recipients include:
- The horse must be living, not deceased.
- The horse must be bred and still registered as a purebred Arabian in the country of its designated authority.
- The horse must have reached a significant level of achievement as deemed by its designated authority.
- The horse must, in some way, achieved excellence as a breed ambassador or, in the case of older horses, has achieved the same through its immediate progeny.

Only five WAHO Trophies have been awarded in the United States prior to Treasure Moments. One of those five recipients is her sire, Darley Horse of the Year, DA Adios+ – also bred by Cre Run Farm.

“We are so proud that Treasured Moments is being given this award,” said Deborah Mihaloff of Cre Run Farm. “Treasured Moments is only the sixth horse to receive this award in the United States. To think that one of the six is her sire, DA Adios+ (that we raised and raced) makes it extra special. Treasure could not have achieved the levels she did had it not been for her owner, rider, and partner, Jeremy Reynolds. They are truly one. She could not be loved more. And that is a breeder’s only wish.”

Bob Fauls, chairman of the Purebred Arabian Trust, concurs.

“The PAT is supportive of all disciplines associated with the purebred Arabian horse,” he said. “South America, the Middle East, Europe…. We’ve had the tremendous opportunity to travel the world and see endurance horses perform. Of all the disciplines, the Arabian horse is king in endurance, and yet it often receives so little recognition. Because of that, it was a great honor for us to be able to recognize this particular horse and its owners. Treasured Moments is one of the most recognizable endurance competitors in the world, both inside and outside the endurance community. The fact that she now joins her sire, DA Adios+, as one of the few recipients of the WAHO Trophy, makes it additionally sweet. The board of the Purebred Arabian Trust heartily extends its congratulations to Treasured Moments and her team from birth to present on this most deserving award.”

“Treasure never ceases to amaze us,” said Jeremy Reynolds. “The first time I met her, it was love at first sight. She loves competing. I feel honored to have such a horse in my life. I wish everyone could have an Arabian Treasure like her.”

Treasured Moments and Jeremy Reynolds were presented with the 2024 WAHO Trophy by Bob Fauls and PAT Vice President, Howard Pike, on January 7, 2024, at the Reynolds’ Florida home. The horse-and-rider pair continue to actively compete and are pointing their efforts to the 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship this September in Monpazier, France.

Endurance rider will be back on the trail; Bonnie Swiatek cancels her retirement

WyomingNews.com - Full Article

Carol Ryczek - Laramie Boomerang
January 13 2024

Endurance riding is a matter of balance.

For Bonnie Swiatek, balance was both the reason for retiring from the sport she loves, and the reason to return to it.

Endurance riding is something of a marathon on horseback. Riders can travel from 25 to 100 miles, through mountainous terrain, sometimes at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet. The trails are rugged and demanding.

According to the American Endurance Riders Conference, which organizes these rides, to finish is to win.

Late in 2022, Swiatek announced that she would be retiring from the sport she enjoyed for 22 years with more than 6,000 competitions and 20,000 miles of back country travels with 13 different horses.

She knew she had to address serious back problems when she discovered that the balance she maintained as a rider was not what it used to be...

Read more here:
https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/endurance-rider-will-be-back-on-the-trail-bonnie-swiatek-cancels-her-retirement/article_133b9086-b18f-11ee-8a57-5baaec1d747a.html

Thursday, January 11, 2024

US Equestrian Introduces New National Endurance Award Program

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Jan 10, 2024, 1:00 PM

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is proud to announce the launch of the newly amended USEF National Endurance Award Program, a revamped initiative aimed at recognizing and celebrating the achievements of endurance athletes and horses across the country. Officially launching with the 2024 season, the USEF National Endurance Award Program includes the USEF Endurance Year-End Awards and the USEF Endurance Career Mileage Awards.

USEF Endurance Year End Awards will be calculated based on USEF and FEI competition results during the competition season (Dec. 1 – Nov. 30) and are composed of the following categories:

• Top Ten National-Ranked Senior Athletes
• Top Ten National-Ranked Junior/Young Rider Athletes
• Endurance Athlete of the Year Award
• Endurance Horse of the Year Award
• Endurance Best Condition Season Award

The USEF Endurance Career Horse Mileage and Athlete Mileage Awards will honor horses and athletes for their achievements at 250; 500; 750; 1,000; 3,000; and 5,000 miles, showcasing the dedication and perseverance demonstrated in the world of endurance riding.

Athletes and horse owners can request recognition of their or their horse's career mileage from American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) or Equine Distance Riding Association (EDRA) competitions held before December 1, 2023. To be eligible, requests must be submitted via email to the USEF Director of Endurance by September 1, 2024. Verification of requests will be conducted through AERC or EDRA competition records.

Click here to view more information on the USEF National Endurance Award Program, including eligibility criteria and submission details. Contact Nicole Zerbee, USEF Director of Endurance, with any questions at nzerbee@usef.org.

See even more at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-introduces-new-national-endurance

Saturday, January 06, 2024

Kim Elkins and Royal Velvet Achieve American Saddlebred Award in Endurance

Kim Elkins, of Mead, Washington, and her American Saddlebred mare, Royal Velvet, aka Roy, won the 2023 Equine Distance Riding Association American Saddlebred High Miles Award.

12-year-old Roy was bred by Shelah Wetter's Blue Haven Stable in Deer Park, Washington.

2023 was a great year for Kim & Roy. They sponsored many youth riders and completed every ride they entered. Wishing you both all the success next season!

Thursday, January 04, 2024

Applications Now Open for USEF Endurance Competition and Licensed Officials Grants

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Jan 3, 2024, 12:00 PM

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is now accepting applications for the Endurance Competition Grant and Endurance Licensed Officials Grant. Applications for both grants are due February 1, 2024.

USEF Endurance Competition Grant

The purpose of this grant is to support U.S-based FEI endurance competitions in order to maintain a healthy calendar of competitions within the U.S.

Eligibility: Competitions must be licensed with USEF and sanctioned by the FEI as an endurance competition.

Restrictions: Competitions may only apply for one grant each year, and grant amounts will be determined by available funds and number of applications. Grants are not guaranteed and subject to approval.

Payments: Grant amounts will be communicated by March 1, 2024. Grant checks will be mailed to the competition within two weeks following the end of competition.

Application: Download the USEF Endurance Competition Grant application here.

USEF Licensed Officials Grant

The intent of this grant is to support USEF endurance licensed officials and maintain a healthy number of officials licensed in the U.S. The grant offers financial support for USEF endurance licensed officials who are seeking education and experience.

Eligibility: Applicants must be in good standing with the USEF and, if applicable, the FEI at the time of application and must adhere to all USEF and/or FEI requirements and trainings for the applicable role, or seeking a USEF or FEI endurance license or promotion (with proof from the USEF Licensed Officials Department).

Restrictions: Licensed officials may only apply for one grant each year, and grant amounts will be determined by available funds and number of applications. Grants are not guaranteed and subject to approval.

Payments: Grant checks will be mailed to the licensed official following receipt of expense receipts for reimbursement. To receive the grant payment, the Licensed Official must provide any and all receipts for reimbursement by November 30th of the year in which they are receiving the grant.

Application: Download the USEF Endurance Licensed Official Grant application here.

Completed applications for both grants must be submitted to Nicole Zerbee, USEF Director of Endurance, by Feb. 1, 2024.

Questions? Contact Nicole Zerbee at nzerbee@usef.org or 859-225-6952.

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/applications-now-open-for-usef-endurance

Friday, December 29, 2023

2024 Green Bean Endurance Registration is Open!



GreenBeanEndurance.org

Green Bean Endurance Challenge is a group for endurance riders with fewer than 1,000 combined LD and Endurance miles in AERC. The program offers prizes, drawings, and year end awards for team and individual challenges.

A great green welcome to those new to the sport of endurance riding! Visit www.GreenBeanEndurance.org for a look at all the Green Bean program offers.

If you are on Facebook, please join the closed group https://www.facebook.com/groups/GBEChallenge/ for the most up-to-date announcements.

The cost to join the Green Bean Endurance Challenge is $15 per AERC season (Dec 1 through Nov 30). You MUST be an AERC member to participate in this program. Join or renew your AERC membership by phoning the office, 866-271-2372, or by enrolling online.

Fill out the Green Bean form here:
https://greenbeanendurance.org/membership-sign-up

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

2023 December's Horses in the Morning Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen

Endurance: Vital Signs, Horse Worming and New Ride for December 12, 2023

Karen talks about the importance of knowing your horses vital signs and Laura Worden is an endurance rider and an equine nutritionist and she tells about the current best practices for worming our endurance horses. Amie Kreth fills us in on a new ride called the Lost Sierra in Graeagle, CA. Listen in...

https://horsesinthemorning.com/endurance-vital-signs-horse-worming-and-new-ride-for-december-12-2023/

Friday, December 15, 2023

Cheryl Van Deusen and Avery Betz-Conway Win 2023 US Equestrian Endurance Awards

Cheryl Van Deusen and JG General. ©Liz Gregg/FEI
Avery Betz-Conway and RAS Istanbul. ©Claire Sapet

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Dec 15, 2023, 9:00 AM

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian congratulates the winners of the year-end awards for endurance. As the top-ranked senior endurance athlete, Cheryl Van Deusen (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.) will receive the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award. Avery Betz-Conway (Kingsland, Ga.) will receive the Brunges Junior/Young Rider Trophy as the top U.S. junior or young rider endurance athlete.

With this year’s win, Van Deusen has now won the Maggy Price Award seven consecutive years. She competed in 12 FEI endurance rides on seven different horses in 2023, including as a member of the U.S. team for the FEI Endurance World Championships in Butheeb, United Arab Emirates, held in February of 2023 and the FEI Endurance Pan American Championships in Llay Llay, Chile. With her own 2012 Arabian gelding, JG General, Van Deusen had wins at the Scenic Spruce Creek Spring Fling CEI1* and Broxton Bridge Fall Rides CEI3*.

Betz-Conway is also a repeat winner, having won the Brunges Trophy in 2022. In 2023, she represented the U.S. at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in Castelsagrat, France, finishing 18th place out of a field of 70 starters. In between international finishes in Europe, Betz-Conway had five wins out of five FEI rides at U.S.-based competitions. With her 2014 Arabian gelding Djets Mojo, she earned wins at Broxton Bridge Ride in the Low Country CEIYJ2*, McCulley Farms FEI CEIYJ2*, Broxton Bridge: Night Riders CEIYJ2*, and Broxton Bridge: Fall Rides CEIYJ2*. She rode RR Soldier, Stephen Rojek’s 2012 Arabian gelding, to a win at JD’s Carolina CEIYJ2*.

The Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award is generously sponsored by Gold Medal Farm and Larry and Valerie Kanavy in memory of Maggy Price. Price was the 1992 FEI Endurance World Championship silver medalist and was instrumental in developing international endurance in the U.S. The Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy is awarded in memory of Kathy Brunjes, a successful endurance athlete and active supporter of the junior/young rider program.

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/cheryl-van-deusen-avery-betz-conway-win-2023

Thursday, December 14, 2023

Endurance Horse Podcast: Jeremy & Heather Reynold of Reynolds’ Racing on Training and 2023 Tevis

Endurance Horse Podcast - Listen

November 14 2023

Today on Endurance Horse Podcast I have the pleasure of getting to know Jeremy and Heather Reynolds a little bit better, the services they offer the endurance community and to learn a bit more about their best practices of bringing along champions. If you are interested in learning more from this dynamic duo, please listen in, share this episode of Endurance Horse Podcast and go to reynoldsracing.us to learn more about the services offered by Reynolds Racing. Yes, the topic of the not only bitless mare Treasure, though her completely no headstall headstall first place finish of Tevis 2023 is one for the history books for sure. In this interview I hope you find many treasured bits of advice to encourage you along your endurance journey. Ride far. Ride well. Ride Often. Christina

Listen:
https://endurancehorsepodcast.podbean.com/e/jeremy-heather-reynold-of-reynold-s-racing-on-training-and-2023-tevis/

Wednesday, December 06, 2023

2023 November's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen

Virtual Endurance Rides and Jenna Harrison for November 14, 2023

Nov 14, 2023

It’s all virtual today when Abigail Madden tells us about Virtual Tevis for 2024 and Christina Hyke on the Warhorse Virtual Endurance Rides. Plus, Jenna Harrison, winner of the 2023 AERC National Championship 100. Listen in...

https://horsesinthemorning.com/virtual-endurance-rides-and-jenna-harrison-for-november-14-2023/

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Registration open for the 2024 AERC Convention, February 23-24



Mark your calendars for February 23 & 24 and join in the fun in Albuquerque, New Mexico! Two days of speakers will focus on “Safe and Sound on the Trail” and, of course, we’ll have the usual fun and festivities plus lots of vendors and even a tack swap (buy! sell!). Host hotel is the Embassy Suites by Hilton. Registration and hotel reservations will be up by December 1. See more on the Convention page:
https://aerc.org/convention

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Pitting Humans Against Horses in Prescott

Horse-canada.com - Full Story

What began as a bar bet 40 years ago has become a favourite annual competition for runners and riders in the mountains of central Arizona.

By: Kim Izzo | November 15, 2023

It is the kind of sporting event that could only have evolved out of a bar bet, and that is exactly the origin story behind the Prescott, Arizona Man Against Horse Race that saw its origins four decades ago.

It all began in a bar in 1983, when Gheral Brownlow bet his friend and cowboy Steve Rafters that he could beat his horse, on foot, in a race. The current event includes a 50-mile, 25-mile, and half-marathon race. The horses run alongside the runners and the first horse and rider (or runner) to cross the finish line wins. There are several vet checks for the horses along the route and the time they are stopped for this is subtracted from their overall time. The organizers warn that “the 25- and 50-mile courses are extremely strenuous … should not be undertaken without significant preparation...”

Read more here:
https://horse-canada.com/horse-news/pitting-humans-against-horses-in-prescott/

Saturday, November 11, 2023

The Trek Across America with Two Straight Egyptians

ArabianHorseWorld.com - Full Article

Date 11.01.23

On April 16, 2021, Patrick Sullivan of Modern Day Horsemanship started his 2,500 mile journey from Sacramento, California to Georgetown, Kentucky, where he arrived on October 16, 2021.

He took two Straight Egyptian Arabian horses, the black mare Gamilah MJA, sired by Bellagio RCA, out of the Thee Desperado+ daughter, Thee Bahieh, and her maternal brother, grey gelding Haleem MJA, sired by Thee Infidel, out of Thee Bahieh.

He did this incredible trek bridleless and mostly bareback, and visited 20 non-profits, local rescues, and charities while providing liberty demonstrations along the way.

Shawn Crews sat down with Patrick to revisit this incredible journey.

Shawn: I’ll never forget the day when you told me your plan to do this, and honestly, Patrick, I know your whole family and I come from a very optimistic family, however, I considered your level of optimism to be triple of what I know. I’ve known you since before you were involved in horses. Your goal is so large and you have such a positive attitude, but still when you told me about this we were shocked. We are all very horse show goal-oriented, so I was curious as to why you chose to do something so different with your Straight Egyptian...

Read the rest here:
https://arabianhorseworld.com/the-trek-across-america-with-two-straight-egyptians/

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Bid Applications Now Open for USEF Endurance Zone and National Championships for 2024 and 2025

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Oct 26, 2023, 2:00 PM

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is now accepting bid applications for the following endurance competitions:

2025 USEF Endurance National Championship and Zone Team Challenge
Application Deadline: Nov. 15, 2023
Click here to download the application.

2024-2025 USEF Endurance Zone Championship
Application Deadline: Nov. 30, 2023
Click here to download the application.

Endurance competition organizers are encouraged to apply for these new championship competitions, which were announced earlier this summer. The National Championship and Zone Team Challenge must take place between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025. The Zone Championships must take place between Jan. 1, 2024 and 30 days prior to the 2025 USEF Endurance National Championship. Full requirements are listed on the applications linked above.

For more information on these championships, please visit the USEF National & Zone Endurance Championship page on USEF.org, and contact Nicole Zerbee, USEF Director of Endurance, at nzerbee@usef.org with additional questions.

Monday, October 23, 2023

Selection Procedures Updated for 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship

USEF.orgby US Equestrian Communications Department | Oct 23, 2023, 3:30 PM EST

Lexington, Ky. – The USEF Selection Procedures for athletes interested in competing at the 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship in Monpazier, France, have been updated and are available on the endurance page of USEF.org. The FEI Endurance World Championship will take place in Monpazier, France, on September 7, 2024.

View the updated Selection Procedures here.

The notable changes include:

• Extension of the Application of Intent and Selection Event deadlines
• Increase the minimum and maximum number of Selection Events that must be designated
Removal of the requirement that one Selection Event must be at least 300 radial miles from the athlete’s residence and replaced it with the requirement that the two Selection Events with the best results must be at least 200 radial miles from one another.
• Extension of the deadline for which athletes have to review the ranking list as well as an update for which staff member to contact if an error is found.
• Adjustment of how a tie is broken on the ranking list.
• Clarification language for Overall Starter definition.

A virtual meeting to review updated Selection Procedures will take place on November 7, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. ET. Interested parties should utilize the provided link to attend the virtual meeting.

Athletes wishing to be considered for the championship must complete the online Application of Intent by June 24, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Contact Nicole Zerbee, Director of Endurance, at nzerbee@usef.org with questions.

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/selection-procedures-updated-for-2024-fei

Friday, October 20, 2023

Voices from the Endurance Comeback Trail

Photo by Becky Kirchner Pearman

EquusMagazine.com - Full Article

October 19, 2023
Bobbie Lieberman

In writing my article, Recapturing the Joy of Riding, I asked riders to share the top three things that made the biggest difference in their recovery from trauma and regaining confidence in the saddle. Here’s what I learned.

Lara Worden

My incident came at the start of an endurance ride in Ohio 2.5 years ago. All I remember was trying to get on and he blew up. Apparently, he turned into a bucking bronc. I was tossed and knocked unconscious for 15-20 minutes. The next thing I remember is waking up to EMTs standing over me and preparing to load me into an ambulance. That incident resulted in me breaking almost all my ribs on my right side with a collapsed lung and a concussion. It got me a trip to ICU for three days and a LONG road to recovery, both physically and mentally.

I do not remember much from that day, which I take as a small blessing. However, in some ways this makes it more difficult to understand the panic that comes over me in certain situations with this horse...

Read more here:
https://equusmagazine.com/horse-world/23353/

Thursday, October 19, 2023

Stroh competes at Fort Robinson, Nebraska

LuskHerald.com - Full Article

By: For the Herald
Posted Oct 18, 2023

FORT ROBINSON, Neb. - Horsewomen and men find it is a joy to ride at Fort Robinson. To ride in an endurance ride there is extra special. September 23 and 24 marked the first endurance ride ever at the Fort. Mary McCoy, who has never ridden endurance, decided it was the perfect place to host a ride. She has done competitive trail riding and her husband, Gary, has ridden endurance, so they weren’t jumping into hosting this without knowing what they were getting in to.

They counted themselves lucky to get so much help from friends across Nebraska and Wyoming. Stroh rode the trail with them a few times before they decided on the exact loops the riders would take for the 25 and 50 mile endurance ride. Even though she had ridden Fort Robinson for years Stroh was still delighted to find places she had never been.

On September 22, Barb Orr and Stroh drove to Fort Robinson to set up camp and get Stroh’s horse, Rabbit, settled in. Riders were able to use the covered stalls at the mare barn. Participants were all grateful as the rain and hail came in Friday night. Mary and Gary hosted a dinner Friday night for the riders and their crew...

Read more here:
https://luskherald.com/article/stroh-competes-at-fort-rob

Friday, October 13, 2023

10,000 Miles for Endurance rider Angie McGhee

September 9 2023
by Angie McGhee
Photo by Becky Pearman

Angie McGhee shares her story of reaching 10,000 Endurance miles

Well, after 36 years of endurance competition, I finally hit the 10,000 mile mark. Was afraid to mention it out loud for fear I'd jinx it. Seemed as if the miles were just stacking up for several years then just slowed down to a trickle! So I am going to take the time to thank the ones really who earned this honor; the horses.

My first endurance horse was Tonka my big Appaloosa who had never been tired and never been lame. I did one 50 and he discovered how to be both.

Next my first Arabian, Isaiah 40:31 (Count Moonjour). 500 miles with no pulls, safe, fairly slow, rough ride, not much of a challenge. I took completing for granted, so sold him to a junior.

Next was Jommeh. He was my dream. 7 years old, well trained, sweet, SMOOTH, fast. Never lame at home, went to 5 rides and limped by the first check at every one. I learned to value a completion. As a parting shot he shattered a splint bone in the field, I spent all my money for surgery and had nothing to buy my next horse.

Then Danny Herlong offered me "a little gray horse I don't need" that I could pay for when I had the money. Enter Kaboot Herlong. 11 years of adrenaline. 7 100's, 2 plated collar bones, 1 win, 1 BC, 2001 Pan Am team, never ever boring. 3050 miles. (Post note. Surprised how interested people have been in the individual horse stories. Since I have a video of my 3 top horses for "their stories" posting links. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo-6PFvY7zI

Tried to replace him with Weifear. Bred for endurance, 2 accomplished parents, never made it to a ride, happy to get out of that with no lasting injuries.

Then there was Gunner McGhee. He was a solid broke Arabian trail horse I bought to ride while Josie started Cade. He gave me an honest 450 miles and 80 miles of a 100 he didn't finish.

Dreaming of another Kaboot, but ran across the total opposite; JA Hally's Eclipse, (Seven) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB7QEMnb8qk a 7 year old neglected race bred Arab who'd been forgotten in a field behind the sewage treatment plant. 7 years old, barely halter broken stallion. Rescued him just to try to get him a life but he sure wasn't anything I wanted to compete. But nothing else came along so took my clunky pot bellied, not competitive, rough riding boy off to a ride. That's where we found out nobody on this earth could give him electrolytes. Seemed hopeless, but he ended up competing for 9 seasons, 2,430 miles, 4 one day 100's, 2 "Consistent Condition awards" SERA Mileage champion, 2 wins, 4 BC, and a slew of high vet scores.

Overlapping that time several friends pointed out a little gray on craigslist so many times I finally went to see that one. He was starved and incredibly toed out but again, 5 years old, not broke, not much of a life ahead of him, so I figured I'd start him and pass him on. Turned out to be my all time favorite ride, Fadjur's Talisman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCCL6B74OTg&t=5s 22 straight 50's, Consistant Condition Award, GA High point endurance horse, 2 Best Conditions, 2 one day 100's. High vet score at Biltmore 100 on his first, finished Old Dominion 100 for his second. He had a canter that was to die for that was his favorite gait. Then right in his prime (12) he fractured a splint on the outside of his leg in a fall, wasn't displaced, but when it healed it put down a line of calcium which sawed on his ligament. Total heartbreak to lose him right as he "arrived". Surgery not very successful. He did make a comeback for 2 more 50's for Emma Kate. Tally retired with 1455 miles.

That's around when I hit 9,000 miles and thought I'd be at 10,000 in no time. HA!!

Bought Virginia Soldier (LR Gasuur Aamira). She was started under saddle but had never even had shoes. No trail miles. When she was right she was a machine, but what we found was a preexisting injury just kept causing problems. In three years she got 150 miles.

You think that's bad? Next was Justadulangdulang, (Dulang). His owner had a field full of horses, 3 5 year old geldings unhandled, seemed to think he wouldn't be around much longer and urged me to take Dulang. I didn't like the looks of his legs, But loved his name. An unbroken horse is doomed as he ages so I took him. 2 years of training and conditioning and went to his first ride to pull at the first check. X-rays said, "not the sport for me". So his grand total was zero like Jommeh and Weedy. AERC does not send patches for miles at home.

By now the "horse shortage" had hit and not much around to buy if you were willing. I saw an ad for an extremely well bred 3 year old gelding, but one catch. It was in Bismarck, ND in January. Poor Bill made the road trip of death and 64 hours of non-stop driving later we had Havana home. So, there you go. He just finished his 7th 50 and is getting the hang of this thing.

Those are MY horses that got me miles. Now, looking at my ride record I realize there are a LOT of people who have loaned me horses to ride during those above mentioned dry spells.

#1 has got to go to Suzanne Solis who Loaned me ALA Thor to get a Big Horn 100 buckle, then again for an AERC Championship buckle at the OD trail, then for the Big South Fork 100, and then loaned me Khorvet for a Tevis buckle. THAT'S a friend!

But, going back to the beginning: Kathy Tow loaned Merlynn (got a win and a BC and 150 miles on him) Dave Bennett and later Ashley Creswell Priban loaned me Southern Rock for 150 miles, Steph Teeter loaned The Great Santini, Connie Caudhill loaned Huckleberry Moon, Dave Bennet loaned Ben Amil for 100 miles, Claude Brewer loaned Filly Royel Dalyte, Jody Buttram loaned Petit Jets Aries for 150, Bruce Weary loaned Heisman, Lynda Webber loaned BR Jubaleigh, Josie loaned me TM Cade and Sumthngtosingabout, Vicki Monroe loaned me Chosen Ballast for 100, Lauren Irwin loaned me Elek for 100, and Claire Godwin loaned me Serene Zeliza.

Whew! I had no idea I'd been trusted with that many really nice horses and really want to thank every one of those people who made the "time between horses" bearable! I am really happy to have this monkey off my back. It took 7 years to get that last 1000 miles. Things are looking good. I've got a sound competition horse and an up and coming 4 year old. No, I am NOT retired.

Photo from yesterday's 50 at Big South Fork. Aul Sandy's Havana I hope will be with me for the next 10 years or so. :-))

Friday, September 29, 2023

October 4 is Deadline for AERC National Championships Registration

Official website

The Championships will be held over the Armadillo Trails in the Davy Crockett National Forest in Kennard, Texas, for the AERC 2023 National Championships! October 19 for the 50 mile ride and October 21 for the 100 mile ride. Plus there will be 30, 50, and 100 mile open rides. '

Entry deadline is October 4.

You can mail your entries or email your entries. Each distance needs a separate entry. This entry is also for the Armadillo Open rides as well as the LD.

Go here for more details on the ride and for entry forms.

Thursday, September 28, 2023

2023 September's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen

Former US Army Ranger Conquers Mongol Derby, New Endurance Racing Legend Memoir, Sept 12, 2023

We learn about teaching horses to wear a neck collar. Former US Army Ranger Reid Albano shares his experience riding the Mongol Derby as an amputee. Chasing Dreams: The True Story of the Youngest Female Tevis Cup Champion author Sanoma Blakely stops by for a chat. AERC VP Kelly Williams Stehman has an update.

Listen:
https://horsesinthemorning.com/former-us-army-ranger-conquers-mongol-derby-new-endurance-racing-legend-memoir-sept-12-2023/

Friday, September 22, 2023

US Equestrian Announces Athletes for 2023 FEI Endurance Pan American Championships for Seniors and Young Riders & Juniors

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Sep 22, 2023, 3:00 PM EST

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the five athlete-and-horse combinations that will represent the U.S. at the 2023 FEI Endurance Pan American Championships for Seniors and Young Riders & Juniors. The championship will be held Nov. 23-26, 2023, in Llay Llay, Chile. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Lisanne Dorion with support from team veterinarian Dr. Olivia Rudolphi.

The following athlete-and-horse combinations are listed in alphabetical order:

• Niki Beck (Gillette, Wyo.) and Majestic Cloudy Boy, her own 2009 Appaloosa gelding
• Uma Kraskin (Deland, Fla.) and CL Magnolia, a 2014 mare owned by Carlos Letelier
• Tom Rajala (Hillsborough, N.C.) and HF Barii, a 2010 Arabian mare owned by Maxi Wimmer
• Alex Shampoe (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Southern Justice, a 2012 Arabian gelding owned by Dessia Miller.
- Direct Reserve: Fine Cut Gold, a 2011 Arabian mare owned by Valerie Kanavy.
• Cheryl Van Deusen (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.) and C.L. Misteriosa, a 2012 mare owned by Carlos Letelier

The opening ceremony for the event will take place on Nov. 22, in Santiago, Chile, and the first veterinary inspection will begin at 3:30 p.m. local time on Nov. 23. The ride will take place on Nov. 24 with the prize giving ceremony to follow.

For more information on the 2023 FEI Endurance Pan American Championships for Seniors and Young Riders & Juniors, visit the official event page on FEI.org or chileendurance.cl.

Thursday, September 07, 2023

The Wahatoya Cup 100 in Southern Colorado



By Merri Melde
September 7 2023

If you think a mountainous 100-miler is tough, think about what the Ride Manager can go through getting the trail ready.

Thirty-three people had pre-signed up, but due to the predicted weather and other extenuating factors, only 15 entered the 100-miler and the 75-miler/75-mile elevator.

No matter how well you plan for any contingencies as a Ride Manager, there’s no way to plan for everything that can go wrong. A good Ride Manager can pivot on a dime and change plans if necessary, and that’s what Tennessee Blouin had to do for all the distances on ride day, due to the predicted rainstorms.


“After the first 2 loops, I made the executive decision to reroute the remaining 60 miles on to mostly county roads. I know it's not what people signed up for, but it was the safest thing to do.

“We got a LOT of rain the night before, the trails were already slick. The riders got to enjoy going out over the wall - even if they couldn't see it due to the thick fog, they said it was ‘pretty slick.’

“But with a 100% chance of another deluge, and I mean deluge, hitting us as it gets dark, I had to do it. IT BROKE MY HEART. TRULY. I had gorgeous, fun, stimulating trails lined up for my WahCup riders and they ended up slogging through mud and riding roads.

“In the end the riders seemed appreciative and agreed it was the right decision. Better than having to pull, or getting horses hurt, or cancelling the ride altogether.

“I could not have pulled this emergency reroute off without the help of my radio team. They repositioned in places they had never been as I dropped pins for them and formulated a completely new route, with safe places for vet checks, and with legs that worked mileage-wise for the elevators/75s to split from the 100. Riders and crew were able to shelter from the heaviest storm right here in my own home, and warm up by the fire on my porch.

“Anyway it all worked out - and nobody died. In fact, we had 100% completion, and that is always my primary goal. I do everything I can to help my riders complete.”

Nine riders finished the 100-miler and six finished the 75-miler. Winner of the Wahatoya Cup 100 was Ken Wolgram and Sparklin Plenty in a ride time of 10:57. This team also took the Keven Meyers Memorial Cup, the Best Condition award.

Monday, September 04, 2023

Sanoma and Goober: Terrebonne woman pens book on historic endurance race win

CentralOregonDaily.com - Full Article

by Eric Lindstrom | Central Oregon Daily News
Thursday, August 31st 2023

It’s an improbable underdog story that belongs alongside “Rocky” and “Rudy.” It’s the story of an 18-year-old Terrebonne girl, a horse she got for free on Craigslist and their victory in the most prestigious endurance horse race in the world.

It’s the story of Sanoma Blakeley and the race that inspired a book.

“The Tevis Cup is the most famous endurance race in the world. It’s 100 miles across the Sierras,” Sanoma said.

One race. One victory. One life-changing moment in time.

Sanoma was riding horses before she could walk.

“I definitely was a crazy horse girl before I even knew what that was,” Sanoma said.

“There’s pictures of me with my little feet where they couldn’t even, you know… just basically sat on the horse’s back...”

Read more here:
https://centraloregondaily.com/tevis-cup-terrebonne-horse-race-sanoma-blakeley-goober/

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Build the Trails and They Will Come: Spanish Peaks Pioneer



By Merri Melde
August 30 2023

It’s the 8th year Tennessee Lane Blouin has hosted SoCo Endurance rides in La Veta, Colorado (including the AERC National Championships in 2017), and this year with over 180 early entries, she had to close registration before the ride started. The 5-day Spanish Peaks Pioneer is followed the next weekend by the 100-mile Wahatoya Cup, which, this year, also included a 25, 50, and 75-mile ride.


With the exception of a few county roads, all miles of trail are on private property. Tennessee constantly works with some two dozen land owners for permission to traverse their land, so this is a ride over unique parts of southern Colorado that can be accessed no other way. Just prepping for this ride takes months and months of work from family and volunteers (think clearing trails after winter, then re-clearing them after rains, keeping all the private owners permissions in mind), replacing or re-painting the hundreds of permanent Tposts that mark the trail, besides all the other regular work that goes into putting on a large ride. There’s plenty of trail marking with ribbons, which cows love to eat, so the trails have to be re-marked, on some trails the morning before the riders reach the trail.


Only in this ride can you join the “Over the Wall” club - riding through one of the Walls that radiate down from West Spanish Peak. And this year on Day 2 of the Spanish Peaks and in the 75-mile and 100-miles of the Wahatoya Cup, riders crossed it twice, the first time at a new spot, accessing it by a long, steep climb and riding beneath a 150-foot high section of the wall. For comparison, fewer people are members of the Over the Wall club than have climbed Mount Everest!

A roll call during one of the 5-day ride meetings revealed riders attending from an astounding 20 states*.

This is a true mountain ride, with base camp at 8000 feet, nestled below the East and West Spanish Peaks, and all the wildlife that comes with it. There were probably no riders that didn’t see at least one bear this year!


Five horse and rider teams completed all five days of Limited Distance rides. Robert Chambless from Georgia and his 9-year-old gelding AJ won the Championship as the fastest team, not only winning four of the five days (and finishing second on the other one), but nabbing Best Condition every day. “AJ is a roachback, and he was a cull, and I got him for free,” Robert said. “We train all over the hills of Georgia, and he’s my buddy.”


Only one other horse and rider had ever completed all five days/255 miles of the distance rides (Kerry Redente and Valero GA), and this year three riders accomplished the feat (who even attempts to ride all five days of a Pioneer on one horse anymore? Where can you even find other 5-day rides anymore?).

Kelley Stoneburner and Reckless, and her husband Jesse Feinsod and Kenlyn Easy Legasy from Colorado also finished the five days. Reckless got overall Best Condition.


Ann Wicks and her mustang mare Jicarilla Journey from Georgia finished all five days in overall first place. “She is kind, sensible, and as sure-footed as they come. And this past week, she gave me her all,” Ann stated later.

The Spanish Peaks Pioneer is truly a Bucket List ride, a true challenge for horses and riders in a most beautiful part of the country.

*All the states (and it’s possible there were more!):
Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Montana, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Virginia, Alabama, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Kentucky, Ohio, Arkansas, California, Kentucky

More at:
http://endurance.net/international/USA/2023SpanishPeaksPioneer/

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Muirneen Townhall On Tevis, Team Reynolds, and Treasure

Muirneen Townhall on the Tevis Cup, endurance racing, and bridleless riding on Friday, September 1 at 12 PM Eastern.

METRO DETROIT — August 22, 2023 — Muirneen Equestrian, an advocate for diversity and kindness within the horse sports community, is thrilled to announce an upcoming virtual townhall event. This townhall will delve into the captivating world of endurance racing, bridleless riding, and the treasures found in equine companionship. Hosted by the remarkable Team Reynolds duo Heather and Jeremy Reynolds, this townhall is a must-attend for the equestrian community.

"At Muirneen Equestrian, we want to introduce equestrians of color to the sport of endurance riding," stated Shelly Watts, CEO of Muirneen Equestrian.

The focal point of the conversation will be the prestigious Tevis Cup, an iconic endurance race known for its challenges and triumphs. With Heather and Jeremy Reynolds at the helm, attendees will gain unique insights into the rigorous training, boundless dedication, and profound bond with horses that define the world of endurance racing. Additionally, the duo will share their experiences of bridleless riding, shedding light on the art of communication and trust between rider and horse.

"I like to inspire riders to learn to listen to their horses and have fun. I'm looking forward to sharing my experience during the townhall," expressed Jeremy Reynolds.

This interactive and enlightening townhall offers a rare opportunity to gain direct access to the perspectives of accomplished endurance riders, creating a space for equestrians to learn, connect, and be inspired. "We are looking forward to sharing the sport and adventure of endurance riding with equestrians from other disciplines," shared Heather Reynolds.

Registration for Zoom Meeting (9/1 at 12 PM Eastern): To secure a spot for this invaluable conversation, interested participants are encouraged to register at https://muirneen.com/pages/about. For those who wish to learn more about townhalls or sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to shelly@muirneen.com. Muirneen townhalls are sponsored by Via Nova Training, Tipperary Equestrian, and Safe Riding. All townhalls include an ASL interpreter and live captions.

About Muirneen Equestrian Muirneen Equestrian is a proud woman, minority, and veteran-owned company that designs bold and inclusive riding clothing. Muirneen clothing is tested by endurance riders for durability and comfort. Muirneen is committed to inspiring diversity, body positivity, and kindness in horse sports. To learn more about the mission of Muirneen Equestrian, visit https://muirneen.com.

Saturday, August 19, 2023

Midnight led the way for Tevis Cup Sweep Riders

Gtgazetette.com - Full Article

Gazette staff
Aug 17, 2023

This is the second year Cool resident Kelly Turney has ridden her horse Midnight as a member of the Sweep Riders for the Tevis Cup.

Sweep Riders are a team of volunteers that ride 4-27 mile sections of the Tevis trail after the last competitor goes through the Sweep Riders' assigned section. The Sweep Riders are responsible for assisting competitors should they have an accident, injury, illness or become separated from their horse. One or more members on the team is a HAM Radio operator and will notify Net Control if there is a problem on the trail. Then appropriate emergency veterinary or medical assistance will be dispatched to their location, while the Sweep Team waits with the rider...

Read more here:
https://www.gtgazette.com/lifestyles/entertainment/midnight-led-the-way-for-tevis-cup-sweep-riders/article_fdfbd1e0-36f0-11ee-b6ec-fbbeeeddd36b.html

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Behind The Photo: 100 Miles On A Shoestring

Lynne Glazer Photo

Chronofhorse.com - Full Article

PUBLISHED August 16, 2023
WORDS BY Christina Keim

Most of the time, if you are on your horse and the bridle is not, something has gone wrong. But for veteran endurance rider Jeremy Reynolds, who on July 29 won the one-day, 100-mile Western States Trail Ride, popularly known as the Tevis Cup, for the fifth time in his career aboard his Arabian mare Treasured Moments (DA Adios+—Hidden Treasure), going sans bridle was all part of the plan. Reynolds, 43, completed the oldest—and what is often regarded as the most challenging—endurance ride in North America with “Treasure” wearing nothing more than a neck rope.

“She normally goes in a really thin rope halter,” said Reynolds, who along his wife and fellow endurance rider Heather Reynolds operates Reynolds Racing in Dunnellon, Florida. “I’d like to say that I’m that good of a horseman, but really, I just have that good of a horse, and I’ve been able to listen to her and see what she likes.”

Jeremy initially planned to use the neck rope only along the first portion of the Tevis route, which travels along the notoriously rugged and occasionally treacherous Western States Trail in California’s Sierra Mountains. He began prepping his 13-year-old equine partner for this unique challenge earlier this year; after many trial ride successes, Jeremy decided to use the neck rope from start to finish...

Read more here:
https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/behind-the-photo-100-miles-on-a-shoestring/

Monday, August 14, 2023

US Equestrian Announces Change to U.S. Endurance Team for FEI Endurance World Championship Young Riders and Juniors

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Aug 12, 2023, 10:10 AM EST

Lexington, Ky. -- US Equestrian has announced the combinations selected for the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors will now compete as individuals on September 2 in Castelsagrat, France, due to a combination withdrawal. The U.S. will be led by Chef d’Equipe Lisanne Dorion with support from Dr. Olivia Rudolphi as veterinarian.

Fine Cut Gold, a 2011 Arabian mare owned by Valerie Kanavy and Wendy MacCoubrey, and ridden by Alex Shampoe (Colorado Springs, Colo.), has been withdrawn from the team after sustaining a minor injury in turnout. In the best interest of the horse’s welfare, Shampoe voluntarily removed herself from team selection to allow Fine Cut Gold the necessary time to recover.

“I was very excited to represent the U.S. with ‘Cut’ in France and, although this injury is minor, I knew it was in the best interest of Cut to remove ourselves from the competition," Shampoe said. "I look forward to riding Cut later this year and hoping to be considered for selection to the Pan American Endurance Championships Team in November."

The following combinations will represent U.S. Endurance as individuals and are listed in alphabetical order:

Avery Betz-Conway (Kingsland, Ga.) and RAS Istanbul, a 2011 Arabian gelding owned by Estanar S. A.

Meghan Wert (Spring Mills, Pa.) and Gilted Gold, a 2015 Anglo-Arabian mare owned by Valerie Kanavy

Competition Information
Learn more about the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors here.

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-announces-change-to-us-endurance

Sunday, August 13, 2023

Big Creek’s Lud McCrary Passes

Building-products.com

August 10 2023
by David Koenig

Frank “Lud” McCrary, co-founder of Big Creek Lumber, Davenport, Ca., passed away on Aug. 6 at the age of 95.

Lud co-founded Big Creek in 1946 after his service in World War II with his father, Frank McCrary Sr.; his uncle, Homer Trumbo; and his brother, Homer “Bud” McCrary. What started as a small operation milling lumber in the Santa Cruz Mountains has since grown to include a renowned sustainable forestry division, a redwood sawmill, a wholesale lumber division, and six retail lumber and building materials stores located throughout California. The business is still family owned and is currently being led by the third generation, with members of the fourth generation also working in the business.

Lud was born in Santa Cruz County on June 30, 1928 and was the fourth generation of his family to make his home in Swanton. He took a lot of pride and joy in tending his ranch and had a great interest in cattle and horses. He enjoyed spending time building trails and riding long distances with his wife Barbara and his family. For many years, Lud, Barbara, and their family managed the Castle Rock 50-mile Endurance Ride, as well as the Swanton Pacific 100-mile Endurance Ride, hosted on their ranch in Swanton. Lud and Barbara spent much of their free time building or maintaining public and private trails throughout Santa Cruz County, many of them in Big Basin State Park. Lud and his family donated their time assisting marine biologists with elephant seal research on Año Nuevo Island for several years. Lud and his wife Barbara also volunteered with State Parks as mounted horse patrol.

One of Lud’s greatest joys during his career at Big Creek was connecting with and learning from other people who had different backgrounds or experiences than him. He loved talking with truck drivers and learning about what they were seeing out on the road or how they thought the economy was doing, visiting with strangers or neighbors who stopped by the office for all sorts of reasons, calling ships passing by on the radio and talking to the captain, or visiting with co-workers who would often stop by his desk to catch up. He didn’t care who you were or where you came from, as long as you had an interesting story, and he could always find the ways in which you shared common ground. He had made many long-time friends from his wholesale customers who he sold redwood to over the years and he thought highly of those in the industry who he worked with.

He was known for having a great garden, especially a robust raspberry patch. He would often have so much extra produce that he would bring it to work and share it with co-workers in the office and sawmill.

His generosity of spirit meant that he was always jumping in to lend a hand if there was a need. Natural disasters and emergencies were commonly where you could find him jumping into action and helping his community. One of the acknowledgements that he was most proud of was a commendation from the U.S. Coastguard for his role in helping rescue a fisherman in distress off the coast. At the age of 15 he signed up with the Merchant Marine during World War II and later served in the Navy Seabees in the Korean War. Locally, he served on the Davenport Fire and Rescue in his younger years.

Lud was a dedicated student and avid consumer of history, especially local history, and was often consulted by local historians to lend his vast knowledge and perspective on a variety of topics. He was often known to participate in historical demonstrations or historical restorations by contributing his unique skills working with redwood making split shakes, posts and pickets or sourcing unique pieces of redwood for a special project. He kept a daily diary for most of his life, in which he would record what was going on in the family and neighborhood and significant events from around the world. Reading his diaries was a great way to catch up on what was going on if you’d been away for a while.

He served as a weather recorder for the Santa Cruz Sentinel for several decades. He served as a Board Member and President of the Santa Cruz County Fair Board for several years, as well as donating his time and experience serving on Santa Cruz County’s Agricultural Policy Advisory Commission. He was Farmer of the Year in 1988, and also received recognition from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors and the State of California several times throughout his lifetime.

Up until his passing, Lud was able to enjoy an independent life on his ranch with his wife of 73 years. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughters Susan, Ellen, and Janet, sons-in-law Butch, Dennis, and Steve, four grandchildren Katie, Dennis, Agnes and Aleksey, a grand-daughter-in-law, Michelle, and two great-grandchildren Andy and June who were a great delight to him in his final years.