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/

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

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/

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/

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.

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

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/

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

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. :-))

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.

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/

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.

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.

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/

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/

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.

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

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/

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

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.

Dunnellon man and horse win 100-mile endurance race in California

Ocala-news.com - Full Article

By Staff Report
August 9, 2023

A Dunnellon man and his horse claimed victory in the oldest “modern-day endurance ride” in the country for the fifth time in the past two decades.

Jeremy Reynolds, who owns Reynolds Racing with his wife, Heather, claimed victory atop his horse, Treasured Moments, in the 2023 Tevis Cup.

Held in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, the competition takes riders and their horses through dozens of miles of challenging terrain.

During this year’s event, Reynolds and Treasure began their journey in Soda Springs at 5:15 a.m. and finished over 15 hours later, traversing Robinson Flat, Devil’s Thumb, and other parts of the mountain range...

Read more here:
https://www.ocala-news.com/2023/08/09/dunnellon-man-and-horse-win-100-mile-endurance-race-in-california/

Medeiros, Filouette tackle 100-mile Tevis Cup

MtDemocrat.com - Full Article

Isaac Streeter
Aug 5, 2023

Placerville resident Colton Medeiros and his horse Filouette completed the Tevis Cup 100-mile endurance ride with a 26th-place finish Saturday, July 29, in honor of his father.

Colton's father Matt Medeiros, who died at the age of 49 in early 2021 due to a stroke, introduced him to endurance riding.

“When he passed away I decided it was time to try it again,” Colton said. “I grew up watching him do it. He was my hero. I’ve ridden every ride he rode, so I decided I really wanted to make it to the end this time..."

Read more here:
https://www.mtdemocrat.com/sports/medeiros-filouette-tackle-100-mile-tevis-cup/article_87aece4c-3174-11ee-ad33-d70907abcbb4.html

Capturing the Tevis Cup, again

OcalaGazette.com - Full Article

The Tevis Cup, or Western States Trail Ride, was established in 1955 and is recognized as the founding ride of endurance riding. Competitors have 24 hours to finish the 100-mile ride to earn a silver buckle.

August 2, 2023 | By JoAnn Guidry, correspondent

Dunnellon-based Jeremy Reynolds notched his fifth Tevis Cup victory on July 29 in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Reynolds, 43, and his mount Treasured Moments, a 13-year-old Arabian mare, covered the 100-mile endurance ride in 13 hours and 14 minutes. Reynolds also won the Tevis Cup in 2021, 2011, 2007 and 2004.

“Treasure is such an amazing horse,” said Reynolds, who won the 2021 Tevis Cup with the same horse. “She is so special.”

He said he rode the horse with no bridle, just a loop around her neck, “and she did the rest.”

Reynolds was quick to credit Tevis Cup officials with designing a slightly different course due to heavy winter snowfall and wildfire in the mountains...

Read more here:
https://www.ocalagazette.com/capturing-the-tevis-cup-again/

Tevis Cup: Jeremy Reynolds claims title, Haley Moquin wins Haggin Cup

GoldCountryMedia.com - Full Article

Jeremy Reynolds and Treasured Moments capture their second Tevis Cup in 3 years, and it's the fifth title overall for Reyunolds

Jordan Georgeson
Jul 31, 2023 8:08 PM

Jeremy Reynolds claimed his fifth Tevis Cup title Saturday night, crossing the finish line at Auburn’s McCann Stadium at 8:29 p.m., 15 hours and 14 minutes after starting at Soda Springs on the back of his bay Arabian, Treasured Moments (Treasure).

It was the second win for the duo, which won the 100-mile, one-day ride in 2021.

"It feels great. I love this horse," Reynolds said after sharing a moment with his trusted steed at the finish line. “There were four previous winners in this year’s field, but three of them were recent winners, so I knew it was gonna be kind of tougher and a little bit more competitive this year...”

Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/294932/tevis-cup-jeremy-reynolds-claims-title-haley-moquin-wins-haggin-cup/

Jeremy Reynolds and Treasured Moments Repeat Tevis Cup Win; Haley Moquin and Im Hot N Bothered Win Haggin Cup

Monday July 31 2023
by Endurance.net

Jeremy Reynolds and his Arabian mare, Treasured Moments, repeated their 2021 Tevis Cup performance in winning this year’s renewal. The pair finished 8 minutes ahead of last year’s winners, Gabriela Blakeley and LLC Pyros Choice.

Haley Moquin and Im Hot N Bothered, aka Freaky, finished in 6th place,56 minutes behind the winner and earned the next morning’s Haggin Cup.

One thousand mile buckles were earned by Lisa Schneider (riding FV Amazing Farwah) and Kassandra DiMaggio (riding WT Bezarif).

Hal Hall got his 32nd buckle! He rode Direct to for his second finish.

All four Junior riders who started the ride finished: Tierney Beloberk in 23rd place, riding Highh Treason; Vanessa Erickson in 42nd place riding Riyaaz Dezjon; Lila Reeder in 43rd place riding BES Belle Pepper; and Kinley Thunehorst in 59th place riding Danney Joe’s Prime Time Lady.

Three equines earned their 5th buckle, the Robie Cup award: Count on Tessie Flyin ridden by Kristine Hartman; Ever Ready ridden by Melissa Ribley; One Sun ridden by Andy Mayo

Stay tuned for more at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2023TevisCup/

2023 Tevis Tidbits

by Endurance.net
July 26 2023

Kassandra DiMaggio and Lisa Schneider who are both riding for Buckle #10 this year. Kassandra will be riding her Arabian WT Bezarif. Lisa will be riding her Arabian FV Amazing Farwa

Twelve Riders representing 9 international countries will ride this year. Many of these riders are leasing US horses, while some live in the US full or part-time and are riding their personal mounts. There are riders from Australia, Canada, Lithuania, Spain, Poland, South Africa, Israel, Italy, and the United Kingdom this year.

Seven mustangs will compete:
Ken Campbell and MM Cody, Iian Dvir and MM Woody, Mallori Farrell and Red Hero (half mustang), Tosha Buker and MM Sonora, Audra Cook and Seven, Mark Montgomery and MM Gus, Sarah Arthur and Nevada.

SMR Filouette will be going for her 7th finish and will be ridden by Colton Medeiros. MM Cody will be going for his 7th finish and will be ridden by Ken Campbell.

Seven horses are taking to the trail for their 5th Completion, which equals a Robie Cup:
Count on Tessie Flyin’ ridden by Kristine Hartman
Treasured Moments ridden by Jeremy Reynolds
MM Woodrow ridden by Iian Dvir
Ever Ready ridden by Melissa Ribley
HV Cimmarons Goliath ridden by Kelsey Ebach
One Sun ridden by Andy Mayo
RA Ares Bey ridden by Wasch Blakeley

Four Junior riders will start this year:
Kinley Thunehorst and Danney Joe's Prime Time Lady, Lila Reeder and BES Belle Pepper, Vanessa Erickson and Riyaaz Dezjon, and Tierney Beloberk and Highh Treason.

Hal Hall will be riding for his 32nd buckle! He’ll be aboard his Arabian Direct, who has one finish.

The husband and wife team of the Ribleys, 2021 AERC Hall of Fame Members, will ride the trail. Robert will be riding for his 19th buckle aboard Chipofftheoleblock, and Melissa will be riding for her 16th buckle aboard Ever Ready.

Previous Tevis winners are taking to the trail:
Heather Reynolds, Jeremy Reynolds, Sanoma Blakeley, Gabriela Blakeley, Hal Hall, Treasured Moments, LLC Pyros Choice, RA Ares Bey, SMR Filouette

Previous Haggin Cup winners taking to the trail:
Christoph Schork, Jeanette Mero, Jeremy Reynolds, Melissa Ribley, Heather Reynolds, Hal Hall, Michele Rowe VA Blizzard of Ozz, Ozark Kaolena SWA, MM Cody, Treasured Moments

http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2023TevisCup/

US Equestrian Announces New Structure for USEF National & Zone Endurance Championships

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Jul 20, 2023, 1:00 PM EST

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the new structure for the USEF Endurance Championships which will launch in 2024. This program will include USEF Endurance Zone Championships, a USEF Endurance Zone Team Challenge, and a USEF Endurance National Championship.

The Championships will include the following divisions:

• Limited Distance – 40 km
• Open 1A – 80 km
• Open 1B – 100 km
• Open 3 – 120 km
• Open 4 – 160 km

The USEF Endurance National Championship will take place every other year on odd numbered years, with the first one planned for 2025. The USEF Endurance Zone Championships will be held in the leadup to Nationals during a period beginning January 1 in the preceding year and ending 30 days prior to the start of the National Championship.

To qualify for the National Championships, athletes must have successfully completed their Zone Championship in the distance they intend to compete in at the National Championship.

The Zone Team Challenge will be held at the National Championship. This competition offers athletes the opportunity to compete in a team environment at the national championship representing their USEF Zone. Athletes will compete together on teams of 3-5 entries.

Bid applications and information on hosting Zone and National Championships will be released in the fall of 2023. More information about the championships, including competition specifications and qualifying criteria, can be found here.

Questions? Contact Nicole Zerbee, Director of Endurance, at nzerbee@usef.org.

2023 Tevis Cup riders will all be equipped with trackers

Teviscup.org

It's not live until the big day, but the trackers are ready for the Snow Course!

This year *all* riders will be equipped with trackers, so you can follow your favorite teams:
http://trackleaders.com/teviscup23

The ride will start in the Soda Springs parking lots.

There are currently 98 riders signed up. The rider number assignments are here:
https://teviscup.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2023_RiderNumbers.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1GDzpDHYke7DITlH-w890EVqz4uZzn6y2OmcBXCo1KIfvp6tufoDudei8

More at https://teviscup.org/

Selection Procedures Now Available for 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Jul 19, 2023, 5:50 PM EST

Lexington, Ky. -- The USEF Selection Procedures for athletes interested in competing at the 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship in Monpazier, France, are now available on the endurance section of USEF.org.

Athletes wishing to be considered for the championship must complete the online Application of Intent by June 4, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The FEI Endurance World Championship will take place in Monpazier, France, September 7, 2024. Athlete/horse combinations will be selected based on the ranking formula outlined in the selection procedures documents.

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

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

Endurance Horse Podcast: Gabriela Blakeley - Reflections on Tevis 2022

EnduranceHorsePodcast - Listen

July 18 2023

Episode 58 of Endurance Horse Podcast is being published on 17 July 2023

Hello and welcome to episode of Endurance Horse Podcast! We are back after a pause and today chatting with Gabriella Blakely of Oregon, who won the 2022 Tevis Cup with horse Pyro with a time of 17 hours 9 minutes. The Blakeley family is no stranger to the Tevis trail and has arguably created a family tradition and legacy around Tevis. Stay tuned because at a later date we will be sharing more information on a new book authored by Gabriela's daughter Samona Blakeley about Samona's journey to her 2019 win at Tevis. Her book is called Chasing Dreams: The True Story of the Youngest Female Tevis Cup Winner.

Sorry for the long pause in producing content, life has been busy & this momma was getting a bit tired! Now on with the show!

Without further ado, let's jump into episode 58 of Endurance Horse Podcast.

Listen:
https://endurancehorsepodcast.podbean.com/e/gabriela-blakeley-reflections-on-tevis-2022

Application Deadline is July 15 for FEI Pan American Endurance Championships

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Jul 13, 2023, 3:00 PM EST

Lexington, Ky. – Athletes interested in competing at the 2023 FEI Pan American Endurance Championships for Seniors and Juniors/Young Riders must submit their Application of Intent online no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 15, 2023.

The Pan American Championships will take place in Llay Llay, Chile, November 10-12, 2023. Selection procedures for athletes interested in competing at the 2023 FEI Pan American Endurance Championships for Seniors and Juniors/Young Riders are available on the endurance section of USEF.org. Athlete/horse combinations will be selected based on the ranking formula outlined in the selection procedures documents.

Click here for more information on the 2023 FEI Pan American Endurance Championships and to download the selection procedure documents. Contact Steven Morrissey, Managing Director of Sport Logistics & Non-Olympic Disciplines, at smorrissey@usef.org with questions.

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/application-deadline-is-july-15-for-fei-pan

025 FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors and 2025 FEI Endurance Pan American Championship Selection Memos Available Now

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Jul 13, 2023, 9:00 AM EST

Lexington, Ky. – Endurance athletes who are considering applying to compete in the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors or the FEI Endurance Pan American Championship for Seniors and Young Riders & Juniors in 2025 are encouraged to review the selection memos for these events, which are now available on the endurance page on USEF.org.

The 2025 FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors is scheduled for September 5-6, 2025, in Buftea, Romania. The FEI expects to announce the dates and location for the 2025 FEI Endurance Pan American Championship later this month.

The selection memos for both championships provide important information on selection, including requirements for qualifying events as well as the ranking formula that is used to determine qualification for the U.S. Endurance Team at these events. Please note the information is based on the recommendations of the USEF Endurance Sport Committee and is subject to change due to final approval of the full selection procedures by the USEF Board of Directors or USEF Executive Committee.

Click here to download the selection memo for the 2025 FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors.

Click here to download the selection memo for the 2025 FEI Endurance Pan American Championship.

If you have any questions or feedback on the full Selection Procedures prior to their approval of the above information, please do not hesitate to contact Steven Morrissey, Managing Director of Sport Logistics & Non-Olympic Disciplines, at smorrissey@usef.org.

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/2025-fei-endurance-world-championship-for-young

2023 Tevis Cup will start at Soda Springs

Teviscup.org

July 11 2023
Ride Director Chuck Stalley's Message

RIDE DATE: July 29 2023

The 67th Annual Tevis Cup will start with Base Camp at Soda Springs. The parking is going to be tight. If you have a choice, bring your smaller rig to the start. We ask that you do not arrive prior to Thursday morning, July 27, as our lease covers only Thursday – Saturday morning. Shade is nonexistent, so please BYO shade. Vendors, management, Friday lunch and dinner will be in the paved parking lot. Afternoon meetings and the Friday evening pre-ride meeting will be in the same area. Horse check-in will start at 1 pm and end at 5 pm. Rider check-in and Registration will open at 11 am.

The start of the ride heads south on Soda Springs Road and will be a controlled start for the first two miles until the paved road turns to a dirt road. This is the official “timed start” line, and all riders will be held there until 5:15 am when the trail will officially open. Riders will have their number recorded by the timers and must pass that line by 5:30 am at the latest to be officially started in the 67th Annual Tevis Ride.

Riders will ride to Lyon Ridge and Cougar Rock heading to the first vet check at Red Star Ridge. After Red Star, riders will travel down the road to Robinson Flat. You may be up to one hour faster into Robinson for the 1st one hour vet check, but you will need that time later as the trail is longer after Francisco’s due to high water levels in the American River. We will reroute you so that you stay on the north side of the river and cross on the Highway 49 Bridge to reconnect with the trail at No Hands Bridge for the familiar ride up to the Overlook finish in Auburn.

Lots of time and energy has gone into seeing that this Tevis Ride is as special and memorable as any past ride and look forward to seeing you in Soda Springs. Your rider packets will be posted online in a couple weeks; rule books, passes, checkpoint cards, will be mailed out about July 21 to riders with addresses in CA, OR, WA, NV and ID. All other riders will pick up their materials in the Tevis office in Auburn the week in advance of the ride.

Keep training! We will be ready for you on July 29th!

For more info see:
https://teviscup.org

Distance Horse Racing: The Best-Conditioned Horse Wins

LancasterFarming.com - Full Article

Jane Meggitt, Correspondent
July 13 2023

Are you a passionate trail rider who wants to expand your equine journey? Consider competitive trail riding or endurance riding. These competitions can take you on the adventure of a lifetime while forming the deepest bond with your horse.

Competitive trail riding (CTR) competitions take place over a specified distance and must be completed within a specified time. At the completion of the ride, horses are judged by a veterinarian and a “lay” judge on their condition. The best-conditioned horse wins.

Endurance competitions are sanctioned through the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) and unlike CTR, endurance is a race. Here’s how it works:

There is a specified distance and trail and, based on the number of miles, there is a time limit to complete it. Throughout the ride, there are rest stops where veterinarians check each horse. A horse must be deemed fit to continue. At completion, the horse must again be examined by a veterinarian and be fit to place and/or win. Even though the endurance ride is a race, completion is a win. The motto of AERC is “To Finish is to Win.”

In both CTR and endurance, the welfare of the horse is of the utmost importance. The veterinary judges at all the competitions make every effort to assist riders and their horses to complete their rides with happy, healthy horses. Endurance Enthusiasts

Wendy Mancini of Wall, New Jersey, has been competing in endurance rides for 22 years after “getting hooked” from her first 25-mile CTR at Brendan Byrne State Forest in New Lisbon, New Jersey. She competed with Jimmy, a registered Quarter Horse, for more than 10 years and over 5,000 miles. Endurance kept Jimmy in good shape — he retired at the age of 30. Currently, she competes with a gray Arabian/Quarter Horse named Sterling, whom she chose specifically for endurance...

Read more here:
https://www.lancasterfarming.com/country-life/mid-atlantic-horse/distance-horse-racing-the-best-conditioned-horse-wins/article_6a141880-2ed5-577a-b2cc-5b343ee83b1e.html

2023 July's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com Podcast - Listen

Endurance: Trail Trials, Monitor EDPP for Horse Health, Decade Teams for July 11, 2023

Jul 11, 2023

We learn about the sport of Trail Trials, chat with Berit Myer about completing at least one 50 mile ride a year on her horse Tezona for 20 years. Plus, is your horse’s EDPP normal?

Listen:
https://www.horsesinthemorning.com/endurance-trail-trials-monitor-edpp-for-horse-health-decade-teams-for-july-11-2023/

US Equestrian Announces Nicole Zerbee as Director of Endurance

USEF.orgby US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Jul 6, 2023, 3:00 PM EST

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce that Nicole Zerbee has been named Director of Endurance. Zerbee is based in the Lexington, Ky., office and will report to Steven Morrissey, Managing Director of Sports Logistics & Non-Olympic Disciplines.

Zerbee is a familiar face within US Equestrian, having served as the National Breeds & Non-FEI Disciplines Operations Manager since April of 2018. In that role, she served as the staff liaison for several USEF breed and discipline committees and affiliate organizations. She has extensive experience in coordinating rule change proposals, traveling to competitions to host meetings and answer questions from members across numerous breeds and disciplines, and assisting in the management of US Equestrian programs and competitions.

Prior to joining US Equestrian, Zerbee worked hands-on in the equine industry as a veterinary nursing technician and on staff at Thoroughbred farms in Kentucky. She holds a bachelor's degree in agriculture management with a focus on animal science from Purdue University.

“I am excited to begin this journey into the endurance world,” said Zerbee. “I look forward to bringing my USEF knowledge and experience to the endurance community and working with the endurance committee to help promote and grow the sport. I am eager to explore the possibilities for how I can best support endurance in continuing to build an enjoyable, safe, and thriving discipline within USEF.”

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-announces-nicole-zerbee-as-director

18-year old Belle Stroh wins Virginia’s Old Dominion 100 Endurance Ride

Transitioning from the show world, Belle Stroh has found her sport

Monday July 3 2023
by Merri Melde
photo by Becky Pearman

After winning Virginia’s Old Dominion 100 Endurance ride on June 9th, 18-year-old Belle Stroh reflected on an already long and accomplished riding career.

The teenager from Hackett, Arkansas, pretty much grew up in the saddle, starting at age 3. “I grew up riding in the English showing world in hunt seat flat starting age 8,” Belle said. But by age 11, she knew it just wasn’t her thing. “I got really bored in the show world and I wasn’t having a good time getting all dressed up,” she said. “And then I found Endurance.”

Annetta Tinsman, who’d been teaching Belle to ride, had previously ridden Endurance, and she was willing to help Belle get into it. Belle didn’t have an eligible Endurance horse - her show mare was an old Morgan with an old injury - and so began Belle’s career as a catch rider. (At age 11!). One learns a lot riding different horses, and to this date, Belle has partnered with 14 horses in Endurance rides for a total of 77 rides, 1410 Endurance miles and 1120 Limited Distance miles.

Belle’s first Endurance ride, a 25-miler that she finished in mid-pack at Cowboy Country in Oklahoma in 2016, was an eye-opener. “I absolutely hated it!” she laughed. “It was muddy, it was hot, I was scared out of my mind! And when we crossed that finish line, I was like, ‘I don’t think I can do this again!’ My mom said, ‘Well, we already signed you up for the next one.’ And I said, ‘Oh, ok.’”

Pulls in her next three of five rides might have discouraged her, but Belle already knew Endurance was her sport. She finished her first season completing 6 of 9 Limited Distance rides and she was in love with the sport. “I was so in love with it, I decided I was never going to do anything else but Endurance rides. And if I could make a career out of it, then by god that’s what I was going to do!”

Along the way, she’d also fallen in love with Renegade Aladd, aka Bubba, whom she partnered with in five of those first-season rides. He was her first ‘project’. “He was a beast. He’s still a beast!”

Belle moved up to 50-mile rides in her third season, still catch riding for other owners and riding Bubba.

“My first 50, I thought I was going to die. We hit mile 25 and Annetta said, ‘You hit your wall? Oh, you’re fine,’ and we just kept going. And when we finished, I was like, oh my God, I just want to keep going. Is it over? Is it over?”

Then in 2019, along came Thee Satara JD.

“Laura Hudson had started her, and we [Belle and Annetta] got her as a 6-year-old. Annetta tried a couple of rides on her and didn’t care for her, so she wanted to sell her. I did my first ride on her [at Indian Country] so I could advertise her. She had that spunk that my first mare had, and I was like, oh crap, I like her, I’ve got to buy her now.”

The pairing has been an auspicious one. In 2021, the duo stepped up to 75 milers at Racing Stripes in Texas (finishing in 6th place) and Fort Howes in Montana (7th place), and Racing Stripes again the next year (4th place).

Near the end of the 2022 season, Belle and Satara attempted their first 100 miler in the Armadillo ride in Texas, where they garnered a 4th place finish.

“It was so fun and it was such an amazing experience. And it was such a beautifully run ride. I’m so excited the National Championships are happening there this year.”

And early this season Belle got the idea to try the Old Dominion 100, “the Beast of the East”, with Satara. “It had never been on my radar before because it’s so far away, but I looked at the calendar, and I said to my dad, ‘We need to get a 100 done so I can qualify for the National Championships!’ He said all right, and we drove to Old Dominion.

“And I proceeded to only tell about two people I was going to the OD, because everybody I’d talked to had said it was going to be lucky if I finished, because there was such a high pull rate. So I thought, I’m not going to tell anybody I’m going to the OD if I’m going to get pulled. It would be so awesome if I came in top ten; it’d be so awesome if I finished. But I was just going to go and have a good time.”

Old Dominion is about a 17-hour drive from Arkansas, but with truck issues on the way, it took closer to 20 hours. It didn’t faze Belle or her parents at all.

Despite the fact nobody in Belle’s family had any interest in horses - other than her grandma who rode a bit out of necessity because she lived on a farm - her parents have been taking her to Endurance rides and crewing for her all these years.

“My dad and my mom are the best crew that I could ever ask for,” Belle said. “They have taken painstaking amounts of time to take me to these rides and to crew for me and to help me condition these horses, and they are just so amazing that I can’t thank them enough for it.

“They didn’t know a thing about horses, but now they do. I crack up when people watch my dad crew, and ask him if he rides. He’ll say no, but he’s over there massaging Tara’s butt. My parents are on top of it!”

The OD 100 was a dream ride with smooth sailing. After riding an afternoon loop together with Jennie Heilman, they arrived at the 70-mile vet check in first place, but there Jennie was pulled. “I don’t like to say that I’m competitive, but I am really competitive! Satara had a lot more gas in the tank than I thought she had. So we moved out by ourselves on the next loop.”

The last 13 miles were in the dark, but as some of the green glow lights had been pulled along part of the stretch, Belle had to use her flashlight to look for ribbons. She wasn’t sure at that point she was even on the right trail, and she wasn’t sure she was still in first place, but she realized it when they arrived at the last vet check at 92 miles.

“When we left the last vet check, I just tied my reins in a knot so they weren’t super long, and I set my hands on Tara’s neck. It was a pretty flat stretch, and she just cantered home the last 8 miles. And that was my favorite part of the ride - she just picked up her little canter and off we went!”

And not only did they win the Old Dominion 100, Satara won the Best Condition award, judged that night an hour after each of the top ten crossed the finish line. And the next morning Satara also won the Old Dominion trophy, presented to the horse/rider team which has demonstrated optimum performance based on its post-ride recovery and condition after completion of the 100 mile ride. Not a bad haul after hoping just to finish the ride!

“I’ve been doing Endurance for a while, but I really only started getting competitive this year," Belle said. "It’s been cool to watch Satara go from bottom of the pack, to top ten, to winning or coming in second place in almost every ride I put her in.”

In addition to her parents, Belle credits Annetta Tinsman for getting her and Satara to where they are now.

“Without Annetta, I would have never done Endurance, because she’s one of the only people in my area who does Endurance besides me. I give a lot of credit to her for how she got me started. She taught me to ride properly, she taught me how to take care of horses and how to train. She’s been instrumental in creating the rider I am today.”

Belle currently attends the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) studying for her Bachelors degree in Biomedical Science so she can go to medical school to get her doctorate in physical therapy. But she still finds time to ride Endurance and spend time with Annetta.

“She lives five mile away from my parents, so I go out there and I start horses for her and help her give lessons. She’s turned into my adopted grandma. I’ve spent so much time with her on trails.”

Annetta was the least surprised by Belle’s win in the Old Dominion 100. “Belle started riding with me when she was 8 years old. She started doing shows and trail rides. She is an exceptional young lady, and when she decides to do something she is all in. I have not seen her get discouraged with anything. She graduated high school a year early and is in college. She works and goes to school and still finds time to ride and be very competitive. I can't put into words how proud I am of her.”

Potato Richardson’s “Ride Like Potato” Was Exhibited at the 2023 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books

WebWire.com - Full Article

The author brings his readers back to his glory days and recounts his experiences with riding a horse.

San Diego, CA – WEBWIRE – Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Potato Richardson’s “Ride Like Potato: Learn to enjoy trail riding more than ever!” was exhibited at the 2023 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. The book festival ran from April 22 to 23, 2023, at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.

The exhibition of the book was made possible by the self-publishing and book marketing company ReadersMagnet. The company exhibited several titles, including Richardson’s book, at the country’s largest book fair.

“Ride Like Potato” follows the life of the author as he recalls his legacy in an equestrian sport. Robert “Potato” Richardson takes the readers back to the days when he was in his prime. He won the Tevis 100 Mile One-Day Horse Race that starts near Lake Tahoe and finishes in Auburn, California. Through the trails of the early gold and silver miners, the route travels over the Sierra Nevada...

Read more here:
https://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=306787

Local Riders Complete Biltmore Endurance Ride

AllOtsego.com - Full Article

5/25/2023
ASHEVILLE, NC

Kylie Robinson, Lucky Jody Bring Home Junior Division Award

Nine-year-old Kylie Robinson and her grandmother, Pat Robinson, both of Oneonta, competed recently in the 27th annual Biltmore Challenge Endurance Rides. Hosted by the Biltmore Equestrian Center on the grounds of George Vanderbilt’s historic Biltmore Estate on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6, the American Endurance Ride Conference event is comprised of a series of rides ranging from 25-100 miles.

Kylie, riding Lucky Jody, finished first in the Junior Division on Friday in the challenging limited distance course of 25 miles, one minute before the second-place junior competitor...

Read more here:
https://www.allotsego.com/local-riders-complete-endurance-ride/

Endurance Canada presents the 2022 Hall of Fame Inductee Earle Baxter

The Hall of Fame Award is to be presented to a member of the Canadian endurance community in recognition of their long-term commitment and long-term active involvement, as well as their outstanding contributions and participation in the sport of endurance riding in Canada.

May 12 2023
Written by Kat Irvine

Earle Baxter of Ontario, now aged 82, started endurance riding in 1979. Since then, the list of rides he has ridden, and the awards he’s won, nationally and internationally, could fill a book. He has influenced and befriended elite riders, judges, veterinarians and those who are just starting out and need a little help. His horses have jaw-dropping accomplishments and awards most riders can’t even imagine. Among them, in 2007 " CH Catch Me If You Can” and Earle were awarded with American Endurance Riding Conference “Perfect Ten Equines”, the only Canadian horse to be recognized for this award where they must have completed 10 years, 10,000 miles (16,000km),10 first places, and 10 Best Conditions.

January 26, 2019, at the age of 19, I AM Amazing,(Champ) reached his 4200 km lifetime achievement with (AERC)American Endurance Riding Conference.

“We love Earle’s kind and trusting horses”, was an accolade given by those who have aquired them, a tribute to his training and insight of the horse as an individual.

In 1986 he was instrumental in supporting early FEI in Canada by trucking four horses to the first North American Endurance Championship in California. Earle's background as a self-employed long-haul trucker, and a horseman, had everything going forward making decisive, efficient decisions all the way. Attentive to junior riders, one year he trucked a promising young rider (later to become a Medical Doctor) to a FEI ride on the west coast of USA. Earle mentored several Young Riders, many of whom are in the sport today.

Earle went on to be a member on the FEI Canadian team at the first World Equestrian Championships in 1990 Stockholm, Sweden, where he was the first Canadian to finish the 160-km Endurance Championship. Earle went on to be team leader for five more Championship competitions in North America and overseas.

While he was leading teams to medals, and winning individual awards for himself and his horses, he was accumulating mileage in the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association, (OCTRA) as well as being integral in its growth by participating on the Board. He was gathering honors such as Best Conditioned and Heavyweight Championships in Canada and U.S. At the same time he was burning up the track in both competitive trail, and ride and tie events.

When he competes, he has a time goal, whether he is riding a young horse at a relatively slow speed, or a top-level horse at a championship pace. One of the secrets to his success is his ability to pace his horse according to trail conditions. He respects the trail as his main opponent.

He takes a set time at water stops and doesn’t move on until his horse’s heart rate has dropped to 64 beats per minute. When he comes into the vet check he dismounts and walks in. It’s no surprise to the crew team and vets that the horse’s pulse reaches parameters within 1-2 minutes.

In Ontario, in1991, he proposed the following motion regarding mandatory rest after treatment “That any horse that requires intensive therapy for Exhausted Horse Syndrome following a competition will be barred from competing for a minimum of 90 days after therapy is discontinued.” The motion was passed. This was well before the FEI implemented mandatory rest periods after competition and any treatment received as a result of competition.

Earle is a marathoner. Always advancing forward, riding every step of the trail regardless of distance or terrain.

A summary of his riding record documented over 40 years of competitions speaks for itself. It involves a total of more than 900 rides, and over 50 of them 160km long.

In Canada he has completed distances of 22,559km/14,041mi with Ontario Competitive Ride Association (OCTRA) and that includes competitive trail ride miles, but not all of them. OCTRA only counts one out-of-province ride during a year. AERC record doesn’t count endurance miles from non-AERC sanctioned rides such as OCTRA, nor from international rides, so it would be difficult to compile a complete record. We are not sure that Earle even knows his total mileage!

In April 2022, things took an unfortunate turn for Earle. During his normal daily chores, he sustained a back injury from which the doctors said he’d never walk.

With all the “move forward” attitude that make Earle who he is, guess what? He is now getting around with the use of a cane, but will likely retire from competition. This past winter he was mentoring a young man on his horses, what an honour.

He is an outstanding inspiration, combining science and spirit, education and sixth sense. He has been described as considerate, resourceful, determined, capable, helpful, competitive, efficient, and always moving forward. Earle’s education, determination, and horsemanship skills are a combination that has proven Earle a champion in Canada, United States, and overseas. It’s why he is called “Boss”.

#equestriancanada #enduranceincanada

2023 May's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com Podcast - Listen

Endurance: Developing Pacing Skills, Horseback Ride Across Europe, Ride Photo Tips for May 9, 2023

May 9, 2023

Karen explains the importance of being able to judge how fast you are going and how much energy your horse is expending at that pace, Luisa and Pete Breidahl talk about riding across Europe on horseback, and Becky Pearman has some tips on how to ‘say cheese’ to the ride photographer for the best pictures.

Listen:
https://www.horsesinthemorning.com/endurance-developing-pacing-skills-horseback-ride-across-europe-ride-photo-tips-for-may-9-2023/

Covering the Distance: Canadian Endurance Award Recipients Announced

Equestrian.ca - Full Article

26 April 2023

The Equestrian Canada (EC) Endurance Committee is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 Endurance Year-End Awards. These awards recognize individuals and equines that have put countless hours and tireless effort towards the pursuit of personal excellence in endurance, and the sport’s growth in Canada.

The 2022 recipients are as follows:

Hall of Fame

Earle Baxter

Horses

First Place Canadian Rides/
First Place Overall Canadian Jaylene
Jaylene Janzen

Second Place Canadian Rides/
Third Place Overall
Nightwinds Indigo Bey
Colleen Devry

Third Place Canadian Rides/
Fourth Place Overall
GP Sirocca
Jaylene Janzen

Fourth Place Canadian Rides/
Fifth place overall
JV Brooklyn Bay
Jaylene Janzen

Fifth Place Canadian Rides/
Sixth Place Overall
Hungarian Treasure
Brittany Linnett

Sixth Place Canadian Rides/
Seventh Place Overall
Nightwind’s Michael
Kathy Irvine

Seventh Place Canadian Rides/
Second Place Overall
Amber Kiera
Dessia Miller

Eighth Place Canadian Rides/
Overall
JV Diamond Rio
Garry Forde

Ninth Place Canadian Rides/
Overall
Nightwind’s Orion
Colleen Devry

Tenth Place Canadian Rides/
Overall
Al Sharaz
Jaylene Janzen

More at:
https://www.equestrian.ca/news/yKzvNEWuq6dWHEJWx/covering-the-distance-endurance-award