Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Owyhee Initiative Legislation Will Proceed

The Owyhee Public Lands Management Act, S. 2833, was heard today before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests. Subcommittee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) praised Owyhee Initiative Work Group members for their record of collaboration and consensus on land use. The Owyhee Initiative legislation is sponsored by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, who testified at today’s hearing. Sen. Wyden and Subcommittee members Larry Craig (R-Idaho) and John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) participated in the questioning of witnesses from Idaho, the U.S. Department of Interior and the Forest Service. The Subcommittee held the hearing to discuss Sen. Crapo’s bill and another land management bill, sponsored by Senator Robert Bennett (R-Utah). At the conclusion of the hearing, Sen. Wyden directed Senate staff to work with federal agencies, Sens. Crapo, Bennett and others to markup the legislation. “The Owyhee Initiative transforms conflict and uncertainty into conflict resolution and assurance of future activity,” Sen. Crapo testified. “Ranchers can plan for subsequent generations. Off-road vehicle users have access assured. Wilderness is established. The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes knows their cultural resources will be protected. The Air Force will continue to train its pilots. Local, state and federal government agencies will have structure to assist their joint management of the region. And this will all happen within the context of the preservation of environmental and ecological health. This is indeed a revolutionary land management structure—that looks ahead to the future.” S. 2833, the Owyhee Public Lands Management Act of 2008, will protect the economic base and wild lands of Owyhee County. It designates 517,000 acres of BLM land as wilderness, while releasing 199,000 acres of wilderness study areas to full multiple use. The legislation keeps ranching operations whole through land trades and purchase agreements and offers federal protection to 316 miles of wild and scenic rivers in the Owyhees.

Monday, April 28, 2008

USEF News: East Coast Training Session Set

USEF
April 24

The East Coast Training session has been set. The session will be June 21-23 at the H Cooper Black Recreation Area adjacent to the Sand Hills State Forest in Cheraw, South Carolina. Riders should plan to arrive by Friday at 5:00pm, and should plan to be in sessions until noon on Monday. The facility includes stalls, holding corrals, RV style campgrounds, a nice clubhouse w/ kitchen for dinner and meetings, a round pen, arena and flat sandy trails. Nature will likely provide heat and humidity as well. There are hotels close, as well as stores and restaurants.

I will send a detailed packet to each National Training List member who has listed the East Coast Session on the questionnaire earlier this year, and to anyone else who requests one. We should be able to accommodate 12 to 15 Horse Rider combos. In addition, we will take auditors. Priority to attend the East Coast Training Session is as follows:

NTL riders who have applied for Malaysia WEC with a nominated horse.
Other NTL Riders
Ranking list riders, by order of Rank

Applicants for Malaysia will be observed by the Selectors and the nominated horses will be examined by the Veterinary Panel.

The Tentative date and location for the West Coast session is Washoe near Reno, NV on July 26-28.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Tevis Trail: Boxer Introduces Legislation to Begin Designation of California National Historic and Scenic Trail

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today introduced the Western States National Trail Study Act, legislation to authorize a study for the designation of the Western States National Trail as a National Historic and Scenic Trail.

The bill, which is co-sponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), authorizes the study for a route that runs approximately 100 miles from Squaw Valley to Auburn, California. The study is the first step in the process of determining whether the Trail fits the special historic, ecological, and scenic requirements of the designation.

Senator Boxer said, “The Western States Trail is a nationally significant resource that highlights California’s natural heritage. I am proud to introduce this bill to begin the process of recognizing this historic and scenic trail and appreciating its recreational values. This legislation will help ensure that one of the most beautiful areas of California can be enjoyed by runners, hikers, and outdoor-enthusiasts for generations to come.”

“The Western States Trail is an integral part of California’s history,” Senator Feinstein said. “The 100-mile trail runs from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, complete with tree-lined summits, creeks and rivers, and sweeping vistas of the majestic Sierras. Today, the trail attracts hikers, runners and equestrian enthusiasts from around the world, eager to tackle the challenge of the Trail’s rugged course. I believe that the Western States Trail is a fitting candidate to be designed a National Historic and Scenic Trail.”

Since 1955 and 1974 respectively, the Western States Trail Ride and the Western States Endurance Run have both been conducted along the Western States Trail route. The Western States Trail has retained its 19th-century historic integrity and remained unaffected by roads or railroads.

The Western States National Study Act enjoys broad, local support from the Placer and El Dorado County Boards of Supervisors as well as the Auburn City Council.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

First Class Educational Programme for Endurance

07/04/2008
The discipline of Endurance is undergoing a full review of its rules. One of the key innovations introduced in new rules, which will come in force on 1 January 2009, is the emphasis put on the education of all officials involved in the discipline be they judges, technical delegates, and veterinarians.

A significant contribution towards this new development will be brought by the agreement which was recently concluded between the FEI and Hydra Properties of Abu Dhabi (UAE). Thanks to this support, which spans over two years – 2008 and 2009 – amounts to DHS 500,000 (CHF 134,000), a worldwide educational programme will be set up. Courses will be organized and the documents used in these courses will be thoroughly reviewed and updated to include a handbook on the discipline, CDs and DVDs.

Hydra Properties’ sponsorship is the very first of its kind and is quite unique in the sports world in general in that it is solely intended for use in education. It is key in that it comes at a crucial moment of the development of the sport and, if well used, will contribute towards setting the foundation for proper growth.

Hydra Properties, in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, has been a strong supporter of FEI competitions within the UAE. Hydra Properties is an organisation which is behind some of the most prestigious residential and business developments in the UAE. The FEI is proud of its association with Hydra Properties and sees it as a fantastic opportunity but also as a challenge to develop the professional level of Endurance.

Friday, April 11, 2008

ELCR Welcomes the AHA to Equestrian Partner Program

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 10, 2008

Contact: Deb Balliet, CEO
Equestrian Land Conservation Resource
(859) 455-8383 dballiet@elcr.org

The Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) is pleased to announce that the Arabian Horse Association has joined a growing list of breed organizations who have become members of our Equestrian Partners Program. Their participation demonstrates their understanding that the rapid loss of open land for horses and horse activities is a threat to all horse owners despite differences in breed or discipline preferences. When hearing the news of AHA’s membership, ELCR CEO Deb Balliet noted, “AHA is to be commended for recognizing the importance of equestrian land conservation with regard to its breeding farms, and the continued success of the Arabian Horse Association. AHA’s leadership is forward thinking and action oriented. We look forward to working with them.”

With 46,000 members, the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) provides many opportunities for Arabian horse enthusiast to tap into the Arabian horse lifestyle. The AHA is a full service breed association and registry for owners of Arabian, half-Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian horses. For more information about the AHA, visit www.arabianhorses.org.

The Equestrian Partners Program is a growing coalition of organizations from across the country that are committed to helping ELCR fulfill its mission of conserving land and access for all equines. Despite their diverse interests and activities, our Partner members recognize that with land in the U.S. being developed at the rate of 250 acres/hour, the future of equestrian life as we know it is endangered. If your organization would like to join our national efforts to save land for horses, visit www.elcr.org, or call ELCR at 859-455-8383 for more information.

Refrigerator Recall Includes Some Horse Trailer Units

Thehorse.com

by: Edited Press Release
April 08 2008, Article # 11633

A recall of certain refrigerators manufactured by Dometic includes units used in some horse trailers, according to a manufacturer's notice. The defective refrigerator units were manufactured between April 1997 and May 2003 and are designed for use in recreational vehicles.

The refrigerators pose a safety hazard, due to the possibility that a fatigue crack can develop in the boiler tube. This can allow the release of pressurized coolant solution. If this solution is exposed to an ignition source, it can result in fire under certain circumstances.

To determine whether your refrigerator is included in this recall, find the model and serial number by opening the unit's door and looking for the sticker attached to the side wall of the interior.

The potentially affected units have the following model numbers:

* NDR1062
* RM2652
* RM2662
* RM2663
* RM2852
* RM2862
* RM3662
* RM3663
* RM3862
* RM3863

The units have serial numbers beginning with the following combinations:

* 713xxxxx through 752xxxxx
* 801xxxxx through 852xxxxx
* 901xxxxx through 952xxxxx
* 001xxxxx through 052xxxxx
* 101xxxxx through 152xxxxx
* 201xxxxx through 252xxxxx
* 301xxxxx through 319xxxxx

The affected units require immediate service. Continued use could pose a safety hazard. Call 888/446-5157, or go to DometicUSA.com to confirm if your refrigerator is included in the recall and receive additional instructions.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

37-YEAR-OLD HORSE CLOSING IN ON TRAIL MILEAGE RECORD

Pushing the envelope of equine athletic prowess, 37-year-old half-Arabian Elmer Bandit is gearing up to start yet another competitive trail ride season.

In 2007 Elmer's certified lifetime competitive miles stood at 20,240, nearing the national record of Saddlebred Wing Tempo's 20,710 miles.

Elmer's lifelong owner and rider, Mary Anna Wood of Independence, Mo., said she plans to enter Elmer in eight rides this year, depending on her schedule and Elmer's health, but she said she isn't chasing any records. Continue reading...

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Oyster-Eating Championship Back After Two Year Absence

ACME OYSTER EATING CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNS

The early favorite is a mohawked chef from Chicago known as Pat “Deep Dish” Bertoletti, ranked 2nd in the world. Bertoletti has posted numerous astounding records, 21 pounds of grits in ten minutes among them. He also holds the endurance oyster eating record, having downed north of 50 dozen in 2007.

[More ...]

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

USEF WEC Early Application deadline is 1May!!

The World Endurance Championship Early Application deadline is May 1st, 2008. While Applications and Horse Nominations can be made until June 15, 2008, the fees are higher for those applications postmarked, faxed or hand delivered after May 1st, 2008. The application must be accompanied by the appropriate fee. Procedures and applications can be found on the USEF website, www.usef.org. For further information regarding application or selection for the World Endurance Championships, contact Vonita Bowers at vbowers@usef.org or (859) 825-6001.

I. APPLICATION - Athletes wishing to be considered for the 2008 World Championship Endurance Team must complete an Application Form (see attachment A) and return it with the appropriate application fee to the USEF, Attention: Vonita Bowers, Endurance Director, 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. Applications and fees postmarked, hand delivered or faxed on or prior to May 1, 2008 will be charged an Application Fee of $50 PER APPLICATION. Applications and fees postmarked, hand delivered, or faxed after May 1, 2008 and received on or before June 15, 2008 will be charged an application fee of $300 PER APPLICATION. HOWEVER, NO APPLICATIONS SHALL BE ACCEPTED UNLESS RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE June 15, 2008. NO APPLICATIONS SHALL BE ACCEPTED IF THE APPROPRIATE FEE IS RECEIVED AFTER June 15, 2008.

II. HORSE NOMINATIONS - Athletes wishing to be considered for the 2008 World Championship Endurance Team must complete a Nomination Form (see Attachment A) for each horse that the athlete wishes to nominate and return it with a nomination fee of $50 PER HORSE NOMINATION to: USEF, Attention: Vonita Bowers, Endurance Director, 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. Nominations and fees postmarked, hand delivered or faxed on or prior to May 1, 2008 will be charged a Nomination Fee of $50 PER HORSE NOMINATION. Nominations and fees postmarked, hand delivered, or faxed after May 1, 2008 and received on or before June 15, 2008 will be charged a Nomination Fee of $300 PER HORSE NOMINATION. HOWEVER, NO NOMINATIONS SHALL BE ACCEPTED UNLESS RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE June 15, 2008. NO NOMINATIONS SHALL BE ACCEPTED IF THE APPROPRIATE FEE IS RECEIVED AFTER June 15, 2008.


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