Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Marsha Hayes
April 28 2009
A call to jury duty prevented Mary Anna Wood from competing her 38-year-old half-Arabian gelding, Elmer Bandit in the Rustlers and Renegades Competitive Trail ride in Cherryvale, Kan., this past weekend. Elmer broke the record for lifetime competitive trail mileage last October, at the age of 37.
In addition to the jury duty, Wood voiced some concern over her recent work schedule, which left her with limited time to condition Elmer for the ride.
She's considering competing on a younger horse.
"Elmer is a geriatric horse. Rides are beginning to interfere with his geriatric lifestyle," she said, citing his long and frequent naps.
More...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Recreational groups join forces to improve trail safety and enjoyment of public land
American Motorcyclist
April 29,2009
A group of national and state trail advocacy organizations representing equestrian, OHV, and bicycle interests recently completed a collaborative effort to develop a new guide called “Sharing Our Trails – A Guide to Trail Safety and Enjoyment." The guide is intended to be used in a variety of ways such as incorporation in trail brochures, magazine articles and trail education programs of all types.
The purpose of the guide is to improve safety and improve trail satisfaction for all trail enthusiasts on multiple-use trails. To quote the document itself: “In many parts of the country trails are open to and shared by equestrians , OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers. Trail sharing can and does work when people respect each other and work cooperatively to keep each other safe.”
Deb Balliet, CEO of The Equestrian Land Conservation Resource stated: “We all recognize that there are techniques and practices that will keep trail enthusiasts safe and improve the quality of our experiences. This guide represents the efforts of a broad range of trail enthusiasts working together to develop an understanding of each other’s needs and develop a guide that specifically tells trail enthusiasts what steps to take when they meet on the trail."
Jack Terrell, senior project coordinator for the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council said: “Understanding other trail enthusiasts’ needs, particularly when it comes to safety, is critical to minimizing conflicts and maximizing the enjoyment of all trail enthusiasts. This guide goes a long way toward promoting that understanding among everyone on the trail."
Daphne Green, deputy director of the California State Parks OHMVR Division stated: “We are proud to work with the organizations involved in this effort to devise programs and initiatives to minimize user conflicts, increase safety, and enhance enjoyment of our public recreation opportunities."
Lori McCullough, executive director of Tread Lightly!, Inc. said: “The Tread Lightly! ethic has always encouraged respect and courtesy between all trail enthusiasts, but conflicts still occur. This joint effort in educating all recreationists on the best practices for sharing trails shows common ground and collaboration can lead to improved trail experiences for all."
Jim Bedwell, director of Recreation, Heritage and Volunteer Services for the U.S. Forest Service stated: “The groups that came together to produce the guide for sharing trails on our public lands are to be commended for their view of “the big picture. Outdoor recreation provides many benefits to people, communities, and the economy. An attitude of sharing increasingly scarce resources and cooperating safely is paramount to sustaining these benefits.”
Tom Ward, California policy director for the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) said: "This set of guidelines was developed after an extraordinary collaboration between equestrians, mountain bikers, hikers and motorized trail users. It includes suggested rules of etiquette, which provide understanding between users, and will create a safe and enjoyable experience for all. IMBA was pleased to be involved in this effort."
Organizations and agencies involved in the development of the guide include the American Endurance Ride Conference, Americans for Responsible Recreational Access, American Motorcyclist Association, American Trails, Back Country Horsemen of America, BlueRibbon Coalition, California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Equestrian Land Conservation Resource, International Mountain Bike Association, Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, Loomis Basin Horsemen’s Association, Motorcycle Industry Council, National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, Off-Road Business Association, Open Beaches- Trails, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, Tread Lightly!, and United States Forest Service.
The guide follows:
SHARING OUR TRAILS - A GUIDE TO TRAIL SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT
Responsible trail enthusiasts, both motorized and non-motorized, have much in common. They have an appreciation for our public lands and want to enjoy what our public lands have to offer.
In many parts of the country trails are open to and shared by equestrians, OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers. Trail sharing can and does work when people respect each other and work cooperatively to keep each other safe.
While it is important for people to respect each other on the trail, it is important to remember that equestrians are dealing not only with other trail enthusiasts’ personalities, they also are working with horses whose temperaments are as individual as our own. Horses’ natural instincts can influence their behaviors and affect the way they react to circumstances encountered on the trail.
For these reasons, it is important that equestrians know their horses well enough that they are confident that they will be able to control their horses when they encounter other trail enthusiasts who are allowed on the trail.
Conversely, OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers must understand that “equestrian only” trails must be respected for the safety of both the horse and rider. These trails offer the opportunity for horsemen to acclimate their horses to basic trail conditions without encountering “unknown threats” that can trigger the horse’s natural instinct of flight.
When young or inexperienced horses encounter new conditions on the trail like OHVs, bicycles, runners and hikers, and even certain scents, the flight response can end with disastrous results for the horse or rider.
When equestrians on well-trained horses and other responsible trail enthusiasts meet each other on the trail the encounters can be enjoyable social exchanges if the groups understand how to work together to keep the encounters safe.
These basic guidelines will help ensure that meeting on the trail will be a safe and enjoyable experience:
Guidelines for all trail enthusiasts:
Common Courtesy
o Respect all trail restrictions and use only trails open to your mode of transportation.
o Be considerate of others on the road or trail.
o When traveling on shared use trails, continually watch for other types of recreationists.
o Slow down when sight lines are poor.
o Keep speeds low around other recreationists.
o Keep noise and dust down.
o Keep your ears open – no ear buds for an IPod or MP3. Listening to headphones or ear buds can make it difficult to hear and communicate with other recreationists. In some areas it is illegal to operate vehicles or bikes with both ears covered.
o Keep pets under control. Some trails require dogs to be leashed. Be familiar with local rules.
Yielding
o Yield the right of way to those passing you from behind or traveling uphill.
o Motorized vehicles yield to mountain bikes, runners, hikers, and horses.
o Mountain bikes yield to runners, hikers and horses.
o Runners and hikers yield to horses.
Guidelines for equestrians on shared trails:
o Be sure you can control your horse and it has been exposed to other trail recreational uses before riding on shared use trails.
o Cooperate with local OHV and bicycle riders to expose your horse to vehicles in a gradual manner in a safe environment.
o Be alert and aware of the presence of other trail enthusiasts. If possible, pull to the side of the trail when you hear oncoming OHVs or bicycles.
o At trailheads or staging areas, park vehicles and secure stock in a manner that provides a safe distance between the horses and passing traffic.
o Be prepared to let other trail enthusiasts know what needs to be done to keep you, the horse, and other trail enthusiasts safe when you meet on the trail.
o Less experienced horses and riders should ride behind more “trail-wise” horses and riders.
o If you are “ponying” a horse, go slow and never take a loose horse on the trail.
Guidelines for OHV riders when encountering horses on the trail:
o Pull to the side of the trail far enough for horses to pass safely as soon as you see horses.
o Pull to the downhill side of the trail if possible since horses tend to perceive unknown threats on the uphill side as predators.
o Shut off your motor as soon as possible and remove your helmet. The horse will be more likely to recognize you as a human.
o Speak to the oncoming rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone.
o Horsemen may pull to the side of the trail a safe distance if they hear an OHV approaching but this does not necessarily mean it is safe for you to ride by. Stop and wait for instructions from the horseman.
o Ask the horseman how he/she would like to proceed.
o The horseman will know his/her horse and how the horse reacts to other trail enthusiasts.
o The horseman may ask you to stay put and ride past you.
o The horseman may ride to the side of the trail and ask you to ride or push past them.
o If you ride by a horse, keep your rpm’s low and steady and your sound as low as possible. Sudden movements or sounds can startle horses.
o Be alert – be aware and on guard for oncoming traffic.
Guidelines for bicyclists when encountering horses on the trail:
o Pull to the side of the trail far enough for horses to pass safely as soon as you see horses.
o Pull to the downhill side of the trail if possible since horses tend to perceive unknown threats on the uphill side as predators.
o Speak to the oncoming rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone. Remove your helmet if it conceals part of your face. The horse will be more likely to recognize you as a human.
o Horsemen may pull to the side of the trail a safe distance if they hear a bicycle approaching but this does not necessarily mean it is safe for you to ride by. Stop and wait for instructions from the horseman.
o Ask the horseman how he/she would like to proceed.
o The horseman will know his/her horse and how the horse reacts to other trail enthusiasts.
o The horseman may ask you to stay put and ride past you.
o The horseman may ride to the side of the trail and ask you to ride or push past them.
o If you ride by a horse, do so at a slow, steady pace and avoid making any sudden movements or sounds that might startle the horse.
o Be alert – be aware and on guard for oncoming traffic.
Guidelines for other non-motorized recreationists when encountering horses on the trail:
o Hikers and trail runners should always stop and step to the side of the trail when they meet horses on the trail.
o Step to the down-hill side of the trail.
o Speak to the rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone.
o Keep pets under control.
April 29,2009
A group of national and state trail advocacy organizations representing equestrian, OHV, and bicycle interests recently completed a collaborative effort to develop a new guide called “Sharing Our Trails – A Guide to Trail Safety and Enjoyment." The guide is intended to be used in a variety of ways such as incorporation in trail brochures, magazine articles and trail education programs of all types.
The purpose of the guide is to improve safety and improve trail satisfaction for all trail enthusiasts on multiple-use trails. To quote the document itself: “In many parts of the country trails are open to and shared by equestrians , OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers. Trail sharing can and does work when people respect each other and work cooperatively to keep each other safe.”
Deb Balliet, CEO of The Equestrian Land Conservation Resource stated: “We all recognize that there are techniques and practices that will keep trail enthusiasts safe and improve the quality of our experiences. This guide represents the efforts of a broad range of trail enthusiasts working together to develop an understanding of each other’s needs and develop a guide that specifically tells trail enthusiasts what steps to take when they meet on the trail."
Jack Terrell, senior project coordinator for the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council said: “Understanding other trail enthusiasts’ needs, particularly when it comes to safety, is critical to minimizing conflicts and maximizing the enjoyment of all trail enthusiasts. This guide goes a long way toward promoting that understanding among everyone on the trail."
Daphne Green, deputy director of the California State Parks OHMVR Division stated: “We are proud to work with the organizations involved in this effort to devise programs and initiatives to minimize user conflicts, increase safety, and enhance enjoyment of our public recreation opportunities."
Lori McCullough, executive director of Tread Lightly!, Inc. said: “The Tread Lightly! ethic has always encouraged respect and courtesy between all trail enthusiasts, but conflicts still occur. This joint effort in educating all recreationists on the best practices for sharing trails shows common ground and collaboration can lead to improved trail experiences for all."
Jim Bedwell, director of Recreation, Heritage and Volunteer Services for the U.S. Forest Service stated: “The groups that came together to produce the guide for sharing trails on our public lands are to be commended for their view of “the big picture. Outdoor recreation provides many benefits to people, communities, and the economy. An attitude of sharing increasingly scarce resources and cooperating safely is paramount to sustaining these benefits.”
Tom Ward, California policy director for the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) said: "This set of guidelines was developed after an extraordinary collaboration between equestrians, mountain bikers, hikers and motorized trail users. It includes suggested rules of etiquette, which provide understanding between users, and will create a safe and enjoyable experience for all. IMBA was pleased to be involved in this effort."
Organizations and agencies involved in the development of the guide include the American Endurance Ride Conference, Americans for Responsible Recreational Access, American Motorcyclist Association, American Trails, Back Country Horsemen of America, BlueRibbon Coalition, California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Equestrian Land Conservation Resource, International Mountain Bike Association, Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, Loomis Basin Horsemen’s Association, Motorcycle Industry Council, National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, Off-Road Business Association, Open Beaches- Trails, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, Tread Lightly!, and United States Forest Service.
The guide follows:
SHARING OUR TRAILS - A GUIDE TO TRAIL SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT
Responsible trail enthusiasts, both motorized and non-motorized, have much in common. They have an appreciation for our public lands and want to enjoy what our public lands have to offer.
In many parts of the country trails are open to and shared by equestrians, OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers. Trail sharing can and does work when people respect each other and work cooperatively to keep each other safe.
While it is important for people to respect each other on the trail, it is important to remember that equestrians are dealing not only with other trail enthusiasts’ personalities, they also are working with horses whose temperaments are as individual as our own. Horses’ natural instincts can influence their behaviors and affect the way they react to circumstances encountered on the trail.
For these reasons, it is important that equestrians know their horses well enough that they are confident that they will be able to control their horses when they encounter other trail enthusiasts who are allowed on the trail.
Conversely, OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers must understand that “equestrian only” trails must be respected for the safety of both the horse and rider. These trails offer the opportunity for horsemen to acclimate their horses to basic trail conditions without encountering “unknown threats” that can trigger the horse’s natural instinct of flight.
When young or inexperienced horses encounter new conditions on the trail like OHVs, bicycles, runners and hikers, and even certain scents, the flight response can end with disastrous results for the horse or rider.
When equestrians on well-trained horses and other responsible trail enthusiasts meet each other on the trail the encounters can be enjoyable social exchanges if the groups understand how to work together to keep the encounters safe.
These basic guidelines will help ensure that meeting on the trail will be a safe and enjoyable experience:
Guidelines for all trail enthusiasts:
Common Courtesy
o Respect all trail restrictions and use only trails open to your mode of transportation.
o Be considerate of others on the road or trail.
o When traveling on shared use trails, continually watch for other types of recreationists.
o Slow down when sight lines are poor.
o Keep speeds low around other recreationists.
o Keep noise and dust down.
o Keep your ears open – no ear buds for an IPod or MP3. Listening to headphones or ear buds can make it difficult to hear and communicate with other recreationists. In some areas it is illegal to operate vehicles or bikes with both ears covered.
o Keep pets under control. Some trails require dogs to be leashed. Be familiar with local rules.
Yielding
o Yield the right of way to those passing you from behind or traveling uphill.
o Motorized vehicles yield to mountain bikes, runners, hikers, and horses.
o Mountain bikes yield to runners, hikers and horses.
o Runners and hikers yield to horses.
Guidelines for equestrians on shared trails:
o Be sure you can control your horse and it has been exposed to other trail recreational uses before riding on shared use trails.
o Cooperate with local OHV and bicycle riders to expose your horse to vehicles in a gradual manner in a safe environment.
o Be alert and aware of the presence of other trail enthusiasts. If possible, pull to the side of the trail when you hear oncoming OHVs or bicycles.
o At trailheads or staging areas, park vehicles and secure stock in a manner that provides a safe distance between the horses and passing traffic.
o Be prepared to let other trail enthusiasts know what needs to be done to keep you, the horse, and other trail enthusiasts safe when you meet on the trail.
o Less experienced horses and riders should ride behind more “trail-wise” horses and riders.
o If you are “ponying” a horse, go slow and never take a loose horse on the trail.
Guidelines for OHV riders when encountering horses on the trail:
o Pull to the side of the trail far enough for horses to pass safely as soon as you see horses.
o Pull to the downhill side of the trail if possible since horses tend to perceive unknown threats on the uphill side as predators.
o Shut off your motor as soon as possible and remove your helmet. The horse will be more likely to recognize you as a human.
o Speak to the oncoming rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone.
o Horsemen may pull to the side of the trail a safe distance if they hear an OHV approaching but this does not necessarily mean it is safe for you to ride by. Stop and wait for instructions from the horseman.
o Ask the horseman how he/she would like to proceed.
o The horseman will know his/her horse and how the horse reacts to other trail enthusiasts.
o The horseman may ask you to stay put and ride past you.
o The horseman may ride to the side of the trail and ask you to ride or push past them.
o If you ride by a horse, keep your rpm’s low and steady and your sound as low as possible. Sudden movements or sounds can startle horses.
o Be alert – be aware and on guard for oncoming traffic.
Guidelines for bicyclists when encountering horses on the trail:
o Pull to the side of the trail far enough for horses to pass safely as soon as you see horses.
o Pull to the downhill side of the trail if possible since horses tend to perceive unknown threats on the uphill side as predators.
o Speak to the oncoming rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone. Remove your helmet if it conceals part of your face. The horse will be more likely to recognize you as a human.
o Horsemen may pull to the side of the trail a safe distance if they hear a bicycle approaching but this does not necessarily mean it is safe for you to ride by. Stop and wait for instructions from the horseman.
o Ask the horseman how he/she would like to proceed.
o The horseman will know his/her horse and how the horse reacts to other trail enthusiasts.
o The horseman may ask you to stay put and ride past you.
o The horseman may ride to the side of the trail and ask you to ride or push past them.
o If you ride by a horse, do so at a slow, steady pace and avoid making any sudden movements or sounds that might startle the horse.
o Be alert – be aware and on guard for oncoming traffic.
Guidelines for other non-motorized recreationists when encountering horses on the trail:
o Hikers and trail runners should always stop and step to the side of the trail when they meet horses on the trail.
o Step to the down-hill side of the trail.
o Speak to the rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone.
o Keep pets under control.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Hoofcare Clinic in Idaho at Owyhee Fandango
A two hour clinic on 'Hoofcare and Application of New Hoof Protections on the Market' will be presented by Global Endurance Training Center at the Owyhee Fandango Ride in Oreana, Idaho.
The clinic will be held on Friday May 22, from 9am - 11am. The clinic is open to everyone, and will include live demonstrations and discussions of the various products on the market which are used in Endurance competitions for both the shod and the barefoot or booted horse.
There will be several product giveaways during the clinic to those in attendance.
Vettec, a major supplier of hoof care products, will be hosting a Wine and Cheese Social Friday evening after the veterinary examination of Saturday's competition horses.
The Owyhee Fandango International is a three day Endurance event being held May 23, 24, 25 in southwest Idaho. The event will offer 25, 50 and 75 mile distances each day, with the premier 100 mile event scheduled for the second day. The 50, 75 and 100 mile distances are dual sanctioned as AERC events, and also as FEI CEI*, CEI** and CEI*** events.
The 100 mile event will also be the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Region IV Championship.
Completion of all three days at the 50/55 mile distance will qualify riders for AERC Pioneer Award points.
More information can be found at www.endurance.net/Fandango/
Owyhee Fandango Sponsors include
(Primary Sponsors)
* Arabian Saddle Company (Rubicon Saddle)
* Endurance.Net
(Supporting Sponsors)
* Aromesse - Health for Horses
* Belesemo Arabians
* Easycare Inc
* Elete Electrolyte Water
* Equiflex USA
* Fleeceworks
* Horse Quencher
* Global Endurance Training Center
* Kerrits
* USANA
* VETTEC Hoof Care
* VESPA - All Natural Amino Acid Supplement
The clinic will be held on Friday May 22, from 9am - 11am. The clinic is open to everyone, and will include live demonstrations and discussions of the various products on the market which are used in Endurance competitions for both the shod and the barefoot or booted horse.
There will be several product giveaways during the clinic to those in attendance.
Vettec, a major supplier of hoof care products, will be hosting a Wine and Cheese Social Friday evening after the veterinary examination of Saturday's competition horses.
The Owyhee Fandango International is a three day Endurance event being held May 23, 24, 25 in southwest Idaho. The event will offer 25, 50 and 75 mile distances each day, with the premier 100 mile event scheduled for the second day. The 50, 75 and 100 mile distances are dual sanctioned as AERC events, and also as FEI CEI*, CEI** and CEI*** events.
The 100 mile event will also be the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Region IV Championship.
Completion of all three days at the 50/55 mile distance will qualify riders for AERC Pioneer Award points.
More information can be found at www.endurance.net/Fandango/
Owyhee Fandango Sponsors include
(Primary Sponsors)
* Arabian Saddle Company (Rubicon Saddle)
* Endurance.Net
(Supporting Sponsors)
* Aromesse - Health for Horses
* Belesemo Arabians
* Easycare Inc
* Elete Electrolyte Water
* Equiflex USA
* Fleeceworks
* Horse Quencher
* Global Endurance Training Center
* Kerrits
* USANA
* VETTEC Hoof Care
* VESPA - All Natural Amino Acid Supplement
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
USEF: FEI Novice Qualifying period extended
FEI Extends the Transitional Procedures for Novice Qualifying ONLY
The FEI has extended the period in which riders and horses may
become Novice Qualified. The Transitional Procedures, which were
in effect for 2007 and 2008 have been extended until September 30
2009. Through September 30 of 2009 the following is required to
become eligible to enter a CEI 1* (80km) Endurance Competition:
National (Novice) Qualification
Riders and Horses who have already successfully completed at
least 3 National events within 2007 and 2008 and up to the 30th
September 2009 at distances up to and including 90km (for the
USA, all AERC Competitions of any distance at any speed) (not
subject to time restrictions) will not need to re qualify prior
to competing within FEI competitions. NFs when entering such
riders and horses into FEI competitions must satisfy themselves
that such is the case (art 816.1)
Article 816.1.1.1 and 816.1.1.2 of the FEI Rules for Endurance
Events, 7th edition will not be in effect until October 1, 2009
Vonita Bowers
Director of Endurance and Reining Activities
The United States Equestrian Federation
The FEI has extended the period in which riders and horses may
become Novice Qualified. The Transitional Procedures, which were
in effect for 2007 and 2008 have been extended until September 30
2009. Through September 30 of 2009 the following is required to
become eligible to enter a CEI 1* (80km) Endurance Competition:
National (Novice) Qualification
Riders and Horses who have already successfully completed at
least 3 National events within 2007 and 2008 and up to the 30th
September 2009 at distances up to and including 90km (for the
USA, all AERC Competitions of any distance at any speed) (not
subject to time restrictions) will not need to re qualify prior
to competing within FEI competitions. NFs when entering such
riders and horses into FEI competitions must satisfy themselves
that such is the case (art 816.1)
Article 816.1.1.1 and 816.1.1.2 of the FEI Rules for Endurance
Events, 7th edition will not be in effect until October 1, 2009
Vonita Bowers
Director of Endurance and Reining Activities
The United States Equestrian Federation
2009 Tom Quilty Gala Fundraising Dinner
The Victorian Tom Quilty Gold Cup Committee are holding a gala dinner to raise funds for the 2009 Tom Quilty Endurance ride scheduled for September at Tonimbuk, Victoria.
Event Director, Lissy Verity assures everyone who comes along a great night of dining and entertainment with guest speaker Meg Wade, a live band and a host of items up for auction. "It’s an important event on our calendar not only to raise funds to help run the event but to also showcase a little of what the area has to offer," she says.
Date: Saturday 11 July, 2009, 7.00 p.m. ‘til midnight.
Venue: Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham (Mel Ref 215 H5)
Cost: $90.00 per person (includes 2 course meal plus beer and wine)
For more information or to purchase tickets contact Sue Cousins Ph (03) 56292530
Event Director, Lissy Verity assures everyone who comes along a great night of dining and entertainment with guest speaker Meg Wade, a live band and a host of items up for auction. "It’s an important event on our calendar not only to raise funds to help run the event but to also showcase a little of what the area has to offer," she says.
Date: Saturday 11 July, 2009, 7.00 p.m. ‘til midnight.
Venue: Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham (Mel Ref 215 H5)
Cost: $90.00 per person (includes 2 course meal plus beer and wine)
For more information or to purchase tickets contact Sue Cousins Ph (03) 56292530
Monday, April 13, 2009
Karen's Musings & Endurance Ride Stuff
This ride has been going on since 1975 and is quite possibly the oldest ride in the Mountain Region of AERC. I had a fantastic time and the weather was really nice during the entire event. My horses also did very well though Bo started to develop scratches on his three feet that have white hair - not bad and not enough to make him lame but it is something I need to watch with him.
We finished 17th today out of 37 on the 50. Got up to 76 degrees and was beautiful, we had a really nice ride. I took lots of photos and will post them as soon as I can. Dave Rabe and I drove about 120 miles and are staying at a place in the middle of nowhere that has a rodeo grounds before making the even longer trip home tomorrow.
It is always a joy to get to see Marian, Stacy, Kelly and their family at this ride. Nice people! Also got to see and visit with the Duck and Annie plus a lot of riders who are all looking good. It’s so good to get to see people that you only see a couple of times a year when ride season starts going again.
Linda Fisher’s granddaughter riding the pony in the LD was priceless! Check endurance.net for more photos from Steve Bradley. He hasn’t uploaded them all to smugmug yet but when he does I’ll post the link. I have so many photos to share of the trail - this ride gets it’s name deservedly so - what awesome colors and scenery we get to ride through!
This ride is a difficult one for the horses. Lots of motorcycle woops plus plenty of hardpacked and rocky trails. Deep sand too. Bo learned how to go over the trippy-rocks gracefully and between this and the NASTR ride last weekend is a pro at the motorcycle woops!
I had an overall perfect ride. Especially where my hoof boots are concerned - all of the glue-ons I used stayed on 100% but it is the strap ons that really blow me away. I am totally impressed with how well they worked and how clean they came off of Chief. I can see why there is such a following for these boots and why so may others are joining in. There have been a lot of improvements in them even since I started using them.
Will write more after I get caught up and can process my photos. So far the trip home is going well. Bo rested for four hours before I hauled him 120 miles and is going to get to rest overnght before going the rest of the way tomorrow.
I am rethinking taking Bo on High Desert next weekend. I don’t want to do too much with him and he has done two days here plus a day at NASTR a week ago, which was a difficult ride. He is so strong now that I just worry about doing too much on him. I may still ride Chief a day at the ride next weekend. I don’t know I’m just thinking aloud. Hmmmmmm…..
[...more]
This ride has been going on since 1975 and is quite possibly the oldest ride in the Mountain Region of AERC. I had a fantastic time and the weather was really nice during the entire event. My horses also did very well though Bo started to develop scratches on his three feet that have white hair - not bad and not enough to make him lame but it is something I need to watch with him.
We finished 17th today out of 37 on the 50. Got up to 76 degrees and was beautiful, we had a really nice ride. I took lots of photos and will post them as soon as I can. Dave Rabe and I drove about 120 miles and are staying at a place in the middle of nowhere that has a rodeo grounds before making the even longer trip home tomorrow.
It is always a joy to get to see Marian, Stacy, Kelly and their family at this ride. Nice people! Also got to see and visit with the Duck and Annie plus a lot of riders who are all looking good. It’s so good to get to see people that you only see a couple of times a year when ride season starts going again.
Linda Fisher’s granddaughter riding the pony in the LD was priceless! Check endurance.net for more photos from Steve Bradley. He hasn’t uploaded them all to smugmug yet but when he does I’ll post the link. I have so many photos to share of the trail - this ride gets it’s name deservedly so - what awesome colors and scenery we get to ride through!
This ride is a difficult one for the horses. Lots of motorcycle woops plus plenty of hardpacked and rocky trails. Deep sand too. Bo learned how to go over the trippy-rocks gracefully and between this and the NASTR ride last weekend is a pro at the motorcycle woops!
I had an overall perfect ride. Especially where my hoof boots are concerned - all of the glue-ons I used stayed on 100% but it is the strap ons that really blow me away. I am totally impressed with how well they worked and how clean they came off of Chief. I can see why there is such a following for these boots and why so may others are joining in. There have been a lot of improvements in them even since I started using them.
Will write more after I get caught up and can process my photos. So far the trip home is going well. Bo rested for four hours before I hauled him 120 miles and is going to get to rest overnght before going the rest of the way tomorrow.
I am rethinking taking Bo on High Desert next weekend. I don’t want to do too much with him and he has done two days here plus a day at NASTR a week ago, which was a difficult ride. He is so strong now that I just worry about doing too much on him. I may still ride Chief a day at the ride next weekend. I don’t know I’m just thinking aloud. Hmmmmmm…..
[...more]
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Day 1 at Color Country
EnduranceRideStuff.com
Karen Chaton
April 10
The weather has been holding out for us and has been really just perfect. I finished around 4:30 this afternoon on Bo. He did pretty well today and I rode most of the day with Kerry and Dave. Kerry had me work with Bo and get him to walk (versus jig) — he was doing really well and now I need to keep with it and not allow him to get away with jigging. He has a really nice walk, Kerry said she’s gps’d it at 5.5. That is as fast as Chief can walk! I remember how fast he has walked with me on previous rides so I knew he had a really fast walk, I just never knew until today that he could go as fast as 5 mph. He is a rein-swinger, when he gets going in that super fast marching type walk the reins and his neck swing back and forth. I think he needed to get that rhythym going and I had been holding him up. So today was a pretty good day.
[...more]
Karen Chaton
April 10
The weather has been holding out for us and has been really just perfect. I finished around 4:30 this afternoon on Bo. He did pretty well today and I rode most of the day with Kerry and Dave. Kerry had me work with Bo and get him to walk (versus jig) — he was doing really well and now I need to keep with it and not allow him to get away with jigging. He has a really nice walk, Kerry said she’s gps’d it at 5.5. That is as fast as Chief can walk! I remember how fast he has walked with me on previous rides so I knew he had a really fast walk, I just never knew until today that he could go as fast as 5 mph. He is a rein-swinger, when he gets going in that super fast marching type walk the reins and his neck swing back and forth. I think he needed to get that rhythym going and I had been holding him up. So today was a pretty good day.[...more]
Hoof Boots at the Git R Done endurance event
From The Horse's Mouth
Garrett Ford
April 10
I went over to the Git R Done endurance event to help some riders install Easyboot Glue On hoof boots.
Tennessee Mahoney and I spent some time installing glue on boots to Pearl's front and back feet. Pearl has some awesome barefoot feet and isn't new to hoof boots. Tennessee and Pearl have been one of the leading barefoot/booted endurance teams over the last couple years. Depending on the footing Pearl goes with or without boots and has received Best Condition totally barefoot on more than one occasion.
Tennessee worked Pearl in the round pen after we installed boots and I had the opportunity to see her move around. She's one of those horses who moves effortlessly and has no wasted energy. Nice, nice horse.
[...more]
Garrett Ford
April 10
I went over to the Git R Done endurance event to help some riders install Easyboot Glue On hoof boots.
Tennessee Mahoney and I spent some time installing glue on boots to Pearl's front and back feet. Pearl has some awesome barefoot feet and isn't new to hoof boots. Tennessee and Pearl have been one of the leading barefoot/booted endurance teams over the last couple years. Depending on the footing Pearl goes with or without boots and has received Best Condition totally barefoot on more than one occasion.
Tennessee worked Pearl in the round pen after we installed boots and I had the opportunity to see her move around. She's one of those horses who moves effortlessly and has no wasted energy. Nice, nice horse.
[...more]
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
EasyCare Hoof Boot Demos in April and May
From The Horse's Mouth
April
EasyCare will be doing a hoof boot demo at the Color Country Pioneer and the Git R Done endurance events this coming weekend.
Garrett Ford of EasyCare will be at the Git R Done (April 11) endurance event in Inyokern, California. Christoph Schork of Global Endurance will be attending the Color Country Pioneer event (April 11-14).
The Git R Done demo will be held Thursday late afternoon and will show how to prep and glue four Easyboot Glue-On boots. Garrett will also show how to properly size the new boot range with the EasyCare “Fit Kit”. Christoph will demo boots, glue-on techniques and help with any fitting questions.
May
Christoph Schork will be hosting a Hoofcare Clinic on May 22 at the Owyhee Fandango ride in Oreana, Idaho. The clinic which is titled Hoofcare and Application of New Hoof Protections on the Market, will be held Friday morning, 9am - 11am.
More info on EasyCare's new boot line can be found at www.hoofbootnews.com
April
EasyCare will be doing a hoof boot demo at the Color Country Pioneer and the Git R Done endurance events this coming weekend.
Garrett Ford of EasyCare will be at the Git R Done (April 11) endurance event in Inyokern, California. Christoph Schork of Global Endurance will be attending the Color Country Pioneer event (April 11-14).
The Git R Done demo will be held Thursday late afternoon and will show how to prep and glue four Easyboot Glue-On boots. Garrett will also show how to properly size the new boot range with the EasyCare “Fit Kit”. Christoph will demo boots, glue-on techniques and help with any fitting questions.
May
Christoph Schork will be hosting a Hoofcare Clinic on May 22 at the Owyhee Fandango ride in Oreana, Idaho. The clinic which is titled Hoofcare and Application of New Hoof Protections on the Market, will be held Friday morning, 9am - 11am.
More info on EasyCare's new boot line can be found at www.hoofbootnews.com
Monday, April 06, 2009
Tack shop owner shares love of riding
Oregon Mail Tribune
photo: Candace Kahn is the owner of Action Rider Tack an internet and soon to be retail site for equestrian supplies. Bob Pennell / Mail Tribune photoBob Pennell
By Greg Stiles
Mail Tribune
Editor's note: This is one in a weekly series of profiles on locally owned and operated businesses in Southern Oregon.
What do you do and how long have you been doing it? I sell tack for the endurance and trail rider. I have been doing that since 2004.
[Action Rider Tack
Owner: Candy Kahn
Web site: www.actionridertack.com]
How long have you lived in the Rogue Valley? I've been here for nine years. We moved here from San Diego. I'm originally from Long Island, N.Y.
What inspired you to go into this line of work? Back in 2003, I took my horses barefoot and thought that was best for them. At the time there was no one in the valley doing a barefoot trim. So I had to learn to trim myself. I took classes and became a certified barefoot trimmer. In 2004, EasyCare came out with the Boa Horse Boots and this enabled me to better compete in endurance riding. I convinced them to let me sell their boots. My interest is in selling products that enhance the horse's comfort and performance.
What decision or action would you change if you could do it again? I would probably have moved into Medford earlier. I started at my ranch in Jacksonville. People didn't find me, and it makes it easier for deliveries, shipments — because we ship worldwide — and employees. It's more accessible now and people come and take a look.
What's the toughest business decision you've made? When I had to lay someone off because of the economic downturn. That was very difficult. Horse people usually spend money on their horses but they do cut back on spending, and we have seen that.
Who are your competitors? My competitors are actually not in this area. They're other businesses that sell endurance and trail tack, and that's mostly on the Internet. I don't compete with Big R, Horse Blanket, Western or Gid-De-Up Barkins Boutique in Phoenix. They're more English, hunter jumper and dressage. Our products are more unique to endurance and trail riders. We specialize in treeless saddles.
What are your goals? I want to continue to be a healthy company so we can continue to help horses and riders find a better partnership. I go to nine to 11 trade shows every year in Ohio, California, Massachusetts and Arizona. I go to Spoga Horse, an international trade fair for equestrian sports show, in Cologne, Germany. It's the largest trade show in Europe. I go there to see if there are more products to bring into the U.S. Right now, I import treeless saddles from Italy and Germany. The treeless and boot industry has grown and there are other distributors in foreign countries. There's enough business in the U.S., but if I can help someone in foreign country, I'm there.
What training or education did you need? I'm a horse-massage therapist, a certified barefoot trimmer and I've been riding since the 1970s. I've competed in endurance and trail riding since the 1970s. I've learned from clinicians and read and researched.
What's your advice for budding entrepreneurs? Know what direction you want to go in. What's really important is to have a plan and stick to that plan. It's so easy to get wrapped up and take on more than you can handle. I was really careful when I started; the core of my business started out with the boots. I built it slowly over the past five years.
[...more]
photo: Candace Kahn is the owner of Action Rider Tack an internet and soon to be retail site for equestrian supplies. Bob Pennell / Mail Tribune photoBob PennellBy Greg Stiles
Mail Tribune
Editor's note: This is one in a weekly series of profiles on locally owned and operated businesses in Southern Oregon.
What do you do and how long have you been doing it? I sell tack for the endurance and trail rider. I have been doing that since 2004.
[Action Rider Tack
Owner: Candy Kahn
Web site: www.actionridertack.com]
How long have you lived in the Rogue Valley? I've been here for nine years. We moved here from San Diego. I'm originally from Long Island, N.Y.
What inspired you to go into this line of work? Back in 2003, I took my horses barefoot and thought that was best for them. At the time there was no one in the valley doing a barefoot trim. So I had to learn to trim myself. I took classes and became a certified barefoot trimmer. In 2004, EasyCare came out with the Boa Horse Boots and this enabled me to better compete in endurance riding. I convinced them to let me sell their boots. My interest is in selling products that enhance the horse's comfort and performance.
What decision or action would you change if you could do it again? I would probably have moved into Medford earlier. I started at my ranch in Jacksonville. People didn't find me, and it makes it easier for deliveries, shipments — because we ship worldwide — and employees. It's more accessible now and people come and take a look.
What's the toughest business decision you've made? When I had to lay someone off because of the economic downturn. That was very difficult. Horse people usually spend money on their horses but they do cut back on spending, and we have seen that.
Who are your competitors? My competitors are actually not in this area. They're other businesses that sell endurance and trail tack, and that's mostly on the Internet. I don't compete with Big R, Horse Blanket, Western or Gid-De-Up Barkins Boutique in Phoenix. They're more English, hunter jumper and dressage. Our products are more unique to endurance and trail riders. We specialize in treeless saddles.
What are your goals? I want to continue to be a healthy company so we can continue to help horses and riders find a better partnership. I go to nine to 11 trade shows every year in Ohio, California, Massachusetts and Arizona. I go to Spoga Horse, an international trade fair for equestrian sports show, in Cologne, Germany. It's the largest trade show in Europe. I go there to see if there are more products to bring into the U.S. Right now, I import treeless saddles from Italy and Germany. The treeless and boot industry has grown and there are other distributors in foreign countries. There's enough business in the U.S., but if I can help someone in foreign country, I'm there.
What training or education did you need? I'm a horse-massage therapist, a certified barefoot trimmer and I've been riding since the 1970s. I've competed in endurance and trail riding since the 1970s. I've learned from clinicians and read and researched.
What's your advice for budding entrepreneurs? Know what direction you want to go in. What's really important is to have a plan and stick to that plan. It's so easy to get wrapped up and take on more than you can handle. I was really careful when I started; the core of my business started out with the boots. I built it slowly over the past five years.
[...more]
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Cathy Rohm: A thing for the ponies
SF Gate - San Francisco Chronicle
Sam Whiting
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Cathy Rohm is a legal assistant who likes to get out and ride. Thirty or 40 miles will do for Rohm, who is 59 and lives in Greenwood (El Dorado County).
Why: Endurance riding involves beautiful trails where, for the most part, there's no one else but you and your horse for miles and miles and miles. If you're a horse lover, there is absolutely no better way to "become one" with your horse.
Greatest accomplishment: Winning the Tevis Cup (100-Miles-One-Day Trail Ride) in 2005. It's the world's oldest and toughest endurance ride, going from Tahoe to Auburn. We start at 5:15 a.m., and the first rider comes into Auburn around midnight, or a bit before.
Gear you can't live without: My purebred Arabian gelding, Sicily 1A. He'll be 16 on Tevis day, Aug. 1. They take good care of themselves and are catlike when negotiating the narrow, steep trails on which we ride.
Where you train: The single-track trails of the American River Canyon, sometimes trailering to Foresthill, Michigan Bluff or Auburn for a ride home.
Time you get up in the morning: 5:30 a.m.
Best time to train: Whenever you have at least two hours to dedicate to riding, and this includes time grooming and tacking your horse.
Most annoying thing people assume about athletes in your sport: That we're somehow "cruel" to our horses, riding them for hours at a stretch. With mandatory, thorough vet checks at even the shortest rides, the horses are extremely well monitored, and we spend tons of money on supplements and feed.
Advice you'd give a rookie: Get a mentor and begin with limited-distance rides, which are 25 to 30 miles, and move up in distance (50s and 100s) only when you and your horse are ready.
[...more]
Sam Whiting
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Cathy Rohm is a legal assistant who likes to get out and ride. Thirty or 40 miles will do for Rohm, who is 59 and lives in Greenwood (El Dorado County).Why: Endurance riding involves beautiful trails where, for the most part, there's no one else but you and your horse for miles and miles and miles. If you're a horse lover, there is absolutely no better way to "become one" with your horse.
Greatest accomplishment: Winning the Tevis Cup (100-Miles-One-Day Trail Ride) in 2005. It's the world's oldest and toughest endurance ride, going from Tahoe to Auburn. We start at 5:15 a.m., and the first rider comes into Auburn around midnight, or a bit before.
Gear you can't live without: My purebred Arabian gelding, Sicily 1A. He'll be 16 on Tevis day, Aug. 1. They take good care of themselves and are catlike when negotiating the narrow, steep trails on which we ride.
Where you train: The single-track trails of the American River Canyon, sometimes trailering to Foresthill, Michigan Bluff or Auburn for a ride home.
Time you get up in the morning: 5:30 a.m.
Best time to train: Whenever you have at least two hours to dedicate to riding, and this includes time grooming and tacking your horse.
Most annoying thing people assume about athletes in your sport: That we're somehow "cruel" to our horses, riding them for hours at a stretch. With mandatory, thorough vet checks at even the shortest rides, the horses are extremely well monitored, and we spend tons of money on supplements and feed.
Advice you'd give a rookie: Get a mentor and begin with limited-distance rides, which are 25 to 30 miles, and move up in distance (50s and 100s) only when you and your horse are ready.
[...more]
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Saddle Pads and Saddle Fitting - A review of Thinline Pads
Cordia Pearson
Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter
www.saddlefitter.com
When ThinLIne asked me to test their product, I did so with no preconceived notions.
For three weeks, I rode two of our Morgan stallions, both with correctly fitted saddles. One day with the ThinLine, the next without. Every time the ThinLine was on board, my boys’ gaits swung more, their backs were consistently up and my aids were more thoughts than actions.
These are some of the conditions that can be addressed with ThinLine pads:
Young horses: With their growth so unpredictable, we protect a developing back while keeping the young horse’s saddle balanced with the Cotton Comfort and Sheepskin Comfort pads (using the appropriate shims.) No more changing the flocking of the saddle every few months. No more unbalanced saddles (low in front) driving the points into the growing horse’s back. And it saves money!
Rehab horses:
Pictured here is one of my favorite 2008 rehab story, an Eventing Thoroughbred. When I first me Navarre, he was in a gorgeous saddle sadly two tree sizes too small. He had severe muscle wastage under the saddle points and his back was very sore to palpation. We got him fitted with the correct width of saddle and added the ThinLIne Sheepskin Half Pad. Two days later, he was at Trott Brook, our largest Event in MN. He placed fifth in a large field with Sieren Peterson on board. But even more gratifying, a month later when I rechecked him and his new saddle, Navarre’s back was not only healed, but turning into a gorgeous field of new muscle. Photo by Schock Photograpy.
New riders or riders in the process of losing weight: In both cases, with the use of the ThinLine pad, 95% of recoil is diverted from the horse’s back. I try to get all my school horses outfitted with the 202 ThinLine pad for just this reason.
Riders with back problems: The Ultra ThinLIne offers the rider same recoil removing qualities as the ThinLine does for the horse.
Saddles on round horses: Lateral stability is everything in the horse’s back growth and the rider’s security. Even with appropriately shaped trees, give the round backed horses and ThinLine pad and girth and the saddle stops rolling.
ThinLine Pads are a gift to horses, riders and saddle fitters!
Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter
www.saddlefitter.com
When ThinLIne asked me to test their product, I did so with no preconceived notions.
For three weeks, I rode two of our Morgan stallions, both with correctly fitted saddles. One day with the ThinLine, the next without. Every time the ThinLine was on board, my boys’ gaits swung more, their backs were consistently up and my aids were more thoughts than actions. These are some of the conditions that can be addressed with ThinLine pads:
Young horses: With their growth so unpredictable, we protect a developing back while keeping the young horse’s saddle balanced with the Cotton Comfort and Sheepskin Comfort pads (using the appropriate shims.) No more changing the flocking of the saddle every few months. No more unbalanced saddles (low in front) driving the points into the growing horse’s back. And it saves money!Rehab horses:
Pictured here is one of my favorite 2008 rehab story, an Eventing Thoroughbred. When I first me Navarre, he was in a gorgeous saddle sadly two tree sizes too small. He had severe muscle wastage under the saddle points and his back was very sore to palpation. We got him fitted with the correct width of saddle and added the ThinLIne Sheepskin Half Pad. Two days later, he was at Trott Brook, our largest Event in MN. He placed fifth in a large field with Sieren Peterson on board. But even more gratifying, a month later when I rechecked him and his new saddle, Navarre’s back was not only healed, but turning into a gorgeous field of new muscle. Photo by Schock Photograpy.New riders or riders in the process of losing weight: In both cases, with the use of the ThinLine pad, 95% of recoil is diverted from the horse’s back. I try to get all my school horses outfitted with the 202 ThinLine pad for just this reason.Riders with back problems: The Ultra ThinLIne offers the rider same recoil removing qualities as the ThinLine does for the horse.
Saddles on round horses: Lateral stability is everything in the horse’s back growth and the rider’s security. Even with appropriately shaped trees, give the round backed horses and ThinLine pad and girth and the saddle stops rolling.
ThinLine Pads are a gift to horses, riders and saddle fitters!
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