Sunday, November 29, 2009

Back Country Horsemen team up with Wilderness Society

Wilderness.org - Full Article

By Andrea Imler on November 12, 2009

Aldo Leopold, co-founder of The Wilderness Society and a preeminent voice in the conservation world defined wilderness as "a continuous stretch of country preserved in its natural state, open to lawful hunting and fishing, big enough to absorb a two week's [horse] pack trip." In his most famous book, A Sand County Almanac, he provided two examples of "primitive skills in pioneering travel..." one of these is canoe travel, and the other is travel by packtrain."

A Horse Rides Through It

The Wilderness Society honors the rich history of horseback riding in wilderness through a new partnership with Back Country Horsemen of America.

The two groups first met in the spring of 2009 when Back Country Horsemen of America approached The Wilderness Society to request their help preserving opportunities to enjoy wilderness riding and packing and interpreting the history and significance of pack and saddle stock for managers and other wilderness advocates.

"A partnership between the Back Country Horsemen of America and The Wilderness Society makes sense, especially in light of how many of our visionary wilderness leaders, like Aldo Leopold, Howard Zahniser and Mardy Murie, saw many of their greatest moments of clarity, insight and inspiration while riding a horse deep into the wild country of America," said Bart Koehler, senior wilderness campaigns director at The Wilderness Society. "These moments gave them a bedrock solid sense of direction and helped them lead the way to securing protections for special wild places thanks to The Wilderness Act."

More...

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Arabian Horse Foundation Begins Swayze Scholarship

NPR.org - Full Story

by the AP
November 27, 2009

The Arabian Horse Foundation has established a scholarship in honor of the late actor Patrick Swayze and his wife.

Swayze and wife Lisa Neimi owned Arabian horses and competed in shows for several years. The foundation is the charitable arm of the Denver-based Arabian Horse Association.

Foundation President Larry Kinneer of Dayton, Ohio, said Friday that the scholarship honors Swayze for his career and the couple's "love of the Arabian breed and contributions over the years to AHA youth programs."

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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Australia: Promotional Endurance Video Cli[p

Great Britain: Small companies sharing a big market

Nebusiness.co.uk - Full Article

Nov 25 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

You don't have to be a mammoth corporation with a bottomless pit of capital to make it big overseas. Andrew Mernin finds out how a growing band of the region's small businesses have become exporters on a shoestring budget.

A HORSE called Tiffany with a bad back was the unlikely catalyst for the creation of a globally successful firm in a tiny village in Teesdale.

Tiffany's owner Les Spark, an endurance riding enthusiast, set about designing a saddle which would allow him to ride the horse without being thrown to the ground in anger at her own discomfort. And so the flexible, and apparently ultra-comfortable, Free N Easy saddle was born.

Seventeen years later, the saddle is sold in 20 countries across five continents and has given the village of Low Selset, near Barnard Castle, its own international success story.

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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Virginia: Trails to open soon, Residents already using

Vancnews.com - Full Article

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

BRODNAX — The Virginia Tobacco Heritage Trail Roanoke River Rails-to-Trails segment from Brodnax to La Crosse has received a walk through approval and is already being used by visitors.

The Trail that runs through La Crosse and Brodnax is already attracting walkers, equestrian enthusiasts, bikers and nature enthusiasts.

The Tobacco Heritage Trail, according to the Web site, is a system of long-distance recreational, multiuse, non-motorized trails that provide an opportunity for all Southside Virginia to participate in a viable undertaking that will unify diverse communities, enrich lives, and help rebuild the economy.

Officials say the Trail will assist economic development - through tourism and business enterprise - and will serve as a quality-of-life tool by providing both residents and tourists valuable health and recreational benefits. In addition, the trail will be preserving a greenway and will serve as a link to nature for all its users such as: pedestrians, hikers, bicyclists, and horseback riders - with portions accessible to those with mobility limitations.

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Sunday, November 15, 2009

Endurance Horse Study Reveals Common Complaints, Resolutions

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Marie Rosenthal, MS
November 15 2009

A lot of things can happen over the many miles of an endurace event. California veterinarians recently tracked the incidence and resolution of equine medical issues encountered during endurance competition.

C. Langdon Fielding, DVM, Dipl. ACVECC, of the Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center in California, and colleagues, looked at the records of 30 horses that required emergency treatment after being removed from endurance competition.

Some of the issues the researchers encountered included colic, esophageal obstruction (choke), poor cardiovascular recovery, myopathy, and synchronous diaphragmatic flutter (thumps). They studied the horses' examination, lab work, age, breed, and other parameters to see if they could spot specific indicators that could help them catch the problem earlier.

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Friday, November 13, 2009

Uruguay: ENDURO SARANDÍ GRANDE

ATENCIÓN

FAVOR COMUNICAR A LOS INTERESADOS:

ENDURO SARANDÍ GRANDE

CLASIFICATORIA

SABADO 21 de NOVIEMBRE

ADMISIÓN DE 16.00 a 19.00 hs

DOMINGO 22 DE NOVIEMBRE

ADMISIÓN e INSPECCION PREVIA

DE 7.00 a 9.00 HS

HORA 10.00 LARGADA 74.1 KM En TRES etapas

HORA 11.00 LARGADA 45.3 KM En DOS etapas



Asociación Uruguaya de Enduro Ecuestre.
Canelones 982- Montevideo
Tel- fax: 903 09 85
Pagina web: www.enduranceuruguay.com.uy

Saturday, November 07, 2009

New Import Requirements for Horses Coming into Colorado from Texas

November 6, 2009

For immediate attention
www.ColoradoHorsecouncil.com

New Import Requirements for Horses Coming into CO from Texas
State Veterinary Office representative to attend CHC annual meeting Nov.15


Colorado Department of Agriculture has announced movement restrictions or additional entry requirements for horses from Texas due to the detection of equine piroplasmosis in South Texas.

To answer your questions, a representative of the Office of the Colorado State Veterinarian will be at the annual meeting of the Colorado Horse Council, at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, at the Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs. Anyone interested is welcome to attend; call (303) 292-4981 for more information.

Equine piroplasmosis is a serious tick-transmitted blood disease of equine animals, such as horses, donkeys, mules and zebras; the disease may be carried and transmitted by as many as 15 species of ticks. Although ticks have been collected from the South Texas ranch for testing, final results are not complete, and it is not known whether any of the ticks can serve as a host for the disease.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has issued the following requirements:

Equine originating from any premises under quarantine for equine piroplasmosis shall not enter Colorado. Equine originating from Kleburg, Nueces, Kenedy, Willacy, Jim Wells, or Brooks County or any other county in which piroplasmosis is diagnosed, may enter into Colorado providing they are accompanied by a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued by an accredited veterinarian within ten (10) days prior to entering Colorado. The CVI shall contain the following information:

* Negative piroplasmosis cELISA and CF tests for Theileria (Babesia) equi within the past 90 days prior to import into Colorado including an original copy of the test or National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) accession number. (The NVSL is the only approved laboratory for equine piroplasmosis testing);
* A negative Equine Infectious Anemia test within the past twelve (12) months;
* A Colorado import permit number; and
* The following statement by the accredited veterinarian signing the CVI, "I personally inspected the equine listed on this certificate. They do not originate from an equine piroplasmosis quarantined premises, were inspected for ticks, and were treated prophylactically for ticks at the time of the inspection."

(Treatment for ticks shall include any topical pyrethroids or other equine labeled tick treatment product.)

Imported equine that remain permanently in Colorado shall upon arrival at the destination premises be held separate from all other equine until they are:

* physically examined by an accredited veterinarian approved by the state veterinarian;
* retested 30 days after import and determined to be cELISA negative;
* any equine that subsequently tests cELISA positive to piroplasmosis shall be quarantined and shall not remain in Colorado.

Changes in import requirements may develop as new information becomes available to better define the extent of the outbreak. For updated information refer to http://www.tahc.state.tx.us/ or http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1183672504470 or call 303-239-4161.

Former Blountville resident explores West on horseback

Timesnews.net - Full Article

By Leigh Ann Laube
November 7th, 2009

James Brown set out from New Mexico in April bound for Canada. Instead of enjoying the sights by plane, train or automobile, Brown traveled every mile on horseback.

Brown, a former Blountville resident now living in South Carolina, joined a group of riders who took the organized, 2,228-mile ride with the Best of America by Horseback Trail Club, headquartered in Virginia and owned by Tom Seay. The adventure was captured on video for an upcoming series on the “Best of America by Horseback” television show broadcast on RFD-TV.

Traveling with - and carrying - Brown was his American Paint Horse, Rocker.

Brown grew up in Blountville on a 93-acre farm. After a stint in the U.S. Army, he earned a bachelor of science degree in business from East Tennessee State University. He and wife Lorraine moved to Greenville, S.C., in 1970. Their daughter Michelle King and her family live on the farm now.

Brown learned about Best of America by Horseback through The Trail Rider magazine. He became a member of the club, then went through an application process to be selected for the ride. One requirement was that he had to have his own horse and trailer.

More...

Friday, November 06, 2009

Endurance horse racing as a hobby

Lane Community College - The Torch
An LCC instructor finishes 10,000 miles of endurance horse races

Simon Kemp
Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: Features


Two likeminded instructors at LCC have found that riding and training a rare breed of horse for endurance races is a good way to unwind after a long week of teaching, and also get outside and enjoy exercising.

Susie Morrill has been endurance riding since 1986 and recently completed 10,000 cumulative miles raced. She doesn't just race but also breeds horses, specifically a cross between Morgans and Akhal-Tekes, and trains them specifically for endurance racing. She is also an instructor in the Media Arts and Technology Department teaching photo classes, and has been for 23 years.

"One, it's a long term goal. Two, it's a really tough sport. You really have to have your act together to pull off these long distances," Morrill said. "A 50-miler you have 12 hours to complete; a 75-miler you have 18 hours to complete, and a 100-miler you have 24 hours to complete. So you're riding just extremely long times, in the dark, over mountains."

Susan Lowdermilk helps Morrill exercise the horses on weekends and other spare time, and also attends summer races with Morrill across the country. The two met at LCC through a mutual student who introduced them. They have since become not only good friends but riding partners as well. Lowdermilk is an Art and Applied Design instructor.

"It's like a marathon so there's people looking to win and people looking to finish, and I'm never looking to win because I'm a novice rider. I think even after six years there is a lot to know, but it's a great way to be outside and see the woods, and just learn something new, get exercise and communicate with this incredible animal. So it's really fun," Lowdermilk said.

Morrill started riding endurance because she had bought a Morgan horse that was too hyper to do a lot of other disciplines, and was told by a friend to try out endurance racing. The Morgan was good at endurance racing, but she just wasn't cut out for it. With a thick skin and high pulse, the Morgan could never compete for anything beyond pleasure.

Once Morrill became passionate about the sport and gained an understanding of the riding style, she realized that the perfect horses for the job would need to span long distances without straining themselves or take many breaks. She then decided to invest in a 20-year-old Seal Bay Akhal-Teke stallion to breed with her Morgan for the purpose of endurance racing, and has since had immense success in the sport because of her horses' abilities to span great distances without getting tired or even needing to stop very long to rest.

Meeting an Akhal-Teke is like meeting a piece of ancient history. The breed is not only one of the oldest breeds of horses on earth, but is also one of the most unusual and distinctive. The origin of the Akhal-Teke breed is the Turkmenistan Desert oases, and can be traced back over 2,500 years. They were considered heavenly horses in Chinese lore and the Russian Cossacks were often mounted on Akhal-Tekes because of their ability to handle climate extremes. They were the sole reason for many raids throughout history, and have been the prized mounts for many rulers. However, they are not to be taken on by an amateur. Akhal-Tekes are renowned for nothing more than their demand for a competent rider and their temper. Bred for survival through extreme heat and deprivation, they make the perfect endurance racing horses.

What sets endurance racing apart from other styles of horse racing is that the outcome is not dependent on how fast or hard somebody rides their horse, but on how well they know the horse and how they ride them. If one rides full sprint all the way to the veterinary check station then they will have to wait for their horse's pulse to return to normal again before finishing, whereas the rider who knows their horse's limits and maintains a steady rate just below that will hardly have to stop and wait for the pulse to drop back down before continuing.

"It's gorgeous. You're riding in snowstorms, you're riding in hundred and seven degree heat, it's everything. I mean half of it's the weather," Morrill said. "It's a nice family sport, and for horse sports, it's really down to earth people. It's just too hard to be less than gracious."

Morrill has been in races all over the United States including Arizona, California, Kansas, South Dakota as well as Alberta and Manitoba, Canada. Although she likes to stay mainly in the Northwest where she's close to home, friends and family.

Equestrians saddle up for local endurance ride

Orovillemr.com - Full Article

By KYRA GOTTESMAN - Special to the Mercury-Register
Posted: 11/05/2009 10:36:50 PM PST

OROVILLE -- Come rain or shine, more than 100 riders from all over the northwest will be saddling up for the 11th annual Lake Oroville Vista Endurance Ride on Saturday.

The LOVERide, featuring both 30- and 50-mile events, is among the most popular and renowned American Endurance Ride Conference sanctioned rides on the West Coast.

"With the stunning vistas our local trails have to offer, this event has put Oroville on the equestrian map of places to trail ride and horse camp," said Laurie Anderson, one of the ride's volunteers and participants. "We've had riders come from as far away as England come to participate in this event. We've had as many as 200 riders in past years and this year we expect well over 100 from California, Utah, Nevada and Oregon. Some riders come back year after year."

The LOVERide is managed by Oroville resident Kathy Papa and sponsored by the Mounted Assistance Unit of the California State Parks, in cooperation with the Department of Water Resources, which provides the staging areas and security for the annual event.

Both the 30- and 50-mile ride start and end at the Diversion Dam and loop up to Loafer Creek. The 50-mile ride continues with a loop on private property across Highway 162 and then back to the Diversion Dam.

More...

Thursday, November 05, 2009

The EQUUS Foundation/USEF Youth Convention—Reaching Out to the Equine Industry's Next Generation of Leaders

November 05 2009
By Phelps Media Group

Young equine enthusiasts from around the country are expected to attend the EQUUS Foundation/USEF Youth Convention on Saturday, January 16, 2010, in Louisville, KY. The Youth Convention, now in its third year, is held in conjunction with the USEF Annual Meeting for the purpose of uniting youth as well as for growing equine interest and participation.

Attendees will learn to become better horsemen, develop awareness of educational opportunities to pursue a career in the equine industry, and gain leadership skills to serve as future committee members. This all-day event will include a Star Power Panel of top athletes from USEF-recognized breeds and disciplines who will speak with youth about their experiences, backgrounds and enthusiasm for the horse, as well as answer questions. Experts in the equine industry will also be brought in to conduct breakout sessions regarding horse health; vaulting basics; interscholastic riding programs; college and career planning; affiliate youth programs; and a special session for parents, covering the basics of purchasing a first horse and competing. At the end of the day, attendees are invited to the Pegasus Reception and Awards Dinner, followed by a youth dance.

Colleges and Affiliates will have the opportunity to showcase information concerning their equine programs, equestrian teams and youth programs. Displays will remain up during the Youth Convention and the USEF Pegasus Reception on Saturday evening. Sponsorship opportunities are also available and donations of $25 or above will receive recognition in the EQUUS Foundation/USEF Youth Convention program.

The Youth Convention is an outreach program of the USEF Youth Council comprised of USEF members, 22 years of age and under. Youth Council members represent a variety of disciplines and organizations, including the American Connemara Pony Society, American Driving Society, American Endurance Ride Conference, American Morgan Horse Association, American Road Horse and Pony Association, American Saddlebred Horse Association, American Vaulting Association, Arabian Horse Association, International Andalusian Lusitano Horse Association, International Friesian Horse Society, National Reining Horse Association, National Show Horse Registry, Para-Equestrian, Paso Fino Horse Association, United States Dressage Federation, United States Eventing Association, United States Hunter Jumper Association, United States Pony Club, and the Welsh Pony and Cob Society of America.

The Convention is sponsored by The EQUUS Foundation to support the Youth Council goals to: 1) Provide strong and creative youth leadership for all equestrian sport in the United States; 2) Promote the pursuit of excellence in horsemanship from the grassroots to the top levels; 3) Advance the level of horsemanship across all disciplines throughout the United States; 4) Generate interest between competitors and enthusiasts from all breeds and disciplines; and 5) Educate members and the public about equestrian sport.

To learn more about the USEF Youth Council, visit the USEF website link at www.usef.org/_IFrames/Youth/council.aspx. Please direct any inquires to Jennifer Mellenkamp, USEF Youth Programs Director, (859) 225-6955 or jmellenkamp@usef.org.

For more about The EQUUS Foundation, visit www.equusfoundation.org.

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Update on ACTHA Funding


Horses Hope and Healing….pretty much says it all... and ACTHA/Cavallo decided to help.

Recently ACTHA (The American Competitive Trail Horse Association) and Cavallo Horse and Rider Inc. teamed up with other ACTHA sponsors like Trail Blazer, Rick Lamb, Trail Town USA, Mayatex and others too numerous to mention, to see what could be done for the cause of Tiffany Oreglia and The Staff at Horses Hope and Healing, a non-profit in Sacramento California(www.horseshopehealing.com). "This is our business here at ACTHA" states Karen VanGetson Co-Founder of ACTHA, "and this was one we relished!"

In a nut shell HHH combines kids at risk with horses at risk (rescues). Together each finds a friend and each is bolstered in their travels through life. When Tiffany Oreglia, Founder of HHH was originally asked by Greg Giles of Cavallo as to how he could help, Tiffany said she had need for a new pitch fork and some other modest supplies.

Greg called Tom Scrima at ACTHA and shared his admiration of what this wonderful organization was doing with such modest funds. Together they embarked on giving what they could…a fishing pole and a few fish.

Through ACTHA's and Cavallo's help Tiffany and her crew at HHH were able to put on a ACTHA sanctioned ride where almost 100 riders came, competed, laughed and had a great time. With ACTHA and Cavallo's leadership sponsors flourished and great prizes were won by all. At the end of the day several THOUSAND dollars was raised by HHH and the work goes on.... smiling kids and grateful horses. Best of all HHH now has a proven way to consistently raise funds for their needs.

"In a perfect world this is how it should be, and who says we can’t strive for perfection?" states the 2 representatives from Cavallo and ACTHA, Greg Giles and Tom Scrima.

To date ACTHA has helped and enabled more than 100 wonderful charities and Causes like Tiffany's at Horses Hope and Healing.

We're proud of our members, sponsors and affiliates for making this possible...lets make it 1,000 !!!

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

U.S. Nationals Vendor Needs Your Immediate Help! - Stolen Truck and Trailer

November 3, 2009

Arabian Saddle Company's (ASC) truck and trailer, along with their entire show stock were stolen from the parking lot of the Extended Stay Hotel on Saturday night after packing up from U.S. Nationals in Tulsa, Okla. The goods alone are worth several hundred thousand dollars. If you or someone you know is offered a significantly reduced price on any of ASC's products, or you see their products advertised anywhere (ebay, local retail store, etc.), other than their official website or from an authorized dealer, please contact the Tulsa Police Department 918-596-COPS (2677) immediately.