Sunday, February 28, 2010

Nevada Derby Ride April 3 & 4

The Nevada All-State Trail Riders, Inc. (NASTR) is a non-profit corporation
organized in 1968 for the purpose of preserving historical trails in Nevada
by sponsoring and promoting horse back riding on these trails.

NASTR is pleased to present our spring warmup ride, The Nevada Derby, April
3 and 4, 2010 in the Winnemucca Valley, north of Reno, Nevada, with two days
of rides: Saturday with 25 and 50-mile rides, and Sunday with 15 and 50-mile
rides. The Triple Crown qualifing ride will be Saturday's 50-mile ride.

Both days' 50-mile rides are AHA Region 3 Local Rides. Sundays 15-mile ride
is not AERC sanctioned.

NASTR's spring ride was historically known as the Derby Ditch, and for
nearly 40 years was based north of Reno near a geographic feature by that
name, but residential development forced us from that location. It's still
the first of our three rides (our Triple Crown), and we invite you to join
in the challenge of riding them all for special awards based on their
combine riding times.
Nevada Derby 50, April 3, 2010
NASTR 75, June 12, 2010
Virginia City 100, September 18, 2010

Base camp for the ride remains unchanged, at the home of Joe & Karen
Broughton located at 6505 Rangeland Rd., Reno, NV 89510. We are pleased to
host the ride at this location and wish to express our sincere thanks to Joe
& Karen for once again allowing the use of their property for our base camp.

We are also pleased to annouce that with the cooperation of the owners and
manager of the Winnemucca Ranch, and weather permitting, we anticipate being
able to repeat and expand upon last year's trail further into the foothills
north of camp.

In our continuing effort to encourage ridership, JUNIORS RIDE FREE! Adult
entries postmarked by March 25 may avoid the $15 late fee.

Membership in NASTR costs only $15 for new members ($10 for annual
renewals), and provides a $5 discount on each of our rides: dues may be
included on your entry for this ride. Donations in excess of the membership
fees are tax deductible, and very much appreciated: please consider us when
planning your annual charitable giving. Thank you again for your support!

If you have any difficulty opening the attached Ride Entry & Information,
please visit our website at http://www.nastr.org/ or call me at(775)
883-9043.

Make checks payable to NASTR

Karon Dutcher, Ride Secretary
Nevada Derby
1310 S Deer Run Rd.
Carson City, NV 89701

To be removed from our e-mail list, or if you have friends who would like to
be added, please reply to scottdutcher1@gmail.com

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Am I Blue +/ Named AHA Distance Horse of the Year for 2009

Arabian Horse Association

February 18, 2010

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) today announced Am I Blue+/ (Red Wings Royalty x Petrovna), owned by Louise and Bruce Burton of Okmulgee, Okla., as the 2009 Distance Horse of the Year. The notable award recognizes an Arabian or Half-Arabian with significant accomplishments in distance riding sports. Am I Blue, known as "Ducky," topped off an excellent year with a championship at the AHA U.S. Endurance National Championship in the 100-Mile ride, Half-Arabian division, on October 27 in Stillwater, Okla. Ducky and Burton finished the 100-Mile Ride in 11 hours.

Each time a horse is named the Distance Horse of the Year, their name is added to a perpetual bronze sculpture trophy, designed by Joe Staheli that is displayed at the AHA office in Aurora, Colo.

Plagued by injury and lameness for almost three years after Burton bought the mare, Ducky's partnership with Burton began bumpy. After a few adjustments were made to Ducky's pace and gait, Burton and Ducky began to thrive, and the pair earned the championship spot at the Region 9 Endurance Championship in 2008 and then again in 2009.

"Mike Beasley told me I needed to canter more and trot less," says Burton. As Ducky's pace quickened, she often awarded the Best Conditioned with a 15 pulse, which made Burton realize the mare could handle a 100-mile ride and produce winning times.

According to Burton, the 1998 16-hand Half-Arabian mare, out of a straight Russian dam and a Saddlebred sire, experienced her best moment on a race to the finish line this year. "A guy decided to race us the last 1/4 mile to beat us at a ride in Texas last spring. I didn't want to race in, but Duck would have none of it. She would not let that horse pass! That was the first time she discovered she could really run! I never could get her to run flat out before that," says Burton. "She is a dream to ride. Duck loves nothing better than to go down the trail." adds Burton.

For more information on AHA distance programs, visit ArabianHorses.org/Distance or contact AHA at (303) 696-4500.

Friday, February 26, 2010

Color Country 3-day Pioneer Endurance Ride in Utah in April

Marian Parker (Ride Manager) and family would like to invite you to join us at our upcoming Color Country 3-day Pioneer Endurance Ride in Hurricane, Utah, on April 9, 10, and 11, 2010.

The ride will be held in Hurricanes high desert. We have been having a lot of rain. Hopefully we will have some pretty desert flowers this year. We do not have a limit on how may riders we can have, so the more the merrier. We will be serving a dutch oven dessert at the ride meeting on friday night. No charge.

Stacie works very hard to make sure the 50 milers and 25 milers have well marked, fun, and different trails each day. Just remember it is your responsibility to take care of yourself and best friend your horse. We are high desert, with hills, washes, climbs, cactus, beautiful scenery, and dinosaur tracks. She will have water on the trail. Base camp has horse water only. We will have it so you don’t have to go down to the pump house, but right where the vet check will be. You are responsible for your camp site, and there is plenty of room for all. You do not have to clean up your hay, because as we move out the cows move in. We are on BLM, so yes you need weed free hay. Sorry I do not have hay to sell. Make sure you bring enough hay for your stay with us.

The attachments above are as follows: 1. welcome letter, directions, and facilities in Hurricane, 2. Rider application, and 3. Medical release. Print the application and medical release. Fill out, sign, and e-mail back to me. If I have it in advance that helps to plan, or bring it with you. If you forget or loose it I always have more for you to fill out. If you need additional information do not hesitate to contact me. I always love to hear from riders.

Trail Master is Stacie Devereaux, and Head Vet is Dave Nicholson

Take care and we will see you at the ride.

Marian and family

Contact info:
PHONE: 1-435-635-2691 (This number is also a fax machine)
ADDRESS: 1199 S. TOQUER BLVD. TOQUERVILLE, UT 84774
E-MAIL: mparker_931@msn.com for application etc.

See www.mrer.org - information only

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Beijing to London horse ride - Megan to start third stage

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Lottie Butler, H&H newsdesk
24 February, 2010

Endurance riding is being taken to an entirely new level by national endurance rider Megan Lewis, who is currently preparing for the third stage of The Long Horse Ride, a Sino-British international friendship ride.

The ride, a five-part journey on horseback from Beijing to London, began after the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and will be completed in time for the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics.

The next stage, due to start in April, will follow the northern Silk route across the Gobi desert and onwards through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to Samarkand.

"It is very difficult to know how long the route will take exactly," Megan told H&H.

More...

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

FEI Endurance Steward's Course - May 13-15

Download pdf file: application and info

Open to licensed FEI and USEF Endurance Stewards and applicants for those licenses. Attendance at the course fulfills the continuing education course requirements for FEI and national level Endurance Stewards. Discount registration deadline is 26 April, 2010.

Course Director
Teresa Cross – FEI Steward General, Endurance (USA) FEI ENDURANCE STEWARDS’ COURSE
13-15 May, 2010 San Jose, California (USA)

Monday, February 22, 2010

Texas Equestrian Seeks Sponsors for Mongol Derby


Guidrynews.com - Full Article

News Release
Sunday, February 21, 2010

Justin NelzenJustin Nelzen was born in the small town of McPherson, Kansas and moved to Houston at the early age of 4. Justin often likes to joke that "I may not have been born here, but I got here as quickly as I could." Those roots have kept Justin coming back his whole life. Justin enlisted in the Navy where he served with various Navy/Marine Corps Units around the world.

Honorably fulfilling his military requirements, Justin soon found his way back home to Texas where he decided to pursue a career in the equine industry. In order to maximize his knowledge, he attended and graduated from numerous schools and clinics from across the country. Some of these schools and achievements include the Oklahoma Horseshoeing School, Equissage (Equine Sports Massage Therapy), Journeyman Farrier Certification by the BWFA as well as clinics ranging in topics from hoof balance to Founder treatments.

2008 marked Justin's first year of Endurance and Competitive Trail competition. From the start he took the sport by storm, Justin as won or trained individuals in many Endurance and Competitive Trail competitions who have gone on to win countless races. Some of his achievements include two Bronze medals at the North American Endurance Race, Grand Champion Competitive Trail Horse and Rider, training Zar: the U.S. horse ridden by Elenn Rapp who represented the U.S. in the Presidents Cup. Justin has raced and trained horses overseas as well as being the first American selected to race in the Mongol Derby, the World’s Longest Endurance Race (1000-1200 km).

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Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Mustad Equi-Librium Shoe Steps Into the Endurance Market

Delta Mustad also announces Team Equilibrium, sponsorship of Tevis Cup during AERC Convention

FOREST LAKE, Minn. – (Feb. 17, 2010) – The Mustad Equi-Librium horseshoe initially proved itself as a new product during the 2008 Olympic competition, when competitors using it for the first time won gold and bronze medals. The Mustad Equi-Librium is now finding surefooted success with horse and riders in top Endurance horse events.

Featured at the Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center booth during the AERC Convention in Reno, Nev., Feb. 19-20, 2010, the Mustad Equi-Librium shoe has been ergonomically designed for horses that must make fast turns in their work – balance and breakover are key features of the shoe.

“Equi-Librium shoes are a great asset to the endurance sport because of how they enhance breakover,” says Jeff Pauley, CJF and U.S. Endurance Team farrier for 2006 and 2010. “I feel that breakover is one of the most important factors in balancing a foot.”

Stagg Newman has experienced the benefits of Mustad Equi-Librium shoes as a horse owner and rider, with success in numerous Endurance competitions, since Pauley recommended them for his horse, Jayel Super.

A highlight of this year’s AERC convention will be a special presentation sponsored by Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center. Blake Brown, nationally recognized farrier and educator, will discuss the benefits of the Mustad Equi-Librium shoe from a farrier and horse wellness perspective. The company also will announce its roster of top-level riders competing for “Team Equilibrium.”

The Mustad Equi-librium also has earned the title of “the Official Horseshoe of the Tevis” for the 2010 Tevis Cup in Placer County, Calif., July 24, 2010.

“Mustad specifically designs and engineers each of our products to suit horses in every situation, but the Equi-Librium shoe just so happens to cross that boundary between racing and endurance,” said Remco van der Linden, president of Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center.

“In the hands of an excellent farrier, these high performance shoes help horses become champions,” he said.


About Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center / Mustad Group
Based in Forest Lake, Minn., Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center is the North American arm of Mustad Hoofcare Group, SA (Switzerland), the world’s leading manufacturer of horsenails, horseshoes and hoofcare products. Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center distributes the industry’s leading brands, including St. Croix Forge, Capewell, Cooper, Delta, Heller, Mustad, Tuff Stuff®, Thrushbuster® and Right Balance™, Hoof Power.

Mustad provides products to satisfy the needs of farriers, horse owners and veterinarians, worldwide. Products include horsenails, horse shoes, farrier tools, vitamin and mineral supplements, and specialty products for the care of the horse’s lower limbs and hooves. The Mustad Hoofcare Group has been active in the global hoofcare market for more than 175 years.


Media Contact:
Mary Lilja or Alex Cook
Lilja Inc. for Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center
(952) 893-7140
mcl@lilja.com

Great Britain: Ribble Valley rider Jane is at home in the saddle

Clitheroe Advertiser
Published Date: 17 February 2010

IMAGINE riding a horse from England to America and back, a distance of 6,000 miles.
That is the incredible distance Wiswell rider Jane Wood and her remarkable horse Kym have just achieved in long-distance riding.

Jane, who lives at Wiswell Hall Livery Yard with her husband John and daughter Joannne, has received the 6,000 mile accolade from Endurance GB, the competitive long-distance horse riding society for England and Wales.

Kym probably holds the record mileage for any currently competing horse in Lancashire.

Jane has owned her sprightly 24-year-old brown and white coloured mare Kym since she was just a five-year-old. The pair have completed the endurance miles from as far north as Northumberland and Cumbria to East Anglia and the Cotswolds in the South.

Ride mileage is logged by the society and accumulates over the season. This is then taken forward to add on each year. Kym has won numerous trophies and rosettes in her long career, and has also raised over £500 for Macmillan Nurses by taking part in annual sponsored rides at Newmarket racecourse.

Jane thinks the world of her and she is very much a part of the Wood family.Kym celebrated her 21st birthday with fellow liveries at the yard.

"Endurance riding is a wonderful way of building a trusting affinity with your horse," said Jane.

"I particularly enjoy this form of equine sport as you build up such a close friendship with your horse, experiencing fantastic countryside and scenery all over England."

Horses are very much a major part of Jane's life. When she is not endurance riding, she is kept busy with the small and friendly livery yard she runs with her family. Of course, the 6,000 miles Kym has completed are only the recorded distance – she is kept very fit at home riding along the beautiful roads and lanes in the picturesque Ribble Valley.

If they too were measured, she could possibly have ridden as far as New Zealand!
[...more]

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Duo built to ride: Hub City teen, horse endured much to earn gold medal, recognition

News.tradingcharts.com - Full Article

Feb 16, 2010 (American News - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- When the four Kimbler girls ride out for competition or a training run, their parents don't expect them to return any time soon.

The annual Kentucky Derby thoroughbred race in May is 1 miles long and takes about two minutes to complete. When Kelsey Kimbler, 17, won the North American Young Riders Endurance Ride in July, it took eight hours and 19 minutes and covered 75 miles. Both Kelsey and her older sister, Kirsten, 20, qualified for the long race in the Clark State Forest in Indiana.

Kelsey and Kirsten's younger sisters McCamey, 13, and Tessa, 10, also ride.

In the endurance race, Kelsey rode one of the family's horses named Blade, an 11-year-old gray purebred Arabian gelding that stands 15.3 hands high (a little more than 5 feet) at the shoulder. The Kimblers were riding in Canada when they spotted Blade.

"We had ridden together with Blade's owner and we'd seen the potential in him and bought him," said Kelsey. "The first year I got to know him, and this year we took off."

Served two purposes

The long ride combined competition and companionship for Kelsey. After Kirsten and her horse were not allowed to continue the race for medical reasons, Kelsey, a member of the Central Team, rode with Lindsey Bean of the East Team and Jennifer Stevens of the Mountain Team.

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An Unforgettable Feat in Spain

Barbra Dozier's blog
By barbradozier

Despite of the coming big day, I have managed to appreciate the richness of the vast geographic and cultural diversity Spain has. From the snowcapped mountains of the Pyrenees to the sun kissed shores of the Mediterranean, Spain indeed is one marvel different from what I have back home.

Revelling in the inviting streets of Barcelona, my mind momentarily veered away from the anxiety of the nearing competition. But I know I’m not supposed to lose sight of why I’m there to begin with.

I wake up with the sun streaming in from the white-curtained window sills. I am ambivalent for a week of training, but I am more of confident and exhilarated knowing I’ll be training with the horse that has bonded well with me for years now. My horse has shown more agility and stamina. But I am fervently hoping for it to gain speed as the competition comes closer. A week-long training dispelled some of my fears and reservations. I have years of hard training, sacrifice and experience to give me a shot in this much coveted endurance championship title. Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled long-distance races. It is one of the international competitions recognized by the Fédération Équestre Internationale or the FEI. There are endurance rides worldwide.

I have employed various methods in training my stallion, including a powered horse walker, lunging and short graded endurance rides to keep him in peak physical fitness and health. I am highly positive on this one. (Al-Nakyme)

It has finally come. I barely slept the night before but my senses instantly rose to life upon seeing a challenging terrain and other sharp looking competitors. I have never felt this nervous for a long time now. This is the endurance championship I have spent the few months back working hard for. I passed off weekends of rendezvous with friends to train for this.

I have to give this my best and even better performance than my last day of training. This type of thing involves not just physical but also immense mental internalization and preparation. The weather seems perfect for the occasion, just partially cloudy but no sign of impending heavy downpour any time before the competition comes to a close. The terrain is reasonable. This is almost similar to the terrain I trained in.

A rider is given the liberty to dress comfortably but still has to be dressed to preserve the image of the sport. I have on a new equestrian helmet I just bought the day I got to Spain. My riding breech is comfortable enough and I have on the boots I have gotten accustomed to wearing in my past competitions. At 77 kg together with the saddle, I am just 2 kg above the minimum weight limit. Still, I do hope to get Best Conditioned or BC award which is sometimes even considered more prized than finishing first. It is determined by a combination of speed, weight carried, and veterinary scores. The veterinary scores are acquired through the veterinary inspections that are conducted at the end of every phase. This is essential to determine whether or not the horse is still fit to pursue the remaining phases especially with respect to dehydration and soundness.

The race started and almost similar to an epic movie, everyone shouted and kicked his horse to mobility. I can feel the power of my horse as it effortlessly trudges up pretty steep elevations. After just a few phases, I already see some walking by their horses. This is valid, but will really slow one down.

It is important that I stay ahead of the pack especially in dusty roads. I have seen how difficult it is to be lagging behind and have thick dust cover my eyes. This time, I am leading. I only see two other riders behind me on this long and dusty path. But they’re inching closer. As I urged my horse to go faster, I feel him gasping but still determined to give me victory. It’s like he knows exactly what’s at stake.

After 60 miles of a more challenging landscape than I thought, I find myself crossing the finish line first! This is the greatest adrenaline in the world. One by one, equally competitive riders are arriving with huge smiles in their faces.

Champion and Best Conditioned! I don’t know when I’ll ever be this happy again.

Barbra Dozier's blog

Monday, February 15, 2010

Your Chance to be a Part of an Exciting Endurance Event!

Bridleandbit.com

By
Feb 15, 2010, 09:58

Email this article
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Volunteers are needed to help with the Dynamite Dash Endurance Ride to be held at Checker XII Ranch on 152nd St and Lone Mountain on Saturday, February 27. This event features our fantastic trails in the Tonto National Forest and will attract national level riders competing at distances of 50, 75 and 100 miles! Be a part of the excitement, give back to the equine community, experience superb equine athletes, and promote equestrian sports in the Tonto Forest by volunteering even a few hours to this event. No experience necessary – we will train you for In/Out Timer, Vet Scribe, Pulse Taker (hand held devices provided), and assorted other tasks. Many volunteers are needed – 100 mile riders have 24 hours to complete and although it is not anticipated that they will take the full time, having volunteers work limited shifts would be most appreciated.

PLEASE contact Jenny Powers at jpowers@pbmi.com or 480-861-8392 to volunteer. All volunteers receive a ball cap with ride logo, beverages and meals. All volunteers will remain in base camp at Checker XII Ranch. Any help you can offer will be most appreciated. Thank you!

For details on this event visit: http://sites.google.com/site/dynamitedash/

Setback for Amigo on road to recovery


Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
February 16, 2010

The Tennessee horse who suffered a horrific injury when impaled on a large branch has suffered a setback.

There were fears on Sunday at the University of Tennessee's Large Animal Clinic that Amigo may have been coming down with laminitis.

Gary Sanderson said he visited Amigo on Sunday after church and he seemed OK.

Two hours later he received a call that Amigo had an elevated digital pulse and hoof sensitivity - signs of laminitic problems.

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Competitive Trail Horse Elmer Bandit, 38, Euthanized

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Marsha Hayes
February 15 2010, Article # 15827

National competitive trail mileage record holder Elmer Bandit, 38, passed away Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the pasture of his longtime boarding stable, Misty River Equestrian Center, in Independence, Mo.

Surrounded by several friends and his lifelong owner, Mary Anna Wood, Elmer was attended by J. B. Scott, DVM, of the Odessa Animal Clinic, Odessa, Mo.

Elmer was discovered earlier Sunday, February 14, unable to rise in his pasture. The gray half-Arabian appeared alert and determined to get his hindquarters under him, but the cold north wind and dropping temperatures began to take a toll on the horse. Snow moved into the area and the windchill dropped to around 10° degrees as people worked to assist Elmer and keep him warm.

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Sunday, February 14, 2010

President's Cup: An Abu Dhabi Farewell - Heather Reynolds

Reynoldsracing - Full Story

Sunday, 14 February 2010

Happy Valentine's Day!! This is our 4th one in the UAE! How strange. Today we went to take care of the horses in the morning. They were both doing well. They got to spend the day out in a large paddock together. It seemed relaxing for them and was the least they had to do since they arrived here. We also packed all of our gear up as the horses were to ship out on Monday.

After that we headed to Sheika Madiya's barn. It was a good thing that Jeremy had a hand drawn map in addition to a verbal explanation because we were driving on a highway type road and then had to look for a certain Kilometer marker and then hook a left handed turn, off- roading, as in deep sand, to a road that ran beneath the one we were on. It would have been really cryptic had there not been the verbal instructions.

After an hour plus drive we were there. Madiya showed us around and we got a tour of her horses. After this we had a wonderful lunch with her and her friend and sister. The meal was delicious and had many traditional plates.

When we finished eating we went to her barn and there were horses waiting, saddled and ready for us...

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Saturday, February 13, 2010

Injured horse shows amazing recovery at UT veterinary college

WHNT.com

By Associated Press

February 13, 2010

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - An Arabian horse has surprised the veterinarians at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine for his amazing recovery from a terrible injury.

Gary Sanderson's horse Amigo was an elite endurance horse competing in 50-miles races. But last month, Sanderson found that the horse had accidentally been impaled in the chest by a tree branch.

Vets initially thought he would have to be euthanized, but after three weeks of treatment for a collapsed lung, broken ribs and infections, WBIR-TV reports that he now has a 50 percent chance of survival.

A Facebook page set up for Amigo has more than 1,500 fans.

Abu Dhabi: US Riders Complete President's Cup

Jeremy Reynolds, riding 11-year-old Sir Smith, and Ellyn Rapp, riding 13-year-old SA Belshazzar, finished 37th and 41st, respectively, in the 11th annual President's Cup in the UAE.

Sir Smith's ride time was 8:50.01 for an average speed of 18.11 km/h, while SA Belshazzar finished in 9:17.35 for an average of 17.22 km/h.

Winner of the race was Sultan Ahmed Al Baloushi of Al Reef Stables, riding the amazing 13-year-old Charlandre El Sharif. Already a record holder for 160 km, Charlandre El Sharif set a new world record of 6:21.12 for the distance.

Coverage at http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2010PresidentsCup/

Eastern Mojave Scenic Day 1 - Steve Bradley

Hi from EMS ride camp:

I posted all the photos from Day 1 to my smug mug site at 2:30 this morning, they are here:

http://stevesphoto.smugmug.com/2010-Endurance-Rides/Eastern-Mohave-Scenic-D1/11223937_DfXyT#787092404_xUWNt

For anyone that thought about coming to the ride and didn't you missed a great 1st day, new trail on the north side of the freeway, great weather with 63 starters and 61 finishers. Weather is suppose to stay good for the entire ride.

Winner yesterday was Doug Swingley, who has taken up the sport of Endurance Riding after retiring from racing sled dogs competing in the 1100 mile Iditarod race held in Alaska. Doug gave a talk about his experiences racing in Alaska and answered questions after the ride meeting last night. Great first day to say the least....

Got to go warm up the MC.....

Happy Trails,
Steve

Eastern Mojave Scenic Day 1

posted by Karen Chaton

Today turned out to be quite nice. I had a fantastic ride on Chief, though it’s rare that I don’t – he such a sweetheart and I so love riding him. At the start he was pretty amped up but settled in after a few miles and was pretty good all day.

I rode with Jackie Bumgardner and Tom Jenkins all day. We were all pretty relaxed and spent the day chatting away and telling stories. Jackie knows a lot of interesting history and it is always fun to hear about the past. I was extremely relieved to ride Chief all day and have him feel so solid on his feet. It was really a bummer at DVE when he felt sore over the rocks. So, BIG relief! His eyelic looks healed up and I am so hoping and praying that this is IT, the real deal….I so want my horse back!!

There were 63 riders today with 61 finishing. Doug Swingley came in first with Mindy Wolfe’s horse receiving BC. Doug, as it turns out is a well known sports hero! He has won the Iditarod four times and has 36 (I think) national titles, etc. He was gracious enough to talk to the riders tonight and answer questions – very interesting! Anything endurance is always an attention grabber for me so it’s fun to hear first hand about these incredible dogs.

EMS 2010 Eastern Mojave Day 1 022 300x225 Day 1, Eastern Mojave Endurance Ride 2010I’ve got a shoulder bothering me, and a rope burn on the opposite hand…boy is that a story! I tried to fit both horses through Nannette’s barn door and…duh…we didn’t all fit.

[...more]

President's Cup: Friday in the UAE- and counting - Heather Reynolds

Reynolds Racing - Full Story

Friday, 12 February 2010

Today was the last day of waiting! Super!! We went out to the camel souk first thing to get fresh Alfalfa and to get a new box of carrots. I was able to take a picture of some of the camel jockey robots, they were even wearing silks!

Jeremy and Ellen rode. Smitty looked perfect and calm. Zar looked wonderful as he cantered effortlessly along. He is a very nice representation of Shagya breeding. I took many pictures and a few video clips of him on his ride today. After the ride we gave him a soap bath and even conditioned his tail. He was super clean when we left for lunch.

We were going to leave for lunch when we discovered that our car had a dead battery. We waited a while and someone with jumper cables arrived to rescue us. We drove back to the hotel and waited for the person to arrive to give us our 4 wheel drive crew trucks. When the guy claimed that the trucks would run "Just as well as your cars" I was scared. My truck that they gave me coughed to a slow turn over start. I quickly refused taking that one and got a new one. I told them that I had already had my fun with my rental car.

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Friday, February 12, 2010

President's Cup: Thursday in the UAE-getting closer! - Heather Reynolds

Reynolds Racing - Full Story

Thursday, 11 February 2010

We went to the barn this morning for Jeremy to do a short ride. Ellen and Eryn went for a walk as well as Jeremy Olson's dad, Craig (who arrived last night).

We worked on Smitty taking bottles from his right side as that is the side he liked less and that is the side that is easier to get to while driving and handing off. He only held his breath a few times today, and it is really funny when he does!

After the ride Jeremy ran from the barn out for a 6 mile, give or take, run while I read my book. Then we headed back to the hotel.

Ellen, Eryn and Craig went to the camel souk and there was a lot more going on there than usual. Apparently there were fancy camels wearing sparkley, strappy things and a lot more camels were there than normal. Maybe there had been a race?

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Thursday, February 11, 2010

President's Cup: Wednesday in the UAE - Heather Reynolds

Reynolds Racing - Full Story

Wednesday, 10 February 2010

We woke up and had breakfast as usual and then headed out to the barn. It was another 2 hour walk morning, which is about a 6 mile deal. Every time that Smitty has seen a camel he is convinced that we should go get a better look and tries to drag me towards them. Well, today he had his chance. The camels were right on the road we were on, headed straight at us. When they were approaching he was happy, then at some point in the approaching, I guess he focused on them really well. I think he must have realized that he needs his eyes checked because it went from a cool idea "let's say Hi" to "let's get the hell outta here!" In a split second.

Jeremy ran 12 miles while we walked and he went 10 min faster today then he did two days ago.

After our walk I body clipped Smitty. We tied him to our rental car and even hung his hay bag from the car as well. We did this by unrolling the windows on the left side of the car and then tied him through the solid part of the doors between the two windows. Very professional.

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Wednesday, February 10, 2010

President's Cup: Tuesday in the UAE - Heather Reynolds

Reynolds Racing - Full Story

Tuesday, 09 February 2010

I failed to tell you about the crazy motorcycle drivers last night. We were coming back from town and needed gas really badly. We were on a failing search for gas and we had given up and were heading back to the hotel when we just barely noticed in time two motorcycles, in the dark, without headlights, driving at us head on. I don't know if this is some psychotic type of training or what but they kept almost getting killed! The worst part was that when we went around a few more roundabouts they were once again in front of us heading at us from out of the darkness head on! Crazy. This is when Ellen said half way jokingly that they were after their families blood money. She went on to explain that if you kill a person in an accident you then owe that person's family $250,000 for their loss!

Any how, we had breakfast early to make it for our 8 am photo shoot. This morning there were amazing chocolate croissants that I now knew were fresh which made them even more amazing!

When we got to the barn we got the horses dolled up and saddled and went to exit the quarantine compound when our guard told us we couldn't leave until 9 am.

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Luttrell horse 'Amigo' survives gruesome injury; becomes Facebook sensation

WBIR.com - Full Story & Video

Jim Matheny
2/10/2010

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For more than three weeks, Gary Sanderson's Arabian horse Amigo has lived at the UT vet school's large animal clinic instead of his barn in Luttrell. Doctors consider it a miracle that Amigo is alive at all.

The athletic horse is one of the elite endurance horses in the nation. Amigo and Sanderson compete in 50-mile races, where the horse was ranked fifth in the southeast region.

On January 17th, Sanderson walked down to the horse barn and noticed Amigo standing at the gate.

"I asked him what he was doing down by the gate all by himself, and he answered me," said Sanderson. "Then I noticed he was not coming around the gate and I looked at his other side."

Sanderson discovered a gruesome wound. A cedar branch two inches in diameter and three feet long had stabbed Amigo through the chest.

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Tuesday, February 09, 2010

President's Cup: Another day in the UAE - Heather Reynolds

Reynoldsracing - Full Story

Monday, 08 February 2010

I forgot to mention that we went to the camel souk (market) yesterday to get carrots for Smitty. On the way there you can literally see 100's of camels that are in race training being ponied all over the place. We also went to a nearby stand that sells fresh cut Lucerne (alfalfa). It is super fresh, as in looking like fresh cut grass. Smitty likes it, he gets a handful each day.

At some point late in the night, like 12 am, we got a delivery at our room from the OC. It was a hat and jacket that had the race logo on it. I saw them when I woke up as I slept through the delivery! The jackets and hats were the right size and looked really cool. We also had a dinner party invite attached to this package. The party will be on Thursday night at he Endurance Village.

This morning we woke up and had the buffet as usual. I did hear the main Chef coaching one of his guys on how the pastries could be rounder, etc. I then realized that all of the beautiful pasteries we made fresh, right here. This inspired me to try an almond and powdered sugar covered croissant. Awesome!

Then we drove to the barn. I cleaned Smitty's stall...

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Don't Forget the AERC Convention!

The American Endurance Ride Conference will hold its annual Convention and Trade Show at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada February 18-20, 2010.

Vendors from around the country will have their products at the Trade Show. Speaker seminars will cover topics of horse health and trails. The AERC Awards Banquet will take place Saturday from 6:30 - 10 PM.

The USEF has planned several meetings and events of special interest to those involved in International Endurance.

* Thursday February 18, at 6:00pm – The USEF/AERC International Welcome Reception
* Saturday February 20, 1:00pm to2:00pm – Officials Round Table Discussion. (Open to all FEI Endurance Judges, Stewards Veterinarians and Organizers. Call in capability will be provided for those who cannot attend in person.)
* Saturday February 20 2:00pm to 4:00pm- Chef d' Equipe Presentation for Ranking List Athletes

(A discussion of the High Performance program leading up to the 2010 World Equestrian Games. The presentation will cover the process and schedule for selection for the US Endurance Team, including the Selection Trials, Pre-WEG Training and what will be expected of the riders who are vying for a place on the squad. Call in capability will be provided for those who cannot attend in person.)

* Saturday February 20, 6:30pm – National Awards Banquet
* Sunday, February 21 1:00pm – USEF Joint Endurance Committee Meeting. (Call in capability will be provided for those who cannot attend in person.)

For further information on the convention, and registration forms, go to www.aerc.org or phone 866-271-2372.

Monday, February 08, 2010

President's Cup: I Made It!! - Heather Reynolds

Reynolds Racing - Full Story

07 February 2010

Well let's see here, my flight was absurdly long. I started out flying from San Jose to Denver. This really doesn't get you closer to the UAE. I made the mistake of mentioning the San Jose airport and I think that organizer thought they were doing me a favor by flying me from there versus San Francisco. So instead of me driving 45 min to San Fran, I flew 2 1/2 hours to Denver and then had a 3 hour lay over to fly to Europe. I walked around Denver switched my watch by an hour and had a salad. This added 5 hours to my lovely trip. Then I got on my flight to Frankfurt. This was a 10:35 flight. I switched my watch by 8 hours and walked around all of the Duty Free shopping there was to see and waited out my 3 hour lay over. Then I boarded my final leg to Dubai. this was a 5:55 flight. I changed my watch by 3 more hours and was there. I landed at 11:55 pm. I took off on the 5th of Feb at 11 am and landed the 6th at 11:55 pm. Very cool time warp.

Once I was through passport control, which took about an hour, I went to baggage. After finding my bags, which were the last two to appear (at least they appeared though, right?) I went out to look for a person holding my name on a sign. I looked and then looked and then realized there wasn't a sign...shit. I had emailed the person in charge of our travel arrangements 5 times leading up to this trip to get the hotel info and never had gotten any data.

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Sunday, February 07, 2010

For horse lover Mullen, 'the ride is the prize'

Goupstate.com - Full Article

Landrum resident, with teammate Ellie, to compete in 100-mile race

By Eric Boynton
eric.boynton@shj.com

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Sue Mullen has ridden horses in countless races of up to 100 miles, but there's never an end to the trails left to conquer.

Horses have been a part of the 59-year-old Landrum resident's life since she began riding nearly 53 years ago. She purchased her first horse at 9 with money garnered mostly from baby-sitting in addition to funds plucked from birthday cards.

"My parents kept waiting for me to outgrow it and I never did," said Mullen, who was raised in Montana.

Her next goal is to compete for the renowned Tevis Cup in the Western States Trail Ride when the 55th running happens July 24.

Known as the "granddaddy" of endurance rides, the event is a 100-mile excursion that begins in Robie Park, Calif., (outside Lake Tahoe) and ends in Auburn, Calif., with riders required to finish in less than 24 hours.

"I always wanted to do the race, but life kept interfering," said Mullen, a mother of three and grandmother of one with another on the way. "I'll be 60 (in April) so I decided it's now or never. I hope to finish, but if we don't, we'll have a great adventure anyway."

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Saturday, February 06, 2010

Enroute to the President's Cup - Heather Reynolds


Reynoldsracing.com - Heather's Blog
Friday, 05 February 2010

So it is that we are once again on our way to the President's Cup. Jeremy and Sir Smith left on Jan 28th. I drove them and the other USA horse BA Belshazaar (SP?) aka Zar as well.

We left at 1 am Thursday morning to get to LAX by 8 am. Zar had been with us for a couple of days so he made the trip down with us as his owners, Jeremy Olson and Ellen Rapp, are currently living in Qatar training endurance horses.

The horses both traveled well and made it, with a very tired Jeremy, to Amsterdam. The horses stayed at the horse hotel on the out skirts of Amsterdam. They had a 3 day wait there before they would ship to another airport some where in the NL to get on to a private charter with the other foreign horses to continue on to the UAE. It was snowing in Amsterdam so Jeremy could only ride them in the indoor arena. Poor Jeremy was all alone there with out any other US rider for company.

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Friday, February 05, 2010

Stephanie Palmer-DuRoss To Speak at Scottsdale Arabian Show

Scottsdaleshow.com

Local Regional and National award winning Endurance rider Stephanie Palmer-DuRoss will be speaking about Endurance riding. She has competed in Endurance riding for 21 years with over 8000 Endurance miles.

She will be discussing the basics of Endurance riding. This will include information on where to start. What you would need to ride Endurance. How to find local rides in your area. She will be talking about the American Endurance Ride Conference and the motto of "to finish is to win". She will explain what to expect at Endurance rides including different distances and how to complete. There will be information on vetting and the "no drug policy". She will be bringing along her Arabian Hadji Halef Omar who has over 4700 Endurance miles in the last 9 years.

For more information, see Scottsdaleshow.com/educational/seminars