Monday, May 31, 2010

Michelle Roush

Clubequestrian.com - Full Article

Michelle Roush
Born: June 4, 1967 Hometown: North San Jaun, CA

Michele Roush has an extensive resume in the sport of Endurance. Roush has over 12,000 AERC miles and has ridden 49 different horses throughout her illustrious career. Michele has a top ten rate of fifty-three percent and a lifetime Best Condition rate of twenty-three percent.

Roush started out in 1980 in the sport of Ride & Tie, which vies teams of two runners and one horse against each other. Michele and her partner were unbeaten in the man/woman division in 1995, winning the national title. From there, it was a short leap to endurance, which gave her more time in the saddle instead of on the ground...

Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/michelle-roush.aspx

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Celebrating the Pony Express Sesquicentennial re-ride in Dayton's historic district

RGJ.com - Full Article

May 26,2010

It is 1860. In the midst of the madness of miners searching every nook and cranny for riches after the Comstock's silver and gold strikes, the Pony Express, known as "The Pony", made its mark, carrying mail 2,000 miles from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California, in 10 days. The 420-mile route across Nevada was one of the more desolate, dangerous rides.

Although the "Pony's" historical reign lasted just 18 months, April 3, 1860 to October 1861, it remains a romantic icon of the westward movement.

The Historical Society of Dayton Valley is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Pony Express on the streets of Old Town during a reenactment June 9, when riders exchange horses and mail, carried in padlocked leather pouches called mochilas.

The fun begins at 10 a.m. when wild horses, Old West characters and children celebrate Dayton's history.

Read more here:
http://www.rgj.com/article/20100526/DAYTON07/5260315/1042/DAYTON

Monday, May 24, 2010

Robie monument a possibility in Auburn

AuburnJournal.com - http://auburnjournal.com/detail/150611.html?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=&user_id=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&event_ts_to=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=1&sub_type=&town_id=
5/24/10
Local man hopes to raise $600,000 for statue

A local man is hoping to represent endurance athlete Wendell Robie in a new piece of community artwork.

But where a proposed statue immortalizing the Tevis Cup founder will go is not set in stone.

Robert Fordney “Potato” Richardson, of Greenwood, said Robie’s huge impact on the city of Auburn merits a monument.

“The heart of endurance started right here by Wendell Robie,” Richardson said. “He has done so many other things for the community that are remarkable and worthy of respect. I’m forming a committee to explore locations, explore all the avenues to get the statue put together, all aspects of the project.”

Robie, a well-known Auburn figure, started the famous endurance-riding event, the Tevis Cup, in 1955.

Bruce Cosgrove, chief executive officer of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, said he thinks it would be a natural step for Auburn to represent Robie in a statue.

“In recent times Wendell Robie played a major role in Auburn history,” Cosgrove said. “He had a huge investment in the community and employed many of our local residents. Wendell Robie was … a central figure in preserving the Western States Trail and establishing the Tevis Cup.”

[...more]

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Kathy Brunjes

ClubEquestrian.com - Full Article

Born: March 23, 1953 Residence: Bethel, ME

Kathy Brunjes has ridden more than 8,000 endurance recorded miles. Brunjes started riding ponies at age 4; she showed Arabian horses in Junior to ride classes, including Saddle Seat Equitation, until late teens; her mother has been a ride/competition manager for competitive trail since 1964. Kathy has been trail riding competitively since she was a teenage, completing her first 100 mile ride at the age of 14. Brunjes left competition riding after college to raise a family and came back to the sport in 1991. Since 1991, she has focused on endurance.

In 1997, she competed in her first Endurance Race of Champions and in 2001 Kathy was a member of the USA-East Squad for the Pan Americans (held in Woodstock, VT). In 2002, Brunjes was selected for the FEI World Equestrian Games, Endurance Championship in Jerez, Spain based on her performance at the selection trials in Kansas...

Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/kathy-brunjes.aspx

Friday, May 21, 2010

Two Horses Test Positive for EIA in Montana

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Tracy Gantz
May 14 2010, Article # 16356

Because two horses recently tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA) in Montana, the Montana Department of Livestock's Animal Health Division has scheduled a May 17 meeting in Gallatin county to update local horse owners on the situation.

EIA, also called swamp fever, was reported in Gallatin county April 26 after a horse tested positive following a routine Coggins test.

"The horse was going to be traveling out of state, which is how the positive came up," said Tahnee Szymanski, DVM, a staff veterinarian for the Department of Livestock. "As a result of the positive test, two more horses on the premises were tested, and we found one other positive."

Fifty nearby horses were also tested...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=16356

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Darolyn Butler

Clubequestrian.com - Full Article

Born: March 12, 1950 Residence: Humble, TX

Darolyn started riding before she could walk, and cried when taken off horses as a toddler. Even though there was no such thing as Endurance Riding in her native state of Oklahoma in the 1960’s, she claims to have been born to do just that. Early years found her riding for hours and hours, exploring the countryside on and near her family’s farm and ranch. She was soon active in horse shows and barrel racing, as that was the thing to do in Oklahoma in the ‘60’s & 70’s. A stint as Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, (she also won the Horsemanship Division in the Miss Rodeo America pageant), and a job as Miss Ford Country, (a cowgirl advertising campaign for Ford Motor Co.), gave her another boost in the equine direction.


In 1972 she was crowned Miss Oklahoma State University and after graduating from there, she represented Tony Lama Boot Company in East Texas and Southern Louisiana, which spurred her relocation to the Houston, Texas area. Horse shows and rodeos still filled her spare moments until she discovered Endurance Riding in 1981. A short year later, all the performing quarter horses had been replaced by Arabians and cross-Arabs, the breed of choice for endurance riding.


Her previous experience with horses served her well as she moved into the ultimate sport of Endurance Riding with devoted enthusiasm. The famous Tevis Cup Ride was her third Endurance Ride, and she won her first of several National Championships in 1984...

Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/darolyn-butler.aspx

Long winter affects Golden Horseshoe endurance ride

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

May 20, 2010

Britain's long winter hit entries in this year's Golden Horseshoe Ride over Exmoor, resulting in no gold awards being achieved in the longer rides.

Entries were down because riders were unable to bring horses to peak fitness in time for the event earlier this week.

There were three silver awards and two bronze in the 160km (100 miles) but no gold awards. And the same applied to the Exmoor Eighty, a one-day ride of 80km (50 miles), where there were three silver and three bronze awards.

But in the strongly-supported Exmoor Experience, a ride of 40km (25 miles) on successive days, ten riders went home with the coveted gold medals, eight with silver and 11 with bronze...

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/05/135.shtml

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Global Endurance Training Center hosts Backcountry Horsemen Meeting

Global Endurance Blog

5/18/2010

On May 24th, at 6:30 pm, Global Endurance Center will host the monthly meeting of the SE Utah Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen. The Backcountry Horsemen are working on creating equestrian trails, maintaining them and lobbying for equestrian facilities nationwide.

Part of the meeting will be a discussion on the new equestrian trails in SE Utah, especially Grand County. After the meeting, Christoph will conduct a short hoof care clinic with introducing the new Easyboot Gloves and Glue-ons to the attendees.

We'll have food and drinks for everybody, will socialize, answer questions around a fire pit. Drop in for some education or a good time, if you are close by, or make a special trip for it. We would love to see you at our facility.

The next big educational seminar will be conducted by GETC at the Fandango ride in Oreana Idaho. On Thursday, May 27th from 1 pm till 4 pm, Christoph will teach a Hoof Care clinic. He will introduce new techniques on bare foot trimming, show you the newest developments on the Hoof protection market and will demonstrate how to glue on EasyCare boots as well as how to use the Easyboot Gloves with ease.

He will also introduce you to a brand new tool, that will make hoof trimming so much easier and fun. You'll love it.

At the end of the clinic, we'll have a drawing among all the participants with great prizes, donated by the sponsors of the clinic:

GLOBAL ENDURANCE TRAINING CENTER

EASYCARE, INC

VETTEC

EQUIFLEX

A big THANKS to the sponsors, without them, the event would not take place.

These companies have been committed to the endurance riders for many years and donated prizes valued at over $ 300 each. So do not miss out! You will learn and win!

After the clinic, at 6 pm, we'll have a Wine and Cheese Party, sponsored by VETTEC.

The clinic will be in conjunction with the Oreana Fandango 3 day ride. www.endurance.net. Steph Teeter and her husband John are doing an outstanding job managing that ride.

Come, attend, learn,win, ride and have fun! Don't miss this event!

If any of you would be interested in personal consultation or need help with trimming and hoof protection, you can schedule with us. Right now, we still have a couple of openings each afternoon after the ride.

For more information on Global Endurance and their events, see Global Endurance Training Center at www.globalendurance.com/

Endurance Rider Kathy Brunjes (USA) Blogs About Spring Training and the Upcoming 2010 Games Endurance Selection Trials

2010Alltechweg.blogspot.com - Full Story

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

APRIL: TRAINING ROUTINE
Training in the NE going along nicely - weather has been phenomenal, with temps in the mid-70s. April in Maine usually means icy trails, 2-3 foot snow banks and temps around 40 degrees. With the mild weather, we are not only able to get out on trails usually blocked until mid-May, but we're also getting some good "heat" training in for the more southern competitions coming up. Southern, of course for those of us in the NE, means anything south of Massachusetts!

The weekend of April 10-11 was an FEI endurance "qualifying" event in Inyokern, California - I was scheduled to attend this, flying out to San Francisco, to compete on a young horse belonging to fellow WEG nominees (and friends) Heather and Jeremy Reynolds. Unfortunately I had to cancel due to a death in my family. We'll try to get together in mid-May outside of San Jose for another qualifying event for both riders and horses.

Our major training attempts are focusing on the prestigious Biltmore Challenge (first weekend of May) in Asheville, NC. The course winds around the Biltmore estate. All FEI endurance events are qualifying events for riders and horses working up the FEI mileage "ladder" and the (formerly called) certificate of capability required in the qualification process.

Read more here:
http://2010alltechweg.blogspot.com/2010/05/endurance-rider-kathy-brunjes-usa-blogs.html

2010 World Endurance Championship ride coverage here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2010WEC/

Monday, May 17, 2010

Big Horn Ride Celebrates its 40th Year

BIG HORN RIDE
Date: May 2010

Forty years ago, endurance riding was in its infancy, and riders took to the trails wearing blue jeans and cowboy hats on horses sporting Western saddles and leather halters, carrying hand-drawn maps of the 50- and 100-mile trails. Today, horses sport lightweight saddles and Biothane® tack, and riders in Lycra® tights carry GPS devices to help them stay on the trail.

Very few endurance rides have adjusted to the changes and are still giving riders the opportunity to challenge the same trails as they were years ago, but the Big Horn 100 – born back in 1971 – continues to be one of the premier rides in the country. Held each summer since 1971 near Shell, Wyoming, the Big Horn 100 predates the founding of endurance’s national organization, the American Endurance Ride Conference.

Ride organizers and participants are looking forward to the ride’s 40th anniversary this year when the ride starts promptly at 4:00 a.m. on July 10, then winds through 100 miles of BLM, U.S. Forest Service and privately owned forest, roads and trails through the Bighorn National Forest. Participants have 24 hours to traverse the historic trail. Terry Perkins, the ride’s co-founder, said, “I’m very proud and happy that this event has endured for all these years. Many things have happened and changed over these years but it comes down to the connection between a person and his or her horse taking on the challenge of finishing a 100-mile one-day ride, crossing the finish line and knowing you both have done something very special. I hope it goes on for many more years.”

Back in 1970, Terry and her husband Dale read about the Squaw Valley to Auburn, Calif., Tevis Cup ride in Western Horseman magazine. “We can do that, too, right here in our own backyard,” declared Dale Perkins. A year later, five riders finished the first-ever ride. The next year, the Big Horn became first 100-mile ride officially sanctioned by the fledgling American Endurance Ride Conference. Riders from all over the United States, Canada and Australia have come to Wyoming to take on this challenge.

Jeanette Tolman, who rode the second Big Horn ride back in 1972, and six times after that, now serves as the ride manager, overseeing all aspects from paperwork, volunteer and veterinarian coordination to making sure the trail is marked well enough for participants to find their way on steep mountain trails throughout the night, lit only by the new moon and hundreds of glow sticks set out along the course.

The ride begins with a jeep road to Adelaide Lake, “a jewel surrounded by alpine meadows, streams and spectacular rock formations,” says seven-time finisher Cindy Collins. At the high point of the ride, at almost 11,000 feet elevation, the entire Bighorn basin of Wyoming is spread out below riders with views of the Beartooth, Absaroka, Pryor and Wind River mountains in the distance. Four veterinary checks spread out along the course insure the horses are well-hydrated and have no lameness or metabolic issues.

Riders descend toward Jack Creek and will likely view a spectacular sunset as they make their way through mountain meadows filled with wildflowers. “The stars in the Wyoming sky look like you could reach up and touch them,” said Collins. “As you make your final drop onto the red desert floor, you know that you and your horse have accomplished something magical that no one can ever take away from you.

“I truly believe that the Big Horn is the most beautiful trail in the world,” said Collins. “You do have to be independent and pioneer-like for the Big Horn. I believe it is worth all the hardships and heartaches just to see it one time in your life.”

Those riders who complete the grueling competition earn a silver belt buckle emblazoned with an image of a bighorn sheep, engraved “Big Horn 100,” a lasting memory of 100 miles spent communing with nature and their trusted horse.

Last year’s winner was Kerry Redente of Salida, Colorado, who completed the course in 17 hours and 30 minutes on her Arabian gelding, Bountyful Prince+.

Five-time competitor Marirose Six, of Newcastle, Wyoming, whose mule Lucky Six Nellie earned the best conditioned equine award last year, said, “I know that every year, I must have a mule ready to give this 100 a try. The trail is so beautiful, it fills your soul -- not just parts of it, but the whole 100 miles.”

The Big Horn 100 is one of very few distance rides that are considered “must-do” rides, the others being the Western States Endurance Ride (“Tevis Cup”) from Squaw Valley to Auburn, California, and the Old Dominion Endurance Ride, held in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia.

And for those interested in distance riding, just not ready for a 100? The Big Horn offers both a 30-mile and 55-mile rides as well. Those interested in experiencing the Big Horn not on horseback are more than welcome to participate as volunteers.

More information is available by visiting www.bighorn100.net. For information on the competitions rules, visit the AERC website at www.aerc.org or phone the AERC office at 866-271-2372.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Australia: Whish comes true

Youngwitness.com.au - Full Article

STEVE GREEN
11 May, 2010 03:48 PM

ONE of the first Arab horses to be sold in this district will be shipped out this week for quarantine and then head overseas to Dubai.

Secret Whish was bred by Kathie Garner from Milongs Secret and Rathowen Regis in 1999 and has been sold to Sheikh Mohammad from Dubai for an undisclosed sum.

“I’m pretty excited about the sale, and proud because I bred her,” said Ms Garner.

“It’s the only horse from around here to be sold to Dubai, but unfortunately it’ll be my last.

“I’ve decided to take on a change of direction and my next purchase will be a quarter-horse,” Ms Garner said.

From early on the mare was destined to be a show horse and was a multi champion as a yearling through to a two-year-old as a led horse in the Arab ring...

Read more here:
http://www.youngwitness.com.au/news/local/news/general/whish-comes-true/1826932.aspx

Sunday, May 09, 2010

Next Tevis Trail Management Event: Pucker Point

The Pucker Point work party scheduled for May 30 has been changed to May 23, 2010. This date conflicted with the WS100 3-day training run.

The work party is sponsored by the US Forest Service, Tahoe National Forest/American River District.

DATE AND TIME:                       
Sunday, 5-23-10 -- 9:00AM to 1:00PM

MEETING PLACE:
Foresthill Post Office.
Corner of Foresthill Rd. and Racetrack St.  NOTE: We will carpool to Pucker Point (4WD only)

DIRECTIONS:
I80 to Auburn. Take Foresthill Exit.
Go East on Foresthill Road for 18 miles to Foresthill.

BRING:
Snacks and plenty of water. Some food and refreshments will be available . Also bring long pants, gloves, suncreen, hats, etc. Tools will be provided.

For more information, or to volunteer, see the Tevis website at:
http://www.teviscup.org/home_3.html

Friday, May 07, 2010

PreveNile West Nile Virus Vaccine Recalled

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc
May 04 2010, Article # 16295

In a letter to veterinarians dated April 28, Brett Whitehead, Director, Equine and Ag Retail Business, of Intervet Schering-Plough Animal Health, encouraged practitioners to return all PreveNile vaccine. The recall was initiated after an increased incidence in the number of adverse events following vaccination with currently marketed serials of PreveNile.

The company noted in the letter that Intervet Schering-Plough has notified the USDA's Center for Veterinary Biologics about this recall action.

West Nile virus (WNV) is an important neurological disease of horses in North America characterized by a wide array of clinical signs that include fever, ataxia (incoordination), depression, behavioral changes, weakness or partial paralysis, recumbency, and death. The mortality rate is an estimated 33%, and horses that do survive can exhibit residual effects (e.g., gait abnormalities, behavioral changes).

The disease is transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. While prevention can include reducing mosquito numbers and exposure of horses to mosquitoes, the most important means of preventing WNV infections is vaccination. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) considers the WNV a core vaccine and assures horse owners and veterinarians that it is "an essential standard of care for all horses in North America".

Read more here: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=16295

South Africa: Conquering a Dark World


Horsejunction.co.za - Full Article

Ever since he completed his first Fauresmith 200 endurance ride last year, the blind endurance rider, Carl de Campos, has been in the news quite a bit. Read on to find out more about this remarkable rider.

I started riding horses approximately four years ago, starting with beginner trails where the horses follow each other, and then advancing to a facility where they offer out-rides and you can go at your own pace on a game farm. I then leased Dewaal privately, and later even moved to the game farm where I rode Dewaal regularly. I also started riding out alone along the safe and defined sand roads, which my horse followed religiously.

Taking the plunge
I always wanted to participate in endurance riding, but knew that I'd need my own horse and knew it wasn't a cheap sport. Then, in 2008, I took the plunge and went shopping for a non-pure-bred, cost-effective all-rounder horse, and stumbled across Billy, a beautiful black gelding of approximately ten years old at the time, with a fiery spirit and wonderful nature. In the process I stumbled upon Kobus Smit, a cancer survivor who has, since selling me Billy, become my mentor and main sighted guide on the endurance rides.
I parttook in my first 30 km endurance ride at Randfontein, and realised there how competitive and forward-going Billy is on these rides. I mostly ride in front of Kobus and he warns me of obstacles, splits in the path, etc. Billy generally sticks to the paths for me.

I went on to riding a couple of 30- and 40-km rides, and then accompanied Kobus to Fauresmith 2008 as his official groom. I was also his official groom at Walvis Bay during the Africa Tri-nations. And since then I wanted to ride Fauresmith myself...

Read more here:
http://www.horsejunction.co.za/sahorseman/aa_Issues/may2010/conquering.djhtml

Thursday, May 06, 2010

American Shagya Arabian Verband spring newsletter





Download ASAV Spring newsletter (pdf)

Australia: Long ride on Anzac weekend

Colliemail.com.au - Full Article

STORY AND PHOTO BY CHRIS ROS
06 May, 2010


COLLIE hosted the 160 kilometre WAERA Collie Diggers ride on the Anzac Day long weekend.

Officials waved the 10 riders over the start line at midnight on Friday and then settled down to wait for them to finish the first leg.

Glenn Dix and his helpers had marked out a six-leg course for the 160km ride.

One horse vetted out lame at the end of the first leg.

By the time riders set out on the last leg, numbers were down to just five, with some retiring at varying stages.

The veterinary team had a hard decision to make at the end of Anita Fortsch’s last leg, vetting out her Mirriyindi Leia.

The vet team said it is not a decision taken lightly at any stage during any ride but at the end of a 160 it is doubly hard.

The shorter rides started on the Saturday morning.

The 90-km event had 44 entries, the training ride had 27 and the social ride had only six starters.

Come dawn on Anzac Day, a wake up call of a different sort was heard echoing around the camp as a local girl – Jenny Bylung, played the Last Post...

Read more here:
http://www.colliemail.com.au/news/local/sport/general/long-ride-on-anzac-weekend/1822919.aspx?storypage=0

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Grounds Pass 101: Everything You Need and Want to Know About a Grounds Pass to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

USEF.org

Release: May 05 2010
Author: By Amy Walker
rider

What is a Grounds Pass ticket?
Grounds Pass tickets allow entry to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games for the selected day of purchase and will give spectators access to a wide range of activities at the Kentucky Horse Park venue. Activities include shopping at more than 250 trade show booths; exciting exhibits and entertainment at the Kentucky Experience tourism pavilion and the Alltech Experience pavilions, along with many of the Kentucky Horse Park’s world-renowned exhibits and museums.

Please note that a Grounds Pass ticket does not include access or seating in competition venues.

What is a Flex Grounds Pass ticket?
The Flex Grounds Pass can be used for entry on any one day of choice, without selecting a specific date of attendance at the time of purchase. A limited quantity of Flex Grounds Pass tickets will be available for $30.

Please note that a Flex Grounds Pass ticket does not include access or seating in competition venues.

Why are Grounds Pass tickets not available on endurance, eventing cross-country, and driving marathon days?
Grounds Pass tickets are available for 13 days during the Games, excluding the competition days of endurance (9/26), eventing cross-country (10/2), and driving marathon (10/9). These competitions will not be held in a venue, rather park-wide, therefore all spectators on the park those days will be able to view competition. Other activities, including the International Trade Show, the Equine Village, the Alltech Experience, the Kentucky Experience, and the Kentucky Horse Park’s museums will still be open to spectators on those days. Spectators who wish to purchase admission for these competition days should visit www.ticketmaster.com.

How much does a Ground Pass ticket cost?
Grounds Pass tickets will be priced at $25 each, but from April 16 through May 31, as a special promotion, tickets are now available for $20. Each Grounds Pass will allow entry to the 2010 Games venue for the selected date of purchase. To provide for an affordable, family-friendly event, admission for children 12 years of age and under will be free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.

Tickets are now available for purchase throughwww.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, and via the Ticketmaster hotline at (800) 745-3000.

If I have already purchased Reserve Seat tickets, do I still need a Grounds Pass ticket for the same day?
If you have purchased competition tickets you DO NOT need to purchase a Grounds Pass for that same day. This is an opportunity to add on to your order. For example, if you have reining tickets for September 25 and September 28 and wish to visit the park on September 27 you would want to purchase a Grounds Pass ticket.

Are all of the activities included in a Grounds Pass, also included in a Reserve Seat ticket?
Yes! All of the park’s activities available to those who purchase a Grounds Pass ticket—including shopping in the international trade show, watching famous clinicians and equine demonstrations in the Equine Village, sampling local bourbon in the Kentucky Experience and much more—are included with the purchase of a Reserve Seat ticket. If you have already purchased a Reserve Seat ticket, you DO NOT need to purchase a Grounds Pass ticket for that day.

Do I need to purchase a Grounds Pass ticket for my child?
To provide for an affordable, family-friendly event, Grounds Pass admission for children 12 years of age and under will be free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.

Will Grounds Pass tickets be available for sale at the gates, or do I need to purchase in advance?
Grounds Pass tickets will be available for purchase at the entry gates of the Kentucky Horse Park. We strongly recommend that spectators purchase their tickets in advance, as they may not be available on the day you wish to purchase them.

Unsung Heroes: Volunteer Extraordinaire, Dolly Miller

Image.examiner.com - Full Article

May 1, Fort Worth Equestrian Examiner
Becky Burkheart

While the public focus tends to be on the glamorous horse shows and other competitions, the truth is that the majority of horseman simply enjoy being with their horses in a more casual environment and for many that means being out on the trail. It might seem that nothing could be simpler than such a natural thing as going down the trail. Years ago, that was true, but even those who use the trails frequently have never considered the amount of dedicated work that goes into building and managing our modern trails such as the 20,313 acre LBJ National Grasslands in Decatur, Texas.

Because of the ever-growing urbanization and the ever-shrinking wilderness areas, it’s no longer a matter of just riding off into the sunset. Today’s trails require planning and maintenance and for the most part the dedicated volunteers are, at best, unknown, and for the most part unappreciated.

One such volunteer is Dolly Miller...

Read more here:
http://image.examiner.com/x-40428-Fort-Worth-Equestrian-Examiner~y2010m5d1-Unsung-Heroes--Volunteer-Extraordinaire-Dolly-Miller

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

2010 WEG quest - Countdown: FEIRedHorseBlog

FEIRedHorse.blogspot.com

Tuesday, May 4, 2010
WEG quest - Countdown
The Difference!

Where they come from, I am not sure, how they got that way, I don't know either. But I am not naive enough to think that I actually built a world class athlete, but I think you have to be smart enough to realize what you got when you got one, and know that it is a "special gift", to be carefully taken care of. Most of my horses have been top ten or top 5 endurance horses but I really had to work at getting them into that kind of condition. The good thing about that is that I was very familiar with building the athlete from the ground up. I would say that there is quite a difference between that top 5 endurance horse and that special once in a lifetime horse. The difference is in pure athletic ability.

Why WEG?

Things change a little when you get older. 4 or 5 years ago when I found out that the World Equestrian Games were going to be in the USA I thought about how cool it would be to compete at that level for the USA team. I don't know that I ever had any aspirations of riding in such a event, but certainly in building the athlete. After hearing that a Shagya horse had won the WEG in Germany I thought it would be a good idea to get one. I looked around and could not find any geldings so bought a stallion. Well the stallion did not work out but about the same time I realized that he was not a endurance horse I started riding MONK who was about 4 at that time.

I guess you never know where that next world class athlete comes from, but certainly did not think he was in my back yard. In the beginning we were just having fun and pretty much my quest for that WEG horse was just another faded dream. As MONK became more mature he really showed lots of promise. I started doing some local endurance rides and he did quite well. He never seemed to tire, his attitude was all business.

If you think about the persons you know with really good, once in a lifetime horses, you know that it does change how you do things and your outlook some. I know a few who were just having fun with their horses running mid pack, then all of a sudden they come up with a really good horse and now they are top ten, top five and winning rides.

Less is More

Not sure this is true for all horses but once MONK was legged up and had done a few 50's we pretty much changed how we conditioned...

Read more here: http://feiredhorse.blogspot.com/2010/05/weg-quest-countdown.html

AHC’s Welfare Code of Practice Continues to Garner Support

May 3 2010

The AHC’s National Welfare Code of Practice continues to garner support from the horse community. The Welfare Code outlines in generic terms what it means for an organization to be committed to the responsible breeding, training, care, use, enjoyment, transport, and retirement of horses. Many associations have undertaken studies, reviews, and initiatives that show their commitment to the welfare of their horses. This generic code is simply a continuation of that effort.

The latest groups to support the National Welfare Code include the Arabian Horse Association, Florida Thoroughbred Breeder’s and Owner's Association, League of Agricultural and Equine Centers, Master of Foxhounds Association, Pinto Horse Association of America, The Pyramid Society, U.S. Dressage Federation, and U.S. Equestrian Drill Team.

They join ten other national groups that have already endorsed the Welfare Code. They include the: American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Endurance Ride Conference, American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, National Cutting Horse Association, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, U.S. Equestrian Federation, and U.S. Trotting Association.

"We are pleased with the positive feedback and continued interest we have received from a broad spectrum of equine organizations since the Welfare Code of Practice was announced this past November," said AHC President Jay Hickey. "This latest round of endorsements further demonstrates to the public the industry's unified commitment to the welfare and safety of horses, and we hope to build upon this momentum to bring in as many organizations as possible to further reinforce the industry's commitment to safety, health, care and welfare of all horses."

The Code is not intended to replace or pre-empt any activities, rules, or regulations specific to any segment of the industry. Rather it is another indication to the public, the media, federal and state officials, and the horse community that the equine industry "Puts the Horse First."

To view the complete Welfare Code of Practice please visit the AHC website at: https://www.horsecouncil.org/newsroom.php.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: Bridget Harrison
bharrison@horsecouncil.org

Monday, May 03, 2010

2009 AERC National Champion Endurance Rider and UC Davis Veterinary Student, Lindsay Graham (USA)

2010AlltechWEG.blogspot.com - Full Story

Monday, May 3, 2010

Hi, my name is Lindsay Graham and I am a fourth year veterinary student at UC Davis. I have been competing in endurance since 2004 but began riding as a kid and showed in hunter/jumpers for several years. On the international level, I competed in the 2005 North American Endurance Championships as a Pacific North Squad member on a horse named Phoenix Affair. This horse also took me to a 7th place Tevis Cup finish in 2006.

At the end of the 2008 endurance season I began riding a horse named Monk, owned by Chris Martin of Grass Valley, CA...

Read more at http://2010alltechweg.blogspot.com/2010/05/2009-aerc-national-champion-endurance.html