Marlindemocrat.com - Full Article
June 28 2011
A true love of the outdoors has tempted many horsemen and women to go beyond recreational trail riding to participate in endurance riding, horse packing, or rounding up cattle. Combined with an interest in people and saving lives, a number of riders belong to our very special group of volunteers: the East Texas Mounted Search and Rescue.
Mounted search and rescue teams are active throughout the United States and Canada. They provide a tremendous resource and service in their local communities and often beyond.
We work together forming specialty units for mounted rescues. As with all volunteer, non-profit groups, we depend upon the community to support us with funds through donations and fundraisers.
All members of our Search and Rescue Team work together, as needed, meaning mounted members may also be asked to work on foot. Members also may be called upon to go outside the county to help if that area has exhausted its manpower resources. In times of need, The Office of Emergency Services may call upon us.
Specifically, for horse people, it's important to develop needed skills to be an effective Search and Rescue volunteer. Riders need good basic experience in horsemanship and in being able to "read" their horse. Horses are valuable as their senses of eyesight, scent detection and hearing are highly developed. They are far-sighted, and an alert rider will note when the horse suspects anything unusual by the animal's head position and ears, as well as changes from body relaxation to tension. The rider is much higher than a searcher on foot, and also can travel faster and longer on a horse. Horses can go where all-terrain vehicles cannot...
read more here:
http://www.marlindemocrat.com/news/article_cc46dcb6-a1f3-11e0-90a5-001cc4c002e0.html
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Mangalee ready for 630-mile horse race
APP.com - Full Article
June 28 2011
Written by David Biggy | Staff Writer
HOWELL — Sophia Mangalee was down a training horse after the sale of Phoenix over the weekend. So rather than go to Harmony Hill on Monday, she spent extra time at Celtic Charms, doing her best to get her body acclimated to riding many horses over long stretches of time.
After all, in about five weeks, that’s what is going to be required when Mangalee takes on the Mongol Derby, a 630-mile race across the steppes of Mongolia — also dubbed the longest horse race in the world.
“Physically, I want to peak right about the time of the race and not before,” said Mangalee, Monmouth Park’s marketing manager from Eatontown. “Mentally, I’m ready. Without a doubt, I’m ready for it.”
On July 30, Mangalee will fly out of Newark Liberty International Airport to Beijing, and then fly from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, before beginning preparations for the Derby on Aug. 2 and pre-race training the following three days.
On Aug. 6, Mangalee and 20 other riders from across the world will begin the race, and from there, through 1,000 kilometers, it will be Mangalee and 30-35 semi-wild Mongolian horses. The race must be completed within 10 days or less.
Mangalee believes it will take seven or eight days if she is going to win. And she intends to win...
Read more here:
http://www.app.com/article/20110628/NJSPORTS/306280077/Mangalee-ready-630-mile-horse-race?odyssey=nav|head
June 28 2011
Written by David Biggy | Staff Writer
HOWELL — Sophia Mangalee was down a training horse after the sale of Phoenix over the weekend. So rather than go to Harmony Hill on Monday, she spent extra time at Celtic Charms, doing her best to get her body acclimated to riding many horses over long stretches of time.
After all, in about five weeks, that’s what is going to be required when Mangalee takes on the Mongol Derby, a 630-mile race across the steppes of Mongolia — also dubbed the longest horse race in the world.
“Physically, I want to peak right about the time of the race and not before,” said Mangalee, Monmouth Park’s marketing manager from Eatontown. “Mentally, I’m ready. Without a doubt, I’m ready for it.”
On July 30, Mangalee will fly out of Newark Liberty International Airport to Beijing, and then fly from Beijing to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, before beginning preparations for the Derby on Aug. 2 and pre-race training the following three days.
On Aug. 6, Mangalee and 20 other riders from across the world will begin the race, and from there, through 1,000 kilometers, it will be Mangalee and 30-35 semi-wild Mongolian horses. The race must be completed within 10 days or less.
Mangalee believes it will take seven or eight days if she is going to win. And she intends to win...
Read more here:
http://www.app.com/article/20110628/NJSPORTS/306280077/Mangalee-ready-630-mile-horse-race?odyssey=nav|head
Friday, June 24, 2011
Emmett Ross Recommended by Endurance Eligible Athlete Committee and Endurance High Performance Committee to be the Next US Endurance Chef d'Equipe
Emmett Ross Recommended by Endurance Eligible Athlete Committee and Endurance High Performance Committee to be the Next US Endurance Chef d'Equipe
Release: June 24 2011
Author: USEF Communications Department
Lexington, KY - The Endurance Eligible Athlete Committee and Endurance High Performance Committee have recommended Emmett Ross to be the Endurance Chef d' Equipe. The recommendation will go to the USEF High Performance Working Group before being presented to the USEF Executive Committee.
Fourteen applications were received by the Search Committee. The Committee rated each applicant, and presented their findings to the USEF Endurance Eligible Athlete Committee. Taking into account the ratings of the applicants and the recommendations of the Athlete Committee, the Endurance High Performance Committee named four applicants to the short list.
The short-listed applicants attended the Ashland CEI held in Ashland Montana June 10-12. Over the two days of competition, High Performance Committee members and Athletes were encouraged to meet and get to know the applicants.
Following the competition, the High Performance and Athletes Committee members conducted formal interviews with each of the four applicants. Afterward, the Athletes Committee made their final recommendation to the High Performance Committee. The High Performance Committee accepted the recommendation of the Athletes, and is recommending Mr. Ross for the position.
Mr. Ross competed in the 1980's and 1990's, and was a member of the North American Championship Gold Medal Team in 1986. To Date, he has participated in over 150 FEI events as coach/trainer in numerous countries. Mr. Ross served as Chef d' Equipe for the Qatar Endurance Team.
As an Organizer, Mr. Ross was part of the management team for the 1984 and 1996 Olympic Games, and most recently was Event Manager for the 2010 World Equestrian Games Endurance Championship.
Emmett Ross currently manages a private training facility in Texas.
Release: June 24 2011
Author: USEF Communications Department
Lexington, KY - The Endurance Eligible Athlete Committee and Endurance High Performance Committee have recommended Emmett Ross to be the Endurance Chef d' Equipe. The recommendation will go to the USEF High Performance Working Group before being presented to the USEF Executive Committee.
Fourteen applications were received by the Search Committee. The Committee rated each applicant, and presented their findings to the USEF Endurance Eligible Athlete Committee. Taking into account the ratings of the applicants and the recommendations of the Athlete Committee, the Endurance High Performance Committee named four applicants to the short list.
The short-listed applicants attended the Ashland CEI held in Ashland Montana June 10-12. Over the two days of competition, High Performance Committee members and Athletes were encouraged to meet and get to know the applicants.
Following the competition, the High Performance and Athletes Committee members conducted formal interviews with each of the four applicants. Afterward, the Athletes Committee made their final recommendation to the High Performance Committee. The High Performance Committee accepted the recommendation of the Athletes, and is recommending Mr. Ross for the position.
Mr. Ross competed in the 1980's and 1990's, and was a member of the North American Championship Gold Medal Team in 1986. To Date, he has participated in over 150 FEI events as coach/trainer in numerous countries. Mr. Ross served as Chef d' Equipe for the Qatar Endurance Team.
As an Organizer, Mr. Ross was part of the management team for the 1984 and 1996 Olympic Games, and most recently was Event Manager for the 2010 World Equestrian Games Endurance Championship.
Emmett Ross currently manages a private training facility in Texas.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
2011 Fort Howes
USEF.org
June 16 2011
On June 11 in Ashland, Montana, Meg Sleeper and Syrocco Harmony won the CEI1* with a time of 04:38:00. Syrocco Harmony was also rewarded with the best conditioned award. Heather Stevens and Aireagle came in second with a time of 05:44:00, while Suzanne Hayes and The Sam Man took third with at time of 05:49:01. In the CEI1* held the following day, Ellen and Eryn Rapp had a very close one-two finish with times of 05:27:59 and 05:28:02 respectively. Heather Stevens and Dangerous Kra rounded out the top three with a time of 07:49:46. Ellen Rapp's GuessWhozGotIt won the best conditioned award in the CEI1*. Kelsey Kimbler and HV Cimmarons Goliath won the CEIJY1* with a time of 05:28:03. The pair also won the best conditioned award.
June 16 2011
On June 11 in Ashland, Montana, Meg Sleeper and Syrocco Harmony won the CEI1* with a time of 04:38:00. Syrocco Harmony was also rewarded with the best conditioned award. Heather Stevens and Aireagle came in second with a time of 05:44:00, while Suzanne Hayes and The Sam Man took third with at time of 05:49:01. In the CEI1* held the following day, Ellen and Eryn Rapp had a very close one-two finish with times of 05:27:59 and 05:28:02 respectively. Heather Stevens and Dangerous Kra rounded out the top three with a time of 07:49:46. Ellen Rapp's GuessWhozGotIt won the best conditioned award in the CEI1*. Kelsey Kimbler and HV Cimmarons Goliath won the CEIJY1* with a time of 05:28:03. The pair also won the best conditioned award.
Canada: Endurance Canada North America Endurance Team Challenge Declared Riders
June 19 2011
Equine Canada’s Endurance Canada is pleased to announce the declared riders for the 2011 North America Endurance Team Challenge to be held in Greenville CA September 24, 2011
Canada East
Robert Gielen
Ruth Sturley
Emma Webb
Wendy Benns
Lee Hutten
Yvette Vinton
Canada West
Monique Vincent
Jessica Yavis
Jaye Yavis
Tara MacLeod
Ariel MacLeod
Makayla McLeod
Leanna Marchant
Christy Janzen
Kathy Irvine
Gail Jewel
Elroy Karius
Terre O’Brennan
Good luck to all declared riders
Lynda Townsend
Chair, Endurance Canada
International Sub Committee
Equine Canada’s Endurance Canada is pleased to announce the declared riders for the 2011 North America Endurance Team Challenge to be held in Greenville CA September 24, 2011
Canada East
Robert Gielen
Ruth Sturley
Emma Webb
Wendy Benns
Lee Hutten
Yvette Vinton
Canada West
Monique Vincent
Jessica Yavis
Jaye Yavis
Tara MacLeod
Ariel MacLeod
Makayla McLeod
Leanna Marchant
Christy Janzen
Kathy Irvine
Gail Jewel
Elroy Karius
Terre O’Brennan
Good luck to all declared riders
Lynda Townsend
Chair, Endurance Canada
International Sub Committee
Saturday, June 18, 2011
First Arabian race running at Churchill Downs
Louisville.com - Full Article
June 18 2011
by Jessie Oswald
Race 6 at Churchill Downs today is the Grade 1 $50,000 The President of the United Arab Emirates Cup. The race is open to Arabian horses four years old and up. This is the first time Churchill Downs has held an Arabian race.
Although Arabian racing is unknown to most thoroughbred race fans, the thoroughbred owes its beginnings to the Arabian breed. The English breeders wanted to add speed and endurance to their horses, so they bred them to Arabians. The Darley Arabian was brought to England in 1704. This horse was the great-great grandsire of Eclipse, who was undefeated in 21 races. 90% of today's thoroughbreds can be traced back to this male line.
The first Arabian race ran in the U.S. occurred in 1959 at Laurel Race Course in Maryland. Last October, Keeneland held its first Arabian race in which Grilla won the race. Grilla is the favorite in today's race at Churchill Downs.
If thoroughbreds are a mix of Arabians, does that mean you should handicap an Arabian race the same as you would a thoroughbred race? The answer is yes and no. Arabians generally run much slower than thoroughbreds. On average, Arabians will run a mile about 10 seconds slower than a thoroughbred...
Read more here:
http://www.louisville.com/content/first-arabian-race-running-churchill-downs-sports
June 18 2011
by Jessie Oswald
Race 6 at Churchill Downs today is the Grade 1 $50,000 The President of the United Arab Emirates Cup. The race is open to Arabian horses four years old and up. This is the first time Churchill Downs has held an Arabian race.
Although Arabian racing is unknown to most thoroughbred race fans, the thoroughbred owes its beginnings to the Arabian breed. The English breeders wanted to add speed and endurance to their horses, so they bred them to Arabians. The Darley Arabian was brought to England in 1704. This horse was the great-great grandsire of Eclipse, who was undefeated in 21 races. 90% of today's thoroughbreds can be traced back to this male line.
The first Arabian race ran in the U.S. occurred in 1959 at Laurel Race Course in Maryland. Last October, Keeneland held its first Arabian race in which Grilla won the race. Grilla is the favorite in today's race at Churchill Downs.
If thoroughbreds are a mix of Arabians, does that mean you should handicap an Arabian race the same as you would a thoroughbred race? The answer is yes and no. Arabians generally run much slower than thoroughbreds. On average, Arabians will run a mile about 10 seconds slower than a thoroughbred...
Read more here:
http://www.louisville.com/content/first-arabian-race-running-churchill-downs-sports
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Endurance riders ready to saddle up for July 2 trek
Auburnjournal.com - Full Article
June 13 2011
By Elizabeth Speth gold country news service
Gold Country Endurance Riders are gearing up for a tough race this summer.
Loomis resident Steve Hallmark plans to be with his horse Tug at the starting line of the 29th annual Gold Country 50/30 Mile Endurance Ride Saturday, July 2, at Dru Barner Equestrian Park, near Georgetown. They will join as many as 140 other horses and riders eagerly waiting for the race to begin.
Gold Country Endurance Riders is an equestrian club founded in Auburn, in 1980. According to the website, members are endurance riders, social riders and even non-riders. The annual race includes a 50- and 30-mile loop course.
Hallmark and Tug are graduates of the grueling Tevis Cup, and Hallmark said he expects this race to throw them a few challenges.
“It’s not a fast course because it’s not flat. There’s a lot of hard-packed earth and a lot of rocks,” he said. “It’s pretty technical. You have to slow down, take care of your horse.”
Starting at the heavily wooded park at an elevation of 3,000 feet, the course is described by race officials as “moderate,” with tough climbs over forest trails and logging roads.
Race volunteers provide food and drink at various veterinary stops along the race route. Traditionally, more than 70 percent of the horse and rider teams complete the race...
Read more here:
http://auburnjournal.com/detail/180900.html?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=gold+country+endurance&user_id=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&event_ts_to=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=1&sub_type=&town_id=
2011 Fort Howes
June 14 2011
Whew! What a weekend! Beautiful weather (with the exception of the 'little' thunderstorm on Saturday afternoon/evening) - trails were loaded with flowers and feed - Riders were WONDERFUL! Volunteers were OUT OF THIS WORLD! Line judges were BUSY! Treatment Vet was BORED! Food was FANTASTIC!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone who traveled near and far to ride, volunteer, feed, and judge!
Bill and Jan Stevens
WINNERS:
SATURDAY:
35 Mile Ride - Walter Benhardus on Howard's Midnight Thunder
50 Mile Ride - Meg SLeeper on Syrocco Harmony - 4:38
75 Mile Ride - Ceci Butler-Stasiuk
SUNDAY:
55 Mile Ride - ... 100 Mile Ride - Valerie Kanavy on Reach For The Gold
For more information, see:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2011FortHowes/index.html
Whew! What a weekend! Beautiful weather (with the exception of the 'little' thunderstorm on Saturday afternoon/evening) - trails were loaded with flowers and feed - Riders were WONDERFUL! Volunteers were OUT OF THIS WORLD! Line judges were BUSY! Treatment Vet was BORED! Food was FANTASTIC!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone who traveled near and far to ride, volunteer, feed, and judge!
Bill and Jan Stevens
WINNERS:
SATURDAY:
35 Mile Ride - Walter Benhardus on Howard's Midnight Thunder
50 Mile Ride - Meg SLeeper on Syrocco Harmony - 4:38
75 Mile Ride - Ceci Butler-Stasiuk
SUNDAY:
55 Mile Ride - ... 100 Mile Ride - Valerie Kanavy on Reach For The Gold
For more information, see:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2011FortHowes/index.html
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
ELCR and the U.S. Forest Service Join Forces to Benefit Equestrian Land Use
June 13, 2011
The Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) and the U.S. Forest Service (FS) have signed a joint memorandum of understanding (MOU) in an effort to cooperatively construct and expand supportive work projects and educational programs that will encourage recreational equestrian activities on National Forest System lands nationwide.
The MOU enables the two organizations, if willing, to assist one another in the design and implementation of educational programs in an effort to increase public awareness about land use stewardship and conservation, recreation and the responsible use of natural resources relating to equestrian and recreational use. In addition, beneficial work projects like trail development, construction, maintenance and preservation ventures can also be proposed.
The MOU is a tool exclusively available to current ELCR Conservation Partners; a national membership program for organizations in which the Partners and their members play a critical role in educating horsemen across the country about the immediate need to conserve land for equine-related activity. The MOU between the FS and the ELCR is not intended for general distribution.
A copy of the MOU is available to the Conservation Partners and can be accessed online through the ELCR website Bulletin Board, under Model Forms. Once armed with the MOU agreement, Conservation Partners can present the document to their local Forest Service official and recommend that the two groups work together. If an agreement is reached, local Forest Service officials will work closely with ELCR Conservation Partners in that area to pursue the purposed opportunities.
ELCR CEO, Deb Balliet recognizes the MOU’s potential value. “The ELCR is excited about the opportunities that could result from this document and I strongly encourage our Conservation Partners to take advantage of the resources made available to them when pursuing work projects on National Forest System lands,” Balliet said.
For more information on becoming an ELCR Conservation Partner, or to get involved in equine land and trail conservation in your community, please visit www.elcr.org or contact ELCR directly at (859) 455-8383.
Equine Land Conservation Resource
859-455-8383
www.ELCR.org
Contact: Deb Balliet
dballiet@elcr.org
The Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) and the U.S. Forest Service (FS) have signed a joint memorandum of understanding (MOU) in an effort to cooperatively construct and expand supportive work projects and educational programs that will encourage recreational equestrian activities on National Forest System lands nationwide.
The MOU enables the two organizations, if willing, to assist one another in the design and implementation of educational programs in an effort to increase public awareness about land use stewardship and conservation, recreation and the responsible use of natural resources relating to equestrian and recreational use. In addition, beneficial work projects like trail development, construction, maintenance and preservation ventures can also be proposed.
The MOU is a tool exclusively available to current ELCR Conservation Partners; a national membership program for organizations in which the Partners and their members play a critical role in educating horsemen across the country about the immediate need to conserve land for equine-related activity. The MOU between the FS and the ELCR is not intended for general distribution.
A copy of the MOU is available to the Conservation Partners and can be accessed online through the ELCR website Bulletin Board, under Model Forms. Once armed with the MOU agreement, Conservation Partners can present the document to their local Forest Service official and recommend that the two groups work together. If an agreement is reached, local Forest Service officials will work closely with ELCR Conservation Partners in that area to pursue the purposed opportunities.
ELCR CEO, Deb Balliet recognizes the MOU’s potential value. “The ELCR is excited about the opportunities that could result from this document and I strongly encourage our Conservation Partners to take advantage of the resources made available to them when pursuing work projects on National Forest System lands,” Balliet said.
For more information on becoming an ELCR Conservation Partner, or to get involved in equine land and trail conservation in your community, please visit www.elcr.org or contact ELCR directly at (859) 455-8383.
Equine Land Conservation Resource
859-455-8383
www.ELCR.org
Contact: Deb Balliet
dballiet@elcr.org
Four Candidates Named to the Endurance Chef D\' Equipe Short List
USEF.org
By USET
Jun 13, 2011, 14:06
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Printer friendly page
Lexington, KY - The USEF High Performance Endurance Committee has named four candidates to the Endurance Chef d'Equipe Short List. During this extensive process, the USEF received 14 applications from three different nations. The Chef d' Equipe Search Committee interviewed six applicants in April. Prior to these interviews, athletes were given the opportunity to provide questions to the Search Committee to be included. Following the interviews, Joe Mattingley presented the Search Committee's rating of all 14 candidates to the USEF Eligible Athlete Committee who then made their recommendations to the Endurance High Performance Committee.Taking into account the ratings of the candidates and the recommendations of the Athlete Committee, the Endurance High Performance Committee established the following to the short list: Mark Dial (USA); Dr. Flavia Ferraro (BRA); Emmett Ross (USA); and Dr. Michele Roush (USA).
The four candidates have been invited to the Ashland CEI June 10-12, 2011 held in Ashland, Montana. Endurance athletes will have the opportunity to meet and talk to candidates over the course of the event in an informal setting and on June 13th the Athlete Committee and Endurance High Performance Committee will conduct formal interviews with each individual candidate.
Following the interviews, the Athletes will once again make their recommendation to the High Performance Committee.
Members of the USEF Endurance Eligible Athlete Committee are:
Kathrine Brunjes, Chair
Carolyn Hock
Carol Giles
Jan Worthington
Valerie Kanavy
Heather Reynolds
Jeremy Reynolds
Stephen Rojek
Michele Roush
Christoph Schork
Margaret Sleeper
By USET
Jun 13, 2011, 14:06
Email this article
Printer friendly page
Lexington, KY - The USEF High Performance Endurance Committee has named four candidates to the Endurance Chef d'Equipe Short List. During this extensive process, the USEF received 14 applications from three different nations. The Chef d' Equipe Search Committee interviewed six applicants in April. Prior to these interviews, athletes were given the opportunity to provide questions to the Search Committee to be included. Following the interviews, Joe Mattingley presented the Search Committee's rating of all 14 candidates to the USEF Eligible Athlete Committee who then made their recommendations to the Endurance High Performance Committee.Taking into account the ratings of the candidates and the recommendations of the Athlete Committee, the Endurance High Performance Committee established the following to the short list: Mark Dial (USA); Dr. Flavia Ferraro (BRA); Emmett Ross (USA); and Dr. Michele Roush (USA).
The four candidates have been invited to the Ashland CEI June 10-12, 2011 held in Ashland, Montana. Endurance athletes will have the opportunity to meet and talk to candidates over the course of the event in an informal setting and on June 13th the Athlete Committee and Endurance High Performance Committee will conduct formal interviews with each individual candidate.
Following the interviews, the Athletes will once again make their recommendation to the High Performance Committee.
Members of the USEF Endurance Eligible Athlete Committee are:
Kathrine Brunjes, Chair
Carolyn Hock
Carol Giles
Jan Worthington
Valerie Kanavy
Heather Reynolds
Jeremy Reynolds
Stephen Rojek
Michele Roush
Christoph Schork
Margaret Sleeper
Sunday, June 12, 2011
In the saddle for a worthy cause
If you happen to see a group of horses and riders heading West along Route 3, you might want to wave. That would be Jeff Keegan, 63, his son, Patrick, 19, Mike Proscia, 45, and a couple other wrangles who all hail from Lake Havasu, Ariz. Jeff Keegan is a retired Marine, Patrick is a working cowboy who graduated in May from high school, and Proscia is a former Arizona National Guard soldier injured in Iraq during a deployment in 2006-2007. Around 10 this morning the riders set out from the Dahlgren Navy base on a 3,500-mile cross country ride to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project.
The Keegans started planning the ride several months ago, arriving in King George County a few days ago with their horses and gear. They were put up at Dan and Deb Crowl’s farm on Poplar Neck Road. Crowl is a retired Marine Corps colonel.
Keegan, himself a retired Marine, and a longtime rider, was looking to spend some time with his son, while doing something to help troops injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. ”I found out that the government was not taking care of the troops as they should when I ran into Mike” out in Arizona at another Wounded Warriors ride , Keegan says. So the trio decided to start in Virginia. When their first place to stay in King George fell through, the Naval Support Facility’s family services office got them in touch with the Crowls.
After a brief departure ceremony at Dahlgren, they hit the road. Keegan, whose last long ride was a 14-day endurance ride of 800 miles, says they hope to do 15 or 20 miles a day. They’ll stop wherever they can overnight. The ride could take three to six months. Proscia, who had traumatic brain injury from roadside bombs in Iraq, suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. He’s a riding rookie, who admits the next couple months in the saddle will be challenging.
“I’ve only ridden a horse a couple times in my whole life,” he said this morning. “I want to try the whole thing. It will help bring awareness to other wounded soldiers, and show them they can do things. I’m working on getting back to a new normal.”
From here, they’ll head into Stafford and Fauquier , then north and West into West Virginia. Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and ending near San Francisco.. The ride is supported by Wounded Warriors Project, Freedom Bridge Foundation and the Lake Havasu City chamber of commerce.
Keegan says individuals, business and organizations are sponsoring the ride, which is also seeking donations along the way. For example, U-Haul chipped in a truck as a support vehicle.
Full Story here - http://blogs.fredericksburg.com/tenhut/2011/06/10/in-the-saddle-for-a-worthy-cause/
The Keegans started planning the ride several months ago, arriving in King George County a few days ago with their horses and gear. They were put up at Dan and Deb Crowl’s farm on Poplar Neck Road. Crowl is a retired Marine Corps colonel.
Keegan, himself a retired Marine, and a longtime rider, was looking to spend some time with his son, while doing something to help troops injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. ”I found out that the government was not taking care of the troops as they should when I ran into Mike” out in Arizona at another Wounded Warriors ride , Keegan says. So the trio decided to start in Virginia. When their first place to stay in King George fell through, the Naval Support Facility’s family services office got them in touch with the Crowls.
After a brief departure ceremony at Dahlgren, they hit the road. Keegan, whose last long ride was a 14-day endurance ride of 800 miles, says they hope to do 15 or 20 miles a day. They’ll stop wherever they can overnight. The ride could take three to six months. Proscia, who had traumatic brain injury from roadside bombs in Iraq, suffers from post traumatic stress disorder. He’s a riding rookie, who admits the next couple months in the saddle will be challenging.
“I’ve only ridden a horse a couple times in my whole life,” he said this morning. “I want to try the whole thing. It will help bring awareness to other wounded soldiers, and show them they can do things. I’m working on getting back to a new normal.”
From here, they’ll head into Stafford and Fauquier , then north and West into West Virginia. Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and ending near San Francisco.. The ride is supported by Wounded Warriors Project, Freedom Bridge Foundation and the Lake Havasu City chamber of commerce.
Keegan says individuals, business and organizations are sponsoring the ride, which is also seeking donations along the way. For example, U-Haul chipped in a truck as a support vehicle.
Full Story here - http://blogs.fredericksburg.com/tenhut/2011/06/10/in-the-saddle-for-a-worthy-cause/
Friday, June 10, 2011
In the saddle for a worthy cause
Fredericksburg.com Tenhut Blog
June 10 2011
by Rusty Dennen
If you happen to see a group of horses and riders heading West along Route 3, you might want to wave. That would be Jeff Keegan, 63, his son, Patrick, 19, Mike Proscia, 45, and a couple other wrangles who all hail from Lake Havasu, Ariz. Jeff Keegan is a retired Marine, Patrick is a working cowboy who graduated in May from high school, and Proscia is a former Arizona National Guard soldier injured in Iraq during a deployment in 2006-2007. Around 10 this morning the riders set out from the Dahlgren Navy base on a 3,500-mile cross country ride to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project.
The Keegans started planning the ride several months ago, arriving in King George County a few days ago with their horses and gear. They were put up at Dan and Deb Crowl’s farm on Poplar Neck Road. Crowl is a retired Marine Corps colonel.
Keegan, himself a retired Marine, and a longtime rider, was looking to spend some time with his son, while doing something to help troops injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. ”I found out that the government was not taking care of the troops as they should when I ran into Mike” out in Arizona at another Wounded Warriors ride , Keegan says. So the trio decided to start in Virginia. When their first place to stay in King George fell through, the Naval Support Facility’s family services office got them in touch with the Crowls...
Read more here:
http://blogs.fredericksburg.com/tenhut/2011/06/10/in-the-saddle-for-a-worthy-cause/
June 10 2011
by Rusty Dennen
If you happen to see a group of horses and riders heading West along Route 3, you might want to wave. That would be Jeff Keegan, 63, his son, Patrick, 19, Mike Proscia, 45, and a couple other wrangles who all hail from Lake Havasu, Ariz. Jeff Keegan is a retired Marine, Patrick is a working cowboy who graduated in May from high school, and Proscia is a former Arizona National Guard soldier injured in Iraq during a deployment in 2006-2007. Around 10 this morning the riders set out from the Dahlgren Navy base on a 3,500-mile cross country ride to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project.
The Keegans started planning the ride several months ago, arriving in King George County a few days ago with their horses and gear. They were put up at Dan and Deb Crowl’s farm on Poplar Neck Road. Crowl is a retired Marine Corps colonel.
Keegan, himself a retired Marine, and a longtime rider, was looking to spend some time with his son, while doing something to help troops injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. ”I found out that the government was not taking care of the troops as they should when I ran into Mike” out in Arizona at another Wounded Warriors ride , Keegan says. So the trio decided to start in Virginia. When their first place to stay in King George fell through, the Naval Support Facility’s family services office got them in touch with the Crowls...
Read more here:
http://blogs.fredericksburg.com/tenhut/2011/06/10/in-the-saddle-for-a-worthy-cause/
Sunday, June 05, 2011
A different breed of horse race
Theworldlink.com - Full Article
By Rachel Finney, The World The World | Posted: Saturday, June 4, 2011
This isn't the Kentucky Derby.
The horses are built for distance and agility. Races range from 50 to 100 miles, and cover sand, water, rocks, cliffs and everything in between. Events contain major competitors all the way down to casual riders.
It's called endurance riding, and it's unlike most other horse races. Atop svelte Arabian horses, riders race over long distances through remote backcountry, though it's much more than just a stampede to the finish line.
Lisa Tine and boyfriend Chris Amaral, of Coos Bay, both have been endurance riders for many years. They try to get to five or six races each summer, hauling their horses on Fridays to weekend events around Oregon, Washington and California.
Tine said though finishing quickly is a goal, endurance races also rely on a healthy horse...
Read more here:
http://theworldlink.com/sports/outdoors/article_987ec2d4-8e77-11e0-be94-001cc4c002e0.html
By Rachel Finney, The World The World | Posted: Saturday, June 4, 2011
This isn't the Kentucky Derby.
The horses are built for distance and agility. Races range from 50 to 100 miles, and cover sand, water, rocks, cliffs and everything in between. Events contain major competitors all the way down to casual riders.
It's called endurance riding, and it's unlike most other horse races. Atop svelte Arabian horses, riders race over long distances through remote backcountry, though it's much more than just a stampede to the finish line.
Lisa Tine and boyfriend Chris Amaral, of Coos Bay, both have been endurance riders for many years. They try to get to five or six races each summer, hauling their horses on Fridays to weekend events around Oregon, Washington and California.
Tine said though finishing quickly is a goal, endurance races also rely on a healthy horse...
Read more here:
http://theworldlink.com/sports/outdoors/article_987ec2d4-8e77-11e0-be94-001cc4c002e0.html
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Sierra snow moves Tevis Cup endurance ride to October
Auburn Journal
By Gus Thomson, Journal Staff Writer
Snow that just won't quit on Sierra trails has caused organizers of the Tevis Cup to postpone the endurance horse ride from July 16 to Oct. 8.
The Western States Trail Foundation has been searching for an alternate route but even that effort has been hampered by snow and high river flows, Ride Director Chuck Stalley said in a statement that followed the Board of Governors decision Thursday.
"We literally didn't even have a safe and adequate alternate route six weeks before the Tevis," Stalley said.
Kathie Perry, Western States Trails Foundation president, said the move was made in the interests of rider and horse safety.
"The new date will give riders the needed time to get their horses ready for the challenge of the trail, as well as give them the experience of the traditional trail with its magnificence and history," Perry said.
The Tevis Cup has become an Auburn summertime staple since 1955. Its only cancellation came in 2008, when smoke from several fires blanketed the course. More than 200 horses and riders had already been registered for the 100-mile ride.
While the endurance ride from Tahoe to Auburn is now postponed, there will be riding activity on the weekend of what initially was the date set for the Tevis Cup. Stalley said the Western States Education Ride will be held July 15-17. Riders will be given the opportunity to see the trail first-hand, listen to lectures from veterinarians and experienced riders and gather miles toward the Tevis application requirements.
By Gus Thomson, Journal Staff Writer
Snow that just won't quit on Sierra trails has caused organizers of the Tevis Cup to postpone the endurance horse ride from July 16 to Oct. 8.
The Western States Trail Foundation has been searching for an alternate route but even that effort has been hampered by snow and high river flows, Ride Director Chuck Stalley said in a statement that followed the Board of Governors decision Thursday.
"We literally didn't even have a safe and adequate alternate route six weeks before the Tevis," Stalley said.
Kathie Perry, Western States Trails Foundation president, said the move was made in the interests of rider and horse safety.
"The new date will give riders the needed time to get their horses ready for the challenge of the trail, as well as give them the experience of the traditional trail with its magnificence and history," Perry said.
The Tevis Cup has become an Auburn summertime staple since 1955. Its only cancellation came in 2008, when smoke from several fires blanketed the course. More than 200 horses and riders had already been registered for the 100-mile ride.
While the endurance ride from Tahoe to Auburn is now postponed, there will be riding activity on the weekend of what initially was the date set for the Tevis Cup. Stalley said the Western States Education Ride will be held July 15-17. Riders will be given the opportunity to see the trail first-hand, listen to lectures from veterinarians and experienced riders and gather miles toward the Tevis application requirements.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
2011 Tevis Cup Postponed
Teviscup.org
June 2 2011
In a landmark decision the Board of Governors have voted to change the date of the 2011 Tevis Ride to October 8, 2011, and the Educational Ride to July 15th, 16th and 17th, 2011.
As of June 1st our scouts have reported up to ten feet of snow at the Soda Springs Road, which leads out of our alternate starting location for the 2011 ride. The alternate trail from Soda Springs to French Meadows continues to hold on to the record snow pack which will not melt by July 16th because of an unusually cool spring. The ride date has been changed to October 8th in an effort to use the traditional trail in both the high country and on the lower trail which crosses the American River.
October 8th is historically a cool, dry day in the Truckee, Lake Tahoe area. We landed on this date primarily due to the presence of a nearly full moon, the availability of the Gold Country Fairgrounds and trails which are not otherwise involved in organized events in the Tahoe National Forest. The days will be shorter and cooler, so adjust your training accordingly. The later date gives the trail crew more time to prepare and should offer the high quality trails we have come to expect from our dedicated trail crews.
Additionally, the Board of Governors have voted to change the date of the WSTF Educational Ride from June 10th to the date previously set for Tevis Cup - July 16th. We feel this will offer the best experience on the majority of the trail for our educational riders. Please plan to join us for these amazing events and to visit the Tevis webpage regularly for further updates and conditions as we move toward the our events.
On behalf of the Board of Governors of the Western States Trail Foundation, we appreciate your understanding and enthusiasm in putting forth the 56th Annual Tevis Cup ride on October 8th, and the 4th Western States Educational ride July 15th, 16th and 17th.
June 2 2011
In a landmark decision the Board of Governors have voted to change the date of the 2011 Tevis Ride to October 8, 2011, and the Educational Ride to July 15th, 16th and 17th, 2011.
As of June 1st our scouts have reported up to ten feet of snow at the Soda Springs Road, which leads out of our alternate starting location for the 2011 ride. The alternate trail from Soda Springs to French Meadows continues to hold on to the record snow pack which will not melt by July 16th because of an unusually cool spring. The ride date has been changed to October 8th in an effort to use the traditional trail in both the high country and on the lower trail which crosses the American River.
October 8th is historically a cool, dry day in the Truckee, Lake Tahoe area. We landed on this date primarily due to the presence of a nearly full moon, the availability of the Gold Country Fairgrounds and trails which are not otherwise involved in organized events in the Tahoe National Forest. The days will be shorter and cooler, so adjust your training accordingly. The later date gives the trail crew more time to prepare and should offer the high quality trails we have come to expect from our dedicated trail crews.
Additionally, the Board of Governors have voted to change the date of the WSTF Educational Ride from June 10th to the date previously set for Tevis Cup - July 16th. We feel this will offer the best experience on the majority of the trail for our educational riders. Please plan to join us for these amazing events and to visit the Tevis webpage regularly for further updates and conditions as we move toward the our events.
On behalf of the Board of Governors of the Western States Trail Foundation, we appreciate your understanding and enthusiasm in putting forth the 56th Annual Tevis Cup ride on October 8th, and the 4th Western States Educational ride July 15th, 16th and 17th.
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