Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Doug Swingley, Action Hero

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

January 31, 2012
By Pamela@horsereporter


Doug Swingley from Lincoln, Montana, started endurance riding competition after 50, but when he commits to a sport, he wants to be the best. Swingley, now 58, is one of two riders from the United States that have been invited to participate in the 160k HH President of the UAE Endurance Ride in Abu Dhabi.

With only three weeks advance notice to prepare for the February 11 race, Swingley says the plan is coming together. Once the invitation was received and forwarded by the United States Equestrian Federation, horse passports and flight arrangements for horses and people have been flying back and forth quickly across the internet.

Swingley is a man accustomed to planning a competitive campaign with animals, and hardship is part of the package. Riding on a horse in the sand for 10-15 hours must seem at the other end of the spectrum for a professional dog musher and sled dog driver. And Swingley is one of the best...

Read more here:
http://siteground303.com/~horserep/2012/01/31/doug-swingley-action-hero/

Piney Pig Endurance Race: Young Riders Excelled

JJride.com - Full Article

Kelsey Kimbler | January 30, 2012

Very exciting weekend for endurance! Young riders really excelled at the Piney Pig ride down by West Palm Beach in South Florida. This was an FEI event with distances of 50 & 75 on Friday and 50, 75 & 100 on Saturday. I kept getting updates from my endurance family throughout the weekend and really wish I had been there racing.

It seems there were Young Riders in all the distances, some riding both days and most of them finished in the Top Ten. I don’t have an exact list but here goes;

Friday:

1. Michael Bishop – 50
2. Stephen Faryadi – 50
3. Taylor White – 50
4. Rachel Shackelford & Chances – 50
5. Zach Rabow & Hava Nah – 75
6. Kelsey Russell & Dee – 75

Saturday:
1. Kelsey Russell & Junior – 50
2. Stephen Faryadi – 50
3. Michael Bishop – 50
4. Katherine Gardener – 50
5. Zach Rabow & Elliptic – 50
6. Devan Horn & Braveheart – 50
7. Taylor White & Loki – 75
8. Cassandra Roberts & Fire – 75
9. Mallory Capps & Hadban – 75
10. Mary Kathryn Clark & Rabdan – 75
11. Sydney Sumrall & Koedoe – 75
12. Rachel Shackelford & Chief – 75

Read more here:
http://www.jrride.com/2012/01/30/piney-pig-endurance-race-young-riders-excelled/

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Recreational Trails Program Continues to be Threatened

Horsecouncil.org

Submitted by admin on Tue, 01/10/2012 - 16:40

The Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which provides funding for recreational trails throughout the country, including those used by equestrians, continues to be threatened.

In November, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee marked up its version of a multi-year national highway transportation bill, called MAP-21. MAP-21 would reauthorize the RTP program; however it would make a major change to the RTP program by removing dedicated funding for the program and consolidating it with several others.

“As currently written this bill would preserve RTP in name only and would effectively end the program that has funded thousands of successful trail projects all over the country,” said AHC Legislative Director Ben Pendergrass. “RTP would be thrown in with a bunch of other programs and states could choose not to spend any money on RTP projects. This defeats the original idea of RTP, which was to return some of the gas taxes paid by recreational off-highway vehicle users to the trail community.”

The current national highway bill SAFETEA-LU that authorizes the RTP program was set to expire in September of 2009. However, because Congress has yet to pass a new highway bill it has been forced to extend the current law several times, most recently until March 2012. MAP-21 must still be debated and approved by the full Senate. The House has yet to introduce its version of a highway bill.

“Every recreational rider needs to be calling and emailing their Senators to let them know how important the RTP program is to them. They need to make sure their Senators understand that RTP must have dedicated funding,” said Pendergrass.

Currently, funding for RTP is provided by taxes on fuel paid into the Highway Trust Fund by users of off-highway recreational vehicles. RTP projects consist of construction, maintenance and restoration of trails and trail related facilities as well as the acquisition of easements or property for trails. Although each state manages its own program, 30% of RTP funds must be spent on non-motorized projects like equestrian trails, 30% on motorized, and 40% percent on multiuse projects. RTP is one of the few sources for federal funding of trail projects that are not on federal land available to equestrians. The program has been a great resource for equestrians to fund projects in their state and local parks.

The AHC, in conjunction with a broad coalition of recreational trail users, is requesting Congress re-authorize the RTP program in its current form in the next highway bill as a separate distinct program with dedicated funding. The AHC urges its member organizations and their membership to contact Congress and voice support for this program and let them know this program is important to the horse community.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

American Horse Council Explains Changes in Tax Benefits for Horse Owners

Horsecouncil.org

Submitted by admin on Fri, 01/20/2012

Despite the acrimony and brinksmanship, Congress eventually passed an extension of the payroll tax reductions in late December maintaining the 2% reduction in payroll taxes for workers and the self-employed. The relief is good for two months through February, 2012. Negotiations are already underway between the House and Senate to find a way to extend payroll tax relief through 2012.

But the bill ultimately passed by Congress did not extend the Section 179 expense deduction or 100% bonus depreciation at the 2011 levels. Both provisions have returned to prior lower levels.

Section 179 Expense Deduction

The expense deduction has returned to $125,000 for 2012 and phases out dollar-for-dollar once purchases of depreciable property reach $500,000. The 179 expense deduction applies to horses, farm equipment and other depreciable property used in a business and permits a horse owner or breeder to write-off up to $125,000 in assets purchased and placed in service in one’s horse business in 2012.

The expense allowance for 2010-2011 was $500,000 and phased out after purchases exceeded $2 million.

Bonus Depreciation

In addition, bonus depreciation has returned to 50% for 2012. Bonus depreciation allows horse owners and other horse businesses to write off 50% of the cost of “new” capital assets, including horses, when purchased and placed in service in 2012. To be eligible for bonus depreciation the original use of the property must commence with the taxpayer. Any prior use makes the property ineligible.

Bonus depreciation was 100% for eligible assets purchased and placed in service from September 8, 2010 through 2011.

Both provisions can be used together.

Retroactive Change is Possible

“It is possible that the higher levels could be reinstated retroactively to January 1, 2012. In fact, the House-passed payroll-tax bill extended 100% bonus depreciation through 2012, even though the Senate bill did not,” said AHC president Jay Hickey. “The negotiations between now and the end of February on the one-year extension of the payroll tax reduction could include other changes to the tax code, such as the expense deduction or bonus depreciation. But this is speculation at this point.”

Back Country Horsemen of America is Recognized by Local and National Organizations

For Immediate Release: January 23, 2012
Contact: Peg Greiwe
1-888-893-5161

Back Country Horsemen of America is Recognized
by Local and National Organizations
By Sarah Wynne Jackson

When you ride your horse down a well-groomed trail with level footing, no low branches, sturdy bridges, and safe water crossings, do you stop to think what it took to make that happen? Ask any Back Country Horsemen of America member and they’ll tell you: long hours of hard work, lots of sweat, and personal funds spent on fuel and supplies.

Maintaining trails for horse use is far from glamorous, but without it, where will we ride? It may seem like a thankless job, but Back Country Horsemen of America are happy to do it and organizations large and small see the difference BCH folks are making.

Just Doing What They Do

All Back Country Horsemen believe in the value of volunteerism, so it’s no wonder that many of their accolades center around trail work. On a rainy day in September, seven members of Hoosier Back Country Horsemen of Indiana volunteered their time and equipment to repair storm damage at Youngs Creek Horse Camp in Hoosier National Forest.

Straight-line winds had hit the camp, blowing down large trees which damaged the water trough, fence, and highline posts. The folks from Hoosier BCH cleared debris, repaired the fence, and installed new highline posts. They used a tractor to remove fallen trees and large branches. They also performed general maintenance, such as trimming tall grass in the fenced area.

Nancy Myers, Outdoor Recreation Planner of Region 9, Hoosier National Forest, Tell City Ranger District, recently recognized Hoosier Back Country Horsemen on the US Forest Service’s “Success Stories” web page for their assistance in cleaning up Youngs Creek Horse Camp.

Nancy wrote, “The Hoosier Back Country Horsemen are a great partner and very willing to volunteer for trailhead and trail projects. They even agreed to help on another trail gravelling project on the German Ridge Trail in November. The Tell City recreation staff is very appreciative of the Hoosier Back Country Horsemen's hard work and willingness to enhance recreation opportunities for equestrians on the Hoosier National Forest.”

Making the Connection

Back Country Horsemen across the country go out of their way to nurture good relationships with public land managers. Back Country Horsemen of Middle and South Georgia have a strong working relationship with the folks at A.H. Stephens State Historic Park. They volunteer throughout the year on various projects, such as trail work days, special events, securing grants, and hosting and assisting with several equestrian programs.

As a result, the equestrian facility is now more user friendly with higher visitation rates, generates more revenue, and has receive positive feedback from guests. Andre Mclendon, Park Manager at A.H. Stephens State Historic Park, recently sent a letter of thanks to Back Country Horsemen of Middle and South Georgia.

Andre ended his letter with this sentiment, “Words cannot express how much we appreciate your support. Every day we take one step closer to achieving our goal. It is to be the best equestrian facility that our Georgia State Park system has to offer. With your support I am confident that we can attain our goal. Thank you so much for your contributions. All of our accomplishments from this past year are proof that we can make a difference.”

National Recognition

Responsible recreation is a major tenet of Back Country Horsemen of America and has been a focus of Back Country Horsemen of Washington since their formation in 1976. BCHW’s current Leave No Trace educational program has been in existence for 15 years, and is funded mostly from grants through the US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program.

The Coalition for Recreational Trails, a federation of national and regional trail-related organizations, gives seven achievement awards each year to recognize outstanding use of Recreational Trails Program funds. In 2010, BCHW's Leave No Trace Educational Program received the award in the category of Environment and Wildlife Compatibility.

The entire BCHW Leave No Trace program is run by volunteers dedicated to teaching others responsible recreation. This national award is a great honor for all BCHW members who work and support this educational program with their time and effort. Back Country Horsemen of Washington members also made donations to cover the travel expenses of three BCHW officers to accept the award in person in Washington, D.C.

Share the Trail

Back Country Horsemen of America believes in sharing trails amiably with other users, and BCH Eagle Creek of Kentucky exemplifies that ideal with their outstanding cooperation with the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association. The two organizations recently worked together on a clean up work day on a county-owned reservoir multi-use trail system.

Chris Lockard, President of the Bluegrass Chapter of the Kentucky Mountain Bike Association, sent BCH Eagle Creek a warm letter of appreciation. He wrote in part, “I just wanted to take a moment and thank you for extending an invitation out to the KY Mountain Bike Association to participate in the trail day sponsored by the Back Country Horsemen of Eagle Creek. You and your group were great to work with. The local mountain biker community found it rewarding to work with the equestrians on trail improvements at the county reservoir property.”

Chris also pointed out the benefits of different trail user groups working together toward a common goal, something well understood by Back Country Horsemen of America. Interactions between user groups helps foster understanding and positive relationships, as well as respect and value for each other’s right to a quality trail experience.

About Back Country Horsemen of America

It’s clear that public land managers, other trail users, and national organizations recognize the huge difference Back Country Horsemen are making. Responsible recreation and protecting our right to ride isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a responsibility that requires action in a variety of forms. Back Country Horsemen of America is proud to live up to that and get the job done.

BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes regarding the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands.

If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com; call 888-893-5161; or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

American Horse Council Helps YOU to Connect with Congress

Horsecouncil.org


Submitted by admin on Fri, 01/20/2012 - 12:43
Despite the low approval ratings for Congress, Americans are still interested in what Congress is doing. Why? Because what Congress does - or does not do - impacts the horse industry. This is true regardless of your breed or discipline, whether you are an individual owner, run a track or show, own a horse business, work in the industry as a service provider or ride for recreation.

It is important that we build relationships with our elected leaders in Washington and that they understand and appreciate the $102 billion horse industry’s contribution to the economic, sporting and recreational sectors of the U.S. and their states. 2012 is a terrific opportunity to do this because it is an election year and so many members of Congress and new candidates are running for federal office and they want to meet you.

One of the best ways to build a relationship is to simply invite a member of Congress to your farm or ranch or to an equestrian event back in the district or state. Invite other horse people so there is a built-in crowd of voters. A personal experience with the horse community makes an impression.

All across the country there are farms and ranches getting ready for the breeding season, a great time to showcase the industry. There are horse shows, large and small, races, rodeos, organized and disorganized trail rides, horse sales, etc. Each of these events is an opportunity to build a relationship with a member of Congress or a candidate and to help them understand the horse industry a little bit better. Remember that going to a horse farm or event is a pleasant way to spend a few hours. Having voters there makes it even more pleasant for those running for Congress.

Building relationships with members of Congress is more important now than ever. There are many issues before Congress such as taxes, federal spending, immigration reform and racing legislation, trails legislation and disease programs that could all have profound implications for the horse industry. Only by having personal exchanges with their constituents, who are involved with the horse industry, will members of Congress fully appreciate how these issues impact the industry.

If you would like to invite a member of Congress to your facility or your organization has an upcoming event you think would be appropriate for your Senator or Representative to attend, please contact the AHC. The AHC will help you invite them and provide any guidance you might need. You can call or email the AHC at (202) 296-4031 or AHC@horsecouncil.org for help. Ask for our brochure, Getting Involved in the 2012 Elections, which will give you some pointers.

Please get involved. You will be helping yourself and your industry. And remember that while Congress’ approval rating as a whole is very low, polls still show that most people feel their Senator or Representative is doing a good job so you might even enjoy the visit. They will.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Rescheduled Western States Trail Work

Monday January 23 2011

Due to the prediction of moderate to heavy rain and wind, the January 21 trail work event was cancelled. Pending approval from the Auburn State Recreation Area, we will add Saturday, March 3 to the 2012 work schedule. All time and meeting location details planned for tomorrow will now apply to March 3. Please RSVP for this new event if you plan on attending to trails@ws100.com.

Please remember that the United States Forest Service requires that you fill out, sign and send the Volunteer Liability Release Form (this is not the WS service requirement form) to the agency office before you can volunteer. You will not need a form for the first two scheduled work days but you will for March and all other dates. Accordingly, please have your form submitted to the Foresthill USFS office no later than Friday, March 9. Instructions and a link to the PDF form are provided at ws100.com/projects.htm#fedform. You can provide a scanned signature and send to the e-mail address provided or print, sign and fax or mail. Or, to sign the form electronically (digital ID) click on the link in the signature field and follow the directions for creating a new digital ID. You can then save and send a copy of the PDF file. Please remember this is very important to the agency and they are important to us!

2012 Trail Work Projects
January 21 - Cancelled
Hwy 49 to No Hands/Upper Pointed Rocks to No Hands
Meeting Time/place: 8:30 am, Lower Quarry Parking Lot

February 11
Cal 1/Cal 2 area
Meeting Time/place: 8:30 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop

March 3 - New Event!!
Hwy 49 to No Hands/Upper Pointed Rocks to No Hands
Meeting Time/place: 8:30 am, Lower Quarry Parking Lot

March 24
Volcano Canyon/El Dorado Canyon
Meeting Time/place: 8:30 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop

April 21
Deadwood to Last Chance
8:00 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop

May 12 (last day to earn service requirement hours for 2012 WS Run)
Pucker Point Trail
8:00 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop

June 2 (these dates will serve as credit for 2013 WS Run)
Duncan Canyon
8:00 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop

June 15-16 (Robinson Flat campout)
Red Star Ridge
Friday afternoon/Saturday, 8:30 am
Please remember to dress appropriately as the weather is unpredictable. Be sure to wear long pants and bring work gloves, water and a snack. A great lunch and beverages will be provided and waiting at the finish, typically around 1:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you on the trail!

Donn Zea
Western States Endurance Run
Board of Trustees

Mike Shackelford
Western States Trail Foundation
Board of Governors

Sunday, January 22, 2012

2012 Date and Location Approved for Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North 

By Joanie Morris, NAJYRC
 
*Lexington, KY* - The dates and location of the 2012 Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North have been designated.
The competition will take place at the Kentucky Horse Park from July 18-22, 2012 - the week before the Olympic Games commence in London.
 
Adequan has returned as the title sponsor of this competition, and makes the dreams of young equestrians (ages 14-21) a reality. It is through the support of Adequan that this event has been able to grow - it now boasts nine FEI Championships.
 
Dressage, Eventing, Jumping and Reining each offer a championship for Juniors and one for Young Riders. Endurance - which was added in 2011 as a championship, offers an FEI championship for Young Riders.
 
In 2011 both Vaulting and Para-Equestrian produced exhibition performances at the championship - both were very well received by the other athletes and spectators.

"We look forward to another excellent year of competition at the Kentucky Horse Park," said John Long, CEO of the USEF. "This is the showcase for our youth athletes in these five disciplines and it is a fantastic opportunity for them to compete in a championship of this
caliber."
 
Other supporters of the only FEI Championship held annually in North America include: Gotham North, SmartPak, Equine Canada, Platinum Performance, Ariat, Howard and Martha Simpson, the United States Dressage Federation, the United States Eventing Association, the United
States Hunter Jumper Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, Griffin Gate Marriott, Sallee Horse Vans, Hodges Badge Company, Phelps Media Group and the Alltech National Horse Show, the Mexican Equestrian Federation, Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC., Hagyard
Equine Medical, WISE Equestrian, Equifit, Dever, Inc., Best of Flowers, and Hertz.

A huge number of people and farms made the first 75-mile Endurance ride possible: Barton Brothers Farm, Ben Koostra, Black Fences/After HoursFarm, Billie Steffie, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, Chad Needham, Dunroven Stud (Steve and Martha Brown), Emmett Ross, Fayette and Scott County Police, Gaylord Highlander, Glenn Thompson, Kentuckiana Farms,
Oscar and Eloise Penn, Secretariat Center, Spy Coast Farm, UK-Ag Department (Dr. Nancy Cox), Ulrike McGovern, Equine Monitors (Donna Shifflette) and Distance Depot.
 
And thanks to all of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make this event a success. 
www.youngriders.org 

Friday, January 20, 2012

EQUUS Foundation Joins Equine Land Conservation Resource as Premier Conservation Partner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2012

CONTACT: Deb Balliet, CEO, Equine Land Conservation Resource
(859) 455-8383 or dballiet@elcr.org

By Yellow Horse Marketing for the Equine Land Conservation Resource

The Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) is proud to announce the addition of the EQUUS Foundation to its roster of Premier Conservation Partners. The Conservation Partners Program is a national membership program of organizations which play a critical role in ELCR’s mission to educate the public about the immediate need to conserve land for equine-related activity. With a diverse group of leading equestrian organizations on its roster, the ELCR Conservation Partners Program has grown to become a national network which reaches over 1.1-million horsemen across the country, working with a collective commitment towards saving local land for equine use through advocacy and the sharing of information.
The EQUUS Foundation, also known as Horse Charities of America, has emerged as the primary organization in the equine community solely focused on both horse welfare and the horse-human connection. Since 2003, the EQUUS Foundation has awarded nearly $2 million in grants to charities across the country which are improving the quality of life of horses, promoting the use of horses to enrich the lives of those in need, and educating the public about the horse's unique ability to empower, teach and heal.

"Horses enrich the lives of millions of people of all ages every day," said Jenny Belknap Kees, Chairman of the Board of the EQUUS Foundation. "Our purpose is to build a more informed and compassionate America that values the magical and powerful bond we have with horses - a bond that has existed for centuries and is stronger now than ever before. In further pursuit of this goal, we are delighted to join ELCR in this effort as a Premier Conservation Partner."

In addition to joining the Equine Land Conservation Resource's mission as a Premier Conservation Partner, the EQUUS Foundation has invited ELCR to become part of the EQUUS Alliance. Established by the EQUUS Foundation Board of Directors in 2011 to recognize the contributions of organizations involved in the equine community whose activities and programs complement and enhance the mission of the EQUUS Foundation, the EQUUS Alliance offers a mechanism to address national areas of common interest in the equine community and the means to support programs of Alliance members that educate the public about horses, provide services that benefit the equine community, and help stimulate advocacy and volunteerism on behalf of horses.

“At ELCR, we are thrilled to partner with the EQUUS Foundation and become part of the EQUUS Alliance," noted Deb Balliet, CEO of the Equine Land Conservation Resource. “Our organizations have a common goal to enhance and preserve the connection between horses and the public, a goal which is critical to achieve towards our mission of conserving land for equine activities, pastures, farms, and trails.”

About the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR): The Equine Land Conservation Resource is the only national not-for-profit organization advancing the conservation of land for horse-related activity. ELCR serves as an information resource and clearinghouse for land and horse owners on issues related to equine land conservation, land use planning, land stewardship/best management practices, trails, liability and equine economic development. For more information about the ELCR visit our website at www.elcr.org or call (859) 455-8383.

Renew Your AERC Membership Before February 1!

AERC's 2012 ride season is underway -- renew now to keep your points and miles accumulating . . . and your Endurance News delivery each month!

You can easily renew by:

1. Phoning the AERC office (866-271-2372) to renew with a Visa or MasterCard.

2. Renew online: http://www.doublejoy.com/erol/aerc/reg/

3. Fill out the paper form and mail it in to the office: http://aerc.org/upload/MembershipHorseCurrent.pdf

Besides renewing, we hope you are planning to help come to Reno on March 9 & 10 for the AERC convention. We'll be celebrating AERC's 40th anniversary and it should be a spectacular time. As always, the trade show and tack swap guarantee great merchandise, and the awards ceremonies are worthwhile, not to mention the informative and fun seminar program and dance and Hot Topics, and more!

For full details, call the office or click here the convention flyer/registration: http://www.aerc.org/upload/2012ConventionFlyer.pdf

Thanks your your past membership, and we hope to see you back on the trails this year!
The AERC Office Staff
Kathleen, Troy, Suzi, Judy and Rho
866-271-2372
aerc@foothill.net

P.S. Here's why you should renew before February 1 each year -- per rule 8.2, "Members whose dues are not paid by February 1st will receive no points or miles for rides held between December 1st and the date their membership is restored."

Three Additional EHV-1 Cases Confirmed in California

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Erica Larson, News Editor
January 18 2012, Article # 19462

Three additional cases of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) were confirmed in California over the weekend, bringing the total number of cases in the current outbreak to eight, according to a statement from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

On Jan. 11 a gelding residing on a "large multidiscipline facility with no movement of horses on or off the property" tested positive for the debilitating virus. He was quarantined on the farm and is receiving veterinary care.

On Jan. 12 testing confirmed that two additional horses on the property were EHV-1-positive. Those horses were also isolated and quarantined on the same farm and are receiving veterinary attention. On Jan. 13, two additional horses on the premises tested positive for the virus.

Over the weekend, three additional cases were confirmed. New information from the CDFA indicates that only one horse has displayed neurologic signs; however, all eight have been quarantined on the property and are receiving veterinary attention...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=19462

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Easyboot Glove Wins Horse Journal's 2011 Product of the Year Award

January 17 2011


by Kevin Myers
 
(Tucson, AZ) EasyCare, Inc. has received one of the most prestigious prizes in the horse industry: the Easyboot Glove has been awarded the 2011 Horse Journal Product of the Year.
 
Launched in 2009, the Glove quickly became the best-selling hoof boot in the world. Sporting an aggressive ergonomically designed tread, the boot is unlike any other horse hoof boot because it has no clips, buckles or wires and can be easily applied to the barefoot hoof. The Glove is known for providing dependable, long-lasting hoof protection over any terrain.
 
The Product of the Year award follows closely on the heels of the Horse Journal's Best Buy award to the Easyboot Trail hoof boot in November 2011. The Easyboot Trail was designed with value for money and ease of use in mind. The Easyboot Trail's closure system makes it very uncomplicated to use, with no force required to apply or remove it. This makes the boot a top choice for leisure and trail riders. 
 
These awards are of particular significance because the Easyboot Trail and the Easyboot Glove will be combined into a new hoof boot that is expected to be launched in April, 2011. "If this was a horse pedigree," said Garrett Ford, President and CEO of EasyCare, "and the Easyboot Glove was the sire and the Easyboot Trail was the dam, we would expect an exceptional colt!"
 
For more information on horse hoof boots, please see the EasyCare website at http://easycareinc.com and the EasyCare blog at http://blog.easycareinc.com. For all questions, contact Kevin Myers, Director of Marketing at marketing@easycareinc.com.
 
EasyCare Vision: We will be the global innovator in hoof care solutions that enhance the horse/human relationship.
 
 

Lindsay Graham Juggles International Endurance Competition and Career as Veterinarian

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

January 16, 2012
By Pamela@horsereporter

January 15, 2012, Napa Valley, USA~ Lindsay Graham from Napa Valley, California, is looking forward to her first visit to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. She is one of two invited riders from the US to compete at the annual CEI 3* HH President of the UAE Endurance Ride, this year slated for February 11. Her mount will be Christopher Martin’s 10 year old, Monk.

You might call Lindsay Graham, goal oriented. The 29 year old, from Napa Valley, California, has recently graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (2010) and jumped right into her full – time career as an Equine Veterinarian at Napa Valley Veterinary Hospital. “I like being a veterinarian,” said Graham. “I love being able to make horses feel better…and people to continue their partnership with their horse. As a rider, I can relate and understand.”

So far she is ticking the boxes of her life list. Get good grades in school – check. Compete on her hunter/jumper – check. Lindsay also rode hunter/jumpers on the UC Davis Equestrian Team. And yes, graduate from UC Davis – double check. These three goals the young Lindsay had written in a seventh grade project book...

Read more here:
http://siteground303.com/~horserep/2012/01/16/lindsay-graham-juggles-international-endurance-competition-and-career-as-veterinarian/

Sunday, January 15, 2012

2011 Maggy Price Award to Dr. Meg Sleeper

January 15 2011

At USEF's Pegasus dinner honoring champions on Saturday January 14 2011, Meg Sleeper, an endurance rider from Frenchtown, N.J., won the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award. Sleeper topped the USEF Endurance Rider Ranking List in 2011. She is a veterinarian at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

2012 AERC Scholarship Application

January 12 2012

AERC will award a $1000 scholarship at the National Awards banquet at the AERC convention on March 10 2012.

The Scholarship s open to AERC members in good standing from their high school senior
year through age 21 (must be younger than 22 as of 1/1/2012). Applicants must have a minimum of 500 AERC lifetime miles, and must have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.

Applications are due February 13.

For more information and the application, go to
http://aerc.org/temp/2012AERCScholarshipApp.pdf

Monday, January 09, 2012

Horseback endurance ride at Houston Airport

Stuckattheairport.com

January 8th, 2012 by Harriet Baskas

Horseback riding at the airport?

Yup. The volunteer Airport Rangers at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport do it year-round for recreation and to help patrol the airport’s grounds.

And on February 4th and 5th, 2012, 100 riders will show up for the 2nd Airport Express Endurance Ride through the 13,000 acres of groomed riding trails at the airport.

The goal of endurance riding is to complete a marked trail within the time given, as established by the American Endurance Ride Conference standards. Contestants in IAH’s ride will set out on 25 and 50 mile courses, but there will also a 10 mile “Fun Ride” for novice riders...

Read more here:
http://stuckattheairport.com/2012/01/08/horseback-endurance-ride-at-houston-airport/

Sunday, January 08, 2012

Western States Trail Work Schedule

January 8 2011

Greetings!

It's that time of year again to get out the Pulaskis and McLeods, chainsaws and clippers and give back to one of the world's greatest trails. Whether you're looking for a way to earn your service requirement hours or just want to help, there's sure to be a job for you. We've provided the dates, times and meeting locations of the planned events below. Please RSVP at your earliest convenience to trails@ws100.com.

Please remember that the United States Forest Service requires that you fill out, sign and send the Volunteer Liability Release Form (this is not the WS service requirement form) to the agency office before you can volunteer. You will not need a form for the first two scheduled work days but you will for March and all other dates. Accordingly, please have your form submitted no later than Friday, March 9. Instructions and a link to the PDF form are provided at ws100.com/projects.htm#fedform You can provide an electronic signature and send to the e-mail address provided or print, sign and fax or mail. Again, this is very important to the agency and they are important to us!

2012 Trail Work Projects
January 21
Hwy 49 to No Hands/Upper Pointed Rocks to No Hands
Meeting Time/place: 8:30 am, Lower Quarry Parking Lot

February 11
Cal 1/Cal 2 area
Meeting Time/place: 8:30 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop

March 24
Volcano Canyon/El Dorado Canyon
Meeting Time/place: 8:30 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop

April 21
Deadwood to Last Chance
8:00 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop

May 12 (last day to earn service requirement hours for 2012 WS Run)
Pucker Point Trail
8:00 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop

June 2 (these dates will serve as credit for 2013 WS Run)
Duncan Canyon
8:00 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop

June 15-16 (Robinson Flat campout)
Red Star Ridge
Friday afternoon/Saturday, 8:30 am
Please remember to dress appropriately as the weather is unpredictable. Be sure to wear long pants and bring work gloves, water and a snack. A great lunch and beverages will be provided and waiting at the finish, typically around 1:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you on the trail!

Donn Zea
Western States Endurance Run
Board of Trustees

Mike Shackelford
Western States Trail Foundation
Board of Governors

Saturday, January 07, 2012

Riding the Pony Express Trail: Part 3 with Tom Noll

Boisestatepublicradio.org - Full Story and Audio

Reported by Emily Schwing on Dec 30th, 2011

Boise, ID – This summer we introduced you to Boise resident Tom Noll.

He’s an endurance horseman and he spent more than eight weeks this summer on the 2000 mile Pony Express Trail with his horses, Frank and Whiskey. It’s been four months since Noll returned from his trip.

He has a PhD in Econometrics and his coworkers at Idaho Power like to call him Dr. Tom. After he returned from his adventure on the Pony Express trail, they all piled into an auditorium at the power company’s headquarters in down town Boise to hear the doctor’s story. It was standing room only.

“People have written me and said ‘Tom you gave that talk and it gave me the motivation to get up and do something.’ One woman said she was going to do a pilgrimage trip in Europe,” says Noll. “Another person I know, he’s a high altitude climber and he said you know none of us are getting any younger, these are my years and I’m gonna focus on climbing an eight thousand meter peak, so those are… those are things I never thought would happen,” he says.

Since he’s returned, he says his writing at work has become more fluid and creative and he has a new perspective when it comes to some of the quantitative work he does for Idaho Power. Noll’s theory is that the Pony Express Trail got his creative juices flowing...

Read more here and listen:
http://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/2011/12/30/riding-the-pony-express-trail-part-3/?mid=571

Friday, January 06, 2012

EasyCare Announces the 2011 $10,000 Hoof Boot Contest Results

For Immediate Release
Friday, January 6, 2012
For further information, contact Kevin Myers, EasyCare Inc.
520-297-1900 x 2238

by Kevin Myers
 
(Tucson, AZ) EasyCare announced today the results of the 2011 edition of the $10,000 Hoof Boot Contest. Riders enrolled in the sixth annual EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest accumulated more than 25,000 miles across two disciplines.
 
20 competitors earned $10,000 in cash and product based on their total annual mileage accumulations. "Now that the results have been tabulated," said Garrett Ford, President and CEO of EasyCare, "we can give back to the community who puts the most miles on Easyboots."
 
Endurance Division
Winner of the 2011 EasyCare Endurance Hoof Boot Contest is Carla Richardson, who rode a staggering 2,525 miles with SS Kharady Khid. She and Khid will also win the coveted AERC 2011 National Mileage Award. Carla and Khid completed 50 endurance rides in the 2011 ride season. Khid now boasts 6,635 career miles. Debbie Boscoe rode SRT Sizzling Sage and Scarlet Wind Song to second place with an accumulated 1,915 miles. New to hoof boots, Debbie was one of the highest mileage competitors at the 2011 2,000-mile XP ride from Missouri to California. In third place is 2010 Hoof Boot Contest winner, Terri Tinkham, who rode Oliver Twist for a total of 1,435 miles.
 
CTR Division
Winner of the 2011 EasyCare CTR Hoof Boot Contest is Mary Lambert. Mary rode High Tail Hanna and IM Bronze to a combined total of 375 miles. Bill Wingle rode Mariah for to second place with a total of 372 miles. Sheryl O'Brian rode Psyches Amore and Truimage of Gold into third place with a total of 350 miles. 
 
For a full listing of the 2011 Hoof Boot Contest results, go the 2011 EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest page.
 
Easyboot is the official hoof boot of NATRC, AERC and Tevis 2012.
 
For more information on horse hoof boots, please see the EasyCare website at http://easycareinc.com and the EasyCare blog at http://blog.easycareinc.com. For questions from dealers, please contact Brian Mueller at bmueller@easycareinc.com. For all additional questions, contact Kevin Myers, Director of Marketing at marketing@easycareinc.com.
 
EasyCare Vision: We will be the global innovator in hoof care solutions that enhance the horse/human relationship.
 
 
About EasyCare: What began in 1970 with the invention of the Easyboot has since grown into a full line of hoof boots and natural hoof care products that protect the hoof, allow horses to cover rough terrain, act as a spare tire in case of a lost shoe, and aid in the treatment of laminitis and other hoof problems. EasyCare’s hoof boot brands include the Easyboot, Glove, Epic, Boa Horse Boot, Old Mac’s and EasySoaker. While our main focus at EasyCare is horse boot design, we proudly make other top quality products for trail riders and recreational horse owners such as Stowaway Saddle Packs, EZ Ride Stirrups, Comfort Pads, hoof boot accessories and natural hoof care products.

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

It's easy to find the high notes in 2011, too

DCourier.com - Full Article

12/30/11

If you have been reading The Daily Courier's Top 10 stories of 2011, you might not find much to celebrate.

While some of the newsmakers are now making their homes in prison cells, appearing in court, heaping insults on each other and generally behaving badly, a lot of bright lights in our communities simply continue to strive for excellence in their chosen fields of endeavor.

In honor of the Prescott area's ranching and equine heritage, we'll bring you two of those achievers from 2011 - Jon Gilbert of Dewey-Humboldt and endurance rider Dayna Weary of Prescott.

Jon, who with his wife Marywade, runs Horsebreakers Unlimited, a horse breeding, training and boarding business in Dewey-Humboldt that handles some of top horses in the nation, won a championship in the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) North American Affiliate Reining Finals in Oklahoma City.

Gilbert and his 9-year-old bay gelding horse "Lewis" won over 109 other riders from throughout North America to win the Prime Time Non Pro Division, among other placings at the event.

Reining is an equine sport in which a horse and rider execute a pattern of circles, spins, and stops. It is a precise discipline in which the rider/horse team has to work together with very little evidence of guidance from the rider. Winning takes a responsive horse, a patient, skilled rider and a lot of practice. Winning at the national level is an achievement worth some pretty big bragging rights.

Weary has been riding in endurance races for many years, and is a past winner of the grueling local 50-mile Man Against Horse Race over Mingus Mountain and back. But the big prize she has had her eye on for years is the famous 100-mile Western States Trail Ride, or Tevis Cup, endurance ride that begins near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevadas and ends within 24 hours in Auburn, Calif. The ride is famous for its difficult terrain and capricious weather. Winning it takes a perfectly conditioned horse, a savvy rider, and a precision support crew...

Read more here:
http://www.dcourier.com/Main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=73&ArticleID=101646

2012 will see some happy (and not so happy) anniversaries for Auburn


Kim Palaferri/Auburn Journal
Auburnjournal.com - Full Article

January 2 2012

Auburn, Placer County communities mark several milestones this year
By Gus Thomson Journal Staff Writer


Stoic, picturesque and turning a century old, Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge leads the local list of milestone birthdays in 2012.

Now a popular site for photographers, hikers, horse riders and runners, the span over the American River was initially constructed by the Pacific Portland Cement Co. to help transport limestone from a Cool mining operation for use in making concrete.

When it was constructed, it was the longest concrete-arch bridge in the world. Today, it’s perhaps best known as the symbolic start of the final leg of both the Western States 100 Endurance Run and Tevis Cup 100-mile endurance horse ride.

Another 100-year anniversary for the Auburn-area will take place in November, marking the centennial of Auburn writer Clark Ashton Smith’s first book, “The Star Treader and Other Poems.” Smith would be dubbed the “Junior Poet of the Sierras” in 1912 because of his rich use of the English language, but would go on to lasting fame for his science fiction and fantasy writing.

Auburn can even boast some 160th anniversaries as 2012 dawns. The year 1852 marked the initial publication of the Placer Herald in Auburn. Now based in Rocklin, the paper is part of the Gold Country Media cluster of publications. The Auburn Journal was founded 20 years later and is celebrating 140 years in print.

Also blowing out 160 candles this year are the Auburn Oddfellows Lodge, Old Town’s Station A post office and the Auburn Hook & Ladder Company.

May will mark the 130th anniversary of the death of Claude Chana, the expatriate native of France who first discovered gold in Auburn. He died May 24, 1882 at age 71 in Wheatland...

Read more here:
http://auburnjournal.com/detail/196761.html?content_source=&category_id=2&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=

Equestrian Legends Episode 13 – Endurance Rider Julie Suhr

Horseradionetwork.com - Listen to Julie's interview

January 2 2011


Californian Julie Suhr has broken records in Endurance competitions and milestones in horseback adventures around the globe. With a recorded 30,282 miles in competition which represents 63 one hundred mile rides and almost 500 fifty mile rides, Julie last completed the Tevis Cup at the age of 76 although four years later she made her final attempt and came within two miles of another record finish.. Listen in…

Equestrian Legends Episode 13 – Show Notes and Links:

Show Host: Chris Stafford, follow Chris on Twitter
Photo Credit: Julie Suhr
Guest: Californian Julie Suhr has broken records in Endurance competitions and milestones in horseback adventures around the globe. Since her first ride in the world renown 100 mile Tevis Cup, Julie has completed twenty-two times out of twenty-nine starts. She has collected three Haggin Cups for the Best Conditioned Horse to finish in the Top Ten and she famously garnered three in one year – the Turtle Award for being last to finish; the Hard Luck Award when her horse fell and she endured a full body mud bath and for being the Oldest rider. With a recorded 30,282 miles in competition which represents 63 one hundred mile rides and almost 500 fifty mile rides, Julie last completed the Tevis Cup at the age of 76 although four years later she made her final attempt and came within two miles of another record finish. Her adventure rides have taken her from the remote expanses of Outer Mongolia to the searing heights of the Himalayas. The author of Ten Feet Tall Still, Julie is working on a second book and still sitting tall in the saddle at 87. Julie and Bob Suhr (deceased) have three children, Barbara, Robert, Nancy (deceased) and John as well as six grandchildren. Julie lives in Scotts Valley, California.


Listen to the interview here!:
http://www.horseradionetwork.com/2012/01/02/equestrian-legends-episode-13-endurance-rider-julie-suhr/

Sunday, January 01, 2012

2011 Resolution Ride Results

January 21 2012

2011 Resolution Ride 25/50/100

Results:
100; 14 start 10 finish
1. Tennessee Mahoney - DWA Pearl
1. Clydea Hastie - CR Zebra Splash
1. Dennis Summers - Bogard **Best Condition**
4. Kevin Myers
4. Kevin Waters
6. Rusty Toth
7. Pete H on a mule
8. Kerry Redente
9. Julia Elias
10. Effee Connor

Winning ride time 12:35

50 miles: 28 start 19 finish

1st Tammy Haggin - winning time 5:37
**Best Condition** - Janis Taylor

25 miles: 20 start 17 finish
ride time 3:11