Tuesday, September 30, 2014

After tragic Western States Trail spill, Auburn man recovers to ride in Tevis Cup

Auburnjournal.com - Full Article

Tuesday Sep 30 2014

Local health club helps Schafer overcome broken knee, hip and collarbone

By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor

Daniel Schafer thought he’d never ride again.

In May of 2013, the 70-year-old Auburn resident was involved in a tragic accident along the Western States Trail, tumbling down a steep embankment at the Auburn State Recreation Area while riding his horse.

At the time of the incident, Supervising Park Ranger Scott Liske told the Journal Schafer fell down about 100 feet off the trail near the Ruck-a-Chucky Campground.

“I went off the cliff and when I woke up all I could see was blood,” said Schafer, who was then airlifted by a California Highway Patrol helicopter to Sutter Roseville Medical Center. “I was pretty broken.”

The spill left Schafer with a broken knee, hip and collarbone and about 100 staples in his head and arm. He had plastic surgery on his eye, which needed some 70 stitches..

Read more here:
http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/9/29/14/after-tragic-western-states-trail-spill-auburn-man-recovers-ride-tevis-cup

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Popularity of endurance horse riding is growing in WNY

Buffalonews.com - Full Article

By Teresa Sharp
Niagara correspondent
on September 28, 2014

They come from varied backgrounds and ride a range of breeds, but these athletes all have one goal in mind – to test their horsemanship across distances of 15, 30 – and for some – even 100 miles. And to do it on deadline.

They will move as one with their horses across demanding terrain, and in the end, they will know their own and their horses’ capabilities and maybe even their limits, more intimately than they ever had before.

Welcome to the exhilarating world of endurance horse riding, better known out West, but growing in popularity in Western New York.

A small group of local members of an “Endurance Green Bean Team,” or novice group, is preparing for a 30-mile endurance ride Saturday in Allegany State Park, called the “Allegany Shut Up and Ride,” endorsed by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC).

Sue Neidlinger, owner of Shoppe on Main in Newfane, will enter the competition with her 12-year-old pony, Spirit.

She said training for such an event is “very similar to training for a marathon...”

Read more here:
http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/niagara-county/popularity-of-endurance-horse-riding-is-growing-in-wny-20140928

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Horse ride for Kristina Chesterman

Paradisepost.com - Full Article

By Trevor Warner Assistant Managing Editor
09/23/2014 03:53:04 PM PDT

A year after Kristina Chesterman was killed by a drunk driver, the Chico State University nursing student is leaving her mark on the Ridge and the world. The inaugural Kristina Chesterman Memorial Ride on Sept. 13 at Meadowbrook Ranch last week, and with its success comes the promise of a healthier life for people in Ozu Abam, Nigeria.

"After she graduated, she wanted to spend her first year with Doctors Without Boarders," Dave Chesterman, Kristina's father, said. "After she died one of her teachers (Darcy Lewis) decided to start this project to build a clinic over in Africa in (Kristina's) name."

With the Chesterman's blessings, Lewis contacted JayaMae Gregory, a friend and long-time endurance trail horse rider, and talked to her about organizing a fundraiser...

Read more here:
http://www.paradisepost.com/news/ci_26591570/horse-ride-kristina-chesterman

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Constanti and Crandell win Virginia City 100

September 20 2014

Shannon Constanti riding Raffle, and John Crandell riding Cowbboy Bob tied for first place in the 47th Virginia City 100 ride in Virginia City, Nevada on September 20th in a riding time of 13:47. Cowbboy Bob won Best Condition. Judith Ogus, riding Most Adoraable was third in 16:14.

29 riders of approximately 40 riders completed the ride. Fire Mt Destiny, ridden by Gina Hall, became only the 5th horse to ever attain a 1000-mile buckle. Connie Creech, riding LS Shardonney Bey + /, completed her 23rd VC 100. Pat Chappell, riding Dusty Starshine Zarif, finished her 16th VC 100.

For complete results and some photos from Alisanne Steel, see
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2014VirginiaCity100/

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Endurance races to boost Leicester's Hope for Horses

Citizen-times.com - Full Article

Mark Bennett, Citizen-Times correspondent
3:13 p.m. EDT September 17, 2014

With weekend after weekend of 5Ks, 8Ks and 10Ks, the distances covered by runners in Hope for Horses' second annual Endurance Race & Ultra Marathon this Saturday may look like typos: There's a 50K (about 31 miles) and an 80K (nearly 50).

For much of that distance along trails at the Biltmore Estate, two-legged runners will not be alone. Four-legged competitors will be sharing the route — or six-legged, if you add in the horses' riders, who will be taking on 30- and 50-mile courses.

The Biltmore trails are wider than a single-track course, said run manager Peter Ripmaster, proprietor of Black Mountain Running Co., so "there's plenty of space for runners and horseback riders to coexist on the trail.

"Last year I ran the race and didn't have anything close to an issue with the horses. They stay to one side of the path and you hear them coming," Ripmaster said. "Riders always slow the horses down as they come close to the runners and gently go by you." Words of encouragement are customarily exchanged in passing, he said...

Read more here:
http://www.citizen-times.com/story/life/2014/09/17/endurance-races-boost-leicesters-hope-horses/15768663/

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Endurance is Life

Redheadedendurance Blog

September 16 2014
by Bird

Ask almost any endurance enthusiast to tell you a ride story and you'll probably be met with a broad grin and a tale that could contain completions, placings, goals met--or things going completely sideways--or both! Whatever the finishing result the story probably also contains excitement, joy, fear, frustration, pain, exhaustion; basically it's safe to assume you'll run through most of the gamut of human emotions out on the AERC trail. Whether you are riding your first LD, a long awaited 50, a bucket list 100, the mental and physical journey will be there. There are undoubtedly levels of difficulty and necessary preparation within those distances that must be acknowledged and respected. At the end of the day though, every person that crosses a start line at one of our beloved endurance rides has started somewhere, paid their dues in some form, packed their everything, kitchen sink, AND hopes into their rig, and if they're lucky, set out down the endurance trail on ride morning on a good friend with a dream in their heart...

Read more here:
http://redheadedendurance.blogspot.com/2014/09/endurance-is-life.html?spref=fb

Louisa woman has ride of a lifetime

Dailyindependent.com - Full Article

Posted: Tuesday, September 16, 2014 5:21 pm

Not many middle-aged women living in northeastern Kentucky would ever consider traveling halfway around the world to go on a 1,000-mile endurance ride on horseback in one of the most remote parts of the world. But Amy Whelan is not like most women.
To Whelan, who lives on a farm near Louisa, spending hours riding a horse across the high plains and mountains of Mongolia was an adventure for which she trained for a year. Her only disappointment is that she broke her collarbone in three places in an accident during the race and was unable to finish the 1,000-kilometer derby on a route that mirrors the postal route established by Genghis Kahn in the 13th century. Despite the disappointment of not finishing the endurance derby, Whelan is quick to tell anyone who is willing to listen that the experience was “awesome” — something that, despite her injuries, she does not at all regret doing.

The derby on tough Mongolian horses bred for endurance required Whelan to employ every skill she has learned in a half century of riding and to push herself to the limit. Needless to say, the other riders in the race were also riding “fanatics” who, like Whelan, came to Mongolia to pit themselves against nature.

The riders did have some modern conveniences not available to those postal riders in the 13th century. They all carried GPS units and electronic trackers to find their way and remain in touch with organizers and are supported by a network of way stations. They also changed horses about every 25 miles...

Read more here:
http://www.dailyindependent.com/opinion/article_76bf2008-3de7-11e4-a1cc-ef402eecbd84.html`

Monday, September 15, 2014

Canada: Endurance racer thrown from horse and airlifted to hospital

Infotel.ca

September 14, 2014 - 9:55 AM

WEST KELOWNA – A woman taking part in an endurance horse race in the Jackpine Lake west of West Kelowna had to be airlifted to hospital Saturday morning after she was thrown from her horse.

The woman, in her 40’s, suffered upper body injuries and was knocked unconscious. Her horse got spooked and tossed her into a tree, according to a media release from Central Okanagan Search and Rescue.

An emergency room nurse and other racers performed first aid until B.C. Ambulance paramedics and a search and rescue volunteer arrived.

A helicopter was called and the injured woman was airlifted to Kelowna General. There’s no word on her condition.

She was taking part in the 2014 Champion Equestrian Endurance Horse Race at the Telemark Cross Country Ski Club’s trails. The competitors ride courses up to 120 kilometres in length within a 24 hour period.

Horse, rider being put to endurance test in West Kelowna, Canada

Kelownadailycourier.ca - Full Article

September 14, 2014
JP Squire

This weekend is the B.C. equestrian endurance championships on the Telemark Cross-Country Ski Club’s trails in West Kelowna.
“Endurance is a long-distance competition against the clock, testing the speed and endurance of a horse, and challenging the rider who must safely manage the horse’s stamina and fitness,” explained championships co-manager Daphne Richard.

“Endurance involves a set course of up to 100 miles (160 kilometres) to be completed within a 24-hour period. Riders want to finish the course as quickly as possible with a sound, healthy horse. Welfare of the horse is paramount. There are multiple veterinary checks along each course at which horses receive a soundness exam to ensure that they are fit to continue..."

Read more here:
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/opinion/columnists/article_230ac836-3af9-11e4-b1de-001a4bcf6878.html

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) Update: 248 Colorado Quarantines Since Beginning of Outbreak

Colorado.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 4, 2014

Contacts:
Veterinarians and Livestock Owners: State Veterinarian’s Office, (303) 869-9130
Media: Christi Lightcap, (303) 869-9005, Christi.Lightcap@state.co.us


Vesicular Stomatitis (VS): 248 Colorado Quarantines Since Beginning of Outbreak


Guidelines for Livestock Shows, Fairs, Exhibitions, and Events

BROOMFIELD, Colo. – As of 9/4/2014, the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian’s Office has 208 locations under quarantine after horses and cows tested positive for Vesicular Stomatitis (VS); 40 of the 248 quarantines have now been released.

“The number of quarantined premises is actually going down in some counties as horses are healing and the quarantines are being released. We continue to see new cases so continue to ramp up your fly control. The State Veterinarian’s Office is following up on reports of horse owners who have moved their horses out of a quarantined facility. If requirements of the quarantine are not followed, the Department will investigate, write citations for violations, and institute fines according to the Livestock Health Act in State statute,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.

If you plan to transport your horse to another state, be sure to check with the State Veterinarian's Office in the state of destination as to any special new restrictions for movement of your horse into their state. Some states have instituted new requirements for the import of Colorado horses due to the VS outbreak.

VS can be painful for animals and costly to their owners. The virus typically causes oral blisters and sores that can be painful causing difficulty in eating and drinking. In Colorado, there have been 344 horses and 7 cows that tested positive for VS.

County totals for premises under quarantine are:

· Adams – 10 (1 released)

· Boulder – 61 (10 released)

· Broomfield – 2

· Douglas – 1

· El Paso – 1

· Jefferson – 16

· Larimer – 65

· Morgan - 1

· Weld – 51 (29 released)

For more info, see:
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheadername1=Content-Disposition&blobheadername2=Content-Type&blobheadervalue1=inline%3B+filename%3D%229%2F4%2F2014+Vesicular+Stomatitis+%28VS%29%3A+248+Colorado+Quarantines+Since+Beginning+of+Outbreak.htm%22&blobheadervalue2=text%2Fhtml&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1252030596985&ssbinary=true

Endurance Day on Horses In The Morning with Meg Sleeper & Jeremy Olson

Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen!

September 9 2014

This month's Endurance Day on Horses In The Morning radio show with Karen Chaton and Glenn the Geek features WEG competitors Meg Sleeper and Jeremy Olson.

The show opens with a whole new way of looking at yogurt thanks to Karen being a little forgetful. Listen in:
http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/hitm-for-09-09-2014-endurance-day-two-weg-stories-meg-sleeper-and-jeremy-olsen/

Friday, September 05, 2014

AERC's Newest 4000 mile Horse!

Karenshorsetales Blog - Full Story

Thunder is living proof that some crooked legged colts can be more than pasture ornaments! He finished up the first day of the Old Selam 50 with a lifetime total of 4035 AERC miles!!

When Thunder was just a few months old he underwent surgery on his left front leg as it was so terribly crooked. He was born straight but by the time he was 6 weeks old the leg pointed west while he faced north. The veterinarians at Vale Vet Clinic calculated the angles and scraped the periosteum to straighten his leg, the same surgery used on the Kentucky Derby winner, Real Quiet. He was also given a large dose of selenium, copper and zinc as he was deficient and that is the main reason the leg went crooked. He then required special and frequent trimming, which I did. Every two weeks I'd go out and whittle on his front hooves to maintain the trim...

Read more here:
http://karenshorsetales.blogspot.com/2014/09/aercs-newest-4000-mile-horse.html

Tuesday, September 02, 2014

Endurance.net's Book of the Month: Suffering in Silence-Exploring the Painful Truth: The Saddle-Fit Link to Physical and Psychological Trauma in Horses



http://www.endurance.net/market/bookstore/

by Jochen Schleese (Sep 15, 2014)

Each year riders, trainers, and horse owners spend fortunes (literally) on veterinary attention, farrier work, pharmaceuticals, supplements, and physical therapies, all in an attempt to keep their horses healthy, sound, and performing their best. They invest time and money in finding their own boots, breeches, helmets, and chaps to ensure what they wear in the saddle is safe, comfortable, flattering, and right for the job at hand.

And yet still many balk at thoroughly understanding and examining the most basic and fundamental means of connection with the horse in most equestrian sports: the saddle.

Master saddler and saddle ergonomist Jochen Schleese says it is time to think intelligently about saddle choice and saddle fit for both horse and rider. In his new book, SUFFERING IN SILENCE: THE SADDLE-FIT LINK TO PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA IN HORSES, Schleese calls on all those involved in caring for and working with horses—riders, trainers, veterinarians, farriers, saddle fitters—to not only educate themselves in terms of the detrimental impact of poor saddle fit, but to also find a way to work cooperatively together toward a better and brighter future for the horse.

We must ask ourselves how much better could we ride and how much better could our horses perform if our saddles:
• Fit optimally?
• Accommodated each horse’s unique conformation and natural asymmetry?
• Were built for the differing anatomy of men and women?

The answers to all these questions and more are in Jochen Schleese’s book SUFFERING IN SILENCE.

Jochen Schleese has been working in the equestrian industry as a master saddler and saddle fitter for over 34 years and studied and built “gender-appropriate saddles” for over 20 of those. He completed both his journeyman’s and master’s certification at Passier and Sohn in Germany. In 1986 he was asked to come to Canada as the Official Saddler for the World Dressage Championships, held for the first time outside of Europe, and in 2005, 2007, and 2009 he held the same position for the World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 1990, Jochen developed a three-year certification program for the trade of saddlery together with the Ontario Ministry of Skills Development. He received a US Patent in 1996 for his innovative adjustable AdapTree® saddle tree, which is specifically made for the female anatomy, and he has been featured twice on Discovery Channel (How It’s Made and Harrowsmith Country Life). Jochen teaches his Saddlefit 4 Life® philosophy all over the world in conjunction with the German National Riding School, United States Dressage Federation, Ontario Equestrian Federation, Professional Trainers Verband in Germany, and at veterinary conferences in Brazil.