Get Qualified for the 2017 AERC Nat'l Championships!

The AERC National Championships will be held August 18-20 by SoCo Endurance over 140 miles of private trails just outside of La Veta, CO at the base of the Spanish Peaks. The 50 will be on Friday the 18th and the 100 on Sunday the 20th.

a) All entrants must be current full members of AERC

b) All riders must ride in the declared weight division

c) Riders will be eligible* to participate in this event by qualifying under the AERC-NC criteria defined as follows:

The QUALIFICATIONS:

50-mile ride: 300 lifetime AERC miles (horse) AND 300 lifetime AERC miles (rider) with at least 100 miles together. The mileage requirements must be met with endurance competitions of 50 miles or more only – no limited distance miles count towards qualification criteria.

100-mile ride: 500 lifetime AERC miles (horse) AND 500 AERC lifetime miles (rider) with at least one 100 mile, one day ride together. The mileage requirements must be met with AERC endurance competitions of 50 miles or more – no limited distance miles count towards qualification criteria.

Alternative qualifications for 100 mile ride: Horse/rider as a team have completed 1,000 AERC endurance miles together (rides of 50miles or more only).

Horse and rider being ranked as a team in the overall top 10 of their AERC region in the year preceding the National Championship Ride they are entering

d) Only eligible members under the AERC NC qualifications will be able to ride at this ride with the exception of riders who are designated to sponsor qualified junior entrants. This sponsoring rider will receive career lifetime mileage only for the unqualified horse and sponsoring rider, but will not affect the overall placement standings for the RIDE. The RM may choose to allow several unqualified riders to enter as eligible sponsors for riders whose sponsors may be pulled during the ride. These unqualified riders will be reported in the results as lifetime mileage only.

For more information, see:
https://socoendurance.com/events/

A Young Equestrian Finds Her Sport

May 31 2017
By Jenna Asnault
 
When I first became interested in horses and riding, I was not sure what I wanted my “thing” to be. I knew of so many different riding styles and disciplines, like ships passing by the shore, but was unsure which I wanted to practice and improve in. I didn’t know which ship I wanted to board.

The first ship I saw was the one carrying my neighbor and her horses—the first horses I ever rode—and her style of riding. Primarily with her, I just rode on the trails in Bidwell Park in the town of Chico, California. I have always enjoyed the trail rides, but I knew that they were not all I wanted to do.

But another ship sailed by. On board was a different lady with a different style and a different discipline. So I started taking lessons from her. I soon discovered that she competed in schooling shows with her students, and under her training, I ended up in two different shows. Both resulted in ribbons for me and general pride in my accomplishment. However, I was not really learning as much as I could from this trainer, and I was not fond of her ideas about training and disciplining horses. So, I jumped off that boat and swam out to find a new one.

The next boat I boarded was closely related to my previous one. It was barrel racing, which was an exciting sport that I knew many people participated in and enjoyed. But poor preparation for my first official barrel race resulted in the horse throwing me off on the home stretch. I had by no means lost my confidence in my riding ability, but I did come to the conclusion that barrel racing was not for me.

But before I could commit myself to something knew, an unexpected boat sailed by and picked me up. On Christmas Day, 2012, my neighbor gave me my first horse. He was a horse that I had been riding and caring for frequently, and who I adored. I rode him frequently in Bidwell Park, taking trail rides of varying lengths, exploring the park further, and just having great adventures. Three spectacular years that horse and I were together, but his death in 2016 transferred me to a whole new ship as his sailed away forever and marked a turning point in my life.

He had been a good first horse, but now I was ready to move forward and try something new. But I still was unsure of which ship I wanted to board next.

I started by boarding a ship that got me back into taking lessons. I found a new trainer who was an old friend of my neighbor’s, and was better than my previous trainer by a wide margin. I knew she had been doing endurance riding for a long time, but did not quite picture myself as an endurance rider. I decided to give it a try, though, like I had done with shows and barrel racing.

Before I knew it, I was all aboard the SS Endurance. But recalling my lack of success in the previous disciplines, my expectations were not high.

My trainer, JayaMae Gregory, invited me out to my first endurance ride in October of 2016. I had a fantastic time. The course was beautiful, the weather was perfect, and I ended up finishing in the top ten. But I still was unsure if I wanted to stay aboard the SS Endurance. The second ride I did, however, was different.

Most of the ride was just a normal 50-mile endurance ride. Similar to the first ride, this one was beautiful with gorgeous weather. The first loop was a lot of fun. We rode happily around Camp Far West Lake, admiring the stunning landscape and laughing as we trotted down the trail. We had quite an adventure when our horses decided to have a race and we had to regain control. The copious amount of mud was frustrating, and we ran into some trouble at the vet check halfway through, when my horse’s heart rate was not slowing to the ideal rate. In addition, Jaya’s horse had a bloody nose, which concerned her and further delayed our departure time.

I was worried we might have to pull out of the ride, but we managed to continue into the second loop. It was slow going at first, since the trails were dense with mud. But we soon arrived at a long, straight trail that was much less muddy than the rest of the trails. It started with a very forward trot to cross the whole length of the extensive trail. Before I knew it, we were all cantering.

It had been a long time since I had had a good, long canter like that. I felt the roaring of the wind on my face and in my ears. I felt the horse moving effortlessly beneath me, and my hair being thrown backwards. I heard the pounding of three sets of hooves, Jaya’s joyous whooping, and the purest, lightest, most liberating sense of freedom I had ever felt. I stretched my arms upward and out, drinking in the feeling and letting it fill me.

Everything I had ever worried about or stressed over had been left behind at the beginning of that trail, and now nothing mattered except me and the horse. But even when we slowed our horses to a walk again, the feeling lingered.

It was that day, that moment, that I decided I wanted to ride endurance. I realized it was what I had always loved and wanted to do. For years I had ridden on trails, and loved it, and all I wanted was to just ride on trails all day, which is what endurance riding is. I found my calling on that winding ride, and now there is no way I can leave the SS Endurance.
I realized that day that I believe in long trail rides.

My life, like everyone else’s, has been a crazy, winding roller coaster. With all the ups and downs, those horses and those trails have always been there. I know that when the going gets rough, I can always go riding. Discovering a blooming passion for endurance has given me a vision of what I would like my life in the future to look like. I have begun building a scene of my future around the base of horses and endurance. My newly discovered passion has given me a greater sense of purpose to fulfill and direction to follow.

 #  #  #

The American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) was founded in 1972 as a national governing body for long distance riding. Over the years it has developed a set of rules and guidelines designed to provide a standardized format and strict veterinary controls. The AERC sanctions more than 700 rides each year throughout North America with distances ranging from 25 to 100 miles in one day. For membership information or to request an informational brochure, write to office@aerc.org, or visit www.aerc.org. For information about AERC or to request a Discover Endurance Riding booklet, visit aerc.org/New_Members_Page.

Contact: Troy Smith, AERC Publications, 866-271-2372, endurancenews@aerc.org

Enduring Partners — Stagg and Cheryl Newman

ArabianHorseWorld.com - Full Story

by Genie Stuart-Spears

Successfully completing 50- or 100-mile endurance rides in one day, one horse, one rider, requires building a partnership between horse and rider in order to enjoy mile after mile of trail. It begins with finding the right horse and doing lots of in-hand ground and arena work, lots of training and conditioning time on the trail, and most importantly, starting with short distances and riding to complete, not be competitive, for at least the first few years or more. It takes years to build a working partnership. And, emphasizes Stagg Newman, “Patience, patience, and patience!”

Having competed in endurance and competitive trail riding since the mid-1980s, Stagg and Cheryl Newman, both 68 years old, have over 15,000 combined career miles on some very tough trails and on some very tough Arabian horses.

Partnering up with a spouse or significant other to train and compete can be as difficult or as easy as partnering up with a horse. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

For the Newmans, training and competition is teamwork — an extension of their marriage. Stagg says, “Riding together has actually strengthened our marriage because of the quality time we spend together training and competing. We share the passion for horses and distance riding. We frequently help each other on trail, giving encouragement, making sure that each of us is eating and drinking, riding in balance, and so forth...

Read more here:
http://arabianhorseworld.com/magazine/enduring-partners-stagg-and-cheryl-newman

AERC Young Rider Division to begin in 2018

The motion to add a Young Rider Division for riders ages 16-21 was passed by the AERC Board in October of 2016 and was to be implemented in the 2017 ride season, the first of a three-year trial period.

Because the programming required for such an addition was more extensive than the Technical Committee originally estimated, the decision has been made to table the YR division until the 2018 ride season. This will allow the system to be updated and Young Rider AERC membership cards to be sent out at the start of the ride season.

Also affected are ride results forms and multiple annual awards. For 2017, all non-junior riders will ride and compete in their chosen weight divisions. Keep in mind that 200 endurance miles are the minimum to appear in the AERC regional points standings.

The AERC office will be creating personalized awards for the top 20 Young Riders for 2017, so keep on riding, Young Riders! If you have any questions, please contact Junior/Young Rider Committee Chair Steph Teeter (steph@endurance.net) or the AERC office (office@aerc.org).

Canadian Endurance Riders Rise to the CEI Biltmore Challenge

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

May 21, 2017
by: Equestrian Canada

Canadian endurance riders recently took on the CEI Biltmore Challenge, and proved they have what it takes to tackle the trails. Held May 5-6 at the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, 2017 marked the 22nd year for the prestigious international competition.

Wendy MacCoubrey of Ste. Justine de Newton, QC, was the top-ranked Canadian in the CEI 2* 120 km, riding her homebred mare Black Bart’s Lolita to a podium finish. MacCoubrey and the eight-year-old Arabian/Standardbred-cross mare, sired by Vondar Black Bart, completed the challenging ride along the French Broad River in 11 hours and 18 minutes to bring home third.

“I’m so pleased with my horse’s performance and results,” MacCoubrey explained. “It was only her second 120 km, and in the mountains she certainly showed me that she has what it takes in this sport. I’d also like to thank my awesome crew – I couldn’t have done it without them!..."

Read more here:
https://www.horse-canada.com/horse-news/canadian-endurance-riders-rise-to-the-cei-biltmore-challenge/

Kathie Perry to Receive Special Endurance Riding Contribution Award

Teviscup.org

May 18 2017

The Auburn Endurance Capital Committee is proud to announce that in 2017 Kathie Perry's contributions will be eternally (permanently?) honored with a commemorative tile.

In April 2003 the Auburn City Council declared Auburn as the "Endurance Capital of the World".

The city square of Auburn, located at High St and Lincoln Way, is a public gathering place that has revitalized downtown Auburn. The site offers seating, art, interpretive signs, and a fire circle. There is an Endurance Zone where commemorative tiles showcase citizens who have made significant contributions to endurance sports.

The Auburn Endurance Capital Committee is proud to announce that in 2017 Kathie Perry's contributions will be permanently honored with a commemorative tile.

A dedication ceremony is tentatively planned for the week before the ride in the city square. An official date and time will be posted on the Tevis Facebook page. Stay tuned! Please join us to honor Kathie Perry's many contributions to the sport of endurance riding.

20th Annual Mt. Adams Endurance Ride Expecting 150 Horses And Riders

Whitesalmonenterprise.com - Full Article

May 18 2017

One hundred and fifty horse riders from California to British Columbia are expected in Trout Lake on May 20. Riders and their horses are competing in the 20th Annual Mt. Adams Endurance Ride in distances from 30 to 100 miles.

This is a great ride for everyone from first-time endurance riders to world-class competitors with everything from a 12-mile trail ride to a 100-mile competition. Riders enjoy miles of forested trails in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest and adjacent timber lands. Elevation ranges from 1900-feet to 3500-feet. The well-marked trails are single track or old Jeep roads.

An endurance ride is essentially a long trail race (of 50-100 miles) with vet checks periodically along the way and where the first one to cross the finish line wins. The 30-mile (aka Limited Distance) ride is intended for new riders to the sport. The 12-mile trail ride (not a race) is offered for anyone who has a horse and wants to come up, get their horse vet-checked, ride the marked trails, and enjoy a weekend of equine fun.

In addition, there will be a Ride & Tie option (one horse, two riders) where riders and runners join forces to cover 25 miles. Any breed can compete, but the Arabian generally dominates the top levels due to the breed’s natural endurance abilities.

Mt. Adams Endurance Ride is one of the premier endurance rides in the country. It’s well-organized, sports fabulous trails, and it has a great campsite in the middle of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (a huge field in the middle of the USFS with a view of Mt. Adams). Fifteen years ago, the ride hosted the Pan American Championships here with international competitors representing 11 different countries. This year, the 55 and 75 mile distances also serve as a qualifier ride for FEI riders who want to compete internationally...

Read more here:
http://www.whitesalmonenterprise.com/news/2017/may/18/20th-annual-mt-adams-endurance-ride-expecting-150-/

Tevis Cup 2017 – History in the Making (Latest Newsletter)

TevisCup.org

Posted Tuesday, May 16, 2017 2:05pm
WSTF PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It is now middle of May and I was told that it might snow in the Sierra next week. This is the winter that will not end. I also saw on the forecast that it will be in the 90s next weekend. This is why the Ride Director and Committee are planning for all contingencies based on trail availability.

As I have stated previously, there is a strong possibility that the Tevis will start in Soda Springs in 2017. However, there is still a possibility that the Tevis could start at the traditional start at Robie Equestrian Park. We are also not sure if we can cross the American River. What I do know is that The Ride Director is planning ahead. There was a conference call last week with all the groups necessary to start in Soda Springs so that planning is well underway. The trail to avoid the crossing the American River has been scouted and mapped and we are working on finalizing that contingency.

Parts of the Tevis Cup Ride in 2017 may not be on the traditional trail but Lyon Ridge, Cougar Rock, Robinson Flat, Swinging Bridge, Michigan Bluff, Foresthill, and Franciscos will all be part of the 2017 ride. The start may be different, eliminating Watsons Monument and Granite Chief, and the eight miles after Franciscos could be different eliminating No Hands Bridge. The riders will still experience the canyons and at least 70 miles of the traditional trail.

My point in this message is that if an alternate trail is used in 2017, it will still be to the standards of the traditional ride. The challenge of the ride will be equal to traditional Tevis, and much of the traditional trail will be used. Years from now, riders who rode the Tevis in 2017 will get to say, I rode Tevis the year that it started in Soda Springs and didn't cross the American River. It will be memorable. I enjoy the stories told by the riders who rode the Tevis in 1983 which was the only other time Tevis started in Soda Springs. They tell of crossing snow banks on Lyon Ridge and that the snow reached the eves of the restrooms in Robinson Flat. The trail for the 1983 ride was changed two weeks before the start because they expected to start in Squaw Valley. Late snows after a heavy winter made crossing the Sierra impossible and a different course was laid out at the last minute. The 2017 Ride Committee is planning for alternatives months ahead of race day.

I can't tell you today what trail is going to be used for the Tevis in 2017, but I will tell you that it will be a memorable ride because it will be different.

Tony Benedetti

Trent Peterson rides across PCT to raise awareness for genetic disease/Ataxia

Signalscv.com - Full Article

By CHRISTINA COX - May 12, 2017

Outside of Agua Dulce’s Hiker Heaven, Trent Peterson uses a steel hammer to pound and shape a new set of horseshoes for his mustangs, Gary and Minaret.

The shoeing of the horses and the stop at the popular hiker destination marks a small break for Peterson and his three Mustangs as they travel from Mexico to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

Over the course of five and a half months, Peterson will complete the trail’s 2,659-mile journey on horseback to raise awareness and money for the Ataxia Foundation, which funds research projects to stop the hereditary disease that took his father’s life in 2014.

Ataxia comes in a variation of forms and names and is described as a disorder of the Central Nervous System which causes a slow progression or incoordination in walk and movements. Currently, there is no cure for the disease but doctors are making progress to stop its onset.

“I want to create a loud enough voice for the Ataxia community, a voice that it doesn’t have and it desperately needs,” Peterson said.

To support Ataxia research, Peterson is using all the money left from his GoFundMe page and from his countless sponsors to donate to the Ataxia Foundation and the Mustang Heritage Foundation.

“We have all the money we need to get to the border and the rest is going to the foundations,” Peterson said.

In addition, at the end of the trip, Peterson will sell his three mustangs in an auction and will donate all of the proceeds to the Ataxia Foundation.

“Money buys research and research buys a cure,” he said.

Peterson is also riding to honor the courageous spirit and love of adventure that his dad, Gary Peterson, exemplified in all parts of his life.

“He loved his family, he loved his kids and he loved the world around him and being out in it was his happy time,” Peterson said. “When he passed it was immediately that I wanted to do something that embodied that spirit for him.”

His trip across three countries, three states, 25 national forests and seven national parks, aims to give hope to those who need it and highlight “The Wild in Us,” which is the namesake for his journey...

Read more here:
https://signalscv.com/2017/05/12/trent-peterson-rides-across-pct-raise-awareness-genetic-diseaseataxia/

Karen Binns DiCamillo finishes 50th 160km in Indian Springs

Endurance-world.com - Full Article

14 May 2017
Race report made with the help from Jessica DiCamillo

Flight Leader Farm, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA. Saturday 29 April 2017. The Indian Springs management team choose for their April event a new site in the form of Flight Leader Farm owned by David and Tracy Kaden of Specialized Saddles.

Endurance World Indian Springs Riders approaching the finish.All competitors enjoyed the race Marissa Bartmann (Irish Cream MR, irregular gait in the CEI2* 120km) commented: “Enjoyed the trail and felt like I was home” the fight for top honours was less competitive than in the other rides.

The main reason seemed to be that there was another race the week prior to Indian Springs plus another one the week after.

“Thank you for a great ride and beautiful trails” reacted Katilin Cummins but the fast track along the Rio Grande River took a toll on the riders and their mounts.

Karen Binns DiCamillo (RGS Red Robin) kept her goal in check “to finish ” and it paid off big times even if she arrived after dark as the only finisher...

Read more here:
http://endurance-world.com/karen-binns-dicamillo-finishes-50-160km/

Equine vet to make regular visits at equine sanctuary

TaosNews.com - Full Article

May 12, 2017 6:00 am
By Ruth Bourgeois - Equine Spirit Sanctuary

Equine Spirit Sanctuary is pleased to announce a new service to local horse owners. Beginning this week, equine veterinarian Dwight Hooton will be in Taos on a regular schedule weekly, Friday through Monday. He will be available to treat horses at the sanctuary on Fridays and Saturday mornings.

Hooton was raised in Albuquerque on his parent's quarter horse farm. He graduated in 1987 from Colorado State University, one of the premier centers for equine lameness worldwide, and is also certified in acupuncture and chiropractic. He became involved in endurance racing, which led to working with endurance races internationally. He is a veterinary judge for the Federation Equestrian International and has served as the team veterinarian for the United States Endurance Team...

Read more here:
http://taosnews.com/stories/equine-vet-to-make-regular-visits-at-equine-sanctuary,40374

2017 May's Endurance Horses in the Morning

Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen In

05-09-2017 Endurance Day – Wildlife Encounters, Muddy Biltmore, Endurance Then and Now, Are We Improving?

Today's Endurance episode starts with Karen Chaton's advice for dealing with coyote encounters, Matt Scribner takes a philosophical look at endurance, Karen Bumgarner talks about how the sport has changed and the challenges of creating tracks for a ride, Lynne Gilbert shares her adventures at the recent Biltmore ride. Listen in...

http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/05-09-2017-endurance-day-wildlife-encounters-muddy-biltmore-endurance-then-and-now-are-we-improving/

Win a Tevis 2017 Entry in the "Dreams Don't Die" Essay Contest

The deadline is fast approaching!! It's May 20th

Here's the info:
Who can enter? Qualified First Time Entrants 60 years old or older

Through the generous donation of a fellow horseman WSTF is offering an entry to the world famous Tevis Cup 100 Mile Ride. The entry will be awarded to a First-Time Rider that is 60 years of age or older who has successfully completed the Tevis Cup mileage requirement as of May 1, 2017.

We want to hear about your dream of riding the Tevis Cup!

To enter the contest, in 500 words or less tell us about yourself, your horse and your journey together as a team. Please share the experiences that you feel have prepared you for this challenge. Let us know the impact this entry will have on reaching your dream of participating in the legendary Tevis Cup.

Entries must be postmarked by May 20th, 2017. The winning rider will officially be announced on June 7th 2017.

Please include your name, mailing address, phone number and email address so we can contact you if you win.

Mail entries to:
Western States Trail Foundation

150 Gum Lane #103

Auburn, CA 95603

Best of Luck!

Tevis Trail/Snow Update

april 30

Message from the WSTF President

In California, the winter of 2016-17 is officially the wettest winter in recorded history. Now that it is spring, we were thinking the snow in the Sierra would start melting, but no, it snowed four inches this past weekend and a few more inches are expected this week. The extreme winter is presenting some significant challenges for the Tevis Cup Ride in 2017. The good news is that we have a determined and resourceful Ride Director and Ride Committee that will work diligently to make the 2017 ride equal to the standard expected of the Tevis Cup Ride every year.

There are three major challenges. One is to make sure the trail is in good shape and is safe. The trail will be worked on by volunteers, paid crews, the USFS, and the Western States Endurance Run, who does an enormous amount of trail work for their event. The second challenge is where to start. If the snow allows, we will start at the traditional site of Robie Equestrian Park. If there is too much snow on top of the Sierra, we will start near Soda Springs on the western slope. We are currently deciding which one of two possible sites is best. Lastly, we are concerned about the water level of the American River which we need to cross. If the water cannot be held back at the Oxbow Dam as usual, then we have an alternate route to use that was developed when we feared losing No Hands Bridge many years ago. The Ride Committee is literally planning two rides; the traditional ride and the traditional ride with changes. There is no plan to change the date because the Gold Country Fairgrounds is unable to accommodate us on possible alternate dates. Our goal for the 2017 Tevis Cup Ride, and expectation, is to have a safe, quality, 100-mile trail that will only deviate from the original trail as necessary.

In 2011, the ride date had to be changed its date to October due to snow. Then a huge, early snow storm struck 36 hours before the start of the ride. The Tevis Ride Committee rerouted the 100-mile trail, reorganized nearly 800 volunteers, and communicated these changes to almost 200 riders in four hours. Think what we can do when we have four months to address potential changes. The efforts our Ride Director, Ride Committee, and Trail Committee are making are extraordinary.

There will be a Tevis Cup Ride on August 5, 2017. It may be entirely on the original trail, or there may be some changes, but it will be a trail equal to the Tevis standard. I plan to be on the starting line August 5th, I hope you will be there also.

Tony Benedetti 
President, WSTF

Wyoming Endurance horse remembered as companion, champion

Laramieboomerang.com - Full Article

By IKE FREDREGILL
ikef@laramieboomerang.com
May 7 2017

Tala died on a Friday.

A month shy of 34 years old, the caramel-colored Arab mare with a fleck of white between her eyes looked up at her longtime owner, rider and friend, Bonnie Swiatek, whinnied weakly and struggled in vain to stand.

It was April 7. The wind was calm, and the sun was warm.

“She picked a good day to die,” Bonnie writes in memoriam.

Tala’s packmates — Sage, Rocket and Sky — knew she was dying for some time, Bonnie said.

But while the mares hung their heads and refused to eat, Bonnie wiped away her tears, straightened her back and took to the mountains to remember Tala as she truly was — an endurance horse.

Tala lived two lives. First, she was a cow pony at Connie Wilbur’s ranch east of Laramie, where she was born.

Tala put in 16 good years for Connie before meeting Bonnie, who bought her for endurance racing in 1998.

“I never expected her to win anything,” Bonnie recalled.

“But she was fearless — she would try anything and do anything...”

Read more here:
http://www.laramieboomerang.com/news/endurance-horse-remembered-as-companion-champion/article_9ea9e59c-32ba-11e7-bda2-5b72defdc02c.html

USA Applicants for 2018 WEG Endurance

May 1 2017

USEF has released a memorandum regarding applicants for the 2018 Longines FEI World Equestrian Games Endurance, scheduled to take place in Mill Spring, North Carolina, on September 10-23.

The memorandum lists the events that may be named as USEF Selection events, and explains necessary procedures along the road to qualifying for the US Team, including the Training List, FEI Certificate of Capability, and Team Selection.

The memorandum and more info can be seen here:
https://www.usef.org/compete/disciplines/endurance/world-equestrian-games