World-renowned horse trainer to hold Leesburg, Georgia clinic

AlbanyHerald.com - Full Article

Michael Gascon recognized as No. 1 horse trainer, clinician in the world
By Tammy Fletcher

news@albanyherald.com

Feb 26, 2019

LEESBURG — The winter weather breaks and there is a hint of cool spring in the air. There is that smell that only horse lovers really know: fresh shavings in the barn and the fragrance of sweet hay that exudes from the beautiful creatures, creatures that are in many ways like people. They have distinct personalities, unique behaviors and habits.

Sometimes the horses behave mysteriously or mischievously or just badly.

Enter Michael Gascon, The Horse Guru. He has been called “a true Mississippi original” from Poplarville, Miss. On March 9-10 Gascon, The Horse Guru, will be in Leesburg.

Gascon is a fifth-generation horse whisperer. He has been riding “since before I can even remember.” He’s studied at The School of Equestrian Arts in Spain and traveled extensively to England, Germany, Denmark, Mexico, Canada, Mongolia and Australia, learning, competing and training horses. He says he wants to learn about other countries and their cultures as related to their horsemanship.

Gascon was one of 14 U.S. riders in a group of 44 worldwide riders to compete in the 2018 Mongol Derby...

Read more here:
https://www.albanyherald.com/features/world-renowned-horse-trainer-to-hold-leesburg-clinic/article_a73766a1-e8e8-5401-8c0f-ab5ed959a5ec.html

40th Anniversary of the 20 Mule Team in Ridgecrest, California

February 25 2019

The 40th anniversary of the 20 Mule Team ride took place in near-perfect weather in Ridgecrest, California, on February 23, 2019 with distances of 35, 65, and 100 miles. The trails were the same that will be covered in the AERC National Championship rides on October 31-November 3.

Chris Martin's Monk, ridden by Ann Hall, was third cross the finish line but ended up the winner, in a ride time of 13:09, when the first 2 finishers were pulled. Second place went to Melissa Montgomery aboard West Winds Dragon in 13:52. Justin Loewen and Par Devant finished third in 15:35. Fifth place Susie Kramer and A Ali Aseel took Best Condition. It was the gelding's first 100 mile ride. 36 started the 100, with 22 finishing.

Dominique Freeman and Rising Heat won the 65 miler - and got Best Condition - in a ride time of 7:15. Sheri Weast and AA Arikhem finished second in 7:17, and Allan Horn and Shez Mostly Zipped finished third in 7:45. 24 started the 65, with 23 finishing.

Lauren Horn and her mustang Midnight Special won the 35-mile ride in a ride time of 4:25, and got Best Condition. Carolyn Hock and SX Whisper finished second, and Alissa Stephan and Limited Edition finished third. 19 riders started the 35-mile ride, with 18 finishing.

Photos from the ride by official ride photographers William Gore and Rene Baylor can be seen at
https://williamgorephotography.smugmug.com/2019-Endurance-Rides/20-Mule-Team-2019


**Unofficial results until posted on AERC website**

US Equestrian Announces U.S. Endurance Team Staff for 2019

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Feb 25, 2019, 2:00 PM EST

US Equestrian Announces U.S. Endurance Team Staff for 2019

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the members of the team staff for U.S. Endurance for 2019. Mark Dial (Aubrey, Texas) will continue to serve in his role as Chef d’Equipe and Technical Advisor for the Young Rider and Senior teams.


The following individuals will serve as the 2019-2020 Veterinary Advisory Group:

Dr. Ian Harrison (Berryville, Va.)

Dr. Todd Holbrook (Stillwater, Okla.)

Dr. Ken Marcella (Canton, Ga.)

Dr. Olivia Rudolphi (Noble, Ill.)

Dr. Ann Stuart (Weaverville, N.C.)



The following individuals will serve as the 2019-2022 Selectors Group:

Carol Giles (Prineville, Ore.)

Becky Hart (San Juan Bautista, Calif.)

Linda Howard (Park City, Utah)

Stay up to date on U.S. Endurance by following USA Endurance on Facebook and US Equestrian on Instagram and Twitter. Use #USAEndurance.

Safety improvements coming to No Hands Bridge

USBR.gov

For Release: June 28, 2018

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation, in coordination with California State Department of Parks and Recreation, will add railing-safety improvements at No Hands Bridge in Auburn.

Work is expected to begin in August and continue through fall 2018. The bridge will remain open to pedestrian and equestrian traffic during work activity, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays only.

Reclamation contractors will attach chain link fencing to the railing interior using metal fasteners that could be easily reversed in the future.

No Hands Bridge, also known as Mountain Quarries Bridge, was constructed in 1912 and is part of a popular hiking trail along the American River’s North Fork, located within the Auburn State Recreation Area. State Parks manages recreation at the ASRA under an agreement with Reclamation.

(UPDATE: chain link fence is up on no hands bridge!)

Broxton Bridge Plantation hosted observation event for the 2019 World Young Rider Championship

Endurance-world.com - Full Article

17th February 2019
Race Report made with the assistance of Cheryl Van Deusen

Broxton Bridge Plantation, USA SE Fundraisers. Ehrhardt, SC. 25 and 26 January 2019. Broxton Bridge Plantation was pleased to host one of two observation events for the 2019 World Young Rider Championships which will be held in Italy in September of this year.

There were a total of 10 young riders over the two days of CEI 1, 2, 3* races. Kate Bishop from North Carolina on LR April Breeze, owned by Lisa Green, were the dominant pair earning a COC in a ride time of 8:00:42 on day 1 more than one hour ahead of the next pair Annie Whelan of Kentucky on her horse Wallace Hill Sundance and Mollie Quiroz from California on Tracy Vollman’s horse RA Karim. Kate was the only YR to earn a COC over the two days.

Kimberly Loutzenheiser from Georgia on Christo Dinklemann’s DCL Mooi Penny won Best Condition on the ride on day 2, 120 JYR event, in a ride time of 9:06:31, followed by Mollie Quoroz those being the only two of six starters to complete the course. Although Mollie did not earn a COC, she was the only YR to complete both days working towards her qualifications for World YR Championships...

Read more here:
http://endurance-world.com/broxton-bridge-plantation-hosted-observation-event-for-the-2019-world-young-rider-championship/

2019 February's Endurance Day on Horses in the Morning

Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen

Idaho, Nevada New Pioneer Rides, Importance of Ride Strategy, Endurance Day for Feb. 12, 2019
Feb 12, 2019

We talk about three new endurance rides in the NW Region and ride strategy to make sure you and your horse complete your ride. Guests include Erin Riley, manager for Torre Creek Pioneer ride in Eureka, NV and Jessica Huber with the Idaho Ironhorse rides.

Listen in:
https://www.horsesinthemorning.com/idaho-nevada-new-pioneer-rides-importance-of-ride-strategy-endurance-day-for-feb-12-2019/

Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show Set to Showcase History and Diversity of Arabian and Half-Arabian Horses

USEF.org

Scottsdale, Ariz. – The legendary and culturally famed Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show is set to begin on Thursday, February 14, through Sunday, February 24. The 64th edition of the event is an 11-day showcase of the beauty and diversity of Arabian and Half-Arabian horses. Hosted by US Equestrian affiliate, the Arabian Horse Association’s (AHA) club, the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona (AHAA), the show is held on the WestWorld show grounds, with over 2,000 horses and nearly 10,000 entries set to exhibit.

Approximately 1,200 classes for youth, amateur, and professional exhibitors will put the athleticism of these desert-bred horses on full display. Six show rings will run throughout the week, hosting Western and hunter pleasure classes, native costume, driving, jumping, dressage, sport horse under saddle, halter, reining, and more.

The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show also caters to spectators and visitors of all ages with a full program of activities and special events running throughout the week. “Meet an Arabian Horse” meet-and-greets will be held at specified times found on the schedule of education and entertainment events. Other special activities include behind-the-scenes barn tours, an ice cream social, paint-a-pony, the Liberty Wildlife Life Animal and Educational Display, and Military Appreciation Day held on Tuesday, February 19, with free admission to all veterans and their families...

Read more here:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/scottsdale-arabian-horse-show-set-to-showcase

Endurance Legend Auli Farwa to Appear at Scottsdale Arabian Show

February 13 2019

Arabian endurance legend Auli Farwa (aka "Far") will appear at a meet and greet at the Scottsdale Arabian show on Wednesday, February 20th in Scottsdale, Arizona. The gelding will be in the Family Fun Zone Tent from 3-4 PM.

This coming 19-year-old gelding has made an impressive mark on the sport of endurance with an outstanding record: 100% completions in AERC endurance ride starts (77 for 77), 4735 miles, and 16 100-mile completions including 8 finishes in the renowned Tevis Cup. Far won the Tevis Cup's Haggin Cup (Best Condition award) in 2015 with rider Jenni Smith, and he won the 2017 Tevis Cup with rider Tennessee Lane.

Accompanying Far will be accompanied by his favorite humans, Smith, Lane, and owner Rusty James Toth.

Mark your calendars to meet the Endurance legend!

Ride. Integrity. Determination. Education. SIgn up for the AERC Convention!

AERC.org

March 8 and 9, 2019 - Grand Sierra Resort – Reno, Nevada

SPECIAL EARLY REGISTRATION INCENTIVES!

1. The first 200 people to sign up will receive a hand-made ceramic horse magnet, courtesy of Adventures In Clay Ceramics

2. Drawing #1 – sign up by 2/10/19 – $50 Riding Warehouse gift card and 10 AERC raffle tickets

3. Drawing #2 – sign up by 2/10/19 – handmade platter by Anne York of Starfire Design Studio (see her booth at convention!) and 25 AERC raffle tickets


We're heading back to Reno for the 2019 AERC convention. AERC's convention is the most fun you can have without your horse! Two days of informative and thought-provoking seminars on Friday and Saturday, shopping galore, seeing old friends and meeting new ones, awards presentations, Hot Topics seminars, plus fun Friday night entertainment and the awards banquet on Saturday night.

Sign up for the 2019 AERC Convention online! You're also welcome to call the AERC office to register: 866-271-2372.

Link to 2019 Convention Schedule. This will give you an idea of who is speaking, and when. We are so excited about this fantastic speaker lineup.

Register by February 22, 2019, to receive discounted seminar pricing!

Trade Show! A highlight of the convention is the trade show, where you can find great products for distance riders! Check out the latest 2019 Vendor List. All are welcome; no charge to visit the trade show!

HOTEL: A favorite of AERC members, the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino at 2500 E 2nd Street in Reno, Nevada 89595 has everything all in one spot, so it's a great place to stay, and eat, and shop -- all under one roof.

And more information at:
https://aerc.org/static/Convention.aspx

A Very Special Thanks to Endurance.net Advertisers

February 4 2019

Endurance.net would like to extend a special thank you to our advertisers.

At Endurance.net we strive to provide timely local and world-wide endurance riding news, stories, profiles, and educational material to keep our readers and subscribers up to date with the sport of endurance.

We are happy that you have chosen to be a part of our effort. We recognize and appreciate all you do to support the sport of endurance riding with us!

So thanks to each of you.

May we all have a great many trail miles in 2019.

For information regarding advertising on Endurance.Net, please contact Steph Teeter, steph@endurance.net.

Belesemo Arabians - belesemo@mindspring.com
Cypress Trails Equestrian Center - darolynride@yahoo.com
Distance Depot Tack - info@thedistancedepot.com
Dixie Midnight No-Sweat Pads - dixiemidnight@hotmail.com
Drinkers of the Wind Arabians - 208-788-3080
Equipedic Saddle Pads - 575-585-3636
EuroXciser - info@EuroXciser.com
Global Endurance Training Center - info@globalendurance.com
Kerrit's Equestrian Clothing - mary@kerrits.com
Moss Rock Endurance - lisa@mossrockendurance.com
Renegade Hoof Boots - sales@renegadehoofboots.com
Riding Warehouse - info@ridingwarehouse.com
Slypner Gear Trail Supplies - Info@SlypnerGear.com
Specialized Saddles - 915-345-4130
Synergist Saddles - information@synergistsaddles.com
Tailored Tack - amanda@tayloredtack.com

Idaho Grass Roots Endurance Club SWITnDR Holds Annual Awards Banquet

February 11 2019
by Merri Melde-Endurance.net

Years ago on the National political stage, one might recall a couple of politicians making snarky fun of a Presidential nominee's local grassroots community organizing.

With roughly 90 members from Idaho, Oregon, and Wyoming, SWITnDR - Southwest Idaho Trail and Distance Riders - is a grassroots endurance and trail riding club. Incorporated 40 years ago in 1979, the organization sponsors competitive 25, 50, 75 and 100-mile endurance rides and trail rides in Idaho. SWITnDR is one of numerous small, local endurance riding community organizations around the United States that work underneath the national AERC (American Endurance Ride Conference) organization, which governs endurance riding on the National stage.

SWITnDR held its annual banquet and awards over the weekend in Boise, Idaho. The gathering recognizes member riders and horses who have achieved special milestones over the previous year. It provides members an opportunity to actually hang out and mingle, in normal attire, which is not always possible at the endurance rides when one dedicates most of their time to riding and horse care while sporting dusty riding clothes and helmet hair. SWITnDR is like a big extended family, and the awards banquet its annual family reunion.

During the awards, in addition to many fine riders and horses being acknowledged, Naomi Preston (new AERC Board member) recognized Oreana, Idaho, resident and long-time SWITnDR member Steph Teeter for her 13 years of dedicated service on the national AERC Board, as well as her decades of acting as a SWITnDR ride manager.

SWITnDR President Debbie Grose presented the President's Award to the current Vice President, Ann Kuck, for her tireless and unstinting volunteer work and support for the club and its members throughout the years.

While AERC governs endurance riding on the National stage, it's these smaller, local endurance organizations that help bring diverse groups of "ordinary" people with eclectic horses face to face, to train, mentor, compete, and have fun together, on a first name basis.

Want to only ride 12 miles at a SWITnDR event? Great. Come do the Introductory trail ride on a Quarter horse, and we'll put you to work afterwards, and feed you a meal, and make room for your chair around the evening campfire's music jam. Are you one of those die-hard 100-mile riders on a seasoned Arab? We'll hand you a hot dog at lunch on the trail, and keep your breakfast warm for you the next morning after the finish line. Want to just come and volunteer with our group at rides? We love having you! SWITnDR welcomes the short and long distance riders, any age, and any horse breed, any size - and everybody two- and four-legged in between.

The SWITnDR community organization is run entirely by hard-working volunteers. You'd be silly to make fun of our local riders and club officers who are dedicated to the endurance community, because you never know what they will achieve. Numerous local SWITnDR members have served, and are serving, on the national AERC Board. We smaller grassroots members are the foundation of the larger sport of endurance riding. Oh, and that previously mentioned ridiculed community organizer? He went on to become President of the United States.

Join and ride with and volunteer with your local endurance ride group! A list is here:
https://www.aerc.org/static/Local_Clubs.aspx

Paradise lost: A woman struggles to reclaim her life after the Camp fire

DailyBreeze.com - Full Article

By KEITH SHARON | ksharon@scng.com | Orange County Register
PUBLISHED: February 10, 2019

Dippi taught her to push harder, to fight through.

When JayaMae Gregory was down, she loved to head out on Dippi, over the trails outside Paradise, where she had moved to start a new life. JayaMae trained Dippi to be an endurance horse. The plan was for JayaMae’s teenage son Jakob to compete with Dippi in 100-mile races.

Dippi was a grey mare, half Arab, a horse with the countenance of a freight train. Huge strides on the trail. Dippi’s given name was DC Reindeer Dippin, shortened to Dippi because it fit her personality. The DC stood for “dream catcher” and Reindeer Dippin is a famous bull.

Dippi would let strangers rub her ears. The kids dressed her up for Halloween. JayaMae wrote that Dippi didn’t understand why she couldn’t just jump in your lap for a snuggle.

On a recent Friday, JayaMae, 36, and mother of three, talked about Dippi and the impact that horse had on her family. The conversation shifted to fear, devastation and, ultimately, hope.

She was staying in Southern California with her father because there is nothing left in Paradise.

The Camp fire, which began Nov. 8 and became the deadliest fire in California history, took nearly everything from JayaMae Gregory.

Nearly...

Read more here:
https://www.dailybreeze.com/2019/02/10/paradise-lost-a-woman-struggles-to-reclaim-her-life-after-the-camp-fire/

The 2018 AERC High Point Arabian Horses are In!

Arabianhorses.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AHA Communications
303.696.4500
enews@ArabianHorses.org

AURORA, CO – February 1, 2019 – The Arabian Horse Association recognizes high point earning Arabians and Half-Arabians/Anglo-Arabians in AERC 100 mile rides and middle distance rides from 50-99 miles.

Congratulations to the 2018 Arabian AERC 100 Mile High Point winner, KOURAGEUS HOPE!

KOURAGEUS HOPE, a 2005 stallion, earned a total of 1,582 points for completing five 100 mile rides with owner and rider Hannah Johnson. The pair completed a total of 2,295 total miles since 2010 with 600 miles in the 2018 season.

The AERC Middle Distance High Point is a nomination-based annual award given to the Arabian and Half-Arabian/AngloArabian with the highest AERC points accumulated in the year through 50-99 mile Endurance rides.

The 2018 AERC High Point Middle Distance Endurance winners are KEEPING FAITH in the Arabian Division and SHEZ MOSTLY ZIPPED+/ in the HalfArabian/Anglo-Arabian Division.

KEEPING FAITH, a 2007 Arabian mare owned and ridden by Melinda Wolfe, completed 14 Endurance rides totaling 740 miles and 1,160.88 points. Since 2013 the pair has completed a total of 1,605 miles together.

Lauren & Allan Horn are the owners of the Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian winner, SHEZ MOSTLY ZIPPED+/ ridden by Allan Horn. In 2018, they finished 1,075 miles and earned 2,640.75 points. The pair have managed to complete 1,825 total miles since they started competing together in 2015.

Congratulations to these four wonderful horses and owners for their accomplishments in 2018! If you would like to learn more about the AERC High Point Award, please see the Distance Riding page. The AERC Middle Distance High Point Endurance Horse requires an application that can be found here.

Idaho Ironhorse Endurance Challenge: Juniors Ride Free!

FB: IdIronHorse

February 5 2019

Do you ride an Ironhorse? Are you an Ironhorse rider?

New this season, the ultimate Idaho Ironhorse Challenge consists of all 3 days of City of Rocks Pioneer June 6-8 in Almo, Idaho; all 3 days of Top O The World Pioneer July 26-28 near Spencer, Idaho; and all 3 days of the Autumn Sun Pioneer near Gooding, Idaho. It will test your horse's ability and your management skill as a rider.

At City of Rocks, you'll ride the historic California Trail through the scenic City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park. At Top O The World, you'll ride on the Continental Divide in the Targhee National Forest and get a glimpse of the Grand Tetons in the distance. The third leg of the Ironhorse offers late season riding overlooking beautiful Magic Valley and Camas Prairie in southern Idaho.

Complete all 9 days of the Idaho Ironhorse and you and your horse will receive some fabulous prizes and terrific fame, and you'll both go down in the Idaho endurance history books!

And Juniors ride free! Saddle up and bring the whole family.

More information at:
https://www.facebook.com/idironhorse/

and at:
https://aerc.org/rpts/Calendar.aspx?csID=85134#flag

Applications Welcomed for 2019-21 Equestrian Canada Endurance Committee

Equestrian.ca

Ottawa, ON, Feb. 1, 2019 - Individuals interested in volunteering on the 2019-21 Equestrian Canada (EC) Endurance Committee are encouraged to apply by the deadline of Feb. 20, 2019.

As an operational committee of EC, the Endurance Committee is responsible for providing strategic guidance and counsel to EC management to support the development of endurance in Canada. The Committee works in collaboration with other EC committees, task forces and national office staff, to provide assistance in implementation of the respective mandates.

Specific responsibilities of the Committee include:

Advising management on the annual operational priorities, strategies, and performance targets for the ongoing development of endurance in Canada.
Reviewing and reporting on the achievement of its annual operational priorities and performance targets and identifying key areas for improvement.
Providing input and feedback to management concerning policies, programs, rules, regulations, and services related to the development of endurance in Canada.
Supporting management in dealing with appeals related to endurance.
Interfacing as a unit with the endurance community in partnership with management on key developments, issues, challenges, and achievements within endurance.
Providing strategic counsel to EC management on matters concerning endurance high performance programs and services.
Nominating endurance representatives to various EC committees as required.
Appointing ad-hoc endurance committees in accordance with management-approved terms of references as required.
Liaising with Provincial and Territorial Sport Organizations (PTSOs) in order to further the effectiveness of endurance programs and services.

Committee members will be appointed by the EC senior leadership upon recommendation of the Committee for a term of three (3) years. Each member is eligible to serve up to two (2) terms. In appointing the members of the Committee, consideration is given to diversity, including without limitation, national/international experience and competency in the sport discipline, as well as gender, regional, technical, and linguistic balance.
Eligibility

Members of the Committee must be in good standing with EC and hold a valid EC Sport Licence (Bronze). In addition to being in compliance with EC’s rules, regulations, policies and procedures, Committee members must sign the EC Code of Conduct and Confidentiality Agreement and file it annually at the EC office.
How to Apply

Individuals are invited to submit an expression of interest highlighting their unique qualifications, along with a resume, to:

EC Endurance Committee
EnduranceCommittee@equestrian.ca

The applicant’s full name and EC Sport Licence number (if applicable at time of submission) must be included in the application.

The deadline for applications is Feb. 20, 2019. The vacancy will be filled and announced on Feb. 28, 2019.