Gillian Larson has Completed the Pacific Crest Trail Twice, On Horseback

REI.com - Full Story

AER PARRIS//AUGUST 30, 2019

And, along the way, she’s learned that the key is meticulous planning.
Steep switchbacks flanked by tall evergreens slowed the progress of Gillian Larson, age 22, and her mother, Jodi Johnson, age 53, hiking the High Sierra Trail in the summer of 2013. As they plodded along, Larson's mom distracted her with the story of Heather "Anish" Anderson, who had just completed a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 60 days, 17 hours, and 12 minutes, breaking the previous record by nearly four days. Both were in awe of how many miles Anderson had covered daily, especially as they were struggling with just 10.

“Are horses allowed?” Larson asked, almost immediately. When she returned to her home in Topanga, California, she began researching thru-riding, a term for horseback riding long-distance trails. She learned that others had thru-ridden the PCT, and knew she wanted her horses to come along for the adventure.

Today, Larson, now 27, is one of very few horsepackers to tackle the entire trail—and the only one she knows of to do it twice, in 2014 and 2016. She went on to complete the Arizona Trail and the Colorado Trail in 2017 and is also, as far as she knows, the only person to thru-ride the complete 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail (CDT). She’s learned a lot along the way—most importantly, that these long-distance trips require a lot of planning...

Read more here:
https://www.rei.com/blog/hike/gillian-larson-has-completed-the-pacific-crest-trail-twice-on-horseback?cm_mmc=sm_18-54_76501-_-content-_-journal-_-CM&fbclid=IwAR3j3JgkDj4iU67B7oIWPXMz7XGk0MFtmjdFe7IYRJu2ocV6ScsoLVRyXbc

US Equestrian Extending Submission Period for Expressions of Interest for Endurance Recognized Affiliate

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Mar 27, 2020, 12:01 PM EST

Lexington, Ky. - Due to the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the extreme disruption to business this has caused, US Equestrian (USEF) is extending the deadline for submission of Expressions of Interest (EOI) from those organizations interested in being considered for designation as a USEF Recognized Affiliate for the international discipline of Endurance.

Through its announcement released Monday, March 16 2020, USEF opened the submission period which was originally established for three weeks, ending April 6. With the new two-week extension, the submission period will now remain open until 5:00 p.m. Eastern on Monday, April 20, 2020.

For organizations seeking consideration as the USEF Recognized Affiliate for Endurance, please click here for the Expression of Interest packet.

Affiliation with US Equestrian offers organizations a host of benefits including access to resources and processes that aid in providing fairness, safety and a level playing field and that provide unique opportunities for expanded reach to build awareness.

To learn more about the Endurance discipline, please visit the USEF Endurance Sport Page.

EOIs must be submitted via the online form accessed within the packet, and all submissions must be received by no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern on Monday, April 20, 2020.

In order to preserve the integrity of the process and ensure the absence of conflict of interest, any communications issued outside of the online EOI application process must be sent by email to AffiliateEOI@USEF.org.

USEF Update on COVID-19: Suspension Extended

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Mar 25, 2020, 1:30 PM EST

Dear USEF Members and Competition Organizers (Licensees and Managers),

We are all anxious for equestrian sport to start up again and for our families and friends to return to their normal lives pre-COVID-19 Pandemic. We also understand the financial pain that this is having on so many in our industry. We, too, at USEF are feeling that pain. However, we are not through this yet. The pandemic continues to cause unprecedented impact throughout the world. The Las Vegas World Cup Finals were canceled. The Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics are being rescheduled. So, we must all work diligently to address the situation. We greatly appreciate those of you who have joined us in our community-wide effort to responsibly address the COVID-19 virus outbreak by canceling competitions and choosing not to compete during this critical period. This is the only way to flatten the curve of this virus and let us all get back to some level of normal. So as promised, here is an updated position on USEF competitions.

The original 30-day suspension that became effective March 16, 2020, is being extended through May 3, 2020. Effective today, all USEF owned events, selection trials, training camps, clinics and activities will be suspended through May 3, 2020 consistent with recommendations by the CDC. Due to the importance of keeping the members of our equestrian community and their families safe, USEF strongly recommends that competition organizers suspend all USEF licensed competitions across the country and that equestrians do not compete for this same time period. For those competitions that choose to run and can do so in accordance with the CDC, State, and Local recommendations, there will be no accumulation or points, scores, money won, qualifications, or rankings toward any USEF award programs, USEF owned events, or selection to a US team during this time period. This includes USEF National Championships.

Again, we are cognizant of the ramifications that extensions have on the lives of our members, support personnel and the events that fall within this time period, and the significant impact they have on qualifications for, and the operation of, major events that might be occurring later in the year. With that in mind, our President, Murray Kessler, has already informed me he intends to use his Presidential Modification authority to waive mileage rules and allow for major events to be rescheduled later in the year and has instructed us to develop a fair method for altering qualifications for these events. With that direction, USEF has already implemented mechanisms to provide for flexibility and the ability to make necessary modifications to responsibly manage the competition calendar in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are engaging with organizers daily and continue to review situations on a case-by-case basis.

Important Reminder: If you need to cancel a license or have questions about postponing your event to another date, please contact Katlynn Sacco at ksacco@usef.org.

We continue to closely monitor the situation and we pledge to keep you informed about any updates to our position as circumstances warrant or as instructed by Public Health authorities...

More information at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/usef-update-on-covid-19-suspension-extended

2020 March's Endurance Day on Horses in the Morning

HorsesInTheMorning.com - Listen

Endurance Day, Tom MacGuiness, Online Learning for Endurance Riders, Hoof Balance, Mar. 10, 2020

Mar 10, 2020

Karen Chaton is joined by Tom MacGuinness, who shares why qualifying for WEG 2018 was so important. Sarah Schick talks about hoof balance for equine athletes and Patti Stedman introduces a web based course for Endurance riders. Classic re-visit.

Listen:
http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/endurance-day-tom-macguiness-online-learning-for-endurance-riders-hoof-balance-mar-10-2020/

Endurance Horse Podcast: THE FARM- Interview with Tracy Porter & Shirley May of Milton, WI

EnduranceHorsePodcast - Listen

March 19 2020

Welcome to The Farm Interview with Shirley May & Tracy Porter

Endurance Horse Podcast Hosted by Christina Hyke

I know it is a challenging Spring for those in North America, and for all of us across the world. Though I'd like to wish you all a Happy Spring, it is my hope that we can brighten your first day of spring!

So the best laid plans of mice & men…… Episode 36 of Endurance Horse Podcast was to be on Ride Management, though the recent world health concerns put a damper on my plans to travel around getting several interviews with Ride Managers. I was able to do a few interviews, and just so happened to interview a few friends before the pandemic restricted all the movements and gatherings.

In Episode 36 we will hear from two great horsewomen, mother and daughter, Shirley May and Tracy Porter. We chat about how both of them got into horses, a bit about horse training and yes a little about endurance. Shirley and Tracy operate a 120 acre boarding facility in Milton, Wisconsin

It is my hope that you enjoy this episode getting to know this midwest horse trainer and her mother. And I hope it helps to take your mind away from current events, even if only for a few minutes.

Listen:
https://endurancehorsepodcast.podbean.com/e/the-farm-interview-with-tracy-porter-shirley-may-of-milton-wi/

US Equestrian seeks new affiliate for endurance

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

March 17, 2020
Horsetalk.co.nz

Horse sport’s governing body in the United States is seeking a new affiliate for the discipline of endurance.

The US Equestrian Federation (USEF) is accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from organizations interested in being considered for designation as a USEF Recognized Affiliate Organization for the international discipline of Endurance.

Just over a year ago the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), the USA’s biggest Endurance organisation, voted to cut formal ties with the USEF in a stand against extreme flat-track racing within the discipline. The decision to disaffiliate with the USEF was made by the AERC board on January 14, and the affiliation agreement ended on December 1...

Read more here:
https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2020/03/17/us-equestrian-affiliate-endurance/

Behind the Lens: Get to Know Endurance Ride Photographer Linda Sherrill

 

by Merri Melde-Endurance.net
March 15, 2020

"Behind the Lens" series is a snapshot, for readers and riders, of the Endurance Ride Photographers Guild members who capture your endurance moments on the trails and in camp.

The ERPG was formed in 2019, and consists of a group of two dozen professional, skilled photographers from around the USA dedicated to documenting AERC endurance ride events in the USA.

Linda Sherrill, of Justus Photography, is a full-time photographer, represented by a stock photo agency in Great Britain, where she was born. She sells photos to various horse magazines each month to illustrate articles, and she's been blessed to have had cover images on Endurance News, Saddle Up magazine, Equus magazine, TrailBlazer magazine, and The Horse magazine, as well as photos featured in books by 17 various authors, and calendars sold by Barnes & Noble.

Linda's business name, Justus, has a unique origin. "There are two men in the Bible named Justus," Linda said. "One was a man who was no one special; he just loved the Lord and did whatever he could to help. That spoke to me; hence the name Justus!"

Where do you live?
Southern New Mexico


How did you first get into photography?
I started photographing Arabian horses at a horse show for a friend in 1992. After that, I was hooked.

What equipment do you normally shoot with?
I shoot with a Canon Mark IV with a 70—200mm f/2.8 lens.

When did you start shooting endurance rides?
I started shooting endurance rides in the midwest in 1996.

Why do you like shooting endurance rides?
I competed in the sport for many years (started in 1987) and I love to still be able to see and visit with friends. I love saying hello to everyone as they go by. It’s nice when you’ve been in the sport this long, and can still find a way to connect.

What are challenges you find in shooting endurance rides?
As I’m sure every ride photographer faces, finding the perfect spot where the sun isn’t against you as the horses go by. It’s a challenge, but I always go out ahead of time and scout locations.

What are one or two of your favorite ride shooting stories/adventures/misadventures?
At the Ft. Stanton ride a few years ago, some Texas riders had just lost a friend to a horse riding accident. I think it meant the world to them to have photos of them all together riding. As they went past me on trail, They stopped in the middle of the trail, lined up for their group photo, and those are still some of the most beautiful photos I’ve taken. The feeling that they all just knew what it meant to have photos of each other.

And any other pertinent info you’d like to share with us?
There is nothing more satisfying as a photographer than to show a rider an image of their horse and themselves going down trail and getting an audible gasp from their reaction. I love what I do and have so many friends and fellow horsemen who appreciate our efforts to come out to the rides and photograph. It makes it all worthwhile!

www.lindasherrill.com

Below are a few shots from a couple of Linda's favorite rides over the years.

These 2 are just a sample of Linda's varied work





 

Trailblazer cover is a sample of Linda's magazine work


2 horses running to finish line are Nat'l Champion and Reserve Champion at the 2011 AERC National Championships at Stanton, New Mexico



Blake Potter riding Julia Lynn’s stallion at Ft Stanton a couple years ago.


_______

Behind the Lens: Becky Pearman profile is here:
http://tracks.endurance.net/2020/02/behind-lens-get-to-know-endurance-ride.html

Behind the Lens: Dave Honan profile is here:
http://tracks.endurance.net/2020/03/behind-lens-get-to-know-endurance-ride.html

Heart 2 Heart Ranch in Idaho: Mules and Much More

March 16 2020
by Merri Melde-Endurance.net

They are a familiar sight on our local Idaho/Oregon endurance trails: Heart 2 Heart ranch mules, carrying young (mostly) girls who are smiling and laughing as they cover the miles.

Trinity and Jeff Jackson's mules of Heart 2 Heart ranch in Parma, Idaho, have long played an essential role in the Matthews-Jackson families. The long-eared equines work their magic in developing healing bonds with children with disabilities - both mental and physical - and their families.

Trinity's dad Warren has trained or re-trained the Heart 2 Heart mules to make them suitable mounts for Trinity's program. They are used for arena and trail riding and lessons and sessions, and for endurance, rodeo, and parade mounts for Trinity's 'kids.' The idea of the ranch started and came together in the summer of 2009, beginning with 5 kids. Over 11 years, Heart 2 Heart's program has grown to where Trinity has a waiting list. In 2019, last year's roster had 39 kids, working with 16 mules.

Every kid starts one-on-one in the arena with Trinity and a mule. "In the lessons, they're learning how to ride mules, but they're also learning balance and coordination," Trinity said. "Every kid has their own program. I figure out what their goals are, what I see they need; and we put a plan together for them." The plan may just include assisted riding on an older, dependable mule for the more frail children, or advanced riding in competitions, depending on the physical and/or mental needs of the kids. Over time, Trinity matches up the kids with the mule that suits them best; the more experienced endurance riders have to be able to ride all of the mules.

In addition to her full-time teaching and coaching jobs, the ranch is a full-time job also, though it's busiest in the summers, when school is out. "It's a labor of love," Trinity said. Her family - dad Warren, husband Jeff, their 3 girls, sister Jill, and in-laws - have been involved since the beginning. And the entire community supports her program and shows up for the year-end awards in November, which is outgrowing the community church's meeting room.

Heart 2 Heart ranch's story and mules are featured in the March 2020 issue of Mules and More magazine. That's Irish, a 16-year-old Thoroughbred mule in the lead on the cover, at the Autumn Sun Pioneer endurance ride near Gooding, Idaho.

The March issue of Mules and More magazine is available at:
https://www.facebook.com/MulesAndMore/

You can find out more about Heart 2 Heart at
http://www.h2hranch.com/

AERC Statement Regarding Precautionary Measures Amid Coronavirus (COVID-19) Concerns

March 13 2020

Due to concerns regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) and public health, American Endurance Ride Conference is taking precautionary measures and is following the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) guidelines and recommendations on the proper steps to take to help prevent the spread of the virus. AERC continues to closely monitor the developments of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

We understand that some rides will be cancelled or rescheduled over the next few weeks. Some rides will amend their policies regarding, for example, whether meals can be provided.

In accordance with health guidelines and recommendations from the CDC, we encourage our members and volunteers to wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and to make use of the hand sanitizers. Additionally, we recommend that our members and volunteers avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and, for the safety of others, remain at home if they feel ill.

AERC will continue to monitor the situation and follow guidance from the World Health Organization, the CDC, as well as other federal, state and local authorities.

Monica Chapman
AERC President

A Letter from the President and CEO Regarding USEF Licensed Competitions

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Mar 13, 2020, 1:00 PM EST

Dear USEF Members,

Your health, safety and well-being and that of your horses is paramount to USEF. We are continuing to closely monitor communications on the COVID-19 Pandemic from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) and the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI).

Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all USEF owned events, selection trials, training camps, clinics, and activities will be suspended for the next 30 days. Additionally, USEF strongly recommends that competition organizers suspend all USEF licensed competitions across the country for the next 30 days and that equestrians do not compete for the next 30 days. For those competitions that do run, there will be no accumulation of points, scores, money won, qualifications, or rankings toward any USEF awards programs, USEF owned event, or selection to a US team during this 30-day time period. This includes USEF National Championships.

If you choose to compete, USEF recommends that you take immediate steps to limit your exposure and create social distancing. Based on information and guidance, in particular, from the CDC, the USEF provides the following recommendations to our membership. Participate in events that:

Are venues within close proximity (driving distance) to your residence;
Limit out of state competitors (and for currently operating winter circuits limit new out of state competitors);
Restrict free access in stabling areas to only essential personnel (ie; riders, grooms, farriers, vets, officials);
Provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer at in-gates, competition offices, vendors and convenient places throughout the competition grounds;
Ensure restroom facilities are regularly cleaned;
Operate without spectators;
Limit social gatherings to less than 250 people as recommended by the CDC; and
Ensure that food services are of the type that limit contamination, buffets are strongly discouraged.

We are providing these same recommendations to Competition Organizers and asking them to comply within the next few days. Some may choose not to cancel their event but, all are expected to take steps to limit exposure and create social distancing. Some may impose additional restrictions and safety measures in line with guidance from local public health authorities. Therefore, we are requiring organizers to post all relevant information to their website and provide it to the USEF Competitions Department.

We are counting on you to make responsible decisions based on the information available, the conditions in your geographic area and the recommendations from your local public health authorities. USEF will continue to assess the situation on a daily basis and will update our position as circumstances warrant.

Resources from the CDC, WHO, USOPC, and the FEI are available on the USEF website (click here). Links found on this webpage provide you with direct access to valuable information on each organization’s website which is updated regularly.

If you have any questions, please contact us using this email: CustomerCare@usef.org and your inquiry will be addressed by the appropriate department.


Sincerely,
Murray S. Kessler
William J. Moroney

The Horse Show Podcast: S5E7 - Equestrian Legend; Endurance Rider Julie Suhr

Chrisstafford.podbean.com - Listen

March 9 2020

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 [updated to 33 Tevis Cup buckles]. 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. Julie is the author of Ten Feet Tall Still, 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:
https://chrisstafford.podbean.com/e/the-horse-show-s5e7-equestrian-legend-endurance-rider-julie-suhr/?fbclid=IwAR286v0htuoMM1CS_8F_1u2M9JJVwATpvBEeT9VK-q_7L6FWcjJUGSGpjcU

Endurance Horse Podcast: Long Feather Racing

Endurancehorsepodcast - Listen

March 7 2020

Welcome to the Long Feather Racing episode of Endurance Horse Podcast with The Milwaukee Art Museum & Veterans Light Up the Arts

This topic may seem to have little to do with endurance riding, we distance riders are often talking about riding the same horse over many miles, in this episode we talk to a father who manages a racing team that is comprised of his family members. Long Feather Racing Team stands tall among the many skilled teams who participate in Indian Relay Racing.

One rider, 3 horses and many team members comprise the team. Riders must mount bareback on their own power and relay onto three horses to win this race. Though swapping horses, high speeds and bareback seem to have little to do with endurance, I reached out to Richard Long Feather of Standing Rock Reservation to connect with him and listen in as shares his love of Indian Relay Racing.

It is funny how things come together if you track them backwards. As you may know, I had the idea for WARHORSE Endurance ride, that then also led me to loan an idea and name for a second ride to Laura to change the name and theme of her ride. I loaned her the name I had for another ride, Spirit Horse. Laura then spoke to people who gave her the idea to fund raise for an equine program at Rosebud Reservation- which brought me to purchasing the DVD, HORSE NATION, which helped me to find out about the Mankato ride, and the Wounded Knee ride, and then apparently FB suggested Long Feather Racing- and so I found Richard’s family & now Richard is on Endurance Horse Podcast.

Richard’s family works as a team traveling during the racing season covering many miles with typically six horses to care for. This sounded very familiar to the ride camp we all travel around to. I wanted to make a connection with Endurance Horse Podcast and this amazing family. As you can see, what started out as a short interview turned into much more as I found myself enjoying this man’s love for his horses and his home. I hope you all can forgive me as I learn the more technical side of recording. I think that we had a bad phone connection, though I hope you can listen long enough to see what a good horse connection we made.

Sit back, hold on and enjoy the ride!

Christina Hyke

Cheers to 2020!

Listen:
https://endurancehorsepodcast.podbean.com/e/long-feather-racing-also-milwaukee-art-museum-veterans-light-up-the-arts/

AERC Announces New Hall of Fame Members

March 9 2020

At the annual AERC Convention, held over the weekend in Jacksonville, Florida, AERC Newest Hall of Famers were announced at Saturday night's banquet.

Laurie Birch, from Rosamond, California, and her mare Scudd Run were recipients of the Pard'ners Award. The pair have, over 13 endurance seasons, completed 11,155 miles together.

Stagg and Cheryl Newman were co-recipients of Hall of Fame Person(s). From Candler, North Carolina, they are long-time endurance riders, and ride managers of the Biltmore Challenge and supporters of the sport of endurance.

Fire Mt Malabar, owned and ridden by Lee Pearce and Naomi Preston of Baker City, Oregon, was named Hall of Fame horse. With over 8000 miles to his credit over 13 seasons of endurance, the son of Sierra Fadwah recorded his second-highest mileage season last year, with 925 miles. In 2011 the gelding won the National Best Condition award with Lee.

Congrats to all the winners!

2019 AERC High Mileage Standardbred winner announced

USTrottingNews.com - Full Article

March 5, 2020, by Jessica Schroeder, USTA Membership Enrichment and Outreach Coordinator

Columbus, OH — The 2020 American Endurance Ride Conference convention is this weekend, March 6-7, at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront in Jacksonville, Fla.

Along with educational seminars, a tack swap and trade show, the National Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday evening. One of the awards announced will be the AERC 2019 High Mileage Standardbred. This year’s winner is last year’s High Mileage Standardbred Solar Partner (a.k.a. Trooper) and Bruce Weary. The award, presented by the USTA since 2011, has only one other team that won back-to-back years.

The now 12-year-old Trooper is by Shark St Partners, out of the Admirals Galley mare Solars Lady B. While Trooper and Weary recorded 520 total miles in 2018, in 2019 they only completed 290 miles at six out of the seven rides they attended. The non-completion ride was Tevis, the 24-hour, 100 mile ride held in California mid-summer each year.

“We just didn’t get to as many rides in 2019,” explained Weary. “At Tevis, my wife and I rode together and she was on a faster Arab. Trooper carried more weight and struggled to keep up at a speed that wasn’t best for him. I still think he could do it with a lightweight rider.”

Weary once again chose a blanket honoring Trooper’s accomplishments with the AERC; he sold the gelding last fall and this will be a way to remember him...

Read more here:
http://ustrottingnews.com/2019-aerc-high-mileage-standardbred-winner-announced/

Two area Montana women take on "world's toughest horse race"

MTStandard.com - Full Article

March 5 2020
Kristine DeLeon

or the next 10 days, two Montana women will be thundering deep into the wilds of Patagonia astride a series of horses they've never met.

With only a steed, a pack horse and minimal supplies, they will be navigating across some of the wildest terrain on Earth attempting to finish one of the toughest and most unusual equine challenges in modern history.

They will face countless problems, possibly encountering dehydration, hypothermia, dysentery, intense sleep deprivation, and overall fatigue.

Even for experienced horse riders, they know this is no mean feat. To top it all off, there will be no prize.

But that’s what Corie Downey of Whitehall and Marie Griffis of Manhattan signed up for when they applied to race in the Gaucho Derby, a 300-mile multi-horse race in Patagonia, Argentina...

Read more here:
https://mtstandard.com/news/local/two-area-women-take-on-world-s-toughest-horse-race/article_fa1c5275-be5c-593c-876c-b5f3e1156ec4.html

The last remaining member of the original Yucaipa Police Department retires

NewsMirror.net - Full Article

Rachael Gustuson
Mar 1, 2020

Torgils Wold was the last remaining member of the original Yucaipa Police Department, transferring to Yucaipa shortly after the city incorporated in 1989. As of Feb. 13, 2020, he is officially retired.

At the station, an overflowing crowd filled up the community room on Feb. 13, to say goodbye to a longtime fixture of YPD Wold and Secretary Kristina King, who will be transferring to another position.

Police Chief James Williams and Lt. James Porter shared Wold’s story with the large law enforcement crowd...

Read more here:
https://www.newsmirror.net/news/local/the-last-remaining-member-of-the-original-yucaipa-police-department/article_552a1e9e-598d-11ea-85ac-972ac4ef2392.html

Behind the Lens: Get to Know Endurance Ride Photographer Dave Honan

 

by Merri Melde-Endurance.net
March 2, 2020

The Endurance Ride Photographers Guild, ERPG, was formed in 2019, and consists of a group of two dozen professional, skilled photographers from around the USA dedicated to documenting AERC endurance ride events in the USA.

"Behind the Lens" series is a snapshot for readers and riders of the ERPG photographers who capture your endurance moments on the trails and in camp.

David Honan is a civil engineer, and a self-professed Train and Airplane geek, who has long been a contributor to Trains Magazine; highlights include winning their 2009 Photo Contest and having three covers, including the March 2020 issue currently on newsstands. The American Society of Civil Engineers has featured Dave's photos numerous times in their annual Bridges Wall Calendar, and he's twice had the honor of judging their Bridges Photo Contest.

His equine work has been featured on the covers of Endurance News multiple times, and Appaloosa Journal once.

Where do you live?
Snoqualmie, Washington

How did you first get into photography?
I've taken photos for fun almost as long as I can remember. I've had a lifelong passion for trains, so that's been a primary focus since the beginning. I'm also an avgeek and these days seem to spend more time on airplane photography than anything else.

What equipment do you normally shoot with?
I have a couple Canon DSLRs and a collection of L series lenses.

When did you start shooting endurance rides?
Spring of 2016.  My wife, Cortney, had been riding endurance for a few years and saw a post from Karen Bumgarner seeking a photographer for her Owyhee River Challenge. There's lots of great railroad photography to be found in Eastern Oregon, so I immediately accepted. Unexpectedly, I landed an Endurance News cover from that ride -- beginner's luck.

Why do you like shooting endurance rides?
The people in the endurance community are amazing, and I've always felt welcomed at rides.  It's really a delight to help create memories for Pacific Northwest riders.  Also, I enjoy using the opportunity for travel to ride sites to engage in my other photography interests.

What are challenges you find in shooting endurance rides?
I try to find dramatic backgrounds that are distinctive to the ride. It can be difficult to bring together great scenes with the time of day and direction riders are traveling.  A piece of advice I offer ride managers so they can help identify photo spots is to ride their loops backwards to see the trail as photographers will.

What are one or two of your favorite ride shooting stories/adventures/misadventures?
One year at Owyhee River Challenge I decided to shoot one of the Succor Creek crossings, but the water was too deep to ford in my car.  It took a couple trips of wading across to get all my gear to the far side... and I didn't quite time things correctly, resulting in at least one rider arriving before I got my pants back on.

A nice part about being on trail with a car is serving as additional event support.  Over the years I've handed up countless bottles of water to thirsty riders, and my wife takes particular pleasure in having a place to dump excess layers of clothing.

My worst misadventure was last year at Top o' the World, when my memory card with photos from the Continental Divide Trail failed before I could download the photos at home.  It was heartbreaking to have put in so much effort to capture those photos and come away with nothing. To prevent this in the future, I obtained a portable backup device this winter so I can download photos every day.

And any other pertinent info you’d like to share with us?
Find me on social media at www.facebook.com/DavidHonanPhotography, or @dwhonan on Twitter & Instagram.  Ride photos can be purchased via my website, www.davehonan.com.

Below are two shots from a couple of Dave's favorite rides over the years.


Cortney Honan and Amira riding the Continental Divide at Top O' The World near Spencer, Idaho


This photo of Karen Bumgarner aboard Owyhee Justice at the Owyhee River Challenge near Adrian, Oregon, made the cover of both Endurance News and Appaloosa Journal
___

Behind the Lens: Get to Know Endurance Ride Photographer Becky Pearman profile is here:
http://tracks.endurance.net/2020/02/behind-lens-get-to-know-endurance-ride.html