Applications Now Open for 2025 USEF Endurance Competition and U.S. FEI Endurance Officials Grants

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Nov 14, 2024, 8:00 AM

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is now accepting applications for the Endurance Competition Grant and U.S. FEI Endurance Officials Grant. These grants are intended to support FEI Endurance competitions in the U.S. to maintain a healthy calendar of competitions, as well as to support U.S. FEI endurance officials and maintain a healthy number of officials that are licensed in the U.S. Applications for both grants are due by February 1, 2025.

Competition Grant:

• Application deadline is February 1st, 2025

• Financial support for U.S. FEI Licensed Endurance competitions for 2025

• Competitions must be licensed by USEF and sanctioned by the FEI

• Grant amounts will be communicated by March 1, 2025

• More information can be found on the application



U.S. FEI Endurance Officials Grant:

Application deadline is February 1st, 2025

Financial support for U.S. FEI endurance officials for both maintenance requirements and promotion, education, and experience

Applicants must be:

• in good standing with the USEF and the FEI; and

• an active FEI official working toward their current license(s) maintenance requirements; or

• seeking FEI Endurance license or promotion

Grant amounts will be communicated by March 1, 2025

More information can be found on the application



Completed applications for both grants must be submitted to Nicole Zerbee, USEF Director of Endurance, by Feb. 1, 2025.

Questions? Contact Nicole Zerbee, Director of Endurance, at nzerbee@usef.org or 859-225-6952.

Tom Bowling Passes Away

On 11/17/24, AERC lost a family member who fought a tough battle with Parkinson’s after a stroke several years ago.

For those who knew Tom Bowling, past AERC director for many years, 2000 mile XP rider, founder of Pioneer rides in 1982 as ride manager of historic 200 mile multi day Capitol to Capitol ride, Western States 50 and original manager of Camp Far West Endurance Rides, Nevada Endurance Driving Association founding member and member and friend of Nevada All State Trail Riders. Beloved friend to many, he changed the lives of many for the better.

Husband to Nadine for over 53 years and father to Wendy, Holly, Shawn Bowling, Tiffany and grandpa to Kaitlyn, Shelby, Brett, Nick, Jack, Ryder Bowling, Levi and great grandpa to Kaitlyn’s three boys and Shelby’s three girls and father in law to Aaron, Shane, Lisa, and Matt and a mentor to many.

He is missed dearly and for any who’d like to remember him you are welcome to attend a celebration of his life on Friday December 13 at 1pm in Newcastle, California.

2024 September's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

HorseRadioNetwork.com - Listen

Poop Week and Endurance: Dung Beetles and The Alchemy of Horses for September 10, 2024 by Poseidon Animal Health – HORSES IN THE MORNING

by Ashley Winch | Sep 10, 2024

We start the show with Poop Week, by Poseidon Animal Health, and a discussion on the importance of Dung Beetles. Then we transition to Endurance with author and Endurance Rider Donna Snyder Smith and her new book “The Alchemy of Horses: A Journey of Self-Healing”. Listen in...

https://www.horseradionetwork.com/2024/09/poop-week-and-endurance-dung-beetles-and-the-alchemy-of-horses-for-september-10-2024-by-poseidon-animal-health-horses-in-the-morning/

Del Black 1933-2024

GreybullStandard.com

March 10, 1933 - Nov. 11, 2024

Marian Adella “Del” Black passed away Nov. 11, 2024, at the age of 91. Del was born at her parents’ home on March 10, 1933. She and her sisters grew up on the family farm along the Greybull River and began their education at the Gould School.

Shortly after graduating from Basin High School in 1951, Del married Tom Black. They enjoyed more than 72 years of adventures together.

There was nothing Del enjoyed more than the great outdoors! She found beauty in the badlands, the desert, and the Big Horn Mountains. Tom and Del made memories and friends wherever they traveled. For some years they made a home near Sells, Ariz., and enjoyed exploring the land and culture of the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Del was a homemaker, but true to her roots, she worked seasonal agricultural jobs including weighing barley for Coors, driving beet truck, working at the dairy and delivering fertilizer. She loved playing cards, decorating her home inside and out and spending time with friends. She was an accomplished endurance horse rider, earning standings in the Mountain Region Endurance Program.

Del was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Black; parents, Victor and Ada Boelens; sister, Dolores Dace; and infant daughter, Lori Black.

Del is survived by daughters, Donna (Mike) Steckel of Taylor, Neb., Jeri (Joel) Farber of Thermopolis, and Wendy (Ross) Henderson of Greybull; sisters Carolyn Walton of Greybull and Vicki (Randy) Smith of Littleton, Colo.; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren with one more due in January.

Del was loved by many. We will miss her grace and class. In lieu of flowers please share a story of your time with Tom and Del. A celebration of their lives will be planned for next year. Donations in memory of Del Black may be directed to Stillwater Hospice of Northern Wyoming, 210 North Bent Street, Powell, WY 82435.

Biltmore to host 2025 AERC National and Young Rider Championships

AERC.org

The spectacular Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, has been approved by the AERC Board of Directors as the 2025 AERC National Championship and Young Rider Championship location. Cheryl Newman will serve as ride manager, with a full complement of experienced veterinarians, volunteers, and and Biltmore staff on hand to ensure an awesome event.

Hurricane Helene cleanup is well underway, according to https://www.biltmore.com/, and the trails and grounds will be in great shape for the whirlwind of rides on May 2 and 3, 2025. Attendees will also be able to enjoy clinics and vendors, up to four days of camping, and Biltmore Estate activities. Make the event your spring vacation with family and friends!

As for the rides, the focus is on the two National Championship rides and the Young Rider Championship (qualifications apply), but there will be multiple options for all levels of riders (check out the Ride Calendar at https://aerc.org/calendar/ for details):

2025 AERC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Friday, May 2: 50
Saturday, May 3: 100 (FEI offered)

2025 AERC YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIP
Saturday, May 3: 75 (FEI offered)

2025 BILTMORE OPEN CHALLENGE – OPEN RIDES
Friday, May 2: 25, 50
Saturday, May 3: 30, 55, 75 (FEI offered), 100 (FEI offered)

Make plans now to experience the AERC National Championships at the Biltmore Estate. Be sure to watch for Endurance News articles and visit Biltmore.com as the ride dates approach.

Jerry L. Fruth 1940-2024

CourierPress.com

Jerry L Fruth of Evansville Indiana former Posey County resident of Wadesville IN passed away Thursday October 24th, 2024. He was born on February 14, 1940, in Napoleon, Ohio to the late Orville & Doris (Rogalski) Fruth.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Judith (Fruth) Freiburger.

Jerry attended Napoleon Grade School & High School in Ohio. He was in high school drama work and in one play, “Born Yesterday”, with the Little Theatre Group, home of fine theatrical productions in the Fort Knox area. Jerry attended Ohio University for a few years and then enlisted in the United States Army. He was an NCO and Drill Sergeant for 6 years and a very proud veteran of the United States of America. Jerry was an entrepreneur, real estate developer and President of P47, LLC. Jerry’s passions included playing polo in his years after the Army and anything to do with the horses.

He loved riding his horses in the sport of endurance riding with the organization (AERC) American Endurance Ride Conference for 15 years with his wife (Diane) and son (Ryan). Two of his favorites were Abba Peavine a gelding a.k.a barn name “Red”, and a stallion Jabask Knight a.k.a barn name “Irene”. Jerry and Diane were Ride Managers of the LBL Express rides held at Land Between the Lakes 2002-2007.They also managed Endurance Rides in Indiana and one in California. In 2003 they adopted a 3-year-old Mustang named “Rocky” from the BLM Holding Facility in Litchfield, California. Jerry truly loved his 21-Year-Old Mustang “Rocky” and traveling with him to see the beauty of our USA. Jerry was involved with AERC as a past Vice President, Trails Committee Chairman where he served for 10 years. He was a certified AERC Trail Master Builder & Instructor. He served on the National Trails Committee with the American Horse Council in Washington, D.C. In April 2004 he was awarded the BLM Director’s Four C’s Award by Kathleen Clarke. He had worked with New Harmony, Indiana in the past on the park’s Horse Trails. In 2007 he was awarded the AERC Volunteer of the Year Award.

Jerry's other passions were membership in the VFW, life member of Indiana Trail Ride Association, Lifetime Golden Age Passport to all of the National Parks, AERC, Hoosier Backcountry Horsemen, Back Country Horsemen of America, Leave No Trace and other horse organizations. Jerry loved to ski, snow shoe, fly fish, read all kinds of books & magazines, travel with his horses to many different places with family and friends and have good times with his family and friends. Jerry always had a very creative eye for building & woodworking. He could look at something and create it.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 30 years, Diane Fruth; son Ryan A. Fruth (Jeannie); and a brother Jay Fruth of Napoleon Ohio.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 CST on Monday, November 4th, 2024 at Alexander North Chapel, officiated by Roger Lehman, with a private entombment to follow in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends and Family may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 CST from 10:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 4, 2024 at City View at Sterling Square, 210 N. Fulton Ave. Evansville.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Mustang Adoption Academy with Sky, or Hoosier Backcountry Horsemen.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.

Morgane Schambourg: A veterinarian dedicated to advancing equine medicine

Nouvelles.umontreal.ca - Full Article

UdeM’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine welcomes Morgane Schambourg, a specialist in equine surgery and sports medicine who honed her skills in the United Arab Emirates caring for endurance racehorses.

UdeMNouvelles
10/16/2024
Virginie Soffer

Morgane Schambourg has always loved animals, especially horses. An avid rider, she remembers telling everyone she wanted to be an animal doctor and take care of horses when she grew up. That childhood dream came true.

Now Schaumbourg is joining UdeM’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine as an assistant professor specializing in equine surgery and sports medicine. She brings with her a long list of accomplishments in equine medicine, including the development of an anti-doping test for endurance racehorses now used around the world.

From Nantes to Saint-Hyacinthe

Schambourg trained as a vet in France, earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the École nationale vétérinaire de Nantes in 1998. Finishing in the top three of her graduating class in the equine option, she was selected for a three-week practicum at UdeM’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Saint-Hyacinthe, near Montreal...

Read the rest here:
https://nouvelles.umontreal.ca/en/article/2024/10/16/morgane-schambourg-a-veterinarian-dedicated-to-advancing-equine-medicine/

Beer for the horses? It would be too expensive - Moab Canyons

MoabTimes.com - Full Story

Castle Valley Comments
October 15, 2024
By Ron Drake

The Castle Valley Fire District does a lot more than extinguish fires.

The fire district stands by when a property owner feels a little intimidated about burning their large pile of vegetation during the open burn season and asks for a standby when they torch the pile.

As their permit requires, the fire district personnel stand by during the annual fireworks display at Dewey each fall. The fireworks have been associated with the annual Moab Music Festival held at a Dewey ranch. They have been on standby for field burns in Professor Valley and Castle Valley and the district has also been requested during filming of movies and commercials in the area. Many times the request comes with a donation to the fire district.

This past weekend the district was asked to assist the annual Moab Canyons Endurance Ride, which was located off Highway 313 on a large tract of land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management. The event is sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference, an organization that promotes horse endurance events nationally...

Read more here:
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/beer-for-the-horses-it-would-be-too-expensive/

Island equestrian selected for 2026 Gaucho Derby in South America

VashonBeachComber.com - Full Article

The derby will take riders through the stunning landscapes of Patagonia.

By Aspen Anderson For The Beachcomber • October 9, 2024

Ashleigh Rauen, a seasoned equestrian and long time islander, is set to embark February 2026 on one of the most grueling horse races in the world: the Gaucho Derby in Patagonia, Argentina.

“Am I really gonna do this?” she said with a laugh.

The Gaucho Derby is a 500-kilometer endurance race through the wilderness of Patagonia, a mountainous land of fjords, rainforests, glaciers, deserts and steppes in the southern side of South America, where riders must navigate their way on horseback with the help of topographical maps and a GPS.

Participants are allowed only 20 pounds of gear and must camp along the way with limited supplies, swapping horses multiple times throughout the race which are selected via a randomized “hat draw.”

Riders fly to Argentina and then take a 10-hour bus ride to the race’s starting point near El Calafate, toward the southern end of the country. The course ends with the iconic Mount Fitz Roy in the background.

Hundreds of riders apply to race, but only about 10% of applicants are accepted.

Rauen, who specializes in three-day eventing, will face an entirely new set of challenges when the race starts in February...

Read more here:
https://www.vashonbeachcomber.com/news/island-equestrian-selected-for-2026-gaucho-derby-in-south-america/

First veterinary class: Claire Godwin endures as clinician, surgeon and horse rider

Virginia Tech News - Full Article

By Kevin Myatt
8 Oct 2024

Claire Godwin DVM '84 has displayed endurance in her veterinary career. Endurance is the goal in her passion outside work, also.

Godwin, a graduate of the first class from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984, founded the Laytonsville Veterinary Practice in Laytonsville, Maryland, in 1988. The small animal practice is still going strong with five veterinarians.

Godwin is an active endurance rider, traveling across the U.S and beyond, riding one-day, 50- to 100-mile endurance races on her Arabian horses.

Animals have always been a passion for Godwin...

Read more here:
https://news.vt.edu/articles/2024/10/vetmed-first-veterinary-class-godwin.html

Tevis 2024

ArabianHorseWorld.com - Full Article

by Merri Melde
10.01.24

As featured in the Fall 2024 issue of Arabian Horse World

Combining almost 15,000 feet of elevation gain and 21,000 feet of descent, punishing heat, rocks and bogs underfoot, canyons, rivers, and the Sierra Nevada mountain range to cross, the 100-mile Tevis Cup is one of the toughest endurance rides in the world. Riders from all over the globe come to test their horsemanship, partnership, and luck with their mount from the start at Robie Park above Lake Tahoe to the finish line in Auburn, California, in a time limit of 24 hours.

The Tevis Cup has seen many firsts throughout the decades. Still, this year’s 68th running was the first time a mother-daughter team, Jeanette and Reyna Mero, from Mariposa, California, finished first and second.

Mother Jeanette rode 12-year-old Ozark Kaolena SWA (“Lena”) to first place in a ride time of 14 hours and 50 minutes. Fourteen minutes later, daughter Reyna crossed the finish line aboard 11-year-old Chndakas Eklipse SWA (“Clippie”). The next morning, Clippie took the Haggin Cup, awarded to the horse in the top ten judged to be in the most superior condition...

Read more here:
https://arabianhorseworld.com/tevis-2024/

Girl vs. Horse: Why a long-distance runner raced a horse in a 50-mile marathon

NBCNewYork.com - Full Story

"If it was the last thing I did before I died, I wanted to race a horse," Nicole Teeny said after her epilepsy diagnosis.

By Mike Gavin and Erica Messick • Published September 25, 2024

Nicole Teeny was the dark horse.

She took her place at the starting line of a 50-mile course, but when the marathon began and her opponents set forth, she stood in place.

“I started a few minutes later,” she said, “because I didn't want to get run over.”

It was a stampede of sorts. The 18 opponents she was competing against were horses.

“We all set off onto the same 50-mile course,” Teeny told NBC Local. “It had a couple of loops and we just saw who crosses the finish line first...”

Read the rest here:
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/sports/girl-vs-horse-nicole-teeny-espn/5829777/

Arizona: Humans Will Challenge Horses for the Fortieth Year

FlagstaffBusinessNews.com - Full Article

September 6, 2024 By FBN

The epic Man Against Horse race takes off next month in Dewey.

On Oct. 19, for the 40th year, long distance runners and horse/rider teams will hoof it to the top of Mingus Mountain and back in the grueling Man Against Horse 50-mile race, a historic Prescott area “best kept secret.”

Look for race favorites to return for the anniversary event, including four-time winner Kim Abbott with her Arabian horse “Goat,” and runners for whom this race has become a favorite.

The Man Against Horse Race was founded in 1983 when Prescott runner and City Councilmember Gheral Brownlow made a bar bet on Whiskey Row with cowboy and police officer Steve Rafters that he could outrun Rafters’ horse in a race. The original race was from Williams to Perkinsville, and it was a two-day contest, said Race Director Ron Barrett. The race was later moved to its current location, a loop over Mingus Mountain and back to the finish at the Fain Ranch base camp just off Highway 89A...

Read more here:
https://www.flagstaffbusinessnews.com/humans-will-challenge-horses-for-the-fortieth-year/

2024 August's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

HorseRadioNetwork.com - Listen

August 13 2024

Tevis winner Jeanette ‘Jay’ Mero joins us to discuss her amazing win in blazing hot conditions and she also addresses the horses that were lost this year. Then her daughter, Reyna Mero, tells us about riding with her Mom, coming in 2nd and winning the “Haggin Cup”. Plus Karen explains efficient trot transitions are key to conserving your horse’s energy and maintaining a good pace throughout an endurance ride. Listen in...

https://www.horseradionetwork.com/2024/08/endurance-tevis-winners-jeanette-and-reyna-mero-and-trot-transitions-for-august-13-2024/

Local Iowa Firefighter Completes 600-Mile Horseback Adventure Across Mongolia

CommunityNewspaperGroup.com - Full Article

By VINTON LIONS CLUB
September 12 2024

VINTON — At today’s Lions Club meeting, local firefighter and horse enthusiast, Shelby Van Weelden, captivated the audience with a remarkable presentation about her recent 600-mile horseback ride across Mongolia. This adventurous journey took place on semi-wild horses, with riders receiving a new horse every 100 miles, drawn by lottery. Shelby shared the unpredictability and excitement of never knowing what kind of horse she would get until it was time to mount.

Her incredible tale included being thrown from her horse three times, a bout with suspected broken ribs, and a quick release from medical care – only to continue riding. Despite the challenges, Shelby described the experience as “amazing” and well worth the two years of rigorous training leading up to the adventure...

Read more here:
https://www.communitynewspapergroup.com/newsletter/content/vinton_daily_headlines/local-firefighter-completes-600-mile-horseback-adventure-across-mongolia/article_7ee0a9be-710d-11ef-9e89-0bd12362a6db.html

2024 July's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

HorseRadioNetwork.com Podcast - Listen

Endurance: Lost Horse Found, Rescue Horse Aims for Tevis, Bandana Tourniquet Saves the Day, for July 9, 2024 – HORSES IN THE MORNING

by Ashley Winch | Jul 9, 2024

Judy Hayamizu shares the harrowing story of her horse Sparky’s week long walk about in the California wilderness. Erna Valdivia stops by to talk about entering the Tevis Cup with her Shagya Arabian mare, adopted from Love This Horse Rescue. Plus, Karen shares her new saddle bag emergency kit and the terrifying event that inspired the update.

Listen:
https://www.horseradionetwork.com/2024/07/endurance-lost-horse-found-rescue-horse-aims-for-tevis-bandana-tourniquet-saves-the-day-for-july-9-2024-horses-in-the-morning/

Big Sky Memorial Ride brings endurance equine event to Lincoln County

TheWesternNews.com - Full Article

by SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER
The Western News | August 23, 2024 7:00 AM

There are few things as satisfying as enjoying a trail ride with a trusted horse in the wilds of northwest Montana.

Trail riders from several states and Canada competed in the sport of endurance horse riding in south Lincoln County a few weeks ago.

The Big Sky Memorial Ride was held Saturday, Aug. 10, in the Jackson Creek area north of Libby.

The sport got its start in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains half a century ago when a man with an Arabian horse challenged his friends to go up and over the range in a 100-mile race.

But these rides are about endurance, not racing to the finish line...

Read more here:
https://thewesternnews.com/news/2024/aug/23/big-sky-memorial-ride-brings-endurance-equine-event-to-lincoln-county/

Year of the Mustang Stops in Kosciusko Amid Cross-Country Voyage

InkFreeNews.com - Full Article

August 22 2024
Text and Photos By Madison Hart
InkFreeNews

PACKERTON — Jake Harvath and his two mustang horses stopped for the night at a family farm in Packerton during their cross-country voyage for Year of the Mustang on Thursday, Aug. 22.

The Year of the Mustang is an initiative to “…bring awareness to the plight of the American mustang, wild horses that were once a symbol of an untamed country but now struggle to keep their place in it,” writes Harvath on his GoFundMe page. According to Harvath, there are 50,000 mustangs in government holdings that can no longer live in the wild due to dwindling resources. Harvath wants people to see that mustangs are worth adopting.

When Harvath was 14 years old, he was an apprentice horse-trainer. That’s when he was gifted his first mustang mare, Belle. At 16, he started dreaming of a long-distance trip on horseback. At first, he discussed riding across Utah with his friends. By the time he was 18 or 19 years old, he had formulated a plan for a cross-country journey...

Read more here:
https://www.inkfreenews.com/2024/08/22/year-of-the-mustang-stops-in-kosciusko-amid-cross-country-voyage/

From Rescue To Ribbons: Erna Valdivia Makes Tevis Cup History With ‘Lovie’

Chronofhorse.com - Full Article

PUBLISHED August 13, 2024
WORDS BY Christina Keim

Vera Valdivia-Abdallah, founder and director of a major Arabian horse rescue, has helped hundreds of animals recover from dire circumstances. When she learned about a herd of 53 Arabians in Oregon in need of help late in 2020, she mobilized immediately to bring the animals to her Love This Horse Equine Rescue, located about 100 miles north of Los Angeles.

The story of the Oregon horses was one she had heard a version of many times before in her nearly 15 years of equine rescue work: The horses’ owner had passed away, his family had no idea what to do with the animals—many of which had never been handled—and in desperation, they contacted a horse trader to “come and get them.”

“Other than a few older horses who were broke to ride, he never even halter-trained them,” Valdivia-Abdallah said. “The horse trader basically rounded them up and dispersed them to different auctions.”

Because they were mostly unhandled, the majority of the Oregon herd was at risk of being sold to dealers shipping to slaughter. Valdivia-Abdallah began attending regional auctions, looking for them specifically...

Read the rest here:
https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/from-rescue-to-ribbons-erna-valdivia-makes-tevis-cup-history-with-lovie/

Race-bred Arabians Finish 1-2, with 4 in the Top 10 of the 2024 Tevis Cup

Crissy Wilson Tadlock photo

ArabianRacing.org

It was a very special Tevis Cup this year for Race-bred Arabians and the Mero family! Join us in congratulating Jay Mero on winning the coveted 100-mile race on her mare Ozark Kaolena SWA, as well as her daughter, Reyna Mero, for her second-place finish on Chndakas Eklipse SWA. The next day, Chndakas Eklipse SWA was awarded the Haggin Cup as the top-10 finisher with a horse in "most superior physical condition." Though that’s not the only family tie! Both mares are three-quarter sisters, as they share the dam FMR Ozark Eklipse and are by sires by Dormane—"Lena" by Kaolino and "Clippie" by Chndaka.

Lena raced an impressive 19 times from 2015 to 2017 with a 2-0-1 record and earnings of $13,151 across Texas, Colorado, California, and Delaware. Clippie raced 6 times at Delaware Park, though never hit the board.

We were lucky enough to catch up with Jay about her Tevis Cup and the two Race-bred mares that brought them home. “Lena was a rockstar from the get-go," she said. "There was nothing to make in Lena. All I needed to do was condition her for what needed to happen. She is so polite, but yet very hot!” This isn’t Lena’s first Tevis. In fact, she’s completed the race four times, winning the Haggin Cup in 2021, the same year Race-bred Arabian Treasured Moments won the first of her two Tevises.

You might think that Lena and Clippie are similar, but Jay tells us, “They’re two very different creatures.” Clippie is a bit more calm and less of a leader on the trail, but in the last couple of years the mare has come out of her shell and even led through portions of the day.

"Any 100-(mile race) is a series of problem solving,” Jay says, “though the day started out weirdly perfect.” A veteran of the race, she had yet to experience a race going so smoothly, so they went with it, going faster than they typically would with the mare’s best interest at the forefront. Though they were doing so well, Jay and Reyna never had to pull their tack, adding, “They never lost their motors.”

Of course Jay was proud of her accomplishment, but in speaking to her, we could hear her beaming through the phone about how Reyna handled Clippie’s recovery, “I didn’t tell her how long to stay at Franciscos. Clippie was passed to go, but she knew she had to stay a while longer and went when she was ready.”

When asked what sets Race-bred Arabians apart, Jay tells us it’s their mind and heart. In fact, she nearly gave up the dream to win Tevis, as the competition has become so fierce and the horses are pushed so hard, “A win is never worth bringing in a horse looking like it worked too hard,” Jay says, “When I would ask her if she could keep that pace up, it was always like, 'Sure! I got this!'” And that was apparent in Clippie’s performance as well, as she and Reyna took home this year’s Haggin Cup!

So many congratulations to the Mero family and we can’t wait to continue following their journeys!

Ozark Kaolena SWA’s maiden victory on the track:
https://fb.watch/tTaLK8T_Ax/

Barbara Louise Sanches 1941-2024

Legacy.com

Barbara Louise Sanches passed away peacefully at home on July 25, 2024 at the young age of 82.

Barbara was born in San Francisco, California and to her friends was called "Barb". She was a survivor of many things in her life and was a strong and passionate woman about the things she believed in. Her greatest accomplishments in life she would say were her love for her family, and her many cherished horses. She loved her endurance and horse-riding family and love of the sport, especially when she was able to ride side by side with her husband Ron of 47 years. Barbara and her exceptional Arabian horse Calculator VA ++, "aka "Tor" rode as a team member on the Pacific South Endurance Squad, the North American Endurance Squad and many other 100-mile endurance rides over her 20-year career as an endurance rider. In her professional career, Barbara gave so much of herself to others in her lifetime having worked in local non-profit organizations such as MS Community Services, Sun Street Centers and Freedom House. Barbara was respected by everyone she encountered, always providing support, lending an ear or giving them the tough love they needed to hear.

Barbara is survived by her adoring husband Ronald C. Sanches, her Daughter, Aimee Warren, Son in Law David Warren, granddaughter, Karlee Warren, grandson Travis Warren, Sister in Laws, Carol Culy (Michael) of Clovis, Ca and Janice (Jack) Allen of Elk Grove, Ca and of course Winnie, the Grand kitty.

The family wishes to thank the loving caregivers that she had, Tiffany Velasquez and Brittany Loura whose loving care and joyful natures enriched her life daily and allowed her to stay in her home. She is now riding with Tor again in the sky.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Greybull native to ride 620-mile Mongolian Derby, the World’s Toughest Horse Race

BasinRepublican-Rustler.com - Full Article

Thu, 08/01/2024
Victoria O’Brien

Dede Anders thought she had more time. After a lengthy interview process, Anders was selected to run in the Mongolian Derby, the world’s longest and toughest endurance horse race, in 2025. But after another rider’s injury, Anders was called up to the 2024 competition a little over a month ago, upending her original plans. In a little more than a week’s time, she will be competing halfway across the world against 49 other riders from around the globe in the world’s toughest endurance race.

The Mongol derby follows what historians have called the empire’s nerve system: the horse messenger system created by Ghengis Khan that once connected over half of the world. Riding semi-wild Mongolian horses, competitors are armed with only their packs, GPS and backup, and must ride for 11 hours a day for nine days straight as they navigate 620 miles of the rugged Mongolian steppe. Adding to the grueling demands of the competition is a final wrinkle: riders must swap their mounts every 25-miles at check-in stations where the horses will be vetted and checked over — riders who deliver their horse in poor condition will receive penalties — and competitors will receive food, aid and water...

Read more here:
https://www.basinrepublican-rustler.com/content/greybull-native-ride-620-mile-mongolian-derby-world%E2%80%99s-toughest-horse-race#

Local California teen competes in grueling equestrian race on rescued horse

FoxLA.com - Full Story and video

By Christina Gonzalez
Updated July 30, 2024

Teen competes in grueling race on rescued horse

Erna Valdivia just became the first African American teenage girl to compete in the Tevis Cup, a one-day, 100-mile race across the Sierra Nevada, and she did it on a horse her mother rescued.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - "I still can't believe it" Erna Valdivia giggled as she shook her head. The 17-year-old recently became the first African American teenage girl to compete in one of the most prestigious and difficult endurance horse rides in the world: The Tevis Cup — 100 miles across the Sierra Nevada in one day.

"It's physically and emotionally exhausting, but she is the best" said Valdivia, as she pats "Love Story," the horse rescued by her mother, who runs the Love This Horse Equine Rescue in Mojave. The white mare was on her way to slaughter when they took her in. Initially so scared, no one could get near her, she formed a special bond with Erna, who started riding her...

Read more and see video here:
https://www.foxla.com/news/local-teen-competes-grueling-equestrian-race-rescued-horse

All in the Family: Mother-Daughter Duo Claim Tevis and Haggin Cup

ThePlaidHorse.com - Full Article

July 30 2024
By MERRI MELDE

The 68th running of the iconic Tevis Cup, known as one of the toughest 100-mile endurance rides in the world, was held July 21st, 2024. 139 horses and riders started from Robie Park above Lake Tahoe at 5:15 AM and climbed over the Sierra Nevada Mountains with the goal of reaching Auburn, California, in a 24-hour time limit.

In this year’s historic finish, a mother-daughter team of Jeannette and Reyna Mero from Mariposa, California, crossed the finish line in first and second places. Mother Jeannette, 56, finished at 10:05 PM aboard her partner in the endeavor, 12-year-old Arabian mare Ozark Kaolena SWA (Lena). Fourteen minutes later, daughter Reyna, 22, trotted under the finish banner in second place riding the 11-year-old Arabian mare Chndakas Eklipse SWA (Clippie).

Additionally, Sunday afternoon Reyna received the coveted Haggin Cup, awarded to the rider whose horse is judged to be in the most superior physical condition of the first ten horses to cross the finish line. Jeanette and Lena won the Haggin Cup in 2021.

With over 14,000 feet of elevation gain and 20,000 feet of elevation loss, rocks underfoot, bogs, dust, a river crossing, and guaranteed heat, particularly while traversing two deep canyons, the Tevis trail unrelentingly challenges the mental and physical abilities of horses and riders...

Read more here:
https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2024/07/30/all-in-the-family-mother-daughter-duo-claim-tevis-and-haggin-cup/

Mother, daughter finish 1-2 in Tevis Cup

GoldCountryMedia.com - Full Article

Jordan Georgeson
Jul 21, 2024 12:11 AM

In her sixth successful ride, Jeanette Mero can finally claim the most coveted title in endurance riding: the Tevis Cup.

The Mariposa native completed her 100-mile journey to Auburn's McCann Stadium at 10:05 p.m. Saturday night to win the 68th Tevis Cup, finishing with a time of 17 hours and five minutes. Mero has been a consistent top-10 finisher at Tevis for several years and won the Haggin Cup in 2021, but a first-place finish eluded her until Saturday.

"I honestly gave up thinking it would happen, and I was happy enough with winning a different cup. I'm kind of still in awe," Mero said, noting she was still nervous as she crossed the finish line in Auburn. "At that point, you're still praying that the horse is good, and you gotta get through the vet check to win. This was 20 years of hard work and there's nothing like this. The Tevis Cup is the biggest win in our sport. It's just amazing."

Mero said the difference this year was that everything went right for her and her horse, Lena, a 12-year-old Arabian that now boasts four Tevis finishes of her own...

Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/310631/jeanette-mero-wins-tevis-cup-daugher-reyna-finishes-second-wins-haggin-cup/

The Meros: Mother-Daughter Duo Claim Top Spots in 2024 Tevis Cup

By Merri Melde-Endurance.net

July 20 2024

Jeanette (Jay) Mero, of Mariposa, California, riding Ozark Kaolina SWA (Lena), won the 2024 Tevis Cup in a ride time of 14 hours 50 minutes. It was Jay’s 6th Tevis finish and Lena’s 5th finish. The duo won the Haggin Cup (Best Condition) in 2021.

Fourteen minutes later Jay’s daughter Reyna finished in second place aboard Chndakas Eklipse SWA (Clippie). It was the fifth Tevis finish for Reyna and the third for Clippie.

The Tevis Cup is still underway; competitors have until 5:15 AM July 21 to finish. 

To be continued…

http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2024TevisCup/

With Tevis Cup approaching, Auburn proclaims July 13 as Arabian Horse Day

GoldCountryMedia.com - Full Article

Traci Newell
Jul 09, 2024

In anticipation of the Western States Trail Ride approaching July 20, Auburn Mayor Rachel Radell-Harris proclaimed July 13 Arabian Horse Day in Auburn.

“Arabian horses are truly remarkable,” Radell-Harris said at a city council meeting Monday night. “They have made a lasting impact on many equestrian activities and continue to be admired for their versatility and lively nature. They have a rich history, unique traits and a lasting legacy.”

The proclamation highlighted the Arabian horses’ endurance and suitability for long-distance trail competitions. They have played a significant role in the Western States Trail Ride, commonly referred to as the Tevis Cup Ride, which concludes each year in Auburn...

Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/310441/with-tevis-cup-approaching-auburn-proclaims-july-13-as-arabian-horse-day/

John Hall 1940-2024

MariposaGazette.com

July 4 2024

John William Hall was born on Aug. 2, 1940 in Caraway, Ark. and passed on May 11, 2024 in Fresno, Calif., after a year of declining health.

John was born to Laverne and George Hall and moved to California with his parents at a young age. He was raised in Richmond and Berkeley, where he graduated from Berkeley High School.

He and his wife, Beth, moved to the Oakland hills after marrying in 1973, where they enjoyed riding their horses and raising their family.

John participated in many long distance horse rides, including Tevis, with his trusted horses, Payote and Sal.

John retired in 1994 to Mariposa after 30 years as a union carpenter. He built their beautiful log home in Mariposa with the help of family and friends.

After retiring, John enjoyed trap shooting, bowling, horseback riding, motorcycle riding, riding the trails in his jeep and supporting many local foundations.

He was an animal lover with his many dogs, cats and horses throughout the years. John was always one to be ready with a joke and a smile. He never met a stranger and loved his family immensely!

John cherished the times he was able to travel with Beth and his family during their many cruises to Alaska, Eastern Coast of the U.S. and the Panama Canal; as well as the trips to Tennessee, Wyoming, Hawaii and Arizona throughout the years.

John was preceded in death by his parents, George and Laverne Hall and a brother, Marshall Hall ( Jackie Hall).

John is survived by his loving wife, Beth Hall; his daughter, Dana Jasmine (Paul Jasmine); his son, Jason Hall (Shannon Henry); his grandchildren, Natalie Jasmine (David Schenker) and Kevin Jasmine (Phoenix Jasmine) and his brother, Robert Hall (Maureen Hall).

There will be a memorial service for John on Nov. 2 in Mariposa. If you would like information, please email jnbhall@sti.net for future place and time.

2024 Tevis Cup Preview

July 2 2024
By Merri Melde-Endurance.net

With 17 days remaining until the 68th running of the Tevis Cup, 147 riders are pre-entered to take on the 100 miles from Tahoe to Auburn on July 20.

These include previous Tevis winners Gabriela Blakeley and LLC Pyros Choice (2022), Sanoma Blakeley (2019), Karen Donley (2016), Hal Hall (1974, 1977, 1990), Jeremy Reynolds (2004, 2007, 2011, 2021), and Heather Reynolds (2003, 2014, 2018).

Previous Haggin Cup winners include Hal Hall (1972, 1978, 2002), Heather Reynolds (1999, 2003), Jeremy Reynolds (2004, 2011, 2017), Michele Rowe (2005), Melissa Ribley (2009), Jay Mero and Ozark Kaolena SWA (Lena) (2021), Christoph Schork (2022), and MM Cody the mustang (2018).

Gabriela Blakeley and Heather Reynolds will be going for their 10th Tevis buckle, Robert Ribley will be going for his 20th buckle, and Hal Hall will be riding for his 33rd buckle!

Nine juniors will compete. The mustang Favor the Bold, the mustang MM Woodrow, the Arabian LLC Pyros Choise, and the Arabian cross Lily Creek Kong will be going for their 5th Tevis finish (a Robie Cup); the Arabian Count on Tessie Flyin, and the Arabian One Sun are going for their 6th Tevis Cup. The Tennessee Walker John Henry will be going for his 6th finish, which would be a record for gaited horses. The mustang MM Cody is going for his 8th Tevis finish.

There are riders from 5 foreign countries (Spain, Italy, Mexico, Australia, and Ecuador), and 21 states will compete.

More information on the ride is at:
https://teviscup.org/

Montana: Endurance horse riders take on Sleeping Giant

KRTV.com - Full Article and video

By: Tommy Lynch
Posted at 7:53 AM, Jun 16, 2024

GATES OF THE MOUNTAINS — The American Endurance Riders Conference (AERC) hosted the first Sleeping Giant Endurance Rides from June 14 through 16.

The AERC lost their last Montanan endurance ride last year. Instead of not hosting a ride in the state, they managed to gain access to the land near Sleeping Giant for the rides.

The Sleeping Giant Wilderness Study Area is a non-motorized recreation area located on the west side of the Missouri River and Holter Lake, about 30 miles north of Helena. The rock formation is a well-known landmark, readily visible from Helena.

“Your horse has to pass vet checks every certain mileage, for instance, 10 to 15 miles,” said Suzanne Hayes, one of the endurance riders, “They go through a vet check and the horse has to be recovered metabolically as well as look shiny and bright and ready to go on...”

Read more and see video here:
https://www.krtv.com/news/montana-and-regional-news/endurance-horse-riders-take-on-sleeping-giant

2024 June's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen

Revisit: Living on the Road With Horses, Friesian Rocks the LD Rides: Endurance Day for Nov 10, 2020

Jun 11, 2024

Revisit: Michelle and her daughter Scout share how they are living full time on the road with their horses. Magali McGreevy is kicking butt with her Friesian Harlaam and she stops by to tell us all about it. Rump rugs, quarter sheets, or exercise rugs; whatever you call them we answer the questions you never thought to ask. Listen in...

https://horsesinthemorning.com/revisit-living-on-the-road-with-horses-friesian-rocks-the-ld-rides-endurance-day-for-nov-10-2020/

Podcast: Pushing Limits: McKayla and Sandy's first 50-mile Endurance ride

TheHorsewoman Project Podcast - Listen

The Horsewoman Project: An Equestrian Podcast

June 11 2024

In this solo episode, I share the intense experience of completing my first 50-mile ride with Sandy. Despite our thorough preparation, the journey was mentally and physically grueling, filled with moments of doubt and reflection.

This experience has underscored the necessity of being kind to ourselves and recognizing the incredible efforts we put in as horsewomen. Let's navigate these challenges together.

-McKayla

Listen:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6j7OyLtB05z2YAilORw5w7?si=395cbb355ffa4fa2&nd=1&dlsi=f6336a7eb7ac406e

Endurance Horse Podcast: A Chat with Ride Managers of Trade River Run Lindsay Nichols and Bobbi Belz

EnduranceHorsePodcast - Listen

May 09, 2024

Episode 65 Welcomes the ride managers of Trade River Run in beautiful Cushing, Wisconsin. Ride Managers Lindsay Nichols and Bobbi Belz talk about becoming a RM and the details of their event. You can see their ride flyers at this link: Trade River Run

Trade River Run is a multi sanctioned event sanctioned by AERC, UMECRA, MnDRA and DRAW. The trails are said to be soft and barefoot friendly with great views of the river. Many sponsors equals great awards at this event. Sponsors include: Hay Chix, US Rider, Endurance Horse Podcast, Cashel, Distance Depot and more! Check out their ride flyer linked above!

Listen:
https://endurancehorsepodcast.podbean.com/e/trade-river-run-a-chat-with-ride-managers-of-trade-river-run-lindsay-nichols-and-bobbi-belz/

USEF Athlete Selection Procedures Now Available for 2025 FEI Endurance Pan American Championships for Seniors and Juniors/Young Riders

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | May 22, 2024, 3:00 PM

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian has published the athlete selection procedures for the 2025 FEI Pan American Endurance Championships for the Senior division as well as the Juniors and Young Riders division. Both Pan Am Championships will take place July 17-18, 2025, at Haras Albar, in Campinas, Brazil.

• Download the USEF Selection Procedures for the 2025 FEI Pan American Endurance Championship for Seniors
• Download the USEF Selection Procedures for the 2025 FEI Pan American Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders

The Selection Procedures include FEI and USEF requirements for horses and athletes, along with the process that will be used by the USEF Endurance Selectors when naming the team and/or individual athletes for the championship.

Interested athletes must submit an application of intent to US Equestrian along with a non-refundable $50 application fee by May 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET. The selection period began on Sept. 1, 2023, and closes at the application deadline.

Questions? Contact USEF Director of Endurance Nicole Zerbee at nzerbee@usef.org.

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/usef-athlete-selection-procedures-now-available-2

Volunteers Wanted for the 68th Annual Tevis Cup Ride!

Teviscup.org

The Western States Trail Foundation is looking for volunteers for this year’s Tevis Cup 100 Mile One Day Ride from Truckee to Auburn on July 20th, 2024.

Whether you’re a seasoned Tevis volunteer or have yet to experience the fun and excitement of assisting with our historic equestrian event, we welcome your help. We need volunteers at vet checks, water stops, for horse transport, communications, parking/traffic control and more. No experience necessary and you’ll go home with a coveted Tevis Volunteer T shirt for your efforts!

Each year ~800 people volunteer for the Tevis Cup.

Why so many volunteers?

Since the Western States Trail Ride (the Tevis Cup) is a 100 Mile One Day “point to point” ride traversing remote, rugged terrain over the mountains and through the canyons from Truckee, CA to Auburn CA, volunteers are needed all along the trail as well as before and after the Ride.

What do Tevis Volunteers do?

• Check Riders In
• Put Numbers on Horses
• Distribute GPS Trackers
• Parking and Traffic Control
• Set up Vet Checkpoints
• In and Out Timing at Vet Checkpoints
• Take Horses’ Pulse at Vet Checkpoints
• Assist Riders and Horses at Checkpoints
• Fill buckets and troughs
• Horse Transport for Pulled Riders
• Trailside Photography
• Radio Communications
and more!

To find out more information or to sign up as a volunteer, simply click here

or email volunteer@teviscup.org for more information. Thank you!

USEF Endurance Logbook Now Available Online

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | May 20, 2024, 1:00 PM

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the release of the USEF Endurance Logbook, which is now available online. The USEF Endurance Logbook is a free tool for riders to use to track all their horse's training and competition history in one place.

Included within the logbook, you will find pages to record the following information:

• Horse's details including name, breed, foaling date, etc.
• Horse's identification information
• Vaccination log
• Medication log
• Current and previous owner information
• Training notes
• Event information, vet card, and results

The logbook can be downloaded as a pdf from USEF.org and filled in electronically, or it can be printed by the user and utilized as a hard-copy document.

Please contact Nicole Zerbee, USEF Director of Endurance, at nzerbee@usef.org, with any questions and to register your logbook and receive a USEF Logbook ID.

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/usef-endurance-logbook-now-available-online

Deadline Approaching for 2025 FEI Calendar Applications for Endurance; U.S Endurance FEI Calendar Policies and Procedures Amendments Approved

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | May 13, 2024, 10:00 AM

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian reminds U.S. endurance competition organizers that the deadline for 2025 FEI calendar applications is June 1, 2024. Applications received after June 1, but before July 1, may be considered depending on the availability of the USEF Endurance Sport Committee (ESC) and staff to ensure the application can be submitted to the FEI by the October 1 deadline.

Applications for FEI competitions must be submitted online through the USEF Competition Dashboard at competitions.usef.org.

Additionally, competition organizers are encouraged to review the U.S. Endurance FEI Calendar Policies and Procedures document, which outlines the process for application, review, and approval of FEI endurance competitions in the U.S. Several amendments to the policies and procedures were recently approved. These amendments were made to align with 2024 FEI endurance rule changes and to adjust the deadlines and application review timelines to be more favorable for competition management. Changes made by these amendments include:

• Allowance of applications to be submitted after June 1, but before July 1, subject to the availability of the ESC and staff.
• Adjustment of the USEF review procedure timeline based on the ESC’s meeting schedule to allow for more time for consideration of applications.
• Adjustment of late application and modification request levels to align with 2024 changes made by the FEI regarding lower- and upper-level competitions.
• Adjustment of the USEF deadline for an upper-level modification request to allow for USEF’s review process to be properly conducted prior to the submission of the request to the FEI.
• The addition of two new criteria factors for the ESC to consider when reviewing applications.

Questions about FEI calendar applications can be sent to feicomps@usef.org or Nicole Zerbee, Director of Endurance, at nzerbee@usef.org. Inquiries about national and lite licenses should be sent to dates@usef.org.

Major equestrian event, endurance riding national championships, set for La Pine, Oregon, in August

KTVZ.com - Full Article

By KTVZ news sources
Published May 14, 2024

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) – Central Oregon is set to host the 2024 American Endurance Ride Conference’s (AERC) National Championships. This amazing equestrian event will feature 50-, 75- and 100-mile rides scheduled from August 15-17 at Outback Station, just outside of La Pine.

Endurance riding enthusiasts from across the United States will gather in Central Oregon for what promises to be one of the most exciting events of the summer. The National Championship rotates annually to different locations, allowing riders to experience diverse trails and landscapes while showcasing the best of the endurance riding experience. This is the first time this event has been held in Oregon.

“We are proud to bring this ride to Central Oregon, offering riders the opportunity to explore our region’s breathtaking trails and world-class amenities,” said Darlene Merlich, Ride Manager. “With our dedicated team of top-notch volunteers and veterinarians, we aim to deliver a truly unforgettable experience.”

The event will attract some of the nation’s top endurance riders, along with enthusiasts from the Pacific Northwest eager to test their skills in completing a prestigious National Championship ride. Endurance riders are known for their commitment to equine welfare, ensuring their horses are in optimal condition for the challenges ahead...

Read more here:
https://ktvz.com/sports/2024/05/14/major-equestrian-event-endurance-riding-national-championships-set-for-la-pine-in-august/'

2024 May's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

HorsesInTheMorning podcast - listen

NE Endurance Team Challenge at Fair Hill, Rider Fitness, Green Beans

May 14, 2024

We chat about the ups and downs of getting young or inexperienced horses out and about, the AERC Green Bean program, tips on rider fitness, and the NE Endurance Team Challenge at Fair Hill.

Listen:
https://horsesinthemorning.com/ne-endurance-team-challenge-at-fair-hill-rider-fitness-green-beans-for-may-14-2024/

Trail's Open! for the 2024 Virtual Tevis Cup

Teviscup.org

The ride was first organized by Wendell Robie, an Auburn businessman and devoted rider of the Sierra high country. The Western States Trail Ride has had many names, but most people know it simply as “Tevis". The ride has evolved a great deal in 69 years; some of the trail has changed, the entry has changed, and even the criteria for completion has changed. One thing has not changed. One horse, One rider, 100 miles in One day (24 hours).

The Tevis Cup Ride itself operates at or near a financial loss. So, the Western States Trail Foundation needs to raise funds in order to continue our trail preservation and put on the ride. In 2020, the Virtual Tevis was created due to the cancellation of the actual ride because of the global pandemic. The Virtual Tevis has become a premier fundraiser for the Western States Trail Foundation.

Because of your support, we are able to not only put on this iconic endurance event, but continue with our efforts of trail preservation and improvements.

Once again, there will be both Riding and Non-Riding Divisions so everyone can enjoy the fun.

You can complete the 100-miles in as many smaller excursions as you choose to finish the goal. As you log your completed miles, you will receive updates of where you would be on the historic Western States Trail.

Follow this link for more details and frequently asked questions.

USA Teen Uma’s Quick Ascent to the World Stage

FEI.org - Full Story

Words by Stacey Stearns
Photos courtesy of Uma Kraskin
21 April 2024

We catch up with an ambitious Endurance talent...

Young American Uma Kraskin started competing in Endurance in 2022 and is already representing her country internationally.

17-year-old Uma was surrounded by horses and other animals growing up with her parents, Kati and Richard in their Florida home. They gifted her with Twinkie, a Shetland pony, on her fifth birthday. True to the Shetland pony reputation, he challenged Uma and helped her become a better rider, but also provided her with many happy memories. Uma continued riding, and now competes in Dressage and at Arabian breed shows with Habibi, her grey gelding.

In spring of 2022, she saw a social media post about Endurance, and it piqued her interest. Uma decided to try the sport as part of her Dressage cross-training and signed herself and Habibi up for a 15-mile American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) introductory ride. They both loved it and decided with the veterinarians that they could do 10 more miles. Uma also met her mentor; Cheryl Van Deusen, a US Endurance rider, at the competition. The rest is history and she’s made a quick ascent to the Endurance world stage...

Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/teen-uma-kraskin-quick-ascent-world-stage

2024 April's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

Horsesinthemorning Podcast - Listen

Walking for A Fitter Horse, Endurance Mustangs, Tips for New Riders, for April 9, 2024

Apr 9, 2024

Jeannie Waldron, DVM talks about conditioning a horse that is new to endurance to set them up for success. Ann Scott Wicks shares her adventures riding her Mustang Jicarilla Journey to multiple AERC high mileage awards. Karen’s training tip highlights the importance of walking.

Listen:
https://horsesinthemorning.com/walking-for-a-fitter-horse-endurance-mustangs-tips-for-new-riders-for-april-9-2024/

WN Johara Aljassimya: Defying All Odds

ArabianHorseWorld.com - Full Story

04.01.24
By Allyssa Baird

She was a pretty dark grey filly when little “JoJo” was born in the beautiful hills and sanctuary of Aljassimya Farm in Santa Ynez, California. Upon being tested as a weanling, she tested positive for CA/CA, a genotype that will have cerebellar abiotrophy. They waited for her to show typical signs of CA, such as tremors, wobbling, and poor balance, at which point she would euthanized.

Since JoJo wasn’t a “sellable” horse, she was rehomed to Lilia Lucero as a three-year-old after Aljassimya retrieved two successful embryos by Al Ayal AA. “After they told me about her condition, I told them that I wanted her even if she just ended up in my backyard as a trail horse,” Lilia recalls. She worked with JoJo started under saddle, and eight years later, she still has no signs of CA...

Read more here:
https://arabianhorseworld.com/wn-johara-aljassimya-defying-all-odds/

2024 March's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

Horsesinthemorning Podcast - Listen

Mar 12, 2024

We are joined by Melissa Montgomery for a chat about horseback riding in Africa and her recent win at the 20 Mule Team 100 in Ridgecrest, CA while battling 60 mph winds. Plus Debi Sanger tells us about Trot On endurance Rides. Karen shares a great tip on fast effective tack cleaning!

Listen...
https://horsesinthemorning.com/trot-on-endurance-rides-horse-riding-in-africa-for-march-12-2024/

Online entries now being accepted for the 2024 AERC Nat’l Championships in Oregon

March 28 2024

Entries have now opened for the 2024 AERC Nat’l Championships to be held August 15-17, at the Outback Station near La Pine, Oregon.

August 15 will feature the National Championship 50 mile ride, August 16 the Young Rider National Championship 75 mile ride, and August 17 the National Championship 100 mile ride.

For entry forms and more information, see:
https://2024aercnc.com/2024/03/28/online-entries-now-being-accepted/

2024 February's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com Podcast - Listen

Feb 13, 2024

Dr. Susan Garlinghouse joins us to talk about preventing and dealing with arthritis in horses. Karen’s tip is on getting unstuck in mud and the options for endurance cinches and girths. Listen in...

https://horsesinthemorning.com/endurance-mud-and-equine-arthritis-for-february-13-2024/

“Bold and the Beautiful”'s Katherine Kelly Lang Returns to Endurance Horse Racing After Her Ankle 'Was Totally Dislocated'

Ca.Style.Yahoo.com - Full Article

Cara Lynn Shultz
Tue, March 12, 2024

The actress talks to PEOPLE about her return to endurance horse racing after breaking her ankle in three places

Katherine Kelly Lang was just three years old when she discovered her love of horses.

“I sat on a horse with my mom, and I fell in love and that was it,” the Bold and the Beautiful actress tells PEOPLE exclusively about her first exposure to horses — riding the kiddie pony rides in Los Angeles’s famed Griffith Park.

“They strap you in and they make the ponies trot around in a circle, with fences on each side, so you're very safe. All I remember back then was, ‘Oh, boy, these ponies are really bouncy.’ But I still loved it,” she continues.

Growing up, Lang, 63, says, “horses were my thing,” and she harbored dreams of being an Olympic-level equestrian.

But when Lang was 22, during a solo ride she stumbled upon a campsite. “There was lots of trailers, lots of horses, lots of people. And I'm like, ‘What is going on here?’ And somebody said, ‘Oh, you don't know about endurance riding?’ ” she recalls...

Read more here:
https://ca.style.yahoo.com/bold-beautiful-katherine-kelly-lang-185250414.html

2023 AERC National Championships

ArabianHorseWorld.com - Full Story

01.31.24
By Shaunna Angell
All photos © Remuda Photography 2023

As featured in the Winter 2024 issue of Arabian Horse World.

As the late October sun rose over Davy Crockett National Forest in East Texas, riders from many states were well on their way along the pine and elm-lined trails of the 2023 AERC National Championship. The Armadillo Endurance Ride management hosted a competitive group of 40 horse and rider pairs in the 50-mile National Championship and 28 entries in the 100-mile National Championship. The day provided sunny skies and an abundance of anticipation and excitement for everyone involved, especially for the teams who battled through the forest for 2023 National Championship titles.

Being the fastest to conquer the course in the 50-mile competition was Alisija Zabavska aboard DA Luciano, a 10-year-old Arabian gelding who was bred for the show ring but found a true passion for endurance. “Luciano means ray of light in Italian,” Alisija says fondly. “He is just that! He is the sweetest horse, just a lap dog...”'

****

With an exhilarating win in the 100-mile national championship was Lily Creek Kong, a 15-year-old Shagya Arabian Trakehner cross, piloted by Jenna Harrison and owned by Cameron Holzer Gaytko...

Read more here:
https://arabianhorseworld.com/2023-aerc-national-championships/?fbclid=IwAR1FiLqjbkwcoZZDEGqbV0cn0mGDDktOLEvYH0tUhISGMbPWHDmLZdgLU2A

2023 Distance Horse of the Year is Cynthia Mettes' Nchantedprincevaliant+

Arabianhorses.org

February 13 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Greenwood Village, CO – February 13 – Congratulations to the 2023 Distance Horse of the Year, Nchantedprincevaliant+ (Valiant), an 13 year old gelding out of FSF Dakaros Enchanter X SHF South Comet and owned and ridden by Cynthia Mettes.

Valiant started his distance career in 2016 with his breeder/owner, Pamela Burrows. Valiant did 2 limited distance rides with Pam that year. In January 2017, Valiant was purchased by his current owner, Cynthia Mettes. Since Valiant’s career has blossomed, in between 2017 to 2022, Valiant completed several Endurance and Competitive Trail events. In his first year, he completed one limited distance ride and then moved up to 50 mile rides, completing three 50 mile rides that year, one at a distance of 55 miles.

Valiant completed a tough 50-mile AERC endurance ride in August of 2018, the Spanish Peaks ride in Colorado, placing fourth. Valiant also placed first in the AHA Region 9 CTR Championship with a perfect score of 200, he turned around and did the same thing again the following year. Valiant was also awarded his Legion of Honor in the 2019 season. Cindy states “Valiant is a total blast to camp with. Whenever I come around the trailer to his pen, I call out his name and he calls back to me with great gusto. He is very “verbal” and it puts a smile on my face every time.

For the 2023 competition year Valiant completed 11 NATRC Open competitive trail rides, placing first and Sweepstakes in 4 of those competitions. He earned his NATRC National Championship award along with placing third in the nation for the NATRC President’s Cup award. Amongst all the NATRC competitions, he completed two AERC 50-mile rides, Valiant was Reserve Champion in the AHA Region 9 50-mile ride and fourth in the AERC Open ride. Valiant then went on to win the AHA Region 9 Championship CTR and placed first and Sweepstakes in the Open competition.

Cindy states “Competitions are all about the food. I get up 4 hours before a competition starts and feed him an early breakfast. I hurry to get it to him as he won’t quit screaming until I get him his breakfast – just about wakes up the whole camp! It certainly gets all the other horses stirred up and wanting THEIR breakfast. Valiant has me trained when it comes to carrots. He “asks” for them in camp with lots of nickers, and I comply (those nickers just melt my heart). On the trail, he will stop and bend his head around for a carrot. I carry a LOT of carrots with me on the trail!! He always tries so hard to do what I ask. He is just a fun-fun-fun horse, no drama, just a joy to be with. And really, the best part is that after a competition I don’t feel like I have done anything. Valiant is a delight to ride and very easy on me since he has learned to carry himself so nicely.

In summary, Valiant is a horse that has continued to compete each year, placing well. He is a testament to the longevity and versatility of the Arabian horse.

For more information on the Arabian Horse Association, please go to www.arabianhorses.org.

Go Horseback Riding In Houston At This Urban Ranch Just Outside Downtown

SecretHouston.com - Full Article

You don't need to travel out to the countryside to get a taste of the ranch life: Cypress Trail allows visitors to go horseback riding in Houston just 30 minutes outside of Downtown

Colby Smith Colby Smith • February 7, 2024

City meets country at Cypress Trails Ranch LLC. Located just 30 minutes outside Downtown, the ranch is a hidden gem in Houston for equestrians and adventure seekers alike.

Get a taste of the Old West at Cypress Trails Ranch LLC. Here, Houstonians can escape from the urban hustle and bustle by connecting with nature and horseback riding through picturesque trails.

Riders can choose from a variety of trails that cater to different preferences and skill levels, ensuring that each journey is a unique and personalized experience. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a leisurely ride or an experienced equestrian craving a more challenging adventure, Cypress Trails Ranch LLC has the perfect trail to match your aspirations...

Read more here:
https://secrethouston.com/horseback-riding-houston/