Monday, April 22, 2024

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

Monday, April 15, 2024

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/

Thursday, April 11, 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/

Saturday, April 06, 2024

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/

Saturday, March 30, 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/

Saturday, March 23, 2024

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/

Wednesday, March 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

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

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

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

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.

Thursday, February 08, 2024

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/

Wednesday, February 07, 2024

Endurance Horse Podcast: Erin Glassman on Overcoming Obstacles & Achieving Goals - Tevis 2023

Endurance Horse Podcast - Listen

Jan 17, 2024

Episode 61

I'd like to welcome back to Endurance Horse Podcast rider, writer, musician, mother and goal setter, Erin Glassman. Erin has been on Endurance Horse Podcast back in the day when it was send in audio, before the interviews started! She has completed Tevis three times on two different horses and is so in love with the sport that she decided to help preserve some of the Rushcreek Arabians bloodlines by continuing them at her PrairieSylvania Arabians in Hutchinson, Kansas, USA.

I hope you enjoy this conversation with Erin today, I know I did. We did go off trail a little bit at the end when discussing the topic of how to handle negativity, and I did ponder the thought of taking it out- though chose to leave it in. Hope you enjoy!

If you DO like the podcast please take a moment to like, subscribe and leave a positive review.

If you'd like to support the podcast, please consider going over to our website at www.warhorseendurance.com and sign up for one of our 100 mile challenges. We have been free and commercial free here at Endurance Horse Podcast since 2018. Also, check out our other podcast - The Warhorse Journal Podcast- also on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and Podbean. Happy Trails!

Saturday, February 03, 2024

Baubletina is 2023 AERC High Mileage Standardbred

Noelle Snyder photo.

USTrottingNews.com - Full Story


February 2, 2024, by Jessica Schroeder, USTA Membership Enrichment and Outreach Coordinator

Columbus, OH – The 2023 American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) High Mileage Standardbred, presented by the U.S. Trotting Association, is Baubletina. The 15-year-old mare is fresh into her third career, courtesy of long-time endurance enthusiast Larry Gray from Pennsylvania.

“I actually started endurance as a teenager, it was a family sport for us,” said Gray. “While I took many years off, I was excited to jump back in after 20 years.”

Gray has a lifetime lease on Baubletina from breeder Winning Key Farms and took her home in April of 2022. She completed her first 50-mile ride in November of 2022.

“’Baubles’ has flourished in her new career and absolutely loves the trail,” continued Gray. “The off-the-track mentality and conditioning gives her a competitive edge. I cannot say enough good things about Winning Keys (who have been) supportive in every way.”

For the 2023 ride season, Baubletina and Gray went to seven rides and accumulated 200 competition miles. They placed first in two of those rides, and both times were also awarded the “Best Condition” score...

Read more here:
https://ustrottingnews.com/baubletina-is-high-mileage-standardbred/

Friday, February 02, 2024

2024 Tevis Cup entries are open

TevisCup.org

The link for entries will is here: https://teviscup.org/

~Remember, ALL entries will be done online, including payment. So, you will need a credit card or debit card to complete the process. This includes reserving stalls, RV spaces, and North Lot camping spots.

~You will also sign the liability release and waiver online with a “DocuSign” form. This part of the entry MUST be completed, or your entry will not be accepted.

~You must meet the minimum qualifications to enter BEFORE submitting your entry. Those qualifications can be found here: https://teviscup.org/about-the-ride/rules-policies/

~Lastly, reservations are “First come, First served.” Even if you are the first person to submit an entry, if you don’t fill out the online forms in their entirety, provide the necessary documentation, pay the fees, and sign the waiver, your entry won’t be accepted and you won’t get that reservation.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can call or email the office (530-823-7282 WSTf@teviscup.org) Please be patient when waiting for a return call or email. At this time of year our office is not staffed full-time. You can also ask questions here via social media, but be aware that while some folks mean well, they do not always have the most accurate or up to date information.

Thursday, February 01, 2024

'The gold is right there, keep going': Dunlap woman to compete in grueling endurance horseback race

WCBU.org - Full Article

WCBU | By Collin Schopp
Published February 1, 2024

Laurie Kaplan started riding horses when she was 5. She told her mother she was interested and her mom got to work finding a barn in her hometown of East Lansing, Michigan.

Now, Laurie Kaplan lives outside Dunlap, Illinois and the barn is her own. Snow, slush and mud covers the ground at the Kaplan farm, home to chickens, cats, a large friendly dog, sheep and, of course, two horses.

“It’s the connection with the horse, they connect with us energetically,” said Kaplan about her passion for horseback riding. “When we show up in a bad mood, or a grumpy mood, if we don’t change that mood while we’re working with them, they may reflect back on us. They’re mirrors.”

Kaplan said she did a few competitive events in childhood, as well as teaching summer camps. Now, she’s about to take on the biggest challenge of her horseback riding career: the Gaucho Derby...

Read more here:
https://www.wcbu.org/local-news/2024-02-01/the-gold-is-right-there-keep-going-dunlap-woman-to-compete-in-grueling-endurance-horseback-race

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

2024 Scheduled AERC Convention Seminars

AERC.org
Here are the seminars scheduled for the 2024 AERC Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico on February 23 and 24 (subject to change).

Friday, February 23, 2024

9:00-10:30 am
Langdon Fielding, DVM, MBA, DACVECC, DACVSMR
Dr. Fielding, of Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center in California, will be speaking on common trail emergencies relating to endurance horses.

10:45-11:45 am
Trisha Dowling, DVM, MSc, DACVIM, DACVCP
Dr. Dowling is a professor in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in the Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. She specializes in equine pharmacology issues. (Exact topic TBA.)

3:00-4:00 pm
Deirdre Monroe
What can you do to build and preserve trails and get a seat at the trails planning table? Deirdre Monroe has worked extensively in New Mexico to plan, map, and expand trails; she and Marsha Hayes of Kansas will discuss how to build relationships that put equestrians at the table on trails issues.

Saturday, February 24, 2024

8:30-10:00 am
Jeanette Mero, DVM
Co-chair of AERC’s Veterinary Committee, Dr. Jay Mero will be speaking on tying up aka exertional rhabdomyolysis — severe cramping that may happen after exercise. Learn the latest information for prevention and treatment.

11:00 am-12:20 pm • General Session

1:00-2:30 pm
Katrin Silva
A trainer for 30 years, Katrin Silva will discuss dressage for endurance. She is the author of “Dressage for All of Us” and “Ride With Feel: A Guide for the Rest of Us” and competes and coaches various dressage disciplines.

3:00-4:30 pm
Susan Garlinghouse, DVM
“Beating the Hitch in the Giddyup” will focus on managing arthritis in distance horses. Learn how to proactively manage the effects of inflammtion and concussion before they turn into career-ending arthritis.

Monday, January 22, 2024

Endurance Horse Podcast: Dante LaPierre on MS Dennie MHF & Tevis 2023

EnduranceHorsePodcast - Listen

Jan 03, 2024
by Christina Hyke

Episode 60

Today on Endurance Horse Podcast we have the pleasure of chatting with Dante LaPierre about her lovely mare Ms Dennie MHF. Dante has ridden Dennie to three top ten finishes and discusses the excellent opportunity it is to give an Arabian off the racetrack a second career as an endurance horse.

I hope you enjoy listening in to this episode of Endurance Horse Podcast, share it with and friend! If you'd like to support our podcast please like, share, subscribe & visit https://www.warhorseendurance.com

Listen:
https://endurancehorsepodcast.podbean.com/e/dante-lapierre-on-ms-dennie-mhf-tevis-2023/

Sunday, January 21, 2024

2024 January's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen

Endurance: Husband & Wife Team, Lenhart Completes 20th 100, Tips For an Efficient Competition, for Jan 9, 2024

Jan 9, 2024

2023 AERC winners of the Bob and Julie Suhr Husband and Wife Award with 2170 miles Alanna and Gunnar Frank join us along with Sudi Lenhart, VP of the Southeast Endurance Ride Assoc. Karen has some tips on making your competition run smoothly.

Listen:
https://horsesinthemorning.com/endurance-husband-wife-team-lenhart-completes-20th-100-tips-for-an-efficient-competition-for-jan-9-2024/

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Bold & Beautiful star Katherine Kelly Lang returns to Endurance Riding at Fire Mountain

Soaps.SheKnows.com - Full Story

Bold & Beautiful Star Katherine Kelly Lang’s Latest Adventure Leaves Castmate Cheering, ‘Get ’Em, Girl!’

Amy Mistretta
January 18 2024

Those who follow Bold & Beautiful’s Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke) on social media know she loves her horse and the CBS soap actress recently completed a 50-mile endurance race and shared “some snippets” from the “great day!”

With the star riding her white beauty, Lang stated, “Our goal was to have happy and healthy horses at the end,” then relayed, “They did fabulous!”...

Read more here:
https://soaps.sheknows.com/the-bold-and-the-beautiful/news/714529/katherine-kelly-lang-horse-race/

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Endurance Icon Treasured Moments awarded prestigious 2024 WAHO Trophy for USA

PurebredArabianTrust.org

January 12 2024

As the American registering authority for the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO), the Purebred Arabian Trust (PAT) is proud to announce that it has awarded the 2024 WAHO Trophy to the purebred Arabian mare and endurance racing icon, Treasured Moments. The fourteen-year-old mare by legendary race sire, DA Adios+ and out of Hidden Treasure, was bred by the Alan Kirshner and Deborah Mihaloff’s notable Cre Run Farm in Doswell, Virginia, and is proudly owned by Heather and Jeremy Reynolds of Dunnellon, Florida.

“Treasure,” as she is referred to in the barn, began her career in 2014 on the racetrack wearing the recognizable colors of Cre Run, one of the world’s most prominent breeding programs for Arabian racehorses. (Cre Run is the only program in the world to have bred a horse that has won three million-dollar races in the span of one calendar year, as an example.) Treasure ran seven times as a four-year-old, with one first and three seconds and earnings of $11,315.

In November 2014, she caught the professional eye of Heather and Jeremy Reynolds, avid endurance riders at the top levels of the sport, and Treasure exchanged her racetrack life for the world of endurance.

Since then, the celebrated pair have recorded over 3,000 competition miles and countless wins together, including two Tevis Cups, one Haggin Cup, and the 2021 Italian Championships, which marked the first time an American horse has won overseas since the 90s. Treasured Moments is also a recipient of the Robie Cup, a medallion that is issued to horses upon the completion of five Tevis Cups. The medallion’s equine figurehead is Wendell Robie’s mare, a paternal great grand dam to Treasured Moments.

Additionally, Jeremy and Treasure incorporated a new dynamic in 2023 – competing bridleless. In fact, the two won the 2023 Tevis Cup in an incredible 15 hours and 14 minutes, and they did it minus a bridle. It was a poignant image that spoke to their profound partnership.

The WAHO Trophy program was initiated in 2005. Each worldwide registering authority of WAHO is granted the ability to choose its respected trophy recipients. Trophies are not necessarily awarded annually and are given out at the discretion of each country.

Requirements for trophy recipients include:
- The horse must be living, not deceased.
- The horse must be bred and still registered as a purebred Arabian in the country of its designated authority.
- The horse must have reached a significant level of achievement as deemed by its designated authority.
- The horse must, in some way, achieved excellence as a breed ambassador or, in the case of older horses, has achieved the same through its immediate progeny.

Only five WAHO Trophies have been awarded in the United States prior to Treasure Moments. One of those five recipients is her sire, Darley Horse of the Year, DA Adios+ – also bred by Cre Run Farm.

“We are so proud that Treasured Moments is being given this award,” said Deborah Mihaloff of Cre Run Farm. “Treasured Moments is only the sixth horse to receive this award in the United States. To think that one of the six is her sire, DA Adios+ (that we raised and raced) makes it extra special. Treasure could not have achieved the levels she did had it not been for her owner, rider, and partner, Jeremy Reynolds. They are truly one. She could not be loved more. And that is a breeder’s only wish.”

Bob Fauls, chairman of the Purebred Arabian Trust, concurs.

“The PAT is supportive of all disciplines associated with the purebred Arabian horse,” he said. “South America, the Middle East, Europe…. We’ve had the tremendous opportunity to travel the world and see endurance horses perform. Of all the disciplines, the Arabian horse is king in endurance, and yet it often receives so little recognition. Because of that, it was a great honor for us to be able to recognize this particular horse and its owners. Treasured Moments is one of the most recognizable endurance competitors in the world, both inside and outside the endurance community. The fact that she now joins her sire, DA Adios+, as one of the few recipients of the WAHO Trophy, makes it additionally sweet. The board of the Purebred Arabian Trust heartily extends its congratulations to Treasured Moments and her team from birth to present on this most deserving award.”

“Treasure never ceases to amaze us,” said Jeremy Reynolds. “The first time I met her, it was love at first sight. She loves competing. I feel honored to have such a horse in my life. I wish everyone could have an Arabian Treasure like her.”

Treasured Moments and Jeremy Reynolds were presented with the 2024 WAHO Trophy by Bob Fauls and PAT Vice President, Howard Pike, on January 7, 2024, at the Reynolds’ Florida home. The horse-and-rider pair continue to actively compete and are pointing their efforts to the 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship this September in Monpazier, France.

Endurance rider will be back on the trail; Bonnie Swiatek cancels her retirement

WyomingNews.com - Full Article

Carol Ryczek - Laramie Boomerang
January 13 2024

Endurance riding is a matter of balance.

For Bonnie Swiatek, balance was both the reason for retiring from the sport she loves, and the reason to return to it.

Endurance riding is something of a marathon on horseback. Riders can travel from 25 to 100 miles, through mountainous terrain, sometimes at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet. The trails are rugged and demanding.

According to the American Endurance Riders Conference, which organizes these rides, to finish is to win.

Late in 2022, Swiatek announced that she would be retiring from the sport she enjoyed for 22 years with more than 6,000 competitions and 20,000 miles of back country travels with 13 different horses.

She knew she had to address serious back problems when she discovered that the balance she maintained as a rider was not what it used to be...

Read more here:
https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/endurance-rider-will-be-back-on-the-trail-bonnie-swiatek-cancels-her-retirement/article_133b9086-b18f-11ee-8a57-5baaec1d747a.html

Thursday, January 11, 2024

US Equestrian Introduces New National Endurance Award Program

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Jan 10, 2024, 1:00 PM

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is proud to announce the launch of the newly amended USEF National Endurance Award Program, a revamped initiative aimed at recognizing and celebrating the achievements of endurance athletes and horses across the country. Officially launching with the 2024 season, the USEF National Endurance Award Program includes the USEF Endurance Year-End Awards and the USEF Endurance Career Mileage Awards.

USEF Endurance Year End Awards will be calculated based on USEF and FEI competition results during the competition season (Dec. 1 – Nov. 30) and are composed of the following categories:

• Top Ten National-Ranked Senior Athletes
• Top Ten National-Ranked Junior/Young Rider Athletes
• Endurance Athlete of the Year Award
• Endurance Horse of the Year Award
• Endurance Best Condition Season Award

The USEF Endurance Career Horse Mileage and Athlete Mileage Awards will honor horses and athletes for their achievements at 250; 500; 750; 1,000; 3,000; and 5,000 miles, showcasing the dedication and perseverance demonstrated in the world of endurance riding.

Athletes and horse owners can request recognition of their or their horse's career mileage from American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) or Equine Distance Riding Association (EDRA) competitions held before December 1, 2023. To be eligible, requests must be submitted via email to the USEF Director of Endurance by September 1, 2024. Verification of requests will be conducted through AERC or EDRA competition records.

Click here to view more information on the USEF National Endurance Award Program, including eligibility criteria and submission details. Contact Nicole Zerbee, USEF Director of Endurance, with any questions at nzerbee@usef.org.

See even more at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-introduces-new-national-endurance

Saturday, January 06, 2024

Kim Elkins and Royal Velvet Achieve American Saddlebred Award in Endurance

Kim Elkins, of Mead, Washington, and her American Saddlebred mare, Royal Velvet, aka Roy, won the 2023 Equine Distance Riding Association American Saddlebred High Miles Award.

12-year-old Roy was bred by Shelah Wetter's Blue Haven Stable in Deer Park, Washington.

2023 was a great year for Kim & Roy. They sponsored many youth riders and completed every ride they entered. Wishing you both all the success next season!

Thursday, January 04, 2024

Applications Now Open for USEF Endurance Competition and Licensed Officials Grants

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Jan 3, 2024, 12:00 PM

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is now accepting applications for the Endurance Competition Grant and Endurance Licensed Officials Grant. Applications for both grants are due February 1, 2024.

USEF Endurance Competition Grant

The purpose of this grant is to support U.S-based FEI endurance competitions in order to maintain a healthy calendar of competitions within the U.S.

Eligibility: Competitions must be licensed with USEF and sanctioned by the FEI as an endurance competition.

Restrictions: Competitions may only apply for one grant each year, and grant amounts will be determined by available funds and number of applications. Grants are not guaranteed and subject to approval.

Payments: Grant amounts will be communicated by March 1, 2024. Grant checks will be mailed to the competition within two weeks following the end of competition.

Application: Download the USEF Endurance Competition Grant application here.

USEF Licensed Officials Grant

The intent of this grant is to support USEF endurance licensed officials and maintain a healthy number of officials licensed in the U.S. The grant offers financial support for USEF endurance licensed officials who are seeking education and experience.

Eligibility: Applicants must be in good standing with the USEF and, if applicable, the FEI at the time of application and must adhere to all USEF and/or FEI requirements and trainings for the applicable role, or seeking a USEF or FEI endurance license or promotion (with proof from the USEF Licensed Officials Department).

Restrictions: Licensed officials may only apply for one grant each year, and grant amounts will be determined by available funds and number of applications. Grants are not guaranteed and subject to approval.

Payments: Grant checks will be mailed to the licensed official following receipt of expense receipts for reimbursement. To receive the grant payment, the Licensed Official must provide any and all receipts for reimbursement by November 30th of the year in which they are receiving the grant.

Application: Download the USEF Endurance Licensed Official Grant application here.

Completed applications for both grants must be submitted to Nicole Zerbee, USEF Director of Endurance, by Feb. 1, 2024.

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

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/applications-now-open-for-usef-endurance