Entries now open for the 2025 Tevis Cup

Teviscup.org

It’s never too late to plan early! Entries are now open for the 69th running of the Tevis Cup, which will be held on July 12, 2025.

Traditional Entry: $500  ($600 on and after June 29, 2025), Signature Entry: $1600

To qualify to enter the Western States Trail Ride, Riders (not the equine) must, at the time of application, meet one of the two qualifications below. The equine must be a minimum of 72 months (6 years) old at the time of the ride. Mares in foal and/or lactating are not allowed to enter the Ride.

1. I have previously completed the Western States Trail Ride. OR 2. I have completed a total of 300 miles of rides sanctioned by WSTF, AERC, NATRC, and/or a national/international equivalent. All rides were 35 miles/day or more in length. The 300 miles are cumulative lifetime.

Rules governing the WSTF differ in some respects from those of other AERC sanctioned rides. The WSTF Rules will be applied and adhered to before, during and after the Ride.

Receipt of a completed entry by the WSTF does not guarantee acceptance to the ride.

When the limit of 210 participants has been reached, further entries will be placed on a waiting list. Ten additional entries in the Ride List are discretionary and are generally accorded to foreign riders.

Applications by junior riders who are over 12 and under 18 on ride day will only be considered if accompanied by the entry of an adult rider (21 years or older) as sponsor.

All entries must be completed online. Link to the entry form is here: https://teviscup.org/about-the-ride/entering-the-ride/

Vicki Jayne Rutter Passes

Legacy.com

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 22, 2025.

Vicki passed away in Patagonia, AZ on January 4, 2025 at the age of 68.

Vicki was born in Spokane, WA to parents Louie and Vivian Dragnich and lived in Republic, WA where she developed a life-long passion for riding horses and caring for animals. She shared her childhood with her brothers Larry, Terry, and Nick. After graduating high school, she moved to Spokane, WA and started working for James S. Black, then as a CPA for McDirmid, Mikkelsen & Secrest.

Vicki's passion in life was all about the horses. In 1983, she began Endurance riding and was a member of the American Endurance Ride Conference, competing and volunteering for the organization. She competed in 50 and 100 mile rides, accumulating almost 20,000 total miles in her 23 years of competition.

To add to her active and hard-working life of horses and accounting, in 1984 she married Stephen Rutter, M.D. They remained in Spokane until 1994, when they retired and moved to warmer weather in Patagonia, AZ, where they built a small ranch where Vicki could spend even more time with her beloved horses. Steve became active in Endurance competitions as well and volunteered at the vet check stations.

After retiring her spurs and saddles from Endurance competition, Vicki's love and dedication to animals continued as she would adopt and foster dozens of horses, dogs and cats.

Vicki is preceded in death by her mother and father, and her brother Terry (Melinda, living). Vicki is survived in death by her husband Steve, brothers Nick and Larry (Lori), and stepson Bret (Lisa), along with numerous nieces, nephews and dear cousins. Vicki is fondly remembered by the many valued friends, those old and new. Vicki's memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her and the dedication she maintained her entire life, for the care of animals.

Memorial donations can be made in Vicki's name to to Equine Voices, P.O. Box 1685, Green Valley, AZ 85622 or at www.equinevoices.org

Safe From the Flames: LA Horses Rescued

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

The California community has pitched in for the animals with money donations, feed, supplies and volunteers on the ground.

By: Kim Izzo | January 14, 2025

The images are harrowing and horrific, as homes, automobiles, churches and businesses are reduced to ash and rubble due to the apocalyptic fires that continue to destroy acres and lives in Los Angeles County, California. As thousands fled last week due to mandatory evacuations, horses, donkeys and other large animals had to be rescued.

One of the areas hardest hit by the Eaton Fire, which began on January 7, is Altadena in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. It’s an area known for its horse community. “People have horses in their backyards in these neighborhoods,” Leigh Anne Claywell, general manager of the Los Angeles Equestrian Center (LAEC) told Reuters. “It’s been a horsey area for a long time. This is kind of where the Hollywood Western was born, because of all the cowboys and the ranches that used to be in this area...”

Read more here:
https://horse-canada.com/horse-news/safe-from-the-flames-la-horses-rescued/?vgo_ee=EZN%2BIp8gdDWlb78K45VFKFNqdxoByaE1P811%2BsnXOZPYhz7K3LLP%3AvOpbZwyA%2B0bPk%2FWqEQ%2F1QBQ%2F%2BbKe5lep

Register now for the 2025 AERC Convention in Sparks, Nevada

AERC.org

March 7 & 8, 2025 • Nugget Casino Resort • Sparks, Nevada

Back to the Reno area for a member-favorite location — the Nugget is truly an all-in-one resort with multiple restaurants, a fitness center and pool and arcade. Best of all: free parking and a free airport shuttle!

But of course the convention happenings will be the highlight. We’re thrilled to have a terrific lineup of speakers, including Harold Schott, DVM, PhD, DACVIM, of the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine, presenting on both days.

And, of course, the must-haves that make convention so worthwhile (and fun): the regional awards ceremony on Friday evening, followed by the Friday night dance, and the convention culminates with the don’t miss national awards banquet on Saturday. And how can we forget to mention the fabulous trade show, with shopping galore geared just for you. You can also buy (and sell) at the tack swap, and try your luck at the AERC raffle!

We hope you will join in the fun on March 7 & 8, 2025, at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada.

Sign up by February 25 to receive the lowest seminar prices and to reserve your banquet tickets. Reserve your hotel room by February 16 to receive the AERC group discount. Call to reserve: 800-648-1177 (mention GAERC25/nonsmoking room for lowest rates) or make your reservation online. See AERC.org/Convention for more information about hotel dates and rates (ranges from @ $112-$150 including fees and taxes).

Seminar Presentations Friday

• Getting to the Next Level - Erin McChesney
• What You Should Know About Equine Skin Diseases - Hal Schott, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
• Your Equine and Insurance - Diane Lesher, President, Equisure, Inc.
• Getting to YOUR Finish Line: Set Yourself Up for a Successful Season - Tami Rougeau & Mollie Krumlaw-Smith

Seminar Presentations Saturday

• What to Expect from a Ride: Ride Management, Trails, Vets, Personal Responsibility - Tami Rougeau & Mollie Krumlaw-Smith
• All About Cushing’s Disease - Hal Schott, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
• What to Watch for After the Ride - Robert Marshall, DVM, & Nick Kohut, DVM
• The Tevis Ride – Panel Discussion - A presentation by members of the Western States Trails Foundation

See more and register here:
https://aerc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025ConventionFlyer.pdf

US Equestrian Announces 2024 USEF Endurance Award Winners

 by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Jan 14, 2025, 11:00 AM

Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian proudly congratulates the recipients of the 2024 USEF Endurance Year-End Awards. New to 2024, these awards celebrate their inaugural season, recognizing the exceptional achievements of our endurance athletes and horses.  For detailed descriptions of the 2025 awards program, click here. 

Top Ten National-Ranked Senior Athletes 
Awarded to the top senior athletes on the national athlete ranking list 

1. Alex Shampoe: Maggie Price Endurance Excellence Award recipient for being the top nationally ranked Senior Rider. 
2. Cheryl Van Deusen 
3. Nathalie Weemaels 
4. Kelsey Russell 
5. Holly Corcoran 
6. Margaret Sleeper 
7. Jessica Dicamillo 
8. Heather Davis 
9. Anastassia Savini 
10. Heidi Perreault 

Top National-Ranked Junior/Young Rider Athletes  
Awarded to the top Junior/Young Riders on the national athlete ranking list 

   1. Annamaria Clarke: Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Endurance Trophy recipient for being the top nationally ranked Junior/Young Rider. 
   2. Uma Kraskin 
   3. Avery Betz-Conway 
   4. Ansley Conway 
   5. Meghan Wert 
   6. Aubrey Muthard 
   7. Vanessa Erickson 
   8. Kylie Wert 
   8. Tierney Beloberk 
   10. Lila Reeder 

Click here to view the full Athlete of the Year Ranking List 
 

©Leslie Potter/US Equestrian

Endurance Athlete of the Year Award – Alex Shampoe 
Awarded to the rider ranked first on the annual national athlete ranking list 

Alex Shampoe had an incredible 2024 USEF Endurance competition year (December 1 – November 30). Her year started off strong with a win in the CEI2* 120km at Goethe Gallivant in Dunnellon Fla, aboard AM Lord Lewis UA with a time of 10:02:41. Alex continued her successes with wins in the CEI3* 160km at Rocky Road with Southern Justice in Spearman, Texas, and Ride in the Pines in Cheraw, S.C. and the USA Northeast Team Challenge Championship in Elkton, Md on Promissin Gold. Her fastest time in the 160km came at the end of the season with a 11:29:30, on Southern Justice at the Broxton Bridge: Fall Rides in Ehrhardt, S.C. 

 

Endurance Horse of the Year Award – Juno Im Gold 
Awarded to the owner of the horse ranked first on the annual national horse ranking list. 

Juno Im Gold (Flash Golden x LM Parys) is a 10-year-old half-Arabian gelding, owned by Valarie Kanavy. 2024 was an incredibly successful competition year for Juno Im Gold and his rider, Kelsey Russell. Together, the duo won top placings in the CEI3* 160km at Williston and Dunnellon, Fla as well as Cimarron, NM. Their highest accomplishment of the year was achieving a completion together at the 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship in Monpazier, FRA.  
 

©Maria Phillips Photography

Endurance Best Condition Season Award – Promissin Gold 
Awarded to the owner of the horse ranked first on the annual national best condition standings 

Promissin Gold (ZT Raashaqa x Hals Metourmaline) is a 12-year-old Arabian mare, owned by Valarie Kanavy. In the 2024 competition year, Promissin Gold along with her rider, Alex Shampoe proved an extremely successful duo. Most notably, the duo won both the CEI3* 160km at Ride in the Pines in Cheraw, S.C., and the CEI3* 160km at the USA Northeast Team Challenge Championship in Elkton, Md. 
 

 

 

A True Gem: Belesema Sapphire Becomes Endurance Horse Breyer Model

Breyerhorses.com

January 3 2025

Meet Belesema Sapphire!

Meg Sleeper met Belesema Sapphire, a chestnut Arabian mare, when the horse’s previous owner could no longer keep her. After just a few months of training and getting to know the sensitive mare, Meg discovered she was talented but very herd-bound and lacked confidence in herself and her rider, which caused her to act out.

Meg decided that it would be best if Sapphire was only ridden by one person so they could build trust between each other. They went to work and trained solo on the trails, rarely joining group rides. These many hours helped fortify the bond between Sapphire and Meg, and they became a true team. Now 13 years old, Sapphire is not only is a force to be reckoned with on the trails, but her abilities in endurance competitions have made her a star! Her accomplishments include 1st place for the American Endurance Ride Conference's National 100 Mile Award and National Best Condition Award, and she was the 2023 Arabian Horse Association 100 Mile Award recipient.

Endurance riding tests the horse’s ability to cover long distances over varying terrain, altitude, and weather. It not only tests the horse’s fitness and stamina, but the connection and trust between horse and rider.

For this summer’s BreyerFest, Belesema Sapphire's portrait model is painted in a glowing chestnut on the Arabian Mare mold (#706), sculpted by Kathleen Moody. Her model will be available as a part of this year’s Limited Edition lineup which available to all ticket holders whether you’re joining us in-person or online! VIP ticket buyers will have the ability to pre-select and pre-purchase model at the time of their ticket purchase, guaranteeing their selection.

Megs sums up what working with Sapphire means to her best by saying, “I feel honored that she considers me worthy... when you are both enjoying – indeed loving – the experience, there is nothing you can’t accomplish.” Sapphire and Meg’s trust and bond with each other is truly something to celebrate!