American River Classic celebrates 50th anniversary Saturday

GoldCountryMedia.com - Full Article

Jordan Georgeson
Apr 18, 2025

The American River Classic will host its 50th ride this weekend, as 70 riders will make the 50-mile round trip that starts and ends in Cool. It's the oldest 50-mile ride worldwide that is sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference.

American River Classic Ride Manager Joby Souza says the event was actually crucial to the establishment of the AERC and that it would not have taken shape without the endurance ride.

“It’s historic. It’s been going on for 50 years now. Originally, it used to go right along the American River along the Pioneer Express trail,” said Souza. “This ride is the only other ride left that allows riders to use the last few miles of the Western States Trail right during daylight. That makes it a little bit more special.”

The course has gone through several changes over the years, with the original ride starting at Cal Expo and ending in Auburn, but the objective of winning the coveted Auburn Cup remains the same...

Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/324900/american-river-classic-celebrates-50th-anniversary-saturday/

US Equestrian Purchases ATRM Semi-Automatic Timing System for U.S.-Based FEI Endurance Events

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Apr 17, 2025, 3:02 PM

Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian is excited to announce the purchase of the ATRM Semi-Automatic Timing System for FEI Endurance Events located in the United States.

The system provides FEI Endurance Athletes with the following features:

• Countdowns for departure times and time left to cross the vet pulse/exam line.

• Printed stickers after each vet exam, which display a combination’s next departure time, the next loop’s distance, and additional vet exam data.

• Each athlete will receive their full vet card after the event is completed.

• Automatically calculates data, providing accurate time stamps for arrivals and departures of combinations, as well as relevant time limits.

The ATRM Semi-Automatic Timing System provides officials with tablets to be utilized during the first vet inspection and vet exam processes for ease of capturing data. Officially approved by the FEI in 2013, ATRM has over two decades of experience researching and implementing automatic timekeeping systems in endurance sport.

Looking ahead, US Equestrian anticipates adding VDS Racing GPS units later this spring to be used in conjunction with the timing system to help enhance the safety of athletes and horses. VDS Racing began offering GPS services to the endurance community in 2021, after spending over 15 years focused primarily on motor sports.

For any questions or for more information, please contact Nicole Zerbee at nzerbee@usef.org.

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-purchases-atrm-semi-automatic

Western States Trail Foundation (WSTF) Acquires Robie Equestrian Park

Teviscup.org

April 9 2025

Western States Trail Foundation (WSTF) Acquires Robie Equestrian Park to Secure Consistent Start for the Tevis Cup 100-Mile Ride

The Western States Trail Foundation (WSTF) is proud to announce the acquisition of Robie Equestrian Park, a landmark move that will ensure a consistent and permanent starting point for the foundation’s key event: the iconic Tevis Cup 100-Mile Ride.

Robie Equestrian Park is a 160-acre horse camp and outdoor sport staging area previously owned by the Wendell & Inez Robie Foundation. The park is named in memory of Wendell Robie, who founded the 100-mile Western States Trail Ride – or ‘Tevis Cup’ – in 1955.

Preserving the History of the West

Located east of Truckee, CA, Robie Equestrian Park marks the start of the historic Western States Trail. In addition to the Tevis Cup, the Western States Trail also hosts several ultramarathons including the foundational 100-mile Western States Run, which originated out of the equestrian event.

The trail follows a rugged route from the base of the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe along an immigrant trail that ends in Auburn. It traverses the scenic mountain peaks and valleys of the Sierra foothills and crosses several tributaries to the American River on its way. The Western States Trail Foundation has pledged to preserve the rich history of this trail, hallowed by the Washoe and Maidu tribes and traveled by explorers, settlers, and gold-seekers. Securing the Future of Endurance Riding

The Tevis Cup is universally regarded as one of the most demanding endurance rides in the world, testing the stamina, skill and perseverance of both horse and rider.

More at https://teviscup.org/robie-park-purchase/

2025 March's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

HorseRadioNetwork.com - Listen

Endurance Hall of Fame Winners and Saddle Pack Essentials for March 11, 2025

by Horse Radio Network | Mar 11, 2025 | Horses in the Morning

We are thrilled to speak with Lisa Snyder, an esteemed figure recently inducted into the AERC Hall of Fame. Gunner Frank, the owner of Trinity, a horse also inducted in the Hall of Fame, shares his journey and the remarkable attributes that contribute to Trinity’s success. Plus, in the Endurance tip Karen shares the things she carries on a ride in her packs. Listen in...

More at:
https://www.horseradionetwork.com/2025/03/endurance-hall-of-fame-winners-and-saddle-pack-essentials-for-march-11-2025/

Endurance: In it for the long haul

SundanceTimes.com - Full Article

Sarah Pridgeon | Mar 27, 2025

As the weather begins to warm, Bridget Helms and her daughter, Chelsea, are already prepar-ing to embark on a series of long-distance challenges.

It's surprising how few people have heard of endurance riding around here, Helms says, as it's been around for a while. It's a perfect pastime for horse lovers looking for a new way to spend time with their animals and appreciate what that partnership can achieve.

"It's been a sport for a long time, but there's a lot of people that definitely haven't heard about it," she says.

Helms came across endurance riding through a horse-related group on social media, which was advertising introductory rides with the American Endurance Ride Conference.

Those first ten miles hooked her immediately, so in 2018 she began participating in 25-mile rac-es with the help of a mentor – and it wasn't long before she tried her first 50-mile trail.

The distance a horse and rider choose to travel is determined by the condition of both parties, she explains – both must be up to the task. When Helms got started, she chose to stick with the 25 miles because she felt she didn't have the understanding yet to know if she could push for more.

But when her mentor felt that Helms' horse was conditioned and strong enough for the longer stretch, she decided to give it a try...

Read more here:
https://www.sundancetimes.com/story/2025/03/27/outdoors/in-it-for-the-long-haul/10657.html

Congratulations to Dave Rabe and White Cloud10 for being awarded the 2024 AERC Pard'ners Award

March 14 2025

*thanks to Connie Creech, who shared with us her nomination of Dave Rabe and White Cloud10 for this prestigious award!

The dynamic duo did indeed receive the Pard'ners Award at the 2025 AERC Convention*

Nomination of Dave Rabe and White Cloud10 for the AERC Pard’ners Award

Dave and White Cloud personify the Pard’ners Awards’ abiding goal of the AERC motto “To Finish is to Win”. Their partnership developed over many years overcoming past abuse with trust and friendship. White Clouds long duration of soundness, his desire and willingness to travel over hill and dale along with Dave’s personal care and management, allowed him to reach significant mileage and award achievements.

Their shared partnership riding through six AERC Regions over fifteen seasons, included (10) one hundred-mile in one day rides, numerous pioneer rides, (224) completions from (232) starts in a total of 11,925 AERC miles. The pair won National Mileage Champions two times, out of four times placing. They won the National Pioneer Award in 2010, also placing third in 2009. In the West Region Dave and White Cloud along with his pasture mates Rushcreek Okay, Ravenwood Moshan, Midnight Melody Marie and Chey’s Cocamoe Joe were Regional Mileage Champions (total annual mileage one or two horses) for ten years. White Cloud also placed in the West Region Middleweight Division seven separate times, winning first place four times.

Dave found Cloud (his name at the time) at a nearby horse rescue ranch in 2007. The owner told Dave the non-registered gelding was dropped off as a dangerous, explosive, un-rideable and unwanted horse. Dave could tell right off he had some Arabian breeding with excellent conformation and smooth gaits. He decided to try him out to see what his problems were and was able to get him loaded in the trailer. Dave trailered him over to his friend Connie’s place and worked him in her round pen. Both were impressed with his gliding efficient movement and his presence. He was able to saddle him up with no problem. However, when he tried to mount the action began. The horse was not going to allow him to mount and immediately started bucking before Dave could even get a leg over him. Dave still thought he was worth the gamble, even though he may have been abused and frightened and was very defensive. He would probably make a good endurance horse, if he could work him through his problems.

So, their journey together started. He had his Veterinarian Susan, check him over and she aged him by his teeth as a seven year old. There were dark rain clouds rolling in that day which gave Dave the idea to change his name from Cloud, and since he didn’t like dark clouds, to White Cloud. The name fit perfectly and was like an omen to Dave. Dave worked and conditioned White Cloud through the winter and spring and they did their first ride together at the Washoe Valley 50 in May of 2008. Still difficult to mount, at the Fort Schellbourne XP ride in June, Dave’s good friend Kerry, also an excellent horse trainer worked with White Cloud. Kerry is the only person other than Dave to ride White Cloud in his long career.

In 2011 White Cloud sustained a hind leg suspensory ligament injury. This brought out another demon afflicting White Cloud about trusting to have his hind legs picked up and handled. With great care and rehab White Cloud fully recovered and healed from the injury, while overcoming this fear from his past. Another setback for them was in 2013 when Dave tried to mount White Cloud as he was walking out from the start of the Death Valley ride. Old gremlins from the past revealed themselves when White Cloud exploded and Dave landed on his head, giving him a severe head injury which put Dave in the hospital for over a month. From that day forward Dave’s cowboy image was humbled to wear a safety equestrian helmet.

White Cloud passed at the assumed age of 23 years, in March of 2023 due to internal cancer tumors. He will forever have a special place in Dave’s heart, a bond that brought them through some of their life struggles. There is no doubt that if not for Dave finding White Cloud at the horse rescue ranch, he was able to save his life and give him a chance to excel at endurance riding becoming his lifetime partner.

Respectfully Submitted,
Connie Creech
AERC #172

New AERC Hall of Famers announced at AERC Convention

March 10 2025

AERC welcomed a new group into the Hall of Fame class, and presented additional awards, at National Awards banquet of the 2025 AERC Convention in Reno, Nevada on March 8.

Hall of Fame Person: Lisa Schneider

Hall of Fame Equine: Trinity, owned and ridden by Gunnar Frank

Pard’ners Award recipients: Dave Rabe and White Cloud

Ann Parr Trails Preservation Award recipient: Nicole Wertz

Charlie Barieau Photography Excellence Award: Merri Melde

Greg Kimler of Echo Valley Ranch in Auburn was presented the Dru Barner award from the Western States Trail Foundation, for those who contribute to and uphold the goals of the Western States Foundation, and have helped maintain the integrity and dignity of the Tevis Cup.

Kathy Lea Arnold 1957-2025

Legacy.com

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Bryant Funeral Home - Worland on Mar. 6, 2025.

Kathy Lea Arnold

May 9, 1957- March 4, 2025

Kathy Lea Arnold, 67, of Basin passed away in Green River Wyoming, on March 4, 2025. She and Bud are together in Heaven now, probably chasing cows.

Kathy was born May 9, 1957, in Iowa to Lloyd and Alta Morstad. She married Bud Arnold on September 4, 1988, and they spent their lives doing what they loved-- farming, ranching, and riding. Kathy loved all animals but most of all her horses. She was an avid horsewoman; an accomplished endurance rider competing across the country. She was very involved in Endurance including the Big Horn 100. In their younger days she and Bud enjoyed team roping.

Survivors include sister Suzanne Morstad of Basin; sister-in-law Barb Arnold VanMatre of Green River; beloved companion Chancy; a herd of horses; and many friends including the special ones who helped her during the final days.

She was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Bud Arnold.

Services will be held at 12 o'clock noon Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Mountain View Assembly Church (501 2nd Street Ten Sleep, Wyoming). Burial will be in the Ten Sleep Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathy, please visit our floral store.

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

2025 February's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

HorseRadioNetwork.com - Listen

Endurance: Rider’s Mindset, Packing After Show and Green beans for February 11, 2025

by Horse Radio Network | Feb 11, 2025 | Horses in the Morning

Joanna Ziettero joins us to talk about the joys of packing up at the end of a show. Erin Grogan speaks about the “That Girl HRN Auditor Team” and “Green Bean Endurance” for 2025 and Kristen from The Distance Depot explains hackamores. Listen in…

Listen:
https://www.horseradionetwork.com/2025/02/endurance-riders-mindset-packing-after-show-and-green-beans-for-february-11-2025/

Michigan's Shore to Shore returns for one year only in summer 2025

ShoreToShoreRide.com

Don't miss it! - 250 miles (with options) - July 27 to August 2, 2025

Michigan’s Shore to Shore Distance ride is a historic ride beginning on the east side and traveling across the state to the west side, from Oscoda, MI to Empire, MI. Riders and their horses will be able to dip their ‘hoof’ into Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.

40 years after the first ride in 1985-2018, the ride is being resurrected for one year only in 2025. If you’ve ever wanted to ride it, mark your calendars!

Rhoda Ritter was an endurance rider and had the passion to create and manage a Michigan Shore to Shore 250 Mile race in 1985. The ride was a 5-day 50-mile ride totaling 250 miles held on the Shore to Shore Trail.

Previous ride managers Wayne Gastfield and Bruce Birr kept the ride going until 2018.

40 years after the very first ride, it’s coming back for one year only during the last week of July, 2025.

Dr. Rae Mayer, D.V.M (head vet) and Bruce Birr (timer) will be assuming their roles just like they have done since 1985.

For information on the ride, see:
https://shoretoshoreride.com/

2025 AERC National Championship cancelled

AERC.org

February 11 2025

In light of the cancellation of the 2025 AERC National Championship ride, that was to be held at the Biltmore Estate, the National Championship Committee recommended canceling the National Championship for the 2025 ride season. While some ride managers showed interest in hosting it this year, the Committee determined it was unfair to those unaware of the opportunity, and that the short timeframe would not allow sufficient preparation for a true National Championship ride. The Board unanimously agreed.

Going forward, the plan is to solicit ride managers on the eastern side of the US for the 2026 event. The Committee will present results by mid-summer, providing ample time for promotion and planning for the 2026 event.

Endurance breeder Dr Tom Sayvetz wins national award

January 28 2025
By Holly Corcoran

The endurance community is proudly celebrating Dr. Tom Sayvetz of Asgard Arabians, who was honored with The Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeder’s Award at the USEF Pegasus Award ceremony on Thursday, January 23rd, in Lexington, KY. Dr. Sayvetz has devoted nearly 50 years to breeding award-winning Arabian horses from the finest Russian blended with French and Crabbet bloodlines. Together with his late wife, Halldis (Holly), who passed away in 2021, he poured passion and dedication into every breeding, foal crop, and success achieved by their horses.

During his heartfelt acceptance speech, Dr. Sayvetz reflected on the significance of their Norse ship logo, saying, “The Asgard ship has finally landed and discovered our New World … I’m sure somewhere in Valhalla my Holly (Halldis) is beaming with joy and fulfillment.”

Asgard Arabians are exclusively sport-bred, exemplifying exceptional athleticism proven by their accomplishments in AERC and FEI competitions. Under Dr. Sayvetz’s leadership, Asgard Arabians has bred 400 registered Arabian horses, of which 147 are AERC-registered and 45 are FEI-passported athletes. In FEI competitions, Asgard Arabians have competed 17,680 miles, achieving 202 Top Ten finishes and 42 first-place wins. In AERC events, their horses have successfully completed 120,470 miles, earning 1,329 Top Ten completions, 187 Best Condition awards, and 158 first-place finishes. Dr. Tom and Holly Sayvetz also supported the endurance community by donating 25 raffle horses to the Old Dominion Equestrian Endurance Organization, which hosts the Beast of the East OD 100-mile ride. Their horses have gained recognition not only across the U.S. but internationally as well, with many sold worldwide to enhance other breeding and competition programs. || This award represents a remarkable legacy and an extraordinary contribution to endurance, highlighting the achievement by excelling among many other breeds and disciplines. The entire endurance community joins in celebrating this milestone recognition, which honors both the Asgard Arabians’ achievements and Dr. Sayvetz’s unwavering commitment to the sport.

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!