Thistle Down endurance run pulls nearly 100 riders to Frazee

Frazee-Vergas Forum

Endurance race features 50 miles of trails

by Dale Fett

The sound of diesel trucks and the whinny of horses filled the air on Friday afternoon as riders rolled in for the second running of the Thistle Down Run endurance ride.

photo: Along with hosting the ride, Teresa Fett rode the 25 miler both days which had 20 entries. She finished with a 4th place on Saturday and a 3rd on Sunday. Photo by Henry Gruber, St. Cloud

The endurance ride was hosted by Dale and Teresa Fett. The Aug. 16-17 event drew 96 entries over the two days, with riders coming from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Warm and dry weather made for great camping and riding thanks to the generosity of landowners, Ron Kertscher, Les and Pat Kertscher, Vinton and Joyce Vogler, and camp host, Ben Piche.

The check-in crew of Donna Fett, Orlyn Hanson, Robin Holmer, and Clio Jepson kept order to the events and Joyce Vogler used her great culinary skills to keep them fed. "Thanks to this great bunch of people," Dale Fett said.

photo: rlyn Hanson, Frazee, (left) was the official timer for the run. Dale Fett kept an eye on everything as ride manager and race organizer. Photo by Gale Kaas

Arabs in the top three of the Minnesota point standings with three more events to go for the season.

Tom Gower of Madison, Wis. was a double winner with first place finishes in the Saturday 50 miler and the Sunday 25 miler.

Sunday's 8-mile novice class had 12 participants with a few local riders doing very well. Diane Bellefeuille of Detroit Lakes took home 2nd, Gale Kaas of Frazee at 3rd, Clio Jepson of Frazee brought home 5th place, and Alisa Wendt of Frazee had a completion. "It was great to see these local people test their skills and to learn the condition of their horses," Fett said.

A potluck supper was held Saturday night and featured a cowboy dress-up contest and a campfire. Most riders hit the bed by 10 p.m. as they had to be up early for a 6 a.m. start.

The Thistle Down Run is considered one of the premier rides in Minnesota, so if local riders want to try this sport, "this would be your opportunity," Fett said.

Complete endurance ride rules and info can be found at www.mndra.com.

"Volunteers are always welcome and we can find a spot to use your talent," he added. For more info contact Teresa or Dale Fett at 218-334-5711 or fettbros@loretel.net.

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American Endurance Ride Conference National Championships 2008 Preview

Release: August 19 2008

By Genie Stewart-Spears

Southern Indiana and the Daniel Boone Distance Riders (DBDR) Association, on October 16 and 18, are offering American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) members a ride of a lifetime by hosting the National Championships on trails in the Clark State Forest. Recently the DBDR bridged an AERC/Clark State Forest partnership through trail funding. The oldest state forest in Indiana, Clark State Forest is comprised of 24,000 acres of wooded forestland, with headquarters in the town of Henryville, just 25 miles north of Louisville, KY.

Endurance rides have been held in the Clark State Forest for 15 years. With its varied terrain, from flat ridge tops and hills (referred to as "knobs" in this region), to low-lying creeks and valleys, neither you nor your horse will get bored in either the 50- or 100-mile championship. For the most part, the trails are wide enough for two horses abreast or to pass safely. The trails will be golden with the fall foliage and the views are breathtaking. Why would you want to miss such a spectacular ride?

Making It Possible
Feeling the money crunch with high fuel and food costs? Be creative in finding ways to make it to the AERC National Championships. Instead of a summer vacation, make the nationals your destination this fall. Base camp will open the Friday prior, and there are a number of nearby day trips you can take with family and friends to Louisville or Lexington.

If you normally travel alone, buddy up with a friend or two to save on expenses. Riders who buddy up can have a "money pot," where each person traveling together puts in, say, $100 or $200 or more, depending on the travel distance, to be used for fuel, oil, or any minor repairs (tire blow-out, for instance) on the road. When the trip is over, what is left is divided up and given back to the participating parties.

A Family Affair
Do you have a junior rider who would like to enter the championship? Meghan Delp and her mother Lisa drove from Maryland to preview the trails during the Top of the Rock Ride in late May. "I liked the pretty views, and although it wasn't always an easy trail because of some of the steep switchbacks, it wasn’t scary," said 14-year-old Meghan, who completed the 50-mile course in ninth place overall and first junior. "I really want to come and ride in the National Championship because the trails are enjoyable," she added.

Meghan's mother Lisa stated, "I would strongly encourage parents to bring their children to compete with them in the rides. What a wonderful way to spend time with your children! Think of the strength you are building in your children to be able to do this sport. They learn how to discipline themselves and it gives them confidence. And, when they fail to complete, although disappointing, it also teaches your child how to deal with problems, work on fixing them and move forward."

What to Expect at Base Camp
Base camp is on veteran endurance rider Bill Wilson's farm, with plenty of parking for rigs and grassy space for pens. While the twisty, narrow road to base camp may make a few pucker up, you'll quickly forget the less than a mile of road when you hit the trails.

Ride managers Amy Whelan and Cindy Young are working diligently to make this a classy event. Young said, "We're still lining up vendors and sponsors. Horse Lovers Outlet/Distance Depot with Kristen Lacy will be one of the vendors, as will Running Bear Farms with Teddy Lancaster. I am working with a local business, Metzger's Country Store, to have a truck on site with supplies such as hay, feed, shavings and other things riders might need."

Specialized Saddles (50-mile) and Native Spirit Saddlery (100-mile) have committed to donating saddles to the first-place winners.

Besides nice completion awards, each participant who enters the ride will receive a grooming bag, T-shirt and portrait. (I’ll be serving as ride and portrait photographer. Reminder: wear appropriate attire to the vet-in for your portrait session.)

For the 100-mile entrants, there will be a pasta dinner the evening before their event, and coffee, juice, fruit and doughnuts the morning of the start. Lunch and snacks will be available during the day for them, too. The awards brunch will be Friday mid-morning. (All meals subject to change.)

The 50-mile entrants will be treated to a pizza party the evening prior to their event and also be offered coffee, juice, fruit and doughnuts the next morning. There will be snacks during the ride and an awards banquet Saturday evening. (All meals subject to change.)

"I'm sure we'll have some sort of raffle drawing/prize giveaways," added Young. "And, the two events will wrap up with a great party and band on Saturday night.

What to Expect on the Trail
Tom Gower of Wisconsin, who recently won best condition on JG Saqr in May’s Biltmore 100, has competed over these trails and plans to enter both the 100-miler and 50-miler. "The course," said Gower, "has a little bit of everything: single track, dirt roads, a small amount of pavement (at least if we use the traditional course), rolling hills, flat sections for moving out, and some short steep climbs and descents. This is definitely not a course where the rider just sits back and asks his/her equine partner to canter an eight- or nine-hour 100 miles.

"It is a technical but fun trail and, at times, your equine partner will appreciate you hopping off and getting up the hill on your own on some of the short but steep hills!" said Gower.

"The course is technical," stated past AERC President Stagg Newman, "and smart riding takes advantage of a horse’s strengths. A climbing horse should use the hills to its advantage while galloping-type horses should use the flatter sections. Riders will need to keep reserves for the steeper hilly sections."

Because some of the trails have a base of white rock, Jan Worthington says she pads her horses. Although Worthington and a few riders recommend padding the horse’s feet or using hoof boots, especially for the 100-mile distance, Gower said, “Overall the course has good footing, with little rock. I have never used pads at Chicken Chase [spring ride] or Spook Run [fall ride]. I would not consider it a concussive ride.

"I have ridden this ride in rain, and that adds another fun challenge and requires riders to make smart horsemanship decisions about the trade-offs of risks versus gains," said Gower.

"There are many stream crossings," he continued, "and ride management does an excellent job making sure water tanks are at strategic locations and that they are full."

Speculating on the winning time for the 100, Gower said, "I suspect the winner will do the championship course in around 10 hours, but there are places where walking will be required.

"This is a great venue because of the great trails and because ride management is also all down-to-earth, easygoing endurance riders who will do everything in their powers to make you feel welcome and help you have a good time," said Gower.

A Word from the Ride Manager
Ride manager Cindy Young stated, “The National Championship is in a good central location this year, allowing riders from several adjoining states the opportunity to come because it’s close. I hope others traveling longer distances can buddy up to come.

"These are some of the most beautiful trails in this area, and challenging as well. I sometimes forget how fortunate I am to have these trails to train on a regular basis," said Young. "We’re all looking forward to putting on a great competition, and I hope people make the plans to come!"

For more information about AERC’s 2008 National Championship rides, visit http://www.dbdr.info/NC%20Home.htm or phone the AERC office at (866) 271-2372.

Karlstad couple behind new breed of horses

Grandforksherald - Full Article

An AP Member Exchange Feature By MATT BEWLEY Agweek
The Associated Press - Saturday, August 16, 2008

KARLSTAD, Minn.

Leaning on the fence rail, you look him over and just scratch your head. It's like seeing one of those little Arabians, all decked out in his Sunday best.

"Well, someone must have crossed one of those hotbloods with some kind of a pinto," you tell yourself. "Or maybe a paint?"

His head comes up and his ears lock on to you. He's no paint. He's too sleek and almost pony-size. He ambles over to you, but doesn't sniff your hand for treats. He's just saying hello. You study the dished face and large nostrils set in a small muzzle. He's got to be Arabian, but you've never seen any Arabian that looks like this.

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Mike Cottendon passes

Mike Cottenden, long-time partner of Nancy Beacon and wonderful friend to
Endurance, was killed on Sunday morning on his way home from work when a
driver went through a stop sign and hit his car. After all that they have
been through recently one cannot believe that this has happened - that this
is even possible. This will be such a difficult time for Nancy - we know all
of our prayers and our thoughts will be with her in the days ahead. Just
last week she was dancing the night away at the Rocky Mountain Challenge -
how sad that this joy has now been taken from her.

Mike started riding horses with Nancy in the early 80's. Mike went on to do close to 5000 miles, did over 12 100's, including Old Dominion, on at least 6 different horses, and was one of the first Canadians to complete an FEI ride in 1986.

Mike was not only was a master trail maker, but also applied his skills in constructing wonderful bridges and walkways for many rides in Grey County. He made a great bridge for last year's Ontario Championship. He made a series of bridges and walkways up a steep incline hill east of Pretty River Valley Provincial park that was a marvel of engineering.

Mike on his ATV monitored the horse rides with military precision, and many a person, rider or pit crew, were extremely happy to see Mike to get them out of a big mess when they ventured off the beaten path. I am sure no one will forget his "treats" along the trail.

Mike as a communicator, wowed all at ride wrap up time and Nancy's attempt to tone down his "observations" usually was met with an increase in elaboration. We should all cherish his last performance in 2007.

Mike on both sides of the border was known for his "Redneck" celebrations when his military comrades would gather for games, frivolity and good brew. He was referred to in the House of Commons as a true character and inspirational leader!

Mike will be missed

Wendy MacCoubrey

Ovando's Hayes wins equestrian event

By the Missoulian

Suzanne Hayes of Ovando turned in the fastest overall time last weekend at the Pink Flamingo Classic Endurance Ride, which is an annual equestrian event held south of Cascade.

Hayes was one of more than 120 riders from around Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Montana, California and Canada that attended the two-day competition.

Hayes won the award for the overall fastest ride of the two 50-mile rides, finishing fourth on the first day and first on the following day.

Hayes has logged nearly 18,000 endurance miles and began riding when she was 11 years old with her mother. She has not missed an endurance riding season in 43 years and has also been a member of the U.S. Endurance team in international competitions abroad. Her horse, Tezero's Gold, has nearly 4,000 miles in competition and has completed in 12 100-mile rides.

Stalley sisters successfully ride 100 miles in Wyoming

Appeal-democrat.com - Full Article

July 24, 2008 11:21:00 PM

Sisters Alyssa and Jennifer Stalley of Williams recently returned from Wyoming, where they participated in the Bighorn 100, a horseback endurance ride.

It was a replacement ride or sorts in that the Stalleys were scheduled to participate in the 54th annual Tevis Cup, a 100-mile ride from Truckee to Auburn on the same day. But because of all of the recent wildfires in Northern California, the air quality was poor and event organizers canceled the Tevis Cup.

The Stalleys rode in the 100-mile Wyoming event and their father, Chuck, rode in the 50-miler.

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Pioneer farming alive and well in Fallon

By Jamie Winkler • Fallon Star Press • July 18, 2008

Bill Adams and Kathy Davis run a unique, old-fashioned farm which is definitely a step back in time as they use their mules and antique equipment to run it. Modern farm equipment is not allowed.
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"When I was a boy, I grew up doing this stuff," said Adams, which explains his desire for keeping farming simple.

Davis and Adams met at Bishop Mule Days in Bishop, CA a few years back and they realized they had a lot in common. Davis was a racehorse trainer and endurance rider.

After they got to know each other, Davis moved to Fallon to help out on Adams' farm and she took to the mules right away. "Kathy just jumped on the wagon and it looked like she was born to do this," Adams said.

Davis, originally from California, grew up with a love for horses. Her parents couldn't afford one, so she bought a "dingbat Arab" with the money she earned from her first job. Soon after, she became certified to train racehorses.

Endurance riding came next. Davis has eight national championships in long distance riding and rode a tough section of the Pony Express route (Top Gun Speedway to Sand Mountain) this year. She is used to riding 25-30 miles at a clip.

...[More]

Frazee, MN: Endurance Riding

The Frazee Forum

Maplewood State Park will host an endurance and competitive trail riding clinic Saturday, July 19.

The event will begin at 10 a.m., finishing by 4 p.m. A light lunch will be served, according to organizers. The cost is $25 for the event.

Persons curious about the fastest-growing equine sport in America are urged to attend and learn about the activity. Moreover, they can get questions answered that may even spur greater interest.

Topics to be covered include:
• the various distance riding organizations;

• the difference between endurance and competitive trail riding;

• tack, equipment and clothing;

• what to expect at your first ride;

• vet check procedures;

• feeding the endurance horse;

• choosing a good endurance or competitive trail horse;

• shoeing options for the distance riding horse;

• an explanation of the paperwork;

• conditioning your horse (where to start and what to do);

• a mock vet check.

There will also be Q and A concerning the "ins and outs" of endurance and competitive trail riding.

If it rains, the clinic will be held in the new shelter built this spring, otherwise it will be staged in the day rider area of the horse camp.

Participants may also decide to make the trip to camp in the park. In any case, a Minnesota State Park sticker is required. After the clinic, a ride will follow for those who wish to take part. A Minnesota Horse Trail Pass is required.

Reservations for camping can be obtained through the Minnesota State Park reservation system. Info: Charlotte Thompson, 28953 15th Ave. N, Hawley, MN 56549, 701-526-3734.

Related Stories
Thistle Down Run ride set for Aug. 16-17 near Frazee

Worthington & Golden Lightening at Greenway Gallivant

FEI Results of Greenway Gallivant
Ocala, Florida July 5, 2008

Jan Worthington and Golden Lightening took top FEI placement and Best Condition award at the summer night ride in Florida.

FEI Rider	Horse	Ride Time / Code
Jan Worthington	Golden Lightning	10:44:25 - BC
John Crandell III	HH Saba Shams	11:01:08
Cecilia Butler-Stasiuk	DJB Sambrieul	11:01:09
Lisa Green	LR Amana Tabi	11:49:56
Heather Reynolds	Cal Flaming Emit	11:53:39
Debra Ivey	Raazyl Cha	12:16:08
Hernon Barbosa	Savvy	12:43:05
Stephen Rojek	Julio	12:43:06
Cheryl Van Deusen	DA Al Capone	12:53:31
Ann S. Hall	Bogus Thunder	14:40:16
Jonie Brucker	Prince of Grace	EL-ME
Darolyn Butler	DJB Mercy Merci	EL_LA
Valerie Kanavy	Saagre Gold	EL_LA
Jeremy Reynolds	Sir Smith	EL_LA
Jeremy Olson	Berjo Smokey	EL_ME_TR
Mary Farris	Thundering Overtime	EL_LA
Lynn Kenelly	Reminisonce+/	RET

USEF: Top 25 Ranked USEF Riders, July 2008

July 14, 2008
Endurance.Net

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) began a ranking system for riders in 2007. With this system, riders earn points at specific 100 mile 'ranking' rides based upon their placement relative to the entire field of riders. These points are awarded to the rider, independent of the horse being ridden. Points earned during a 2 year 'rolling' period will remain in effect; all points earned within 24 months of the most recent ranking calculation will apply. The ranking list is updated each month, with results of the most recent rides being factored in. The two best performances of each rider, within this 24 month period, are used to calculate overall ranking.

The top 25 ranked riders earn placement on the USEF Endurance Training Team, with prioritized eligibility to participate in USEF Training Events, and selection to the National Squad.

Top 25 USEF Ranked Riders
July, 2008:

1.Crandell, John
1.Kanavy, Valerie
3.Rojek, Steve
4.Worthington, Jan
5.Sleeper, Meg
5.Brunjes, Kathryn
5.Butler, Darolyn
8.Sousa, Joyce
9.Dell, Cheryl
10.Reynolds, Heather
10.Reynolds, Jeremy
12.Green, Lisa
13.Hall, Ann
14.Niehaus, Jennifer
14.Stasiuk, Ceci Butler
16.Schork, Christoph
17.Glenn, Charisse
18.Hayes, Suzanne
19.Fuess, Kimberley
20.Worthington, Guy ZTEC
21.Summers, Dennis
22.Van Deusen, Cheryl
23.McGunigal, Danielle Kanavy
23.Summers, Susan
25.Olson, Jeremy
25.Stevens, Heather

Australia: Outback Queensland's camel races set to begin

Abc.net.au - Full Story

July 14 2008

Camels and their trainers have begun arriving in outback Queensland for the start of the state's camel racing circuit.

Boulia Camel Races is offering $30,000 prize money for this weekend's races and another $50,000 will be offered next month at a camel endurance race in Hughendon.

There is another race meet in Winton later this month.

Camel racing identity Paddy McHugh says events are becoming more popular.

"Certainly when the horse influenza thing went through our phones ran hot for us to do more and more races," he said.

"It's gained in popularity but it will never give horse racing a run for its money, it's just a different industry you know.

"There is a serious side to it though, in the fact that Middle Eastern market is worth millions and millions of dollars to the industry."

Mr McHugh says high fuel prices may deter some competitors from making the trip to western Queensland.

"It seems the tourism hasn't really slowed down a great deal," he said.

"The camel people like to have a bit of a moan and groan, but you know $50,000, $30,000 at Boulia and Winton is another little bit as well, it's pretty good prize money.

"It's not as if there's a lot of them in the business so whoever wins makes pretty good money for three or four months of the year."

Mounting a bid for the cure

PJStar.com - Full Story

Journal Star
Posted Jul 13, 2008 @ 12:20 PM

As competitors race, sponsors pony up for cancer research

EAST PEORIA —

For Keith and Kristi Kesick, horse riding is a lifestyle.

'We're horse people, straight up,' Keith Kesick said Saturday.

So when the Wisconsin couple decided to get involved in the search for a cure for cancer, a disease they have watched family members struggle with for years, they managed to incorporate their passion.

They donated a handmade saddle to the cause.

The equestrian accessory is the top prize in the three-day Endure for the Cure horse ride at Farmdale Park. The competition, which included race lengths ranging from 12.5 miles to 100 miles, brought in money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The three-day event will conclude today...

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Smoky skies mean change of plans for endurance riders

Colusa County Sun Herald

Thursday, Jul 10 2008, 8:19 pm
By Richard Myers/Freedom News Service

The Grinch, blanketed in soot and smoke, stole Christmas from Jennifer Stalley.

Stalley her sister, Alyssa, were looking forward to participating in the 54th annual Tevis Cup, a 100-mile, 24-hour equestrian endurance ride slated for July 19.

“It’s like Christmas to me,” Jennifer said.

But, less than two hours after talking Wednesday about the upcoming event, Jennifer, 21, and Alyssa, 18, both from Williams, learned the ride had been canceled because of poor air quality caused by the rash of forest fires in Northern California.

“We were really excited after talking about it,” Jennifer said.

Canceling the Tevis Cup, however, might turn out to be a blessing in disguise, Alyssa admitted.

That’s because the Stalleys now have the opportunity to participate in a similar 100-mile, 24-hour endurance ride, the Bighorn 100 in Wyoming.

“It’s the same day as the Tevis Cup, so we’re never able to ride in it,” Alyssa said.

“We’re pretty excited about getting the chance to go to the Bighorn 100,” Jennifer added. “It sounds pretty challenging.”

Both of their parents have ridden in the Bighorn 100 and told their daughters about it.

“A lot of the ride is at the 10,000-foot elevation,” Chuck said, noting while there are some trees there also are a lot of open meadows.

Stalley added his wife, Pam, finished the Bighorn 100 first one year and also has a second- and a third-place finish to her credit.

While all four Stalleys have ridden in the Tevis Cup together, this was to have been the first year that the two sisters were going to participate without their parents.

“You have to be 18 before you can ride without an adult,” Alyssa said, adding she is disappointed she won’t get the opportunity this year.

But, the Stalleys are content knowing the ride was canceled for a good reason.

“(Ride director) Mike Pickett said the health and safety of the horses and riders take precedence over everything else,” Alyssa said.

Chuck Stalley, who is a member of the Tevis Cup Board of Governors, said the U.S. Forest Service had given ride officials an alternate route around a portion of the trail near Foresthill that was closed because of fire. But, because of the air quality, directors opted to cancel the ride now rather than wait until the last minute.

“I know of some riders from Florida who already left home and are headed here,” he said. “They planned to be on the road for a week.”

Canceling now also means riders can opt to participate in the Bighorn 100, he added. Usually, the Bighorn 100 is a much smaller race with perhaps 50 riders, as compared to the Tevis Cup, which has as many as 250 riders.

“The cool thing about the Bighorn 100 is that riders who successfully complete the event within 24 hours receive a belt buckle,” Alyssa said about the same “trophy” awarded to successful riders in the Tevis Cup.

Both Stalley sisters have earned four Tevis Cup belt buckles.

They inherited their love for horses from their parents. Their father, who loved running cross country, first began competing in ride-and-ties, Alyssa said, which involves two riders and one horse. One person goes out ahead on horseback, stops at some point, dismounts and ties the horse and then takes off running. The second person, who started out running, catches up to the tied horse and takes off on horseback. They keep alternating through the end of the race.

Chuck Stalley won several ride-and-tie events.

Pam Stalley, meanwhile, has earned 11 Tevis Cup belt buckles, finishing as high as sixth one year.

Besides participating in national events, the Stalleys also have ridden overseas. Alyssa said she and her sister served as grooms while their mother participated in an endurance race in the United Arab Emirates. Their father was the team captain. Pam Stalley also has ridden in France.

While the Stalley sisters are excited about the opportunity to ride in Wyoming, it could be quite an interesting trek. That’s because, unlike the Tevis Cup, they will be riding on an unfamiliar trail.

Since both events take place during daylight and night-time hours, riders have to rely a lot on their horses. In the Tevis Cup, Alyssa pointed out a portion of that ride traverses a narrow trail hundreds of feet above the American River Canyon.

Glow bars attached to the breastplates on the horses help light the trail for the riders, Alyssa said.

One year she thought the trail was clear so she kept urging her horse, Tiki, to start trotting. But he wouldn’t, she said, and pretty soon they encountered a very rocky section of trail.

“As soon as we were through the rocks, he took off trotting,” Alyssa said, adding, “horses can see a lot better at night than we can.”

Both girls said they love riding in the Tevis Cup each year because of the beautiful scenery.

“There’s a mystical, magical feeling about the Tevis Cup,” said Jennifer.

“There’s no other ride like it,” added Chuck Stalley, who has three Tevis Cup buckles.

Contact sports reporter Richard Myers at 749-4714 or rmyers@appeal-democrat.com

Farrier makes mark in Dubai

It’s a long way from Forbes to Dubai but the equine industry can take you places, just ask local man Shaun Moss.

Moss has long been renowned in the local region as a quality horseman and master farrier.

But the past six months has seen him ply his trade further a field, working for the ruling family of the Middle Eastern Emirate of Dubai.

Last year’s Equine Influenza outbreak decimated the horse racing industry and had severe consequences for Moss’ business as a master farrier.

“It was a disaster really. It flattened my business,” he said.

“A friend who was there about three years ago put me on to it.”

The ‘it’ is working with the endurance horses of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the brother of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister and Vice-President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Dubai.

His Highness Shiekh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been in the news recently after taking control of Australian racing legend Bob Ingham’s vast Woodlands Stud for $460 million.

Moss has been working with the family’s stable of endurance horses which race in events across the desert in distances ranging between 120kms and 160kms.

Any one race can see up to 50 competitors and Moss is charged with the care of approximately 150 horses at a complex located around half an hour’s drive from Dubai City.

He was home on vacation when the Advocate spoke to him last week.

“It’s a big culture shock,” he said.

“There’s a lot of new people in a strange place.”

“I am enjoying it, having a great time but it’s hard being away from the family,” he said.

Dubai is a city on the move with massive developments now dotting the skyline.

“There’s work going on 24 hours a day, just construction, construction and building sites.”

“They’re very serious, very quiet but once you get to know them they’re good people,” Moss said when asked of the locals.

Dubai has a largely foreign work force and Moss said this is also the case with the horse industry.

Moss said he had been given an introduction to the country by a vet from Uruguay, Mario Castro.

“We’ve been working together for the last six months now and he’s one of the best vets I’ve ever seen,” Moss said.

“He’s sort of taken me under his wing a little bit.”

Castro was also one of those responsible for bringing the 2007 Dubai World Cup (this race carries a purse of $6 million) champion Invasor to the country and Moss has two apprentices both of whom are Indian.

“I am rubbing shoulders with some of the best tradesmen,” he said.

He said the shoeing methods used in the country are different but the change has not taken long to adjust.

Moss got his start in the industry here in Forbes with a four year apprenticeship to Don Mulqueeney, while at the same time travelling to Hawkesbury Agricultural College and studying veterinary science.

Now with approximately 15 years industry experience, Moss said the trip has been an excellent chance to further his skills.

“This is a great opportunity to further my career. It’s a bit further up the ladder and I’ve already had ­offers to go to South America,” he said.

Moss flies out for Dubai again tomorrow.

It’s been a long ride for Marilyn Smart

She's won many endurance riding awards in her career
HEREFORD — For nearly 30 years, competitive endurance riding has been Marilyn Smart’s life. After a highly successful year in 2007, the Hereford resident is hanging up her helmet and retiring her saddle, looking forward to a more relaxing lifestyle with her husband of 50 years, Lee.

“I’m 68 years old, and this sport can take a lot out of you,” Marilyn said. “For 40 years, Lee has been nothing but supportive when it comes to my horses. I couldn’t have competed like this without him. So now it’s my turn to give back to him.”But Marilyn didn’t retire quietly. Hoping to achieve some “lofty goals,” on her way out, she set her sights on specific endurance competitions that she wanted to win, a kind of grand finale to top off her impressive endurance resume.

“I conferred with my trusty adviser, husband Lee, and together we decided to set another lofty goal and pursue it with vigor — I would train and condition my Morgans and compete for the Bill Stuckey Award.”

And that’s exactly what they did.

The Smarts logged more than 15,000 driving miles in 2007 alone, as they traveled to different endurance competitions in six states.

In a sport dominated by Arabian horses, a breed known for its stamina and endurance, Marilyn’s two horses were an exception. She won top honors and national recognition with two Morgan horses, brother and sister Excalibur Gabriel and Excalibur Annakate. Gabe was Marilyn’s primary horse during the competitions, carrying her 1,735 miles of the 2,095 total miles that she logged.

The year 2007 was a stellar one for Marilyn and her horses. They earned the Morgan Open High-Point Award two different times that year. In addition, Marilyn achieved a number of national accolades, to include a personal aspiration, the Bill Stuckey Award. It’s an award that honors a rider 65 years of age or older, who has the greatest number of miles in a season. Stuckey was a personal friend of Marilyn’s, someone she met when she started competing in endurance in the early ’80s. A highly competitive senior endurance rider, Stuckey actually died on the trail.

“He (Stuckey) was a legend in endurance riding then, as he is today,” Marilyn said of her friend. “I’m honored to receive the award bearing his name.”

Also in 2007, Marilyn and Gabe won the Pioneer Award, presented to the competitor with the most points in a multi-day event of 155 or more miles. She earned second place in the National Mileage Championship and was honored with six regional awards, to include first place wins in the Regional Point Standings, Southwest Region Featherweight Division and the Regional Rider Mileage Award for the Southwest Region.

Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled, long-distance rides, usually varying between 50 and 100 miles. There are, however, shorter rides for beginners and longer, multi-day events for the die-hard, experienced competitors like Marilyn Smart. It’s a sport that takes competitors and their horses through scenic country, faraway destinations, rugged trails and nights spent under the stars or in the sleeping quarters of horse trailers.

Riders chose their pace during a competition, making adjustments with changes in terrain and the horse’s condition. Before each ride, horses are inspected by a veterinarian to ensure they are fit enough to tackle the course.

In addition, horses are checked at different points throughout a race, where veterinarians look for soundness and dehydration. The horse’s pulse and respiration are taken at the veterinarian inspection points, as well. Veterinarians will eliminate horses from a competition if deemed unfit to continue.

Horses are fed and watered after the inspection, giving them a break before continuing on.

The following is taken from Marilyn’s 2007 competition experiences, in what she dubbed the “June Campaign.”

“Our posse, Lee and I, scout dogs Dingo and Spunky and my mounts Gabe and Annakate, left our home in Hereford at 5 a.m. on June 1st, on an odyssey that would take us through four states and cover 3,578 miles,” Marilyn wrote.

The first ride of that odyssey was the Pony Express out of Fort Shellbourne, Nev., a five-day, 250-mile ride through the rugged Shell Creek Mountain Range. On the third day of the competition, riders faced high wind and driving snow as they tackled an uphill climb over a mountainous pass. The weather was so cold that day, a vet check was cut from 45 minutes to 15 so the horses could stay warmed up.

“Fortunately, I was riding with three knowledgeable endurance riders that knew the trail,” Marilyn wrote in her journal. “As we continued to climb, the bad weather got worse. We were now riding in driving winds, sleet beating into our faces and almost white-out conditions ... It was all I could do to keep Gabe on the trail.” As riders dropped to the other side of the mountain, the weather let up. Marilyn recalls being “grateful but not surprised that Gabe never faltered as we rode on to the finish line.”

The fourth day was much easier. The riders stayed in lower elevations and snow was minimal. On day five, Mother Nature gave the riders a welcome reprieve, with a sunny day, calmer winds and temperatures in the low 80s. Marilyn and Gabe finished second overall. Seventy-one horse/rider teams started the competition, with 13 horse/rider teams completing all five days.

According to the American Endurance Ride Conference, in 2006 there were more than 3,000 Arabian and Arabian crosses involved with endurance competition, as compared with 60 Morgans. “Her accomplishments with our two Morgans are amazing, something we’re very proud of,” Lee said of his wife.

Marilyn’s attraction to horses goes way back, when she started riding as a teen on a ranch in Northern California. In 1970, Lee was stationed in Ethiopia, where Marilyn, her three daughters and one son all rode horses, competing in gymkhanas and open jumping classes.

From 1972 through 1975, the family lived in Germany, where they rode, as well. While living in Missouri, the family owned two horses, a thoroughbred and a paint. During that time, Marilyn competed in dressage. “I started endurance riding in 1980 when we were living in Southern California,” Marilyn said. “At that time, I was riding Arabians, and did well in regional competitions.”

When her two Arabs passed their competitive prime, Marilyn thought her endurance days might be over. But she acquired the two Morgans, trained and conditioned them, and started competing again, with Lee’s support.

Now that she has accomplished her competition goals, Marilyn is stepping out of endurance riding. She is selling her Morgans and plans to enjoy a life of leisure with Lee, golfing and traveling.

Smart’s achievements

The following statistics are provided by American Endurance Ride Conference in the 2007 Yearbook of Endurance Riding:

• Marilyn Smart and Excalibur Gabriel finished first in the Southwest Region Featherweight Division, logging 1,735 miles with 3,608.5 division points.

• Marilyn Smart and her two horses Excalibur Gabriel and Excalibur Annakate finished first in the Southwest Region for the most miles, logging a total of 1,990 miles.

• Marilyn Smart and Excalibur Gabriel won first place in the Featherweight Division of the Belesemo Arabians Pioneer Award competition, with 1,305 miles and 2,528 points.

The 2007 American Morgan Horse Association Open Competition High Point and Medallion Report provided the following information:

• Excalibur Gabriel was the Morgan that won the champion honors for the 2007 Open Competition High-Point Award for endurance trail riding.

• Excalibur Annakate was the Morgan that placed fourth for the 2007 Open Competition High-Point Award for endurance trail riding.

Original Article

City Slickers video (YouTube)

Ride & Tie World Championship: Applegate teen wins title

Full article at Colfaxrecord.com

photo:Applegate resident Sara Howard, 15, teamed with her father, 53-year-old Jim Howard and their steed, Magic Sirocco, to win the Ride & Tie World Championship last Saturday. Sarah is the youngest person ever to win the event. Magic Sirocco also earned the Best Condition award.

Carol Ruprecht, Special to the Colfax Record

Sara Howad youngest person to win Ride & Tie World Championship

PLUMAS COUNTY -- Applegate resident Sara Howard became the youngest person ever to win the Ride & Tie World Championship last Saturday.

She also enters the rarified ranks of women who have won the overall event. There are only three female winners in the 38-year history of the sport.

And to the satisfaction of this young athlete, she and her partner rode their steed, Magic Sirocco, to his fourth Ride & Tie World Championship Best Condition award.

Howard, who runs high school cross country and track and competes in endurance riding, teamed with her father, Jim Howard for this, her first Ride & Tie World Championship effort.

Howard declined the prize money in order to maintain her amateur running status.

At 53, Jim Howard is a well-known Masters ultrarunner and now a ten-time Ride & Tie World Champion.

“Sara has been conditioning the horse for me for the past three years. She wanted to do the championship, which is all fine and exciting, but nerve wracking for me as a parent,” he said. “It is a risky sport.”

Jim’s concerns finally eased only when the start of the race went smoothly.

“Our strategy worked. We put Sara out in the front of the team, where there would be less potential commotion with other teams. I still wasn’t sure we were doing the right thing,” he said.

“My daddy ran a lot of it for me” reports Sara Howard.

Their best estimate is that Sara ran a total of 14 miles during the race -- more than a normal workout, but certainly within the scope of her training.

Prior to this year’s event, the record for the youngest win was held by a young man who won the original Levi’s Ride & Tie in 1971 at age 17.

Best Condition is awarded by the veterinarian staff to the horse that performs at the top level of the event, and still shows as most “fit to continue.”

While Sara thought it was “kind of a surprise” to have Magic Sirocco win the honors, she admitted that it was nice, after all the conditioning and training she put in to getting him ready for the race.

Her father had a little bit more confidence his horse might win the award.

“We took really good care of the horse. He had so much energy toward the end that he was still

spooking. It’s always chancy though: there is a gauntlet of rocks” on that course, he said.

The pinnacle of an outstanding horse’s ride and tie career is induction into the Ride & Tie Hall of Fame.

Magic Sirocco’s record, which is far from completed, bears watching in this regard.

Twin sisters Uta Konig and Miriam Schmidt of Germany accepted a free entry offered to the international team by the Ride & Tie Association and they represented the world in “World Championship.”

Both sisters are athletes, riders since age 7, and competitors in the sport of Ride & Tie in Germany for the past 15 years.

Nothing they had seen in Germany prepared them for their first look at the World Championship course in Taylorsville.

Repeating the same trail set in 1991 and used again in 1994, this year’s course is possibly the most rugged course in the history of the World Championship event.

Base camp and the starting line are at approximately 3,500 feet elevation. The high point of Mount Jura is over 6,000 feet.

The course ran teams up several mountainsides and plunged them into an equal number of ravines before presenting them with the final heartbreaking slog up Mount Jura at mile 29.

Competitors who had faced that same late-in-the-race climb in the 1990s had not forgotten: it is mostly described as “dreaded” Mount Jura and is followed by a steep descent to the finish line at 34 miles total race distance.

After seeing part of the course on their first day at the race-site, the German team considered withdrawing from the event. The sisters’ primary hope had been to survive the event and possibly place well.

Their primary concern was the fact they were leasing a local horse they didn’t know and hadn’t personally trained for a course they had never seen.

A few days later, after they had tried out their horse-partner and practiced a few ride and tie exchanges, they were somewhat cheered at their prospects.

On race day they turned in a formidable result: an overall fourth place finish, second woman/woman, 46 minutes behind the first place team.

At the awards ceremony the two returned the compliment: they invited everyone to consider flying to Germany to race in their annual Ride & Tie in July.

Returning to the location of the 2007 Ride & Tie World Championship, the 39th annual event will take place June 20, 2009 at Cuneo Creek Horse Camp, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, adjacent to the Avenue of the Giants.

The 2009 race will be on a revised course and is open to all entries. The association will again include a complimentary invitation to international teams.

About the Sport of Ride & Tie

The sport of Ride & Tie combines trail running, endurance riding, and strategy.

The goal is to get all three team members, two humans and one horse, across a 20- to 100-mile cross-country course by alternating riding and running. Everyone starts out together.

The rider, being faster, rides ahead and ties the horse to a tree, and then continues down the trail on foot.

The team member who started out on foot gets to the horse, unties, mounts up and rides past the runner, ties the horse … and this leapfrog continues the entire course.

When, where, and how a team exchanges riding for running is almost entirely up to each team to develop their own strategy.

The Ride and Tie Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the sport of Ride & Tie and safe endurance horse management.

Over 150 years old, Ride & Tie originated in the old West, where frontiersmen discovered two men could travel great distances at a fast pace without wearing down the horse if they traded off. Ride & Tie was invented as a sport and gained national attention in 1971 when Levi Strauss sponsored the first Levi’s Ride & Tie.

The Association offers a mentor program, partner matching, training videos, hosts practice Ride & Ties, and sanctions regional and national events.

For more information about Ride & Tie, visit the web site at www.rideandtie.org.

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Tevis BBQ for Bob Walz

My dad, Bob Walz, passed away May 17th, 2008 at the age of 86. He
had a stroke about 6 weeks previous & just didn’t recover.

We are going to have a party in his honor (that's right, he
requested a party!) following the Tevis BBQ on Wednesday, July 16th at
the fairgrounds. It will start at 7:30 PM approximately. It will end
when we're done honoring the man with stories & memories.

Donations made on RavensEndurance.info will go toward buying a mile
of Tevis Trail as a memorial for my dad. The Bob Walz Easy Ride Mile!
Thanks to Garrett Ford and Easy Care for the kick off donation!

I am going to deeply miss my dad. He was an amazing man. My Tevis
crew chief every year I rode it. My adviser & ultimate authority on
horses & endurance.

He started the New Jersey 100 Mile Ride in ‘62 when I was just 7 yrs
old. He took my brother, Roy & I to many east coast endurance rides
when we were young.

He was the first to adapt Polar Heart Monitors for horse use. He
designed & made the Easy Ride Stirrups for years before he sold the
rights to Garrett Ford & EasyCare. He was AERC member #1520 with 8690
lifetime miles… lots of pre-AERC miles, too! He was 86 & continued to
ride up to 2 years ago. He had just bought a new horse with hopes of
riding again.

My dad was a great guy, a giver and an innovator, creating a few of
the most prolific and important products to hit the equine industry in
decades. He deserves to be honored in a fashion equal to his impact
on all of us horse folks.

~Sue Walz
http://RavensEndurance.info
http://www.MarsanPoodles.com

Local riders turning workhorses into champs

Full Article - Marion Daily Republican Online

photo: Pat Phillips of Crab Orchard.
MARION - In recent long-distance horse races, a different training regimen for horses not known for capabilities in distance events appears to be working for Shawnee Sunrise Farm owners Keith and Sandy Kibler.

Gaited horses such as the Tennessee Walking Horse and Missouri Foxtrotter were bred for life as workhorses or transporting circuit-riding clergymen, but the Kiblers found training methods to make such horses competitive against Arabians, which are known for racing abilities.

This year, the Kiblers' horses have recorded seven top-10 finishes, with five in the top-five.

"Probably 95 percent of horses competitive in this are Arabians,” Keith said. “Often we get funny looks when we take our horses off the trailer because our horses are much bigger and heavier-boned than most horses used for endurance."

In a recent weekend event outside Salem, the Kiblers’ horses swept top honors. In Saturday 30-mile races, two horses were victorious and another was third. On Sunday, the Marion crew claimed the top three spots in a 50-mile ride.

Marion resident Myrl Upchurch finished second in the adult division (behind Keith in the 50-miler) in her first-ever race after serving on Kibler’s crew last year. She led for a portion of the day. Marion High School student Michelle Lazorchak had the best junior time.

“We are so proud of these horses. They are proving they can do so much more than others think they can do. We are elated,” Keith said.
[More...]

Thank You from Dave Rabe

Team Easyboot post
Photo: Dave and Okay at the Washoe Valley Ride, May 2008

I want to thank everybody for their support and for all of their donations and contributions after my trailer accident in March. Everything really helped me to get going again. My horse that survived the accident Rushcreek Okay has completed three endurance rides since the accident and is doing really well. I was able to get my truck repaired and had a new flatbed put on it and just recently purchased another horse trailer which was made possible because of all of the help and contributions that came in from so many generous people. There are so many individuals and companies who have supported me in many ways that I am afraid if I listed them I would miss somebody. Please know that I am genuinely appreciative of all of them and for everything that everybody has done for me.
Dave Rabe

Auburn-Tahoe trek resurrected in new film

Media Life: Silent movie from 1931 Auburn-Tahoe trek resurrected in new film
Western States Trail’s “They Crossed the Mountains” includes rarely seen footage

By Gus Thomson, Journal Staff Writer


The Western States Trail saga was a story just begging to be told on the movie screen. And part of it was – in 1931.

Now it’s been enshrined in film form again and will get its first public showing on Sunday at the Old State Theater in Auburn.

And it turns out, the story is very well told. Luckily the early 1930s film has survived and plays a starring role in the new production.

Colorado Springs producer-director Ginger Kathrens, a veteran film-maker with a Grammy in her trophy case, has helmed a 53-minute history of the storied trail that brings some well-known Auburn faces, privately held and publicly owned photos, and riveting film footage together to provide perspective to a larger-than-life subject.

Called “They Crossed the Mountains,” the film starts off with birds-eye views from a helicopter of some of the most scenic stretches of the 100-mile trail between Auburn and Squaw Valley.

Full article at Auburnjournal.com

Gus Thomson of the Auburn Journal and Media Life can be reached at gust@goldcountrymedia.com.

37 Year Old Elmer Bandit with 20,710 Miles!!

Elmer, the 37-year-old elder statesman of competitive trail riding in the United States, has completed his first trail ride of the new season.

Only yesterday, Missouri owner Mary Anna Wood completed the paperwork for a further nine rides she and Elmer intend entering this season.

Elmer, among the first five horses inducted into the sport's Hall of Fame in 1980, successfully completed a two-day ride at Perry Lake, in Kansas, on the weekend of April 26.

Mary Anna and Elmer completed 33 miles (53km) on the Saturday and 20 miles (32km) on the Sunday.

He passed the veterinary checks without a problem.

Elmer now has 20,300 certified competitive miles (32,670km), and is only about seven rides away from passing the national record of 20,710 miles (33,330km) held by a saddlebred horse, Wing Tempo.

[More ...]

Western States Trail: They Crossed the Mountains

Free Viewing of “They Crossed the Mountains” Documentary at Auburn’s State Theater

The documentary “They Crossed the Mountains: A History of the Western States Trail” will be shown Sunday, June 8 at noon at the State Theater, 985 Lincoln Way in Auburn. The public is invited at no charge, and popcorn and drinks will be free. Seating is limited.
The one-hour film covers the usage and history of the Western States Trail, from the Native Americans to Gold Rush miners, horseback riders and runners. Twelve historians were interviewed for this film, giving the documentary a richness and depth about this route that traverses the Sierra Nevada Mountains from the Lake Tahoe area to Auburn. A portion of the documentary captures a 1931 film that features a group of Auburn men who traveled the trail on horseback, marking it along the way before this original Emigrant Trail disappeared into the wilderness. The documentary also highlights a background of how the Tevis Cup Ride and the Western States 100 Mile Run evolved and became such integral parts of Auburn’s history.
The film was sponsored by the Western States Trail Foundation (“Tevis Cup Ride”), the Western States Endurance Run Foundation, the Placer County Historical Society Foundation, the Ellen Browning Scripps Foundation, and the Josephine Stedem Scripps Foundation.

Contact: Kate Riordan • 530/333-2002 • irishkate@prodigy.net

South Africa: This huge Stutterheim 'family' gallops for kicks

Weekendpost.co.za - Full Story

Tim and Sharon Salmon WEEKEND POST CORRESPONDENTS

24 May 2008

EASTERN Cape horse breeders Greg and Maria Miles's farm in Stutterheim is home to 54 family members - 50 of which are horses.

"We love animals and it's exciting breeding horses - it's a big family we have!" said Greg.

His son Robert, 9, and daughter Stephanie, 8, help look after the horses and Maria helps him run their farm, Bare Acres.

"I wouldn�t swop our way of life for anything. It's safe and a good environment for kids," he said.

In 2004, the couple imported the country's first Pintabian mare from Iowa in the United States.

Pintabians are a cross between the Native American coloured pintos and Arabian horses.

Floral Hearts arrived in South Africa pregnant and Raine Heart was the first Pintabian born in South Africa in March 2005.

Raine Heart in turn bore the first South African-bred Pintabian colt named Thunder Heart in February 2006, sired by the Miles's South African Arab stallion, Jelby Taxman.

Floral Hearts added another first by being the first Pintabian in the world to compete in endurance riding at Thomas River near Stutterheim in March last year.

More...

10 years of wild rides

Theunion.com - Full Story

Annual event expects 100 on horseback over holiday weekend

By Brian Hamilton
Sports Editor

Robert and Melissa Ribley long ago hopped into the saddle of endurance riding and have been enjoying the sport ever since.


But 10 years ago the Ribleys came up with a ride of their own right here in their western Nevada County backyard that has been a hit with endurance riders since its inception.

The Wild West Endurance Ride will once again hit the trails - and this year will celebrate what's been a whole decade of fun for horseback riders - this weekend at Skillman Campground.

"We just thought what would be a better thing than to put an endurance ride on in our local area," Melissa said...

More...

KER's Dr Huntington to Hold Nutrition Seminar in Terengganu

20 May 2008

Dr Peter Huntington has been invited to present at the 6th Annual Edaran Endurance Classic

Dr Peter Huntington, Director of Nutrition at Kentucky Equine Research - Australasia, has been invited to present at the 6th Annual Edaran Endurance Classic to be held in Terengganu, Malaysia. Dr Huntington will be sharing his expertise in managing the unique nutritional requirements of the endurance horse and the latest research at the seminar to be held on the 27th of June 2008.

The Edaran Endurance Classic is organized by EDARAN Berhad and will be at the same venue as the World Endurance Championships to be held in November of this year.

Endurance Rider Part of American Museum of Natural History Exhibit

May 17 2008

A new exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History, "The Horse", opens today in New York City. The exhibit examines the powerful and continuing relationship between the horse and humans, and examines how horses have, over time, changed many facets of human life.

One of the photographic contributors to this exhibit is endurance rider Maryanne Gabbani of Egypt. Her photograph is of Mme. Wegdan el Barbary presenting one of her fillies at a private showing. The owner of Shams el Assil stud in Giza, Egypt, Mme. Barbary ("Dani") has been breeding the Arabian horse for over forty years. Now in her 90's, she is still active at her farm. "She's one of Egypt's national treasures," says Maryanne. "She's forgotten more horse lore than most of us have ever imagined."

Maryanne has been taking random pictures in Egypt for nearly twenty years, and was contacted by the ANHM to ask if they could use her photo.

The exhibition runs through January 4, 2009.

N.J. Trail Ride Association carries out 46th 100-mile trek

Americanfarm.com - Full Story

5.15.2008

By WILLIAM PERSSON
AFP Correspondent

SHAMONG — The New Jersey Trail Ride Association held its 46th 100-mile trail ride on May 9-11. Concurrent with this were 50- and 30-mile rides. The event was held at Holly and Hugh MacDonald’s farm, Hollyview.

A short distance west of the farm was an entry point to Wharton State Forest through which the three separate distance rides traversed. The rangers of the Wharton State Forest and the New Jersey State Police were available to assist if needed.

Amateur radio operators were also stationed in the forest so the location of the horses and riders was known at all times and help could be summoned quickly, if needed.

According to the NJTRA, “The sport of competitive trail riding and driving is designed to stimulate greater interest in the breeding of good horses possessed of stamina and hardiness qualified to make good mounts for trail use; to demonstrate the value of type, soundness and proper selection of horses for long rides or drives; to learn and demonstrate the proper methods of training and conditioning horses for long rides or drives; to encourage horsemanship and good sportsmanship in long distance riding and driving as well as to demonstrate the best methods of caring for horses during and after long rides or drives without the aid of artificial methods or stimulants.”

Horses can not be entered until they are 4 years old, and only for distances no greater than 25 miles. At 5 years old they can be entered for any distance.

The New Jersey 100-mile trail ride occurs over three days, with 40 miles covered the first day, 40 the second, and 20 the third.

More...

Endurance Riding Team receives grant from the Kentucky Horse Council

Hunter Jumper News



May 15, 2008

Lexington, KY, May 15, 2008 – M. R. Riders 4-H Club of Campbell County was recently awarded a $1,000 grant from the Kentucky Horse Council. Members of the club compete as a team year round throughout the state at endurance riding competitions.

Typically the young riders and their horses compete by traveling an average of 25 miles over challenging terrain in a timed event. As they accumulate good scores and better fitness levels they enter endurance races of further distances. Those wishing to qualify for the 2009 US Endurance Riding team must be competing at 100 mile races.

M.R. Riders will use the grant to purchase blankets to protect their horses at winter competitions. Often during overnight competitions the youthful competitors camp with their horses at primitive sites which do not offer shelter for the animals. By covering the resting horses with blankets their muscles will stay warm, enabling them to compete more comfortably and safely.

“The Kentucky Horse Council is pleased to support the efforts of M.R. Riders 4-H Club. Endurance riding provides a great lesson in delayed gratification as the students condition themselves and their horses well in advance of competitions,” remarked KHC Board President, Madelyn Millard.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL - The Kentucky Horse Council is a non-profit organization dedicated, through education, to the protection, growth and development of the equine industry in Kentucky. The Kentucky Horse Council provides educational programs, grants, scholarships, personal liability insurance, trail riding programs, and an annual statewide equine industry directory.

Prince Asheem

May 7 2008

Sad news....

My good old friend just gave me his last favor... he died before the person arrived whom I'd called to have him put down. So I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I'd made the right call... and I didn't have to suffer second thoughts.

His last minutes were very peaceful... he had probably ruptured, so the pressure was off and he felt less pain. Although his pulse was over 100 and he'd broken out in a sweat, he got up from where we'd been lying and walked around the sun-lit meadow with me for about 40 minutes, stopping to rub his head against my leg, looking around, clearly aware. Then he crashed down and died.

Farewell, old friend.

Lari Shea

Owyhee Initiative Legislation Will Proceed

The Owyhee Public Lands Management Act, S. 2833, was heard today before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests. Subcommittee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) praised Owyhee Initiative Work Group members for their record of collaboration and consensus on land use. The Owyhee Initiative legislation is sponsored by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, who testified at today’s hearing. Sen. Wyden and Subcommittee members Larry Craig (R-Idaho) and John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) participated in the questioning of witnesses from Idaho, the U.S. Department of Interior and the Forest Service. The Subcommittee held the hearing to discuss Sen. Crapo’s bill and another land management bill, sponsored by Senator Robert Bennett (R-Utah). At the conclusion of the hearing, Sen. Wyden directed Senate staff to work with federal agencies, Sens. Crapo, Bennett and others to markup the legislation. “The Owyhee Initiative transforms conflict and uncertainty into conflict resolution and assurance of future activity,” Sen. Crapo testified. “Ranchers can plan for subsequent generations. Off-road vehicle users have access assured. Wilderness is established. The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes knows their cultural resources will be protected. The Air Force will continue to train its pilots. Local, state and federal government agencies will have structure to assist their joint management of the region. And this will all happen within the context of the preservation of environmental and ecological health. This is indeed a revolutionary land management structure—that looks ahead to the future.” S. 2833, the Owyhee Public Lands Management Act of 2008, will protect the economic base and wild lands of Owyhee County. It designates 517,000 acres of BLM land as wilderness, while releasing 199,000 acres of wilderness study areas to full multiple use. The legislation keeps ranching operations whole through land trades and purchase agreements and offers federal protection to 316 miles of wild and scenic rivers in the Owyhees.

USEF News: East Coast Training Session Set

USEF
April 24

The East Coast Training session has been set. The session will be June 21-23 at the H Cooper Black Recreation Area adjacent to the Sand Hills State Forest in Cheraw, South Carolina. Riders should plan to arrive by Friday at 5:00pm, and should plan to be in sessions until noon on Monday. The facility includes stalls, holding corrals, RV style campgrounds, a nice clubhouse w/ kitchen for dinner and meetings, a round pen, arena and flat sandy trails. Nature will likely provide heat and humidity as well. There are hotels close, as well as stores and restaurants.

I will send a detailed packet to each National Training List member who has listed the East Coast Session on the questionnaire earlier this year, and to anyone else who requests one. We should be able to accommodate 12 to 15 Horse Rider combos. In addition, we will take auditors. Priority to attend the East Coast Training Session is as follows:

NTL riders who have applied for Malaysia WEC with a nominated horse.
Other NTL Riders
Ranking list riders, by order of Rank

Applicants for Malaysia will be observed by the Selectors and the nominated horses will be examined by the Veterinary Panel.

The Tentative date and location for the West Coast session is Washoe near Reno, NV on July 26-28.

Tevis Trail: Boxer Introduces Legislation to Begin Designation of California National Historic and Scenic Trail

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) today introduced the Western States National Trail Study Act, legislation to authorize a study for the designation of the Western States National Trail as a National Historic and Scenic Trail.

The bill, which is co-sponsored by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), authorizes the study for a route that runs approximately 100 miles from Squaw Valley to Auburn, California. The study is the first step in the process of determining whether the Trail fits the special historic, ecological, and scenic requirements of the designation.

Senator Boxer said, “The Western States Trail is a nationally significant resource that highlights California’s natural heritage. I am proud to introduce this bill to begin the process of recognizing this historic and scenic trail and appreciating its recreational values. This legislation will help ensure that one of the most beautiful areas of California can be enjoyed by runners, hikers, and outdoor-enthusiasts for generations to come.”

“The Western States Trail is an integral part of California’s history,” Senator Feinstein said. “The 100-mile trail runs from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, complete with tree-lined summits, creeks and rivers, and sweeping vistas of the majestic Sierras. Today, the trail attracts hikers, runners and equestrian enthusiasts from around the world, eager to tackle the challenge of the Trail’s rugged course. I believe that the Western States Trail is a fitting candidate to be designed a National Historic and Scenic Trail.”

Since 1955 and 1974 respectively, the Western States Trail Ride and the Western States Endurance Run have both been conducted along the Western States Trail route. The Western States Trail has retained its 19th-century historic integrity and remained unaffected by roads or railroads.

The Western States National Study Act enjoys broad, local support from the Placer and El Dorado County Boards of Supervisors as well as the Auburn City Council.

First Class Educational Programme for Endurance

07/04/2008
The discipline of Endurance is undergoing a full review of its rules. One of the key innovations introduced in new rules, which will come in force on 1 January 2009, is the emphasis put on the education of all officials involved in the discipline be they judges, technical delegates, and veterinarians.

A significant contribution towards this new development will be brought by the agreement which was recently concluded between the FEI and Hydra Properties of Abu Dhabi (UAE). Thanks to this support, which spans over two years – 2008 and 2009 – amounts to DHS 500,000 (CHF 134,000), a worldwide educational programme will be set up. Courses will be organized and the documents used in these courses will be thoroughly reviewed and updated to include a handbook on the discipline, CDs and DVDs.

Hydra Properties’ sponsorship is the very first of its kind and is quite unique in the sports world in general in that it is solely intended for use in education. It is key in that it comes at a crucial moment of the development of the sport and, if well used, will contribute towards setting the foundation for proper growth.

Hydra Properties, in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, has been a strong supporter of FEI competitions within the UAE. Hydra Properties is an organisation which is behind some of the most prestigious residential and business developments in the UAE. The FEI is proud of its association with Hydra Properties and sees it as a fantastic opportunity but also as a challenge to develop the professional level of Endurance.

ELCR Welcomes the AHA to Equestrian Partner Program

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 10, 2008

Contact: Deb Balliet, CEO
Equestrian Land Conservation Resource
(859) 455-8383 dballiet@elcr.org

The Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) is pleased to announce that the Arabian Horse Association has joined a growing list of breed organizations who have become members of our Equestrian Partners Program. Their participation demonstrates their understanding that the rapid loss of open land for horses and horse activities is a threat to all horse owners despite differences in breed or discipline preferences. When hearing the news of AHA’s membership, ELCR CEO Deb Balliet noted, “AHA is to be commended for recognizing the importance of equestrian land conservation with regard to its breeding farms, and the continued success of the Arabian Horse Association. AHA’s leadership is forward thinking and action oriented. We look forward to working with them.”

With 46,000 members, the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) provides many opportunities for Arabian horse enthusiast to tap into the Arabian horse lifestyle. The AHA is a full service breed association and registry for owners of Arabian, half-Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian horses. For more information about the AHA, visit www.arabianhorses.org.

The Equestrian Partners Program is a growing coalition of organizations from across the country that are committed to helping ELCR fulfill its mission of conserving land and access for all equines. Despite their diverse interests and activities, our Partner members recognize that with land in the U.S. being developed at the rate of 250 acres/hour, the future of equestrian life as we know it is endangered. If your organization would like to join our national efforts to save land for horses, visit www.elcr.org, or call ELCR at 859-455-8383 for more information.

Refrigerator Recall Includes Some Horse Trailer Units

Thehorse.com

by: Edited Press Release
April 08 2008, Article # 11633

A recall of certain refrigerators manufactured by Dometic includes units used in some horse trailers, according to a manufacturer's notice. The defective refrigerator units were manufactured between April 1997 and May 2003 and are designed for use in recreational vehicles.

The refrigerators pose a safety hazard, due to the possibility that a fatigue crack can develop in the boiler tube. This can allow the release of pressurized coolant solution. If this solution is exposed to an ignition source, it can result in fire under certain circumstances.

To determine whether your refrigerator is included in this recall, find the model and serial number by opening the unit's door and looking for the sticker attached to the side wall of the interior.

The potentially affected units have the following model numbers:

* NDR1062
* RM2652
* RM2662
* RM2663
* RM2852
* RM2862
* RM3662
* RM3663
* RM3862
* RM3863

The units have serial numbers beginning with the following combinations:

* 713xxxxx through 752xxxxx
* 801xxxxx through 852xxxxx
* 901xxxxx through 952xxxxx
* 001xxxxx through 052xxxxx
* 101xxxxx through 152xxxxx
* 201xxxxx through 252xxxxx
* 301xxxxx through 319xxxxx

The affected units require immediate service. Continued use could pose a safety hazard. Call 888/446-5157, or go to DometicUSA.com to confirm if your refrigerator is included in the recall and receive additional instructions.

37-YEAR-OLD HORSE CLOSING IN ON TRAIL MILEAGE RECORD

Pushing the envelope of equine athletic prowess, 37-year-old half-Arabian Elmer Bandit is gearing up to start yet another competitive trail ride season.

In 2007 Elmer's certified lifetime competitive miles stood at 20,240, nearing the national record of Saddlebred Wing Tempo's 20,710 miles.

Elmer's lifelong owner and rider, Mary Anna Wood of Independence, Mo., said she plans to enter Elmer in eight rides this year, depending on her schedule and Elmer's health, but she said she isn't chasing any records. Continue reading...

Oyster-Eating Championship Back After Two Year Absence

ACME OYSTER EATING CHAMPIONSHIP RETURNS

The early favorite is a mohawked chef from Chicago known as Pat “Deep Dish” Bertoletti, ranked 2nd in the world. Bertoletti has posted numerous astounding records, 21 pounds of grits in ten minutes among them. He also holds the endurance oyster eating record, having downed north of 50 dozen in 2007.

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USEF WEC Early Application deadline is 1May!!

The World Endurance Championship Early Application deadline is May 1st, 2008. While Applications and Horse Nominations can be made until June 15, 2008, the fees are higher for those applications postmarked, faxed or hand delivered after May 1st, 2008. The application must be accompanied by the appropriate fee. Procedures and applications can be found on the USEF website, www.usef.org. For further information regarding application or selection for the World Endurance Championships, contact Vonita Bowers at vbowers@usef.org or (859) 825-6001.

I. APPLICATION - Athletes wishing to be considered for the 2008 World Championship Endurance Team must complete an Application Form (see attachment A) and return it with the appropriate application fee to the USEF, Attention: Vonita Bowers, Endurance Director, 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. Applications and fees postmarked, hand delivered or faxed on or prior to May 1, 2008 will be charged an Application Fee of $50 PER APPLICATION. Applications and fees postmarked, hand delivered, or faxed after May 1, 2008 and received on or before June 15, 2008 will be charged an application fee of $300 PER APPLICATION. HOWEVER, NO APPLICATIONS SHALL BE ACCEPTED UNLESS RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE June 15, 2008. NO APPLICATIONS SHALL BE ACCEPTED IF THE APPROPRIATE FEE IS RECEIVED AFTER June 15, 2008.

II. HORSE NOMINATIONS - Athletes wishing to be considered for the 2008 World Championship Endurance Team must complete a Nomination Form (see Attachment A) for each horse that the athlete wishes to nominate and return it with a nomination fee of $50 PER HORSE NOMINATION to: USEF, Attention: Vonita Bowers, Endurance Director, 4047 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY 40511. Nominations and fees postmarked, hand delivered or faxed on or prior to May 1, 2008 will be charged a Nomination Fee of $50 PER HORSE NOMINATION. Nominations and fees postmarked, hand delivered, or faxed after May 1, 2008 and received on or before June 15, 2008 will be charged a Nomination Fee of $300 PER HORSE NOMINATION. HOWEVER, NO NOMINATIONS SHALL BE ACCEPTED UNLESS RECEIVED ON OR BEFORE June 15, 2008. NO NOMINATIONS SHALL BE ACCEPTED IF THE APPROPRIATE FEE IS RECEIVED AFTER June 15, 2008.


United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. 4047 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40515 859-258-2472
Please email webmaster@usef.org to be removed from this mailing list

Application Process Underway for 2008 World Endurance Championship

Usef.org

Release: March 26 2008

Lexington, KY ­– The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is currently accepting applications for the 2008 World Endurance Championship CEI****. Scheduled for November 5-9, 2008 in Terengganu, Malaysia, the USEF is expecting to send six horse/rider combinations to the World Championships.

Athletes on the Endurance National Training List should apply no later than May 31, 2008. Athletes who are not currently on the Endurance National Training List may apply as Wild Card Selections.

The selection procedures and application can be found on the USEF website at

http://www.usef.org/contentPage2.aspx?id=hpendurance.

For more information regarding Wild Card Selections, the World Endurance Championship and the Endurance Discipline contact Vonita Bowers vbowers@usef.org.

Equestrian games to spark business

News.enquirer.com - Full Article

FLORENCE – It’s more than two years away, but already local business leaders are preparing for the 2010 World Equestrian Games, which are expected to draw more than 600,000 spectators to Northern Kentucky.

Slated to be held at the 1,200 acre Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington from Sept. 25 through Oct. 15 the games – which have been called the largest sporting event ever to be held in Kentucky – are anticipated to have a more than $150 million impact on the Northern Kentucky economy, according to event organizers.

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Britain: Sponsorship of Fiona Hamilton

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 2008


A J Walter Aviation to Sponsor British
Endurance Rider, Fiona Hamilton

A J Walter Aviation, the aircraft support specialist, is sponsoring the twenty year old champion British Endurance rider Fiona Hamilton throughout the 2008 international season and beyond.

Christopher Whiteside, Managing Director of A J Walter, explains his Company’s decision to provide funding and support. “It might seem unusual for an aviation company to support an equine athlete but, for us, the decision was quite easy. Endurance riders and their horses have to be at the absolute peak of physical stamina to maintain performance in arduous conditions. Riding for 100km with regular vet-gates to monitor super-fast recovery rates is a bit like maintaining and flying aircraft with minimum turn-around. You need the best team around you to ensure success and maximum efficiency.

“Unlike other countries, the British Team do not get any financial support from the Government, the responsibility for funding participation in events and the care and maintenance of their horses lies firmly with the riders and their families. It’s tough for athletes like Fiona, they work extremely hard and it takes an incredible amount of discipline and talent to reach the top in this demanding equine sport. We are proud to be able to help this young rider achieve her goals of winning medals in international and national competitions.”

Having just returned from H.H. President’s Cup in Abu Dhabi, Fiona will be attending Harling Down on 16th March and will be travelling to Italy in June to compete in an arduous 120km race undertaken by Endurance specialists from all over the world. She is aiming for a medal at the World and European Championships in Italy 2009 and Kentucky 2010, where she will be ‘flying the flag’ for Great Britain and A J Walter Aviation.

COMPANY CONTACT:
Christopher Whiteside, Managing Director
A J Walter Aviation
Tel: +44 (0)1403 711777
e-mail: enquiries@ajw-aviation.com


-end-
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jane Goring , Inter Relations & Company
Tel: +44 (0) 1403 218588
e-mail: jane@inter-relations.co.uk



A J Walter Aviation, London, was established in 1932 and awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2002. The Company specialises in the supply, repair and lease of commercial aircraft spare parts; aircraft inventory management; power-by-the-hour; consignment stock; global 24 hour AOG; aviation component maintenance and overhaul; logistics and cost-effective freight management. Further information is available at www.ajw-aviation.com

Horse Quencher Named “Official Hydration Product of the AERC”

Equestrianmag.com - Equestrian News Release

Newtown, PA - Equatic Solutions and the American Endurance Ride Conference are proud to announce that Horse Quencher is joining the AERC family as a Platinum sponsor, and as the "Official Hydration Product of the AERC."

Horse Quencher™, the product designed to encourage horses to drink water, is a natural fit for the AERC, where proper hydration is paramount to both competitive success and the health of the horse. Endurance races cover anywhere from 25 miles limited-distance rides to 250 miles in a multi-day ride, and these elite horses and riders must submit to periodic vet checks and hold points to ensure the health of the horse before continuing. After the vet exam, during the hold period, Horse Quencher is increasingly being used to encourage water intake.

Not an electrolyte product, and not a sugary "equine soda pop", Horse Quencher is instead a precise blend of natural grains and flavorings that do just one thing: encourage drinking. For horses without a need for electrolytes, is a perfect single solution for horses that won't drink enough due to trailering, stress, illness, strange water, etc. For endurance horses, who generally must be fed electrolytes, Horse Quencher is a perfect companion product to increase total water consumption.

Randy Eiland, board member and sponsor liaison for the AERC, said, "AERC is pleased to welcome Horse Quencher into our family of sponsors. The welfare of our equine partners takes priority with our membership and Horse Quencher is a unique product that helps insure their welfare by encouraging them to drink; one of the most important factors in keeping hard working equines at their best."

Anne Kusmich, co-founder of Equatic Solutions said, "We are so very pleased to be able to support the mission of endurance riders and of the AERC. Nancy, Leslie and I are all active trail riders, even trailering many states away for multi-day rides, so we feel we have a lot in common with the spirit of endurance riding. Our need to hydrate our horses while traveling led to Horse Quencher, so it’s only natural that it would in turn lead us to partner with the AERC."

Horse Quencher comes in four flavors: peppermint, apple, butterscotch, and root beer. It's available either a 25-serving container value tub, or a box of ten single-serving convenience packs, each with a suggested retail of $29.99. Single trial packs - perfect for trying several flavors - are available for $2.99.

All may be purchased at select retailers, by calling 888-783-6247, or online at www.horsequencher.com.

About Equatic Solutions

Equatic Solutions LLC was formed in 2005 to bring Horse Quencher to market. Based in Newtown, Pennsylvania, Equatic Solutions is owned, operated and managed by Anne Kusmich, Nancy Issenman and Leslie Reiss. These women (and their spouses Bob, David and Gary) bring a lot of horse experience to the development of this product. All are currently avid trail riders. Anne breeds Tennessee Walking Horses, Leslie breeds Mountain Horses, Nancy is a former show jumper turned trail rider and Bob plays polo with his Thoroughbreds. They are happy to share this discovery with other horse enthusiasts.

About AERC

The American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) was founded in 1972 as the national governing body for endurance riding in the United States. AERC sanctions more than 800 events annually, is the leader in education related to the use of equines in long-distance riding and encourages the use, protection and development of equestrian trails in North America. AERC's mission is to serve its more than 6,500 members and to promote endurance riding as a sport in which horsemanship and equine welfare are paramount. For more information about endurance riding and AERC, visit www.aerc.org. Gulf Coast 4 Star www.gc4star.com is the official trailer of AERC and is a sponsor of the AERC National Championship.

La Musique du Galop

Endurance-belgium.com - Full Article

La Musique du Galop

Notes de Anne Caumont, traduction Léonard Liesens

Avec le décès de Pierre Cazes durant l'été 2005, l'endurance internationale a perdu son Maître, il ne faut pas avoir peur de le dire. Ce texte qui a été compilé par Anne Caumont en 1998 après un stage animé par Pierre Cazes, n'a peut-être pas été assez lu et médité par ceux qui aiment cette discipline. J'aime beaucoup cette expression de la "musique du galop". Tous ceux qui ont eu la chance de faire corps avec un cheval capable de produire cette musique va comprendre. J'ai essayé de traduire - vite - en anglais ce témoignage. Que mes amis anglophones me pardonne les fautes d'expression.


With the loss of Pierre Cazes during the summer of 2005, the international endurance community lost his Master. We should not be shy to say that. The following text has been written by Anne Caumont while attending a clinic ran by Pierre in 1998. This text hasn't been read enough by international riders. Cazes invented during the Toulouse group meeting the expression "To finish first is to win" which demonstrates his cold humour sense. Another expression used in this text is "The music of Canter". I tried to quickly translate this report to English. So do not kill the messenger…

Léonard Liesens


A peine rentrée du stage d'endurance proposé par le CNREE à Gérardmer en cette fin Août, je prends la plume (électronique, rassurez-vous), pour vous faire profiter des enseignements de Pierre Cazes. Point ne devrait être besoin de présenter l'entraîneur de l'équipe de France d'endurance, mais soyons lucides, malgré un développement spectaculaire, l'endurance est loin d'être aussi médiatisée que l'obstacle, lui-même loin derrière le football. Pierre Cazes, donc, a amené l'équipe de France au plus haut niveau mondial avec deux médailles d'or par équipe obtenues haut la main et un certain nombre en individuel, ce qui devrait suffire à vous convaincre de la pertinence de ses propos.

I'm just back from a clinic which was given by Pierre Cazes at Gerardmer (East of France) end august and I'm now busy at my keyboard to try to share his thoughts with you. No need to introduce the national trainer of the French Team, but let's be neutral anyway. Endurance is not known like jumping, not to speak about football. Pierre Cazes brought the French Team several times at the highest level with several team gold medals and individual medals. His words are so clear and pertinent.

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Riding in Argentina

Endurancegb.co.uk

4th March 2008

EGB member and British Endurance Team member Beccy Broughton has just returned from a month in Argentina - riding and working with real life gauchos....

It had seemed a remote plan when last summer Daniel Videla had talked about his farm in Argentina and his horses and how would Beccy like to go over in the winter with Fiona Fairhurst and be involved in the Princes Trust Challenge ride for charity. Suddenly it was Christmas and flights were booked, clothing bought and a whole chemist shop raided for a variety of medicines - just in case – were bought. The kit bag was packed – amazingly under weight – and the adventure began.

Riding all day over rugged terrain and over high mountain passes from Argentina to Chile at altitudes of over 4,800 metres Beccy rode over 600kms in 12 days and had many adventures. After the first trek the gauchos were a man down and offered Beccy the opportunity to go on a second trek, this time for the Anthony Nolan Trust. Beccy disappeared back into the mountains whilst Fiona and her mum returned home.
Beccy eventually returned home last weekend and is now busy preparing horses for competition this summer.

For more information about her experiences in Argentina and photos of the treks log in to www.beccybroughton.co.uk

Annual Endurance Awards Announced at American Endurance Ride Conference Annual Convention

Press Release: March 06 2008

By Troy Smith

Bill Wilson, a 72-year-old from Pekin, IN, was named to the American Endurance Ride Conference's (AERC) Hall of Fame at the association’s awards ceremony, held March 1 in Reno, NV. Wilson completed 24 of 25 50- to 55-mile competitions for a total of 1,775 miles in 2007, and has a total of 21,645 miles of endurance completions to date. He is also a trails advocate and a willing worker for preservation and building of trails.

The horse named to AERC’s Hall of Fame for 2007 was CH Catch Me If You Can, a 16-year-old Half-Arabian bay gelding owned by Earle Baxter. Catch Me, whose home is in Millbank, Ontario, travels with Baxter to rides throughout the U.S. and Canada. In 2007, they completed 735 miles in competitions from Michigan to New Mexico. Catch Me was also presented AERC’s “Perfect Ten” award, given to equines with 10,000 miles of competition and a minimum of 10 best condition awards and 10 first places.

Mike Tracy and Aron Moon+// of Hollister, CA, were presented with the Pard’ners Award, given to the horse-and-rider team that best exemplifies true partnership. At their first ride many years ago, Tracy came into the first veterinary checkpoint “looking like a chicken tied to the rotor of a helicopter,” according to award presenter Robert Ribley, although “Aron looked great.” Through 18 years of competition, the team grew into formidable competitors and fast friends whose partnership has been an inspiration to many.

The Volunteer Service award was presented to Jerry Fruth, who has been a tireless advocate of trails for the nonprofit organization for many years. Fruth, of Wadesville, IN, was instrumental in founding AERC’s Trail Master program, which trains people to build and maintain sustainable trails across the U.S.

AERC’s annual convention featured informational seminars, hands-on hoof labs, regional and national award ceremonies and an extensive trade show dedicated to endurance riding. Next year’s convention is set for February 20 and 21, 2009, in Louisville, KY.

In it for the long haul - Mar 2 2008

Rapidcityjournal.com - Full Story

Endurance horse riders racing in the region
By Lynn Taylor Rick, Journal staff

Paschal Karl had never been on a horse when his wife bought him a quarter horse for his birthday 16 years ago.

It didn’t take Karl, an athletic guy with a competitive streak, long to raise the bar. Within a month, he bought himself an Arabian horse, a breed known for its endurance. A year after his introduction to horses, he was competing in endurance horse races around the country. “What I found is that I love to ride,” he said.

Today, Karl has logged more than 2,500 competition miles and more than 20,000 total miles on his endurance horses...

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Remount stokes interest in endurance races - Mar 2 2008

Rapidcityjournal.com - Full Storyu

By Lynn Taylor Rick, Journal staff

Although the Black Hills Ride near Edgemont is currently on hiatus, local endurance horse racers can still count on the Fort Meade Remount.

Kerry Greear of Whitewood created the Fort Meade Remount last July, hosting more than 50 riders from seven states and Canada. She hopes to attract even more people to this year’s ride, which begins two miles east of Sturgis in the Fort Meade Recreational Area.

Greear got her first taste of endurance horse racing in 2004 when she was “looking for a new goal for myself.” A horseback rider all her life, she read a book about the 100-mile Tevis Cup through the Sierra Nevada Mounts in California and was hooked...

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AERC Hall of Fame Inductees 2007

The American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) award banquet was held March 1 in Reno Nevada. The prestigious 2007 Hall of Fame awards were presented to:

Bill Wilson - Hall of Fame Individual

CH Catch Me If You Can - Hall of Fame Horse (owned by Earl Baxter)

Additional awards went to:

Mike Tracy and Aron Moon Aron Moon+// - 2007 Pard'ners Award

Jerry Fruth - Volunteer Service Award

Earle Baxter & CH Catch Me If You Can - Perfect Ten Award