Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Recreational groups join forces to improve trail safety and enjoyment of public land

American Motorcyclist

April 29,2009

A group of national and state trail advocacy organizations representing equestrian, OHV, and bicycle interests recently completed a collaborative effort to develop a new guide called “Sharing Our Trails – A Guide to Trail Safety and Enjoyment." The guide is intended to be used in a variety of ways such as incorporation in trail brochures, magazine articles and trail education programs of all types.

The purpose of the guide is to improve safety and improve trail satisfaction for all trail enthusiasts on multiple-use trails. To quote the document itself: “In many parts of the country trails are open to and shared by equestrians , OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers. Trail sharing can and does work when people respect each other and work cooperatively to keep each other safe.”

Deb Balliet, CEO of The Equestrian Land Conservation Resource stated: “We all recognize that there are techniques and practices that will keep trail enthusiasts safe and improve the quality of our experiences. This guide represents the efforts of a broad range of trail enthusiasts working together to develop an understanding of each other’s needs and develop a guide that specifically tells trail enthusiasts what steps to take when they meet on the trail."

Jack Terrell, senior project coordinator for the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council said: “Understanding other trail enthusiasts’ needs, particularly when it comes to safety, is critical to minimizing conflicts and maximizing the enjoyment of all trail enthusiasts. This guide goes a long way toward promoting that understanding among everyone on the trail."

Daphne Green, deputy director of the California State Parks OHMVR Division stated: “We are proud to work with the organizations involved in this effort to devise programs and initiatives to minimize user conflicts, increase safety, and enhance enjoyment of our public recreation opportunities."

Lori McCullough, executive director of Tread Lightly!, Inc. said: “The Tread Lightly! ethic has always encouraged respect and courtesy between all trail enthusiasts, but conflicts still occur. This joint effort in educating all recreationists on the best practices for sharing trails shows common ground and collaboration can lead to improved trail experiences for all."

Jim Bedwell, director of Recreation, Heritage and Volunteer Services for the U.S. Forest Service stated: “The groups that came together to produce the guide for sharing trails on our public lands are to be commended for their view of “the big picture. Outdoor recreation provides many benefits to people, communities, and the economy. An attitude of sharing increasingly scarce resources and cooperating safely is paramount to sustaining these benefits.”

Tom Ward, California policy director for the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) said: "This set of guidelines was developed after an extraordinary collaboration between equestrians, mountain bikers, hikers and motorized trail users. It includes suggested rules of etiquette, which provide understanding between users, and will create a safe and enjoyable experience for all. IMBA was pleased to be involved in this effort."

Organizations and agencies involved in the development of the guide include the American Endurance Ride Conference, Americans for Responsible Recreational Access, American Motorcyclist Association, American Trails, Back Country Horsemen of America, BlueRibbon Coalition, California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Equestrian Land Conservation Resource, International Mountain Bike Association, Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, Loomis Basin Horsemen’s Association, Motorcycle Industry Council, National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, Off-Road Business Association, Open Beaches- Trails, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, Tread Lightly!, and United States Forest Service.

The guide follows:


SHARING OUR TRAILS - A GUIDE TO TRAIL SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT

Responsible trail enthusiasts, both motorized and non-motorized, have much in common. They have an appreciation for our public lands and want to enjoy what our public lands have to offer.

In many parts of the country trails are open to and shared by equestrians, OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers. Trail sharing can and does work when people respect each other and work cooperatively to keep each other safe.

While it is important for people to respect each other on the trail, it is important to remember that equestrians are dealing not only with other trail enthusiasts’ personalities, they also are working with horses whose temperaments are as individual as our own. Horses’ natural instincts can influence their behaviors and affect the way they react to circumstances encountered on the trail.

For these reasons, it is important that equestrians know their horses well enough that they are confident that they will be able to control their horses when they encounter other trail enthusiasts who are allowed on the trail.

Conversely, OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers must understand that “equestrian only” trails must be respected for the safety of both the horse and rider. These trails offer the opportunity for horsemen to acclimate their horses to basic trail conditions without encountering “unknown threats” that can trigger the horse’s natural instinct of flight.

When young or inexperienced horses encounter new conditions on the trail like OHVs, bicycles, runners and hikers, and even certain scents, the flight response can end with disastrous results for the horse or rider.

When equestrians on well-trained horses and other responsible trail enthusiasts meet each other on the trail the encounters can be enjoyable social exchanges if the groups understand how to work together to keep the encounters safe.

These basic guidelines will help ensure that meeting on the trail will be a safe and enjoyable experience:

Guidelines for all trail enthusiasts:

Common Courtesy

o Respect all trail restrictions and use only trails open to your mode of transportation.

o Be considerate of others on the road or trail.

o When traveling on shared use trails, continually watch for other types of recreationists.

o Slow down when sight lines are poor.

o Keep speeds low around other recreationists.

o Keep noise and dust down.

o Keep your ears open – no ear buds for an IPod or MP3. Listening to headphones or ear buds can make it difficult to hear and communicate with other recreationists. In some areas it is illegal to operate vehicles or bikes with both ears covered.

o Keep pets under control. Some trails require dogs to be leashed. Be familiar with local rules.


Yielding

o Yield the right of way to those passing you from behind or traveling uphill.

o Motorized vehicles yield to mountain bikes, runners, hikers, and horses.

o Mountain bikes yield to runners, hikers and horses.

o Runners and hikers yield to horses.


Guidelines for equestrians on shared trails:

o Be sure you can control your horse and it has been exposed to other trail recreational uses before riding on shared use trails.

o Cooperate with local OHV and bicycle riders to expose your horse to vehicles in a gradual manner in a safe environment.

o Be alert and aware of the presence of other trail enthusiasts. If possible, pull to the side of the trail when you hear oncoming OHVs or bicycles.

o At trailheads or staging areas, park vehicles and secure stock in a manner that provides a safe distance between the horses and passing traffic.

o Be prepared to let other trail enthusiasts know what needs to be done to keep you, the horse, and other trail enthusiasts safe when you meet on the trail.

o Less experienced horses and riders should ride behind more “trail-wise” horses and riders.

o If you are “ponying” a horse, go slow and never take a loose horse on the trail.


Guidelines for OHV riders when encountering horses on the trail:

o Pull to the side of the trail far enough for horses to pass safely as soon as you see horses.

o Pull to the downhill side of the trail if possible since horses tend to perceive unknown threats on the uphill side as predators.

o Shut off your motor as soon as possible and remove your helmet. The horse will be more likely to recognize you as a human.

o Speak to the oncoming rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone.

o Horsemen may pull to the side of the trail a safe distance if they hear an OHV approaching but this does not necessarily mean it is safe for you to ride by. Stop and wait for instructions from the horseman.

o Ask the horseman how he/she would like to proceed.

o The horseman will know his/her horse and how the horse reacts to other trail enthusiasts.

o The horseman may ask you to stay put and ride past you.

o The horseman may ride to the side of the trail and ask you to ride or push past them.

o If you ride by a horse, keep your rpm’s low and steady and your sound as low as possible. Sudden movements or sounds can startle horses.

o Be alert – be aware and on guard for oncoming traffic.


Guidelines for bicyclists when encountering horses on the trail:

o Pull to the side of the trail far enough for horses to pass safely as soon as you see horses.

o Pull to the downhill side of the trail if possible since horses tend to perceive unknown threats on the uphill side as predators.

o Speak to the oncoming rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone. Remove your helmet if it conceals part of your face. The horse will be more likely to recognize you as a human.

o Horsemen may pull to the side of the trail a safe distance if they hear a bicycle approaching but this does not necessarily mean it is safe for you to ride by. Stop and wait for instructions from the horseman.

o Ask the horseman how he/she would like to proceed.

o The horseman will know his/her horse and how the horse reacts to other trail enthusiasts.

o The horseman may ask you to stay put and ride past you.

o The horseman may ride to the side of the trail and ask you to ride or push past them.

o If you ride by a horse, do so at a slow, steady pace and avoid making any sudden movements or sounds that might startle the horse.

o Be alert – be aware and on guard for oncoming traffic.


Guidelines for other non-motorized recreationists when encountering horses on the trail:

o Hikers and trail runners should always stop and step to the side of the trail when they meet horses on the trail.

o Step to the down-hill side of the trail.

o Speak to the rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone.

o Keep pets under control.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Hoofcare Clinic in Idaho at Owyhee Fandango

A two hour clinic on 'Hoofcare and Application of New Hoof Protections on the Market' will be presented by Global Endurance Training Center at the Owyhee Fandango Ride in Oreana, Idaho.

The clinic will be held on Friday May 22, from 9am - 11am. The clinic is open to everyone, and will include live demonstrations and discussions of the various products on the market which are used in Endurance competitions for both the shod and the barefoot or booted horse.

There will be several product giveaways during the clinic to those in attendance.

Vettec, a major supplier of hoof care products, will be hosting a Wine and Cheese Social Friday evening after the veterinary examination of Saturday's competition horses.

The Owyhee Fandango International is a three day Endurance event being held May 23, 24, 25 in southwest Idaho. The event will offer 25, 50 and 75 mile distances each day, with the premier 100 mile event scheduled for the second day. The 50, 75 and 100 mile distances are dual sanctioned as AERC events, and also as FEI CEI*, CEI** and CEI*** events.

The 100 mile event will also be the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Region IV Championship.

Completion of all three days at the 50/55 mile distance will qualify riders for AERC Pioneer Award points.

More information can be found at www.endurance.net/Fandango/

Owyhee Fandango Sponsors include

(Primary Sponsors)
* Arabian Saddle Company (Rubicon Saddle)
* Endurance.Net


(Supporting Sponsors)
* Aromesse - Health for Horses
* Belesemo Arabians
* Easycare Inc
* Elete Electrolyte Water
* Equiflex USA
* Fleeceworks
* Horse Quencher
* Global Endurance Training Center
* Kerrits
* USANA
* VETTEC Hoof Care
* VESPA - All Natural Amino Acid Supplement

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

USEF: FEI Novice Qualifying period extended

FEI Extends the Transitional Procedures for Novice Qualifying ONLY

The FEI has extended the period in which riders and horses may
become Novice Qualified. The Transitional Procedures, which were
in effect for 2007 and 2008 have been extended until September 30
2009. Through September 30 of 2009 the following is required to
become eligible to enter a CEI 1* (80km) Endurance Competition:

National (Novice) Qualification

Riders and Horses who have already successfully completed at
least 3 National events within 2007 and 2008 and up to the 30th
September 2009 at distances up to and including 90km (for the
USA, all AERC Competitions of any distance at any speed) (not
subject to time restrictions) will not need to re qualify prior
to competing within FEI competitions. NFs when entering such
riders and horses into FEI competitions must satisfy themselves
that such is the case (art 816.1)

Article 816.1.1.1 and 816.1.1.2 of the FEI Rules for Endurance
Events, 7th edition will not be in effect until October 1, 2009

Vonita Bowers
Director of Endurance and Reining Activities
The United States Equestrian Federation

2009 Tom Quilty Gala Fundraising Dinner

The Victorian Tom Quilty Gold Cup Committee are holding a gala dinner to raise funds for the 2009 Tom Quilty Endurance ride scheduled for September at Tonimbuk, Victoria.

Event Director, Lissy Verity assures everyone who comes along a great night of dining and entertainment with guest speaker Meg Wade, a live band and a host of items up for auction. "It’s an important event on our calendar not only to raise funds to help run the event but to also showcase a little of what the area has to offer," she says.

Date: Saturday 11 July, 2009, 7.00 p.m. ‘til midnight.

Venue: Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham (Mel Ref 215 H5)

Cost: $90.00 per person (includes 2 course meal plus beer and wine)

For more information or to purchase tickets contact Sue Cousins Ph (03) 56292530

Monday, April 13, 2009

Karen's Musings & Endurance Ride Stuff

This ride has been going on since 1975 and is quite possibly the oldest ride in the Mountain Region of AERC. I had a fantastic time and the weather was really nice during the entire event. My horses also did very well though Bo started to develop scratches on his three feet that have white hair - not bad and not enough to make him lame but it is something I need to watch with him.

We finished 17th today out of 37 on the 50. Got up to 76 degrees and was beautiful, we had a really nice ride. I took lots of photos and will post them as soon as I can. Dave Rabe and I drove about 120 miles and are staying at a place in the middle of nowhere that has a rodeo grounds before making the even longer trip home tomorrow.

It is always a joy to get to see Marian, Stacy, Kelly and their family at this ride. Nice people! Also got to see and visit with the Duck and Annie plus a lot of riders who are all looking good. It’s so good to get to see people that you only see a couple of times a year when ride season starts going again.

Linda Fisher’s granddaughter riding the pony in the LD was priceless! Check endurance.net for more photos from Steve Bradley. He hasn’t uploaded them all to smugmug yet but when he does I’ll post the link. I have so many photos to share of the trail - this ride gets it’s name deservedly so - what awesome colors and scenery we get to ride through!

This ride is a difficult one for the horses. Lots of motorcycle woops plus plenty of hardpacked and rocky trails. Deep sand too. Bo learned how to go over the trippy-rocks gracefully and between this and the NASTR ride last weekend is a pro at the motorcycle woops!

I had an overall perfect ride. Especially where my hoof boots are concerned - all of the glue-ons I used stayed on 100% but it is the strap ons that really blow me away. I am totally impressed with how well they worked and how clean they came off of Chief. I can see why there is such a following for these boots and why so may others are joining in. There have been a lot of improvements in them even since I started using them.

Will write more after I get caught up and can process my photos. So far the trip home is going well. Bo rested for four hours before I hauled him 120 miles and is going to get to rest overnght before going the rest of the way tomorrow.

I am rethinking taking Bo on High Desert next weekend. I don’t want to do too much with him and he has done two days here plus a day at NASTR a week ago, which was a difficult ride. He is so strong now that I just worry about doing too much on him. I may still ride Chief a day at the ride next weekend. I don’t know I’m just thinking aloud. Hmmmmmm…..


[...more]

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Day 1 at Color Country

EnduranceRideStuff.com
Karen Chaton
April 10

The weather has been holding out for us and has been really just perfect. I finished around 4:30 this afternoon on Bo. He did pretty well today and I rode most of the day with Kerry and Dave. Kerry had me work with Bo and get him to walk (versus jig) — he was doing really well and now I need to keep with it and not allow him to get away with jigging. He has a really nice walk, Kerry said she’s gps’d it at 5.5. That is as fast as Chief can walk! I remember how fast he has walked with me on previous rides so I knew he had a really fast walk, I just never knew until today that he could go as fast as 5 mph. He is a rein-swinger, when he gets going in that super fast marching type walk the reins and his neck swing back and forth. I think he needed to get that rhythym going and I had been holding him up. So today was a pretty good day.

[...more]

Hoof Boots at the Git R Done endurance event

From The Horse's Mouth
Garrett Ford
April 10

I went over to the Git R Done endurance event to help some riders install Easyboot Glue On hoof boots.

Tennessee Mahoney and I spent some time installing glue on boots to Pearl's front and back feet. Pearl has some awesome barefoot feet and isn't new to hoof boots. Tennessee and Pearl have been one of the leading barefoot/booted endurance teams over the last couple years. Depending on the footing Pearl goes with or without boots and has received Best Condition totally barefoot on more than one occasion.

Tennessee worked Pearl in the round pen after we installed boots and I had the opportunity to see her move around. She's one of those horses who moves effortlessly and has no wasted energy. Nice, nice horse.

[...more]

Tuesday, April 07, 2009

EasyCare Hoof Boot Demos in April and May

From The Horse's Mouth

April
EasyCare will be doing a hoof boot demo at the Color Country Pioneer and the Git R Done endurance events this coming weekend.

Garrett Ford of EasyCare will be at the Git R Done (April 11) endurance event in Inyokern, California. Christoph Schork of Global Endurance will be attending the Color Country Pioneer event (April 11-14).

The Git R Done demo will be held Thursday late afternoon and will show how to prep and glue four Easyboot Glue-On boots. Garrett will also show how to properly size the new boot range with the EasyCare “Fit Kit”. Christoph will demo boots, glue-on techniques and help with any fitting questions.

May
Christoph Schork will be hosting a Hoofcare Clinic on May 22 at the Owyhee Fandango ride in Oreana, Idaho. The clinic which is titled Hoofcare and Application of New Hoof Protections on the Market, will be held Friday morning, 9am - 11am.

More info on EasyCare's new boot line can be found at www.hoofbootnews.com

Monday, April 06, 2009

Tack shop owner shares love of riding

Oregon Mail Tribune
photo: Candace Kahn is the owner of Action Rider Tack an internet and soon to be retail site for equestrian supplies. Bob Pennell / Mail Tribune photoBob Pennell
By Greg Stiles
Mail Tribune

Editor's note: This is one in a weekly series of profiles on locally owned and operated businesses in Southern Oregon.

What do you do and how long have you been doing it? I sell tack for the endurance and trail rider. I have been doing that since 2004.

[Action Rider Tack
Owner: Candy Kahn
Web site: www.actionridertack.com]

How long have you lived in the Rogue Valley? I've been here for nine years. We moved here from San Diego. I'm originally from Long Island, N.Y.

What inspired you to go into this line of work? Back in 2003, I took my horses barefoot and thought that was best for them. At the time there was no one in the valley doing a barefoot trim. So I had to learn to trim myself. I took classes and became a certified barefoot trimmer. In 2004, EasyCare came out with the Boa Horse Boots and this enabled me to better compete in endurance riding. I convinced them to let me sell their boots. My interest is in selling products that enhance the horse's comfort and performance.

What decision or action would you change if you could do it again? I would probably have moved into Medford earlier. I started at my ranch in Jacksonville. People didn't find me, and it makes it easier for deliveries, shipments — because we ship worldwide — and employees. It's more accessible now and people come and take a look.

What's the toughest business decision you've made? When I had to lay someone off because of the economic downturn. That was very difficult. Horse people usually spend money on their horses but they do cut back on spending, and we have seen that.

Who are your competitors? My competitors are actually not in this area. They're other businesses that sell endurance and trail tack, and that's mostly on the Internet. I don't compete with Big R, Horse Blanket, Western or Gid-De-Up Barkins Boutique in Phoenix. They're more English, hunter jumper and dressage. Our products are more unique to endurance and trail riders. We specialize in treeless saddles.

What are your goals? I want to continue to be a healthy company so we can continue to help horses and riders find a better partnership. I go to nine to 11 trade shows every year in Ohio, California, Massachusetts and Arizona. I go to Spoga Horse, an international trade fair for equestrian sports show, in Cologne, Germany. It's the largest trade show in Europe. I go there to see if there are more products to bring into the U.S. Right now, I import treeless saddles from Italy and Germany. The treeless and boot industry has grown and there are other distributors in foreign countries. There's enough business in the U.S., but if I can help someone in foreign country, I'm there.

What training or education did you need? I'm a horse-massage therapist, a certified barefoot trimmer and I've been riding since the 1970s. I've competed in endurance and trail riding since the 1970s. I've learned from clinicians and read and researched.

What's your advice for budding entrepreneurs? Know what direction you want to go in. What's really important is to have a plan and stick to that plan. It's so easy to get wrapped up and take on more than you can handle. I was really careful when I started; the core of my business started out with the boots. I built it slowly over the past five years.

[...more]

Sunday, April 05, 2009

Cathy Rohm: A thing for the ponies

SF Gate - San Francisco Chronicle
Sam Whiting
Sunday, April 5, 2009

Cathy Rohm is a legal assistant who likes to get out and ride. Thirty or 40 miles will do for Rohm, who is 59 and lives in Greenwood (El Dorado County).

Why: Endurance riding involves beautiful trails where, for the most part, there's no one else but you and your horse for miles and miles and miles. If you're a horse lover, there is absolutely no better way to "become one" with your horse.

Greatest accomplishment: Winning the Tevis Cup (100-Miles-One-Day Trail Ride) in 2005. It's the world's oldest and toughest endurance ride, going from Tahoe to Auburn. We start at 5:15 a.m., and the first rider comes into Auburn around midnight, or a bit before.

Gear you can't live without: My purebred Arabian gelding, Sicily 1A. He'll be 16 on Tevis day, Aug. 1. They take good care of themselves and are catlike when negotiating the narrow, steep trails on which we ride.

Where you train: The single-track trails of the American River Canyon, sometimes trailering to Foresthill, Michigan Bluff or Auburn for a ride home.

Time you get up in the morning: 5:30 a.m.

Best time to train: Whenever you have at least two hours to dedicate to riding, and this includes time grooming and tacking your horse.

Most annoying thing people assume about athletes in your sport: That we're somehow "cruel" to our horses, riding them for hours at a stretch. With mandatory, thorough vet checks at even the shortest rides, the horses are extremely well monitored, and we spend tons of money on supplements and feed.

Advice you'd give a rookie: Get a mentor and begin with limited-distance rides, which are 25 to 30 miles, and move up in distance (50s and 100s) only when you and your horse are ready.

[...more]

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Saddle Pads and Saddle Fitting - A review of Thinline Pads

Cordia Pearson
Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter
www.saddlefitter.com

When ThinLIne asked me to test their product, I did so with no preconceived notions.

For three weeks, I rode two of our Morgan stallions, both with correctly fitted saddles. One day with the ThinLine, the next without. Every time the ThinLine was on board, my boys’ gaits swung more, their backs were consistently up and my aids were more thoughts than actions.

These are some of the conditions that can be addressed with ThinLine pads:

Young horses: With their growth so unpredictable, we protect a developing back while keeping the young horse’s saddle balanced with the Cotton Comfort and Sheepskin Comfort pads (using the appropriate shims.) No more changing the flocking of the saddle every few months. No more unbalanced saddles (low in front) driving the points into the growing horse’s back. And it saves money!

Rehab horses: Pictured here is one of my favorite 2008 rehab story, an Eventing Thoroughbred. When I first me Navarre, he was in a gorgeous saddle sadly two tree sizes too small. He had severe muscle wastage under the saddle points and his back was very sore to palpation. We got him fitted with the correct width of saddle and added the ThinLIne Sheepskin Half Pad. Two days later, he was at Trott Brook, our largest Event in MN. He placed fifth in a large field with Sieren Peterson on board. But even more gratifying, a month later when I rechecked him and his new saddle, Navarre’s back was not only healed, but turning into a gorgeous field of new muscle. Photo by Schock Photograpy.

New riders or riders in the process of losing weight: In both cases, with the use of the ThinLine pad, 95% of recoil is diverted from the horse’s back. I try to get all my school horses outfitted with the 202 ThinLine pad for just this reason.

Riders with back problems: The Ultra ThinLIne offers the rider same recoil removing qualities as the ThinLine does for the horse.

Saddles on round horses: Lateral stability is everything in the horse’s back growth and the rider’s security. Even with appropriately shaped trees, give the round backed horses and ThinLine pad and girth and the saddle stops rolling.

ThinLine Pads are a gift to horses, riders and saddle fitters!

Monday, March 30, 2009

Top Riders Win with Easyboot Gloves and Glue-Ons

EquestrianMag.com
Equestrian News Release

Impressive results continue to roll in for Easyboot hoof boot products in endurance competitions around the world.

Australia. Carol Layton and Sqiggle finished first in the lightweight division and won Best Condition at the Kiwarrak endurance ride March 21. "Many in the peanut gallery at the workout for all the division horses were heard to say that they felt that Sqiggle had the best movement of the lot," said Carol. Carol and Sqiggle used Easyboot Gloves during the event.

USA. Heather Reynolds and her mare “Gem” won their 5th consecutive event with first place finishes all three days at the Cuyama Oaks Pioneer. Gem also received overall Best Condition for the event. Gem recently was 1st place and Best Condition at the Twenty Mule Team 65 and the Shine and Shine Only 50. Heather and Gem have been racing in both the Easyboot Glue-On and Easyboot Glove.

“The boots have worked out really great.” said Heather. “Twenty Mule Team was a really sandy ride. We took the boots off right afterwards and there wasn’t any sand in the boots. We were really amazed.” Heather has an impressive American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) record of over 14,000 miles.

Chris Martin’s horse, Monk, finished the Twenty Mule Team Ride 4th in Easyboot Glue-On’s with Lindsay Graham of Napa, CA up. Dave Rabe finished a respectable 12th on his Arab gelding, Tigger.

Vettec Adhere is used to apply Easyboot Glue-Ons. Easyboot Gloves and Glue-Ons were just released in January.

EasyCare, Inc. has been a leader in the hoof boot industry for years, beginning with the invention of the Easyboot back in the early 70's. Since then, the need for boots has grown tremendously as more and more horse owners see the healthy advantages of pulling shoes and switching to natural hoof care.

[...more]

Thursday, March 26, 2009

VVMarchMaddness TrackLogs Look Like A Horse!!




Flora Hillman's 525 Mile Very Virtual Track Logs are taking on the outline of a horse. I wonder what that might imply? 5 Days are left in the race with 5448 Total miles logged by 64 Very Virtual Riders!

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

New Zealand: Sophie a natural in the saddle

Moruya.yourguide.com.au


BY JOSH GIDNEY
25/03/2009

Benandarah endurance rider Sophie Counsell has plenty of good form on her side as she prepares for the NSW State Enduro Championships in the Boyne and Benendarah State Forests on July 19.

For more local news and photos grab a copy of the Bay Post or Moruya Examiner.

The 15-year-old St Peter’s Anglican College student was the fourth-placed junior rider in the pointscore for the 2008 Enduro Series and first of all the South Coast riders.

She was the first placed junior rider with the best managed horse at the South Coast Championships at Nowra, where she and her horse covered 100km.

Endurance rides involve minimum distances of 80km over difficult bushy terrain such as goat trails and fire trails.

Counsell will compete in the NSW State Championships at Oberon next weekend

As her successes show, Counsell is a natural on a horse, and recently completed her three trick riding course under instructor Heath Harris, who trained riders for films such as the Man From Snowy River and Phar Lap.

In this she has learnt to preform such manoeuvres such as riding while hanging under the horse.

Trail Riding Club looking for volunteers for national champs

Times-age.co.nz

25.03.2009

The Wairarapa Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding Club are looking for volunteer workers to help with the running of the national championships at Whareama over Easter weekend.

A late decision to host the event after other North Island clubs declined has left the Wairarapa club little time to find the number of people required to assist with organisation.

But spokesperson Jenny Champion is hoping a committee meeting at the Masterton Cosmopolitan Club starting at 7.30pm next Tuesday evening will solve their problems in that respect.

"We are inviting anybody who can help out to come along and we'd like to think we'll get enough support to do the trick," she said.

"There are all sorts of jobs to be done over the three days so we won't be turning anybody down."

Champion is expecting about 150 riders from all over the country to participate in the national championships which will see competitions held over distances of 160km, 120km, 104km, 80km and 40km between April 10 and 12.

And she herself will be centre stage as she looks to defend the 160km title she won at Kurow last year and, before that, at Hawerden in 2006.

On both occasions Champion, from Eketahuna was aboard her now 14-year-old mare Freckles and the partnership will continue at Whareama.

While "more than happy" with Freckles' current fitness and mindset Champion is, however, aware that a hat-trick of national titles won't happen unless she is 100 per cent on the day, and even then the expected high quality of the opposition could see her relegated to a minor placing.

"You can taken nothing for granted over 160kms, everything can be fine when you start off and then turn to custard" she said.

"It's very much down to the day, you can never be too confident".

Champion does believe though that the Whareama course, which will mainly be flat in nature and will involve up to seven different farming properties, will suit Freckles because she is small in size and therefore light on her feet. "She handles the hills OK but the flat is more her go," she said.

Start time for the 160km event is 1am and the participants will be guided through the darkness by fluorescent markers and they will also be aided by the wearing by head lamps.

Champion is not the only Wairarapa rider expected to fare prominently over the 160kms with her partner Shane Dougan, Sheree Brown and Deirdre Bartlett all having good prospects as well.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Great Britain: The Pony Club Endurance Enjoys Fantastic Launch

Horsemart.co.uk

23 March 2009

The Pony Club launched Endurance riding, as an official Pony Club discipline, on March 22nd in Milton Keynes Campbell Park courtesy of the Milton Keynes Parks Trust. The Park, along with some lovely weather, proved a perfect setting with its mix open countryside and special features; although the concrete cows proved slightly less popular with some of the equines in attendance!

The competition had a full entry of over 50 competitors, with Pony Club Members taking part in four, 10, 23, 27 and 37km Endurance rides running throughout the day. The launch was kindly run and hosted by the local Whaddon Chase Pony Club Branch, who ran a seamless competition with some special touches that included a very artistic cake to celebrate both The Pony Clubs 80th Anniversary and the Endurance launch.

Pony Club Endurance is generously supported by new sponsor Carr & Day & Martin and Nicola Slater, Technical Advisor for Carr & Day & Martin, was on hand throughout the day supplying riders with goody bags and the winners with some very smart polo shirts too!

Cherry Michell, Chairman of The Pony Club, was delighted with the launch and commented that “Coming here today has only cemented my feeling that Endurance being a part of The Pony Club is the right decision. We have riders and ponies of all abilities, having a brilliant time and getting out in the countryside, which can only be a good thing”.

It is planned that Pony Club Endurance events will be run around the country in 2009, culminating in the Pony Club Endurance Championship on September 20th at The College EC, Bedfordshire.

For further details about Pony Club Endurance, or Pony Club Tests, activities and Membership see the website www.pcuk.org or contact 02476 698300

Friday, March 20, 2009

ApHC Names "Horse of the Year" Recipients for Trail and Distance Equestrian News Release MOSCOW, Idaho—The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) Trail and Dist

Equestrianmag.com

Equestrian News Release
MOSCOW, Idaho—The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) Trail and Distance Department is proud to announce the 2008 recipients of the “Horse of the Year” awards. Congratulations to Fourmile’s Kuna and RR Roman Scooter.

To earn the prestigious “Horse of the Year” awards for Trail and Distance, eligible ApHC-registered Appaloosas must complete a minimum of 350 miles in ApHC-approved competitive or endurance trail rides.

Fourmile’s Kuna earned the 2008 Year-end High-mileage Endurance Appaloosa Award and the 2008 Year-end High-mileage Appaloosa of the Year Award. He competed in 10 competitive and endurance trail rides for a total 770 miles after earning double miles, which are awarded to “Best Condition” and “High-point” winners. The 1995 gelding also earned a 350-mile bronze medallion for 2008. Fourmile’s Kuna is proudly owned by Lisa Delp of Westminister, Md.

RR Roman Scooter was honored with the 2008 Year-end High-mileage Competitive Trail Ride Appaloosa Award. The 2001 stallion earned the award by competing in 15 competitive trail rides, and completed 495 miles. He also earned a 350-mile bronze medallion and the 2008 1,000-mile award, which is awarded to an Appaloosa for each 1,000 miles that it completes. RR Roman Scooter is proudly owned by Barbara Gardner of Oakfield, Wis.

These awards will be presented to the Appaloosas’ owners at the 2008 Year-end Open/Non-pro Banquet held in conjunction with the 62nd National Appaloosa Show/2009 World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show in Jackson, Miss., June 22-July 4, 2009.

To learn more about the ApHC Trail and Distance Program, please call (208) 882-5578 ext. 221; trailrides@appaloosa.com or visit http://www.appaloosa.com.
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) was established in 1938, with a mission of preserving, promoting and enhancing the Appaloosa breed. The ApHC has since registered more than 670,000 Appaloosas, which are known for their distinctive color, intelligence and even temperament. True to their reputation as an extremely versatile breed, Appaloosas can be found in nearly every discipline including racing, endurance riding and serving as reliable family horses. The International breed registry is headquartered in Moscow, Idaho, the heart of the Palouse region—the Appaloosa breed’s namesake and point of origin.

[...more]

Monday, March 16, 2009

Pan American Championship: Entry deadline extended

Memorandum
To: Endurance Athletes
From: USEF Endurance Department
Date: 3/16/2009

Re:Extension of the Application Period for the Pan American Endurance Championship Team

Extended deadline for applications for the Pan Am Endurance Team is March 20th, 2009
Athletes wishing to apply for the Pan American Endurance Team now have until Thursday, March 19. Athletes who have already applied can nominate additional horses on or before March 20. All applications and horse nominations must be faxed or hand delivered on or before March 20, 2009, and must include an application fee of $50 per rider, and a nomination fee of $50 per horse. Applications that are not in hand by 5:00pm Eastern Time on March 20, 2009 cannot be accepted. A copy of the Pan American Endurance Team Selection procedures including the application can be found on the USEF website www.usef.org, or may be obtained by calling or emailing Vonita Bowers, Endurance Director, vbowers@usef.org (859) 825-6001

Friday, March 13, 2009

France CEN and FEI Star Qualification developments

Portail Endurance - Original posting in French

(the following is a translation from French to English using Google translation tools:)

Some words to keep you informed of developments in the transitional post-meeting held in the FFE and Deauville in early March.

The meeting organized by Dominique Faye in the presence of Ian Williams, at the FFE has achieved equivalency between CEN 2008 and IEC 2009. To be more clear, and knowing that the riders' skills are acquired in life, we obtained that:
- The qualifications in 2008, for CEN over distances ranging from 90 km to 109 km speed free, are now equivalent to the qualifications of the course said "novice" as defined in Regulation transitoire2009. This equivalence can participate in organized CEI1 * this year.
However this provision is very little English: indeed, when they qualify Amateur or Pro 1 GP (90 km free speed) the French riders have participated in at least three tests at imposed speed, one of them is an ordeal Amateur or Pro 1 (90 km speed required). However, these conditions alone are already sufficient for a CEI1 *, as the transitional 2009.
- The skills practiced in 2008 on CEN to a distance of 110 km or more, free speed, become equivalent to a qualification test on a CEI1 * Transitional Regulation 2009 and to participate in competitions CEI2 * this year.
In summary a qualification on a CEN2 * or * CEN3, acquired in 2007 or 2008, will participate in a CEI2 * in 2009.

In Deauville, on 9 and 10 March, ahead of the 40 representatives of Nations Group 1 and 2 of the FEI, in the presence of Alex McLin, Secretary General of the FEI and David Holmes, Director of Sports of the FEI, I held a conference on the challenges of the new FEI rules and the transitional 2009. I highlighted the difficulties created by the application of transitional rules for particular qualifications.
Some points in this transitional place indeed at odds with many European countries, especially those who manage their tour officially endurance within the federation through a system of progressive qualifications.
If the recognition and the level of equivalence of CEN 2008 and IEC 2009 have reached a consensus, as was the case during the previous meeting in the FFE, it has not been the same for the recognition of equivalence tests CEI2 * 119 km of 2008 with tests CEI2 * 2009. If one refers to the settlement therefore transitional as it exists, it is necessary for horses qualified CEI2 * two years to qualify at the same level in 2009.

It should be noted that apart from France and brilliant Dominique Faye, and apart from Belgium and the clear and powerful of its secretary general, no representative of the countries concerned by the negative effects of regulation on transitional 'career development of horses and riders during qualifying, took part in the debate.

The presidents of the two groups eventually joined forces to request that the complaint stated by the speakers, and tacitly approved by all, can find a favorable outcome, but fails to the credibility of the FEI. David Holmes is then intervened to explain that it was difficult to change the rules at this stage. The President of the Group 2 spokesman groups involved, concluded by proposing to put this issue on the agenda of the next FEI office provided at the end of March to find a solution, in the interest.

I hope this brought to your knowledge have the merit to shed light on the current situation and you will wait in the stillness of the findings of the FEI office at the end of this month.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

New push for rare Shagya horse breed

March 13, 2009
by Donna Coss

Shagya Registry Website

photo: Becky Osborne on Sunami (Bold Bravo x Shoni x *Shandor) . ASAV newsletter

A new breeding promotion for the Shagya Arabian horse breed in the US is aiming to increase awareness in the breed.

The American Shagya Arabian Verband is giving owners the chance to breed their mares for a stud fee of $200. There are only about 150 of the breed in the US, and 1500 in the world.

A famous descendent of the Shagya is the "stallion of the century", Ramzes, who was by a thoroughbred sire and from a Shagya mare. He began the "R" line prominent in dressage and grand prix jumping family lines. ASAV has a registry book that records the Anglo-Shagya cross.

The Arabian-based Shagya breed has been around for more then 200 years, with a certain type being bred for and ruthless culling to set its traits. Breeders say the Shagya's temperament and mind are second to none.

In Europe Shagya blood it is highly prized, and many Shagya stallions can be found in the warmblood studbooks. It is one of the recognised breeds used in Trakehner breeding. "They can add refinement without loss of bone and substance and superior horses in the first generation. They are not supposed to resemble purebred Arabians, although nothing, but Arabian, is allowed in the studbook. Instead the old horse masters selected for superior riding qualities and temperament," the ASAV says.

"The modified Baroque conformation crosses well with all breeds and improves hip and shouder angles, legs and feet and a soft back that is easy to sit. Typically one can expect taller foals with more bone and substance."

The goal of an ideal cavalry horse was the orginal purpose for the breed's existence. This has been accomplished and resulted in a potent and desirable animal. The breed has been discovered by the endurance people and many purebreds and cross-breds are competing at the FEI level and have won international races.

One cross that is producing division winners in the hunter ring is the Shagya stallion crossed with Thoroughbred mares. The foals are tall, with improved conformation, better feet and legs, and all of the flight reaction of the Throughbred is replaced with a lovely prospect, perfect for jumping, combined training and many other disciplines.

www.shagyaregistry.com

Great Britain: Tested staying power



Midweekherald.co.uk

lee.glanville@archant.co.uk
11 March 2009

Riding on Dartmoor, particularly the colder northern side, can often be a daunting prospect, especially at the end of February. Despite a thick mist and chilly drizzle 30 endurance riders set off from Okehampton camp for a 14 mile training ride.

Due to the fog they had to ride from marker flag to marker flag.

Fortunately for the horses and their riders, the cloud began to lift as they rode down the steep hill to Meldon reservoir and by the time they had dismounted to cross the dam on foot and were heading along the bridleway towards Sourton Down, the visibility improved. By the time, the last riders had reached Higher Nodden, the last of the cloud had lifted.

Despite the conditions, all the riders competed the 14 mile route, including several new members.

One of these was Val Jones from Feniton, near Honiton, riding her ex-racehorse mare, Flying Artist pictured below.

The first competitive endurance ride of the season in the south west will be the Wadebridge Ride on Sunday, March 22, which includes a 20 mile Pleasure Ride.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

A rough rider for fine horses

Idaho Mountain Express and Guide

By DENNIS HIGMAN

Valley People

Allah reached up, blew in his hand and out came the Arabian horse, his gift to the faithful: "Drinkers of the Wind, Swallowers of the Earth, Light as a Feather Blowing Across the Land." So the legend goes.

Robert Bouttier, known by his friend and neighbors as "Archie," a buff, wind-burned, enthusiastic man who loves to ski as much as ride, breeds these legendary horses, races them on the track and rides them in endurance contests all across the West.

Many of his horses have won national honors. They include French Kiss, Colorado Race Horse of the Year, and Zabkin, National Endurance Point Champion, who logged over 1,400 miles in one year and won several 100-mile races.

At last count Archie had 57 Arabians on his 85-acre ranch, called Drinkers of the Wind, on Broadford Road in Bellevue, along with three dogs and four cats. Archie is a romantic, at least as far as animals are concerned. He still has his old polo pony, Rose Real Matuse, now 35, which he used to ride at the Broadford Polo Club, which he co-founded after moving to the Wood River Valley in 1973. And he still has his old white Pyrenees, Big Molly, which he got to protect his cats from predators.

"I had a white cat at the time and I'd look out the window and see that cat trying to stalk mice with the big dog right behind her just doing his job, but scaring all the mice off," he laughs. "She was really annoyed. All my dogs and cats get along, though—they're old pals."

Archie was raised in Manhattan Beach, Calif. His father, who was in flight training at the time, died of spinal meningitis four days before Archie was born in the waning days of World War II. His grandfather, a cowboy from Colorado, worked at Paramount Studios in Hollywood.

Archie graduated from Long Beach State, eventually became a pilot and, at age 26, went to work for United Airlines as a flight engineer. "I had nightmares about going to work in an office, so when a friend of mine painted this wonderful picture of making a quarter million a year flying with lots of time off, I went for it."
Click here to come visit us

Although he worked his way up to senior co-pilot on international runs before he retired early in 2003, he was furloughed along with 500 others during the recession of 1971. It was at that time that he moved to the Wood River Valley, started to buy property on Broadford Road and got his first Arabian.

There are a variety of Arabian horses, and he breeds and raises Polish Arabians, descendents of Polish cavalry horses that were the finest in Europe for 200 years. "You know, most people think of Arabians now as expensive show horses, but that's an unfair categorization. They're really a great all-around horse, and although they have sturdy feet and a heart as big as a thoroughbred, they have less body weight so, like the legend says, 'they move light across the ground.'"

Polish Arabians, Archie explains, also have a wonderful temperament. They're easy to get along with; they're not high strung. They are also very athletic. He races them on the California Fair Circuit and in Colorado. Horse racing is generally in decline, he explains, but endurance riding, in which a horse might run 25 miles a day in the novice class and up to 100 miles as a veteran, is growing in popularity.

This combination of track racing and endurance riding gives Archie a way to live by an ethic he has about all animals: You don't abandon them if things don't work out. "Look, over 90 percent of thoroughbreds that are bred to race never make it to the track. Most of those that don't make it are just discarded. I'm not going to do that.

"If I have a horse that likes to run on the track, that's where I take them. And if they get tired of it or just don't take to it, we go on the endurance circuit. Then either way, I've got a stable of great horses."

In the West, there's still a good market for a well-trained family horse, he notes, and he's got plenty of those. But he also sells his Arabians all over the world. "I recently sold an endurance champion to a buyer in the Middle East, so one of my 'Drinkers of the Wind' went back to where it all began. Isn't that something?"

Unlike many horse breeders, Archie is a one-man show. He gets help when he needs it, but for the most part grows his own hay, builds his own fences and foals his own colts. He has foaling stalls where he can sleep on a raised platform next to the mares that are about to give birth. "That way I'll always be there when they need me," he explains.

Robert Boullier is there for all his horses, whether they're young, old or sick, get hurt or just didn't work out as champions. "I feel about horses the same way I feel about dogs and cats. It doesn't matter what color they are or whether they're big or small or pretty or ugly—they're all great to have around as far as I'm concerned."

full article

Old Pueblo Results and Glue-On Hoof Boot Demo


From The Horse's Mouth:
Behind the scene development of hoof boots and the latest Hoof Boot News


Easyboot results at the Old Pueblo Pioneer were great. Here is a short list of people that were using EasyCare hoof boot products. This is by memory so it may be off a place or two.

1. 50 mile event day #1
2nd Place Christoph Schork
Best Condition Christoph Schork
10th place Dian Woodward

2. 50 mile event day #2
1st Place Christoph Schork
6th Place Garrett Ford

3. 50 mile event day #3
1st Place Christoph Schork
2nd Place Kevin Waters
Best Condition Kevin Waters
7th place Amy Ford (yes that's my mom)
8th place Dian Woodward
High teens Garrett Ford
High teens Debbie Schweibert

In addition to the riders listed above I saw lots of Easyboots, Easyboot Epics and some of the new Easyboot Gloves used by riders on the trail.

On top of the results above we had a great Easyboot Hoof Boot Demo. Christoph Schork and I did the demo in a nasty wind storm that blew dust and dirt. Thanks for everyone that attended and brought horses for us to demo on. Christoph, thank you for your help.

Full blog

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Farewell to Dream Weaver

Karen's farewell
Farewell to my beautiful chestnut gelding, Dream Weaver

Dream Weaver 03/17/90 - 03/01/09

Dream Weaver was my first real horse and we had a lot of special times together. First horses are always special, aren’t they?

For the last few years Weaver has been living in South Dakota with Barney and Linda Fleming, getting to be a horse and enjoying the good life – no real work, just play.

I was so happy last year that I got to go to South Dakota and visit and ride Weaver for a few days. We had a great time and he was just as he always was – you could get on him and expect him to behave like a good boy. I was so looking forward to going and visiting with Weaver and getting to ride him at the upcoming endurance clinic that Barney is putting on in a few weeks. But, it wasn’t to be.

I knew when Barney called that something was wrong. He said that Weaver had not come in to feed at 5:30 a.m. that morning. Weaver was looking good at dinner the evening before. Barney found Weaver passed on with no signs of a struggle or anything wrong and nothing was broken so it appeared that he had a quick and painless death. Weaver would have been 19 in a couple more weeks. Barney said that he buried Weaver with an XP shirt. I’m sure he knows what that was and is somewhere galloping and kicking up his heals going down a historic trail in heaven, stopping of course to eat as that was his second favorite thing in the world to do!

dream_weaver_endurance_horse Farewell to my beautiful chestnut gelding, Dream WeaverI got Weaver when he was three years old, a beautiful chestnut (mostly CMK breeding) gelding for $500. He was unbroken and had grown up living in a pasture with a herd of horses. He was such a sweet natured and uncomplicated horse that I had no trouble at all training him. We did everything together and even as a four and five year old he had the maturity of a horse several years older. I could trust him in any situation. We chased cattle, we went to playdays and I showed him.

[...more]

Friday, February 27, 2009

FEI 2009 rules: Mandatory rest period clarification

Please note the FEI Rule Clarification Below

FEI Rule 815.3 states:

Mandatory Rest for Horses:
815.3.1 After competing in a CEI events, a horse must be given a mandatory minimum rest period, as defined, before it is again eligible to participate in a FEI competition:

Distance completed 0 – 80 km 13 days rest
81 and above 20 days rest
815.3.2 If a horse is eliminated for metabolic reasons which require immediate invasive treatment at any CEI event, it must be given a mandatory minimum rest of 60 days before it is again eligible to participate in a CEI event.

815.3.3 If a horse is eliminated for metabolic reasons which require immediate invasive treatment at any 2 consecutive CEI events or twice within any 3 month period, it must be given a mandatory rest period of 90 days before it is again eligible to participate in a CEI event.

815.3.4 The FEI Technical Committee may decide to create a supplementary schedule for additional rest requirements for horses who suffer consistent metabolic elimination problems over time in consultation with the FEI Veterinary Committee.

Clarification:
Mandatory rest periods are based upon the actual miles completed at a competition.

Example 1

A rider completes a 160km competition: the rest period is 20 days between, and not including the starting date of the 160km and the starting date of the next competition the horse may enter.

Example 2

A rider enters a 160km and retires or is eliminated at 70km. The rest period is 13 days between and not including the start of the 160km and the starting date of the next competition the horse may enter.

Example 3

A rider enters a 120km competition and retires or is eliminated at 85km. The rest period is 20 days.

If you have questions regarding this rule contact Vonita Bowers

Vonita Bowers
Endurance Director
The United States Equestrian Federation
4047 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, Ky 40511
Direct # (859) 825-6001
Main Line (859)258-2472
Fax # (859)231-6662
vbowers@usef.org

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Respected Equestrian, Musician Honored Wednesday

Baltimore - WJZ.com
Feb 25, 2009 4:54 pm US/Eastern

At the Reginald Lewis Black History Museum, a ceremony was held to honor eight Marylanders who have made significant contributions to African American culture. In the arts, the award is going to a singer, poet, producer, activist and internationally respected equestrian--Jean Albert Renaud, known as "Jar."

His voice has carried Jar from the projects of east Baltimore to fame with Motown records. He opened for the Jackson Five. You name the Motown legend and he toured with them. He was a star and, like all stars, began to burn out.

"You kinda get lost because you make a lot of money fast--sex, drugs and rock and roll, and you get caught up in that and I got caught up in it," he said.

At his lowest, he returned to Baltimore and his first love, horses.

"In the end, the horse saved my life," he said. "I had something to turn to when I lost myself."

That was 25 years ago. Since then, Jar has become a recognized trainer.

"It's a dance," he said.

He rides stallions, stallions he's used to create a new breed of horse, "mowalkerab." They're bred for endurance riding.

Two years ago, when Jar was 65 years old, he rode his stallions on a 500 mile race from New Mexico to Missouri. He trains horses for the royal families of the United Arab Emirates. He also raced across the desert of Qatar for the Duchess of York.

"I base my riding on the same thing life is based on," he said. "The heart doesn't skip a beat. It's a rhythm."

Now 67, Jar lives on his ranch in northern Baltimore County.

His next project is to save the wild mustangs and create a ranch where troubled kids and horses can heal each other. To learn more, click here.

WJZ.com article

American Endurance Ride Conference Annual Convention Wrap-Up

Release: February 25 2009

Endurance riders from across the U.S. and Canada made their way to Louisville, KY, for the American Endurance Ride Conference’s 2008 convention, held February 20-21 at the Galt House Hotel.

The convention, which included educational seminars, “hot topics” workshops, trade show, meetings for international competitors, a class for veterinarians, and a dance, concluded with a heartfelt and tearful national awards banquet.

Suzy Kelley, a longtime endurance rider from Southern California, was taken by surprise when she was named to AERC’s Hall of Fame. Called to the stage, Suzy could only say, “I’m not a speaker. Bye!” But her tears stood testament to the impact of this major award. Suzy has racked up 16,000 miles of competition, and has an 89% ride completion rate over 24 years of riding.

Suzy is not just a rider, however. As presenter Kim Fuess noted, “Suzy can meet someone on the trail and within a week they are riding one of her horses at an AERC ride.” And while Suzy is competitive, Kim said, “She is always willing to lend a hand, or share her crew, even if you are her closest competitor.”

The equine Hall of Fame award went to Edens Bay Rum, a 17-year-old bay Arabian gelding owned by MJ Jackson of Bluffdale, UT. In 12 years of competition, Edens Bay Rum has racked up 151 completions in 154 starts, and of those 7935 miles, 88% were top 10 finishes.

As presenter Susie Schomburg helped unveil a portrait of AERC’s newest Hall of Fame equine by California artist Laurie Anderson, MJ made her way to the podium, and said of her horse, “He’s a super guy. I hope you can see him on the trail. He is still going.”

AERC’s third major award honors a partnership of rider and equine. The Pard’ners Award was presented to Bailey Rose Eiland and Nimphas Barbi, who have been competing together for 10 seasons, which is remarkable since they were both born in 1990. Bailey Rose and Barbi, who hail from the El Paso area, have started 104 rides together and completed 101. Barbi has been taking it easy of late, having recently foaled BRE Renegade Rose, but should be back to competing soon.

Accepting the honor from longtime family friend Roger Taylor, Bailey Rose said of her registered Arabian mare, “It’s as if we were meant to be together. I can’t wait to go home and share this award with her.”

Other special presentations included the United States Equestrian Federation’s Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award which went to Valerie Kanavy. Valerie, a competitor in the recent World Endurance Championships, received the prestigious trophy for earning the most FEI points in the 2008 season.

AERC installed new officers at their general session meeting, with Connie Caudill of Henryville, IN, taking the reins of the 6,800-member organization. Serving as Vice President is Laura Hayes of Brocton, NY. Roger Taylor, of Albuquerque, NM, is treasurer and the secretary’s post is held by Jan Stevens of Ashland, MT.

Plans are already underway for AERC’s 2010 convention, set for February 19-20 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV. For more information about AERC or endurance riding, contact the AERC office, located in Auburn, CA, at (866) 271-2372 or e-mail aerc@foothill.net or visit www.aerc.org.

Troy Smith

Uruguay - Panamericano application deadline

Deadline for Pan Am Applications for USEF riders is February 28

The Deadline to apply for the Pan American Endurance Championship Team is February 28, 2009. The competition is April 24-26, 2009 40km from Montevideo, Uruguay. Applications must be postmarked, faxed or hand delivered with the appropriate fees by the end of the day on February 28. For more information and the complete selection procedures for the event, go to the USEF website www.usef.org or contact Vonita Bowers at (859) 825-6001.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

re: [RC] France requests change to 2008->2009

From: <Leonard.Liesens@ec.europa.eu>
Date: February 22, 2009 2:46:52 AM MST
To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>, <steph@endurance.net>
Subject: RE: [RC] [Endurance Tracks] France requests change to 2008-
>2009

Hi,
Come on... It is not just France who is mad about this transitional
regulation from FEI. The Group1 and Group2 National Federations are
against this.
There are also a big list of problems between european federation and
FEI : Showjumping Global Champions Tour, Dressage committee. There
will be a big meeting between European NF and FEI on 10th March in
Deauville. Belgium has put the endurance item on the schedule of the
meeting.

wait and see...

The problem is as follows :
- most of the europeaa federation have got their qualification system
system well before FEI even tought about qualifications were
necessary for horses and riders : 30km==>40km==>60km==>80km==>100km
before being allowed to enter FEI rides
- and now the FEI would come and say "Hi guys, 'm the big brother and
I will tell you how to do endurance..."
- there are in Europe thousands horses already qualified according to
the 2008 system (having completed several CEI**) who would have to re-
enter a CEI** before being allowed to compete on 160km
- without taking into account the horses who are already qualified at
what we call the CEN (national system) level, 120 and even 160km.
Those horses should START ALL OVER AGAIN.

So please, Steph, add this paragraph to the release :-)

Thanks and happy trail

Leonard, www.endurance-belgium.com

Friday, February 20, 2009

France requests change to 2008->2009 Transitional Measures

The French Federation urgently requests that the FEI reconsider it's refusal to accept modifications of the current qualification transitional measures. The Federation requests that all Star/Distance qualifications achieved under the 2008 qualification rules be accepted, for all 2009 competitions as though they had been achieved under the 2009 Star qualification rules. Without this change, it is estimated that 1500-2000 french horses will otherwise not be qualified for 2009 **/*** events.


Read more (PDF)

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Chase TheWind AH Named 2008 Arabian Horse Association Distance Horse of the Year

Release: February 12 2009
By Hilary Nixon

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) is proud to name purebred Arabian gelding Chase TheWind AH (El Paso x Wind Sonja), owned by Suzanne Ford Huff of Gardnerville, NV, as its 2008 Distance Horse of the Year. Chase received this prestigious acclaim for his outstanding accomplishments in endurance; he completed nine of nine starts during 2008 and received Best Condition twice.

As the winner of the Distance Horse of the Year Award, Chase TheWind AH's name will be engraved on a perpetual trophy donated by the Arabian Horse Owners Foundation and designed by Joe Staheli. Huff will also receive an engraved plaque.

In 2008 alone, Chase earned himself several accolades, including the Nevada All-State Trail Riders Triple Crown Award, finishing his 15th 100-mile one-day ride. There was more than a six-hour difference between Chase and the second-place finisher. Chase also took third at the Virginia City 100-Mile and first place and Best Condition at the High Desert 50-Mile Ride in Fallon, NV.

"Chase did great in 2008, but has been competing every year since 1997. He has accumulated an outstanding record of 15 wins, 35 top 10s, and nine Best Conditions in the featherweight division. He has accumulated 3,985 endurance miles," said Huff. "He has won 10 AHA Regional Purebred Championships, four reserve championships and two top 10s. He has officially finished 14, 100-mile one-day rides, including three of the toughest rides in the country—Swanton, Bighorn and Tevis. He earned a top 10 at Tevis in 2000 as a 10-year-old and then returned at 17 and took third. He has accumulated $25,000 in sweepstakes prize money," adds Huff.

Huff counts 2006 as one of Chase's best years because he was awarded the American Endurance Ride Council National 100-Mile award and the AHA High Point Award in the 100-mile category.

"What makes this horse and his accomplishments even more amazing is that he does it all with an old, traumatic hock injury. Chase is tough in body and mind. He is one of those special horses that just keeps on giving," said Huff.

For more information on AHA distance programs, visit www.ArabianHorses.org/Distance or contact AHA at (303) 696-4531.

Sunday, February 08, 2009

Jay's guideline charts for FEI qualification

The following graphics are flow charts assembled by Jay Randle (Australia) to help riders understand the steps involved in qualifying riders and horses for FEI competitions.


disclaimer: These are NOT official FEI documents, please consult the FEI rules for full qualification rules



Note from Jay: "In Australia, the AERA rules override the FEI rules, so the big difference is that although the FEI says that a horse must do either 1) 2 x 40km rides PLUS 2 x 80km rides, OR 2) 3 x 80km rides, BEFORE it can start in an FEI* ride, our Aussie rules state that a horse must do 3 x 80km rides first. And our rules state that a rider MUST do 2 x 40km rides AND 3 x 80km rides before we can move onto FEI.

So, that's really the only difference here (between AERC and AERC riders)."

FEI Horses Flowchart


FEI Riders Flowchart

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Date and Location Announced for 2009 North American Junior/Young Rider Championships Pending Final FEI Approval

US Eventing Association

Updated: 2009-02-05

Lexington, KY – Pending final FEI approval, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is announcing the following date and location for the 2009 North American Junior/Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC). The USEF has received preliminary approval from the FEI and is awaiting final word from the FEI Bureau.

As the competition season is getting into full swing, the USEF is providing the following information so Juniors, Young Riders and their Trainers and Chef d'Equipes can plan their schedules accordingly.

Pending final FEI approval, the NAJYRC will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park July 22-26, 2009. This is a unique opportunity to use the venue which has been completely redesigned for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Construction is due to be completed in March.

Andrew Ellis will serve as the overall competition manager.

The discipline managers are as follows:

Dressage: Lloyd Landkamer

Eventing: Mary Fike

Reining: Brad Ettleman

Show Jumping: David Distler

Vaulting will have an exhibition during the Championships and Endurance is running a CEIY3* concurrently in Louisville, KY.

Wickenburg: Endurance ride produces local winner

Original Article - The Wickenburg Sun

Cheri Noel and her horse ‘Blue’ with prize buckle
Participating in her first endurance ride, local businesswoman Cheri Noel rode across the finish line in the 25-mile portion of the Land of the Sun Endurance Ride on Saturday, Jan. 24, tying for first place.

Riding “Blue,” an 8-year-old grade roan gelding, she completed the course in two hours and 30 minutes. Noel purchased Blue from the Kay El Bar Ranch last May after the resort closed for the season and, as far as she knows, this was his first competition as well. For their efforts, she received a gold belt buckle, T-shirt, and a piece of artwork from local artist Tammi Riggs. Blue also received the award for “Best Condition” of all horses in the 25-mile competition.

Lawrence and Maureen Serrano and Cruz Ruiz, other local 25-mile competitors, placed within the top 10 finishers. Brothers Jose Roberto and Benjamin Ruiz also rode in this division, which had 65 participants.

In the 50-mile competition, locals Bruce Rosenthal finished ninth and Cindy Thal finished 18th out of 71 riders. The last competitor in the 50-mile division finished at 7:41 p.m. in total darkness. This rider came from Pahrump, Nev., and was thrilled to be given the opportunity to complete the course even though she was disqualified for being overtime. Special thanks go to the drag riders and rescue crew for accompanying her in her quest for a finish.

This ride has been held here for more than 30 years with the Wickenburg Horsemen’s Association (WHA) sponsoring it for the last seven. It is a sanctioned event by AERC (American Endurance Riding Conference) and riders come from all over the nation and the world to participate. The trails are maintained and groomed by WHA members and on the day of the ride at least 100 volunteers are out in the desert making sure everyone is safe and stays on course. The High Desert Search & Rescue also donates time by providing communications and emergency assistance. Veterinary services are provided by Drs. Jim Lytle, Sid Vargas, Mike Close, Robin Waldron, Joanne Naylor and Rich Kiely as well as the pre-vet students from the University of Arizona. Nancy Halsey, WHA treasurer, served as ride manager again this year.

Everyone had a great time on a beautiful Arizona winter morning. WHA appreciates the assistance of Vivian Helmsworth, DD Western World, Serenity Farms, Bashas’, Sundance Pizza & Tastee Freez, Tom & Tammie Riggs, HorseTrailerMonitor.com, Laura Bovee Photography, Creations in Thread, together with Theresa Capriotti and her crew who prepared the banquet on Saturday and everyone who volunteered their time to help make this ride possible.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Rider, horse rescued after wilderness ordeal

The Dahlonega Nugget - Full Article

By Matt Aiken
Published: Wednesday, February 4, 2009 10:33 AM EST

An afternoon horseback ride turned into an unexpected survival situation for Elizabeth Burrell as she lost her way in the Chattahoochee National Forest on Saturday.

The Dawson County resident was separated from her group at around 2 p.m. while riding near Winding Stair Gap on Jake Mountain.

"We were going down a real steep incline and my husband got off his horse," said Burrell. "His horse turned around and ran away and disappeared so I left my husband there on foot. I don't know how but [my horse and I] turned around and got lost and could never find the trail again. Nor did I find his missing horse."

Meanwhile as Burrell searched for the trail her husband's horse returned to him.

"The horse returned but she didn't return," said Lumpkin County Emergency Management Director Don Seabolt.

This discovery set off an informal search among friends and volunteers.

Once the sun began to dip below the trees, the authorities were alerted and officials from the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office (LSCO), Lumpkin County Fire Department, Department of Natural Resources and nearby Frank D. Merrill Ranger Camp joined the search effort.

Search dogs from Lee Arrendale State Prison and a thermal-imaging helicopter from Georgia Sate Patrol (GSP) were called in to assist as well.

Meanwhile Burrell and her horse Morning Star, exhausted from hours or searching for the trail, settled in for the night.

"I found a safe spot and I settled my horse down because she was very upset and I stated dragging firewood to this little clearing on the mountain," said Burrell.

More...

Arizona Endurance ride produces local winner

The Wickenburg Sun
photo: Cheri Noel and her horse ‘Blue’ with prize buckle

Participating in her first endurance ride, local businesswoman Cheri Noel rode across the finish line in the 25-mile portion of the Land of the Sun Endurance Ride on Saturday, Jan. 24, tying for first place.

Riding “Blue,” an 8-year-old grade roan gelding, she completed the course in two hours and 30 minutes. Noel purchased Blue from the Kay El Bar Ranch last May after the resort closed for the season and, as far as she knows, this was his first competition as well. For their efforts, she received a gold belt buckle, T-shirt, and a piece of artwork from local artist Tammi Riggs. Blue also received the award for “Best Condition” of all horses in the 25-mile competition.

Lawrence and Maureen Serrano and Cruz Ruiz, other local 25-mile competitors, placed within the top 10 finishers. Brothers Jose Roberto and Benjamin Ruiz also rode in this division, which had 65 participants.

In the 50-mile competition, locals Bruce Rosenthal finished ninth and Cindy Thal finished 18th out of 71 riders. The last competitor in the 50-mile division finished at 7:41 p.m. in total darkness. This rider came from Pahrump, Nev., and was thrilled to be given the opportunity to complete the course even though she was disqualified for being overtime. Special thanks go to the drag riders and rescue crew for accompanying her in her quest for a finish.

This ride has been held here for more than 30 years with the Wickenburg Horsemen’s Association (WHA) sponsoring it for the last seven. It is a sanctioned event by AERC (American Endurance Riding Conference) and riders come from all over the nation and the world to participate. The trails are maintained and groomed by WHA members and on the day of the ride at least 100 volunteers are out in the desert making sure everyone is safe and stays on course. The High Desert Search & Rescue also donates time by providing communications and emergency assistance. Veterinary services are provided by Drs. Jim Lytle, Sid Vargas, Mike Close, Robin Waldron, Joanne Naylor and Rich Kiely as well as the pre-vet students from the University of Arizona. Nancy Halsey, WHA treasurer, served as ride manager again this year.

Everyone had a great time on a beautiful Arizona winter morning. WHA appreciates the assistance of Vivian Helmsworth, DD Western World, Serenity Farms, Bashas’, Sundance Pizza & Tastee Freez, Tom & Tammie Riggs, HorseTrailerMonitor.com, Laura Bovee Photography, Creations in Thread, together with Theresa Capriotti and her crew who prepared the banquet on Saturday and everyone who volunteered their time to help make this ride possible.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Sinatra - In Memory

Sinatra's Endurance Adventures

In Memory
Friday, January 30, 2009
Crysta Turnage

I didn’t even suspect that Tevis 2007 would be my next to last completion with Sinatra. We had been battling squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, on Sinatra’s left upper lip/nose area for the past few years. That summer, the cancer was very much in remission and was nearly gone entirely. Unfortunately, in the Fall it came back with a vengeance. After numerous trips to several local vet clinics, and a trip down to UC Davis for a consult with the equine oncologist, the very hard decision to retire Sinatra to a life of leisure, food and fun out to pasture with a herd of other horses was made. Sinatra enjoyed 4 months of living in horsey paradise before having to be euthanized due to his cancer in December 2008.

I find it fitting that our very last ride together, was also our very first - The Rides of March here in Reno, Nevada. Also, they have now moved to a new ridecamp location, and Sinatra's ashes are scattered among the hills overlooking the new trail. From our very first 30-mile limited distance ride in March 2003, to our last 50-mile completion in March 2008, Sinatra was my partner and friend. He could be a total pain in the butt (heck, be bucked me off on BOTH of those rides), but he could also be my steady-eddy trustworthy trail partner. I'm very blessed with some of the precious memories he left me with:

* The faces he would make when I would scratch in all the right spots. I think he could stick his upper lip out 4" and roll his eyes clear back in his head. How I couldn't ever clean his corral without him "accidentally" backing up and WHOOPS! putting his butt right in my way to be scratched.
* An early morning start at the Tour de Washoo ride, where a coyote stood on a rock at eye-level with me not 50 feet from the trail and watched us trot by.
* Power trotting the California Loop at Tevis after 80 hard miles - so strong and sure in the lead, his dark coat gleaming in the moonlight.
* The time he went down on his knees unexpectedly, with me mounted, to get a drink out of a puddle that was in a deep depression, and forgot to LIFT his head to compensate and scuba dived clear up to his eye balls in mud. He blew mud balls out his nose for hours! I laughed so hard I nearly fell off.
* Having to stand in my stirrups to slow him down coming into camp on our first 100, I was so awed by him that day/night.
* Being asked to have Sinatra sponsor other horse's through a ride, many times! He had "steady chug" down to a science.
* Winning the Hairiest Horse Award at our Spring local schooling show... by a LONG shot!
* How he would go off the trail and plow over the top of taller bushes to scratch his belly and legs when he was sweaty. And how at Sunriver he did it with a small pine TREE and was grunting and groaning with pleasure while rocking back and forth, branches sticking out every which way, me on top. All 3 of us girls riding were laughing so hard, I was in tears.
* Our quiet moments together in the evenings
* His expectant face - waiting for something to eat - everytime I got in my trailer at a ridecamp, and how he wasn't often disappointed.

Good bye my buddy – on your back was accomplished the dream of a lifetime. You will always be in my heart. I miss you... so much!

[...full blog]

Whitehaven to host horse endurance ride in May

Theitem.com - Full Article

By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com

Whitehaven Plantation in the Turkey Creek community of Lee County will host a major horse endurance ride on May 23, officials announced Wednesday.

Turkey Creek Trot, sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference, will feature endurance rides of 10, 25 and 50 miles, said ride manager Trisha Dingle of Whitehaven Plantation.

Whitehaven is no stranger to endurance rides, as it has been the site of J.D. Fountain's Thanksgiving Ride, Dingle said.

"But due to the increase in deer hunting in the fall, we have lost access to the trails in November," she said. "While using many of the same trails as J.D.'s ride, we are also thrilled to have brand new trails with limited road crossings."

In addition to the endurance ride on Saturday, a number of educational clinics will take place at Whitehaven on Friday, May 22, Dingle said.

Sponsors are needed for the various awards, she said.

The mostly sandy trails meander through cotton fields and pine trees. There are some hills, and very little paved road riding, Dingle said.

"There's excellent footing for barefoot horses," Dingle said.

Whitehaven will serve as the base camp and there will be primitive camping with no electrical hookup. The plantation is located seven miles from Bishopville on S.C. 341, just a half mile from Fountain's Grocery Store and Gas Station.

Whitehaven Plantation, owned and operated by David and Martha Lucas, has been in the Lucas family for more than 100 years. The century-old plantation is home to the Egyptian Arabian, one of the rarest horses in the world. Egyptian Arabians comprise less than 3 percent of all Arabian horses in the world, and are known for their beauty, intelligence and versatility.

Whitehaven Plantation is located on more than 200 acres and features a covered arena, jump course and breeding facilities. At any time, the farm averages 50 horses on the property, 22 of them being Egyptian Arabians owned by Whitehaven.

For more information, visit the Web site: www.whitehavenplantation.com or call Dingle at (803) 428-5656.



Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Canada tightens rules over CEM in United States

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

January 23, 2009

New restrictions have been imposed for horse imports into Canada from the United States following the outbreak of contagious equine metritis (CEM).

Eight stallions have so far tested positive for CEM and agricultural authorites in about 40 states are tracing 334 horses potentially exposed to the venereal disease.

Revised import requirements announced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) cover all live horses, semen and embryos entering Canada from the US.

No import permits are required for live horses provided the animals have not been on properties where the bacteria responsible for CEM has been detected during the previous 60 days or on premises currently under quarantine or investigation for CEM.

Any mares must not have been bred naturally to, or inseminated with, semen from a stallion positive for CEM, or a stallion living on a property where positive tests have been returned, or under quarantine or investigation for CEM.

Permits are still required for some horses from Florida, due to that state's outbreak of equine piroplasmosis.

Semen collected after December 15 last year will now require an import permit along with certification that the onor stallion has not been on a premises quarantined or positive for CEM in the preceding 60 days.

Requirements for embryos are similar.

National Parks Service Awards Grant to ELCR

January 22, 2009

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

National Parks Service Awards Grant to Equestrian Land Conservation Resource To Develop a National Equestrian Trails Organization

The National Parks Service Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (NPS RTCA) has awarded the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) a technical assistance grant to develop a national equestrian trails organization. The terms of the grant include assigning an NPS RTCA staff person to facilitate of process, identify issues and needs of trail riders nationwide, determine an effective organizational structure to represent horse trail users; and provide a contact point for land managers to communicate with trail riders. The determination of the needs and appropriate organizational structure will be developed by conducting a series of meetings with stakeholders in 2009.

An organizing meeting was held in 2008 at the National Trails Conference. In 2009, a series of in-person and conference call meetings are planned. The plans also call for an on-line bulletin board to post the meeting agendas and notes. The on-line forum will also provide an opportunity for trail users and trail organization representatives to share their comments. In addition to ELCR and NPS RTCA representatives, representatives from the following organizations participated in the process: American Horse Council, Back Country Horsemen of America, Southeast Equestrian Trails Conference, Ohio Valley Equestrian Trails Symposium, Pennsylvania Equine Council, US Forest Service, and the US Department of Transportation Recreational Trails Program.

The project goals are to increase to the number of trails open to horses, promote good stewardship of the trails, enhance communication with land managers, develop positive relationships with other trail users groups, and serve in an advocacy role on the above issues and other issues identified during the grant process.

If your organization would like to join our national efforts to save land and trails for horses, visit www.ELCR.org, or call (859) 455-8383 for more information.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Southeast Equestrian Trails Conference

Info, Contact, Registration

The 2009 Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference has been scheduled for July 9 - 12, in Gainesville, Florida.

Hosted by SEDRA and The Goethe Trail, this year's conference is dedicated to the Heritage Horse of Florida, the Florida Cracker.


Green Horses
Making $ents out of Sustainability is the theme for SETC 2009. We will explore ways to build better trails...protect water quality at creek/river crossings, at horse camps, and at our own farms. Additional topics will be manure management, carbon footprints, invasive exotics, conservation easements and more! If we want to preserve historical use of horses on public lands, we need to educate ourselves to be good (green) stewards. Plan to attend to learn more about policy, planning and politics!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

California Among 39 States Testing Horses for CEM

Thehorse.com

Press Release
January 17 2009

California is among 39 states testing horses that might have been exposed to a highly contagious venereal disease of horses, contagious equine metritis (CEM).

California Department of Food and Agriculture veterinarians have quarantined 14 mares and are working with the USDA and regulatory veterinarians in other states to identify any additional exposed horses as this nationwide disease investigation unfolds. Following a course of negative cultures and treatment, the mares will be released from quarantine.

In mid-December 2008, a CEM-infected Quarter Horse stallion was detected in Kentucky during routine testing for international semen shipment. The USDA and Kentucky animal health authorities quickly initiated a disease investigation, leading to the identification of more exposed horses. To date, nine stallions have been confirmed to be infected: four in Kentucky, three in Indiana, one in Wisconsin, and one in Texas; and a total of 334 exposed stallions and mares in 39 states have been identified and placed under quarantine by state animal health authorities, pending test results.

CEM is considered a bacterial foreign animal disease and has only been detected in the United States on three previous occasions, in 1978 in Kentucky, 1979 in Missouri, and in 2006 in Wisconsin. In all instances, the disease was controlled and eliminated quickly. CEM is not known to affect humans or other livestock. It is spread between mares and stallions during mating or with infected semen used in artificial insemination. It can also be transmitted on contaminated breeding equipment. Stallions do not exhibit any clinical signs, but the infection may cause fertility problems in mares.

Additional national CEM information may be found on the USDA's Web site.

Friday, January 16, 2009

AERC Annual Convention 2009

FEBRUARY 20 & 21, 2009

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

Endurance riders and equestrians interested in checking out the "ultimate distance riding sport" are invited to attend the American Endurance Ride Conference's 2009 convention at the Galt House Hotel Louisville, Kentucky on February 20 and 21.

"We are excited to have our convention in Louisville," said AERC Executive Director Kathleen Henkel. "There is no admission charge for the trade show and mini-clinics on the trade show floor, and we are hoping to attract many local riders who may be interested in finding out more about endurance riding."

Highlights of AERC's convention will include a trade show featuring vendors from across the country. Regional awards will be presented at an evening reception on February 20, and the convention will culminate with AERC's national awards the evening of February 21.

The trade show will be located in the Galt House's exhibit hall from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Vendors will display a variety of products for long-distance riders - everything from saddles to jewelry to horse trailers. One feature of interest to local riders is the popular Tack Swap; attendees are welcome to bring their used tack to sell at the show.

Also open to the public is the convention's annual Friday night dance, which begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets will be available at the convention for $10 per person.

Equine experts from across the U.S. will be featured at several seminar sessions as part of the convention's "Best Condition" theme.


Friday's seminar speakers are:

* Tom Sayvetz, MD, who will discuss pedigrees and performance, including gait efficiency, body and muscle types in horses, metabolic issues and weight-carrying capacity.
* Jim Moore, DVM, whose 3-D horse models and animations, currently used in veterinary schools worldwide, make understanding a horse's gastrointestinal tract much easier. He will discuss anatomical features that result in common causes of colic. Dr. Moore is a professor at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.
* V.R. Maxwell, DVM, will present "Equine Degenerative Joint Disease in the Equine Athlete." Topics covered include healthy joints, the disease processes of degenerative joint disease and therapeutic options.

Saturday's seminar speakers are:

* Duane Barnett, DVM, a longtime AERC veterinarian, will discuss equine performance sports and drug rules. This important seminar focuses on principles and behavior that can be followed by endurance competitors to stay within the intent of AERC's drug rule.
* Laurie Lawrence, PhD, a professor of Equine Nutrition at the University of Kentucky, has authored more than 100 publications on equine nutrition. Her seminar will feature the importance of carbohydrates in the equine diet. Covered will be different types of carbohydrates, how they are digested and absorbed, and which are most important for endurance horses.
* A Veterinary Panel with Drs. Nick Kohut, Ken Marcella, Jeanette Mero and Melissa Ribley will instruct seminar attendees on the convention theme: Best Condition. One of endurance riding's most sought after awards, Best Condition requires speed and stamina from the equine, and this seminar will present ideas for getting and keeping your horse in best condition consideration.

Seminar prices are $45 per day ($25 for each additional family member) if purchased before February 6; the prices go up $10 after the pre-registration period. Seminars begin at 9:00 each day. Tickets are available at the door.

Veterinarians can take part in the seven-credit Continuing Education program on Thursday, February 19 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Galt House.

Convention registration can be made by phone to the AERC office at 866-271-2372. A complete convention overview and reservation forms are available online at www.aerc.org. The reservation line for the Galt House is 800-843-4258.

For information about AERC's upcoming convention or membership in AERC, visit aerc.org or phone toll-free 866-271-2372.


Contact: Troy Smith

endurancenews@foothill.net

866-271-2372, 530-823-2260

Widower's gift sped Refuge approval

Poconorecord.com - Full Article

Opinion - By RALPH "BUD" COOK
January 16, 2009

Thank you for the Record's excellent news coverage and strong editorial endorsement of the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, a milestone in land conservation not only in the Pocono region, but throughout the United States. Refuge funds will complement local and state funding for habitat conservation in the Cherry Valley area. The Refuge will use a willing-seller approach only, i.e., there will be no use of eminent domain by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Many, many local residents and community leaders worked together to bring a National Wildlife Refuge into the mix of conservation opportunities in Cherry Valley. The vast majority of these community-minded people worked inconspicuously, but diligently, to make the Refuge a reality. Their names would fill page after page of the Pocono Record, and it would be wonderful to publicly thank each one of them if space permitted.

I would like to single out one of these unsung heroes, John S. Potter Jr. of Snydersville. Mr. Potter made a major gift to The Nature Conservancy in memory of the late Margaret Price Potter (Maggy). The gift supported the study that looked at the feasibility of creating a new National Wildlife Refuge in the Cherry Valley area.

The Conservancy's efforts contributed to the scientific foundation of a report, issued Oct. 31 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which recommended moving forward with establishment of a Refuge, not far from where Maggy found joy in riding her beloved Arabian horses.

More...

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

USEF News - January 2009

From Vonita Bowers,
Director of Endurance Discipline
USEF - United States Equestrian Federation

Director’s Update January 6, 2009

The Athlete Elections have been completed. The following are the Athletes elected to the Eligible Athletes Committee 2009-2012:

Kathy Brunjes
Carol Giles
Valerie Kanavy
Heather Reynolds
Jeremy Reynolds
Stephen Rojek
Michele Roush
Christoph Schork
Meg Sleeper
Marcia Smith
Stephanie Teeter

Three of these Committee members will be elected by the members to serve on the High Performance Committee as Athlete Representatives.

The AERCI’s Technical Committee Recommendations have been forwarded to Mr. O’ Connor for appointment.

The new FEI Rules for Endurance have been circulated and are on the USEF Endurance page and the FEI website www.horsesport.org . There are also three other documents that are companions to the rules document. Those are posted just below the rules on both websites.

The procedures for the 2009 Pan American Championships are in their final stages of approval. The competition is April 24-26 in Costa Azul, Uruguay. It is a 120km race, and the qualification is the same as that listed for the Junior/Young Rider World Championships on the FEI website. There is no Athlete funding available. This information has been circulated to members of the Rider Ranking List.

The North American Planning is moving forward. The 4* Competition has been dropped, since there is no nations qualifying in the new FEI Rules. The Team Challenge CEI3* is planned for October 14.

The Endurance Committees will meet at the USEF Convention Jan. 16. The meetings are open. The primary agenda items are Selectors and Vet Panel for 2009-2010, Discussion of the past World Championship, and discussion of the High Performance Program going forward. The new Athletes committee will be seated. The new Technical Committee is not seated until March. Any of those new Technical members are invited to sit in on meetings between now and March. In addition to the meetings, the Youth Convention will be going on, and the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Trophy will be awarded to Valerie Kanavy at the Pegasus Awards Dinner Saturday, Jan 17th.

The AERC Convention meetings will be Sunday Afternoon from 1 to 5:00.

The Officials Course will be held beginning Sunday evening and continuing through Tuesday. For more information regarding the course, contact Mary Smith at msmith@usef.org.

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Arizona: Wickenburg endurance ride slated for 8th year

Wickenburgsun.com

January 8, 2009

Once again it is time for the Land of the Sun Endurance ride, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 24.

This will be the eighth year for this wonderful ride through the desert and surrounding areas of Wickenburg.

The ride consists of two rides -- one a 50-mile ride and the other a 25-mile ride. There are two loops of 25 miles each.

The entire trail is cleaned by members of the Wickenburg Horseman’s Association and friends. All of them volunteer their time and energy to help make this one of the more successful rides in Arizona.

Within a few days of the ride, the trails will start to be marked with a red and white striped ribbon attached to a clothespin. The trails will be unmarked within a few days after the ride. It takes of lot of work to do this, and it keeps riders who are going fast down the trail from getting lost.

The ride committee appreciates people leaving the ribbons on the trails. When the trail-marking ribbons are removed, it causes problems for the endurance riders.

For more information, to participate in the ride, or to help with the preparations, call Nancy Halsey at 684-3415.

Australia: Microchipping

Australian Endurance Riders Association

At the recent AERA meeting the following motion was passed:

That as from 1st January 2010, all horses qualifying to endurance status must be microchipped to be eligible to compete.

The AERA Veterinary Panel made recommendations to AERA to have all horses microchipped, novice and endurance, including horses currently competing.

The AERA would like to encourage members to have all their horses microchipped irrespective of their status.

More information

Wednesday, January 07, 2009

AERC Election Results - Directors at Large

Congratulations to the following members
for being elected to the Director-at-Large positions
on the AERC Board of Directors.

John Crandell III
Randy Eiland
Kim Fuess
Roberta Harms
Laura Hayes
Susan Keil DVM
Mike Maul
Bruce Weary, D.C.

They will be installed in office at the Saturday meeting at the convention and serve for two years.

Mike Maul
AERC President