Reynolds Racing - Full Story
Friday, 12 February 2010
Today was the last day of waiting! Super!! We went out to the camel souk first thing to get fresh Alfalfa and to get a new box of carrots. I was able to take a picture of some of the camel jockey robots, they were even wearing silks!
Jeremy and Ellen rode. Smitty looked perfect and calm. Zar looked wonderful as he cantered effortlessly along. He is a very nice representation of Shagya breeding. I took many pictures and a few video clips of him on his ride today. After the ride we gave him a soap bath and even conditioned his tail. He was super clean when we left for lunch.
We were going to leave for lunch when we discovered that our car had a dead battery. We waited a while and someone with jumper cables arrived to rescue us. We drove back to the hotel and waited for the person to arrive to give us our 4 wheel drive crew trucks. When the guy claimed that the trucks would run "Just as well as your cars" I was scared. My truck that they gave me coughed to a slow turn over start. I quickly refused taking that one and got a new one. I told them that I had already had my fun with my rental car.
More...
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
President's Cup: Thursday in the UAE-getting closer! - Heather Reynolds
Reynolds Racing - Full Story
Thursday, 11 February 2010
We went to the barn this morning for Jeremy to do a short ride. Ellen and Eryn went for a walk as well as Jeremy Olson's dad, Craig (who arrived last night).
We worked on Smitty taking bottles from his right side as that is the side he liked less and that is the side that is easier to get to while driving and handing off. He only held his breath a few times today, and it is really funny when he does!
After the ride Jeremy ran from the barn out for a 6 mile, give or take, run while I read my book. Then we headed back to the hotel.
Ellen, Eryn and Craig went to the camel souk and there was a lot more going on there than usual. Apparently there were fancy camels wearing sparkley, strappy things and a lot more camels were there than normal. Maybe there had been a race?
More...
Thursday, 11 February 2010
We went to the barn this morning for Jeremy to do a short ride. Ellen and Eryn went for a walk as well as Jeremy Olson's dad, Craig (who arrived last night).
We worked on Smitty taking bottles from his right side as that is the side he liked less and that is the side that is easier to get to while driving and handing off. He only held his breath a few times today, and it is really funny when he does!
After the ride Jeremy ran from the barn out for a 6 mile, give or take, run while I read my book. Then we headed back to the hotel.
Ellen, Eryn and Craig went to the camel souk and there was a lot more going on there than usual. Apparently there were fancy camels wearing sparkley, strappy things and a lot more camels were there than normal. Maybe there had been a race?
More...
Thursday, February 11, 2010
President's Cup: Wednesday in the UAE - Heather Reynolds
Reynolds Racing - Full Story
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
We woke up and had breakfast as usual and then headed out to the barn. It was another 2 hour walk morning, which is about a 6 mile deal. Every time that Smitty has seen a camel he is convinced that we should go get a better look and tries to drag me towards them. Well, today he had his chance. The camels were right on the road we were on, headed straight at us. When they were approaching he was happy, then at some point in the approaching, I guess he focused on them really well. I think he must have realized that he needs his eyes checked because it went from a cool idea "let's say Hi" to "let's get the hell outta here!" In a split second.
Jeremy ran 12 miles while we walked and he went 10 min faster today then he did two days ago.
After our walk I body clipped Smitty. We tied him to our rental car and even hung his hay bag from the car as well. We did this by unrolling the windows on the left side of the car and then tied him through the solid part of the doors between the two windows. Very professional.
More...
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
We woke up and had breakfast as usual and then headed out to the barn. It was another 2 hour walk morning, which is about a 6 mile deal. Every time that Smitty has seen a camel he is convinced that we should go get a better look and tries to drag me towards them. Well, today he had his chance. The camels were right on the road we were on, headed straight at us. When they were approaching he was happy, then at some point in the approaching, I guess he focused on them really well. I think he must have realized that he needs his eyes checked because it went from a cool idea "let's say Hi" to "let's get the hell outta here!" In a split second.
Jeremy ran 12 miles while we walked and he went 10 min faster today then he did two days ago.
After our walk I body clipped Smitty. We tied him to our rental car and even hung his hay bag from the car as well. We did this by unrolling the windows on the left side of the car and then tied him through the solid part of the doors between the two windows. Very professional.
More...
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
President's Cup: Tuesday in the UAE - Heather Reynolds
Reynolds Racing - Full Story
Tuesday, 09 February 2010
I failed to tell you about the crazy motorcycle drivers last night. We were coming back from town and needed gas really badly. We were on a failing search for gas and we had given up and were heading back to the hotel when we just barely noticed in time two motorcycles, in the dark, without headlights, driving at us head on. I don't know if this is some psychotic type of training or what but they kept almost getting killed! The worst part was that when we went around a few more roundabouts they were once again in front of us heading at us from out of the darkness head on! Crazy. This is when Ellen said half way jokingly that they were after their families blood money. She went on to explain that if you kill a person in an accident you then owe that person's family $250,000 for their loss!
Any how, we had breakfast early to make it for our 8 am photo shoot. This morning there were amazing chocolate croissants that I now knew were fresh which made them even more amazing!
When we got to the barn we got the horses dolled up and saddled and went to exit the quarantine compound when our guard told us we couldn't leave until 9 am.
More...
Tuesday, 09 February 2010
I failed to tell you about the crazy motorcycle drivers last night. We were coming back from town and needed gas really badly. We were on a failing search for gas and we had given up and were heading back to the hotel when we just barely noticed in time two motorcycles, in the dark, without headlights, driving at us head on. I don't know if this is some psychotic type of training or what but they kept almost getting killed! The worst part was that when we went around a few more roundabouts they were once again in front of us heading at us from out of the darkness head on! Crazy. This is when Ellen said half way jokingly that they were after their families blood money. She went on to explain that if you kill a person in an accident you then owe that person's family $250,000 for their loss!
Any how, we had breakfast early to make it for our 8 am photo shoot. This morning there were amazing chocolate croissants that I now knew were fresh which made them even more amazing!
When we got to the barn we got the horses dolled up and saddled and went to exit the quarantine compound when our guard told us we couldn't leave until 9 am.
More...
Luttrell horse 'Amigo' survives gruesome injury; becomes Facebook sensation
WBIR.com - Full Story & Video
Jim Matheny
2/10/2010
Advertisement
For more than three weeks, Gary Sanderson's Arabian horse Amigo has lived at the UT vet school's large animal clinic instead of his barn in Luttrell. Doctors consider it a miracle that Amigo is alive at all.
The athletic horse is one of the elite endurance horses in the nation. Amigo and Sanderson compete in 50-mile races, where the horse was ranked fifth in the southeast region.
On January 17th, Sanderson walked down to the horse barn and noticed Amigo standing at the gate.
"I asked him what he was doing down by the gate all by himself, and he answered me," said Sanderson. "Then I noticed he was not coming around the gate and I looked at his other side."
Sanderson discovered a gruesome wound. A cedar branch two inches in diameter and three feet long had stabbed Amigo through the chest.
More...
Jim Matheny
2/10/2010
Advertisement
For more than three weeks, Gary Sanderson's Arabian horse Amigo has lived at the UT vet school's large animal clinic instead of his barn in Luttrell. Doctors consider it a miracle that Amigo is alive at all.
The athletic horse is one of the elite endurance horses in the nation. Amigo and Sanderson compete in 50-mile races, where the horse was ranked fifth in the southeast region.
On January 17th, Sanderson walked down to the horse barn and noticed Amigo standing at the gate.
"I asked him what he was doing down by the gate all by himself, and he answered me," said Sanderson. "Then I noticed he was not coming around the gate and I looked at his other side."
Sanderson discovered a gruesome wound. A cedar branch two inches in diameter and three feet long had stabbed Amigo through the chest.
More...
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
President's Cup: Another day in the UAE - Heather Reynolds
Reynoldsracing - Full Story
Monday, 08 February 2010
I forgot to mention that we went to the camel souk (market) yesterday to get carrots for Smitty. On the way there you can literally see 100's of camels that are in race training being ponied all over the place. We also went to a nearby stand that sells fresh cut Lucerne (alfalfa). It is super fresh, as in looking like fresh cut grass. Smitty likes it, he gets a handful each day.
At some point late in the night, like 12 am, we got a delivery at our room from the OC. It was a hat and jacket that had the race logo on it. I saw them when I woke up as I slept through the delivery! The jackets and hats were the right size and looked really cool. We also had a dinner party invite attached to this package. The party will be on Thursday night at he Endurance Village.
This morning we woke up and had the buffet as usual. I did hear the main Chef coaching one of his guys on how the pastries could be rounder, etc. I then realized that all of the beautiful pasteries we made fresh, right here. This inspired me to try an almond and powdered sugar covered croissant. Awesome!
Then we drove to the barn. I cleaned Smitty's stall...
More...
Monday, 08 February 2010
I forgot to mention that we went to the camel souk (market) yesterday to get carrots for Smitty. On the way there you can literally see 100's of camels that are in race training being ponied all over the place. We also went to a nearby stand that sells fresh cut Lucerne (alfalfa). It is super fresh, as in looking like fresh cut grass. Smitty likes it, he gets a handful each day.
At some point late in the night, like 12 am, we got a delivery at our room from the OC. It was a hat and jacket that had the race logo on it. I saw them when I woke up as I slept through the delivery! The jackets and hats were the right size and looked really cool. We also had a dinner party invite attached to this package. The party will be on Thursday night at he Endurance Village.
This morning we woke up and had the buffet as usual. I did hear the main Chef coaching one of his guys on how the pastries could be rounder, etc. I then realized that all of the beautiful pasteries we made fresh, right here. This inspired me to try an almond and powdered sugar covered croissant. Awesome!
Then we drove to the barn. I cleaned Smitty's stall...
More...
Don't Forget the AERC Convention!
The American Endurance Ride Conference will hold its annual Convention and Trade Show at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada February 18-20, 2010.
Vendors from around the country will have their products at the Trade Show. Speaker seminars will cover topics of horse health and trails. The AERC Awards Banquet will take place Saturday from 6:30 - 10 PM.
The USEF has planned several meetings and events of special interest to those involved in International Endurance.
* Thursday February 18, at 6:00pm – The USEF/AERC International Welcome Reception
* Saturday February 20, 1:00pm to2:00pm – Officials Round Table Discussion. (Open to all FEI Endurance Judges, Stewards Veterinarians and Organizers. Call in capability will be provided for those who cannot attend in person.)
* Saturday February 20 2:00pm to 4:00pm- Chef d' Equipe Presentation for Ranking List Athletes
(A discussion of the High Performance program leading up to the 2010 World Equestrian Games. The presentation will cover the process and schedule for selection for the US Endurance Team, including the Selection Trials, Pre-WEG Training and what will be expected of the riders who are vying for a place on the squad. Call in capability will be provided for those who cannot attend in person.)
* Saturday February 20, 6:30pm – National Awards Banquet
* Sunday, February 21 1:00pm – USEF Joint Endurance Committee Meeting. (Call in capability will be provided for those who cannot attend in person.)
For further information on the convention, and registration forms, go to www.aerc.org or phone 866-271-2372.
Vendors from around the country will have their products at the Trade Show. Speaker seminars will cover topics of horse health and trails. The AERC Awards Banquet will take place Saturday from 6:30 - 10 PM.
The USEF has planned several meetings and events of special interest to those involved in International Endurance.
* Thursday February 18, at 6:00pm – The USEF/AERC International Welcome Reception
* Saturday February 20, 1:00pm to2:00pm – Officials Round Table Discussion. (Open to all FEI Endurance Judges, Stewards Veterinarians and Organizers. Call in capability will be provided for those who cannot attend in person.)
* Saturday February 20 2:00pm to 4:00pm- Chef d' Equipe Presentation for Ranking List Athletes
(A discussion of the High Performance program leading up to the 2010 World Equestrian Games. The presentation will cover the process and schedule for selection for the US Endurance Team, including the Selection Trials, Pre-WEG Training and what will be expected of the riders who are vying for a place on the squad. Call in capability will be provided for those who cannot attend in person.)
* Saturday February 20, 6:30pm – National Awards Banquet
* Sunday, February 21 1:00pm – USEF Joint Endurance Committee Meeting. (Call in capability will be provided for those who cannot attend in person.)
For further information on the convention, and registration forms, go to www.aerc.org or phone 866-271-2372.
Monday, February 08, 2010
President's Cup: I Made It!! - Heather Reynolds
Reynolds Racing - Full Story
07 February 2010
Well let's see here, my flight was absurdly long. I started out flying from San Jose to Denver. This really doesn't get you closer to the UAE. I made the mistake of mentioning the San Jose airport and I think that organizer thought they were doing me a favor by flying me from there versus San Francisco. So instead of me driving 45 min to San Fran, I flew 2 1/2 hours to Denver and then had a 3 hour lay over to fly to Europe. I walked around Denver switched my watch by an hour and had a salad. This added 5 hours to my lovely trip. Then I got on my flight to Frankfurt. This was a 10:35 flight. I switched my watch by 8 hours and walked around all of the Duty Free shopping there was to see and waited out my 3 hour lay over. Then I boarded my final leg to Dubai. this was a 5:55 flight. I changed my watch by 3 more hours and was there. I landed at 11:55 pm. I took off on the 5th of Feb at 11 am and landed the 6th at 11:55 pm. Very cool time warp.
Once I was through passport control, which took about an hour, I went to baggage. After finding my bags, which were the last two to appear (at least they appeared though, right?) I went out to look for a person holding my name on a sign. I looked and then looked and then realized there wasn't a sign...shit. I had emailed the person in charge of our travel arrangements 5 times leading up to this trip to get the hotel info and never had gotten any data.
More.../president_s_cup__i_made_it__
07 February 2010
Well let's see here, my flight was absurdly long. I started out flying from San Jose to Denver. This really doesn't get you closer to the UAE. I made the mistake of mentioning the San Jose airport and I think that organizer thought they were doing me a favor by flying me from there versus San Francisco. So instead of me driving 45 min to San Fran, I flew 2 1/2 hours to Denver and then had a 3 hour lay over to fly to Europe. I walked around Denver switched my watch by an hour and had a salad. This added 5 hours to my lovely trip. Then I got on my flight to Frankfurt. This was a 10:35 flight. I switched my watch by 8 hours and walked around all of the Duty Free shopping there was to see and waited out my 3 hour lay over. Then I boarded my final leg to Dubai. this was a 5:55 flight. I changed my watch by 3 more hours and was there. I landed at 11:55 pm. I took off on the 5th of Feb at 11 am and landed the 6th at 11:55 pm. Very cool time warp.
Once I was through passport control, which took about an hour, I went to baggage. After finding my bags, which were the last two to appear (at least they appeared though, right?) I went out to look for a person holding my name on a sign. I looked and then looked and then realized there wasn't a sign...shit. I had emailed the person in charge of our travel arrangements 5 times leading up to this trip to get the hotel info and never had gotten any data.
More.../president_s_cup__i_made_it__
Sunday, February 07, 2010
For horse lover Mullen, 'the ride is the prize'
Goupstate.com - Full Article
Landrum resident, with teammate Ellie, to compete in 100-mile race
By Eric Boynton
eric.boynton@shj.com
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sue Mullen has ridden horses in countless races of up to 100 miles, but there's never an end to the trails left to conquer.
Horses have been a part of the 59-year-old Landrum resident's life since she began riding nearly 53 years ago. She purchased her first horse at 9 with money garnered mostly from baby-sitting in addition to funds plucked from birthday cards.
"My parents kept waiting for me to outgrow it and I never did," said Mullen, who was raised in Montana.
Her next goal is to compete for the renowned Tevis Cup in the Western States Trail Ride when the 55th running happens July 24.
Known as the "granddaddy" of endurance rides, the event is a 100-mile excursion that begins in Robie Park, Calif., (outside Lake Tahoe) and ends in Auburn, Calif., with riders required to finish in less than 24 hours.
"I always wanted to do the race, but life kept interfering," said Mullen, a mother of three and grandmother of one with another on the way. "I'll be 60 (in April) so I decided it's now or never. I hope to finish, but if we don't, we'll have a great adventure anyway."
More...
Landrum resident, with teammate Ellie, to compete in 100-mile race
By Eric Boynton
eric.boynton@shj.com
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sue Mullen has ridden horses in countless races of up to 100 miles, but there's never an end to the trails left to conquer.
Horses have been a part of the 59-year-old Landrum resident's life since she began riding nearly 53 years ago. She purchased her first horse at 9 with money garnered mostly from baby-sitting in addition to funds plucked from birthday cards.
"My parents kept waiting for me to outgrow it and I never did," said Mullen, who was raised in Montana.
Her next goal is to compete for the renowned Tevis Cup in the Western States Trail Ride when the 55th running happens July 24.
Known as the "granddaddy" of endurance rides, the event is a 100-mile excursion that begins in Robie Park, Calif., (outside Lake Tahoe) and ends in Auburn, Calif., with riders required to finish in less than 24 hours.
"I always wanted to do the race, but life kept interfering," said Mullen, a mother of three and grandmother of one with another on the way. "I'll be 60 (in April) so I decided it's now or never. I hope to finish, but if we don't, we'll have a great adventure anyway."
More...
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Enroute to the President's Cup - Heather Reynolds
Reynoldsracing.com - Heather's Blog
Friday, 05 February 2010
So it is that we are once again on our way to the President's Cup. Jeremy and Sir Smith left on Jan 28th. I drove them and the other USA horse BA Belshazaar (SP?) aka Zar as well.
We left at 1 am Thursday morning to get to LAX by 8 am. Zar had been with us for a couple of days so he made the trip down with us as his owners, Jeremy Olson and Ellen Rapp, are currently living in Qatar training endurance horses.
The horses both traveled well and made it, with a very tired Jeremy, to Amsterdam. The horses stayed at the horse hotel on the out skirts of Amsterdam. They had a 3 day wait there before they would ship to another airport some where in the NL to get on to a private charter with the other foreign horses to continue on to the UAE. It was snowing in Amsterdam so Jeremy could only ride them in the indoor arena. Poor Jeremy was all alone there with out any other US rider for company.
More...
Friday, February 05, 2010
Stephanie Palmer-DuRoss To Speak at Scottsdale Arabian Show
Scottsdaleshow.com
Local Regional and National award winning Endurance rider Stephanie Palmer-DuRoss will be speaking about Endurance riding. She has competed in Endurance riding for 21 years with over 8000 Endurance miles.
She will be discussing the basics of Endurance riding. This will include information on where to start. What you would need to ride Endurance. How to find local rides in your area. She will be talking about the American Endurance Ride Conference and the motto of "to finish is to win". She will explain what to expect at Endurance rides including different distances and how to complete. There will be information on vetting and the "no drug policy". She will be bringing along her Arabian Hadji Halef Omar who has over 4700 Endurance miles in the last 9 years.
For more information, see Scottsdaleshow.com/educational/seminars
Local Regional and National award winning Endurance rider Stephanie Palmer-DuRoss will be speaking about Endurance riding. She has competed in Endurance riding for 21 years with over 8000 Endurance miles.
She will be discussing the basics of Endurance riding. This will include information on where to start. What you would need to ride Endurance. How to find local rides in your area. She will be talking about the American Endurance Ride Conference and the motto of "to finish is to win". She will explain what to expect at Endurance rides including different distances and how to complete. There will be information on vetting and the "no drug policy". She will be bringing along her Arabian Hadji Halef Omar who has over 4700 Endurance miles in the last 9 years.
For more information, see Scottsdaleshow.com/educational/seminars
Sunday, January 31, 2010
South Carolina: County wants to encourage equestrian tourism, business
Pickenssentinel.com - Full Article
January 30,1020
by Jason Evans
PICKENS - County council and county officials want to encourage equestrian related projects, to help the county's economy ride tall in the saddle.
The horse industry contributes $14 million to Pickens County, said County Administrator J. Chappell Hurst.
"There’s over 2,700 horses in this county," he said.
The county hopes to benefit from a new initiative from the SC Department of Agriculture.
The "50 by 20" project aims "to increase the state's agricultural industry by $50 billion by 2020," Hurst said.
"Because of this program there are numerous grants and funding mechanisms that are available at this time," he said. "The idea is to add an agricultural component to the development of cross country, endurance and steeplechase courses. There's a lot of money out there."
More...
January 30,1020
by Jason Evans
PICKENS - County council and county officials want to encourage equestrian related projects, to help the county's economy ride tall in the saddle.
The horse industry contributes $14 million to Pickens County, said County Administrator J. Chappell Hurst.
"There’s over 2,700 horses in this county," he said.
The county hopes to benefit from a new initiative from the SC Department of Agriculture.
The "50 by 20" project aims "to increase the state's agricultural industry by $50 billion by 2020," Hurst said.
"Because of this program there are numerous grants and funding mechanisms that are available at this time," he said. "The idea is to add an agricultural component to the development of cross country, endurance and steeplechase courses. There's a lot of money out there."
More...
WSTF Tevis Education Ride
The WSTF Tevis Education Ride is scheduled for Friday, June 18 & Saturday, June 19, 2010.
RIDERS' LIST (we will post closer to ride date)
There are no restrictions on the number of riders that can enter this year. The cost will be $125.00, which includes camping at Foresthill, lunch and barbecue for rider, attendance at all lectures, and participation in all group activities. Trailers can be moved from Foresthill to the Auburn Overlook for a fee, and extra barbecue dinners will be available for $15.00. Bill Gore will be at the finish to sell photos of the day's ride. For any questions, please call Terryl Reed at (530) 852-2111 or (530) 346-8583 or Kathie Perry at (916) 663-3869.
The 3rd Western States Educational Ride on the historic Western States Trail will be held June 18th and 19th, 2010. The dates are a week before our sister event, the Western States Endurance Run, and five weeks prior to the annual Tevis Cup 100 Mile ride. The final thirty-two miles of the trail will be covered in groups seeded for speed and led by experienced Tevis Cup Riders.
The Friday night camp site for Saturday's ride will be at the Foresthill Mill site. On Saturday, riders will leave Foresthill and ride the Western States Trail to Auburn. Mock vet checks will be held at Francisco's (lunch), the Lower Quarry, and at Auburn at the finish.
Interesting and informative speakers are planned for Friday evening, along with check-in, a pot luck dinner, and group meetings. Lunch will be provided for the riders on Saturday. Riders will be grouped with experienced guides, who will be available to point out landmarks, share pacing tips, and answer questions along the way. The mock vet checks will be at the Western States 100 Mile ride vet stop locations, in an effort to simulate the actual ride day experiences. On Saturday, after the ride, there will be a round robin to discuss the day’s ride and answer questions. Finisher certificates will be awarded, and a delicious California barbecue will be a satisfying way to end the day.
Because this year's Educational Ride offers just one day of guided riding, participants are encouraged to come earlier or stay later to ride other trail sections on their own. Maps and advice from the local riders about ways to do this will be available. Also, nearby stabling arrangements can be made for horses for the extra days.
Although there are no qualification requirements for this 32 mile ride, it is expected that riders will bring well-conditioned horses with previous trail and group riding experience. Because each group will have a designated lead and final rider, horses that are not manageable in the middle of a small group of horses are not well-suited for this event. Although some shuffling of position within the groups will be allowed and normal excitement is expected, please do not enter a horse that will be a danger to others by being a kicker, by insisting on being in the lead, or by exhibiting other equine vices that are dangerous in the group situation. It is also expected that horses will be fitted with proven tack and accessories, including hoof protection that stays on securely. Riders will not be able to make stops for tack adjustments or hoof protection changes until the entire group is on a safe section of trail to do so. This is not the time to experiment with new gear because when one rider stops, forward motion for the entire group comes to a halt. Feed and water will be available at selected locations, and a veterinarian will be on-call for emergencies. Ultimately, however, riders will be responsible for the welfare of their horses and themselves. Juniors who will be old enough to ride Tevis on July 24th are welcome with an adult sponsor. Riders do not have to enter the 2010 Tevis Cup Ride to participate in the Educational Ride.
For more information, contact
Terryl Reed, 530-852-2111, 530-346-8583 or
Kathie Perry, 916-663-3869
or see Teviscup.org
RIDERS' LIST (we will post closer to ride date)
There are no restrictions on the number of riders that can enter this year. The cost will be $125.00, which includes camping at Foresthill, lunch and barbecue for rider, attendance at all lectures, and participation in all group activities. Trailers can be moved from Foresthill to the Auburn Overlook for a fee, and extra barbecue dinners will be available for $15.00. Bill Gore will be at the finish to sell photos of the day's ride. For any questions, please call Terryl Reed at (530) 852-2111 or (530) 346-8583 or Kathie Perry at (916) 663-3869.
The 3rd Western States Educational Ride on the historic Western States Trail will be held June 18th and 19th, 2010. The dates are a week before our sister event, the Western States Endurance Run, and five weeks prior to the annual Tevis Cup 100 Mile ride. The final thirty-two miles of the trail will be covered in groups seeded for speed and led by experienced Tevis Cup Riders.
The Friday night camp site for Saturday's ride will be at the Foresthill Mill site. On Saturday, riders will leave Foresthill and ride the Western States Trail to Auburn. Mock vet checks will be held at Francisco's (lunch), the Lower Quarry, and at Auburn at the finish.
Interesting and informative speakers are planned for Friday evening, along with check-in, a pot luck dinner, and group meetings. Lunch will be provided for the riders on Saturday. Riders will be grouped with experienced guides, who will be available to point out landmarks, share pacing tips, and answer questions along the way. The mock vet checks will be at the Western States 100 Mile ride vet stop locations, in an effort to simulate the actual ride day experiences. On Saturday, after the ride, there will be a round robin to discuss the day’s ride and answer questions. Finisher certificates will be awarded, and a delicious California barbecue will be a satisfying way to end the day.
Because this year's Educational Ride offers just one day of guided riding, participants are encouraged to come earlier or stay later to ride other trail sections on their own. Maps and advice from the local riders about ways to do this will be available. Also, nearby stabling arrangements can be made for horses for the extra days.
Although there are no qualification requirements for this 32 mile ride, it is expected that riders will bring well-conditioned horses with previous trail and group riding experience. Because each group will have a designated lead and final rider, horses that are not manageable in the middle of a small group of horses are not well-suited for this event. Although some shuffling of position within the groups will be allowed and normal excitement is expected, please do not enter a horse that will be a danger to others by being a kicker, by insisting on being in the lead, or by exhibiting other equine vices that are dangerous in the group situation. It is also expected that horses will be fitted with proven tack and accessories, including hoof protection that stays on securely. Riders will not be able to make stops for tack adjustments or hoof protection changes until the entire group is on a safe section of trail to do so. This is not the time to experiment with new gear because when one rider stops, forward motion for the entire group comes to a halt. Feed and water will be available at selected locations, and a veterinarian will be on-call for emergencies. Ultimately, however, riders will be responsible for the welfare of their horses and themselves. Juniors who will be old enough to ride Tevis on July 24th are welcome with an adult sponsor. Riders do not have to enter the 2010 Tevis Cup Ride to participate in the Educational Ride.
For more information, contact
Terryl Reed, 530-852-2111, 530-346-8583 or
Kathie Perry, 916-663-3869
or see Teviscup.org
Saturday, January 30, 2010
It Takes a Village to Field an Equestrian Team
Thehorse.com - Full Article
18 January 2010
As many sports enthusiasts in the US know, this country's athletes receive little government funding toward the costs of training and competing. Parents of up-and-coming performers have been known to take second mortgages on their homes in order to pay for Junior's training, and communities hold fund-raising events to help support their local stars.
That tried-and-true high-dollar fund-raiser, the benefit dinner, is a perennial favorite of those in equestrian sport. It's trotted out (if you'll pardon the expression) reliably in advance of every major international championships to which the US plans to send teams.
Today, elite equestrian fund-raising falls largely to the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, the development arm of the United States Equestrian Federation. Headquartered at the venerable Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, NJ, the USET Foundation is still thought of by those of a certain age as simply the USET, the formerly stand-alone organization that fielded and funded (and to a certain extent trained) equestrian teams for international competition. Now it's a branch of the USEF, and its role is primarily to tap the wellspring of enthusiasts' pocketbooks.
More...
18 January 2010
As many sports enthusiasts in the US know, this country's athletes receive little government funding toward the costs of training and competing. Parents of up-and-coming performers have been known to take second mortgages on their homes in order to pay for Junior's training, and communities hold fund-raising events to help support their local stars.
That tried-and-true high-dollar fund-raiser, the benefit dinner, is a perennial favorite of those in equestrian sport. It's trotted out (if you'll pardon the expression) reliably in advance of every major international championships to which the US plans to send teams.
Today, elite equestrian fund-raising falls largely to the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, the development arm of the United States Equestrian Federation. Headquartered at the venerable Hamilton Farm in Gladstone, NJ, the USET Foundation is still thought of by those of a certain age as simply the USET, the formerly stand-alone organization that fielded and funded (and to a certain extent trained) equestrian teams for international competition. Now it's a branch of the USEF, and its role is primarily to tap the wellspring of enthusiasts' pocketbooks.
More...
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Kevin Myers joins the EasyCare Inc. Management Team As Director of Marketing and Administration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2010 - (Tucson, AZ)
EasyCare Inc. is pleased to announce the expansion of the senior management team to include Kevin Myers as the Director of Marketing and Administration, effective March 1, 2010.
EasyCare hires Kevin Myers to lead all marketing activities of the organization and to oversee the customer service department. "Kevin is highly skilled in various areas relating to relationship management, team building and strategic planning." said President and CEO Garrett Ford. "We are very fortunate to add such a passionate and skilled individual to our team. Kevin will play a vital role in managing the marketing and publicity of our brands and accommodating the tremendous growth we are experiencing in the natural horse care industry nationally and internationally."
Mr. Myers joins EasyCare from Ballet Arizona where he has held the position of Executive Director since 2004. In that time, Ballet Arizona retired its accumulated debt; received a $6.5M bond issue from the City of Phoenix for new rehearsal and administration facilities; built a cash reserve of more than $900,000 and increased earned revenue by more than 20% per year for four years. As the administrative leader of Ballet Arizona, Kevin worked with a staff of 21 people in a complex business model that relies on revenue from ten fundraising, membership and earned revenue streams.
"I am very excited to join Garrett Ford and the EasyCare team." said Kevin Myers. "I have spent more than 20 years working in the non-profit management sector. Many people don't know that I have also been actively competing in wilderness endurance horse riding since 1994. EasyCare has unveiled a new equine product line-up that is changing the evolution of natural hoof care in ways we could not have anticipated. I'm very excited by the opportunity to be part of that."
"EasyCare will also soon be launching a new training platform that will allow the retail network to gain a broader and deeper understanding of the EasyCare products." said Garrett Ford of the new technology built by 3point5. "Trained retailers will be empowered to give the best guidance and advice to make the customer experience consistently successful."
What began in 1970 with the invention of the Easyboot has since grown into a full line of hoof boots and natural hoof care products that protect the hoof, allow horses to cover rough terrain, act as a spare tire in case of a lost shoe and aid in the treatment of laminitis and other hoof problems. EasyCare's hoof boot brands include the Easyboot, Easyboot Glove, Easyboot Glue-On, Boa Horse Boot, Old Mac's and EasySoaker.
Media Contact:
TARA KELLY
520-297-1900 x 2233
tkelly@easycareinc.com
January 27, 2010 - (Tucson, AZ)
EasyCare Inc. is pleased to announce the expansion of the senior management team to include Kevin Myers as the Director of Marketing and Administration, effective March 1, 2010.
EasyCare hires Kevin Myers to lead all marketing activities of the organization and to oversee the customer service department. "Kevin is highly skilled in various areas relating to relationship management, team building and strategic planning." said President and CEO Garrett Ford. "We are very fortunate to add such a passionate and skilled individual to our team. Kevin will play a vital role in managing the marketing and publicity of our brands and accommodating the tremendous growth we are experiencing in the natural horse care industry nationally and internationally."
Mr. Myers joins EasyCare from Ballet Arizona where he has held the position of Executive Director since 2004. In that time, Ballet Arizona retired its accumulated debt; received a $6.5M bond issue from the City of Phoenix for new rehearsal and administration facilities; built a cash reserve of more than $900,000 and increased earned revenue by more than 20% per year for four years. As the administrative leader of Ballet Arizona, Kevin worked with a staff of 21 people in a complex business model that relies on revenue from ten fundraising, membership and earned revenue streams.
"I am very excited to join Garrett Ford and the EasyCare team." said Kevin Myers. "I have spent more than 20 years working in the non-profit management sector. Many people don't know that I have also been actively competing in wilderness endurance horse riding since 1994. EasyCare has unveiled a new equine product line-up that is changing the evolution of natural hoof care in ways we could not have anticipated. I'm very excited by the opportunity to be part of that."
"EasyCare will also soon be launching a new training platform that will allow the retail network to gain a broader and deeper understanding of the EasyCare products." said Garrett Ford of the new technology built by 3point5. "Trained retailers will be empowered to give the best guidance and advice to make the customer experience consistently successful."
What began in 1970 with the invention of the Easyboot has since grown into a full line of hoof boots and natural hoof care products that protect the hoof, allow horses to cover rough terrain, act as a spare tire in case of a lost shoe and aid in the treatment of laminitis and other hoof problems. EasyCare's hoof boot brands include the Easyboot, Easyboot Glove, Easyboot Glue-On, Boa Horse Boot, Old Mac's and EasySoaker.
Media Contact:
TARA KELLY
520-297-1900 x 2233
tkelly@easycareinc.com
In which an Endurance movie could be good, or really really bad...
Haiku Farm blog
Somebody (no, we don't have names yet) wants to make a feature film about endurance riding. The goal is to film on location here in the Pacific Northwest in July or August this summer. Production plans include setting up a ridecamp populated by local endurance riders and their horses, rigs and crews, and filming action in the vetcheck and on the trail.
So far, not bad news. Possibly even good news. The sport can always use good new recruits, and a movie might be a good way to "spread the gospel" about riding long distances on horseback.
I remember the huge influx of karate students at local martial arts academies in the 1980's, when this movie was released:
(Karate Kid)
At the time of this film, I was a karate student in an Okinawin-style dojo. We were swamped with new students...in fact, we had enough new people joining the school that we were able to afford a new roof for the building that year. New recruits can be a good thing!
[...more]
Somebody (no, we don't have names yet) wants to make a feature film about endurance riding. The goal is to film on location here in the Pacific Northwest in July or August this summer. Production plans include setting up a ridecamp populated by local endurance riders and their horses, rigs and crews, and filming action in the vetcheck and on the trail.
So far, not bad news. Possibly even good news. The sport can always use good new recruits, and a movie might be a good way to "spread the gospel" about riding long distances on horseback.
I remember the huge influx of karate students at local martial arts academies in the 1980's, when this movie was released:
(Karate Kid)
At the time of this film, I was a karate student in an Okinawin-style dojo. We were swamped with new students...in fact, we had enough new people joining the school that we were able to afford a new roof for the building that year. New recruits can be a good thing!
[...more]
North American Anglo-Arabian Year End Award Winners
PHR.com
Release: January 27, 2010
Author: By Peggy Ingles
The North American Anglo-Arabian Horse Association (NAAAHA) has announced the winners of its 2009 High Point Program for Anglo-Arabians that compete in working hunter, jumper, eventing, dressage, sport horse, conformation, endurance and competitive trail. All shows and rides, whether rated or unrated, counted towards these awards.
Hunter/Jumper
Champion: One More Round/Bill & Alexis Doughty
Reserve: Diamond Jim Kelly/Miranda Kuchera
Third: R Jay Bakaro/Allan Ehrlick
Dressage
Champion: Jamil/Mary Ann LaFerriere
Reserve: Little Traverse Bay/Samantha Gioia
Third: Hazen/Beth Coffey-Curle
Fourth: Ashen Gazi/Dawn Cozzolino
Sport Horse U/S
Champion: One More Round/Bill & Alexis Doughty
Reserve: Jamil/Mary Ann LaFerriere
Third: Diamond Jim Kelly/Miranda Kuchera
Eventing
Champion: Snooze Alarm/Lauren Kieffer
Reserve: Nations Recount/Peter Atkins
Endurance/CTR
Champion: JBK Tara/T.J. Edwards
Reserve: Raemes Magician/Tom Paleczny
Third: SS Allsfairn War/Susan Young
Conformation
Champion: One More Round/Bill & Alexis Doughty
Reserve: Khemos Khopi/John Albright
Third: Mak My Day/Andrew Miller
Fourth: Diamond Jim Kelly/Miranda Kuchera
Horse of the Year
One More Round/Bill & Alexis Doughty
Each champion and reserve champion will receive engraved trophy plates. All placings also receive a huge ribbon.
Anglo-Arabians are the third oldest breed in the world, having been bred in France as far back as the early 1800’s. The breed is comprised of a combination of Thoroughbred and Arabian blood, requiring no more than 75% Thoroughbred and no less than 25% Arabian to be registered. Anglo-Arabians are highly respected worldwide as exceptional athletes, especially in the Olympic disciplines, and are ranked third in the world in the sport of eventing.
You can visit NAAAHA's website at www.NAAAHA.com for more information, or call (410) 823-5579.
Release: January 27, 2010
Author: By Peggy Ingles
The North American Anglo-Arabian Horse Association (NAAAHA) has announced the winners of its 2009 High Point Program for Anglo-Arabians that compete in working hunter, jumper, eventing, dressage, sport horse, conformation, endurance and competitive trail. All shows and rides, whether rated or unrated, counted towards these awards.
Hunter/Jumper
Champion: One More Round/Bill & Alexis Doughty
Reserve: Diamond Jim Kelly/Miranda Kuchera
Third: R Jay Bakaro/Allan Ehrlick
Dressage
Champion: Jamil/Mary Ann LaFerriere
Reserve: Little Traverse Bay/Samantha Gioia
Third: Hazen/Beth Coffey-Curle
Fourth: Ashen Gazi/Dawn Cozzolino
Sport Horse U/S
Champion: One More Round/Bill & Alexis Doughty
Reserve: Jamil/Mary Ann LaFerriere
Third: Diamond Jim Kelly/Miranda Kuchera
Eventing
Champion: Snooze Alarm/Lauren Kieffer
Reserve: Nations Recount/Peter Atkins
Endurance/CTR
Champion: JBK Tara/T.J. Edwards
Reserve: Raemes Magician/Tom Paleczny
Third: SS Allsfairn War/Susan Young
Conformation
Champion: One More Round/Bill & Alexis Doughty
Reserve: Khemos Khopi/John Albright
Third: Mak My Day/Andrew Miller
Fourth: Diamond Jim Kelly/Miranda Kuchera
Horse of the Year
One More Round/Bill & Alexis Doughty
Each champion and reserve champion will receive engraved trophy plates. All placings also receive a huge ribbon.
Anglo-Arabians are the third oldest breed in the world, having been bred in France as far back as the early 1800’s. The breed is comprised of a combination of Thoroughbred and Arabian blood, requiring no more than 75% Thoroughbred and no less than 25% Arabian to be registered. Anglo-Arabians are highly respected worldwide as exceptional athletes, especially in the Olympic disciplines, and are ranked third in the world in the sport of eventing.
You can visit NAAAHA's website at www.NAAAHA.com for more information, or call (410) 823-5579.
Monday, January 25, 2010
PNER: Convention of the unconventional
Horsebytes blog - Full Article
by Monica Bretherton
I saw a quote from UW geneticist Joshua Akey this morning, "The great problem of evolution is that it's a lot easier to break things than to make them better."
You could apply that to the design of horse gear, too.
So it takes real passion and commitment to develop a new product for the equestrian world, where you will not only have to buck that rule but to market a new idea in a culture steeped in tradition. Fortunately, there is a field where the quest for a competitive edge combined with a traditional disregard for appearances has created an ideal test market - endurance riders.
That's the theory I developed the Pacific Northwest Endurance Ride convention in Portland last Friday and Saturday, anyway. Maybe because long hours in the saddle give people time to think, or the accumulated aches and pains of humans and equines are a powerful motivator, it is almost a given that the vendors at were riders themselves. They either designed the products they offered or were power users -- and often top competitors -- in the field, willing to put their name behind what they sold.
More...
by Monica Bretherton
I saw a quote from UW geneticist Joshua Akey this morning, "The great problem of evolution is that it's a lot easier to break things than to make them better."
You could apply that to the design of horse gear, too.
So it takes real passion and commitment to develop a new product for the equestrian world, where you will not only have to buck that rule but to market a new idea in a culture steeped in tradition. Fortunately, there is a field where the quest for a competitive edge combined with a traditional disregard for appearances has created an ideal test market - endurance riders.
That's the theory I developed the Pacific Northwest Endurance Ride convention in Portland last Friday and Saturday, anyway. Maybe because long hours in the saddle give people time to think, or the accumulated aches and pains of humans and equines are a powerful motivator, it is almost a given that the vendors at were riders themselves. They either designed the products they offered or were power users -- and often top competitors -- in the field, willing to put their name behind what they sold.
More...
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Lady Long Rider up date
Teamcolorado.typepad.com - Full Story
01/22/2010
I have been thinking a lot about my friend Bernice Ende
Bernice was raised on a dairy farm in Minnesota, and riding has always been an integral part of her life. After pursuing a career in classical Ballet and teaching dance, Bernice moved to the northwest corner of Montana, to live in a cabin on the mountainside. She continued teaching ballet and gave riding lessons when dance classes were not in session.
Her retirement in 2003 brought not a lack of activity, but rather a change of focus. Drawn back to riding, Bernice felt the pull of the open road and adventure inherent in serous riding.
In 2005 she made her first long-distance ride on a Tennessee Walking Horse, a young gelding named Pride.
After her first year of riding, Bernice realized that Long Riding was an occupation she loved and longed to pursue.
More...
01/22/2010
I have been thinking a lot about my friend Bernice Ende
Bernice was raised on a dairy farm in Minnesota, and riding has always been an integral part of her life. After pursuing a career in classical Ballet and teaching dance, Bernice moved to the northwest corner of Montana, to live in a cabin on the mountainside. She continued teaching ballet and gave riding lessons when dance classes were not in session.
Her retirement in 2003 brought not a lack of activity, but rather a change of focus. Drawn back to riding, Bernice felt the pull of the open road and adventure inherent in serous riding.
In 2005 she made her first long-distance ride on a Tennessee Walking Horse, a young gelding named Pride.
After her first year of riding, Bernice realized that Long Riding was an occupation she loved and longed to pursue.
More...
Extras Wanted
For our feature film "FIGURE OF EIGHT" we are looking for participants to be part of this production.
We are looking for Horse Endurance Riders with their Horses / Trailers and support groups .
Our Base camp is the center of the Race and provides for the atmosphere.
On the trail we need Riders and Horses to be extras and compete with our cast. A professional consultant will overlook the endurance race at all times. It will be authentic and true to the sport.
We are planning to shoot this feature film in July/August of 2010 in the Pacific Northwest.
Once the perfect location is chosen, the production of "FIGURE OF EIGHT" would like to invite you to participate in this production.
We provide the space for your rig and horses. Credit / food / make up and professional footage will be provided.
If you are interested , please be able to commit to at least a six day stay with your rig / horse / support group / and of course yourself.
Please provide pictures of your rig / horse / yourself and your support staff for consideration.
Event Organizers : The production needs your skills to organize such an event.
Contact: 100dingo@gmail.com
For more information see www.figureofeight.com
We are looking for Horse Endurance Riders with their Horses / Trailers and support groups .
Our Base camp is the center of the Race and provides for the atmosphere.
On the trail we need Riders and Horses to be extras and compete with our cast. A professional consultant will overlook the endurance race at all times. It will be authentic and true to the sport.
We are planning to shoot this feature film in July/August of 2010 in the Pacific Northwest.
Once the perfect location is chosen, the production of "FIGURE OF EIGHT" would like to invite you to participate in this production.
We provide the space for your rig and horses. Credit / food / make up and professional footage will be provided.
If you are interested , please be able to commit to at least a six day stay with your rig / horse / support group / and of course yourself.
Please provide pictures of your rig / horse / yourself and your support staff for consideration.
Event Organizers : The production needs your skills to organize such an event.
Contact: 100dingo@gmail.com
For more information see www.figureofeight.com
Friday, January 22, 2010
Get R Done 2010, MONK wins Best Conditioned 100 mile horse
A Horse Named Monk blog
Right to the point, inquiring minds want to know the results before the story, so the highlights first, story second. MONK and Lindsay came in 2nd, approx. 20 min or so behind team mate Heather Reynolds.
MONK looked great all day long and Lindsay kept to her game plan and kept us on track for WEG.. MONK won Best Condition, his 3rd or 4th in a row, depending on how you look at his double win at AERC champ ride. This was our last qualifying ride for the WEG and should put us very high on the National Training List.....we are currently 22nd, this ride we should maybe put Lindsay in top 5 or so....not supposed to matter as long as your on the list.
No more rides (FEI) until June when they do the selection ride in Bend Oregon.
You may or not know that when you do a FEI ride you are required to have a team of at least 3 riders. The team can be on any distance. They have a short meeting and express their goals for each and then talk about if they accomplished their goals. Our team was Heather and Jeremy Reynolds. Heather rode the 100 and Jeremy rode the 75..
This ride was held in Lucerne which is close to Ridgecrest, high desert just north of Red Rock canyon. I held my breath the whole weekend as the weather was perfect, no wind, little cloud cover, my theory was that if you said the word "wind out loud", we would be in for it. Crew had a nice warm truck, but no so for horse and rider. All riders started at the same time, all 3 divisions. All crewing was limited to the crew area which was designated. Only other crewing was at one water stop and one place right off of the main road. I think there were 5 loops in all.
Another perfect weekend. Crewing went well with only a couple of mistakes that made no difference. Lindsay trots all the way to the timer, she unhooks breast collar from top of the saddle, after she dismounts she unhooks snap on cinch and pulls bit. Susie takes MONK, I grab saddle and pull it while Steve starts pouring gallon jugs of water on MONK as we walk to the water trough led by Susie. Lindsay takes care of In-timer and then helps at the trough. I dump saddle and return with HR monitor belt and check HR. I help with the water jugs or sponge. Lindsay either pours more water or scrapes water off. If we have no horses in front, which is often the case we move at 64 (which has been the requirement at all FEI rides we have been to). You only get two chances to hit your target so you have to make it count.
[...more]
Right to the point, inquiring minds want to know the results before the story, so the highlights first, story second. MONK and Lindsay came in 2nd, approx. 20 min or so behind team mate Heather Reynolds.
MONK looked great all day long and Lindsay kept to her game plan and kept us on track for WEG.. MONK won Best Condition, his 3rd or 4th in a row, depending on how you look at his double win at AERC champ ride. This was our last qualifying ride for the WEG and should put us very high on the National Training List.....we are currently 22nd, this ride we should maybe put Lindsay in top 5 or so....not supposed to matter as long as your on the list.
No more rides (FEI) until June when they do the selection ride in Bend Oregon.
You may or not know that when you do a FEI ride you are required to have a team of at least 3 riders. The team can be on any distance. They have a short meeting and express their goals for each and then talk about if they accomplished their goals. Our team was Heather and Jeremy Reynolds. Heather rode the 100 and Jeremy rode the 75..
This ride was held in Lucerne which is close to Ridgecrest, high desert just north of Red Rock canyon. I held my breath the whole weekend as the weather was perfect, no wind, little cloud cover, my theory was that if you said the word "wind out loud", we would be in for it. Crew had a nice warm truck, but no so for horse and rider. All riders started at the same time, all 3 divisions. All crewing was limited to the crew area which was designated. Only other crewing was at one water stop and one place right off of the main road. I think there were 5 loops in all.
Another perfect weekend. Crewing went well with only a couple of mistakes that made no difference. Lindsay trots all the way to the timer, she unhooks breast collar from top of the saddle, after she dismounts she unhooks snap on cinch and pulls bit. Susie takes MONK, I grab saddle and pull it while Steve starts pouring gallon jugs of water on MONK as we walk to the water trough led by Susie. Lindsay takes care of In-timer and then helps at the trough. I dump saddle and return with HR monitor belt and check HR. I help with the water jugs or sponge. Lindsay either pours more water or scrapes water off. If we have no horses in front, which is often the case we move at 64 (which has been the requirement at all FEI rides we have been to). You only get two chances to hit your target so you have to make it count.
[...more]
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Scottsdale Dynamite Dash Endurance Ride Elevator 50/75/100
January 19 2010
Are you looking for a challenging, yet fairly easy, 50 or 75 or 100-mile ride in the dead of winter?
Craving a ride under the full moonlight?
Wishing for a (possibly record) affordable 100-mile ride? (All distances are $100.)
You'll find all of those at the February 27 Scottsdale Dynamite Dash Endurance Ride 50/75/100 Elevator, which will take place north of Scottsdale, Arizona, from the Checker XII Ranch, on trails in the Tonto National Forest.
As an Elevator ride, If you're having such a good ride and you don't want it to end just yet, you can elevate up one distance at the completion of the ride you entered (you do give up he first completion when you continue on down the trail).
Ride manager Rusty Toth says, "The trail is fairly flat, and mostly easy footing, but still challenging: single-track, twisty, and double wide trails with almost no rock, some washes." Not to mention the views of the saguaro cactus desert and rugged mountains are extraordinary.
"We have an excellent head veterinarian, Robert Washington, from Idaho, and excellent prizes with sponsorships from Easycare, Farnam, and Endurance.net. Friday night's dinner will be prepared by L'Amore restaurant of Phoenix, owned by endurance riders Greg Rose and Kim Abbott."
Normal weather for the end of February is highs around 72, lows around 50. "Due to our recent rains, we will have grass growing and a stunning green desert!
"Don't forget your sunscreen and sunglasses and camera!" Rusty advises.
Pre-registraion is obligatory, as the number of rigs is limited.
For more information, a video sample and photos of the trail, and entry form see http://sites.google.com/site/dynamitedash/.
Are you looking for a challenging, yet fairly easy, 50 or 75 or 100-mile ride in the dead of winter?
Craving a ride under the full moonlight?
Wishing for a (possibly record) affordable 100-mile ride? (All distances are $100.)
You'll find all of those at the February 27 Scottsdale Dynamite Dash Endurance Ride 50/75/100 Elevator, which will take place north of Scottsdale, Arizona, from the Checker XII Ranch, on trails in the Tonto National Forest.
As an Elevator ride, If you're having such a good ride and you don't want it to end just yet, you can elevate up one distance at the completion of the ride you entered (you do give up he first completion when you continue on down the trail).
Ride manager Rusty Toth says, "The trail is fairly flat, and mostly easy footing, but still challenging: single-track, twisty, and double wide trails with almost no rock, some washes." Not to mention the views of the saguaro cactus desert and rugged mountains are extraordinary.
"We have an excellent head veterinarian, Robert Washington, from Idaho, and excellent prizes with sponsorships from Easycare, Farnam, and Endurance.net. Friday night's dinner will be prepared by L'Amore restaurant of Phoenix, owned by endurance riders Greg Rose and Kim Abbott."
Normal weather for the end of February is highs around 72, lows around 50. "Due to our recent rains, we will have grass growing and a stunning green desert!
"Don't forget your sunscreen and sunglasses and camera!" Rusty advises.
Pre-registraion is obligatory, as the number of rigs is limited.
For more information, a video sample and photos of the trail, and entry form see http://sites.google.com/site/dynamitedash/.
She Rides, I Pay: Endurance
Chronofhorse.com - Full Article
January 18, 2010
By: Elizabeth Howell
Who's crazier? The endurance rider or runner?
Here in Vermont, there's an annual event I have volunteered at for several years. It caters to two groups of elite athletes. It's the Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Race.
There are actually two races happening simultaneously: one for runners and one for riders.
I have only ever participated in two sports: horseback riding and running. This event is the most fascinating apex of the two. When you pull into the parking area (a huge field) there are tents, portable paddocks and horse trailers. The runners are as fascinated by the horses as the riders are by the runners. There is one thing these two groups have in common: no fear of porta-potties.
More...
January 18, 2010
By: Elizabeth Howell
Who's crazier? The endurance rider or runner?
Here in Vermont, there's an annual event I have volunteered at for several years. It caters to two groups of elite athletes. It's the Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Race.
There are actually two races happening simultaneously: one for runners and one for riders.
I have only ever participated in two sports: horseback riding and running. This event is the most fascinating apex of the two. When you pull into the parking area (a huge field) there are tents, portable paddocks and horse trailers. The runners are as fascinated by the horses as the riders are by the runners. There is one thing these two groups have in common: no fear of porta-potties.
More...
Friday, January 15, 2010
Additional Endorsements of National Welfare Code of Practice
TheHorse.com
by: Press Release
January 15 2010
The American Horse Council (AHC) is pleased to announce the American Endurance Ride Conference, the American Paint Horse Association, the National Cutting Horse Association, and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association have recently endorsed the Welfare Code of Practice further broadening the industry support of a national code. The AHC drafted the Welfare Code of Practice, which outlines in generic terms what it means for an organization to be committed to the responsible breeding, training, care, use, enjoyment, transport, and retirement of horses.
Many associations have undertaken studies, reviews, and initiatives that indicate their commitment to the welfare of their horses. This generic code is simply a continuation of that effort.
"The American Horse Council's Welfare Code of Practice demonstrates the equine industry's commitment to the welfare and safety of the horse," said Dan Metzger, president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. “We wholeheartedly endorse these principles and encourage other equine organizations to do so as well."
In endorsing the code, Laura Hayes, Vice President of the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) and Chair of the AERC's Welfare of the Horse Committee said, "We are pleased to endorse this document as an extension of our commitment to the health, welfare and longevity of our equine partners."
"The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) is and always has been committed to the humane and proper treatment of all horses," said Lex Smurthwaite, Executive Director. "By supporting and endorsing the Code of Practice, APHA's leadership has taken that commitment to an even higher standard. We are pleased that the American Horse Council has provided a vehicle for all associations to join together to see that the welfare of our horses continues to be our primary concern."
"The 20,000-member National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) is proud to add our organization to the list of those in the horse industry that have adopted the AHC Welfare Code of Practice," said Lindy Burch. Burch is Past-President of the NCHA and currently serves as Chairperson of the NCHA Horse & Cattle Welfare Committee. "Adopting this policy and having our members abide by its standards is just one of the many ways the NCHA is proactively ensuring the welfare of our horses in cutting horse competition. We appreciate and respect the leadership exhibited by the AHC in formalizing this Code of Practice so that all disciplines can work together in this important initiative."
"We are pleased with the positive feedback and continued interest we have received from a broad spectrum of equine organizations since the Welfare Code of Practice was announced this past November," said AHC President Jay Hickey. "This latest round of endorsements further demonstrates to the public the industry’s unified commitment to the welfare and safety of horses, and we hope to build upon this momentum to bring in as many organizations as possible to further reinforce the industry's commitment to safety, health, care and welfare of all horses."
The AHC's Welfare Code of Practice has already been supported by the American Association of Equine Practitioner, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the U.S. Equestrian Federation, and the U.S. Trotting Association. The Code is not intended to replace or pre-empt those activities or any rules and regulations specific to a segment of the industry. Rather it is hoped that the endorsement of a broad, more generic Welfare Code of Practice by as many organizations as possible will be another indication to the public, the media, federal and state officials and the horse community that the horse industry "Puts the Horse First."
To view the complete Welfare Code of Practice please visit the AHC website at: https://www.horsecouncil.org/newsroom.php.
by: Press Release
January 15 2010
The American Horse Council (AHC) is pleased to announce the American Endurance Ride Conference, the American Paint Horse Association, the National Cutting Horse Association, and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association have recently endorsed the Welfare Code of Practice further broadening the industry support of a national code. The AHC drafted the Welfare Code of Practice, which outlines in generic terms what it means for an organization to be committed to the responsible breeding, training, care, use, enjoyment, transport, and retirement of horses.
Many associations have undertaken studies, reviews, and initiatives that indicate their commitment to the welfare of their horses. This generic code is simply a continuation of that effort.
"The American Horse Council's Welfare Code of Practice demonstrates the equine industry's commitment to the welfare and safety of the horse," said Dan Metzger, president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. “We wholeheartedly endorse these principles and encourage other equine organizations to do so as well."
In endorsing the code, Laura Hayes, Vice President of the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) and Chair of the AERC's Welfare of the Horse Committee said, "We are pleased to endorse this document as an extension of our commitment to the health, welfare and longevity of our equine partners."
"The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) is and always has been committed to the humane and proper treatment of all horses," said Lex Smurthwaite, Executive Director. "By supporting and endorsing the Code of Practice, APHA's leadership has taken that commitment to an even higher standard. We are pleased that the American Horse Council has provided a vehicle for all associations to join together to see that the welfare of our horses continues to be our primary concern."
"The 20,000-member National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) is proud to add our organization to the list of those in the horse industry that have adopted the AHC Welfare Code of Practice," said Lindy Burch. Burch is Past-President of the NCHA and currently serves as Chairperson of the NCHA Horse & Cattle Welfare Committee. "Adopting this policy and having our members abide by its standards is just one of the many ways the NCHA is proactively ensuring the welfare of our horses in cutting horse competition. We appreciate and respect the leadership exhibited by the AHC in formalizing this Code of Practice so that all disciplines can work together in this important initiative."
"We are pleased with the positive feedback and continued interest we have received from a broad spectrum of equine organizations since the Welfare Code of Practice was announced this past November," said AHC President Jay Hickey. "This latest round of endorsements further demonstrates to the public the industry’s unified commitment to the welfare and safety of horses, and we hope to build upon this momentum to bring in as many organizations as possible to further reinforce the industry's commitment to safety, health, care and welfare of all horses."
The AHC's Welfare Code of Practice has already been supported by the American Association of Equine Practitioner, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the U.S. Equestrian Federation, and the U.S. Trotting Association. The Code is not intended to replace or pre-empt those activities or any rules and regulations specific to a segment of the industry. Rather it is hoped that the endorsement of a broad, more generic Welfare Code of Practice by as many organizations as possible will be another indication to the public, the media, federal and state officials and the horse community that the horse industry "Puts the Horse First."
To view the complete Welfare Code of Practice please visit the AHC website at: https://www.horsecouncil.org/newsroom.php.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Emmett Ross – Endurance’s Best Kept Secret
Centralequine.com - Full Article
January 11, 2010
By Diana De Rosa
This Man Truly Understands the Landscape of Endurance Riding
When I went to the very first World Equestrian Games held in Stockholm, Sweden in 1990 one of my fondest memories was watching Becky Hart and her little Arabian, R.D. Gran Sultan, cross the finish line first. I think it was that victory that inspired me to one day do Endurance riding. That was a dream I never fulfilled but speaking with Emmett Ross gave me a vision of Endurance that I hadn’t expected.
Though I was not familiar with Emmett, I was expecting him to tell me about how he’d grown up in the saddle and worked with horses all his life. Instead I uncovered a man that has done numerous things, lived many places and has arrived at a point in his life where he is happy and content. Emmett's 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games title is Endurance Manager. He is undoubtedly the best person for the job because Emmett Ross has been involved in every aspect of this sport. He's competed in endurance competitions, managed events, bought and sold endurance horses, trained riders to win major events and won many titles himself. He understands the terrain of both the course the riders compete over and the landscape of the job.
More...
January 11, 2010
By Diana De Rosa
This Man Truly Understands the Landscape of Endurance Riding
When I went to the very first World Equestrian Games held in Stockholm, Sweden in 1990 one of my fondest memories was watching Becky Hart and her little Arabian, R.D. Gran Sultan, cross the finish line first. I think it was that victory that inspired me to one day do Endurance riding. That was a dream I never fulfilled but speaking with Emmett Ross gave me a vision of Endurance that I hadn’t expected.
Though I was not familiar with Emmett, I was expecting him to tell me about how he’d grown up in the saddle and worked with horses all his life. Instead I uncovered a man that has done numerous things, lived many places and has arrived at a point in his life where he is happy and content. Emmett's 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games title is Endurance Manager. He is undoubtedly the best person for the job because Emmett Ross has been involved in every aspect of this sport. He's competed in endurance competitions, managed events, bought and sold endurance horses, trained riders to win major events and won many titles himself. He understands the terrain of both the course the riders compete over and the landscape of the job.
More...
Friday, January 08, 2010
Get in on the Action: Ride like Hidalgo
Americancowboy.com - Full Article
Endurance Riding - Canutillo, TX
By Mark Bedor
"Endurance riding is on the increase in the U.S., is among the fastest-growing equestrian sports in Europe, and is the largest in the Middle East," says Tracy Webb, who operates the program.
"Sounds like the movie Hidalgo," I told her. "Well, the concept is the same, but you don't have to go to the Middle East to participate," she says. "Endurance riding is a rewarding opportunity to bond with an equine athlete and test your mental and physical strength" by participating in races of 25 to 100 miles.
Riders of all ability levels and ages attend training sessions, and then compete on the school's Arabians.
"Your age and skill level is not nearly as important as attitude," Webb says, as demonstrated by the performance of a 70-year-old lady who completed 110 miles over two days on her first endurance outing. The King of Malaysia is also a program graduate.
More...
Squak Mountain trail is a winter delight
BND.com - Full Article
Wednesday, Jan. 06, 2010
By LYNDA V. MAPES - The Seattle Times
SEATTLE - Between Issaquah Alps' Cougar and Tiger, Seattle's cabin-fever Rx is just waiting to be uncorked: Squak.
Squak Mountain that is, the lesser known, and delectably less-used option between the headliner mountains. Squak, just a half-hour from downtown Seattle, rewards the winter hiker or equestrian dying to get out.
Forget the summer crowds and sweat. It's the winter trails that soothe the soul, too long cooped up in the car, the office, the mall. On a recent frosty morning, the equestrian trails on the south side of the mountain beckoned with their solitude, and bracing refreshment.
Sword ferns and cedar boughs glowed green in the low slanting light of the winter sun. Horses' breath steamed in great white plumes as the animals ascended the trail, and the only sounds were of saddles creaking in the cold, and laughing conversation among the riders. For there is virtually no road noise here.
Easy even for rank beginners, the trail starting out from the Squak Mountain State Park trailhead winds up the mountain through cedars, firs and maples, and an understory lush with ferns.
Even serious, long-distance riders come here for quick refreshers when their schedule doesn't permit a longer trip, said Sue McClain, an endurance trail rider out on her horse for a deep breath of cold,
More...
Wednesday, Jan. 06, 2010
By LYNDA V. MAPES - The Seattle Times
SEATTLE - Between Issaquah Alps' Cougar and Tiger, Seattle's cabin-fever Rx is just waiting to be uncorked: Squak.
Squak Mountain that is, the lesser known, and delectably less-used option between the headliner mountains. Squak, just a half-hour from downtown Seattle, rewards the winter hiker or equestrian dying to get out.
Forget the summer crowds and sweat. It's the winter trails that soothe the soul, too long cooped up in the car, the office, the mall. On a recent frosty morning, the equestrian trails on the south side of the mountain beckoned with their solitude, and bracing refreshment.
Sword ferns and cedar boughs glowed green in the low slanting light of the winter sun. Horses' breath steamed in great white plumes as the animals ascended the trail, and the only sounds were of saddles creaking in the cold, and laughing conversation among the riders. For there is virtually no road noise here.
Easy even for rank beginners, the trail starting out from the Squak Mountain State Park trailhead winds up the mountain through cedars, firs and maples, and an understory lush with ferns.
Even serious, long-distance riders come here for quick refreshers when their schedule doesn't permit a longer trip, said Sue McClain, an endurance trail rider out on her horse for a deep breath of cold,
More...
Thursday, January 07, 2010
Mountain Region Convention
Mountain Region Convention - Feb 12-14 in Denver, Co
Information:
http://www.mrer.bravepages.com/MRER_Convention.htm
Information:
http://www.mrer.bravepages.com/MRER_Convention.htm
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
American Shagya Registry - ASAV horses journey to Qatar
ASAV - North American Shagya-Arabian breeders and owners association: 2009/2010 winter newsletter (download pdf file) .
ShagyaRegistry.com
ShagyaRegistry.com
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Monday, January 04, 2010
Tevis Trail Maintenance Projects
Six trail maintenance projects have been scheduled on the Tevis trail for 2010:
* January 31
* February 28
* March 28
* April 25
* May 30
* June 11-12
They will be co-led by Bill Johnson (WSTF), Matt Lambert (WSER) and Mark Falcone (WSER)
Event #1:
Robie Point to Pointed Rocks
Date and Time:
Sunday, 1-31-10 -- 9:00AM
Meeting Place:
Confluence HW49 and Old Foresthill Rd. -- WS Trail Head
Directions:
Go To Auburn. Take Elm exit go South towards downtown. Left Lincoln/HW 49. Follow 4 miles to HW49 Bridge and the WS Trail Head.
For more information see http://www.teviscup.org/the_trail/the_trail_work_parties.html
or contact the WSTF Office at wstf@foothill.net
* January 31
* February 28
* March 28
* April 25
* May 30
* June 11-12
They will be co-led by Bill Johnson (WSTF), Matt Lambert (WSER) and Mark Falcone (WSER)
Event #1:
Robie Point to Pointed Rocks
Date and Time:
Sunday, 1-31-10 -- 9:00AM
Meeting Place:
Confluence HW49 and Old Foresthill Rd. -- WS Trail Head
Directions:
Go To Auburn. Take Elm exit go South towards downtown. Left Lincoln/HW 49. Follow 4 miles to HW49 Bridge and the WS Trail Head.
For more information see http://www.teviscup.org/the_trail/the_trail_work_parties.html
or contact the WSTF Office at wstf@foothill.net
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Back Country Horsemen of America Receives Development Grant
December 23 2009
Back Country Horsemen of America is pleased to announce that they have been awarded a Technical Assistance grant by the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) group of the National Park Service. It is anticipated that this grant will provide BCHA members with the tools to continue and to develop effective, long-term relationships with land managers of all levels of public lands (federal, state, local).
"BCHA is a volunteer-driven, grassroots organization," stated Terry Morrison, Chairman. "This grant will provide the technical expertise needed to develop programs so that members will have the information they need to respond quickly and successfully to issues related to recreation use on public land. It will be a tremendous benefit to us."
The RTCA program provides technical planning assistance to help local citizens to build and maintain trails and conserve open space. For this project, staff member Mary Hanson will work directly with BCHA to create an educational program so members will have the knowledge and skills to improve their local park and forest horse trails.
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes in regards to the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands. If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com, or call 888-893-5161.
For more information about the RTCA program, contact Mary at 402-661-1554 or mary_hanson@nps.gov.
The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!
Contact: Peg Greiwe
Back Country Horsemen of America
1-888-893-5161
www.backcountryhorse.com
Back Country Horsemen of America is pleased to announce that they have been awarded a Technical Assistance grant by the Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) group of the National Park Service. It is anticipated that this grant will provide BCHA members with the tools to continue and to develop effective, long-term relationships with land managers of all levels of public lands (federal, state, local).
"BCHA is a volunteer-driven, grassroots organization," stated Terry Morrison, Chairman. "This grant will provide the technical expertise needed to develop programs so that members will have the information they need to respond quickly and successfully to issues related to recreation use on public land. It will be a tremendous benefit to us."
The RTCA program provides technical planning assistance to help local citizens to build and maintain trails and conserve open space. For this project, staff member Mary Hanson will work directly with BCHA to create an educational program so members will have the knowledge and skills to improve their local park and forest horse trails.
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes in regards to the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands. If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com, or call 888-893-5161.
For more information about the RTCA program, contact Mary at 402-661-1554 or mary_hanson@nps.gov.
The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!
Contact: Peg Greiwe
Back Country Horsemen of America
1-888-893-5161
www.backcountryhorse.com
Thursday, December 31, 2009
14th Annual Mt. Adams Endurance Ride and Mt. Adams Ride & Tie Saturday, May 15, 2010
Saddle up and ride the glorious trails of the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest and the surrounding timberlands. Everyone's welcome to participate in the 14th Annual Mt. Adams Endurance Ride. We have events for all levels of trail riders: 12- to 25-mile trail rides for beginner endurance riders to 50- or 75-mile divisions for the more experienced competitors. Due to unexpected logging operations on a few of our trails, we will not be holding the 100 mile distance this year. Riders could also opt to compete in our 12- or 25-mile Mt. Adams Ride & Tie division where one horse and two rider/runners make a Ride & Tie team. News flash: The Ride & Tie World Championships will be held here in 2010.
Ride Camp Location: The ride camp is located at the Mt. Adams Horse Camp in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Trout Lake, Washington.
Directions: From Oregon's I-84, take exit 64 (Hood River), go north across Columbia River, west on Hwy 14 for 1 mile, north on Alternate Hwy 141 for approximately 4 miles, continue north on Hwy 141 about 20 miles to Trout Lake. In Trout Lake, bear right at Chevron and follow signs to ride camp or the Mt. Adams Horse Camp.
Weed Seed Free Hay is now required in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest. We will have a flatbed of certified WSF hay for sale at the ride site on Friday and Saturday. It will be a grass/alfalfa mix. There should be plenty for everyone who needs it.
Trail: Ride through the forests above Trout Lake Valley in the shadow of a snowcapped 12,276-foot volcano. Excellent trails and old forest service roads. Good footing, beautiful loops, and views.
Vets: Head vet: Mike Foss, DVM. Vet-in starts at 3 pm, Friday, May 15th.
Meetings: Pre-ride meeting 7 pm on Friday. Awards are Sunday morning.
Meals Included With Entry Fee: Friday and Saturday dinners are included with ride entry. Additional meals for non-riders may be purchased on site. Proceeds from meals go to support various classes at Trout Lake School and/or Trout Lake 4-H.
For more information see www.troutlake.org
Horseman recalls Pony Express centennial
StJoeNews.net - Full Article
by Ken Newton
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Lee Shifflett tells the simple story of a man and his horse.
He would be the man, and Tony Boy would be the horse. But the story also has 55 other horses and 51 other riders. Plus 31 vehicles, a parade of horse trailers, a veterinarian, a press contingent and a trailing truckload of picked litter.
Trying to keep this circus in motion, the sleepless horseman also had to dispel rumors of a roped antelope.
Oh, yeah, and revisit history.
"They thought I was crazy," Mr. Shifflett says, "and they had me convinced I was crazy."
History recalls Johnny Fry as the first westbound rider of the Pony Express, departing St. Joseph on April 3, 1860. One hundred years later, give or take a few hours, Lee Shifflett mounted Tony Boy with a mochila of mail and headed for the Great Plains.
More...
by Ken Newton
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Lee Shifflett tells the simple story of a man and his horse.
He would be the man, and Tony Boy would be the horse. But the story also has 55 other horses and 51 other riders. Plus 31 vehicles, a parade of horse trailers, a veterinarian, a press contingent and a trailing truckload of picked litter.
Trying to keep this circus in motion, the sleepless horseman also had to dispel rumors of a roped antelope.
Oh, yeah, and revisit history.
"They thought I was crazy," Mr. Shifflett says, "and they had me convinced I was crazy."
History recalls Johnny Fry as the first westbound rider of the Pony Express, departing St. Joseph on April 3, 1860. One hundred years later, give or take a few hours, Lee Shifflett mounted Tony Boy with a mochila of mail and headed for the Great Plains.
More...
Thursday, December 24, 2009
New Zealand: Bring it on, says endurance rider
Marlborough Epress
24/12/2009
Few riders in next month's South Island Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding Championships will be more familiar with the course than Kim Swan.
While the Chestnut Valley course may be a long way from her Rai Valley home, Swan has covered most of Marlborough either on foot or horseback.
An avid pig hunter, Swan took up trail and endurance riding 12 years ago and hasn't looked back.
"Basically I was widowed and had my hunting, but nothing else I was committed to. Del Bissell found me an endurance horse. He was a big fat blob and getting him back to work and into shape gave me incentive to ride."
Riding with the Marlborough Endurance and Trail Riding Club, Swan quickly moved into the open grade for trail riding and has since graduated to endurance rides.
For the January 9-10 South Island champs, Swan will ride 12-year-old mare Roselea Shady in the 103km endurance event.
Swan said it was hard to judge how long the ride would take, but the maximum cut off time was 10 hours.
The prospect of spending long hours in the saddle may not be thrilling to all, but Swan said she was attracted to trail and endurance riding by its laid-back nature and because it was illegal for riders to use whips or spurs, meaning horses weren't forced to do anything they didn't want to.
"It's a horse sport anyone can do. If I can do it anyone can. I've never been to pony club or anything. You can ride any horse and wear any clothing. There's no dress code or uniform."
Swan also found her vast knowledge of the Marlborough back country gained through years of hunting and working in the forestry industry was in demand when it came to finding tracks for rides.
[...more]
24/12/2009
Few riders in next month's South Island Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding Championships will be more familiar with the course than Kim Swan.
While the Chestnut Valley course may be a long way from her Rai Valley home, Swan has covered most of Marlborough either on foot or horseback.
An avid pig hunter, Swan took up trail and endurance riding 12 years ago and hasn't looked back.
"Basically I was widowed and had my hunting, but nothing else I was committed to. Del Bissell found me an endurance horse. He was a big fat blob and getting him back to work and into shape gave me incentive to ride."
Riding with the Marlborough Endurance and Trail Riding Club, Swan quickly moved into the open grade for trail riding and has since graduated to endurance rides.
For the January 9-10 South Island champs, Swan will ride 12-year-old mare Roselea Shady in the 103km endurance event.
Swan said it was hard to judge how long the ride would take, but the maximum cut off time was 10 hours.
The prospect of spending long hours in the saddle may not be thrilling to all, but Swan said she was attracted to trail and endurance riding by its laid-back nature and because it was illegal for riders to use whips or spurs, meaning horses weren't forced to do anything they didn't want to.
"It's a horse sport anyone can do. If I can do it anyone can. I've never been to pony club or anything. You can ride any horse and wear any clothing. There's no dress code or uniform."
Swan also found her vast knowledge of the Marlborough back country gained through years of hunting and working in the forestry industry was in demand when it came to finding tracks for rides.
[...more]
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
USEF Announces Date and Location for the 2010 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships Pending Final FEI Approval
Release: November 12 2009
Author: By Joanie Morris
Lexington, KY – Pending final FEI approval, the USEF is announcing the following date and location for the 2010 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC). The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has received preliminary approval and is awaiting final allocation from the FEI Bureau.
Pending this approval, the NAJYRC will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park July 28-August 1, 2010. This is a unique opportunity to use a venue which has been completely redesigned. Less than two months later, the world will begin to arrive in Lexington, KY, for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
As competitors begin to plan their 2010 competition seasons the USEF is providing this information so juniors, young riders and their chef d’equipes can plan accordingly. In 2009, the Kentucky Horse Park welcomed a record number of juniors and young riders for these championships in the three Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing and jumping and the Western discipline of reining.
Vaulting will again hold an exhibition during the championships and endurance will run a CEIY** concurrently in Louisville, KY.
For more information, please contact Joanie Morris at jmorris@usef.org.
Author: By Joanie Morris
Lexington, KY – Pending final FEI approval, the USEF is announcing the following date and location for the 2010 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC). The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has received preliminary approval and is awaiting final allocation from the FEI Bureau.
Pending this approval, the NAJYRC will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park July 28-August 1, 2010. This is a unique opportunity to use a venue which has been completely redesigned. Less than two months later, the world will begin to arrive in Lexington, KY, for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
As competitors begin to plan their 2010 competition seasons the USEF is providing this information so juniors, young riders and their chef d’equipes can plan accordingly. In 2009, the Kentucky Horse Park welcomed a record number of juniors and young riders for these championships in the three Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing and jumping and the Western discipline of reining.
Vaulting will again hold an exhibition during the championships and endurance will run a CEIY** concurrently in Louisville, KY.
For more information, please contact Joanie Morris at jmorris@usef.org.
365 Days of Excellence in Equestrian Sport: USEF Athletes Win Around the World in 2009
USEF.org
Release: December 22 2009
Author: Joanie Morris
Lexington, KY – Talk about busy. 2009 has been a whirlwind, new champions of all kinds, title defenders, legends and innovators made headlines this year. The line between winning and losing has become increasingly fine as all the USEF competitors in every discipline continue to up their game, hone their skills and make the US Team proud both locally and across the globe. With the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) looming on the horizon, less than a year away – all eight FEI disciplines have been busy making sure that medals won’t leave our home turf without a fight as the WEG leaves Europe for the very first time.
Here’s how the year unfolded, January seems like a very long time ago:
January:
The US sent four of its most promising show jumpers to the Australian Youth Olympic Festival. Taylor Land, Mavis Spencer, Jennifer Waxman and Kylie Wright went across the world, rode borrowed horses and Land came home with an Individual Gold medal. The team barely missed Team Bronze, after jumping off with Great Britain – they settled for fourth: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4011&star=true.
The USEF annual meeting crowned all kinds of champions, none more deserving than Chester Weber’s Jamaica who was named the 2008 Farnam®/Platform™ USEF Horse of the Year. The 18-year-old KWPN gelding was rescued on his way to a slaughterhouse in Europe after misbehaving in the tourist carriage industry. He was the stalwart of Weber’s 2008 Silver medal-winning World Championship Team: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4009&star=true. Relive Jamaica’s achievement: http://www.clubequestrian.com/videos/watch/1002639701.aspx and see Weber’s acceptance speech: http://www.clubequestrian.com/videos/watch/1002309339.aspx.
The next night, Gene Mische was honored with the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award. No one may have discovered Wellington, FL without Mische, whose Stadium Jumping Inc. took the sport of jumping and turned it into an industry. Mische’s acceptance speech: http://www.clubequestrian.com/videos/watch/1006266323.aspx .
Look back at his amazing life: http://www.clubequestrian.com/videos/watch/1006325585.aspx.
Steffen Peters won Equestrian of the Year for his amazing accomplishments with Ravel in 2008 – but also for his uncanny sportsmanship. He accepted his award remotely, as he had a longstanding commitment in Florida to honor: http://www.clubequestrian.com/videos/watch/1006266320.aspx.
Vaulter Mary McCormick headed to Europe at the end of the month and took the CVI Leipzig by storm. She vaulted her way to the top of the standings with Tjekko. http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4032&star=true.
The final major event of January was the inaugural Exquiss World Dressage Masters in Wellington, FL. Peters proved how much Ravel had matured since the Olympic Games, beating Individual Gold Medalist Anky van Grunsven in the Grand Prix, US rider Michael Barisone opted for the Grand Prix Special and was rewarded with the win on Neruda: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4047&star=true.
February:
WEF in Wellington and HITS in California and Ocala were busy places as horses and riders jumped in World Cup classes. Ashlee Bond’s name was heard more and more as the 24-year-old dynamo was winning at an alarming rate in California. Beezie Madden won the first Palm Beach Jumping Derby with Crème Brule and Todd Minikus won the ESP CSI2* Grand Prix – momentum was picking up across the country: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4147.
March:
Sapphire stormed to victory in the $150,000 CN CSIO Grand Prix for McLain Ward. The 14-year-old mare was nearly invincible in 2009; it started in Palm Beach: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4165. The following week the pair won the $200,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI4* presented by CN, proving that their Gold medal form from 2008 was holding: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4178. Sapphire completed a trifecta picking up top honors (and a big check) winning the $400,000 FTI Finale Grand Prix CSI5*: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4237.
The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Texas was the first to receive USEF Heritage Competition Designation: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4205&star=true.
April:
The Rolex/FEI World Cup Final was the first major international championship of the year and Steffen Peters and Akiko Yamazaki’s Ravel swept the Dressage title. Dry eyes were hard to find and the entire Thomas & Mack Arena shook at the conclusion of his freestyle. He was the first American World Cup Champion to be crowned in the US.
Not to be outdone, Sapphire continued her assault on the Jumping title for McLain Ward. She was unfortunate enough to come up against two-time champions Shutterfly and Meredith Michaels - Beerbaum. Ward and Sapphire settled for second despite faultless jumping.
US Dressage legend, Brentina was retired in front of thousands of her adoring fans.
All the World Cup coverage(photos, blogs, photos, videos and news) is available here: http://www.clubequestrian.com/coverage/fei_world_cup_2009.aspx.
The next week brought the eventing community to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, and Australia’s Headley Britannia took home top honors for Lucinda Fredericks. Buck Davidson was crowned USEF National Champion with Carl and Cassandra Segal’s My Boy Bobby. Relive it here: http://www.clubequestrian.com/coverage/rolex_3day_event_2009.aspx.
Before the month was over, Team USA had won Team Silver at the 2009 Pan American Endurance Championships: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4353&star=true. The Team of Steve Rojek, Valerie Kanavy, Gabrielle Mann and Cheryl van Deusen put in an amazing effort in Uruguay and were just six minutes off the Gold medal pace.
More...
Release: December 22 2009
Author: Joanie Morris
Lexington, KY – Talk about busy. 2009 has been a whirlwind, new champions of all kinds, title defenders, legends and innovators made headlines this year. The line between winning and losing has become increasingly fine as all the USEF competitors in every discipline continue to up their game, hone their skills and make the US Team proud both locally and across the globe. With the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) looming on the horizon, less than a year away – all eight FEI disciplines have been busy making sure that medals won’t leave our home turf without a fight as the WEG leaves Europe for the very first time.
Here’s how the year unfolded, January seems like a very long time ago:
January:
The US sent four of its most promising show jumpers to the Australian Youth Olympic Festival. Taylor Land, Mavis Spencer, Jennifer Waxman and Kylie Wright went across the world, rode borrowed horses and Land came home with an Individual Gold medal. The team barely missed Team Bronze, after jumping off with Great Britain – they settled for fourth: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4011&star=true.
The USEF annual meeting crowned all kinds of champions, none more deserving than Chester Weber’s Jamaica who was named the 2008 Farnam®/Platform™ USEF Horse of the Year. The 18-year-old KWPN gelding was rescued on his way to a slaughterhouse in Europe after misbehaving in the tourist carriage industry. He was the stalwart of Weber’s 2008 Silver medal-winning World Championship Team: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4009&star=true. Relive Jamaica’s achievement: http://www.clubequestrian.com/videos/watch/1002639701.aspx and see Weber’s acceptance speech: http://www.clubequestrian.com/videos/watch/1002309339.aspx.
The next night, Gene Mische was honored with the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award. No one may have discovered Wellington, FL without Mische, whose Stadium Jumping Inc. took the sport of jumping and turned it into an industry. Mische’s acceptance speech: http://www.clubequestrian.com/videos/watch/1006266323.aspx .
Look back at his amazing life: http://www.clubequestrian.com/videos/watch/1006325585.aspx.
Steffen Peters won Equestrian of the Year for his amazing accomplishments with Ravel in 2008 – but also for his uncanny sportsmanship. He accepted his award remotely, as he had a longstanding commitment in Florida to honor: http://www.clubequestrian.com/videos/watch/1006266320.aspx.
Vaulter Mary McCormick headed to Europe at the end of the month and took the CVI Leipzig by storm. She vaulted her way to the top of the standings with Tjekko. http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4032&star=true.
The final major event of January was the inaugural Exquiss World Dressage Masters in Wellington, FL. Peters proved how much Ravel had matured since the Olympic Games, beating Individual Gold Medalist Anky van Grunsven in the Grand Prix, US rider Michael Barisone opted for the Grand Prix Special and was rewarded with the win on Neruda: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4047&star=true.
February:
WEF in Wellington and HITS in California and Ocala were busy places as horses and riders jumped in World Cup classes. Ashlee Bond’s name was heard more and more as the 24-year-old dynamo was winning at an alarming rate in California. Beezie Madden won the first Palm Beach Jumping Derby with Crème Brule and Todd Minikus won the ESP CSI2* Grand Prix – momentum was picking up across the country: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4147.
March:
Sapphire stormed to victory in the $150,000 CN CSIO Grand Prix for McLain Ward. The 14-year-old mare was nearly invincible in 2009; it started in Palm Beach: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4165. The following week the pair won the $200,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix CSI4* presented by CN, proving that their Gold medal form from 2008 was holding: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4178. Sapphire completed a trifecta picking up top honors (and a big check) winning the $400,000 FTI Finale Grand Prix CSI5*: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4237.
The Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Texas was the first to receive USEF Heritage Competition Designation: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4205&star=true.
April:
The Rolex/FEI World Cup Final was the first major international championship of the year and Steffen Peters and Akiko Yamazaki’s Ravel swept the Dressage title. Dry eyes were hard to find and the entire Thomas & Mack Arena shook at the conclusion of his freestyle. He was the first American World Cup Champion to be crowned in the US.
Not to be outdone, Sapphire continued her assault on the Jumping title for McLain Ward. She was unfortunate enough to come up against two-time champions Shutterfly and Meredith Michaels - Beerbaum. Ward and Sapphire settled for second despite faultless jumping.
US Dressage legend, Brentina was retired in front of thousands of her adoring fans.
All the World Cup coverage(photos, blogs, photos, videos and news) is available here: http://www.clubequestrian.com/coverage/fei_world_cup_2009.aspx.
The next week brought the eventing community to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, and Australia’s Headley Britannia took home top honors for Lucinda Fredericks. Buck Davidson was crowned USEF National Champion with Carl and Cassandra Segal’s My Boy Bobby. Relive it here: http://www.clubequestrian.com/coverage/rolex_3day_event_2009.aspx.
Before the month was over, Team USA had won Team Silver at the 2009 Pan American Endurance Championships: http://www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=4353&star=true. The Team of Steve Rojek, Valerie Kanavy, Gabrielle Mann and Cheryl van Deusen put in an amazing effort in Uruguay and were just six minutes off the Gold medal pace.
More...
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Great Britain: Experienced Dalton rider Penny Pearce has won Cumbria’s top award for endurance.
nwemail.co.uk
19 December 2009
Pearce gained the most competitive mileage points last season, riding her horse Oakthwaite Suddara.
She won the Best Arab trophy, from points accumulated from riding 834 kilometres in competitive rides and gaining 1,645 points.
Pearce and Oakthwaite Suddara did so well they were placed in five other trophies at the recent Cumbria Endurance Society's AGM awards.
Said Pearce: "I'm so chuffed about it. I finished fourth last year and I so wanted to win it this year."
Pearce, who has been riding for 20 years and competing in endurance rides for 15 years, is a Cumbria committee member and promotes the endurance riding sport as a great way to keep fit, and enjoy riding over beautiful terrain.
She said: "We're trying to encourage as many people as possible to have a go at the sport, which is great fun."
Riders and horses can compete in anything, from 15km pleasure rides to 160km day treks, and you don’t need a special horse. For more information contact www.egb.co.uk
19 December 2009
Pearce gained the most competitive mileage points last season, riding her horse Oakthwaite Suddara.
She won the Best Arab trophy, from points accumulated from riding 834 kilometres in competitive rides and gaining 1,645 points.
Pearce and Oakthwaite Suddara did so well they were placed in five other trophies at the recent Cumbria Endurance Society's AGM awards.
Said Pearce: "I'm so chuffed about it. I finished fourth last year and I so wanted to win it this year."
Pearce, who has been riding for 20 years and competing in endurance rides for 15 years, is a Cumbria committee member and promotes the endurance riding sport as a great way to keep fit, and enjoy riding over beautiful terrain.
She said: "We're trying to encourage as many people as possible to have a go at the sport, which is great fun."
Riders and horses can compete in anything, from 15km pleasure rides to 160km day treks, and you don’t need a special horse. For more information contact www.egb.co.uk
Friday, December 18, 2009
2009 Hoof Boot Contest Winners Announced
The 2009 EasyCare $10,000 Hoof Boot Contest has come to an end and it's been quite a year! We are pleased to announce this years winners. These riders have done an incredible job not just logging impressive mileage but representing EasyCare and showing just what our hoof boots can do! They've done great at every distance. From single day 50's and 100's to multi-day rides of 250 miles or more. Proving yet again that it is possible to ride distances in Easyboots!
Each year our contest grows in popularity. This year we had 63 riders logging an incredible 21,301 miles using Easyboots over bare hooves! That's over 4,500 miles more than last year! Top ten riders are being awarded a total of $10,000 in cash. Seven riders also qualified for bonus mileage payouts throughout the 2009 season. A total of $5,100 was given out in bonus cash.
Carla Richardson 1,560 miles $3000
Terri Tinkham 1,525 miles $2000
Christoph Schork 1,330 miles $1000
Natalie Herman 1,115 miles $850
Dian Woodward 845 miles $750
Kadee Felton 823 miles $650
Kerry Greear 810 miles $550
Carol Layton 721 miles $400
Joyce Stoffey 660 miles $400
Laurie Birch 530 miles $400
It was a neck in neck competition for first place but Carla Richardson and her horse SS Kharady Khid are the winners this year! They beat out last years first place winner Terri Tinkham and horse Oliver Twist by just 35 miles! Carla and SS Kharady Khid logged 1,560 miles this year. What a team! Way to go!
The 2009 contest may have come to an end but the 2010 contest has just begun. EasyCare will award a total of $10,000 to the riders who complete the most American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) or Australian Endurance Rider Association (AERA) miles during the 2010 AERC ride season (Dec. 1, 2009-Nov. 30, 2010) using two or four EasyCare hoof boots over bare hooves. Throughout the year special promotions and discounts will be made available to those participating in the EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest. Riders will also be elegible for bonus cash after completion of 300 miles (482km) and 400 miles has been reached. So get out there and ride, ride, ride! Click here for contest information and entry forms.
For more information about hoof boots or natural hoof care please call EasyCare, Inc. at 1-800-447-8836, or e-mail: admin@easycareinc.com
Each year our contest grows in popularity. This year we had 63 riders logging an incredible 21,301 miles using Easyboots over bare hooves! That's over 4,500 miles more than last year! Top ten riders are being awarded a total of $10,000 in cash. Seven riders also qualified for bonus mileage payouts throughout the 2009 season. A total of $5,100 was given out in bonus cash.
Carla Richardson 1,560 miles $3000
Terri Tinkham 1,525 miles $2000
Christoph Schork 1,330 miles $1000
Natalie Herman 1,115 miles $850
Dian Woodward 845 miles $750
Kadee Felton 823 miles $650
Kerry Greear 810 miles $550
Carol Layton 721 miles $400
Joyce Stoffey 660 miles $400
Laurie Birch 530 miles $400
It was a neck in neck competition for first place but Carla Richardson and her horse SS Kharady Khid are the winners this year! They beat out last years first place winner Terri Tinkham and horse Oliver Twist by just 35 miles! Carla and SS Kharady Khid logged 1,560 miles this year. What a team! Way to go!
The 2009 contest may have come to an end but the 2010 contest has just begun. EasyCare will award a total of $10,000 to the riders who complete the most American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) or Australian Endurance Rider Association (AERA) miles during the 2010 AERC ride season (Dec. 1, 2009-Nov. 30, 2010) using two or four EasyCare hoof boots over bare hooves. Throughout the year special promotions and discounts will be made available to those participating in the EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest. Riders will also be elegible for bonus cash after completion of 300 miles (482km) and 400 miles has been reached. So get out there and ride, ride, ride! Click here for contest information and entry forms.
For more information about hoof boots or natural hoof care please call EasyCare, Inc. at 1-800-447-8836, or e-mail: admin@easycareinc.com
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Denmark: Mosridetet 2010 - FEI***
Denmark will be hosting a CEI*** event in June. Enclosed is the latest newsletter regarding the danish endurance-ride Molsridtet.Download newsletter (pdf)
Monday, December 14, 2009
My horses have taken care of me
Thenational.ae - Full Story
December 03. 2009
My work is my passion, and my lifestyle.
When I left school at age 16, in 1987, I had no qualifications. I never really thought about money or having a job to guarantee me a good salary. It was the opposite: horses were my passion, what I wanted for my life.
I was born in Biarritz, in south-western France, and started riding when I was seven or eight. I'm now 38. I don’t know where my love of horses came from. No one else in my family rode.
I now work as the senior riding instructor at the Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi, and I manage all the horses there. We have about 100 altogether, including 40 liveried horses that we stable, feed, groom and take care of for a monthly fee.
More...
December 03. 2009
My work is my passion, and my lifestyle.
When I left school at age 16, in 1987, I had no qualifications. I never really thought about money or having a job to guarantee me a good salary. It was the opposite: horses were my passion, what I wanted for my life.
I was born in Biarritz, in south-western France, and started riding when I was seven or eight. I'm now 38. I don’t know where my love of horses came from. No one else in my family rode.
I now work as the senior riding instructor at the Royal Stables in Abu Dhabi, and I manage all the horses there. We have about 100 altogether, including 40 liveried horses that we stable, feed, groom and take care of for a monthly fee.
More...
Thursday, December 10, 2009
APEX 2010 Clinics
APEX (A Partnership for Endurance Xcellence) is pleased to announce three clinics have been organized (thus far) for 2010. We hope you can join us!
Clinic 1 (classroom): January 9: Equine Digestion and Nutrition
January 10: Conditioning Performance Horses
Location: outside Atlanta, GA
Clinic 2 (with horse): March 14: Susan Harris and the Painted Horse, followed by Centered Riding
March 15: Susan Harris and Centered Riding
Location: Biltmore Equestrian Center, Asheville, NC
Clinic 3 (classroom): April 29: Endurance in the Future
Location: Biltmore Equestrian Center, Asheville, NC
More Information here
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Stephen Rojek Wins 2009 Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award
Hunterjumpernews.com
December 9, 2009
Lexington, KY – Endurance athlete Stephen Rojek was named the recipient of the 2009 Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award. The award, sponsored by Gold Medal Farm’s Larry and Valerie Kanavy, is given out annually to the Endurance Rider who earns the most points in a competition year at designated FEI Endurance competitions.
Rojek (South Woodstock, VT) won the Ocala CEI3* with Sambet and had top 10 finishes at the Williston CEI2*and the Morriston CEI3*(both in Florida) and at the Chester CEI3* in Georgia.
Rojek was honored to receive this award in honor of his great friend Maggy Price. Price is considered by many to be responsible for bringing USA Endurance into the international spotlight. The Endurance community suffered a huge loss when Price passed away in 2007.
"Maggy was a great friend of ours," said Rojek. "I met Maggy and her daughter Meg in a corn field in Maryland while we were on a 100 mile Competitive Trail Ride in 1977. The following year we traveled together to ride and complete the Tevis Cup and we have been great friends ever since. Dinah and I traveled extensively with Maggy to exotic places like China, Tibet, Morocco, India, Ladakh, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. It was Maggy Price who urged USEF to acknowledge Endurance Riding as a recognized discipline. Maggy Price exemplified Endurance Riding with class and flair and it is a real honor to accept this award."
Written by Joanie Morris
December 9, 2009
Lexington, KY – Endurance athlete Stephen Rojek was named the recipient of the 2009 Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award. The award, sponsored by Gold Medal Farm’s Larry and Valerie Kanavy, is given out annually to the Endurance Rider who earns the most points in a competition year at designated FEI Endurance competitions.
Rojek (South Woodstock, VT) won the Ocala CEI3* with Sambet and had top 10 finishes at the Williston CEI2*and the Morriston CEI3*(both in Florida) and at the Chester CEI3* in Georgia.
Rojek was honored to receive this award in honor of his great friend Maggy Price. Price is considered by many to be responsible for bringing USA Endurance into the international spotlight. The Endurance community suffered a huge loss when Price passed away in 2007.
"Maggy was a great friend of ours," said Rojek. "I met Maggy and her daughter Meg in a corn field in Maryland while we were on a 100 mile Competitive Trail Ride in 1977. The following year we traveled together to ride and complete the Tevis Cup and we have been great friends ever since. Dinah and I traveled extensively with Maggy to exotic places like China, Tibet, Morocco, India, Ladakh, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. It was Maggy Price who urged USEF to acknowledge Endurance Riding as a recognized discipline. Maggy Price exemplified Endurance Riding with class and flair and it is a real honor to accept this award."
Written by Joanie Morris
Monday, December 07, 2009
First Coal Strip Mine in Utah Threatens Air, Water, Tourism and Bryce Canyon National Park— Environmental Organizations Challenge Permit
Suwa.org
Salt Lake City, Utah - Local and national environmental organizations filed
a petition yesterday afternoon to halt the proposed Coal Hollow coal strip mine, which would sit just west of Bryce Canyon National Park. They argue that plans for the strip mine fail to adequately account for the potential for harmful impacts on the area’s water, air, wildlife and cultural resources.
The petition was filed with the Utah Board of Oil, Gas and Mining by the Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the National Parks Conservation Association.
On October 19, 2009, the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining of Natural Resources approved the permit for the Coal Hollow strip mine, which would be the first coal strip mine in Utah. The permit allows for mining of 2 million tons of coal per year for approximately three years. The permit was approved shortly after a meeting between the mine developer—Alton Coal Development—and Utah Governor Gary Herbert.
"We are taking this action in response to concern from local residents and others that this mine will damage the pristine air and water quality and wildlife of the area, increase dangerous truck traffic and have negative impacts on tourism and the visitor experience at Bryce Canyon National Park," said Clair Jones, of the Utah Sierra Club.
Hatch resident Tom Stechschulte also opposes the mine. "If this mine opens it will affect all of the surrounding communities, and will result in the irreversible transformation of our pastoral, peaceful environment to one that is dominated by coal dust, diesel fumes and noisy trucks," he said.
Mining operations will require up to 300 coal truck trips per day traveling 110 miles one-way from Alton to Cedar City, which could result in one truck leaving the site every seven minutes. The coal-haul route would run through several small towns along State Highway 89, including Panguitch, a town recently placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
"It is a documented fact that when coal mines come into communities, there is a negative impact on "Mom and Pop" retail businesses,” said Bobbi Bryant, a small business owner in Panguitch. "I own a shop that is right next to the haul route, and the noise and fumes from the trucks will make traveling to Bryce Canyon less pleasurable and much more dangerous. Most shop, restaurant and motels owners, myself included, will not get as many customers, and we could be faced with closing our business."
David Nimkin, Southwest regional director for the National Parks Conservation Association also opposes the permit because of the impact it will have on the park. "Bryce Canyon National Park is one of Utah’s greatest assets. Its pristine night skies, clean air and magnificent views are threatened by the dust and light pollution generated from this proposed mine only 10 miles from the park boundary. These mining activities will most certainly impact the quality experiences of over 1.5 million visitors to Bryce each year."
"Because I have asthma, my husband and I spent years looking for the perfect place to spend our retirement before finding our home in Panguitch. This mine will essentially shatter our dreams of living in a pristine and beautiful place with good air and water quality, and if the strip mine ever opens, we will be forced to leave the town that we thought we would grow old in. I never would have thought we would face this kind of threat living so close to so many public lands," said Panguitch local Luella McMahan.
"This initial approval by the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining is just the camel's nose under the tent," said Stephen Bloch, Conservation Director for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. "The Bureau of Land Management is currently analyzing a proposal by Alton Coal Development to lease a larger tract of public land immediately adjacent to the just-approved mine, one that would vastly expand the size of the project to the tune of 46 million tons of coal that would be strip mined over the next 15 years."
"This strip mine would be huge step backwards," said Sharon Buccino, Director of the Land and Wildlife Program for the Natural Resources Defense Council. "There's no need to threaten the environment and economy around Bryce Canyon with one of the dirtiest, damaging, and out-dated fuels out there. The region is blessed with incredible renewable energy potential to take advantage of that would be far preferable and safer for the surrounding communities."
More information, and to see the petition, look here.
Salt Lake City, Utah - Local and national environmental organizations filed
a petition yesterday afternoon to halt the proposed Coal Hollow coal strip mine, which would sit just west of Bryce Canyon National Park. They argue that plans for the strip mine fail to adequately account for the potential for harmful impacts on the area’s water, air, wildlife and cultural resources.
The petition was filed with the Utah Board of Oil, Gas and Mining by the Utah Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the National Parks Conservation Association.
On October 19, 2009, the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining of Natural Resources approved the permit for the Coal Hollow strip mine, which would be the first coal strip mine in Utah. The permit allows for mining of 2 million tons of coal per year for approximately three years. The permit was approved shortly after a meeting between the mine developer—Alton Coal Development—and Utah Governor Gary Herbert.
"We are taking this action in response to concern from local residents and others that this mine will damage the pristine air and water quality and wildlife of the area, increase dangerous truck traffic and have negative impacts on tourism and the visitor experience at Bryce Canyon National Park," said Clair Jones, of the Utah Sierra Club.
Hatch resident Tom Stechschulte also opposes the mine. "If this mine opens it will affect all of the surrounding communities, and will result in the irreversible transformation of our pastoral, peaceful environment to one that is dominated by coal dust, diesel fumes and noisy trucks," he said.
Mining operations will require up to 300 coal truck trips per day traveling 110 miles one-way from Alton to Cedar City, which could result in one truck leaving the site every seven minutes. The coal-haul route would run through several small towns along State Highway 89, including Panguitch, a town recently placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
"It is a documented fact that when coal mines come into communities, there is a negative impact on "Mom and Pop" retail businesses,” said Bobbi Bryant, a small business owner in Panguitch. "I own a shop that is right next to the haul route, and the noise and fumes from the trucks will make traveling to Bryce Canyon less pleasurable and much more dangerous. Most shop, restaurant and motels owners, myself included, will not get as many customers, and we could be faced with closing our business."
David Nimkin, Southwest regional director for the National Parks Conservation Association also opposes the permit because of the impact it will have on the park. "Bryce Canyon National Park is one of Utah’s greatest assets. Its pristine night skies, clean air and magnificent views are threatened by the dust and light pollution generated from this proposed mine only 10 miles from the park boundary. These mining activities will most certainly impact the quality experiences of over 1.5 million visitors to Bryce each year."
"Because I have asthma, my husband and I spent years looking for the perfect place to spend our retirement before finding our home in Panguitch. This mine will essentially shatter our dreams of living in a pristine and beautiful place with good air and water quality, and if the strip mine ever opens, we will be forced to leave the town that we thought we would grow old in. I never would have thought we would face this kind of threat living so close to so many public lands," said Panguitch local Luella McMahan.
"This initial approval by the Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining is just the camel's nose under the tent," said Stephen Bloch, Conservation Director for the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. "The Bureau of Land Management is currently analyzing a proposal by Alton Coal Development to lease a larger tract of public land immediately adjacent to the just-approved mine, one that would vastly expand the size of the project to the tune of 46 million tons of coal that would be strip mined over the next 15 years."
"This strip mine would be huge step backwards," said Sharon Buccino, Director of the Land and Wildlife Program for the Natural Resources Defense Council. "There's no need to threaten the environment and economy around Bryce Canyon with one of the dirtiest, damaging, and out-dated fuels out there. The region is blessed with incredible renewable energy potential to take advantage of that would be far preferable and safer for the surrounding communities."
More information, and to see the petition, look here.
The $5 Horse Endures!
Ibn at AHA Distance Roundup Ride in March
A "Horatio Alger" horse story
By Nancy Brannon
Everybody loves a good "Horatio Alger" horse story, and Steffanie Waddington has one about her Arabian endurance horse.
A few years ago a woman she knew passed away from cancer, and part of her husband's job in finalizing the estate was to find a home for his wife's two horses. Steffanie’s friend Jana Smith found out about the horses, got the husband's phone number, and the two made plans to go see the horses. Both were Arabians, and she and Jana liked what they saw and decided each would adopt a horse. The husband didn't want to give them away, but thought some meager compensation would be acceptable. So Steffanie paid $5 for the horse she chose: a bay gelding named Ibn Tom Terrific. "In Arabic, Ibn means 'son of,'" Steffanie explained, "and he is the son of TC Tom Terrific. He was bred in Williston, TN and born in 1993."
Steffanie took Ibn, boarded him at Cherokee Valley Farm and Stable in Michigan City, Mississippi and started taking riding lessons on him. The folks at Cherokee Valley specialize in endurance horse training and conditioning. Meanwhile, Steffanie was competing in 25- to 35-mile endurance rides on Rumor, her other horse.
In March 2008, Steffanie planned to ride Rumor in the City Slickers Endurance Ride at Shelby Farms in Memphis, TN, but a week before the ride, Rumor was injured. So Steffanie had to take Ibn instead, on the 25-mile ride. She rode with a friend whose horse was in good condition, but the rider was not. Before completing the ride, her friend dismounted, said she could not ride a step further, and encouraged Steffanie to finish the ride. Steffanie did, but came in dead last - 41st! However, their next ride one month later was a different story: Steffanie and Ibn placed fourth in a 30-mile ride.
More...
Friday, December 04, 2009
Older Horse Elmer Bandit Ready for Winter
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Marsha Hayes
November 29 2009, Article # 15364
With four days of consecutive dressage lessons that ran from Nov. 20-23, Elmer Bandit, the 38-year-old National Competitive Trail mileage holder, observed Thanksgiving by resting at his Independence, Mo., boarding stable home.
How has Elmer prepared for winter?
"He has grown an inch of hair, at least, and is very soft and furry," reported his lifetime owner, Mary Anna Wood. With the fluctuating Kansas temperatures, Wood hosed sweat off the gray half-Arabian gelding after one of his recent dressage workouts. Elmer has donned his special blanket from his fans at TheHorse.com twice already this fall.
More...
by: Marsha Hayes
November 29 2009, Article # 15364
With four days of consecutive dressage lessons that ran from Nov. 20-23, Elmer Bandit, the 38-year-old National Competitive Trail mileage holder, observed Thanksgiving by resting at his Independence, Mo., boarding stable home.
How has Elmer prepared for winter?
"He has grown an inch of hair, at least, and is very soft and furry," reported his lifetime owner, Mary Anna Wood. With the fluctuating Kansas temperatures, Wood hosed sweat off the gray half-Arabian gelding after one of his recent dressage workouts. Elmer has donned his special blanket from his fans at TheHorse.com twice already this fall.
More...
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Back Country Horsemen team up with Wilderness Society
Wilderness.org - Full Article
By Andrea Imler on November 12, 2009
Aldo Leopold, co-founder of The Wilderness Society and a preeminent voice in the conservation world defined wilderness as "a continuous stretch of country preserved in its natural state, open to lawful hunting and fishing, big enough to absorb a two week's [horse] pack trip." In his most famous book, A Sand County Almanac, he provided two examples of "primitive skills in pioneering travel..." one of these is canoe travel, and the other is travel by packtrain."
A Horse Rides Through It
The Wilderness Society honors the rich history of horseback riding in wilderness through a new partnership with Back Country Horsemen of America.
The two groups first met in the spring of 2009 when Back Country Horsemen of America approached The Wilderness Society to request their help preserving opportunities to enjoy wilderness riding and packing and interpreting the history and significance of pack and saddle stock for managers and other wilderness advocates.
"A partnership between the Back Country Horsemen of America and The Wilderness Society makes sense, especially in light of how many of our visionary wilderness leaders, like Aldo Leopold, Howard Zahniser and Mardy Murie, saw many of their greatest moments of clarity, insight and inspiration while riding a horse deep into the wild country of America," said Bart Koehler, senior wilderness campaigns director at The Wilderness Society. "These moments gave them a bedrock solid sense of direction and helped them lead the way to securing protections for special wild places thanks to The Wilderness Act."
More...
By Andrea Imler on November 12, 2009
Aldo Leopold, co-founder of The Wilderness Society and a preeminent voice in the conservation world defined wilderness as "a continuous stretch of country preserved in its natural state, open to lawful hunting and fishing, big enough to absorb a two week's [horse] pack trip." In his most famous book, A Sand County Almanac, he provided two examples of "primitive skills in pioneering travel..." one of these is canoe travel, and the other is travel by packtrain."
A Horse Rides Through It
The Wilderness Society honors the rich history of horseback riding in wilderness through a new partnership with Back Country Horsemen of America.
The two groups first met in the spring of 2009 when Back Country Horsemen of America approached The Wilderness Society to request their help preserving opportunities to enjoy wilderness riding and packing and interpreting the history and significance of pack and saddle stock for managers and other wilderness advocates.
"A partnership between the Back Country Horsemen of America and The Wilderness Society makes sense, especially in light of how many of our visionary wilderness leaders, like Aldo Leopold, Howard Zahniser and Mardy Murie, saw many of their greatest moments of clarity, insight and inspiration while riding a horse deep into the wild country of America," said Bart Koehler, senior wilderness campaigns director at The Wilderness Society. "These moments gave them a bedrock solid sense of direction and helped them lead the way to securing protections for special wild places thanks to The Wilderness Act."
More...
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Arabian Horse Foundation Begins Swayze Scholarship
NPR.org - Full Story
by the AP
November 27, 2009
The Arabian Horse Foundation has established a scholarship in honor of the late actor Patrick Swayze and his wife.
Swayze and wife Lisa Neimi owned Arabian horses and competed in shows for several years. The foundation is the charitable arm of the Denver-based Arabian Horse Association.
Foundation President Larry Kinneer of Dayton, Ohio, said Friday that the scholarship honors Swayze for his career and the couple's "love of the Arabian breed and contributions over the years to AHA youth programs."
More...
by the AP
November 27, 2009
The Arabian Horse Foundation has established a scholarship in honor of the late actor Patrick Swayze and his wife.
Swayze and wife Lisa Neimi owned Arabian horses and competed in shows for several years. The foundation is the charitable arm of the Denver-based Arabian Horse Association.
Foundation President Larry Kinneer of Dayton, Ohio, said Friday that the scholarship honors Swayze for his career and the couple's "love of the Arabian breed and contributions over the years to AHA youth programs."
More...
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Great Britain: Small companies sharing a big market
Nebusiness.co.uk - Full Article
Nov 25 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal
You don't have to be a mammoth corporation with a bottomless pit of capital to make it big overseas. Andrew Mernin finds out how a growing band of the region's small businesses have become exporters on a shoestring budget.
A HORSE called Tiffany with a bad back was the unlikely catalyst for the creation of a globally successful firm in a tiny village in Teesdale.
Tiffany's owner Les Spark, an endurance riding enthusiast, set about designing a saddle which would allow him to ride the horse without being thrown to the ground in anger at her own discomfort. And so the flexible, and apparently ultra-comfortable, Free N Easy saddle was born.
Seventeen years later, the saddle is sold in 20 countries across five continents and has given the village of Low Selset, near Barnard Castle, its own international success story.
More...
Nov 25 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal
You don't have to be a mammoth corporation with a bottomless pit of capital to make it big overseas. Andrew Mernin finds out how a growing band of the region's small businesses have become exporters on a shoestring budget.
A HORSE called Tiffany with a bad back was the unlikely catalyst for the creation of a globally successful firm in a tiny village in Teesdale.
Tiffany's owner Les Spark, an endurance riding enthusiast, set about designing a saddle which would allow him to ride the horse without being thrown to the ground in anger at her own discomfort. And so the flexible, and apparently ultra-comfortable, Free N Easy saddle was born.
Seventeen years later, the saddle is sold in 20 countries across five continents and has given the village of Low Selset, near Barnard Castle, its own international success story.
More...
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