Horsebytes -- A blog for Seattle-area horse folks
Posted by Monica Bretherton at June 29, 2010 2:04 p.m
"I'm like a duck, calm above the water and paddling madly underneath," said Darolyn Butler about her state of mind on Friday, June 25th.
It iss the day before the Western region selection trials for the U.S. Endurance team. 17 of 19 horses presented had vetted through, and Darolyn had a double reason to worry. She had a hopeful member of the Namibian team, Anna Wucher, riding her second qualified horse, DJB Cherry's Juliet.
She was not the only one who was preoccupied with the upcoming ride. "You think about it every waking hour," said California rider, Kassandra DiMaggio.
The pressure comes not just from the rigors of the 80-mile ride they'll be attempting, but from the fact that every move will be scrutinized by the Enduramce Chef d'Equipe, Becky Hart and her five selectors, all endurance riders with international experience: Roger Yohe, Cathy Davis, Anne Stuart, Alex North and Linda Howard. Even if you have years of experience or have ridden on teams with the selectors, there are no givens, because they have to chose the horses and riders with the best chance of winning a medal.
"I have a crisis going on at home," Darolyn said, "but you have to put that all aside."
Home is a long way away. She's based in Texas at Cypress Trails Equestrian Center. Other riders have come from Utah and California, as well as throughout the Pacific Northwest states, and they have been traveling to FEI qualifying rides since 2008.
I thought of the distinction ride vet Dr. Mike Foss drew for me at the PNER convention between the average AERC endurance rider and a typical FEI rider, who is aiming at international competition. "Most of you enjoy endurance riding as a part of their life. For the FEI riders, it IS their life."
That is especially true because most top level riders run businesses around their endurance riding in order to sustain their activities. I chatted with Christoph Schork and Tennessee Mahoney as they hand-grazed their horses, Stars Aflame and TC Moonshine.
"I'm usually on Facebook between midnight and two a.m.," he said.
"That's because the other twenty-two hours you are on your horses," Tennessee pointed out - only a slight exaggeration.
The relationship with the horse that develops is critical to success. "When you spend that much time with them," Christoph said, "it's different than a show jumping rider, who is on each horse for an hour a day. "
[...more at http://blog.seattlepi.com/horsebytes/archives/212812.asp?from=blog_last3]
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
2010 WEG Selection Trials: Mum's The Word
Sunday June 27 2010
Just returned home from an interesting weekend as *CREW* for a friend of mine at the west coast selection trials for the World Endurance Championship (at the World Equestrian Games) in Kentucky on September 26th. There will be 5 US horses and riders in the race.
Charisse Glenn has two horses qualified for the WEC; she asked me, along with several of her other friends, to come crew for her this weekend, and we happily jumped at the chance.
It really wasn't a selection trial anyway, more of an early exhibition trial of what the horses and riders are capable of, with the Chef d'Equipe, the Team Veterinarian and a couple of other veterinarians and several selectors watching the horses and all their parameters before, during and after the ride. Three 'trials' happened this week, in Maryland, Illinois and Oregon, with all qualified horses and riders hoping to make the WEC team required to attend one of these. Riders were asked to take their horses certain distances at certain speeds... and that's all I can say.
Even though I was wearing my Malibu Endurance team crew Tshirt and hat, and though I crewed all day Saturday for Charisse (and everybody else who needed help), I was approached by more than one selector saying: "You're that reporter aren't you?" ("Yes, but I'm CREWING this weekend.") "Good. That's good." I was practicing crewing for Tevis, and I figured crewing for a high stress event leading up to the World Endurance Championship would be a good prep for me.
So, I am unable to tell anybody anything about what happened at the 'selection trials', other than no horses were 'selected' for anything. I can say that any rider and horse that came to either of the 'trials' in Oregon, Maryland or Illinois this past week are welcome to go to Illinois in a couple of weeks, to stay there for 6 weeks to train and exhibit their horses' abilities again, from which the 5 team members will eventually be chosen some weeks before the WEC. It's a big commitment of money and time - i.e. your life - to pursue a dream of representing your country in what we might call the Olympics of horse sports. It's certainly a shame, with all the talented horseflesh and riders, that only 5 will be chosen for the endurance race. (Previously in other World Endurance Championships held in other countries, the home country was allowed up to 11 horses/riders - Malaysia in 2008 and UAE in 2004 - I haven't been able to get a definitive answer as to why this was changed this year.)
I can also say it was a fun, and interesting weekend, and I learned a few things I can safely share.
Double check that your horse's heart monitor is accurate by comparing it with the reading you get with a stethoscope. You might be surprised at the difference. (This does me no good however... I can't hear a heartbeat through a stethoscope - it's like the can't-hear-thunder syndrome. And I ride slow enough that I don't need a heart monitor.)
This isn't a secret, because this is the second time I've seen this, though for a different reason. I saw people backing a horse up a few steps before trotting it out for a vet at a vet check. In this instance, it was done to get the horse to balance and collect itself better, instead of starting all strung out.
Try putting boots on your horse's hind legs at home first. Then try putting ice boots on your horse's hind legs at home first. Walk him around in them so he knows they are on his legs. And if you have to rip them off, don't get kicked in the head! (Nobody was, but that's a good thing to know.)
If you really want to desensitize your horse to any situation that might arise on a ride, arrange for a staked-down tent to get caught in a whirlwind and rip straight up into the air right near your horse. If he doesn't have a heart attack or run away to China, your horse might possibly be on his way to becoming bomb proof.
It's a good skill to be able to convert miles per hour into minutes per mile. I, of course, can't do this without a calculator. (Or, just buy a GPS that will tell you that.)
And most of all, if you want to have fun during a stressful time, have a good crew.
We did.
If you want more information about the US endurance trials, and would like to start cheering for some horses and riders, sorry, I can't help you... You might check out Monk's blog at: FEIRedhorse - I'm sure Chris will have an update soon.
I'll post a few photos from the weekend tomorrow.
A tribute to Granite Chief after sharing 10,000 miles together
http://enduranceridestuff.com/blog/2010/06/tribute-granite-chief-10000-miles/
Karen Chaton
Instead of spending much time writing about Chief, I’ve been spending time with him. He is really a kind and gentle soul who has impacted my life in so many wonderful ways that I can’t even think of the words to describe how fantastic a journey we have shared so far.
DSCF7223 Medium 150x150 A tribute to Granite Chief after sharing 10,000 miles togetherToday I shampooed Chief’s tail. OMG, it was dirt brown in color – I was happy with the results. When finished, his tail was returned to it’s normal silver, black and blond color. I have so enjoyed seeing him transform from being nearly black and charcoal grey with black mane and tail to a fleabitten grey with a silver mane and silver, blond and black tail.
We also went for another walk on the trail today. I realized why my arm is sore – from Chief stopping to grab bites of grass constantly! I guess he knows I’m a sucker and will let him get away with it, which I do. The old dog tries to weave her way in between Chief’s hind legs as he walks and sometimes manages to get through. Chief just picks his legs up higher to avoid knocking her head with a hoof. The other dog gets in front of Chief and slows down or completely stops. Chief just weaves around her, or else uses it as another excuse to grab a bite of grass.
This is kind of cheating, but I’m copying what I wrote when Chief made a previous milestone. Everything still holds true, only moreso – I feel like the luckiest person on earth to have ended up with a horse that has a huge amount of personality as well as ability. Here goes…
I really enjoy riding my horses and lately have especially cherished every single minute of it. I have loved riding every one of my horses but I especially have enjoyed the special relationship that I have developed with Chief. He is a once in a lifetime horse and I know that no matter how long I live even if it were to be a million lifetimes that I just won’t have that kind of relationship with another horse. Ever. I may have something completely different with another horse but it won’t be the same. The reason is that Chief feels the same way about me as I do about him. I have been head over heels with my other horses, but it wasn’t as reciprocal.
full story - http://enduranceridestuff.com/blog/2010/06/tribute-granite-chief-10000-miles/
Karen Chaton
Instead of spending much time writing about Chief, I’ve been spending time with him. He is really a kind and gentle soul who has impacted my life in so many wonderful ways that I can’t even think of the words to describe how fantastic a journey we have shared so far.DSCF7223 Medium 150x150 A tribute to Granite Chief after sharing 10,000 miles togetherToday I shampooed Chief’s tail. OMG, it was dirt brown in color – I was happy with the results. When finished, his tail was returned to it’s normal silver, black and blond color. I have so enjoyed seeing him transform from being nearly black and charcoal grey with black mane and tail to a fleabitten grey with a silver mane and silver, blond and black tail.
We also went for another walk on the trail today. I realized why my arm is sore – from Chief stopping to grab bites of grass constantly! I guess he knows I’m a sucker and will let him get away with it, which I do. The old dog tries to weave her way in between Chief’s hind legs as he walks and sometimes manages to get through. Chief just picks his legs up higher to avoid knocking her head with a hoof.
This is kind of cheating, but I’m copying what I wrote when Chief made a previous milestone. Everything still holds true, only moreso – I feel like the luckiest person on earth to have ended up with a horse that has a huge amount of personality as well as ability. Here goes…
I really enjoy riding my horses and lately have especially cherished every single minute of it. I have loved riding every one of my horses but I especially have enjoyed the special relationship that I have developed with Chief. He is a once in a lifetime horse and I know that no matter how long I live even if it were to be a million lifetimes that I just won’t have that kind of relationship with another horse. Ever. I may have something completely different with another horse but it won’t be the same. The reason is that Chief feels the same way about me as I do about him. I have been head over heels with my other horses, but it wasn’t as reciprocal.
full story - http://enduranceridestuff.com/blog/2010/06/tribute-granite-chief-10000-miles/
2010 WEG Test Ride, Brothers Oregon
http://feiredhorse.blogspot.com/
WEG test ride, June 26th, Brothers Oregon…
June 27 Posted by Chris Martin
19 horse and rider teams gathered at a wide spot in the road in Brothers Oregon on the 25th of June. Inspection of horses was at 2PM followed by a general rider/crew meeting at 5PM. Riders were placed into 4 groups of 4 or 5 riders. The trail consisted of a 80 mile coarse in 5 loops of mostly flat desert trails
Start of the ride was to be at 8am about 2.5 miles from ridecamp out to another wide spot in the road…..not kidding. Crew needed to be in place prior to the riders leaving. Groups left at 20 minute intervals.
MONK and Lindsay were in group one which consisted of 5 riders. Jeremy and Heather Reynolds, on Smitty and Sam, riders Carolyn Giles, and Cheryl Dell rounded out the team. They were first on the coarse at 8am.
Each horse was to have one (1) groom which was allowed to enter the pulse box along with the rider and the horse. Our team groom was Brad Green who is a small animal vet in Oregon and a FEI rider.....
Concept was that riders would cross a magical line from the in timer at which time the crew could access the horse and rider. Our team would remove saddle and put on HR monitor strap. Brad had the HR watch and monitored the HR and MONK and crew progress down the 200' long row of buckets of water used to cool the horses filled with dozens of people who either poured water or handed buckets to people who pored water. Brad calls when and where for people to poor water... which in MONK's case was all over, all the time... When you get to the end of the line you stop the water and then scrap it off and check Heart Rate... If your horse is down to 64 you then call to the timer that you are down and enter the pulse box... Our team's horses recovered within a few seconds of each other... somewhere in the 3 min range.... So from the time you remove the saddle, get a drink of water, walk the 200 feet your horse is down to 64... These riders come in at full speed, no walking and mostly at the cantor...
All crewing must stop when in the pulse box. Horse is then presented to the team of vets who check everything, including temperature. Trot out and CRI are recorded.
[...more]
WEG test ride, June 26th, Brothers Oregon…
June 27 Posted by Chris Martin
19 horse and rider teams gathered at a wide spot in the road in Brothers Oregon on the 25th of June. Inspection of horses was at 2PM followed by a general rider/crew meeting at 5PM. Riders were placed into 4 groups of 4 or 5 riders. The trail consisted of a 80 mile coarse in 5 loops of mostly flat desert trails
Start of the ride was to be at 8am about 2.5 miles from ridecamp out to another wide spot in the road…..not kidding. Crew needed to be in place prior to the riders leaving. Groups left at 20 minute intervals.
MONK and Lindsay were in group one which consisted of 5 riders. Jeremy and Heather Reynolds, on Smitty and Sam, riders Carolyn Giles, and Cheryl Dell rounded out the team. They were first on the coarse at 8am.
Each horse was to have one (1) groom which was allowed to enter the pulse box along with the rider and the horse. Our team groom was Brad Green who is a small animal vet in Oregon and a FEI rider.....
Concept was that riders would cross a magical line from the in timer at which time the crew could access the horse and rider. Our team would remove saddle and put on HR monitor strap. Brad had the HR watch and monitored the HR and MONK and crew progress down the 200' long row of buckets of water used to cool the horses filled with dozens of people who either poured water or handed buckets to people who pored water. Brad calls when and where for people to poor water... which in MONK's case was all over, all the time... When you get to the end of the line you stop the water and then scrap it off and check Heart Rate... If your horse is down to 64 you then call to the timer that you are down and enter the pulse box... Our team's horses recovered within a few seconds of each other... somewhere in the 3 min range.... So from the time you remove the saddle, get a drink of water, walk the 200 feet your horse is down to 64... These riders come in at full speed, no walking and mostly at the cantor...
All crewing must stop when in the pulse box. Horse is then presented to the team of vets who check everything, including temperature. Trot out and CRI are recorded.
[...more]
Thursday, June 24, 2010
2010 WEG - New Zealand- Meet the team: Get Lace to Kentucky
http://lacekentucky.webs.com/meettheteam.htm
Lace and Fineness
Jenny Chandler tells the story...
“We found Lace on a small property with miniature ponies in Ngatea. As she had proved a bit of a handful for her previous two owners, we thought she needed rescuing and was possibly not what we were really looking for… how wrong we have been! Believing she knew it all from her second novice ride on, she took to Endurance like a duck to water. Now she really does know most of it like the back of her hand, but thankfully has learned to pace herself and is a pleasure to ride.”
Lace has gone on to become a top New Zealand Endurance horse, winning the “Distance Horse of the Year” award in the 2008-09 season and is poised to win the title again this year with five wins and three top-three finishes out of eight rides. Together Lace and Jenny have completed two FEI (FEI are international classed events) 160km rides, both in times which qualify them to compete at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, USA.
read more about New Zealand's WEG team - http://lacekentucky.webs.com/meettheteam.htm
Lace and Fineness
Jenny Chandler tells the story...
“We found Lace on a small property with miniature ponies in Ngatea. As she had proved a bit of a handful for her previous two owners, we thought she needed rescuing and was possibly not what we were really looking for… how wrong we have been! Believing she knew it all from her second novice ride on, she took to Endurance like a duck to water. Now she really does know most of it like the back of her hand, but thankfully has learned to pace herself and is a pleasure to ride.”
Lace has gone on to become a top New Zealand Endurance horse, winning the “Distance Horse of the Year” award in the 2008-09 season and is poised to win the title again this year with five wins and three top-three finishes out of eight rides. Together Lace and Jenny have completed two FEI (FEI are international classed events) 160km rides, both in times which qualify them to compete at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, USA.
read more about New Zealand's WEG team - http://lacekentucky.webs.com/meettheteam.htm
Monday, June 21, 2010
The World's Greatest Horse Race
HCOnline.com - Full Article
By Tana Ross
Updated: 06.21.10
Billed as the “Greatest Horse Race in the World” and the “Longest Horse Race in the world,” the Mongol Derby is not a challenge just any horse rider is willing to take on.
Indeed, the 1,000 kilometer (more than 630 miles) endurance race over the Mongolian steppe — a diverse, often unforgiving terrain that includes forest, mountains and desert — is so challenging that organizers of the race provide three days of training for the small group of international competitors who qualified to be in the race.
A true adventurist, 33-year-old Justin Nelzen, a-Pinehurst-farrier- turned-endurance athlete, is one of 16 representing five counties who qualified for the second annual derby to start Aug. 7. In fact he is one of the first three Americans ever selected for the 10-day equestrian event. And, while several might be happy just to finish the race, Nelzen’s standard is set a bit higher...
Read more here:
http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/06/21/greater_houston_weekly/top_of_the_week/0623_mongolian_derby.txt
By Tana Ross
Updated: 06.21.10
Billed as the “Greatest Horse Race in the World” and the “Longest Horse Race in the world,” the Mongol Derby is not a challenge just any horse rider is willing to take on.
Indeed, the 1,000 kilometer (more than 630 miles) endurance race over the Mongolian steppe — a diverse, often unforgiving terrain that includes forest, mountains and desert — is so challenging that organizers of the race provide three days of training for the small group of international competitors who qualified to be in the race.
A true adventurist, 33-year-old Justin Nelzen, a-Pinehurst-farrier- turned-endurance athlete, is one of 16 representing five counties who qualified for the second annual derby to start Aug. 7. In fact he is one of the first three Americans ever selected for the 10-day equestrian event. And, while several might be happy just to finish the race, Nelzen’s standard is set a bit higher...
Read more here:
http://www.hcnonline.com/articles/2010/06/21/greater_houston_weekly/top_of_the_week/0623_mongolian_derby.txt
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Retracing route shows bond between horse and rider, endurance of Old West story
Billingsgazette.com - Full Article
RUFFIN PREVOST Gazette Wyoming Bureau | Posted: Sunday, June 20, 2010
CODY — As the night wore on, the pale sliver of crescent moon slipped away, leaving the horsemen barely able to pick their way through the darkness along the remote trail. But they pressed on, determined to deliver a pouch stuffed with urgent messages.
Worried that he would be late in delivering the mail to Sweetwater Station, rider Mike Strain urged on his mare, Willow, anxious to hand off his precious cargo to new riders.
Strain, a South Fork Valley ranch manager, is one of more than 600 riders participating this month in a re-enactment of the Pony Express, 150 years after it was created as a way to connect the growing state of California with the rest of the nation.
But unlike most modern riders who cover about five miles or less while retracing the nearly 2,000-mile route from Sacramento, Calif., to St. Joseph, Mo., Strain wound up riding 31 miles Tuesday night and Wednesday morning...
Read more here:
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/article_fa55d056-7c21-11df-8100-001cc4c03286.html
RUFFIN PREVOST Gazette Wyoming Bureau | Posted: Sunday, June 20, 2010
CODY — As the night wore on, the pale sliver of crescent moon slipped away, leaving the horsemen barely able to pick their way through the darkness along the remote trail. But they pressed on, determined to deliver a pouch stuffed with urgent messages.
Worried that he would be late in delivering the mail to Sweetwater Station, rider Mike Strain urged on his mare, Willow, anxious to hand off his precious cargo to new riders.
Strain, a South Fork Valley ranch manager, is one of more than 600 riders participating this month in a re-enactment of the Pony Express, 150 years after it was created as a way to connect the growing state of California with the rest of the nation.
But unlike most modern riders who cover about five miles or less while retracing the nearly 2,000-mile route from Sacramento, Calif., to St. Joseph, Mo., Strain wound up riding 31 miles Tuesday night and Wednesday morning...
Read more here:
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/article_fa55d056-7c21-11df-8100-001cc4c03286.html
Helmet Awareness Day
Riders4helmets.com
National Helmet Awareness Day will be Saturday July 10th. Check this page on a regular basis for details regarding events to be held that day and also for a list of retailers that will be offering discounts on helmet purchases that day.
Participating manufacturers to date include: Troxel, Charles Owen, Aegis (Devon-Aire) and GPA. If you are a retailer that sells helmets from one of these manufacturers in your store, please contact the manufacturer directly for details of the promotion.
Kentucky Horse Park – we will be hosting an event at the Kentucky Horse Park on this day. Want to hold your own event to mark the occasion at your barn/facility? We can provide you with graphics for flyers etc. Please contact us for assistance and to let us know you are holding your own event.
Participating Retailers (offering a discount on helmets purchased on July 10th). This list will be updated daily.
National (online):
Equestrian Collections
877-873-4415
www.equestriancollections.com
Dover Saddlery (online and in all store locations)
1-800-406-8204
www.doversaddlery.com
Kentucky:
KBC Horse Supplies, 140 Venture Court, Lexington, KY 40511.
1-800-928-7777
www.kbchorsesupplies.com
KBC Horse Supplies, 7500 Turfway Road (Stable Area), Florence, KY.
859-817-9856
www.kbchorsesupplies.com
Ohio
Schneiders Saddlery, 8255 E. Washington Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
1-800-365-1311
http://www.sstack.com/
National Helmet Awareness Day will be Saturday July 10th. Check this page on a regular basis for details regarding events to be held that day and also for a list of retailers that will be offering discounts on helmet purchases that day.
Participating manufacturers to date include: Troxel, Charles Owen, Aegis (Devon-Aire) and GPA. If you are a retailer that sells helmets from one of these manufacturers in your store, please contact the manufacturer directly for details of the promotion.
Kentucky Horse Park – we will be hosting an event at the Kentucky Horse Park on this day. Want to hold your own event to mark the occasion at your barn/facility? We can provide you with graphics for flyers etc. Please contact us for assistance and to let us know you are holding your own event.
Participating Retailers (offering a discount on helmets purchased on July 10th). This list will be updated daily.
National (online):
Equestrian Collections
877-873-4415
www.equestriancollections.com
Dover Saddlery (online and in all store locations)
1-800-406-8204
www.doversaddlery.com
Kentucky:
KBC Horse Supplies, 140 Venture Court, Lexington, KY 40511.
1-800-928-7777
www.kbchorsesupplies.com
KBC Horse Supplies, 7500 Turfway Road (Stable Area), Florence, KY.
859-817-9856
www.kbchorsesupplies.com
Ohio
Schneiders Saddlery, 8255 E. Washington Street, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
1-800-365-1311
http://www.sstack.com/
Saturday, June 19, 2010
ACTHA riders break Guinness world record for Worlds Largest Competitive Trail Ride...
www.actha.us/
June 17 2010
1700 riders raise $70,000 in one day for horse charities nationwide
The American Competitive Trail Horse Association is proud to announce that the annual "Ride for the Rescues" benefit trail ride held across the country over the weekend broke a Guinness World Record for the world's largest trail riding competition. Hundreds of dedicated ACTHA volunteers, and approximately 1700 riders raised almost $70,000 during this benefit ride, which will be used to benefit horse charities and rescues nationwide.
ACTHA, is a true leader in the horse industry for recognizing and celebrating the value of the great American trail horse. Each year, ACTHA sponsors hundreds of rides across the country in an enjoyable and casual 'six mile - six judged obstacle' format. The goal is to provide a casual, fun venue to showcase horses of all breeds while at the same time raising funds for equine charities. To date ACTHA, with the support of their affiliates, has raised more than $300,000 to support equine charities.
For this ride, Tom Scrima, general manager of ACTHA, called on volunteers to coordinate the largest ride the group has sponsored. About 700 volunteers and 1700 horse and rider teams met the call, and arranged "Ride for the Rescues" competitions at locations across the country on June 13th. Scrima said, "The 'Ride for the Rescues' marks a new era for horses and humans. We showed that coast-to-coast horse owners are willing to step up to the plate with their equine companions to help support horse rescue. The goal of ACTHA is to reduce the number of at-risk horses by creating 'jobs' for America's horses and equines. This ride was the first, giant step toward a day when there are no homeless or jobless horses in America".
ACTHA Founders Karen VanGetson and Carrier Scrima, are proud of the fasted growing equestrian sport in the country , where the great American trail horse is 'not JUST a trail horse anymore'
www.actha.us/
June 17 2010
1700 riders raise $70,000 in one day for horse charities nationwide
The American Competitive Trail Horse Association is proud to announce that the annual "Ride for the Rescues" benefit trail ride held across the country over the weekend broke a Guinness World Record for the world's largest trail riding competition. Hundreds of dedicated ACTHA volunteers, and approximately 1700 riders raised almost $70,000 during this benefit ride, which will be used to benefit horse charities and rescues nationwide.
ACTHA, is a true leader in the horse industry for recognizing and celebrating the value of the great American trail horse. Each year, ACTHA sponsors hundreds of rides across the country in an enjoyable and casual 'six mile - six judged obstacle' format. The goal is to provide a casual, fun venue to showcase horses of all breeds while at the same time raising funds for equine charities. To date ACTHA, with the support of their affiliates, has raised more than $300,000 to support equine charities.
For this ride, Tom Scrima, general manager of ACTHA, called on volunteers to coordinate the largest ride the group has sponsored. About 700 volunteers and 1700 horse and rider teams met the call, and arranged "Ride for the Rescues" competitions at locations across the country on June 13th. Scrima said, "The 'Ride for the Rescues' marks a new era for horses and humans. We showed that coast-to-coast horse owners are willing to step up to the plate with their equine companions to help support horse rescue. The goal of ACTHA is to reduce the number of at-risk horses by creating 'jobs' for America's horses and equines. This ride was the first, giant step toward a day when there are no homeless or jobless horses in America".
ACTHA Founders Karen VanGetson and Carrier Scrima, are proud of the fasted growing equestrian sport in the country , where the great American trail horse is 'not JUST a trail horse anymore'
www.actha.us/
Poling, Walker attend endurance race in France
Theintermountain.com - Full Article
June 18, 2010
Local endurance competitor Jennifer Poling and veterinarian Dr. Tracy Walker recently attended an international endurance race in Compiegne, France. The race was sanctioned by the Federation Equestrian Internationale and took place at an equestrian park at Napoleon's Royal Palace. Competitors attended from many countries, including Germany, Brazil, Belgium, Malaysia and Switzerland.
Walker and Poling were the only Americans to attend. This was the first international race for Poling, an avid endurance competitor, who has been participating in endurance racing for more than 10 years. Walker, also an official judging veterinarian for the American Endurance Conference, assisted in monitoring the horse during the race and coaching through the vet check points...
Read more here:
http://theintermountain.com/page/content.detail/id/529954.html?nav=5008
June 18, 2010
Local endurance competitor Jennifer Poling and veterinarian Dr. Tracy Walker recently attended an international endurance race in Compiegne, France. The race was sanctioned by the Federation Equestrian Internationale and took place at an equestrian park at Napoleon's Royal Palace. Competitors attended from many countries, including Germany, Brazil, Belgium, Malaysia and Switzerland.
Walker and Poling were the only Americans to attend. This was the first international race for Poling, an avid endurance competitor, who has been participating in endurance racing for more than 10 years. Walker, also an official judging veterinarian for the American Endurance Conference, assisted in monitoring the horse during the race and coaching through the vet check points...
Read more here:
http://theintermountain.com/page/content.detail/id/529954.html?nav=5008
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Girl, 16, struck by lightning while riding horse
Middletownpress.com - Full Article
Thursday, June 17, 2010
By RONALD DeROSA, JRC
GOSHEN — A 16-year-old girl from the Goshen area is back home, recovering and “doing okay” after being struck by lightning while guiding a horse inside a barn last week, the mother of the girl told The Register Citizen.
Codi Deakin, a boarder at Pie Hill Farm in Goshen, went outside just before 3 p.m. on June 10 to guide Neo, a draft cross breed, back into a barn for a lesson, said Romona Deakin, the girl’s mother. It was blue skies out, and while there were dark clouds in the distance it didn’t seem like there was any immediate threat of a storm, Romona Deakin said.
Then, the lightning struck, taking down the girl and the horse. Emergency officials arrived and rushed Codi Deakin to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries.
“She’s making progress,” Romona Deakin said. “She will recover. It’s a very long and expensive road, but she’s at home resting.”
Read more here:
http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2010/06/17/news/doc4c19a3771769f013937330.txt
Thursday, June 17, 2010
By RONALD DeROSA, JRC
GOSHEN — A 16-year-old girl from the Goshen area is back home, recovering and “doing okay” after being struck by lightning while guiding a horse inside a barn last week, the mother of the girl told The Register Citizen.
Codi Deakin, a boarder at Pie Hill Farm in Goshen, went outside just before 3 p.m. on June 10 to guide Neo, a draft cross breed, back into a barn for a lesson, said Romona Deakin, the girl’s mother. It was blue skies out, and while there were dark clouds in the distance it didn’t seem like there was any immediate threat of a storm, Romona Deakin said.
Then, the lightning struck, taking down the girl and the horse. Emergency officials arrived and rushed Codi Deakin to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital where she was treated for non-life threatening injuries.
“She’s making progress,” Romona Deakin said. “She will recover. It’s a very long and expensive road, but she’s at home resting.”
Read more here:
http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2010/06/17/news/doc4c19a3771769f013937330.txt
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
2010 WEG (Selection crewing "HELP") - MONK's blog
FEIRedhorse.blogspot.com - Full Story
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Short Time
I love getting those telephone calls from Lindsay when I can hear the smile in her voice. "MONK and I are at the top of Barnaby Hill", "His heart rate dropped from 220 to 90 in 30 seconds" "Why does he not get tired?"
This last weekend was MONK's last back to back workout before the WEG selection ride near Bend Oregon. MONK went to Lindsay's moms house in Napa so she could ride him a little. She had to do his health certificate and coggins and will do a trace trim on him so he looks like a endurance horse.
Lindsay gets her official DVM license this Friday, the 11th of June. She will celebrate on the 13th with family and friends. I will pick up MONK at that time and bring him back to the ranch for a two week rest with some serious streaching before we head for Bend Oregon...
Read more here:
http://feiredhorse.blogspot.com/2010/06/weg-selection-crewing-help.html
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Short Time
I love getting those telephone calls from Lindsay when I can hear the smile in her voice. "MONK and I are at the top of Barnaby Hill", "His heart rate dropped from 220 to 90 in 30 seconds" "Why does he not get tired?"
This last weekend was MONK's last back to back workout before the WEG selection ride near Bend Oregon. MONK went to Lindsay's moms house in Napa so she could ride him a little. She had to do his health certificate and coggins and will do a trace trim on him so he looks like a endurance horse.
Lindsay gets her official DVM license this Friday, the 11th of June. She will celebrate on the 13th with family and friends. I will pick up MONK at that time and bring him back to the ranch for a two week rest with some serious streaching before we head for Bend Oregon...
Read more here:
http://feiredhorse.blogspot.com/2010/06/weg-selection-crewing-help.html
2010 WEG (Selection crewing "HELP")
A Horse Named Monk - http://feiredhorse.blogspot.com/2010/06/weg-selection-crewing-help.html
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
I love getting those telephone calls from Lindsay when I can hear the smile in her voice. "MONK and I are at the top of Barnaby Hill", "His heart rate dropped from 220 to 90 in 30 seconds" "Why does he not get tired?"
This last weekend was MONK's last back to back workout before the WEG selection ride near Bend Oregon. MONK went to Lindsay's moms house in Napa so she could ride him a little. She had to do his health certificate and coggins and will do a trace trim on him so he looks like a endurance horse.
Lindsay gets her official DVM license this Friday, the 11th of June. She will celebrate on the 13th with family and friends. I will pick up MONK at that time and bring him back to the ranch for a two week rest with some serious streaching before we head for Bend Oregon.
We have to be in camp in near Bend Oregon before noon on the 25th. As explained to me we will do the ride on Saturday. Horses will be grouped in 4 or 5 which will ride as a team for the prescribed 80 miles. Sounds like we have 14 riders that are qualified to ride for the West Coast with a few more horses. They are setting up the vet checks similar in distance as to what will be at the WEG in September. Team members are supposed to work as a team during each leg of the ride and be able to maintain the requested speed, which my best guess will be faster then 13mph.
The 4 or 5 horse team will come into the vet check all at once so they need a massive amount of crew persons to help cool the horses etc... Volunteer's will be welcome and would be a good opportunity to check out some of the best horse flesh in the USA. If interested I am sure they will have a crew meeting on the 25.
The final selection is set for Danville Ill, on August 12, 13 and 14th as I understand. Most of the riders will need help crewing at that location also. MONK's crew will be very limited because of the distance and I am sure that applies other riders as well. So, if we have some fans on the East coast and you can help at the final selection please let us know.... webtackusa@gmail.com
MONK's blog is approaching 6000 hits, and that is in just one year, amazing...
Will post some pictures of MONK's racing trim when I get them.
Update, 12 noon on June 8th... MONK's midwest fans have vowed to attend the final selection ride in droves....
Monday, June 07, 2010
Tevis Trail Work Event Reminder
NEXT TRAIL MANAGEMENT EVENT:
FRENCH MEADOWS - CAMP OUT
JUNE 18-29, 2010
NOTE: WE HAVE MOVED THE LOCATION FROM
ROBINSON FLAT TO FRENCH MEADOWS
DUE TO SNOW. PLEASE RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO
ATTEND ANY PART OF THIS EVENT. WE HAVE A
LOT OF TRAIL WORK TO DO FOR WS100 PREP DUE
TO THE SLOW SNOW MELT. WE TRULY COULD
USE THE VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
RSVP TO: trails@ws100.com
SPONSOR:
UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE
TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST
AMERICAN RIVER DISTRICT
THE FOREST FOUNDATION
AUBURN, CA
EVENT #6:
FRENCH MEADOWS (Camp out)
High Country Trail Work Weekend
Date and Time:
Friday and Saturday 6-18/19-10 -- 5:00PM (Friday)
Note: You can also come up Saturday morning.
Work starts at 7:30AM
Finish at ~4PM
Meeting Place:
French Meadows Campground Sites #1 and #2
Take Highway 80 to the Foresthill Road,
travel 17 miles east to Foresthill.
Turn right on Mosquito Ridge Road
and travel 34 miles east to the French
Meadow Reservoir, the French Meadows Campground
is on the south shore.
Bring:
Plenty of food and water. Some food and refreshments
will be available Friday and Saturday. Also bring long
pants, gloves, suncreen, hats, etc. Tools will be provided.
FRENCH MEADOWS - CAMP OUT
JUNE 18-29, 2010
NOTE: WE HAVE MOVED THE LOCATION FROM
ROBINSON FLAT TO FRENCH MEADOWS
DUE TO SNOW. PLEASE RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO
ATTEND ANY PART OF THIS EVENT. WE HAVE A
LOT OF TRAIL WORK TO DO FOR WS100 PREP DUE
TO THE SLOW SNOW MELT. WE TRULY COULD
USE THE VOLUNTEER SUPPORT
RSVP TO: trails@ws100.com
SPONSOR:
UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE
TAHOE NATIONAL FOREST
AMERICAN RIVER DISTRICT
THE FOREST FOUNDATION
AUBURN, CA
EVENT #6:
FRENCH MEADOWS (Camp out)
High Country Trail Work Weekend
Date and Time:
Friday and Saturday 6-18/19-10 -- 5:00PM (Friday)
Note: You can also come up Saturday morning.
Work starts at 7:30AM
Finish at ~4PM
Meeting Place:
French Meadows Campground Sites #1 and #2
Take Highway 80 to the Foresthill Road,
travel 17 miles east to Foresthill.
Turn right on Mosquito Ridge Road
and travel 34 miles east to the French
Meadow Reservoir, the French Meadows Campground
is on the south shore.
Bring:
Plenty of food and water. Some food and refreshments
will be available Friday and Saturday. Also bring long
pants, gloves, suncreen, hats, etc. Tools will be provided.
Wade's road to recovery
Weeklytimesnot.com.au - Full Article
Kim Woods
June 8, 2010
GOOD endurance horses have an innate toughness and will to win. So, too, does Meg Wade.
Meg, 48, a dominant force on the global endurance scene, has lived by the motto “fitter, further, faster”.
She has spent a lifetime striding ahead of the pack, but now takes life one step at a time.
A fall from her competition horse during a southern NSW endurance ride in April last year left her in a coma. She was just 10km from the finish of the 110km race at Tumbarumba and within sight of a checkpoint.
“I cannot remember the accident – it was muddy, the horse must have shied at some water and I came off,” Meg says.
Although wearing a helmet, she struck her head with such force it resulted in a brain injury.
“I still have the helmet – it has a bit of a dirty mark on the back, but the foam inside is compressed to half its width,” Meg says. “Dr Trish Annetts was among the first people on the scene and she saved my life.”
Read more here:
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2010/06/08/195161_horses.html
Kim Woods
June 8, 2010
GOOD endurance horses have an innate toughness and will to win. So, too, does Meg Wade.
Meg, 48, a dominant force on the global endurance scene, has lived by the motto “fitter, further, faster”.
She has spent a lifetime striding ahead of the pack, but now takes life one step at a time.
A fall from her competition horse during a southern NSW endurance ride in April last year left her in a coma. She was just 10km from the finish of the 110km race at Tumbarumba and within sight of a checkpoint.
“I cannot remember the accident – it was muddy, the horse must have shied at some water and I came off,” Meg says.
Although wearing a helmet, she struck her head with such force it resulted in a brain injury.
“I still have the helmet – it has a bit of a dirty mark on the back, but the foam inside is compressed to half its width,” Meg says. “Dr Trish Annetts was among the first people on the scene and she saved my life.”
Read more here:
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2010/06/08/195161_horses.html
Trail riders to try for Guinness World Record
Aikenstandard.com - Full Article
6/6/2010 11:51 PM
By BEN BAUGH
Staff writer
Several riders from Aiken will take part in what will be the one of the first Guinness World Records attempts for the largest trail riding competition at Lakeview Plantation in Fairfax.
The South Carolina trail ride will be one of 61 held nationwide this Sunday, said Carol McElwee, an Aiken resident and American Competitive Trail Riding Association affiliate.
All of the proceeds from the event will go to equine rescue charities throughout the country, said McElwee.
The facility at Lakeview Plantation has space for camping and offers more than 100 stalls for people who come in for the day, said McElwee. The ride in Allendale County will be the only one in South Carolina that will be recognized as part of the attempt.
"The lodge is filled, and the campsites are starting to fill," said McElwee.
Any horse and rider can participate in the competition, she said. Riders who are based in South Carolina who wish to participate in the ride can do so by signing up and registering at www.actha.us...
Read more here:
http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/0607trailride
6/6/2010 11:51 PM
By BEN BAUGH
Staff writer
Several riders from Aiken will take part in what will be the one of the first Guinness World Records attempts for the largest trail riding competition at Lakeview Plantation in Fairfax.
The South Carolina trail ride will be one of 61 held nationwide this Sunday, said Carol McElwee, an Aiken resident and American Competitive Trail Riding Association affiliate.
All of the proceeds from the event will go to equine rescue charities throughout the country, said McElwee.
The facility at Lakeview Plantation has space for camping and offers more than 100 stalls for people who come in for the day, said McElwee. The ride in Allendale County will be the only one in South Carolina that will be recognized as part of the attempt.
"The lodge is filled, and the campsites are starting to fill," said McElwee.
Any horse and rider can participate in the competition, she said. Riders who are based in South Carolina who wish to participate in the ride can do so by signing up and registering at www.actha.us...
Read more here:
http://www.aikenstandard.com/Local/0607trailride
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Lindsay Graham
Clubequestrian.com - Full Article
Born: May 4, 1982 Residence: Napa, CA
Lindsay Graham began riding horses as a young child and soon began competing in hunter/jumper competitions up through college. She was first exposed to endurance riding back in 1993 as crew member for her mom and horse Phoenix Affair. In 2004, roughly the time that she had to retire her horse from jumping, her mom needed to have surgery on her back. Lindsay decided to continue to keep Phoenix going for the year as she continued to ride in intercollegiate jumper shows. During that year, Lindsay became hooked on the sport of endurance riding and switched over to the sport in its entirety, leaving jumping in her past.
In the past seven years of endurance riding Lindsay has had many incredible experiences. One of her biggest achievements was a 7th place finish at the prestigious and world re-known 100 mile Tevis Cup Ride, where Phoenix at 19 years and so many months old, was and still holds the record for the oldest horse to Top Ten this ride...
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/lindsay-graham.aspx
Born: May 4, 1982 Residence: Napa, CA
Lindsay Graham began riding horses as a young child and soon began competing in hunter/jumper competitions up through college. She was first exposed to endurance riding back in 1993 as crew member for her mom and horse Phoenix Affair. In 2004, roughly the time that she had to retire her horse from jumping, her mom needed to have surgery on her back. Lindsay decided to continue to keep Phoenix going for the year as she continued to ride in intercollegiate jumper shows. During that year, Lindsay became hooked on the sport of endurance riding and switched over to the sport in its entirety, leaving jumping in her past.
In the past seven years of endurance riding Lindsay has had many incredible experiences. One of her biggest achievements was a 7th place finish at the prestigious and world re-known 100 mile Tevis Cup Ride, where Phoenix at 19 years and so many months old, was and still holds the record for the oldest horse to Top Ten this ride...
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/lindsay-graham.aspx
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Jan Worthington
Clubequestrian.com - Full ARticle
Born: August 4, 1940 Hometown: Scales Mound, IL
Jan Worthington of Scales Mound, Illinois is one of the most accomplished endurance riders in the United States. She has logged more than 27,000 miles.
A veteran endurance rider Jan Worthington was a member of the 1988 Gold Medal U. S. World Endurance Championship team and has competed in numerous North American Endurance Championships.
Worthington finished 14th at her first North American Championship in 1986 and rode to a strong seventh-placed finish in 1987. In 1989 and 1993, she finished 11th and 13th, respectively. In 1995, Worthington and her mount, LM Mastermind, were on the Silver Medal winning team and finished eighth individually at the North American Endurance Championship in Flagstaff, Arizona.
In 1999, she was on the Bronze Medal winning team at the Pan American Endurance Championship in Winnipeg. She was later named alternate to the 2000 USET World Endurance Championship squad...
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/jan-worthington.aspx
Born: August 4, 1940 Hometown: Scales Mound, IL
Jan Worthington of Scales Mound, Illinois is one of the most accomplished endurance riders in the United States. She has logged more than 27,000 miles.
A veteran endurance rider Jan Worthington was a member of the 1988 Gold Medal U. S. World Endurance Championship team and has competed in numerous North American Endurance Championships.
Worthington finished 14th at her first North American Championship in 1986 and rode to a strong seventh-placed finish in 1987. In 1989 and 1993, she finished 11th and 13th, respectively. In 1995, Worthington and her mount, LM Mastermind, were on the Silver Medal winning team and finished eighth individually at the North American Endurance Championship in Flagstaff, Arizona.
In 1999, she was on the Bronze Medal winning team at the Pan American Endurance Championship in Winnipeg. She was later named alternate to the 2000 USET World Endurance Championship squad...
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/jan-worthington.aspx
Friday, June 04, 2010
Farzad Faryadi
Clubequestrian.com - Full Article
Farzad Faryadi
Born: February 5, 1960 Residence: Oakboro, NC
Farzad Faryadi was born in Iran, but has been a US citizen for more than 20 years. He ventured into the world of endurance in 2001. Faryadi’s first endurance horse was a Quarter Horse, a breed not often seen in the world of endurance.
Since 2001, Farzad has ridden nearly 5,000 miles in competition and completed 132 rides.
Faryadi has formed a strong partnership with the bay Arabian gelding Hot Desert Knight...
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/farzad-faryadi.aspx
Farzad Faryadi
Born: February 5, 1960 Residence: Oakboro, NC
Farzad Faryadi was born in Iran, but has been a US citizen for more than 20 years. He ventured into the world of endurance in 2001. Faryadi’s first endurance horse was a Quarter Horse, a breed not often seen in the world of endurance.
Since 2001, Farzad has ridden nearly 5,000 miles in competition and completed 132 rides.
Faryadi has formed a strong partnership with the bay Arabian gelding Hot Desert Knight...
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/farzad-faryadi.aspx
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Yost Family: Endurance Riding as a Family Sport
I’m on the trail
All I can see are his ears,
Blue sky and open range.
I hear his feet
On the damp dirt,
No rocks, just
Clip clop, clip clop
I smell...
...Freedom.
-A poem written for school by Burkleigh Yost, age 10
What’s the perfect family sport for horse-crazy parents and their four young children? As the Yost family of Pocatello, Idaho, found out, endurance riding is a great way to spend time together doing what they love.
Gentry Yost, 36, and wife Laura, 35, schedule their ride season around their children’s soccer, gymnastics and school activities, but last year managed to complete 2,620 miles of endurance rides.
“It is hard for me to think of another sport that would allow a dad to spend close to eight hours of uninterrupted time with a daughter,” said Gentry. “At our last ride, Chandler, my 14-year-old daughter, and I rode close to the back throughout a 50-mile ride. We talked and joked without interruption from cell phones, e-mails, friends, and work obligations. It was a blast and a day I will always remember.”
Adds Laura, “There isn’t anything better than spending time with your kids riding, working, roasting marshmallows, joking out on the trail, and simply sitting at the trailer after all the horses are tucked in and seeing the happiness dance in their eyes after a long 50-mile ride.”
Last year the Yosts hauled their trailer to six rides. Most they attend are multi-day rides, including Utah’s Strawberry Fields Forever, Color Country, and Paunsagaunt XP Pioneer Randy Coleman Memorial rides, the Owyhee Fandango ride in Idaho, and the Fort Schellbourne ride in Nevada. There they can mix-and-match riders and horses so they all get a chance to ride at least one day.
The family plan is to finish well, but not necessarily go for wins. “We do not race very often, but on one ride Laura, daughters Chandler (now 14) and Kennedy (now 11) and I found ourselves in front because the leaders took a wrong turn. We were first into the last vet check and our horses were all doing well, even Kennedy’s 14-hand gelding Shadow,” said Gentry.
“We left the vet check with about 12 miles to go knowing Christoph Schork, a nationally-known rider, was going to be chasing us down. He passed us with about four miles to go,” said Gentry. “After briefly deciding to slow down and not chase after him, we had a quick family vote and decided to try and run with him. It was the best four miles we have ridden as a family. Christoph ended up beating us by a couple minutes, but Kennedy was sure happy to place second on Shadow.”
The one endurance ride the Yosts attended last year that wasn’t a multi-day was the venerable Western States Endurance Ride, better known as the Tevis Cup—a difficult 100-mile expedition in the Sierras from Squaw Valley to Auburn. Gentry explained, “Chandler and Laura both completed with Kennedy and I crewing. What made it even more special is that my mom, Kara Yost, also finished, creating three generations of Yost women completing the Tevis together. Kennedy and I also had the help of my dad, Chris Yost, with the crewing.”
Laura’s all-time favorite ride was the 2006 Tevis Cup. She rode without the company of family, although Gentry, Chandler and Kennedy were along to crew. “The best and most memorable part of the whole day was when I crossed the finish line and was waiting to cross over to the crewing area,” said Laura. “In the dark, I heard a little voice saying, ‘You made it, Mom. You made it.’ Those simple words made all the stress, fatigue, hours of conditioning, time researching, and the experience of vomiting off my horse the last five miles all worth it!”
Whether riding or crewing, Laura says, their family goals are to have a great time and take care of their horses. “We all clean up after our own horses, we all keep the food and water full, and we all have equal responsibilities. My children have earned my respect with their devotion and dedication to their horses.”
While the Yost kids thrill to the cheers when competing in gymnastics or soccer, endurance riding is very different. “There are no crowds, no scoreboards, no teammates to pass the ball to, and not many high fives,” explained Laura. “It is just you and your horse; this is your team. I tell them that their horses are putting it all on the line for them and they need to do the same in return. They all have learned the importance of proper nutrition, proper conditioning, the importance of a good farrier, tack that fits correctly, and always try to learn more.
“Whenever one of them gets scared or is hesitant about riding through or over a difficult spot I remind them that their horse has trusted them with their care,” said Laura. “If they have done everything they could to prepare that horse, it is now time to turn the trust around and let their horses take care of them for a while.”
When the children struggle with school or friends, their parents remind them of their accomplishments on horseback. Gentry remembers the trouble Burkleigh, now 10, had on the Outlaw Trail endurance ride in Utah. “Multiple difficult water crossings -- including one where I ended up upside down in a creek with my horse on top of me, time spent trying to find the trail, and leading horses up a cliff covered with four-foot snow drifts made the ride difficult,” recalled Gentry. “When Burkleigh gets frustrated and says she can’t do something, I’ll say, ‘Hey aren’t you the girl who rode the Outlaw Trail?’”
Gentry said, “Because endurance is hard and the rewards are so fulfilling, I think it teaches kids that they have to work hard to get rewards in life. There are also disappointments that come with endurance riding -- pulls, sick and injured horses. When kids learn to handle these setbacks that are part of the sport, I think it prepares them to handle disappointments that are part of the everyday real life of adults.”
The Yosts haven’t experienced much in the way of disappointments lately. Last year their combined 2,620 American Endurance Ride Conference-sanctioned miles earned them their second consecutive Bill Thornburgh Family Award, named after one of AERC’s most-beloved “endurance dads.” The only sticking point for the family is son Evan’s reluctance to ride horseback; he prefers motorcycles.
Even devoted family proponents like to take some time for themselves. “Laura and I always try to get to an endurance ride each year without kids,” said Gentry. “It is amazing how much easier it is to pack for two riders and to care for two horses before and after rides. It makes for some pretty relaxing rides for the two of us.”
Since one of their dates early in their courtship, where both Laura and Gentry were bucked off their horses on their first ride together, the Yosts have discovered the glue that holds them onto their saddles and their family together.
As Laura said, “I believe endurance riding teaches one to endure, to be selfless, disciplined, consistent, responsible, and tough mentally. Though there probably are many things on this earth that can teach a person the same traits, there is something special that horses bring out in a person. I cannot quite put my finger on it but it is something magical and unique, a special feeling that will never go away.”
To join AERC, or for more information about endurance riding, please contact the AERC office, located in Auburn, California, at 866-271-2372, email aerc@foothill.net, or visit www.aerc.org
Contact: Troy Smith
American Endurance Ride Conference
www.aerc.org
endurancenews@foothill.net
866-271-2372, 530-823-2260
All I can see are his ears,
Blue sky and open range.
I hear his feet
On the damp dirt,
No rocks, just
Clip clop, clip clop
I smell...
...Freedom.
-A poem written for school by Burkleigh Yost, age 10
What’s the perfect family sport for horse-crazy parents and their four young children? As the Yost family of Pocatello, Idaho, found out, endurance riding is a great way to spend time together doing what they love.
Gentry Yost, 36, and wife Laura, 35, schedule their ride season around their children’s soccer, gymnastics and school activities, but last year managed to complete 2,620 miles of endurance rides.
“It is hard for me to think of another sport that would allow a dad to spend close to eight hours of uninterrupted time with a daughter,” said Gentry. “At our last ride, Chandler, my 14-year-old daughter, and I rode close to the back throughout a 50-mile ride. We talked and joked without interruption from cell phones, e-mails, friends, and work obligations. It was a blast and a day I will always remember.”
Adds Laura, “There isn’t anything better than spending time with your kids riding, working, roasting marshmallows, joking out on the trail, and simply sitting at the trailer after all the horses are tucked in and seeing the happiness dance in their eyes after a long 50-mile ride.”
Last year the Yosts hauled their trailer to six rides. Most they attend are multi-day rides, including Utah’s Strawberry Fields Forever, Color Country, and Paunsagaunt XP Pioneer Randy Coleman Memorial rides, the Owyhee Fandango ride in Idaho, and the Fort Schellbourne ride in Nevada. There they can mix-and-match riders and horses so they all get a chance to ride at least one day.
The family plan is to finish well, but not necessarily go for wins. “We do not race very often, but on one ride Laura, daughters Chandler (now 14) and Kennedy (now 11) and I found ourselves in front because the leaders took a wrong turn. We were first into the last vet check and our horses were all doing well, even Kennedy’s 14-hand gelding Shadow,” said Gentry.
“We left the vet check with about 12 miles to go knowing Christoph Schork, a nationally-known rider, was going to be chasing us down. He passed us with about four miles to go,” said Gentry. “After briefly deciding to slow down and not chase after him, we had a quick family vote and decided to try and run with him. It was the best four miles we have ridden as a family. Christoph ended up beating us by a couple minutes, but Kennedy was sure happy to place second on Shadow.”
The one endurance ride the Yosts attended last year that wasn’t a multi-day was the venerable Western States Endurance Ride, better known as the Tevis Cup—a difficult 100-mile expedition in the Sierras from Squaw Valley to Auburn. Gentry explained, “Chandler and Laura both completed with Kennedy and I crewing. What made it even more special is that my mom, Kara Yost, also finished, creating three generations of Yost women completing the Tevis together. Kennedy and I also had the help of my dad, Chris Yost, with the crewing.”
Laura’s all-time favorite ride was the 2006 Tevis Cup. She rode without the company of family, although Gentry, Chandler and Kennedy were along to crew. “The best and most memorable part of the whole day was when I crossed the finish line and was waiting to cross over to the crewing area,” said Laura. “In the dark, I heard a little voice saying, ‘You made it, Mom. You made it.’ Those simple words made all the stress, fatigue, hours of conditioning, time researching, and the experience of vomiting off my horse the last five miles all worth it!”
Whether riding or crewing, Laura says, their family goals are to have a great time and take care of their horses. “We all clean up after our own horses, we all keep the food and water full, and we all have equal responsibilities. My children have earned my respect with their devotion and dedication to their horses.”
While the Yost kids thrill to the cheers when competing in gymnastics or soccer, endurance riding is very different. “There are no crowds, no scoreboards, no teammates to pass the ball to, and not many high fives,” explained Laura. “It is just you and your horse; this is your team. I tell them that their horses are putting it all on the line for them and they need to do the same in return. They all have learned the importance of proper nutrition, proper conditioning, the importance of a good farrier, tack that fits correctly, and always try to learn more.
“Whenever one of them gets scared or is hesitant about riding through or over a difficult spot I remind them that their horse has trusted them with their care,” said Laura. “If they have done everything they could to prepare that horse, it is now time to turn the trust around and let their horses take care of them for a while.”
When the children struggle with school or friends, their parents remind them of their accomplishments on horseback. Gentry remembers the trouble Burkleigh, now 10, had on the Outlaw Trail endurance ride in Utah. “Multiple difficult water crossings -- including one where I ended up upside down in a creek with my horse on top of me, time spent trying to find the trail, and leading horses up a cliff covered with four-foot snow drifts made the ride difficult,” recalled Gentry. “When Burkleigh gets frustrated and says she can’t do something, I’ll say, ‘Hey aren’t you the girl who rode the Outlaw Trail?’”
Gentry said, “Because endurance is hard and the rewards are so fulfilling, I think it teaches kids that they have to work hard to get rewards in life. There are also disappointments that come with endurance riding -- pulls, sick and injured horses. When kids learn to handle these setbacks that are part of the sport, I think it prepares them to handle disappointments that are part of the everyday real life of adults.”
The Yosts haven’t experienced much in the way of disappointments lately. Last year their combined 2,620 American Endurance Ride Conference-sanctioned miles earned them their second consecutive Bill Thornburgh Family Award, named after one of AERC’s most-beloved “endurance dads.” The only sticking point for the family is son Evan’s reluctance to ride horseback; he prefers motorcycles.
Even devoted family proponents like to take some time for themselves. “Laura and I always try to get to an endurance ride each year without kids,” said Gentry. “It is amazing how much easier it is to pack for two riders and to care for two horses before and after rides. It makes for some pretty relaxing rides for the two of us.”
Since one of their dates early in their courtship, where both Laura and Gentry were bucked off their horses on their first ride together, the Yosts have discovered the glue that holds them onto their saddles and their family together.
As Laura said, “I believe endurance riding teaches one to endure, to be selfless, disciplined, consistent, responsible, and tough mentally. Though there probably are many things on this earth that can teach a person the same traits, there is something special that horses bring out in a person. I cannot quite put my finger on it but it is something magical and unique, a special feeling that will never go away.”
To join AERC, or for more information about endurance riding, please contact the AERC office, located in Auburn, California, at 866-271-2372, email aerc@foothill.net, or visit www.aerc.org
Contact: Troy Smith
American Endurance Ride Conference
www.aerc.org
endurancenews@foothill.net
866-271-2372, 530-823-2260
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Australia: Short list for 2010 WEG
May 2010
Statement from the Selection Committee
The following horse/rider combinations have satisfied the qualifications criteria under the FEI Rules for Endurance 7TH Edition 2009 and the AES Qualification Criteria (Nov.2009) and are short listed for entry to the WEG Endurance Championships Kentucky 2010:
Mathew Sample Brookleigh Ricardo
Matthew Sample Tarrangower Crecendo
Penny Toft Don
Norbert Radny West Coast Archaron
Congratulations to these horses and riders on their huge effort and their determined commitment to represent Australia in the best way possible
Barb Timms on behalf of the Selection Committee
Barbara Timms
Manager Australian Endurance Squad
Statement from the Selection Committee
The following horse/rider combinations have satisfied the qualifications criteria under the FEI Rules for Endurance 7TH Edition 2009 and the AES Qualification Criteria (Nov.2009) and are short listed for entry to the WEG Endurance Championships Kentucky 2010:
Mathew Sample Brookleigh Ricardo
Matthew Sample Tarrangower Crecendo
Penny Toft Don
Norbert Radny West Coast Archaron
Congratulations to these horses and riders on their huge effort and their determined commitment to represent Australia in the best way possible
Barb Timms on behalf of the Selection Committee
Barbara Timms
Manager Australian Endurance Squad
Ceci Butler-Stasiuk
Clubequestrian.com - Full Article
Ceci Butler-Stasiuk
Born: June 20, 1982 Residence: Humble, TX
Cecilia Butler-Stasiuk, grew up on a small horse ranch in Humble, Texas where her mother, acclaimed endurance competitor Darolyn Butler, taught her to ride and care for the horses. She started competing in the sport of Endurance Horse Racing at the age of four. Cecilia entered her first 100 mile race at the age of 6 and won her first 100 mile race at the same age.
Ceci has logged more than 11,000 competitive endurance miles.
Butler-Stasiuk is a four time National Endurance Champion (2 fifty mile, and 2 one-hundred mile), competed in the Pan-American Championship, rode in the Junior World Championship in Italy and has competed all over the world. ..
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/ceci-butler-stasiuk.aspx
Ceci Butler-Stasiuk
Born: June 20, 1982 Residence: Humble, TX
Cecilia Butler-Stasiuk, grew up on a small horse ranch in Humble, Texas where her mother, acclaimed endurance competitor Darolyn Butler, taught her to ride and care for the horses. She started competing in the sport of Endurance Horse Racing at the age of four. Cecilia entered her first 100 mile race at the age of 6 and won her first 100 mile race at the same age.
Ceci has logged more than 11,000 competitive endurance miles.
Butler-Stasiuk is a four time National Endurance Champion (2 fifty mile, and 2 one-hundred mile), competed in the Pan-American Championship, rode in the Junior World Championship in Italy and has competed all over the world. ..
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/ceci-butler-stasiuk.aspx
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Carol Giles
Clubequestrian.com - Full Article
Carol Giles
Born: October 24, 1956 Residence: Prineville, OR
Carol Giles started riding when she was 4 years old. As a young child and teenager, Carol competed in the western disciplines – barrel racing, western pleasure, etc. In the early 80s, she had just graduated from college and started her first job in Prineville, Oregon. One of the local physicians asked her if she was interested in training 5 of his endurance horses. Giles was so excited to have horses to ride that it didn’t matter that she had no clue what endurance riding was. Carol quickly learned all about endurance and fell madly in love with the sport...
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/carol-giles.aspx
Carol Giles
Born: October 24, 1956 Residence: Prineville, OR
Carol Giles started riding when she was 4 years old. As a young child and teenager, Carol competed in the western disciplines – barrel racing, western pleasure, etc. In the early 80s, she had just graduated from college and started her first job in Prineville, Oregon. One of the local physicians asked her if she was interested in training 5 of his endurance horses. Giles was so excited to have horses to ride that it didn’t matter that she had no clue what endurance riding was. Carol quickly learned all about endurance and fell madly in love with the sport...
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/carol-giles.aspx
ELCR Brings Equine Activity and Recreational Use Statutes Together for Horsemen and Landowners
May 27, 2010
Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) is pleased to announce an important new web resource for horsemen and landowners. The Equine Activity Statutes and Recreational Use Statutes Directory is now available at www.elcr.org/ss2.htm.
A crucial factor in equine access to land is often landowner liability protection. Liability is determined on a state-by-state basis, and in most states is governed by two sets of laws: Equine Activity Statutes and Recreational Use Statutes.
In the past, this information has been hard to gather and difficult to interpret. ELCR recognized an opportunity to assist and support horsemen on this issue. Working pro bono, Holly Rudolph, a law student assembled an in depth spreadsheet showing both sets of laws listed by state and with a brief analysis. Julie Fershtman, J.D. and ELCR Advisory Council member served as an advisor for the project.
The spreadsheet, found at www.elcr.org/ss2.htm, provides a single source to view and compare statutes by state. ELCR and other organizations had gathered this information before, but as the laws changed, the documents quickly became outdated. Because this site provides live links to the statutes themselves, the information will remain current.
In addition to the live links, the Directory provides analysis of the statutes. Details provided include things such as whether or not charging a nominal fee for access will reduce or destroy a landowner’s liability protection and whether specific language is required on signage as outlined by statute.
“It is our hope,” said Chief Executive Officer, Deb Balliet, “that providing a clear, concise knowledge base will help horsemen when speaking to landowners about maintaining or providing access to trails, riding and training spaces. Landowners can rest assured that their interests are being considered by the horsemen who access their land.”
ELCR has provided this information for educational purposes only; it is not intended to be legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Please consult an attorney in your state for specific interpretation and guidance on matters relevant to equine activity and recreational use statutes.
About the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR)
The Equine Land Conservation Resource is the only national not-for-profit organization advancing the conservation of land for horse-related activity. ELCR serves as an information resource and clearinghouse for land and horse owners on issues related to equine land conservation, land use planning, land stewardship/best management practices, trails, liability and equine economic development. If you want to know more about ELCR, visit our website at www.ELCR.org or call (859) 455-8383.
Contact: Deb Balliet
Equine Land Conservation Resource
859-455-8383
www.ELCR.org
dballiet@elcr.org
Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) is pleased to announce an important new web resource for horsemen and landowners. The Equine Activity Statutes and Recreational Use Statutes Directory is now available at www.elcr.org/ss2.htm.
A crucial factor in equine access to land is often landowner liability protection. Liability is determined on a state-by-state basis, and in most states is governed by two sets of laws: Equine Activity Statutes and Recreational Use Statutes.
In the past, this information has been hard to gather and difficult to interpret. ELCR recognized an opportunity to assist and support horsemen on this issue. Working pro bono, Holly Rudolph, a law student assembled an in depth spreadsheet showing both sets of laws listed by state and with a brief analysis. Julie Fershtman, J.D. and ELCR Advisory Council member served as an advisor for the project.
The spreadsheet, found at www.elcr.org/ss2.htm, provides a single source to view and compare statutes by state. ELCR and other organizations had gathered this information before, but as the laws changed, the documents quickly became outdated. Because this site provides live links to the statutes themselves, the information will remain current.
In addition to the live links, the Directory provides analysis of the statutes. Details provided include things such as whether or not charging a nominal fee for access will reduce or destroy a landowner’s liability protection and whether specific language is required on signage as outlined by statute.
“It is our hope,” said Chief Executive Officer, Deb Balliet, “that providing a clear, concise knowledge base will help horsemen when speaking to landowners about maintaining or providing access to trails, riding and training spaces. Landowners can rest assured that their interests are being considered by the horsemen who access their land.”
ELCR has provided this information for educational purposes only; it is not intended to be legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Please consult an attorney in your state for specific interpretation and guidance on matters relevant to equine activity and recreational use statutes.
About the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR)
The Equine Land Conservation Resource is the only national not-for-profit organization advancing the conservation of land for horse-related activity. ELCR serves as an information resource and clearinghouse for land and horse owners on issues related to equine land conservation, land use planning, land stewardship/best management practices, trails, liability and equine economic development. If you want to know more about ELCR, visit our website at www.ELCR.org or call (859) 455-8383.
Contact: Deb Balliet
Equine Land Conservation Resource
859-455-8383
www.ELCR.org
dballiet@elcr.org
Monday, May 31, 2010
Michelle Roush
Clubequestrian.com - Full Article
Michelle Roush
Born: June 4, 1967 Hometown: North San Jaun, CA
Michele Roush has an extensive resume in the sport of Endurance. Roush has over 12,000 AERC miles and has ridden 49 different horses throughout her illustrious career. Michele has a top ten rate of fifty-three percent and a lifetime Best Condition rate of twenty-three percent.
Roush started out in 1980 in the sport of Ride & Tie, which vies teams of two runners and one horse against each other. Michele and her partner were unbeaten in the man/woman division in 1995, winning the national title. From there, it was a short leap to endurance, which gave her more time in the saddle instead of on the ground...
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/michelle-roush.aspx
Michelle Roush
Born: June 4, 1967 Hometown: North San Jaun, CA
Michele Roush has an extensive resume in the sport of Endurance. Roush has over 12,000 AERC miles and has ridden 49 different horses throughout her illustrious career. Michele has a top ten rate of fifty-three percent and a lifetime Best Condition rate of twenty-three percent.
Roush started out in 1980 in the sport of Ride & Tie, which vies teams of two runners and one horse against each other. Michele and her partner were unbeaten in the man/woman division in 1995, winning the national title. From there, it was a short leap to endurance, which gave her more time in the saddle instead of on the ground...
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/michelle-roush.aspx
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Celebrating the Pony Express Sesquicentennial re-ride in Dayton's historic district
RGJ.com - Full Article
May 26,2010
It is 1860. In the midst of the madness of miners searching every nook and cranny for riches after the Comstock's silver and gold strikes, the Pony Express, known as "The Pony", made its mark, carrying mail 2,000 miles from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California, in 10 days. The 420-mile route across Nevada was one of the more desolate, dangerous rides.
Although the "Pony's" historical reign lasted just 18 months, April 3, 1860 to October 1861, it remains a romantic icon of the westward movement.
The Historical Society of Dayton Valley is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Pony Express on the streets of Old Town during a reenactment June 9, when riders exchange horses and mail, carried in padlocked leather pouches called mochilas.
The fun begins at 10 a.m. when wild horses, Old West characters and children celebrate Dayton's history.
Read more here:
http://www.rgj.com/article/20100526/DAYTON07/5260315/1042/DAYTON
May 26,2010
It is 1860. In the midst of the madness of miners searching every nook and cranny for riches after the Comstock's silver and gold strikes, the Pony Express, known as "The Pony", made its mark, carrying mail 2,000 miles from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California, in 10 days. The 420-mile route across Nevada was one of the more desolate, dangerous rides.
Although the "Pony's" historical reign lasted just 18 months, April 3, 1860 to October 1861, it remains a romantic icon of the westward movement.
The Historical Society of Dayton Valley is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Pony Express on the streets of Old Town during a reenactment June 9, when riders exchange horses and mail, carried in padlocked leather pouches called mochilas.
The fun begins at 10 a.m. when wild horses, Old West characters and children celebrate Dayton's history.
Read more here:
http://www.rgj.com/article/20100526/DAYTON07/5260315/1042/DAYTON
Monday, May 24, 2010
Robie monument a possibility in Auburn
AuburnJournal.com - http://auburnjournal.com/detail/150611.html?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=&user_id=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&event_ts_to=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=1&sub_type=&town_id=
5/24/10
Local man hopes to raise $600,000 for statue
A local man is hoping to represent endurance athlete Wendell Robie in a new piece of community artwork.
But where a proposed statue immortalizing the Tevis Cup founder will go is not set in stone.
Robert Fordney “Potato” Richardson, of Greenwood, said Robie’s huge impact on the city of Auburn merits a monument.
“The heart of endurance started right here by Wendell Robie,” Richardson said. “He has done so many other things for the community that are remarkable and worthy of respect. I’m forming a committee to explore locations, explore all the avenues to get the statue put together, all aspects of the project.”
Robie, a well-known Auburn figure, started the famous endurance-riding event, the Tevis Cup, in 1955.
Bruce Cosgrove, chief executive officer of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, said he thinks it would be a natural step for Auburn to represent Robie in a statue.
“In recent times Wendell Robie played a major role in Auburn history,” Cosgrove said. “He had a huge investment in the community and employed many of our local residents. Wendell Robie was … a central figure in preserving the Western States Trail and establishing the Tevis Cup.”
[...more]
5/24/10
Local man hopes to raise $600,000 for statue
A local man is hoping to represent endurance athlete Wendell Robie in a new piece of community artwork.
But where a proposed statue immortalizing the Tevis Cup founder will go is not set in stone.
Robert Fordney “Potato” Richardson, of Greenwood, said Robie’s huge impact on the city of Auburn merits a monument.
“The heart of endurance started right here by Wendell Robie,” Richardson said. “He has done so many other things for the community that are remarkable and worthy of respect. I’m forming a committee to explore locations, explore all the avenues to get the statue put together, all aspects of the project.”
Robie, a well-known Auburn figure, started the famous endurance-riding event, the Tevis Cup, in 1955.
Bruce Cosgrove, chief executive officer of the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, said he thinks it would be a natural step for Auburn to represent Robie in a statue.
“In recent times Wendell Robie played a major role in Auburn history,” Cosgrove said. “He had a huge investment in the community and employed many of our local residents. Wendell Robie was … a central figure in preserving the Western States Trail and establishing the Tevis Cup.”
[...more]
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Kathy Brunjes
ClubEquestrian.com - Full Article
Born: March 23, 1953 Residence: Bethel, ME
Kathy Brunjes has ridden more than 8,000 endurance recorded miles. Brunjes started riding ponies at age 4; she showed Arabian horses in Junior to ride classes, including Saddle Seat Equitation, until late teens; her mother has been a ride/competition manager for competitive trail since 1964. Kathy has been trail riding competitively since she was a teenage, completing her first 100 mile ride at the age of 14. Brunjes left competition riding after college to raise a family and came back to the sport in 1991. Since 1991, she has focused on endurance.
In 1997, she competed in her first Endurance Race of Champions and in 2001 Kathy was a member of the USA-East Squad for the Pan Americans (held in Woodstock, VT). In 2002, Brunjes was selected for the FEI World Equestrian Games, Endurance Championship in Jerez, Spain based on her performance at the selection trials in Kansas...
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/kathy-brunjes.aspx
Born: March 23, 1953 Residence: Bethel, ME
Kathy Brunjes has ridden more than 8,000 endurance recorded miles. Brunjes started riding ponies at age 4; she showed Arabian horses in Junior to ride classes, including Saddle Seat Equitation, until late teens; her mother has been a ride/competition manager for competitive trail since 1964. Kathy has been trail riding competitively since she was a teenage, completing her first 100 mile ride at the age of 14. Brunjes left competition riding after college to raise a family and came back to the sport in 1991. Since 1991, she has focused on endurance.
In 1997, she competed in her first Endurance Race of Champions and in 2001 Kathy was a member of the USA-East Squad for the Pan Americans (held in Woodstock, VT). In 2002, Brunjes was selected for the FEI World Equestrian Games, Endurance Championship in Jerez, Spain based on her performance at the selection trials in Kansas...
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/kathy-brunjes.aspx
Friday, May 21, 2010
Two Horses Test Positive for EIA in Montana
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Tracy Gantz
May 14 2010, Article # 16356
Because two horses recently tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA) in Montana, the Montana Department of Livestock's Animal Health Division has scheduled a May 17 meeting in Gallatin county to update local horse owners on the situation.
EIA, also called swamp fever, was reported in Gallatin county April 26 after a horse tested positive following a routine Coggins test.
"The horse was going to be traveling out of state, which is how the positive came up," said Tahnee Szymanski, DVM, a staff veterinarian for the Department of Livestock. "As a result of the positive test, two more horses on the premises were tested, and we found one other positive."
Fifty nearby horses were also tested...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=16356
by: Tracy Gantz
May 14 2010, Article # 16356
Because two horses recently tested positive for equine infectious anemia (EIA) in Montana, the Montana Department of Livestock's Animal Health Division has scheduled a May 17 meeting in Gallatin county to update local horse owners on the situation.
EIA, also called swamp fever, was reported in Gallatin county April 26 after a horse tested positive following a routine Coggins test.
"The horse was going to be traveling out of state, which is how the positive came up," said Tahnee Szymanski, DVM, a staff veterinarian for the Department of Livestock. "As a result of the positive test, two more horses on the premises were tested, and we found one other positive."
Fifty nearby horses were also tested...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=16356
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Darolyn Butler
Clubequestrian.com - Full Article
Born: March 12, 1950 Residence: Humble, TX
Darolyn started riding before she could walk, and cried when taken off horses as a toddler. Even though there was no such thing as Endurance Riding in her native state of Oklahoma in the 1960’s, she claims to have been born to do just that. Early years found her riding for hours and hours, exploring the countryside on and near her family’s farm and ranch. She was soon active in horse shows and barrel racing, as that was the thing to do in Oklahoma in the ‘60’s & 70’s. A stint as Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, (she also won the Horsemanship Division in the Miss Rodeo America pageant), and a job as Miss Ford Country, (a cowgirl advertising campaign for Ford Motor Co.), gave her another boost in the equine direction.
In 1972 she was crowned Miss Oklahoma State University and after graduating from there, she represented Tony Lama Boot Company in East Texas and Southern Louisiana, which spurred her relocation to the Houston, Texas area. Horse shows and rodeos still filled her spare moments until she discovered Endurance Riding in 1981. A short year later, all the performing quarter horses had been replaced by Arabians and cross-Arabs, the breed of choice for endurance riding.
Her previous experience with horses served her well as she moved into the ultimate sport of Endurance Riding with devoted enthusiasm. The famous Tevis Cup Ride was her third Endurance Ride, and she won her first of several National Championships in 1984...
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/darolyn-butler.aspx
Born: March 12, 1950 Residence: Humble, TX
Darolyn started riding before she could walk, and cried when taken off horses as a toddler. Even though there was no such thing as Endurance Riding in her native state of Oklahoma in the 1960’s, she claims to have been born to do just that. Early years found her riding for hours and hours, exploring the countryside on and near her family’s farm and ranch. She was soon active in horse shows and barrel racing, as that was the thing to do in Oklahoma in the ‘60’s & 70’s. A stint as Miss Rodeo Oklahoma, (she also won the Horsemanship Division in the Miss Rodeo America pageant), and a job as Miss Ford Country, (a cowgirl advertising campaign for Ford Motor Co.), gave her another boost in the equine direction.
In 1972 she was crowned Miss Oklahoma State University and after graduating from there, she represented Tony Lama Boot Company in East Texas and Southern Louisiana, which spurred her relocation to the Houston, Texas area. Horse shows and rodeos still filled her spare moments until she discovered Endurance Riding in 1981. A short year later, all the performing quarter horses had been replaced by Arabians and cross-Arabs, the breed of choice for endurance riding.
Her previous experience with horses served her well as she moved into the ultimate sport of Endurance Riding with devoted enthusiasm. The famous Tevis Cup Ride was her third Endurance Ride, and she won her first of several National Championships in 1984...
Read more here:
http://www.clubequestrian.com/wikis/encyclopedia/darolyn-butler.aspx
Long winter affects Golden Horseshoe endurance ride
Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
May 20, 2010
Britain's long winter hit entries in this year's Golden Horseshoe Ride over Exmoor, resulting in no gold awards being achieved in the longer rides.
Entries were down because riders were unable to bring horses to peak fitness in time for the event earlier this week.
There were three silver awards and two bronze in the 160km (100 miles) but no gold awards. And the same applied to the Exmoor Eighty, a one-day ride of 80km (50 miles), where there were three silver and three bronze awards.
But in the strongly-supported Exmoor Experience, a ride of 40km (25 miles) on successive days, ten riders went home with the coveted gold medals, eight with silver and 11 with bronze...
Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/05/135.shtml
May 20, 2010
Britain's long winter hit entries in this year's Golden Horseshoe Ride over Exmoor, resulting in no gold awards being achieved in the longer rides.
Entries were down because riders were unable to bring horses to peak fitness in time for the event earlier this week.
There were three silver awards and two bronze in the 160km (100 miles) but no gold awards. And the same applied to the Exmoor Eighty, a one-day ride of 80km (50 miles), where there were three silver and three bronze awards.
But in the strongly-supported Exmoor Experience, a ride of 40km (25 miles) on successive days, ten riders went home with the coveted gold medals, eight with silver and 11 with bronze...
Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/05/135.shtml
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Global Endurance Training Center hosts Backcountry Horsemen Meeting
Global Endurance Blog
5/18/2010
On May 24th, at 6:30 pm, Global Endurance Center will host the monthly meeting of the SE Utah Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen. The Backcountry Horsemen are working on creating equestrian trails, maintaining them and lobbying for equestrian facilities nationwide.
Part of the meeting will be a discussion on the new equestrian trails in SE Utah, especially Grand County. After the meeting, Christoph will conduct a short hoof care clinic with introducing the new Easyboot Gloves and Glue-ons to the attendees.
We'll have food and drinks for everybody, will socialize, answer questions around a fire pit. Drop in for some education or a good time, if you are close by, or make a special trip for it. We would love to see you at our facility.
The next big educational seminar will be conducted by GETC at the Fandango ride in Oreana Idaho. On Thursday, May 27th from 1 pm till 4 pm, Christoph will teach a Hoof Care clinic. He will introduce new techniques on bare foot trimming, show you the newest developments on the Hoof protection market and will demonstrate how to glue on EasyCare boots as well as how to use the Easyboot Gloves with ease.
He will also introduce you to a brand new tool, that will make hoof trimming so much easier and fun. You'll love it.
At the end of the clinic, we'll have a drawing among all the participants with great prizes, donated by the sponsors of the clinic:
GLOBAL ENDURANCE TRAINING CENTER
EASYCARE, INC
VETTEC
EQUIFLEX
A big THANKS to the sponsors, without them, the event would not take place.
These companies have been committed to the endurance riders for many years and donated prizes valued at over $ 300 each. So do not miss out! You will learn and win!
After the clinic, at 6 pm, we'll have a Wine and Cheese Party, sponsored by VETTEC.
The clinic will be in conjunction with the Oreana Fandango 3 day ride. www.endurance.net. Steph Teeter and her husband John are doing an outstanding job managing that ride.
Come, attend, learn,win, ride and have fun! Don't miss this event!
If any of you would be interested in personal consultation or need help with trimming and hoof protection, you can schedule with us. Right now, we still have a couple of openings each afternoon after the ride.
For more information on Global Endurance and their events, see Global Endurance Training Center at www.globalendurance.com/
5/18/2010
On May 24th, at 6:30 pm, Global Endurance Center will host the monthly meeting of the SE Utah Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen. The Backcountry Horsemen are working on creating equestrian trails, maintaining them and lobbying for equestrian facilities nationwide.
Part of the meeting will be a discussion on the new equestrian trails in SE Utah, especially Grand County. After the meeting, Christoph will conduct a short hoof care clinic with introducing the new Easyboot Gloves and Glue-ons to the attendees.
We'll have food and drinks for everybody, will socialize, answer questions around a fire pit. Drop in for some education or a good time, if you are close by, or make a special trip for it. We would love to see you at our facility.
The next big educational seminar will be conducted by GETC at the Fandango ride in Oreana Idaho. On Thursday, May 27th from 1 pm till 4 pm, Christoph will teach a Hoof Care clinic. He will introduce new techniques on bare foot trimming, show you the newest developments on the Hoof protection market and will demonstrate how to glue on EasyCare boots as well as how to use the Easyboot Gloves with ease.
He will also introduce you to a brand new tool, that will make hoof trimming so much easier and fun. You'll love it.
At the end of the clinic, we'll have a drawing among all the participants with great prizes, donated by the sponsors of the clinic:
GLOBAL ENDURANCE TRAINING CENTER
EASYCARE, INC
VETTEC
EQUIFLEX
A big THANKS to the sponsors, without them, the event would not take place.
These companies have been committed to the endurance riders for many years and donated prizes valued at over $ 300 each. So do not miss out! You will learn and win!
After the clinic, at 6 pm, we'll have a Wine and Cheese Party, sponsored by VETTEC.
The clinic will be in conjunction with the Oreana Fandango 3 day ride. www.endurance.net. Steph Teeter and her husband John are doing an outstanding job managing that ride.
Come, attend, learn,win, ride and have fun! Don't miss this event!
If any of you would be interested in personal consultation or need help with trimming and hoof protection, you can schedule with us. Right now, we still have a couple of openings each afternoon after the ride.
For more information on Global Endurance and their events, see Global Endurance Training Center at www.globalendurance.com/
Endurance Rider Kathy Brunjes (USA) Blogs About Spring Training and the Upcoming 2010 Games Endurance Selection Trials
2010Alltechweg.blogspot.com - Full Story
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
APRIL: TRAINING ROUTINE
Training in the NE going along nicely - weather has been phenomenal, with temps in the mid-70s. April in Maine usually means icy trails, 2-3 foot snow banks and temps around 40 degrees. With the mild weather, we are not only able to get out on trails usually blocked until mid-May, but we're also getting some good "heat" training in for the more southern competitions coming up. Southern, of course for those of us in the NE, means anything south of Massachusetts!
The weekend of April 10-11 was an FEI endurance "qualifying" event in Inyokern, California - I was scheduled to attend this, flying out to San Francisco, to compete on a young horse belonging to fellow WEG nominees (and friends) Heather and Jeremy Reynolds. Unfortunately I had to cancel due to a death in my family. We'll try to get together in mid-May outside of San Jose for another qualifying event for both riders and horses.
Our major training attempts are focusing on the prestigious Biltmore Challenge (first weekend of May) in Asheville, NC. The course winds around the Biltmore estate. All FEI endurance events are qualifying events for riders and horses working up the FEI mileage "ladder" and the (formerly called) certificate of capability required in the qualification process.
Read more here:
http://2010alltechweg.blogspot.com/2010/05/endurance-rider-kathy-brunjes-usa-blogs.html
2010 World Endurance Championship ride coverage here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2010WEC/
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
APRIL: TRAINING ROUTINE
Training in the NE going along nicely - weather has been phenomenal, with temps in the mid-70s. April in Maine usually means icy trails, 2-3 foot snow banks and temps around 40 degrees. With the mild weather, we are not only able to get out on trails usually blocked until mid-May, but we're also getting some good "heat" training in for the more southern competitions coming up. Southern, of course for those of us in the NE, means anything south of Massachusetts!
The weekend of April 10-11 was an FEI endurance "qualifying" event in Inyokern, California - I was scheduled to attend this, flying out to San Francisco, to compete on a young horse belonging to fellow WEG nominees (and friends) Heather and Jeremy Reynolds. Unfortunately I had to cancel due to a death in my family. We'll try to get together in mid-May outside of San Jose for another qualifying event for both riders and horses.
Our major training attempts are focusing on the prestigious Biltmore Challenge (first weekend of May) in Asheville, NC. The course winds around the Biltmore estate. All FEI endurance events are qualifying events for riders and horses working up the FEI mileage "ladder" and the (formerly called) certificate of capability required in the qualification process.
Read more here:
http://2010alltechweg.blogspot.com/2010/05/endurance-rider-kathy-brunjes-usa-blogs.html
2010 World Endurance Championship ride coverage here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2010WEC/
Monday, May 17, 2010
Big Horn Ride Celebrates its 40th Year
BIG HORN RIDE
Date: May 2010
Forty years ago, endurance riding was in its infancy, and riders took to the trails wearing blue jeans and cowboy hats on horses sporting Western saddles and leather halters, carrying hand-drawn maps of the 50- and 100-mile trails. Today, horses sport lightweight saddles and Biothane® tack, and riders in Lycra® tights carry GPS devices to help them stay on the trail.
Very few endurance rides have adjusted to the changes and are still giving riders the opportunity to challenge the same trails as they were years ago, but the Big Horn 100 – born back in 1971 – continues to be one of the premier rides in the country. Held each summer since 1971 near Shell, Wyoming, the Big Horn 100 predates the founding of endurance’s national organization, the American Endurance Ride Conference.
Ride organizers and participants are looking forward to the ride’s 40th anniversary this year when the ride starts promptly at 4:00 a.m. on July 10, then winds through 100 miles of BLM, U.S. Forest Service and privately owned forest, roads and trails through the Bighorn National Forest. Participants have 24 hours to traverse the historic trail. Terry Perkins, the ride’s co-founder, said, “I’m very proud and happy that this event has endured for all these years. Many things have happened and changed over these years but it comes down to the connection between a person and his or her horse taking on the challenge of finishing a 100-mile one-day ride, crossing the finish line and knowing you both have done something very special. I hope it goes on for many more years.”
Back in 1970, Terry and her husband Dale read about the Squaw Valley to Auburn, Calif., Tevis Cup ride in Western Horseman magazine. “We can do that, too, right here in our own backyard,” declared Dale Perkins. A year later, five riders finished the first-ever ride. The next year, the Big Horn became first 100-mile ride officially sanctioned by the fledgling American Endurance Ride Conference. Riders from all over the United States, Canada and Australia have come to Wyoming to take on this challenge.
Jeanette Tolman, who rode the second Big Horn ride back in 1972, and six times after that, now serves as the ride manager, overseeing all aspects from paperwork, volunteer and veterinarian coordination to making sure the trail is marked well enough for participants to find their way on steep mountain trails throughout the night, lit only by the new moon and hundreds of glow sticks set out along the course.
The ride begins with a jeep road to Adelaide Lake, “a jewel surrounded by alpine meadows, streams and spectacular rock formations,” says seven-time finisher Cindy Collins. At the high point of the ride, at almost 11,000 feet elevation, the entire Bighorn basin of Wyoming is spread out below riders with views of the Beartooth, Absaroka, Pryor and Wind River mountains in the distance. Four veterinary checks spread out along the course insure the horses are well-hydrated and have no lameness or metabolic issues.
Riders descend toward Jack Creek and will likely view a spectacular sunset as they make their way through mountain meadows filled with wildflowers. “The stars in the Wyoming sky look like you could reach up and touch them,” said Collins. “As you make your final drop onto the red desert floor, you know that you and your horse have accomplished something magical that no one can ever take away from you.
“I truly believe that the Big Horn is the most beautiful trail in the world,” said Collins. “You do have to be independent and pioneer-like for the Big Horn. I believe it is worth all the hardships and heartaches just to see it one time in your life.”
Those riders who complete the grueling competition earn a silver belt buckle emblazoned with an image of a bighorn sheep, engraved “Big Horn 100,” a lasting memory of 100 miles spent communing with nature and their trusted horse.
Last year’s winner was Kerry Redente of Salida, Colorado, who completed the course in 17 hours and 30 minutes on her Arabian gelding, Bountyful Prince+.
Five-time competitor Marirose Six, of Newcastle, Wyoming, whose mule Lucky Six Nellie earned the best conditioned equine award last year, said, “I know that every year, I must have a mule ready to give this 100 a try. The trail is so beautiful, it fills your soul -- not just parts of it, but the whole 100 miles.”
The Big Horn 100 is one of very few distance rides that are considered “must-do” rides, the others being the Western States Endurance Ride (“Tevis Cup”) from Squaw Valley to Auburn, California, and the Old Dominion Endurance Ride, held in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia.
And for those interested in distance riding, just not ready for a 100? The Big Horn offers both a 30-mile and 55-mile rides as well. Those interested in experiencing the Big Horn not on horseback are more than welcome to participate as volunteers.
More information is available by visiting www.bighorn100.net. For information on the competitions rules, visit the AERC website at www.aerc.org or phone the AERC office at 866-271-2372.
Date: May 2010
Forty years ago, endurance riding was in its infancy, and riders took to the trails wearing blue jeans and cowboy hats on horses sporting Western saddles and leather halters, carrying hand-drawn maps of the 50- and 100-mile trails. Today, horses sport lightweight saddles and Biothane® tack, and riders in Lycra® tights carry GPS devices to help them stay on the trail.
Very few endurance rides have adjusted to the changes and are still giving riders the opportunity to challenge the same trails as they were years ago, but the Big Horn 100 – born back in 1971 – continues to be one of the premier rides in the country. Held each summer since 1971 near Shell, Wyoming, the Big Horn 100 predates the founding of endurance’s national organization, the American Endurance Ride Conference.
Ride organizers and participants are looking forward to the ride’s 40th anniversary this year when the ride starts promptly at 4:00 a.m. on July 10, then winds through 100 miles of BLM, U.S. Forest Service and privately owned forest, roads and trails through the Bighorn National Forest. Participants have 24 hours to traverse the historic trail. Terry Perkins, the ride’s co-founder, said, “I’m very proud and happy that this event has endured for all these years. Many things have happened and changed over these years but it comes down to the connection between a person and his or her horse taking on the challenge of finishing a 100-mile one-day ride, crossing the finish line and knowing you both have done something very special. I hope it goes on for many more years.”
Back in 1970, Terry and her husband Dale read about the Squaw Valley to Auburn, Calif., Tevis Cup ride in Western Horseman magazine. “We can do that, too, right here in our own backyard,” declared Dale Perkins. A year later, five riders finished the first-ever ride. The next year, the Big Horn became first 100-mile ride officially sanctioned by the fledgling American Endurance Ride Conference. Riders from all over the United States, Canada and Australia have come to Wyoming to take on this challenge.
Jeanette Tolman, who rode the second Big Horn ride back in 1972, and six times after that, now serves as the ride manager, overseeing all aspects from paperwork, volunteer and veterinarian coordination to making sure the trail is marked well enough for participants to find their way on steep mountain trails throughout the night, lit only by the new moon and hundreds of glow sticks set out along the course.
The ride begins with a jeep road to Adelaide Lake, “a jewel surrounded by alpine meadows, streams and spectacular rock formations,” says seven-time finisher Cindy Collins. At the high point of the ride, at almost 11,000 feet elevation, the entire Bighorn basin of Wyoming is spread out below riders with views of the Beartooth, Absaroka, Pryor and Wind River mountains in the distance. Four veterinary checks spread out along the course insure the horses are well-hydrated and have no lameness or metabolic issues.
Riders descend toward Jack Creek and will likely view a spectacular sunset as they make their way through mountain meadows filled with wildflowers. “The stars in the Wyoming sky look like you could reach up and touch them,” said Collins. “As you make your final drop onto the red desert floor, you know that you and your horse have accomplished something magical that no one can ever take away from you.
“I truly believe that the Big Horn is the most beautiful trail in the world,” said Collins. “You do have to be independent and pioneer-like for the Big Horn. I believe it is worth all the hardships and heartaches just to see it one time in your life.”
Those riders who complete the grueling competition earn a silver belt buckle emblazoned with an image of a bighorn sheep, engraved “Big Horn 100,” a lasting memory of 100 miles spent communing with nature and their trusted horse.
Last year’s winner was Kerry Redente of Salida, Colorado, who completed the course in 17 hours and 30 minutes on her Arabian gelding, Bountyful Prince+.
Five-time competitor Marirose Six, of Newcastle, Wyoming, whose mule Lucky Six Nellie earned the best conditioned equine award last year, said, “I know that every year, I must have a mule ready to give this 100 a try. The trail is so beautiful, it fills your soul -- not just parts of it, but the whole 100 miles.”
The Big Horn 100 is one of very few distance rides that are considered “must-do” rides, the others being the Western States Endurance Ride (“Tevis Cup”) from Squaw Valley to Auburn, California, and the Old Dominion Endurance Ride, held in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia.
And for those interested in distance riding, just not ready for a 100? The Big Horn offers both a 30-mile and 55-mile rides as well. Those interested in experiencing the Big Horn not on horseback are more than welcome to participate as volunteers.
More information is available by visiting www.bighorn100.net. For information on the competitions rules, visit the AERC website at www.aerc.org or phone the AERC office at 866-271-2372.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Australia: Whish comes true
Youngwitness.com.au - Full Article
STEVE GREEN
11 May, 2010 03:48 PM
ONE of the first Arab horses to be sold in this district will be shipped out this week for quarantine and then head overseas to Dubai.
Secret Whish was bred by Kathie Garner from Milongs Secret and Rathowen Regis in 1999 and has been sold to Sheikh Mohammad from Dubai for an undisclosed sum.
“I’m pretty excited about the sale, and proud because I bred her,” said Ms Garner.
“It’s the only horse from around here to be sold to Dubai, but unfortunately it’ll be my last.
“I’ve decided to take on a change of direction and my next purchase will be a quarter-horse,” Ms Garner said.
From early on the mare was destined to be a show horse and was a multi champion as a yearling through to a two-year-old as a led horse in the Arab ring...
Read more here:
http://www.youngwitness.com.au/news/local/news/general/whish-comes-true/1826932.aspx
STEVE GREEN
11 May, 2010 03:48 PM
ONE of the first Arab horses to be sold in this district will be shipped out this week for quarantine and then head overseas to Dubai.
Secret Whish was bred by Kathie Garner from Milongs Secret and Rathowen Regis in 1999 and has been sold to Sheikh Mohammad from Dubai for an undisclosed sum.
“I’m pretty excited about the sale, and proud because I bred her,” said Ms Garner.
“It’s the only horse from around here to be sold to Dubai, but unfortunately it’ll be my last.
“I’ve decided to take on a change of direction and my next purchase will be a quarter-horse,” Ms Garner said.
From early on the mare was destined to be a show horse and was a multi champion as a yearling through to a two-year-old as a led horse in the Arab ring...
Read more here:
http://www.youngwitness.com.au/news/local/news/general/whish-comes-true/1826932.aspx
Sunday, May 09, 2010
Next Tevis Trail Management Event: Pucker Point
The Pucker Point work party scheduled for May 30 has been changed to May 23, 2010. This date conflicted with the WS100 3-day training run.
The work party is sponsored by the US Forest Service, Tahoe National Forest/American River District.
DATE AND TIME:
Sunday, 5-23-10 -- 9:00AM to 1:00PM
MEETING PLACE:
Foresthill Post Office.
Corner of Foresthill Rd. and Racetrack St. NOTE: We will carpool to Pucker Point (4WD only)
DIRECTIONS:
I80 to Auburn. Take Foresthill Exit.
Go East on Foresthill Road for 18 miles to Foresthill.
BRING:
Snacks and plenty of water. Some food and refreshments will be available . Also bring long pants, gloves, suncreen, hats, etc. Tools will be provided.
For more information, or to volunteer, see the Tevis website at:
http://www.teviscup.org/home_3.html
The work party is sponsored by the US Forest Service, Tahoe National Forest/American River District.
DATE AND TIME:
Sunday, 5-23-10 -- 9:00AM to 1:00PM
MEETING PLACE:
Foresthill Post Office.
Corner of Foresthill Rd. and Racetrack St. NOTE: We will carpool to Pucker Point (4WD only)
DIRECTIONS:
I80 to Auburn. Take Foresthill Exit.
Go East on Foresthill Road for 18 miles to Foresthill.
BRING:
Snacks and plenty of water. Some food and refreshments will be available . Also bring long pants, gloves, suncreen, hats, etc. Tools will be provided.
For more information, or to volunteer, see the Tevis website at:
http://www.teviscup.org/home_3.html
Friday, May 07, 2010
PreveNile West Nile Virus Vaccine Recalled
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc
May 04 2010, Article # 16295
In a letter to veterinarians dated April 28, Brett Whitehead, Director, Equine and Ag Retail Business, of Intervet Schering-Plough Animal Health, encouraged practitioners to return all PreveNile vaccine. The recall was initiated after an increased incidence in the number of adverse events following vaccination with currently marketed serials of PreveNile.
The company noted in the letter that Intervet Schering-Plough has notified the USDA's Center for Veterinary Biologics about this recall action.
West Nile virus (WNV) is an important neurological disease of horses in North America characterized by a wide array of clinical signs that include fever, ataxia (incoordination), depression, behavioral changes, weakness or partial paralysis, recumbency, and death. The mortality rate is an estimated 33%, and horses that do survive can exhibit residual effects (e.g., gait abnormalities, behavioral changes).
The disease is transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. While prevention can include reducing mosquito numbers and exposure of horses to mosquitoes, the most important means of preventing WNV infections is vaccination. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) considers the WNV a core vaccine and assures horse owners and veterinarians that it is "an essential standard of care for all horses in North America".
Read more here: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=16295
by: Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc
May 04 2010, Article # 16295
In a letter to veterinarians dated April 28, Brett Whitehead, Director, Equine and Ag Retail Business, of Intervet Schering-Plough Animal Health, encouraged practitioners to return all PreveNile vaccine. The recall was initiated after an increased incidence in the number of adverse events following vaccination with currently marketed serials of PreveNile.
The company noted in the letter that Intervet Schering-Plough has notified the USDA's Center for Veterinary Biologics about this recall action.
West Nile virus (WNV) is an important neurological disease of horses in North America characterized by a wide array of clinical signs that include fever, ataxia (incoordination), depression, behavioral changes, weakness or partial paralysis, recumbency, and death. The mortality rate is an estimated 33%, and horses that do survive can exhibit residual effects (e.g., gait abnormalities, behavioral changes).
The disease is transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. While prevention can include reducing mosquito numbers and exposure of horses to mosquitoes, the most important means of preventing WNV infections is vaccination. The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) considers the WNV a core vaccine and assures horse owners and veterinarians that it is "an essential standard of care for all horses in North America".
Read more here: http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=16295
South Africa: Conquering a Dark World
Horsejunction.co.za - Full Article
Ever since he completed his first Fauresmith 200 endurance ride last year, the blind endurance rider, Carl de Campos, has been in the news quite a bit. Read on to find out more about this remarkable rider.
I started riding horses approximately four years ago, starting with beginner trails where the horses follow each other, and then advancing to a facility where they offer out-rides and you can go at your own pace on a game farm. I then leased Dewaal privately, and later even moved to the game farm where I rode Dewaal regularly. I also started riding out alone along the safe and defined sand roads, which my horse followed religiously.
Taking the plunge
I always wanted to participate in endurance riding, but knew that I'd need my own horse and knew it wasn't a cheap sport. Then, in 2008, I took the plunge and went shopping for a non-pure-bred, cost-effective all-rounder horse, and stumbled across Billy, a beautiful black gelding of approximately ten years old at the time, with a fiery spirit and wonderful nature. In the process I stumbled upon Kobus Smit, a cancer survivor who has, since selling me Billy, become my mentor and main sighted guide on the endurance rides.
I parttook in my first 30 km endurance ride at Randfontein, and realised there how competitive and forward-going Billy is on these rides. I mostly ride in front of Kobus and he warns me of obstacles, splits in the path, etc. Billy generally sticks to the paths for me.
I went on to riding a couple of 30- and 40-km rides, and then accompanied Kobus to Fauresmith 2008 as his official groom. I was also his official groom at Walvis Bay during the Africa Tri-nations. And since then I wanted to ride Fauresmith myself...
Read more here:
http://www.horsejunction.co.za/sahorseman/aa_Issues/may2010/conquering.djhtml
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Australia: Long ride on Anzac weekend
STORY AND PHOTO BY CHRIS ROS
06 May, 2010
COLLIE hosted the 160 kilometre WAERA Collie Diggers ride on the Anzac Day long weekend.
Officials waved the 10 riders over the start line at midnight on Friday and then settled down to wait for them to finish the first leg.
Glenn Dix and his helpers had marked out a six-leg course for the 160km ride.
One horse vetted out lame at the end of the first leg.
By the time riders set out on the last leg, numbers were down to just five, with some retiring at varying stages.
The veterinary team had a hard decision to make at the end of Anita Fortsch’s last leg, vetting out her Mirriyindi Leia.
The vet team said it is not a decision taken lightly at any stage during any ride but at the end of a 160 it is doubly hard.
The shorter rides started on the Saturday morning.
The 90-km event had 44 entries, the training ride had 27 and the social ride had only six starters.
Come dawn on Anzac Day, a wake up call of a different sort was heard echoing around the camp as a local girl – Jenny Bylung, played the Last Post...
Read more here:
http://www.colliemail.com.au/news/local/sport/general/long-ride-on-anzac-weekend/1822919.aspx?storypage=0
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Grounds Pass 101: Everything You Need and Want to Know About a Grounds Pass to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
USEF.org
Release: May 05 2010
Author: By Amy Walker
rider
What is a Grounds Pass ticket?
Grounds Pass tickets allow entry to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games for the selected day of purchase and will give spectators access to a wide range of activities at the Kentucky Horse Park venue. Activities include shopping at more than 250 trade show booths; exciting exhibits and entertainment at the Kentucky Experience tourism pavilion and the Alltech Experience pavilions, along with many of the Kentucky Horse Park’s world-renowned exhibits and museums.
Please note that a Grounds Pass ticket does not include access or seating in competition venues.
What is a Flex Grounds Pass ticket?
The Flex Grounds Pass can be used for entry on any one day of choice, without selecting a specific date of attendance at the time of purchase. A limited quantity of Flex Grounds Pass tickets will be available for $30.
Please note that a Flex Grounds Pass ticket does not include access or seating in competition venues.
Why are Grounds Pass tickets not available on endurance, eventing cross-country, and driving marathon days?
Grounds Pass tickets are available for 13 days during the Games, excluding the competition days of endurance (9/26), eventing cross-country (10/2), and driving marathon (10/9). These competitions will not be held in a venue, rather park-wide, therefore all spectators on the park those days will be able to view competition. Other activities, including the International Trade Show, the Equine Village, the Alltech Experience, the Kentucky Experience, and the Kentucky Horse Park’s museums will still be open to spectators on those days. Spectators who wish to purchase admission for these competition days should visit www.ticketmaster.com.
How much does a Ground Pass ticket cost?
Grounds Pass tickets will be priced at $25 each, but from April 16 through May 31, as a special promotion, tickets are now available for $20. Each Grounds Pass will allow entry to the 2010 Games venue for the selected date of purchase. To provide for an affordable, family-friendly event, admission for children 12 years of age and under will be free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.
Tickets are now available for purchase throughwww.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, and via the Ticketmaster hotline at (800) 745-3000.
If I have already purchased Reserve Seat tickets, do I still need a Grounds Pass ticket for the same day?
If you have purchased competition tickets you DO NOT need to purchase a Grounds Pass for that same day. This is an opportunity to add on to your order. For example, if you have reining tickets for September 25 and September 28 and wish to visit the park on September 27 you would want to purchase a Grounds Pass ticket.
Are all of the activities included in a Grounds Pass, also included in a Reserve Seat ticket?
Yes! All of the park’s activities available to those who purchase a Grounds Pass ticket—including shopping in the international trade show, watching famous clinicians and equine demonstrations in the Equine Village, sampling local bourbon in the Kentucky Experience and much more—are included with the purchase of a Reserve Seat ticket. If you have already purchased a Reserve Seat ticket, you DO NOT need to purchase a Grounds Pass ticket for that day.
Do I need to purchase a Grounds Pass ticket for my child?
To provide for an affordable, family-friendly event, Grounds Pass admission for children 12 years of age and under will be free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.
Will Grounds Pass tickets be available for sale at the gates, or do I need to purchase in advance?
Grounds Pass tickets will be available for purchase at the entry gates of the Kentucky Horse Park. We strongly recommend that spectators purchase their tickets in advance, as they may not be available on the day you wish to purchase them.
Release: May 05 2010
Author: By Amy Walker
rider
What is a Grounds Pass ticket?
Grounds Pass tickets allow entry to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games for the selected day of purchase and will give spectators access to a wide range of activities at the Kentucky Horse Park venue. Activities include shopping at more than 250 trade show booths; exciting exhibits and entertainment at the Kentucky Experience tourism pavilion and the Alltech Experience pavilions, along with many of the Kentucky Horse Park’s world-renowned exhibits and museums.
Please note that a Grounds Pass ticket does not include access or seating in competition venues.
What is a Flex Grounds Pass ticket?
The Flex Grounds Pass can be used for entry on any one day of choice, without selecting a specific date of attendance at the time of purchase. A limited quantity of Flex Grounds Pass tickets will be available for $30.
Please note that a Flex Grounds Pass ticket does not include access or seating in competition venues.
Why are Grounds Pass tickets not available on endurance, eventing cross-country, and driving marathon days?
Grounds Pass tickets are available for 13 days during the Games, excluding the competition days of endurance (9/26), eventing cross-country (10/2), and driving marathon (10/9). These competitions will not be held in a venue, rather park-wide, therefore all spectators on the park those days will be able to view competition. Other activities, including the International Trade Show, the Equine Village, the Alltech Experience, the Kentucky Experience, and the Kentucky Horse Park’s museums will still be open to spectators on those days. Spectators who wish to purchase admission for these competition days should visit www.ticketmaster.com.
How much does a Ground Pass ticket cost?
Grounds Pass tickets will be priced at $25 each, but from April 16 through May 31, as a special promotion, tickets are now available for $20. Each Grounds Pass will allow entry to the 2010 Games venue for the selected date of purchase. To provide for an affordable, family-friendly event, admission for children 12 years of age and under will be free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.
Tickets are now available for purchase throughwww.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet, and via the Ticketmaster hotline at (800) 745-3000.
If I have already purchased Reserve Seat tickets, do I still need a Grounds Pass ticket for the same day?
If you have purchased competition tickets you DO NOT need to purchase a Grounds Pass for that same day. This is an opportunity to add on to your order. For example, if you have reining tickets for September 25 and September 28 and wish to visit the park on September 27 you would want to purchase a Grounds Pass ticket.
Are all of the activities included in a Grounds Pass, also included in a Reserve Seat ticket?
Yes! All of the park’s activities available to those who purchase a Grounds Pass ticket—including shopping in the international trade show, watching famous clinicians and equine demonstrations in the Equine Village, sampling local bourbon in the Kentucky Experience and much more—are included with the purchase of a Reserve Seat ticket. If you have already purchased a Reserve Seat ticket, you DO NOT need to purchase a Grounds Pass ticket for that day.
Do I need to purchase a Grounds Pass ticket for my child?
To provide for an affordable, family-friendly event, Grounds Pass admission for children 12 years of age and under will be free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.
Will Grounds Pass tickets be available for sale at the gates, or do I need to purchase in advance?
Grounds Pass tickets will be available for purchase at the entry gates of the Kentucky Horse Park. We strongly recommend that spectators purchase their tickets in advance, as they may not be available on the day you wish to purchase them.
Unsung Heroes: Volunteer Extraordinaire, Dolly Miller
Image.examiner.com - Full Article
May 1, Fort Worth Equestrian Examiner
Becky Burkheart
While the public focus tends to be on the glamorous horse shows and other competitions, the truth is that the majority of horseman simply enjoy being with their horses in a more casual environment and for many that means being out on the trail. It might seem that nothing could be simpler than such a natural thing as going down the trail. Years ago, that was true, but even those who use the trails frequently have never considered the amount of dedicated work that goes into building and managing our modern trails such as the 20,313 acre LBJ National Grasslands in Decatur, Texas.
Because of the ever-growing urbanization and the ever-shrinking wilderness areas, it’s no longer a matter of just riding off into the sunset. Today’s trails require planning and maintenance and for the most part the dedicated volunteers are, at best, unknown, and for the most part unappreciated.
One such volunteer is Dolly Miller...
Read more here:
http://image.examiner.com/x-40428-Fort-Worth-Equestrian-Examiner~y2010m5d1-Unsung-Heroes--Volunteer-Extraordinaire-Dolly-Miller
May 1, Fort Worth Equestrian Examiner
Becky Burkheart
While the public focus tends to be on the glamorous horse shows and other competitions, the truth is that the majority of horseman simply enjoy being with their horses in a more casual environment and for many that means being out on the trail. It might seem that nothing could be simpler than such a natural thing as going down the trail. Years ago, that was true, but even those who use the trails frequently have never considered the amount of dedicated work that goes into building and managing our modern trails such as the 20,313 acre LBJ National Grasslands in Decatur, Texas.
Because of the ever-growing urbanization and the ever-shrinking wilderness areas, it’s no longer a matter of just riding off into the sunset. Today’s trails require planning and maintenance and for the most part the dedicated volunteers are, at best, unknown, and for the most part unappreciated.
One such volunteer is Dolly Miller...
Read more here:
http://image.examiner.com/x-40428-Fort-Worth-Equestrian-Examiner~y2010m5d1-Unsung-Heroes--Volunteer-Extraordinaire-Dolly-Miller
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
2010 WEG quest - Countdown: FEIRedHorseBlog
FEIRedHorse.blogspot.com
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
WEG quest - Countdown
The Difference!
Where they come from, I am not sure, how they got that way, I don't know either. But I am not naive enough to think that I actually built a world class athlete, but I think you have to be smart enough to realize what you got when you got one, and know that it is a "special gift", to be carefully taken care of. Most of my horses have been top ten or top 5 endurance horses but I really had to work at getting them into that kind of condition. The good thing about that is that I was very familiar with building the athlete from the ground up. I would say that there is quite a difference between that top 5 endurance horse and that special once in a lifetime horse. The difference is in pure athletic ability.
Why WEG?
Things change a little when you get older. 4 or 5 years ago when I found out that the World Equestrian Games were going to be in the USA I thought about how cool it would be to compete at that level for the USA team. I don't know that I ever had any aspirations of riding in such a event, but certainly in building the athlete. After hearing that a Shagya horse had won the WEG in Germany I thought it would be a good idea to get one. I looked around and could not find any geldings so bought a stallion. Well the stallion did not work out but about the same time I realized that he was not a endurance horse I started riding MONK who was about 4 at that time.
I guess you never know where that next world class athlete comes from, but certainly did not think he was in my back yard. In the beginning we were just having fun and pretty much my quest for that WEG horse was just another faded dream. As MONK became more mature he really showed lots of promise. I started doing some local endurance rides and he did quite well. He never seemed to tire, his attitude was all business.
If you think about the persons you know with really good, once in a lifetime horses, you know that it does change how you do things and your outlook some. I know a few who were just having fun with their horses running mid pack, then all of a sudden they come up with a really good horse and now they are top ten, top five and winning rides.
Less is More
Not sure this is true for all horses but once MONK was legged up and had done a few 50's we pretty much changed how we conditioned...
Read more here: http://feiredhorse.blogspot.com/2010/05/weg-quest-countdown.html
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
WEG quest - Countdown
The Difference!
Where they come from, I am not sure, how they got that way, I don't know either. But I am not naive enough to think that I actually built a world class athlete, but I think you have to be smart enough to realize what you got when you got one, and know that it is a "special gift", to be carefully taken care of. Most of my horses have been top ten or top 5 endurance horses but I really had to work at getting them into that kind of condition. The good thing about that is that I was very familiar with building the athlete from the ground up. I would say that there is quite a difference between that top 5 endurance horse and that special once in a lifetime horse. The difference is in pure athletic ability.
Why WEG?
Things change a little when you get older. 4 or 5 years ago when I found out that the World Equestrian Games were going to be in the USA I thought about how cool it would be to compete at that level for the USA team. I don't know that I ever had any aspirations of riding in such a event, but certainly in building the athlete. After hearing that a Shagya horse had won the WEG in Germany I thought it would be a good idea to get one. I looked around and could not find any geldings so bought a stallion. Well the stallion did not work out but about the same time I realized that he was not a endurance horse I started riding MONK who was about 4 at that time.
I guess you never know where that next world class athlete comes from, but certainly did not think he was in my back yard. In the beginning we were just having fun and pretty much my quest for that WEG horse was just another faded dream. As MONK became more mature he really showed lots of promise. I started doing some local endurance rides and he did quite well. He never seemed to tire, his attitude was all business.
If you think about the persons you know with really good, once in a lifetime horses, you know that it does change how you do things and your outlook some. I know a few who were just having fun with their horses running mid pack, then all of a sudden they come up with a really good horse and now they are top ten, top five and winning rides.
Less is More
Not sure this is true for all horses but once MONK was legged up and had done a few 50's we pretty much changed how we conditioned...
Read more here: http://feiredhorse.blogspot.com/2010/05/weg-quest-countdown.html
AHC’s Welfare Code of Practice Continues to Garner Support
May 3 2010
The AHC’s National Welfare Code of Practice continues to garner support from the horse community. The Welfare Code 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 show their commitment to the welfare of their horses. This generic code is simply a continuation of that effort.
The latest groups to support the National Welfare Code include the Arabian Horse Association, Florida Thoroughbred Breeder’s and Owner's Association, League of Agricultural and Equine Centers, Master of Foxhounds Association, Pinto Horse Association of America, The Pyramid Society, U.S. Dressage Federation, and U.S. Equestrian Drill Team.
They join ten other national groups that have already endorsed the Welfare Code. They include the: American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Endurance Ride Conference, American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, National Cutting Horse Association, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, U.S. Equestrian Federation, and U.S. Trotting Association.
"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 Code is not intended to replace or pre-empt any activities, rules, or regulations specific to any segment of the industry. Rather it is another indication to the public, the media, federal and state officials, and the horse community that the equine 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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Bridget Harrison
bharrison@horsecouncil.org
The AHC’s National Welfare Code of Practice continues to garner support from the horse community. The Welfare Code 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 show their commitment to the welfare of their horses. This generic code is simply a continuation of that effort.
The latest groups to support the National Welfare Code include the Arabian Horse Association, Florida Thoroughbred Breeder’s and Owner's Association, League of Agricultural and Equine Centers, Master of Foxhounds Association, Pinto Horse Association of America, The Pyramid Society, U.S. Dressage Federation, and U.S. Equestrian Drill Team.
They join ten other national groups that have already endorsed the Welfare Code. They include the: American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Endurance Ride Conference, American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, National Cutting Horse Association, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, U.S. Equestrian Federation, and U.S. Trotting Association.
"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 Code is not intended to replace or pre-empt any activities, rules, or regulations specific to any segment of the industry. Rather it is another indication to the public, the media, federal and state officials, and the horse community that the equine 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.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Bridget Harrison
bharrison@horsecouncil.org
Monday, May 03, 2010
2009 AERC National Champion Endurance Rider and UC Davis Veterinary Student, Lindsay Graham (USA)
2010AlltechWEG.blogspot.com - Full Story
Monday, May 3, 2010
Hi, my name is Lindsay Graham and I am a fourth year veterinary student at UC Davis. I have been competing in endurance since 2004 but began riding as a kid and showed in hunter/jumpers for several years. On the international level, I competed in the 2005 North American Endurance Championships as a Pacific North Squad member on a horse named Phoenix Affair. This horse also took me to a 7th place Tevis Cup finish in 2006.
At the end of the 2008 endurance season I began riding a horse named Monk, owned by Chris Martin of Grass Valley, CA...
Read more at http://2010alltechweg.blogspot.com/2010/05/2009-aerc-national-champion-endurance.html
Monday, May 3, 2010
Hi, my name is Lindsay Graham and I am a fourth year veterinary student at UC Davis. I have been competing in endurance since 2004 but began riding as a kid and showed in hunter/jumpers for several years. On the international level, I competed in the 2005 North American Endurance Championships as a Pacific North Squad member on a horse named Phoenix Affair. This horse also took me to a 7th place Tevis Cup finish in 2006.
At the end of the 2008 endurance season I began riding a horse named Monk, owned by Chris Martin of Grass Valley, CA...
Read more at http://2010alltechweg.blogspot.com/2010/05/2009-aerc-national-champion-endurance.html
Friday, April 30, 2010
Recognition for Anglo-Arabians in 2010
www.PHR.com
Release: April 30, 2010
Author: By Peggy Ingles
The North American Anglo-Arabian Horse Association (NAAAHA) will again be honoring Anglo-Arabian horses competing at Youth Nationals and Sport Horse Nationals in 2010. The top winning Anglos in all classes at each show will be awarded an embroidered cooler and neck ribbon, with a gold trophy also going to the Supreme Champions.
NAAAHA is again conducting their High Point Award Program for Anglo-Arabians that compete in Working Hunter, Jumper, Eventing., Dressage, Sport Horse, Conformation, Endurance and Competitive Trail. All shows/rides whether rated or unrated will count towards these awards. Points are retroactive from 12/1/09. Details are posted on the website. Membership is required to participate.
Sponsorships of these awards are available and are tax-deductible, as NAAAHA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Current sponsors include Anglo-Arabians.com, Miranda Kuchera, Starstruck Farms, Greenbriar Farm, Herbst Farms and Bayview Farm.
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, www.NAAAHA.com for more information, or call (410) 823-5579.
Release: April 30, 2010
Author: By Peggy Ingles
The North American Anglo-Arabian Horse Association (NAAAHA) will again be honoring Anglo-Arabian horses competing at Youth Nationals and Sport Horse Nationals in 2010. The top winning Anglos in all classes at each show will be awarded an embroidered cooler and neck ribbon, with a gold trophy also going to the Supreme Champions.
NAAAHA is again conducting their High Point Award Program for Anglo-Arabians that compete in Working Hunter, Jumper, Eventing., Dressage, Sport Horse, Conformation, Endurance and Competitive Trail. All shows/rides whether rated or unrated will count towards these awards. Points are retroactive from 12/1/09. Details are posted on the website. Membership is required to participate.
Sponsorships of these awards are available and are tax-deductible, as NAAAHA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Current sponsors include Anglo-Arabians.com, Miranda Kuchera, Starstruck Farms, Greenbriar Farm, Herbst Farms and Bayview Farm.
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, www.NAAAHA.com for more information, or call (410) 823-5579.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Local Rider/Horse Duo Hits Endurance Milestone
JCRecordCourier.com - Full Article
April 29, 2010
Kelly Carper Polden, a local resident, equestrian, author and communications consultant, and her Arabian horse CC Hershey Bar, reached a milestone in the American Endurance Riders Conference (AERC, www.aerc.org) by successfully completing five 50-mile endurance races in the past 12 months. Kelly and Hershey were awarded with their 250-mile AERC patches in April.
"I am so proud of Hershey," Kelly said. "He is only six years old and is already proving his incredible strength and endurance. Hershey is a ‘Badlands-raised endurance horse’ from the Cedar Coulee Ranch in North Dakota. His sire, Derby Whirl, is now a premiere stallion in Switzerland. Hershey is taking after his sire in strength and musculature. Our fastest 50-mile time to date is five hours 17 minutes and 32 seconds — and I haven’t even let turn on full power yet! Hershey has so much potential and I look forward to many hundreds of miles of riding with my equine partner."
Kelly and her husband Howard Polden are on the ride management team, along with Ride Manager Scott Godwin of Dripping Springs, for the first endurance event in this area. The Old Glory Endurance Event is scheduled Memorial Weekend, May 29-30 at the historic Storm Ranch near Dripping Springs. The event includes 25-mile and 50-mile endurance races on Saturday and Sunday, as well as a 15-mile introductory ride each day for those who want to enjoy the ranch and get a taste of what endurance riding is all about. For more information check out the website at http://www.godwinarchitectural.com/old_glory_2010-2.htm.
In addition to being an endurance rider, Kelly is an author. She recently signed a contract with Arcadia Publishing, the leading local history publisher in the United States, to author a book entitled Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. The book is scheduled for release in December 2010 and will commemorate the 2011 grand opening of the Texas White House at LBJ Ranch.
April 29, 2010
Kelly Carper Polden, a local resident, equestrian, author and communications consultant, and her Arabian horse CC Hershey Bar, reached a milestone in the American Endurance Riders Conference (AERC, www.aerc.org) by successfully completing five 50-mile endurance races in the past 12 months. Kelly and Hershey were awarded with their 250-mile AERC patches in April.
"I am so proud of Hershey," Kelly said. "He is only six years old and is already proving his incredible strength and endurance. Hershey is a ‘Badlands-raised endurance horse’ from the Cedar Coulee Ranch in North Dakota. His sire, Derby Whirl, is now a premiere stallion in Switzerland. Hershey is taking after his sire in strength and musculature. Our fastest 50-mile time to date is five hours 17 minutes and 32 seconds — and I haven’t even let turn on full power yet! Hershey has so much potential and I look forward to many hundreds of miles of riding with my equine partner."
Kelly and her husband Howard Polden are on the ride management team, along with Ride Manager Scott Godwin of Dripping Springs, for the first endurance event in this area. The Old Glory Endurance Event is scheduled Memorial Weekend, May 29-30 at the historic Storm Ranch near Dripping Springs. The event includes 25-mile and 50-mile endurance races on Saturday and Sunday, as well as a 15-mile introductory ride each day for those who want to enjoy the ranch and get a taste of what endurance riding is all about. For more information check out the website at http://www.godwinarchitectural.com/old_glory_2010-2.htm.
In addition to being an endurance rider, Kelly is an author. She recently signed a contract with Arcadia Publishing, the leading local history publisher in the United States, to author a book entitled Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. The book is scheduled for release in December 2010 and will commemorate the 2011 grand opening of the Texas White House at LBJ Ranch.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
"Arabian Silk: Horses of Endurance" Receives Another Award
The Las Vegas Film Festival will present the documentary "Arabian Silk: Horses of Endurance" with the Golden Ace Award on Sunday, June 6th 2010. Christine Lazzarini, Producer, will be at the Closing Night Awards Ceremony to accept the award. Festival judges issued this statement: "Our judges felt that your film demonstrated superior and standout filmmaking and is deserving of special recognition."
Arabian Silk is a heart-warming and intriguing film which inspects the fastest growing equestrian discipline of Endurance Horse Racing. The story follows Roger, an endurance
horse, through his life of racing and illuminates the powerful friendship between
him and his rider, Jerry. The sport has been described as arduous and painful,
as well as pleasant and fulfilling. At its most grueling, Endurance Racing
demands a horse and rider to go 100 miles in under 24 hours. With only few
mandatory breaks for rest, racers endure seemingly endless hours of hard
riding under the desert sun during the day and courageously trek through the
ominous darkness of pitch-black night. The purity of the connection between
horse and rider is poignant and inspiring, as you watch the bond strengthen into
deep, touching friendship as they go through trial and triumph.
To view trailers and a clip from the movie, see http://www.arabiansilk.com/
Monday, April 19, 2010
Amigo Returns Home!
Photo by Crissy Wilson
Knoxnews.com - Full Story
By Angela Starke
Posted April 18, 2010
'Miraculous recovery': Horse impaled by tree limb heads home with big bill but lots of love
During the three months Galapago Amigo was treated for a devastating injury at the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine, he made nearly 8,900 Facebook fans, gained more than 100 pounds and accrued veterinary bills of more than $30,000.
That's the largest tally for one animal's care on record, clinic staff acknowledges; but thanks to friends and donors, Amigo's owner won't have to foot the bill.
"Amigo wouldn't be alive without the support of so many," said Amigo's owner Gary Sanderson. "He's coming home to my house, but he has 8,900 owners."
Amigo left the Large Animal Clinic on Sunday to return to his 110-acre farm in Union County after a celebration marking his progress since Jan. 17. That's when the chestnut endurance Arabian was impaled by a tree limb. Amigo arrived at the clinic, the branch still in his chest cavity, and was given a 2 percent chance to live.
"He's made a miraculous recovery," Sanderson said. "I didn't think he was going to make it. The fact that he's coming home now is a blessing."
Sanderson was an emotional wreck, he said, after finding the 2-inch-wide, 3-foot-long limb lodged into Amigo's left side. The horse, which competes and is ranked nationally with the American Endurance Riding Conference, had broken two ribs and was near death.
Read more at http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/apr/18/miraculous-recovery-horse-impaled-tree-limb-heads-/
North American Young Riders Endurance Ride to be held in July
www.nayrer.org
The North American Young Riders Endurance Ride is scheduled for July 29, 2010. It is a FEI 2* 75 Mile ride for Young Riders. The event will take place at Shaker Village in Harrodsburg, Kentucky and is held in conjunction with the North American Junior Young Riders Championship at the Kentucky Horse Park - home of the 2010 World Equestrian Games.
For further information, see www.nayrer.org
The North American Young Riders Endurance Ride is scheduled for July 29, 2010. It is a FEI 2* 75 Mile ride for Young Riders. The event will take place at Shaker Village in Harrodsburg, Kentucky and is held in conjunction with the North American Junior Young Riders Championship at the Kentucky Horse Park - home of the 2010 World Equestrian Games.
For further information, see www.nayrer.org
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