Malibuendurance.com - Full Article
Update:
*Aug 12, 2010
The Observation Trials were held on Aug 10, in Danville, Illinois. We arrived safely. Carl left us and flew back home. I set up camp with my friend and coach Trevor Copland from New Zealand, along with Iza Watcher from San Miguel, Mexico and both Steel and Bogart.
Acclimating to the weather has been great. HOT and Humid can't even begin to cover what we have lived in.
It has paid off, with the fact that we don't feel the heat any longer even though it has been in the 100+ and 85+% humidity.
Horses have a way of bringing us the greatest joys as well as teaching us life long lessons. I am grateful to have experienced both and this trip was a mixture of the two.
The horses were going well, although I still had concerns that Steel's knee was a bit problematic.
Bogart VF was perfection.The day before the trials Trevor, and I along with Sue Hedgecock and Cheryl Dell were out previewing the trail. Trev was cantering in the rear and suddendly the trail gave way and he was knee deep in a hole.
Thankfully Bogart did not break anything, but certainly stained himself.
When we returned, we felt he was slightly off. BUMMER! Becky came up about that time and I let her know. If I could have with drawn him, I would have. I knew that I did not want to risk any permanate injury, but without starting the trials my chances would be over. Bogart is a great horse with a hugh heart, tougher than nails and fiercely competitive...
Read more here:
http://www.malibuendurance.com/raceschedule.php
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Canadian champion riding high
Yourottawaregion.com - Full Article
Andrew Snook
Aug 11, 2010
PERTH - When it comes to riding, Elaine Steele does not horse around. When the mother of three from Mountain Grove is not spending her nights as the swing manager at the McDonald’s restaurant in Perth on Highway 7, she is riding her horses, Chanticleer Shadow and Xena Warrior Princess, to victory at numerous competitions.
Steele has been riding horses for 48 years; she first rode when she was four years old.
“My parents have always had horses,” she said. “It runs in the family. They’re the ones that taught me to ride and raise horses.”
Her first competitions were horse shows; Steele didn’t start competing in long distance riding until 1997...
Read more here:
http://www.yourottawaregion.com/sports/local/article/859335--canadian-champion-riding-high
Andrew Snook
Aug 11, 2010
PERTH - When it comes to riding, Elaine Steele does not horse around. When the mother of three from Mountain Grove is not spending her nights as the swing manager at the McDonald’s restaurant in Perth on Highway 7, she is riding her horses, Chanticleer Shadow and Xena Warrior Princess, to victory at numerous competitions.
Steele has been riding horses for 48 years; she first rode when she was four years old.
“My parents have always had horses,” she said. “It runs in the family. They’re the ones that taught me to ride and raise horses.”
Her first competitions were horse shows; Steele didn’t start competing in long distance riding until 1997...
Read more here:
http://www.yourottawaregion.com/sports/local/article/859335--canadian-champion-riding-high
James Henry Steere - Veterinarian
Petaluma360.com - Full Article
Published: Thursday, August 12, 2010
James Henry Steere practiced veterinary medicine for more than 50 years, the majority of them in Sonoma and Marin counties, where he opened Artaurus Veterinary Clinic in Petaluma in the early ’70s.
Mr. Steere was known in the community for his compassion and skill as a veterinarian and his participation over the years in long-distance endurance riding, where he helped to establish many of the safety standards that govern the sport today.
A longtime resident of Petaluma, Mr. Steere died unexpectedly at his home on Aug. 3, 2010. He was 85.
“He touched so many people and was able to inspire you to do all kinds of things,” said sister-in-law Sharon Bezuhly. “He was a very happy person who had a gentleness to him and a wonderful sense of humor. He was just a great person and a great horse doctor..."
Read more here:
http://www.petaluma360.com/article/20100812/COMMUNITY/100819826?Title=James-Henry-Steere&tc=ar
Published: Thursday, August 12, 2010
James Henry Steere practiced veterinary medicine for more than 50 years, the majority of them in Sonoma and Marin counties, where he opened Artaurus Veterinary Clinic in Petaluma in the early ’70s.
Mr. Steere was known in the community for his compassion and skill as a veterinarian and his participation over the years in long-distance endurance riding, where he helped to establish many of the safety standards that govern the sport today.
A longtime resident of Petaluma, Mr. Steere died unexpectedly at his home on Aug. 3, 2010. He was 85.
“He touched so many people and was able to inspire you to do all kinds of things,” said sister-in-law Sharon Bezuhly. “He was a very happy person who had a gentleness to him and a wonderful sense of humor. He was just a great person and a great horse doctor..."
Read more here:
http://www.petaluma360.com/article/20100812/COMMUNITY/100819826?Title=James-Henry-Steere&tc=ar
World Equestrian Games: Endurance
Chronofhorse.com - Full Article
August 11 2010
By: Coree Reuter
When I was at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships last week, I was driving through downtown Lexington, Ky., and found myself brimming with excitement about the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Not only were there totally beautiful horse statues everywhere, but we drove under a countdown clock to the Games!
There are only 43 days left until the opening ceremonies, so this week I’m exploring another fairly new horse sport: endurance.
Theoretically, endurance riding’s origins are thousands of years old. Since the time when man first tamed horses and trained them for transportation and work, they’ve been the engines behind man’s nomadic ways. However, endurance riding as a modern sport didn’t exist until the early 1900s. Quite a time gap!
Before it became a sport, riding over long distances was simply a means to an end...
Read more here:
http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/world-equestrian-games-endurance
August 11 2010
By: Coree Reuter
When I was at the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships last week, I was driving through downtown Lexington, Ky., and found myself brimming with excitement about the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Not only were there totally beautiful horse statues everywhere, but we drove under a countdown clock to the Games!
There are only 43 days left until the opening ceremonies, so this week I’m exploring another fairly new horse sport: endurance.
Theoretically, endurance riding’s origins are thousands of years old. Since the time when man first tamed horses and trained them for transportation and work, they’ve been the engines behind man’s nomadic ways. However, endurance riding as a modern sport didn’t exist until the early 1900s. Quite a time gap!
Before it became a sport, riding over long distances was simply a means to an end...
Read more here:
http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/world-equestrian-games-endurance
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Final Time Trial - Heather Reynolds
Heather Reynolds blog
August 10 2010
It has finally happened, the time trial is over. We will find out tomorrow who will be in the top ten. Smitty and Sam had a great day. The weather was crazy and the trail was technical.
Loop one was a 17 mile trek through hazy humidity that would fog up your sunglasses, I tried it. The bugs were crazy, it felt like it was raining on your face but it was just the bugs, currently my right eye is bloodshot from the bugs landing in it.
We had a 40 min vet check after each loop. Our next loop cooled off a bit. The humidity lifted as it was preparing to rain. The result was that loop 2 was cooler. We were able to pick it up on loop 2 which was 24 miles.
Another 40 min hold. About 5 min before I was out, it let loose.
More...
August 10 2010
It has finally happened, the time trial is over. We will find out tomorrow who will be in the top ten. Smitty and Sam had a great day. The weather was crazy and the trail was technical.
Loop one was a 17 mile trek through hazy humidity that would fog up your sunglasses, I tried it. The bugs were crazy, it felt like it was raining on your face but it was just the bugs, currently my right eye is bloodshot from the bugs landing in it.
We had a 40 min vet check after each loop. Our next loop cooled off a bit. The humidity lifted as it was preparing to rain. The result was that loop 2 was cooler. We were able to pick it up on loop 2 which was 24 miles.
Another 40 min hold. About 5 min before I was out, it let loose.
More...
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Veterinarian and horse expert James Steere dies at 85
Marinij.com - Full Article
Rob Rogers
Posted: 08/09/2010 06:42:28 PM PDT
A memorial celebration will be held Aug. 22 for Dr. James Henry Steere of Petaluma, who died Aug. 3 after a brief illness. He was 85.
Dr. Steere practiced veterinary medicine for more than 50 years, the majority of them in Marin and Sonoma counties. A dedicated advocate for horse welfare, Dr. Steere remained active as an equestrian well into his 80s, having completed the 19-mile Ride & Tie Championship Course, a grueling long-distance relay, with his son Thom in June.
"A lot of us met him through the horse," said Sandy Greenblat of San Rafael. "He became our veterinarian, and through that he became our friend. You could never talk to Jim without learning something, and he had a terrific sense of humor. He is going to be sorely missed."
Born March 5, 1925 in Hollywood, Dr. Steere grew up riding each day on horseback to his two-room school in the hamlet of Rosamond. He graduated from Boulder High School in Colorado and studied for a year at Pomona College in Claremont before serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a second lieutenant and radar navigator. During the war, Dr. Steere flew B-29 bombers from the island of Guam.
After the war, Dr. Steere completed his studies at Pomona College and was accepted to both veterinary and medical school. He chose to pursue veterinary medicine, earning his degree at the University of California at Davis in 1953.
"It was an agonizing decision," Dr. Steere said in a 1983 Independent Journal interview. "Horses were my first love and still are..."
Read more here:
http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_15724082
Rob Rogers
Posted: 08/09/2010 06:42:28 PM PDT
A memorial celebration will be held Aug. 22 for Dr. James Henry Steere of Petaluma, who died Aug. 3 after a brief illness. He was 85.
Dr. Steere practiced veterinary medicine for more than 50 years, the majority of them in Marin and Sonoma counties. A dedicated advocate for horse welfare, Dr. Steere remained active as an equestrian well into his 80s, having completed the 19-mile Ride & Tie Championship Course, a grueling long-distance relay, with his son Thom in June.
"A lot of us met him through the horse," said Sandy Greenblat of San Rafael. "He became our veterinarian, and through that he became our friend. You could never talk to Jim without learning something, and he had a terrific sense of humor. He is going to be sorely missed."
Born March 5, 1925 in Hollywood, Dr. Steere grew up riding each day on horseback to his two-room school in the hamlet of Rosamond. He graduated from Boulder High School in Colorado and studied for a year at Pomona College in Claremont before serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a second lieutenant and radar navigator. During the war, Dr. Steere flew B-29 bombers from the island of Guam.
After the war, Dr. Steere completed his studies at Pomona College and was accepted to both veterinary and medical school. He chose to pursue veterinary medicine, earning his degree at the University of California at Davis in 1953.
"It was an agonizing decision," Dr. Steere said in a 1983 Independent Journal interview. "Horses were my first love and still are..."
Read more here:
http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_15724082
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Africanized Bee Swarm Kills Two Horses in California
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Pat Raia
August 02 2010, Article # 16755
A California rancher recommends horse owners examine their barns for Africanized honeybee hives after two horses stabled on her Menifee property died subsequent to sustaining hundreds of stings.
The two Tennessee Walking horses were stabled in a barn containing undiscovered Africanized bee hives at Wagon Wheel Ranch. On July 21 a ranch hand discovered the animals swarmed by the bees, said ranch owner Christa Caudle Schaffer. A veterinarian called to the scene treated the animals with epinephrine (a hormone that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system to increase heart rate and dilate air passages) and dexamethasone (a steroid anti-inflammatory, immune suppressant drug). Both horses later died of anaphylactic shock, Schaffer said.
Chris Huth, DVM, said anaphylactic shock occurs when horses, humans and other mammals experience a severe reaction to an allergen such as bee venom. The condition causes hives, sweating, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, drop in blood pressure, and fluid accumulation. Severe cases can cause death in horses...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=16755
by: Pat Raia
August 02 2010, Article # 16755
A California rancher recommends horse owners examine their barns for Africanized honeybee hives after two horses stabled on her Menifee property died subsequent to sustaining hundreds of stings.
The two Tennessee Walking horses were stabled in a barn containing undiscovered Africanized bee hives at Wagon Wheel Ranch. On July 21 a ranch hand discovered the animals swarmed by the bees, said ranch owner Christa Caudle Schaffer. A veterinarian called to the scene treated the animals with epinephrine (a hormone that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system to increase heart rate and dilate air passages) and dexamethasone (a steroid anti-inflammatory, immune suppressant drug). Both horses later died of anaphylactic shock, Schaffer said.
Chris Huth, DVM, said anaphylactic shock occurs when horses, humans and other mammals experience a severe reaction to an allergen such as bee venom. The condition causes hives, sweating, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, drop in blood pressure, and fluid accumulation. Severe cases can cause death in horses...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=16755
Tevis Volunteer Rescues Fallen Mare
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Marsha Hayes
July 30 2010, Article # 16748
Jack Meyer, a Tevis volunteer and an ultra-marathon runner from Foresthill, Calif., went beyond the call of duty when he rescued a black Anglo-Arab mare that had fallen into a ravine. Christoph Schork's 9-year-old Castle Country Karahty ("Kat"), ridden by David Shefrin, slid from the Western States Trail July 24 during the horse and rider's attempt to complete the 100-mile Tevis Cup ride.
The accident occurred around 4 p.m., nearly 50 miles into the journey that began near Lake Tahoe, and extended to Auburn, Calif., and at the same site where a mare died during the 2009 Tevis Cup after sliding from the trail and striking her head on rock.
Meyer, one of the 800 or more volunteers credited with making the event possible, had finished his shift at the Last Chance checkpoint and had decided to go for a run. Running the switchbacks into Devil's Thumb, he stopped to snap a picture of the steep canyon below when he heard Shefrin call, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa," followed by the sound of sliding rocks.
"I ran right back down and saw a rider sitting on the edge of the trail with his head on his knees," recounted Meyer. Meyer ascertained the rider was not hurt and saw the mare lying on her back on top of a log at the bottom of the ravine...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=16748
by: Marsha Hayes
July 30 2010, Article # 16748
Jack Meyer, a Tevis volunteer and an ultra-marathon runner from Foresthill, Calif., went beyond the call of duty when he rescued a black Anglo-Arab mare that had fallen into a ravine. Christoph Schork's 9-year-old Castle Country Karahty ("Kat"), ridden by David Shefrin, slid from the Western States Trail July 24 during the horse and rider's attempt to complete the 100-mile Tevis Cup ride.
The accident occurred around 4 p.m., nearly 50 miles into the journey that began near Lake Tahoe, and extended to Auburn, Calif., and at the same site where a mare died during the 2009 Tevis Cup after sliding from the trail and striking her head on rock.
Meyer, one of the 800 or more volunteers credited with making the event possible, had finished his shift at the Last Chance checkpoint and had decided to go for a run. Running the switchbacks into Devil's Thumb, he stopped to snap a picture of the steep canyon below when he heard Shefrin call, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa," followed by the sound of sliding rocks.
"I ran right back down and saw a rider sitting on the edge of the trail with his head on his knees," recounted Meyer. Meyer ascertained the rider was not hurt and saw the mare lying on her back on top of a log at the bottom of the ravine...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=16748
Friday, August 06, 2010
Back Country Horsemen of America Supports USDA’s Public Access Program
For Immediate Release: August 5, 2010
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
Back Country Horsemen of America, the leading organization in saving public lands trails for equestrian use, strongly supports the United States Department of Agriculture’s new program called “Open Fields” or Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP).
An Innovative Step
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced this effort to encourage owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily provide public access for recreation under programs implemented by state or tribal governments. Such access will offer new opportunities for enjoying open spaces through a variety of activities such as hunting, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, bird watching, and, of course, horseback riding.
Open Fields is the first federal incentive program designed to encourage best management practices and sportsman access to undeveloped land. Instead of creating new federal programs, it relies upon existing and new state programs to protect landowners from liability and reward them for doing the right thing with their land.
Back Country Horsemen of America realizes that the majority of the existing programs have limited scope and budgets, with most programs having an annual budget of under a million dollars. Open Fields will provide up to $50 million through fiscal year 2012. This funding will help states and tribal governments address many issues that can greatly increase access and recreational experiences.
Funding priority will be given to proposals that line up with the program’s objectives such as maximizing participation by landowners; ensuring that land enrolled in the program has appropriate wildlife habitat; and providing information to the public about the location of public access land.
Sharing and Caring
Back Country Horsemen of America notes that the benefits of the Open Fields plan are numerous. In these times, undeveloped land is becoming harder to come by, and public lands managers are working with increasingly small budgets that cannot cover the maintenance costs required to keep trails open. This is where hard working folks like BCHA members fill in the gaps with strong volunteerism.
For a variety of reasons, horses are now being banned from more and more trails, properties, and whole wildernesses. Back Country Horsemen of America feels that, as a nation, we are in danger of losing our heritage as a people who traveled by horseback, who depended on the sturdy backs and generous nature of their pack and saddle stock.
The Open Fields program is a positive against those negatives, increasing the number of undeveloped acres available for recreation, and increasing our opportunities for enjoying America’s beauty the way our forefathers did, by horseback.
BCHA sees that this program will also promote conservation and appreciation of our undeveloped private lands, which compliments BCHA’s role of preserving opportunities on public lands. Property owners will be rewarded for managing their lands to provide recreational opportunities while sustaining a diverse and healthy ecosystem. Recreationists will learn how to tread lightly on the land, as well as gain a new appreciation for nature.
Additionally, there is the potential for the Open Fields plan to stimulate local economies and support job growth. As folks come into the area to recreate, they purchase a variety of goods and services such as fuel, food, supplies, and lodging.
Private landowners may have concerns about liability protection when opening their land to the public for recreational purposes. All fifty states, however, have enacted some degree of liability protection for these landowners through statutes know as "recreational use statutes”.
A Step in the Right Direction
Back Country Horsemen of America sees the Open Fields program as a step against the tide of a growing trend that is making our public lands unavailable for pack and saddle stock use. Not only does it promote the protection of undeveloped land by rewarding private owners for maintaining best practices, Open Fields also encourages the appreciation of those lands by the general public.
About Back Country Horsemen of America
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes in regards to the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands.
If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com, call 888-893-5161, or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!
Contact: Back Country Horsemen of America, Peg Greiwe
1-888-893-5161
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
Back Country Horsemen of America, the leading organization in saving public lands trails for equestrian use, strongly supports the United States Department of Agriculture’s new program called “Open Fields” or Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP).
An Innovative Step
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced this effort to encourage owners and operators of privately held farm, ranch, and forest land to voluntarily provide public access for recreation under programs implemented by state or tribal governments. Such access will offer new opportunities for enjoying open spaces through a variety of activities such as hunting, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, bird watching, and, of course, horseback riding.
Open Fields is the first federal incentive program designed to encourage best management practices and sportsman access to undeveloped land. Instead of creating new federal programs, it relies upon existing and new state programs to protect landowners from liability and reward them for doing the right thing with their land.
Back Country Horsemen of America realizes that the majority of the existing programs have limited scope and budgets, with most programs having an annual budget of under a million dollars. Open Fields will provide up to $50 million through fiscal year 2012. This funding will help states and tribal governments address many issues that can greatly increase access and recreational experiences.
Funding priority will be given to proposals that line up with the program’s objectives such as maximizing participation by landowners; ensuring that land enrolled in the program has appropriate wildlife habitat; and providing information to the public about the location of public access land.
Sharing and Caring
Back Country Horsemen of America notes that the benefits of the Open Fields plan are numerous. In these times, undeveloped land is becoming harder to come by, and public lands managers are working with increasingly small budgets that cannot cover the maintenance costs required to keep trails open. This is where hard working folks like BCHA members fill in the gaps with strong volunteerism.
For a variety of reasons, horses are now being banned from more and more trails, properties, and whole wildernesses. Back Country Horsemen of America feels that, as a nation, we are in danger of losing our heritage as a people who traveled by horseback, who depended on the sturdy backs and generous nature of their pack and saddle stock.
The Open Fields program is a positive against those negatives, increasing the number of undeveloped acres available for recreation, and increasing our opportunities for enjoying America’s beauty the way our forefathers did, by horseback.
BCHA sees that this program will also promote conservation and appreciation of our undeveloped private lands, which compliments BCHA’s role of preserving opportunities on public lands. Property owners will be rewarded for managing their lands to provide recreational opportunities while sustaining a diverse and healthy ecosystem. Recreationists will learn how to tread lightly on the land, as well as gain a new appreciation for nature.
Additionally, there is the potential for the Open Fields plan to stimulate local economies and support job growth. As folks come into the area to recreate, they purchase a variety of goods and services such as fuel, food, supplies, and lodging.
Private landowners may have concerns about liability protection when opening their land to the public for recreational purposes. All fifty states, however, have enacted some degree of liability protection for these landowners through statutes know as "recreational use statutes”.
A Step in the Right Direction
Back Country Horsemen of America sees the Open Fields program as a step against the tide of a growing trend that is making our public lands unavailable for pack and saddle stock use. Not only does it promote the protection of undeveloped land by rewarding private owners for maintaining best practices, Open Fields also encourages the appreciation of those lands by the general public.
About Back Country Horsemen of America
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes in regards to the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands.
If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com, call 888-893-5161, or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!
Contact: Back Country Horsemen of America, Peg Greiwe
1-888-893-5161
Thistle Down Run: Frazee locals donate land use for equestrian endurance run
Frazeeforum.com - Full Article
August 5 2010
• by Cally Nundahl
Calling all cowboys and cowgirls, grab your gear and horse for the Thistle Down Run Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14-15 near Frazee.
The run is a sanctioned endurance horse event.
Local landowners Les and Pat Kertscher, Ron Kertscher, Vinton and Joyce Vogler and Scott and Lisa Piche have donated their land for the Thistle Down Run for four years. There is hard work involved behind the scenes of the run including grooming the trails and keeping it new and exciting each year.
"A special thanks to these guys for letting us use the land each year, it is a lot of work to keep the trails groomed and different. Some riders think the trails will be the same, but the routes are different each year," ride manager Theresa Fett explained...
Read more here:
http://www.frazeeforum.com/main.asp?SectionID=21&SubSectionID=61&ArticleID=23507
August 5 2010
• by Cally Nundahl
Calling all cowboys and cowgirls, grab your gear and horse for the Thistle Down Run Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 14-15 near Frazee.
The run is a sanctioned endurance horse event.
Local landowners Les and Pat Kertscher, Ron Kertscher, Vinton and Joyce Vogler and Scott and Lisa Piche have donated their land for the Thistle Down Run for four years. There is hard work involved behind the scenes of the run including grooming the trails and keeping it new and exciting each year.
"A special thanks to these guys for letting us use the land each year, it is a lot of work to keep the trails groomed and different. Some riders think the trails will be the same, but the routes are different each year," ride manager Theresa Fett explained...
Read more here:
http://www.frazeeforum.com/main.asp?SectionID=21&SubSectionID=61&ArticleID=23507
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Meg Wade's Story
ANNE KRUGER, PRESENTER: The 1st of August is the official birthday for all horses in the southern hemisphere.And this year it marks another important step in the comeback of one of the world's most accomplished equestriennes, Meg Wade.
It's just over a year since a competition fall left the 47 year old endurance riding champion in a coma with serious head injuries.
Fitter, Faster, Further - watch video here - http://www.abc.net.au/landline/content/2010/s2970147.htm
Wednesday, August 04, 2010
From Garrett's Desk | Making History
There are countless equestrian sports available to horse enthusiasts and different types of competitions within each discipline. From dressage to eventing, to cutting, to reining, to jumping, to driving and endurance to name a few. Each sport is exciting, competitive and invariably has its own event of significance within the discipline: like the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event for eventing, The Kentucky Derby for Thoroughbred racing and the Tevis Cup for endurance racing. These historical events define the sport segment. It’s where horsemen and horsewomen take their horses to measure them against the best.
The Tevis Cup 100-mile horse race is unquestionably one of the most difficult equine events in the world. It has a deep tradition and its 55 year history defines the sport of endurance racing. The challenging trail stretches from North Lake Tahoe in California to Auburn, California. Riders and equines climb over Emigrant Pass at nearly 9,000 feet; traverse canyons with swinging bridges and ride in temperatures that often climb over 100 degrees. Average completion rates run in the 50% range year after year after year.
The winning horse and rider team is presented with the “ Tevis Cup”. Winning ride times average 15 hours and the course record of 10:46 was set by Boyd Zontelli on Ruchcreek Hans. The list of Tevis Cup winners reads like a legends of the sport list and is an award that most endurance riders can hardly imagine.
Although many look at the Tevis Cup as the ultimate achievement in endurance racing, others argue that the Haggin Cup is more prestigious. Dr. Richard Barsaleau, a veterinarian who joined the race in 1961, was instrumental in creating this distinction, which he saw as an objective award that would recognize horsemanship, conditioning and respect for the health of the mounts. But it would also honor great performance. Starting in 1964 the top ten horses would be judged for the Haggin Cup. In her book, “The Tevis Cup: To Finish is to Win,” author Marnye Langer wrote: “Many people, especially noted horsemen, have come to regard the Haggin Cup as the most prestigious honor one can earn, and the award remains unique in both the sport of endurance and other equestrian pursuits as well.”[...more]
Monday, August 02, 2010
Ready, Set, "GO"!!!
FEIRedhorse blog - Full Story by Chris Martin
Monday, August 2, 2010
Ten "10" days to go, it is what it is, what's done is done, etc. etc.. I am getting nervous already. You always wonder if you did too much, or not enough. MONK has handled the humidity and temperatures like he does most things, in stride... He looks great, I brought my scale, but have not weighed him. Sounds silly but at home everything is the same, everyday. He hears me coming on the quad and goes potty and walks over the the stall door ready to come in. Here things are different, he is basically on pasture for maybe 20 hours out of 24. He does come in for a fly vacation and snacks but that's it.. There is not much I can do about his weight at this point, other then not have him do any work, which is where we are at about NOW.... I do put his additives and elytes in his snacks, which some times he eats it all, and other times does not touch it.
But he still has lots of cover and I particularly like the fact that he seems very "happy" with his band of mini horses, all girls of coarse, all out on pasture. He does have one REAL girlfriend though, she follows him everywhere and calls to him, and hangs with him all day long.
All tack issues have been resolved, at least for me, hopefully it will be the same for Lindsay. I have been taking some preventative measure to keep him from getting scratches, which hopefully will work.
MONK has been ridden barefoot just around the farm for the last couple of days, all on nice mowed hay fields. We made a little 1.5 mile track around edge of the rolling hay fields. Only a couple of scares, one was when we were right next to the rail road tracks when the train came, they sure make lots of noise, and we were only maybe 150' from the tracks. Fast trots on the downhills, cantor and run the hills, pretty fun when he LISTENS... This is usually only when he has not been ridden much...
Read more here:
http://feiredhorse.blogspot.com/2010/08/ready-set-go.html
Monday, August 2, 2010
Ten "10" days to go, it is what it is, what's done is done, etc. etc.. I am getting nervous already. You always wonder if you did too much, or not enough. MONK has handled the humidity and temperatures like he does most things, in stride... He looks great, I brought my scale, but have not weighed him. Sounds silly but at home everything is the same, everyday. He hears me coming on the quad and goes potty and walks over the the stall door ready to come in. Here things are different, he is basically on pasture for maybe 20 hours out of 24. He does come in for a fly vacation and snacks but that's it.. There is not much I can do about his weight at this point, other then not have him do any work, which is where we are at about NOW.... I do put his additives and elytes in his snacks, which some times he eats it all, and other times does not touch it.
But he still has lots of cover and I particularly like the fact that he seems very "happy" with his band of mini horses, all girls of coarse, all out on pasture. He does have one REAL girlfriend though, she follows him everywhere and calls to him, and hangs with him all day long.
All tack issues have been resolved, at least for me, hopefully it will be the same for Lindsay. I have been taking some preventative measure to keep him from getting scratches, which hopefully will work.
MONK has been ridden barefoot just around the farm for the last couple of days, all on nice mowed hay fields. We made a little 1.5 mile track around edge of the rolling hay fields. Only a couple of scares, one was when we were right next to the rail road tracks when the train came, they sure make lots of noise, and we were only maybe 150' from the tracks. Fast trots on the downhills, cantor and run the hills, pretty fun when he LISTENS... This is usually only when he has not been ridden much...
Read more here:
http://feiredhorse.blogspot.com/2010/08/ready-set-go.html
Fundraiser to support burgeoning equestrian sport
Malibutimes.com - Full Article
By Michael Aushenker / Special to The Malibu Times
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
For the first time, the World Equestrian Games, or WEG, will be take place on United States soil. A culminating endurance riding competition will take place in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sept. 26, and one local rider, Charisse Glenn, is going for the gold on behalf of the USA. To defray costs, a fundraiser will take place this Sunday in Agoura Hills.
"It's [the WEG] the equivalent of the World Cup or the Olympics, held in different countries every year," Glenn said. "This is the highest level that a rider can compete at."
Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled long-distance races. In America, most endurance rides span 50 or 100 miles. The first horse to cross the finish line wins.
Endurance riding has an avid following throughout Europe, Australia and the United Arab Emirates, which Glenn called "a huge contributor to developing the sport worldwide. It is the largest growing equestrian sport in the world. It's on the bubble of becoming the next sport to watch...
Read more here:
http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2010/07/21/malibu_life/art2.txt
By Michael Aushenker / Special to The Malibu Times
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
For the first time, the World Equestrian Games, or WEG, will be take place on United States soil. A culminating endurance riding competition will take place in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sept. 26, and one local rider, Charisse Glenn, is going for the gold on behalf of the USA. To defray costs, a fundraiser will take place this Sunday in Agoura Hills.
"It's [the WEG] the equivalent of the World Cup or the Olympics, held in different countries every year," Glenn said. "This is the highest level that a rider can compete at."
Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled long-distance races. In America, most endurance rides span 50 or 100 miles. The first horse to cross the finish line wins.
Endurance riding has an avid following throughout Europe, Australia and the United Arab Emirates, which Glenn called "a huge contributor to developing the sport worldwide. It is the largest growing equestrian sport in the world. It's on the bubble of becoming the next sport to watch...
Read more here:
http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2010/07/21/malibu_life/art2.txt
Easycare presents Natural Horse Care Webinars
Announcing the First Trilogy of EasyCare Webinars
Friday, July 30, 2010 by Kevin Myers
We are pleased to announce the first trilogy of free 60-minute webinars designed to address three basic areas of natural horse care.
These free 60-minute live webinars will take place via the Easyboot Facebook Page this Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday August 2, 3 & 4 at 5:00 PM MDT. Yes, that would be 4:00 PM on the west coast and 7:00 PM on the east coast.
Three Key Areas of Discussion
1. Monday, August 2: Easyboot Glove Fitting and Easyboot Glue-On Application.
2. Tuesday, August 3: Trimming and Hoof Care Maintenance.
3. Wednesday, August 4: Nutrition Basics for the Barefoot Horse
more info
Friday, July 30, 2010 by Kevin Myers
We are pleased to announce the first trilogy of free 60-minute webinars designed to address three basic areas of natural horse care.
These free 60-minute live webinars will take place via the Easyboot Facebook Page this Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday August 2, 3 & 4 at 5:00 PM MDT. Yes, that would be 4:00 PM on the west coast and 7:00 PM on the east coast.
Three Key Areas of Discussion
1. Monday, August 2: Easyboot Glove Fitting and Easyboot Glue-On Application.
2. Tuesday, August 3: Trimming and Hoof Care Maintenance.
3. Wednesday, August 4: Nutrition Basics for the Barefoot Horse
more info
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Getting through the Vet Checks at Tevis
Enduranceridestuff.com - Full Article
by Karen Chaton
One of the most useful pieces of advice I was given prior to riding the Tevis this year was to make sure I got in line to vet as soon as I got my horse’s pulse timed in.
This is good advice. If you stop for even a minute after getting your pulse and in-time to let your horse eat, or for you to run to the restroom – when you come back you could have a half a dozen horses or more in front of you in the line to vet through.
On a ride like Tevis, every minute counts. If you spend five extra minutes at 8 of the vet checks, that is forty minutes that you could have used walking later in the ride rather than trotting if you are pushing the cut-off times.
sara trot out tevis Medium 300x214 Getting through the Vet Checks at Tevis
Sara vetted behind me. I got to the other side and stopped at the hay to let Bo eat while we waited. This is Sarah trotting towards me.
I had luck on my side this year because I never had to wait in a line to vet. Perhaps there would be one horse in front of me but the majority of the time I just walked up to the vet and vetted right through...
Read more here:
http://enduranceridestuff.com/blog/2010/07/vet-checks-tevis/
by Karen Chaton
One of the most useful pieces of advice I was given prior to riding the Tevis this year was to make sure I got in line to vet as soon as I got my horse’s pulse timed in.
This is good advice. If you stop for even a minute after getting your pulse and in-time to let your horse eat, or for you to run to the restroom – when you come back you could have a half a dozen horses or more in front of you in the line to vet through.
On a ride like Tevis, every minute counts. If you spend five extra minutes at 8 of the vet checks, that is forty minutes that you could have used walking later in the ride rather than trotting if you are pushing the cut-off times.
sara trot out tevis Medium 300x214 Getting through the Vet Checks at Tevis
Sara vetted behind me. I got to the other side and stopped at the hay to let Bo eat while we waited. This is Sarah trotting towards me.
I had luck on my side this year because I never had to wait in a line to vet. Perhaps there would be one horse in front of me but the majority of the time I just walked up to the vet and vetted right through...
Read more here:
http://enduranceridestuff.com/blog/2010/07/vet-checks-tevis/
Agoura's Queen of Equestrian
By Mira Reverente
Agoura Hills resident and endurance rider Charisse Glenn is on the road less-traveled to Illinois and Kentucky, galloping her way to the World Endurance Games.
Willowy and lithe, Charisse Glenn moves with the confidence of an athlete. As a female in the not too common sport of endurance racing, she's unperturbed and used to the endless fascination and curiosity.
Training relentlessly for the last three years, Glenn has her sights set on one of five spots in the US Endurance Team. Endurance racing is one of eight disciplines in the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky this September. Since it has not been designated as an Olympic sport, the WEG is considered the pinnacle of endurance racing.
No Horsing Around
Endurance racing is a combination of the skills of one horse and one rider, who compete in 50- to 100-mile races and must finish within a specified amount of time. The Agoura Hills resident is the only rider from Southern California to qualify and be nominated to the World Equestrian Games. Her So Cal-bred horses, Bogart VF and Steel, have also qualified...
Read more here:
http://agourahills.patch.com/articles/agouras-queen-of-equestrian
Equestrian rides off to Kentucky
Simcoe.com - full article
Bruce Hain
Jul 28, 2010
KENTUCKY — A young Springwater woman is in Kentucky this week preparing for an international competition.
Jessica Hendriks has qualified for the North American Young Riders Endurance event being held on July 29. In order to represent Canada, she showed well at the Canadian Long Distance Championships held in New Lowell where she finished 13th. She also rode for Team Ontario and captured a silver medal.
The 20-year-old began training when she was 10 and has collected more than 1,000 competitive miles in hopes of representing Canada on the international stage.
In Kentucky, Hendriks will take part in a 120 km. event.
She started riding when she was only eight years old...
Read more here:
http://www.simcoe.com/community/barrieinnisfil/article/853256
Bruce Hain
Jul 28, 2010
KENTUCKY — A young Springwater woman is in Kentucky this week preparing for an international competition.
Jessica Hendriks has qualified for the North American Young Riders Endurance event being held on July 29. In order to represent Canada, she showed well at the Canadian Long Distance Championships held in New Lowell where she finished 13th. She also rode for Team Ontario and captured a silver medal.
The 20-year-old began training when she was 10 and has collected more than 1,000 competitive miles in hopes of representing Canada on the international stage.
In Kentucky, Hendriks will take part in a 120 km. event.
She started riding when she was only eight years old...
Read more here:
http://www.simcoe.com/community/barrieinnisfil/article/853256
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
MONK: Corydon, Iowa - Part 2
FEIRedhorse blog - Full Story
Friday July 23 2010
Rode MONK on Wednesday, humidity was about 80 and the tempature was about 85, it was overcast with some heavy looking clouds. MONK was ready to go,he was shying at everything, we were booted and were just traveling the edge of these nice country roads. We had just had 6" of rain two days before so everything was nice and soft. We did about 12 miles at a pretty good clip, with a nice warm up and cool down. MONK wanted to go fast on the hilly parts so I let him, but you have to let him ease into it or he will think he can do what he wants and go as fast as he can. Most of the time our speed was somewhere between 12 and 15 miles an hour. When I brought MONK back to the farm we did not go to the barn, we went to where my trailer is parked and there is another very large metal building, probably 50x80 or so. Inside Angle has her two horse trailer parked deep inside the building. I had noticed previously that when I took MONK into the building the big horse fly or the little flies for that matter did not follow us in. The humidity inside the building is very high, kinda like a sauna but without the high tempatures. MONK got a nice bath I parked him inside the building for a couple of hours until the flies went to bed.
So my new plan is to maybe do a high line inside the metal building for the nights when we are going to have torrential rains with thunder and lightning.
I tried putting MONK out with Angie's other horses but they all ganged up on MONK so that did not work. One of Angie's neighbors who keeps her mini arab cross horses at the ranch thought we should try MONK with some of her little horses in the great big pasture. She put 5 of her little horses in the big pasture and I walked MONK out to the pasture gate, right past the mini's who were grazing along the fence line. I opened the gate and MONK ran into the pasture. He ran right past the mini's down towards the fence line where the other horses were…
Read more here:
http://feiredhorse.blogspot.com/2010/07/corydon-iowa-part-2.html
Friday July 23 2010
Rode MONK on Wednesday, humidity was about 80 and the tempature was about 85, it was overcast with some heavy looking clouds. MONK was ready to go,he was shying at everything, we were booted and were just traveling the edge of these nice country roads. We had just had 6" of rain two days before so everything was nice and soft. We did about 12 miles at a pretty good clip, with a nice warm up and cool down. MONK wanted to go fast on the hilly parts so I let him, but you have to let him ease into it or he will think he can do what he wants and go as fast as he can. Most of the time our speed was somewhere between 12 and 15 miles an hour. When I brought MONK back to the farm we did not go to the barn, we went to where my trailer is parked and there is another very large metal building, probably 50x80 or so. Inside Angle has her two horse trailer parked deep inside the building. I had noticed previously that when I took MONK into the building the big horse fly or the little flies for that matter did not follow us in. The humidity inside the building is very high, kinda like a sauna but without the high tempatures. MONK got a nice bath I parked him inside the building for a couple of hours until the flies went to bed.
So my new plan is to maybe do a high line inside the metal building for the nights when we are going to have torrential rains with thunder and lightning.
I tried putting MONK out with Angie's other horses but they all ganged up on MONK so that did not work. One of Angie's neighbors who keeps her mini arab cross horses at the ranch thought we should try MONK with some of her little horses in the great big pasture. She put 5 of her little horses in the big pasture and I walked MONK out to the pasture gate, right past the mini's who were grazing along the fence line. I opened the gate and MONK ran into the pasture. He ran right past the mini's down towards the fence line where the other horses were…
Read more here:
http://feiredhorse.blogspot.com/2010/07/corydon-iowa-part-2.html
Canada: Equestrian making name for herself in competition
Standard-freeholder.com - Full Article
July 25 2010
ERIKA GLASBERG NEWS@STANDARD-FREEHOLDER.COM
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* Equestrian making name for herself in competition
Equestrian making name for herself in competition
Posted By ERIKA GLASBERG NEWS@STANDARD-FREEHOLDER.COM
Updated 3 days ago
Monica Grundmann has been involved in many competitions with her Morab horse, Excalibur Legend. Together they ve won many different awards including taking home first place in the Canadian National Morab Champianships. The goal is to come out of novice and into the open category doing 80k in a day, said Grundmann.
Monica Grundmann has only lost one competition since she's started competing with her Morab horse, Excalibur Legend 'Legend' and that was only because she helped another competitor.
Grundmann has won multiple awards for the competitions she has entered.
Her walls are covered with coloured ribbons and photos of her and Legend.
Some of her ribbons include a first place for the Canadian National Morab Championship in 2007, Canadian Morab Hall of Fame, 2007, Tulip Arabian Horse Show, 2008, and she has also been in the top five Novice Riders in Ontario for competitive trail riding...
Read more here:
http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2683169
July 25 2010
ERIKA GLASBERG NEWS@STANDARD-FREEHOLDER.COM
The Cornwall Standard Freeholder
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o Erika's Pix
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Local News
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* Equestrian making name for herself in competition
Equestrian making name for herself in competition
Posted By ERIKA GLASBERG NEWS@STANDARD-FREEHOLDER.COM
Updated 3 days ago
Monica Grundmann has been involved in many competitions with her Morab horse, Excalibur Legend. Together they ve won many different awards including taking home first place in the Canadian National Morab Champianships. The goal is to come out of novice and into the open category doing 80k in a day, said Grundmann.
Monica Grundmann has only lost one competition since she's started competing with her Morab horse, Excalibur Legend 'Legend' and that was only because she helped another competitor.
Grundmann has won multiple awards for the competitions she has entered.
Her walls are covered with coloured ribbons and photos of her and Legend.
Some of her ribbons include a first place for the Canadian National Morab Championship in 2007, Canadian Morab Hall of Fame, 2007, Tulip Arabian Horse Show, 2008, and she has also been in the top five Novice Riders in Ontario for competitive trail riding...
Read more here:
http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2683169
Searle completes Tevis Cup
Examiner.com - Full Article
July 25, 2010 \ Chicago Horse Examiner \ Kimberly Rinker
Rider Debbie Searle, 48, completed her very first attempt at the Tevis Cup, a 100-mile endurance ride that begins at Truckee, CA and ends at Auburn, CA, over some of the toughest and most demanding terrain found anywhere in the United States.
Searle, a resident of Beecher, Illinois, regularly competes on the UMECRA circuit in the Midwest with her 13-year-old Arabian-Quarter Horse cross, Ranger.
“I really enjoy trail riding because of the various types of trails that you encounter,” said Searle. “I’m not as competitive as I am adventurous. I wanted to do the Tevis because it’s a different kind of challenge and to see if I could...”
Read more here:
http://www.examiner.com/x-41133-Chicago-Horse-Examiner~y2010m7d25-Searle-completes-Tevis-Cup
July 25, 2010 \ Chicago Horse Examiner \ Kimberly Rinker
Rider Debbie Searle, 48, completed her very first attempt at the Tevis Cup, a 100-mile endurance ride that begins at Truckee, CA and ends at Auburn, CA, over some of the toughest and most demanding terrain found anywhere in the United States.
Searle, a resident of Beecher, Illinois, regularly competes on the UMECRA circuit in the Midwest with her 13-year-old Arabian-Quarter Horse cross, Ranger.
“I really enjoy trail riding because of the various types of trails that you encounter,” said Searle. “I’m not as competitive as I am adventurous. I wanted to do the Tevis because it’s a different kind of challenge and to see if I could...”
Read more here:
http://www.examiner.com/x-41133-Chicago-Horse-Examiner~y2010m7d25-Searle-completes-Tevis-Cup
Tevis: New Mexicans halfway finished with endurance horse race
Santafenewmexican.com - Full Article
Staci Matlock | The New Mexican
Posted: Saturday, July 24, 2010
Santa Fean Kathy Myers and her Arabian gelding Blue were more than halfway through the 24-hour, 100-mile Tevis Cup from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, Calif. at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Myers' husband, Pete Myers, who is part of her crew, said Blue "had an enormous amount of energy and was eating like a pig at the last check in. That's what you want to see in an endurance horse."
The crew are waiting for the team to reach the Forest Hills veterinary check point at the 68-mile mark.
The Tevis Cup, held since 1955 on the rugged Western States Trail in California, is considered the toughest horse and rider endurance race. This is Myers' and Blues' first attempt at the event...
Read more here:
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/LocalNews/Tevis-update-for-web
Staci Matlock | The New Mexican
Posted: Saturday, July 24, 2010
Santa Fean Kathy Myers and her Arabian gelding Blue were more than halfway through the 24-hour, 100-mile Tevis Cup from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, Calif. at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.
Myers' husband, Pete Myers, who is part of her crew, said Blue "had an enormous amount of energy and was eating like a pig at the last check in. That's what you want to see in an endurance horse."
The crew are waiting for the team to reach the Forest Hills veterinary check point at the 68-mile mark.
The Tevis Cup, held since 1955 on the rugged Western States Trail in California, is considered the toughest horse and rider endurance race. This is Myers' and Blues' first attempt at the event...
Read more here:
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/LocalNews/Tevis-update-for-web
2010 Tevis Cup 100 Mile One-Day Ride
Rosevillept.com - Full Article & Slideshow
Fifty-five years of endurance riding tradition
Michael Kirby/Auburn Journal
7/24/10
Over 200 horse and riders saddled up at Robie Park in Truckee for the 2010 Tevis Cup Western States 100 Mile One-Day Ride to Auburn. Testing the endurance of horse and riders, through some tough trails and hot July weather, most will accomplish their goal of riding into the arena in the Gold Country Fairgrounds in under 24 hours. The Tevis dates back to 1955 when Wendell Robie, local businessman and horseman proclaimed that a horse and rider could cover the old Pony Express trail from Lake Tahoe to Auburn in one day...
Article and slideshow here:
http://rosevillept.com/detail/155095.html
Fifty-five years of endurance riding tradition
Michael Kirby/Auburn Journal
7/24/10
Over 200 horse and riders saddled up at Robie Park in Truckee for the 2010 Tevis Cup Western States 100 Mile One-Day Ride to Auburn. Testing the endurance of horse and riders, through some tough trails and hot July weather, most will accomplish their goal of riding into the arena in the Gold Country Fairgrounds in under 24 hours. The Tevis dates back to 1955 when Wendell Robie, local businessman and horseman proclaimed that a horse and rider could cover the old Pony Express trail from Lake Tahoe to Auburn in one day...
Article and slideshow here:
http://rosevillept.com/detail/155095.html
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Photographer injured in fall during Tevis Cup
Auburnjournal.com - Full Article
7/26/10
A photographer was airlifted to a Reno hospital after a fall from Cougar Rock on the Western States Trail during the Tevis Cup endurance ride Saturday.
Chris Gonzalez, 41, suffered a broken ankle, two broken wrists and a broken nose, according to Melinda Hughes-Berland, owner of Hughes Photography in Santa Rosa.
“He just stepped backward and all of a sudden he was airborne,” Hughes-Berland said Monday.
It was his first time to cover the ride for Hughes, the official Tevis Cup photographer for 30 years.
On Monday, Gonzalez, a Santa Rosa resident, was recovering at Renown Hospital in Reno and was to be transferred to a Kaiser facility, Hughes said.
Cougar Rock is 23.5 miles into the 100-mile trek, which runs from Robie Park near Truckee to Auburn. The accident happened a little after 9 a.m., ride director Mike Pickett said...
Read more here:
http://auburnjournal.com/detail/155164.html
7/26/10
A photographer was airlifted to a Reno hospital after a fall from Cougar Rock on the Western States Trail during the Tevis Cup endurance ride Saturday.
Chris Gonzalez, 41, suffered a broken ankle, two broken wrists and a broken nose, according to Melinda Hughes-Berland, owner of Hughes Photography in Santa Rosa.
“He just stepped backward and all of a sudden he was airborne,” Hughes-Berland said Monday.
It was his first time to cover the ride for Hughes, the official Tevis Cup photographer for 30 years.
On Monday, Gonzalez, a Santa Rosa resident, was recovering at Renown Hospital in Reno and was to be transferred to a Kaiser facility, Hughes said.
Cougar Rock is 23.5 miles into the 100-mile trek, which runs from Robie Park near Truckee to Auburn. The accident happened a little after 9 a.m., ride director Mike Pickett said...
Read more here:
http://auburnjournal.com/detail/155164.html
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Endurance Alaska! - Wilderness ride tests horses, riders
ANNUAL EVENT: This year a record number of people participated.
By K.T. McKEE kmckee@adn.com
Original Article
WASILLA -- Early Saturday morning, in trampled-down hay fields at the foot of Bald Mountain, the horses seemed almost giddy to "giddyup," chatting as they stood next to their trailers, their riders just starting to stir from their campers and tents.The same time the next morning ... silence. Not a whinny nor a neigh. Not even heavy breathing. And they had another 25 miles or so left of tricky trails and even deeper river crossings in the 2010 Bald Mountain Butt Buster Competitive Trail Ride put on by the North American Trail Ride Conference.
K.T.MCKEE / Anchorage Daily News
Lindsay Mearkle became a fish out of water at the Bald Mountain Butt Buster Competititive Trail Ride in the Valley last weekend. Unaccustomed to such difficult trail conditions, her horse Demi refused to carry Mearkle on the first leg of Saturday's 25-mile trek, forcing her to walk the horse across the Little Susitna and nearly being swept down the river.
"It was dead quiet, the horses were so tired after Saturday's ride!" laughed event volunteer and Valley resident Tina Victory Sunday night while helping feed prime rib and potatoes to dozens of wet, worn-out riders gathered for the awards ceremony at the end of the 60-mile trek across park lands and at least 25 private properties.
For many local horses and riders, it was old hat -- just part of the thrill of testing your horsemanship skills, discipline and fitness in an annual event that brings teachers, doctors, nurses, accountants, writers, software engineers and their children together for a weekend in either Wasilla, Palmer or Fairbanks.
RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRANTS
This year there was a record number of entrants -- 50 -- some coming from as far away as Tok, Fairbanks and Soldotna to pay at least $120 for the privilege to bust their butt and share some giggles along the way. In past years and in most similar competitions in the states, maybe 30 riders showed up.
"I don't know what it was that brought so many this year, but we love it -- even if it did offer some unusual challenges," said ride coordinator Nancy Williams, who diagnoses learning disabilities for Mat-Su schools when she's not doing horse-related activities.
Twenty first-time riders meant maps would be misinterpreted, riders would get lost and horses would be pushed to their limits because they weren't properly conditioned. For a few novice participants, it also meant having to scratch because of rule violations, such as walking a quarter horse mare across the Little Susitna River and nearly getting washed down with the frigid current.
PENALTY POINTS
"One thing that really caught us off guard this year was constantly having to change our schedule because of the number of riders coming into camp late on Saturday," ride manager Diane Sullivan of Chugiak said Monday. "Riders only get a window of 30 minutes late into camp before they receive a penalty point for each minute they were late. Two riders had 112 penalty points!"
Such an unexpected shift makes it difficult to make sure the event's two judges, flown in from out of state, are where they need to be as each rider goes through the various obstacles on the course, such as managing rocky river crossings where king salmon might swim between their horse's legs, or being able to walk their horse in a figure eight backward around a bush.
SHOCKING EXPERIENCE
Or avoid a rather shocking experience, as one experienced rider working as a safety official managed to do.
"The funniest thing I heard about was when one of our safety riders backed her horse into an electric fence, thus doing a pirouette-type fall off the back of her horse as he shot forward," Sullivan recalled Monday.
"As she hit the ground, he hit the river, crossed it and stood on the other side looking at her as if to say 'Lady, are you nuts? I'm not hanging out with you anymore!' "
One of the first-timers in this year's event was Soldotna nurse Jane Faulkner, who was confident she could handle the trail after finishing this year's Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race -- 53rd out of 55 mushers.
She had come with three other nurses and a pediatrician, all a little unsure of what to expect as they prepared to head out of camp Saturday morning.
"It's the only endurance ride in Alaska," Faulkner, 49, said as she tightened the saddle on her horse.
"I asked the organizers if there's any way to prepare for this and they told me you just have to do it once to find out you're not really prepared. But I like long distances. I may not be fast, but I get there eventually," she said.
Faulkner was riding a horse she had rescued 16 years ago.
She said she was able to put a couple hundred pounds on the horse in only eight weeks, he was that malnourished.
She said she was attracted to the event because of its emphasis on horse care and proper riding techniques.
Palmer High science teacher Susan Dent, a former veterinarian who runs Wildwood Farm in Meadow Lakes with Rae Arno, said she never would have gotten involved with the competitive trail rides in the early 1990s if she thought they weren't beneficial for horses and riders.
"It's a fun (event) name, but it's a misnomer because if you're riding correctly, your butt shouldn't get hurt because you're sitting lightly in your saddle, using your legs and taking your weight off your horse," said Dent, whose horse "Cheval" took top honors in her division and helped Dent garner enough points to win a first-place ribbon in the overall combined class.
LIFESTYLES THING
She has consistently placed high in these events over the years because she doesn't just train a couple of months before they start as many might do.
"It's a lifestyle thing," she said Monday from her home off Pittman Road, explaining that she takes her horses on several long trail rides throughout the year, as well as making sure they are kept in good condition with some sort of exercise ritual throughout the year -- even in winter.
"The first time I did one of these rides I was so ignorant. But I learned so much about what they were looking for, behaviors and habits along the way. Now I just do what they've taught me as an everyday thing. That's why I keep doing it -- it makes daily riding so much more fun and safe. I don't do it to win a blue ribbon."
By K.T. McKEE kmckee@adn.com
Original Article
WASILLA -- Early Saturday morning, in trampled-down hay fields at the foot of Bald Mountain, the horses seemed almost giddy to "giddyup," chatting as they stood next to their trailers, their riders just starting to stir from their campers and tents.The same time the next morning ... silence. Not a whinny nor a neigh. Not even heavy breathing. And they had another 25 miles or so left of tricky trails and even deeper river crossings in the 2010 Bald Mountain Butt Buster Competitive Trail Ride put on by the North American Trail Ride Conference.
K.T.MCKEE / Anchorage Daily News
Lindsay Mearkle became a fish out of water at the Bald Mountain Butt Buster Competititive Trail Ride in the Valley last weekend. Unaccustomed to such difficult trail conditions, her horse Demi refused to carry Mearkle on the first leg of Saturday's 25-mile trek, forcing her to walk the horse across the Little Susitna and nearly being swept down the river.
"It was dead quiet, the horses were so tired after Saturday's ride!" laughed event volunteer and Valley resident Tina Victory Sunday night while helping feed prime rib and potatoes to dozens of wet, worn-out riders gathered for the awards ceremony at the end of the 60-mile trek across park lands and at least 25 private properties.
For many local horses and riders, it was old hat -- just part of the thrill of testing your horsemanship skills, discipline and fitness in an annual event that brings teachers, doctors, nurses, accountants, writers, software engineers and their children together for a weekend in either Wasilla, Palmer or Fairbanks.
RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRANTS
This year there was a record number of entrants -- 50 -- some coming from as far away as Tok, Fairbanks and Soldotna to pay at least $120 for the privilege to bust their butt and share some giggles along the way. In past years and in most similar competitions in the states, maybe 30 riders showed up.
"I don't know what it was that brought so many this year, but we love it -- even if it did offer some unusual challenges," said ride coordinator Nancy Williams, who diagnoses learning disabilities for Mat-Su schools when she's not doing horse-related activities.
Twenty first-time riders meant maps would be misinterpreted, riders would get lost and horses would be pushed to their limits because they weren't properly conditioned. For a few novice participants, it also meant having to scratch because of rule violations, such as walking a quarter horse mare across the Little Susitna River and nearly getting washed down with the frigid current.
PENALTY POINTS
"One thing that really caught us off guard this year was constantly having to change our schedule because of the number of riders coming into camp late on Saturday," ride manager Diane Sullivan of Chugiak said Monday. "Riders only get a window of 30 minutes late into camp before they receive a penalty point for each minute they were late. Two riders had 112 penalty points!"
Such an unexpected shift makes it difficult to make sure the event's two judges, flown in from out of state, are where they need to be as each rider goes through the various obstacles on the course, such as managing rocky river crossings where king salmon might swim between their horse's legs, or being able to walk their horse in a figure eight backward around a bush.
SHOCKING EXPERIENCE
Or avoid a rather shocking experience, as one experienced rider working as a safety official managed to do.
"The funniest thing I heard about was when one of our safety riders backed her horse into an electric fence, thus doing a pirouette-type fall off the back of her horse as he shot forward," Sullivan recalled Monday.
"As she hit the ground, he hit the river, crossed it and stood on the other side looking at her as if to say 'Lady, are you nuts? I'm not hanging out with you anymore!' "
One of the first-timers in this year's event was Soldotna nurse Jane Faulkner, who was confident she could handle the trail after finishing this year's Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race -- 53rd out of 55 mushers.
She had come with three other nurses and a pediatrician, all a little unsure of what to expect as they prepared to head out of camp Saturday morning.
"It's the only endurance ride in Alaska," Faulkner, 49, said as she tightened the saddle on her horse.
"I asked the organizers if there's any way to prepare for this and they told me you just have to do it once to find out you're not really prepared. But I like long distances. I may not be fast, but I get there eventually," she said.
Faulkner was riding a horse she had rescued 16 years ago.
She said she was able to put a couple hundred pounds on the horse in only eight weeks, he was that malnourished.
She said she was attracted to the event because of its emphasis on horse care and proper riding techniques.
Palmer High science teacher Susan Dent, a former veterinarian who runs Wildwood Farm in Meadow Lakes with Rae Arno, said she never would have gotten involved with the competitive trail rides in the early 1990s if she thought they weren't beneficial for horses and riders.
"It's a fun (event) name, but it's a misnomer because if you're riding correctly, your butt shouldn't get hurt because you're sitting lightly in your saddle, using your legs and taking your weight off your horse," said Dent, whose horse "Cheval" took top honors in her division and helped Dent garner enough points to win a first-place ribbon in the overall combined class.
LIFESTYLES THING
She has consistently placed high in these events over the years because she doesn't just train a couple of months before they start as many might do.
"It's a lifestyle thing," she said Monday from her home off Pittman Road, explaining that she takes her horses on several long trail rides throughout the year, as well as making sure they are kept in good condition with some sort of exercise ritual throughout the year -- even in winter.
"The first time I did one of these rides I was so ignorant. But I learned so much about what they were looking for, behaviors and habits along the way. Now I just do what they've taught me as an everyday thing. That's why I keep doing it -- it makes daily riding so much more fun and safe. I don't do it to win a blue ribbon."
Monday, July 19, 2010
Horses and Divorces (Tevis 2010)
Sacramento Bee - http://www.sacbee.com/2010/07/18/2893585/horses-and-divorces.html
Tevis Cup rider Robert 'Potato' Richardson has had plenty of both, plus lots of friends and foes who agree he's quite the character
By Sam McManis
smcmanis@sacbee.com
Published: Sunday, Jul. 18
A man named Potato needs a sense of humor. A thick skin, too.
He needs to do his name proud by being unconventional. Needs to abide the mockery, scorn, even jealousy spawned by his outsized behavior. Needs to thrive on the attention, live for the good times, good booze, good women, the unceasing quest for kicks.
And Potato must look the part: the leathery Old West sage, no buttoned-down Bob afraid to get his boots dirty. He must be part scoundrel, a lover of women and mares (not necessarily in that order), and know life in the saddle and in the hoosegow.
Robert Fordney "Potato" Richardson, 67 going on 13, is a throwback – "I could see him living in the 1800s," said friend Rho Bailey – yet too quirky to be a traditional Marlboro Man.
There's that world-class droopy mustache that makes him seem in a constant smirk. His wiry, 5-foot-7 frame may belie the stereotype of the tall, strapping cowboy, but it's a key to his horse-riding skill. A director casting the Potato biopic would choose the late Dennis Hopper – and give him Sam Elliott's 'stache.
Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/07/18/2893585/horses-and-divorces.html#ixzz0uA97Rmrf
-
Tevis Cup rider Robert 'Potato' Richardson has had plenty of both, plus lots of friends and foes who agree he's quite the character
By Sam McManis
smcmanis@sacbee.com
Published: Sunday, Jul. 18
A man named Potato needs a sense of humor. A thick skin, too.He needs to do his name proud by being unconventional. Needs to abide the mockery, scorn, even jealousy spawned by his outsized behavior. Needs to thrive on the attention, live for the good times, good booze, good women, the unceasing quest for kicks.
And Potato must look the part: the leathery Old West sage, no buttoned-down Bob afraid to get his boots dirty. He must be part scoundrel, a lover of women and mares (not necessarily in that order), and know life in the saddle and in the hoosegow.
Robert Fordney "Potato" Richardson, 67 going on 13, is a throwback – "I could see him living in the 1800s," said friend Rho Bailey – yet too quirky to be a traditional Marlboro Man.
There's that world-class droopy mustache that makes him seem in a constant smirk. His wiry, 5-foot-7 frame may belie the stereotype of the tall, strapping cowboy, but it's a key to his horse-riding skill. A director casting the Potato biopic would choose the late Dennis Hopper – and give him Sam Elliott's 'stache.
Read more: http://www.sacbee.com/2010/07/18/2893585/horses-and-divorces.html#ixzz0uA97Rmrf
-
Friday, July 16, 2010
Australia: Horse riders to flock to Putty for second endurance
Singletonargus.com.au - Full Article
13 Jul, 2010 11:10 AM
PUTTY Valley Endurance Ride 2010 Putty Valley will be home to over 100 riders and their horses on July 17 to 18 as they compete in the second Putty Valley Endurance Ride.
A presentation at the Putty Hall ride base at 11.30am on Sunday, July 18, will enable spectators to understand the rules governing the sport of endurance riding.
The lead riders are expected to arrive at the hall around 12 noon after a ride of up to 100km. The horses walk to the finish line and then tension mounts as the vet testing begins.
An endurance ride is won by the first rider to complete the 100km course with a fit horse.
The horse’s welfare is of prime importance and their temperature, pulse, and respiration are checked by vets throughout the ride.
Read more here:
http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/sport/athletics/horse-riders-to-flock-to-putty-for-second-endurance/1883799.aspx
13 Jul, 2010 11:10 AM
PUTTY Valley Endurance Ride 2010 Putty Valley will be home to over 100 riders and their horses on July 17 to 18 as they compete in the second Putty Valley Endurance Ride.
A presentation at the Putty Hall ride base at 11.30am on Sunday, July 18, will enable spectators to understand the rules governing the sport of endurance riding.
The lead riders are expected to arrive at the hall around 12 noon after a ride of up to 100km. The horses walk to the finish line and then tension mounts as the vet testing begins.
An endurance ride is won by the first rider to complete the 100km course with a fit horse.
The horse’s welfare is of prime importance and their temperature, pulse, and respiration are checked by vets throughout the ride.
Read more here:
http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/sport/athletics/horse-riders-to-flock-to-putty-for-second-endurance/1883799.aspx
New Zealand: Awards incentive for rider to go the distance
Findarticles.com - Full Article
July 10, 2010
Saddle soreness is not something Toko teenager Amanda Walton complains about, despite spending more time on the back of a horse in a day than most people would spend in their lives.
The 18-year-old is pretty good, too, having picked up the majority of junior titles at the national endurance horse riding prizegiving in Christchurch, being awarded rider of the year, while her horse, Sir Cae, was judged the best distance horse in the junior ranks.
The young farmhand has been involved in endurance riding for the past three years after being encouraged by her grandfather Trevor Walton, who used to take his young charge away to help with the strapping of the horses...
Read more here:
http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/taranaki-daily-news-new-plymouth-zealand/mi_8060/is_20100710/awards-incentive-rider-distance/ai_n54425147/
July 10, 2010
Saddle soreness is not something Toko teenager Amanda Walton complains about, despite spending more time on the back of a horse in a day than most people would spend in their lives.
The 18-year-old is pretty good, too, having picked up the majority of junior titles at the national endurance horse riding prizegiving in Christchurch, being awarded rider of the year, while her horse, Sir Cae, was judged the best distance horse in the junior ranks.
The young farmhand has been involved in endurance riding for the past three years after being encouraged by her grandfather Trevor Walton, who used to take his young charge away to help with the strapping of the horses...
Read more here:
http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/taranaki-daily-news-new-plymouth-zealand/mi_8060/is_20100710/awards-incentive-rider-distance/ai_n54425147/
Australia: A sensational partnership
Mudgeeguardian.com.au - Full Article
BEN HARRIS
14 Jul, 2010 09:07 AM
Rochelle Knihinicki rides horses for the love of it, but not in a lifetime did she thought she would achieve one of the greatest achievements in endurance riding.
Following the Tom Quilty Gold Cup ride late last month, Knihinicki was presented with her 10,000-kilometre Scroll for completing 10,000km in endurance rides on board her Purebred Arabian horse Tuldar Ronnie.
Knihinicki became the 12th Australian to receive the 10,000km scroll, and at 20 years of age, she is also the youngest.
She completed the milestone at the St Albans endurance ride in early June but was not presented with her scroll until after the Tom Quilty event.
“It was pretty exciting, pretty emotional,” Knihinicki said.
“Dad cracked a bottle of champagne in the veterinarian area. He was dying to do it... I got drenched. It was something I haven’t done before and probably would never do again..."
Read more here:
http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/news/local/sport/equestrian/a-sensational-partnership/1884667.aspx
BEN HARRIS
14 Jul, 2010 09:07 AM
Rochelle Knihinicki rides horses for the love of it, but not in a lifetime did she thought she would achieve one of the greatest achievements in endurance riding.
Following the Tom Quilty Gold Cup ride late last month, Knihinicki was presented with her 10,000-kilometre Scroll for completing 10,000km in endurance rides on board her Purebred Arabian horse Tuldar Ronnie.
Knihinicki became the 12th Australian to receive the 10,000km scroll, and at 20 years of age, she is also the youngest.
She completed the milestone at the St Albans endurance ride in early June but was not presented with her scroll until after the Tom Quilty event.
“It was pretty exciting, pretty emotional,” Knihinicki said.
“Dad cracked a bottle of champagne in the veterinarian area. He was dying to do it... I got drenched. It was something I haven’t done before and probably would never do again..."
Read more here:
http://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/news/local/sport/equestrian/a-sensational-partnership/1884667.aspx
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Back Country Horsemen of America Leads the Way in Preserving Public Lands Trails
Horsecity.com - Full Article
by Sarah Wynne Jackson
Posted: Tuesday, July 13, 2010
During these tough economic times when many folks have tightened their budgets and are spending less, Back Country Horsemen of America members have been donating more of their time, effort, and resources to preserving our heritage of equine use on public lands.
BCHA is proud to announce that its national volunteer value for 2009 was $7,500,000. That includes 345,700 hours of manual work; skilled labor; use of heavy equipment; hauling equipment, animals, and people to work sites; as well as Leave No Trace education and attendance at public meetings. What did BCHA members accomplish in all that time? Lots!
Making a Difference
Central Kentucky Back Country Horsemen have been working hard with the Kentucky Horse Council on the White Sulphur Horse Camp in the Daniel Boone National Forest. This primitive camp with 20 sites was started but never maintained. CKyBCH members eliminated a stagnant watering tank and laid a water line from a pond to the center of camp, providing clean, fresh water for campers' horses. Further improvements are planned for completion in 2010...
Read more here:
http://horsecity.com/stories/071310/pre_backcountry.shtml
by Sarah Wynne Jackson
Posted: Tuesday, July 13, 2010
During these tough economic times when many folks have tightened their budgets and are spending less, Back Country Horsemen of America members have been donating more of their time, effort, and resources to preserving our heritage of equine use on public lands.
BCHA is proud to announce that its national volunteer value for 2009 was $7,500,000. That includes 345,700 hours of manual work; skilled labor; use of heavy equipment; hauling equipment, animals, and people to work sites; as well as Leave No Trace education and attendance at public meetings. What did BCHA members accomplish in all that time? Lots!
Making a Difference
Central Kentucky Back Country Horsemen have been working hard with the Kentucky Horse Council on the White Sulphur Horse Camp in the Daniel Boone National Forest. This primitive camp with 20 sites was started but never maintained. CKyBCH members eliminated a stagnant watering tank and laid a water line from a pond to the center of camp, providing clean, fresh water for campers' horses. Further improvements are planned for completion in 2010...
Read more here:
http://horsecity.com/stories/071310/pre_backcountry.shtml
Canada: Endurance riders put in long miles at Horse Creek Ranch
Barrheadleader.com - Full Article
July 13 2010
Ian Kucerak
Leader Staff
Excellent athleticism from both horse and rider were on display during the second annual Horse Creek Ranch ride, held near Fort Assiniboine July 10-11.
Riders from across Alberta and British Columbia came out to compete under cloudy skies, which is the perfect weather to practice a sport that pushes horses and riders to their limits.
The Endurance Riders of Alberta sanctioned the ride, which had 50 registered adults riders and six junior riders. Riders took to the four-stage courses in four distance classes, including 25, 50, 75 and 100 mile distances.
Brenda Hendrikson and Joan Harris managed the ride alongside a staff of volunteers and veterinarians who took times and conducted horse health checks. Harris said they make sure the animals are in the proper shape after each leg of the race...
Read more here:
http://www.barrheadleader.com/news/2010/0713/sports2.htm
July 13 2010
Ian Kucerak
Leader Staff
Excellent athleticism from both horse and rider were on display during the second annual Horse Creek Ranch ride, held near Fort Assiniboine July 10-11.
Riders from across Alberta and British Columbia came out to compete under cloudy skies, which is the perfect weather to practice a sport that pushes horses and riders to their limits.
The Endurance Riders of Alberta sanctioned the ride, which had 50 registered adults riders and six junior riders. Riders took to the four-stage courses in four distance classes, including 25, 50, 75 and 100 mile distances.
Brenda Hendrikson and Joan Harris managed the ride alongside a staff of volunteers and veterinarians who took times and conducted horse health checks. Harris said they make sure the animals are in the proper shape after each leg of the race...
Read more here:
http://www.barrheadleader.com/news/2010/0713/sports2.htm
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Mighty Amigo back under saddle
July 13, 2010
by Neil Clarkson
Endurance horse Amigo, given only a two per cent chance of survival after a terrible impaling injury, is back under saddle.
The purebred Arabian got the all-clear for light riding on July 2 and excited owner Gary Sanderson saddled Amigo up that day and took him for walk around the 110-acre farm the horse grazes in Luttrell, Tennessee.
It has been a remarkable journey for Amigo, who overcame a series of life-threatening problems during his recovery, watched by a growing legion of fans on Facebook.
Amigo handled the ride well and the pair have since been out again.
Gary told Horsetalk that Amigo's vet bills amounted to $US35,000. He said that an anonymous donor who gave $US11,600 towards Amigo's care continued to meet the vet bills as the costs climbed well beyond his means.
The accomplished endurance horse accidentally impaled himself on a large branch in his paddock in mid-January...
Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/07/090.shtml
Thursday, July 08, 2010
Long Riders
Dailyinterlake.com - Full Article
July 8, 2010
JIM MANN/Daily Inter Lake
A horseback endurance race in the upper Thompson River area is expected to attract more than 50 competitors from across the region July 17 and 18.
“We had quite a few last year so we’re hoping for 50 or more this year,” said Sherrie Calaway, manager of the Hooves and Co. Endurance Ride. “They are coming from everywhere.”
Riders are expected from Montana, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, North Dakota and Canada.
Among the competitors are former Iditarod champion Doug Swingley and Suzie Hayes, a well-known endurance rider from Ovando who competes internationally.
The 50-mile race is sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference and is a qualifier for prestigious endurance races such as The Tevis Cup in California.
Calaway said there will be a 35-mile race and the 50-mile race, both starting on July 17 at the Thompson River Ranch just off U.S. 2 west of Kalispell...
Read more here:
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/featured_story/article_e1654838-8a36-11df-803c-001cc4c03286.html
July 8, 2010
JIM MANN/Daily Inter Lake
A horseback endurance race in the upper Thompson River area is expected to attract more than 50 competitors from across the region July 17 and 18.
“We had quite a few last year so we’re hoping for 50 or more this year,” said Sherrie Calaway, manager of the Hooves and Co. Endurance Ride. “They are coming from everywhere.”
Riders are expected from Montana, Washington, Idaho, Oregon, North Dakota and Canada.
Among the competitors are former Iditarod champion Doug Swingley and Suzie Hayes, a well-known endurance rider from Ovando who competes internationally.
The 50-mile race is sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference and is a qualifier for prestigious endurance races such as The Tevis Cup in California.
Calaway said there will be a 35-mile race and the 50-mile race, both starting on July 17 at the Thompson River Ranch just off U.S. 2 west of Kalispell...
Read more here:
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/featured_story/article_e1654838-8a36-11df-803c-001cc4c03286.html
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Back Country Horsemen of America Leads the Way in Preserving Public Lands Trails
June 29 2010
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
During these tough economic times when many folks have tightened their budgets and are spending less, Back Country Horsemen of America members have been donating more of their time, effort, and resources to preserving our heritage of equine use on public lands.
BCHA is proud to announce that its national volunteer value for 2009 was $7,500,000. That includes 345,700 hours of manual work; skilled labor; use of heavy equipment; hauling equipment, animals, and people to work sites; as well as Leave No Trace education and attendance at public meetings. What did BCHA members accomplish in all that time? Lots!
Making a Difference
Central Kentucky Back Country Horsemen have been working hard with the Kentucky Horse Council on the White Sulphur Horse Camp in the Daniel Boone National Forest. This primitive camp with 20 sites was started but never maintained. CKyBCH members eliminated a stagnant watering tank and laid a water line from a pond to the center of camp, providing clean, fresh water for campers’ horses. Further improvements are planned for completion in 2010.
Back Country Horsemen of Alabama and Show Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen worked together to clean up trails in the Mark Twain National Forest after an inland hurricane. Most BCH units across the country do their best to get out on the trails as soon as possible after storms to clear aside fallen trees and branches, fix washed out trails, and replace bridges that have been swept away.
Members of the Skagit and Whatcom chapters of Back Country Horsemen of Washington State worked alongside the Department of Natural Resources to complete a monumental task that was sorely needed: using GPS equipment, they mapped the 76 trails (nearly 100 miles) of the Les Hilde Trails in the Harry Osborne State Forest. To assist users until DNR is able to post permanent signs, BCHW members posted over 200 temporary signs.
In addition to trail maintenance and watching over the ecosystem, the Chloride Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Arizona assisted large ranchers and the BLM with needs local to their area. They helped gather cattle in the very rough mountainous terrain, as well as packing in water for workers.
The lovely Spanish mustangs in the Cerbat Mountains of Arizona are still protected, and the Chloride Chapter of BCHAZ keeps an eye on them, counting the herds and tracking their condition, as well as making sure the watering holes are usable.
Back Country Horsemen of Idaho also had a busy year. The High Desert Chapter partnered with the Off Road Association and the Geocache Club in cleaning the North Rim. They filled five dumpsters with trash. They were also involved with a work project at the Porcupine Springs Campground with the U.S. Forest Service, where, in addition to regular trail maintenance, they built a horse riding loop and constructed four horse corrals for overnight camping.
The North Central Idaho Chapter conducted the U.S. Forest Service Defensive Horsemanship Training at the rodeo grounds in Grangeville, Idaho. They also sprayed unwanted weeds on the Moose Creek Ranger District and the Lochsa Ranger District in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness; and in the Seven Devils/Windy Saddle area, they constructed a hitch rail, cleaned up the campground, and removed hazardous trees.
Buffalo River Back Country Horsemen of Arkansas have been battling their own “right to ride” issue on Buffalo National River lands. The general management plan is scheduled to be rewritten within the next five years, and BRBCH is determined to preserve our heritage of using pack and saddle stock on public lands. At public meetings held in various area towns, they encouraged other horse users to voice their opinions to the National Park Service regarding horse use on public lands.
BRBCH also packed out a variety of scrap from an old hunters’ camp in Rae Valley. Ten horses, six volunteers, and three park employees carried out rolls of old barbed and welded wire to Elephant Head, where a Park boat floated the load away.
Your Voice for Horse Use on Public Lands
As the leading organization in saving public lands trails for equestrian use, each one of these Back Country Horsemen of America groups is happy and eager to accomplish all these tasks and more; not just for users of pack and saddle stock, but for everyone who loves wild lands as much as they do.
It’s an unfortunate truth that federal, state, and local public lands managers simply don’t have the budget to maintain the majority of the trails under their jurisdiction. That means that the burden falls on the backs of dedicated and hard working volunteers across the country such as Back Country Horsemen of America.
Another difficult reality is that more trails, properties, and whole wildernesses are being designated “No Horses.” Without a unified voice such as that of Back Country Horsemen of America, our heritage of equine use and our right to ride on public lands is in serious jeopardy.
About Back Country Horsemen of America
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes in regards to the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands.
If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com, call 888-893-5161, or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!
Contact: Peg Greiwe
peg@backcountryhorse.com
1-888-893-5161
www.backcountryhorse.com
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
During these tough economic times when many folks have tightened their budgets and are spending less, Back Country Horsemen of America members have been donating more of their time, effort, and resources to preserving our heritage of equine use on public lands.
BCHA is proud to announce that its national volunteer value for 2009 was $7,500,000. That includes 345,700 hours of manual work; skilled labor; use of heavy equipment; hauling equipment, animals, and people to work sites; as well as Leave No Trace education and attendance at public meetings. What did BCHA members accomplish in all that time? Lots!
Making a Difference
Central Kentucky Back Country Horsemen have been working hard with the Kentucky Horse Council on the White Sulphur Horse Camp in the Daniel Boone National Forest. This primitive camp with 20 sites was started but never maintained. CKyBCH members eliminated a stagnant watering tank and laid a water line from a pond to the center of camp, providing clean, fresh water for campers’ horses. Further improvements are planned for completion in 2010.
Back Country Horsemen of Alabama and Show Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen worked together to clean up trails in the Mark Twain National Forest after an inland hurricane. Most BCH units across the country do their best to get out on the trails as soon as possible after storms to clear aside fallen trees and branches, fix washed out trails, and replace bridges that have been swept away.
Members of the Skagit and Whatcom chapters of Back Country Horsemen of Washington State worked alongside the Department of Natural Resources to complete a monumental task that was sorely needed: using GPS equipment, they mapped the 76 trails (nearly 100 miles) of the Les Hilde Trails in the Harry Osborne State Forest. To assist users until DNR is able to post permanent signs, BCHW members posted over 200 temporary signs.
In addition to trail maintenance and watching over the ecosystem, the Chloride Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Arizona assisted large ranchers and the BLM with needs local to their area. They helped gather cattle in the very rough mountainous terrain, as well as packing in water for workers.
The lovely Spanish mustangs in the Cerbat Mountains of Arizona are still protected, and the Chloride Chapter of BCHAZ keeps an eye on them, counting the herds and tracking their condition, as well as making sure the watering holes are usable.
Back Country Horsemen of Idaho also had a busy year. The High Desert Chapter partnered with the Off Road Association and the Geocache Club in cleaning the North Rim. They filled five dumpsters with trash. They were also involved with a work project at the Porcupine Springs Campground with the U.S. Forest Service, where, in addition to regular trail maintenance, they built a horse riding loop and constructed four horse corrals for overnight camping.
The North Central Idaho Chapter conducted the U.S. Forest Service Defensive Horsemanship Training at the rodeo grounds in Grangeville, Idaho. They also sprayed unwanted weeds on the Moose Creek Ranger District and the Lochsa Ranger District in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness; and in the Seven Devils/Windy Saddle area, they constructed a hitch rail, cleaned up the campground, and removed hazardous trees.
Buffalo River Back Country Horsemen of Arkansas have been battling their own “right to ride” issue on Buffalo National River lands. The general management plan is scheduled to be rewritten within the next five years, and BRBCH is determined to preserve our heritage of using pack and saddle stock on public lands. At public meetings held in various area towns, they encouraged other horse users to voice their opinions to the National Park Service regarding horse use on public lands.
BRBCH also packed out a variety of scrap from an old hunters’ camp in Rae Valley. Ten horses, six volunteers, and three park employees carried out rolls of old barbed and welded wire to Elephant Head, where a Park boat floated the load away.
Your Voice for Horse Use on Public Lands
As the leading organization in saving public lands trails for equestrian use, each one of these Back Country Horsemen of America groups is happy and eager to accomplish all these tasks and more; not just for users of pack and saddle stock, but for everyone who loves wild lands as much as they do.
It’s an unfortunate truth that federal, state, and local public lands managers simply don’t have the budget to maintain the majority of the trails under their jurisdiction. That means that the burden falls on the backs of dedicated and hard working volunteers across the country such as Back Country Horsemen of America.
Another difficult reality is that more trails, properties, and whole wildernesses are being designated “No Horses.” Without a unified voice such as that of Back Country Horsemen of America, our heritage of equine use and our right to ride on public lands is in serious jeopardy.
About Back Country Horsemen of America
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes in regards to the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands.
If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com, call 888-893-5161, or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!
Contact: Peg Greiwe
peg@backcountryhorse.com
1-888-893-5161
www.backcountryhorse.com
USRider criticizes proposed digital license plates
(06/30/2010)
For immediate release
For immediate release
Lexington, KY (June 30, 2010) - Advertising is everywhere these days. Flyers mysteriously appear on your front door as well as your windshield. At the filling station, blaring announcements attempt to entice you to go inside and spend more money. Even in the restroom, ads are strategically placed on the back of the stall doors. Now the California government is seeking to profit off what they consider the next prime piece of real estate for marketing efforts - license plates.
The idea is to show advertising on new digital license plates when a vehicle stops.
Facing $19 billion in debt, California is exploring the option of selling advertising on electronic license plates as a way to generate revenue.
As reported by InformationWeek.com, the idea is contained in Senate Bill 1453, which has already passed the state Senate and is now before the Legislature. The proposal by Sen. Curren D. Price Jr. (D-Los Angeles) would give the California Department of Motor Vehicles the authority to investigate the emerging "digital electronic license plate" technology as a viable means for advertising and other communication. The idea is that when a vehicle is stopped for longer than four seconds, the license plate would transform into digital ad-space for which companies would pay to display an ad.
“This proposal is totally irresponsible on behalf of the California legislature and will only serve to create more distractions and a more dangerous driving environment for drivers who face enough distractions already,” said Mark Cole, managing member for USRider, the national provider of roadside emergency assistance for equestrians.
Statistics show that driving while distracted is a factor in 25 percent of police reported crashes. Driving is an activity that demands close attention. Not only do drivers need to watch what they’re doing, but they also have to keep an eye on other drivers and road conditions.
“We urge the residents of California to contact their legislators and voice opposition to this proposal,” said Cole. “This is a no-brainer: drivers should be looking at the road - NOT at an advertisement on another vehicle's license plate.”
USRider provides roadside assistance and towing services along with other travel-related benefits to its members through the Equestrian Motor Plan. It includes standard features such as flat-tire repair, battery assistance and lockout services, plus towing up to 100 miles and roadside repairs for tow vehicles and trailers with horses, emergency stabling, veterinary referrals and more. For more information about the USRider Equestrian Motor Plan, visit www.usrider.org online or call (800) 844-1409.
For additional safety tips, visit the Equine Travel Safety Area on the USRider website at www.usrider.org.
Tevis: We're Looking For Volunteers!
July 2, 2010
Be the proud owner of a 2010 Volunteer Tevis T-shirt!
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Tevis Cup Ride, and we are so appreciative of everyone who helps out each year. About 800 people participate each year on Ride Day - a ratio of about four per rider! Being a volunteer is fun, adventurous, exciting - and you get a commemorative t-shirt!
This year we need your help!
Check the Latest News Bulletin page for postings by Ride/Checkpoint Officials who may actively be recruiting for volunteers. If you are uncertain which type of assistance you would like to offer, take a look at the list of functions shown in Ride Organization page of this site. If you know what you'd like to do, or if you just want to help wherever needed, fill out our online Volunteer Sign-up form.
Thanks for your help!
Mike Pickett
2010 Ride Director
For further information, see the Tevis Cup page at:
http://www.teviscup.org/
Be the proud owner of a 2010 Volunteer Tevis T-shirt!
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Tevis Cup Ride, and we are so appreciative of everyone who helps out each year. About 800 people participate each year on Ride Day - a ratio of about four per rider! Being a volunteer is fun, adventurous, exciting - and you get a commemorative t-shirt!
This year we need your help!
Check the Latest News Bulletin page for postings by Ride/Checkpoint Officials who may actively be recruiting for volunteers. If you are uncertain which type of assistance you would like to offer, take a look at the list of functions shown in Ride Organization page of this site. If you know what you'd like to do, or if you just want to help wherever needed, fill out our online Volunteer Sign-up form.
Thanks for your help!
Mike Pickett
2010 Ride Director
For further information, see the Tevis Cup page at:
http://www.teviscup.org/
Friday, July 02, 2010
Heraldic And Crandell Make A Triumphant Return At Old Dominion 100
Cronofhorse.com - Full Article
June 24 2010
By: Coree Reuter
After a potentially career-ending injury, John Crandell’s mount is back at the top of his game.
“He’s a freak of nature,” John Crandell III said of Heraldic after winning his sixth and Heraldic’s second Old Dominion 100 on June 12 in Orkney Springs, Va. “He’s not the easiest personality in the world to get along with, but physically, athletically, he’s a freak of nature. That’s the best way to describe him. He’s just athletic in every way you can imagine.”
Crandell, 48, was the first to finish in the 100-mile race, crossing the line in 13:32:58, and claimed the AERC best condition award and Old Dominion Trophy. About 13 minutes later, Sandra Conner and Elegant Pride finished second in 13:45:23. Crandell’s wife, Ann, finished third aboard HH Saba Shams in 14:30:26.
“This is his forté because he just has endless adrenaline,” said John...
Read more here:
http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/heraldic-and-crandell-make-triumphant-return-old-dominion-100
June 24 2010
By: Coree Reuter
After a potentially career-ending injury, John Crandell’s mount is back at the top of his game.
“He’s a freak of nature,” John Crandell III said of Heraldic after winning his sixth and Heraldic’s second Old Dominion 100 on June 12 in Orkney Springs, Va. “He’s not the easiest personality in the world to get along with, but physically, athletically, he’s a freak of nature. That’s the best way to describe him. He’s just athletic in every way you can imagine.”
Crandell, 48, was the first to finish in the 100-mile race, crossing the line in 13:32:58, and claimed the AERC best condition award and Old Dominion Trophy. About 13 minutes later, Sandra Conner and Elegant Pride finished second in 13:45:23. Crandell’s wife, Ann, finished third aboard HH Saba Shams in 14:30:26.
“This is his forté because he just has endless adrenaline,” said John...
Read more here:
http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/heraldic-and-crandell-make-triumphant-return-old-dominion-100
How to get to the World Equestrian Games
July 1 2010
"He's a rock star!" I said.
Chris Martin grinned in agreement.
His face took a more reflective cast as he acknowledged his good
fortune, "He's a once-in-a-lifetime horse."
After my burst of enthusiasm, I felt a twinge of unease. Several horses I had been rooting for were already out of the ride. I glanced over at Monk, who was standing, one hoof cocked, outside the EZ-up canopy that sheltered his crew from the high desert sun. He had the physical attributes - a deep chest, short back, a strong hind end, straight, well angled legs and sturdy feet - a structure that had carried rider Lindsey Graham through the first three loops of the selection trials for the US Endurance team for the Western region. No obvious reason to worry there.
"The hardest thing is finding ways to get him fit," Chris said. He ponies Monk off a Quad, but that alone isn't enough.
Unlike a racetrack conditioner, Chris is not limited to workouts on a
level surface and uses the steep hills near his home for mounted
workouts too. "I'm 190 pounds," he pointed out. Even so, he has
trouble driving Monk's heart rate up into the zones that are
considered cardio-building. He has done most of the conditioning on
Monk, hauls him to rides, takes pictures and promotes him through his
blog - a combination trainer and stage dad...
Read more here:
http://blog.seattlepi.com/horsebytes/archives/213193.asp
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Manilla Tom Quilty 2010 - Booted Horses are More Likely to Finish!
Easycareinc blog - Full Story
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 by Duncan McLaughlin
Last weekend saw endurance riders from all over the Australia and from around the world gather at Manilla, NSW for this years Quilty. The Quilty is Australia's oldest and most prestigious endurance ride. 11 booted horses were entered in the event and 8 were successful, for a 73% completion rate (compared to the 54% completion rate overall). The successful combinations were:
* Carol Layton on Omani Mr Squiggle;
* Deanna Trevena on Warr of the Roses;
* me on Jupiter Mikeno;
* Virginia Dodson on Qmriya Raheema;
* Ann Batt on Roxborough Nato;
* Donna Tidsdale on Karrana King;
* Jane Martin on Blake's Heaven Dubbonet; and
* Rebecca Hayes on Summerzar M'zigye.
* (Commiserations to Rachel, Colleen and Darryl)
Read more here:
http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/easycare/0/0/manilla-tom-quilty-2010-booted-horses-are-more-likely-to-finish
Wednesday, June 30, 2010 by Duncan McLaughlin
Last weekend saw endurance riders from all over the Australia and from around the world gather at Manilla, NSW for this years Quilty. The Quilty is Australia's oldest and most prestigious endurance ride. 11 booted horses were entered in the event and 8 were successful, for a 73% completion rate (compared to the 54% completion rate overall). The successful combinations were:
* Carol Layton on Omani Mr Squiggle;
* Deanna Trevena on Warr of the Roses;
* me on Jupiter Mikeno;
* Virginia Dodson on Qmriya Raheema;
* Ann Batt on Roxborough Nato;
* Donna Tidsdale on Karrana King;
* Jane Martin on Blake's Heaven Dubbonet; and
* Rebecca Hayes on Summerzar M'zigye.
* (Commiserations to Rachel, Colleen and Darryl)
Read more here:
http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/easycare/0/0/manilla-tom-quilty-2010-booted-horses-are-more-likely-to-finish
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
2010 WEG - USA: This Week in International Endurance
USEF.org
June 29 2010
Over the last week the USEF hosted three Regional Selection Trials for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, paring down the number of eligible horse/rider combinations for the US Endurance Team from 62 to 47.
The Central Selection Trial was held in Danville, IL on June 19. Athletes and horses faced hot, humid and muddy conditions, turning a fast course into true test of endurance. At the East Selection Trial held in Fair Hill, MD on June 22 there was a repeat of the heat and humidity which plagued the Central Selection Trial, but no mud to contend with. The third selection trial took place in Prineville, OR on June 26, the conditions were perfect and the course was fast.
The horses and riders who attended one of these trials will be eligible to attend the Observation Trial August 8-11, in Danville, IL. Following the Observation Trial, the top ten horse/rider combinations will be named to the nominated entries, from which the final five horse/rider combinations will be selected to represent the US on the Endurance Team in September at the World Games.
June 29 2010
Over the last week the USEF hosted three Regional Selection Trials for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, paring down the number of eligible horse/rider combinations for the US Endurance Team from 62 to 47.
The Central Selection Trial was held in Danville, IL on June 19. Athletes and horses faced hot, humid and muddy conditions, turning a fast course into true test of endurance. At the East Selection Trial held in Fair Hill, MD on June 22 there was a repeat of the heat and humidity which plagued the Central Selection Trial, but no mud to contend with. The third selection trial took place in Prineville, OR on June 26, the conditions were perfect and the course was fast.
The horses and riders who attended one of these trials will be eligible to attend the Observation Trial August 8-11, in Danville, IL. Following the Observation Trial, the top ten horse/rider combinations will be named to the nominated entries, from which the final five horse/rider combinations will be selected to represent the US on the Endurance Team in September at the World Games.
2010 WEG - USA: Smells like Team Spirit
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]
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]
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
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