Cecilia Stråhle Engquist and the mystery man

Horsebytes -- A blog for Seattle-area horse folks

http://blog.seattlepi.com/horsebytes/archives/220781.asp

Cecilia Stråhle Engquist's journey to the World Equestrian Games began with a mysterious encounter with a man at the Houston Rodeo Arabian Days in 2005.

She asked him where she might go to do some riding, as she was new to the area.

"Well, do you like endurance?" he asked.

Cecelia was ready to answer that. "I had watched a TV program about endurance - I thought it looked really romantic being out there on the trails, and I loved running – when you get hunches you should follow them."

So she took down the name of a barn, he suggested. She never saw that man again, but he set her on a path to the 2010 World Equestrian Games, where she will be competing in Endurance under the flag of her native country, Sweden.

Cecelia Strahle Engquist and R Ts Q - photo Donna Shifflet
Of course, as with most seemingly drastic life changes, the stage had actually been set for that moment long before. Horses were not a new interest but a passion set aside for 20 years because of life's vagaries. When Cecilia and her husband, also a Swede, moved to Houston, Texas, that long-dormant seed fell on fertile ground.

Cecelia still had visions of riding bareback and bridleless through the Swedish woods on her horse Tinto, whom she got when she was 12.

"Typical Swedish," she describes her riding background, starting a six in a riding school, then learning dressage and jumping.

Tinto had done high-level dressage, and when she wasn't roaming the woods, she competed with him. "He was a great horse. He taught me a lot of things. I always loved Arabians – he wasn't an arabian, he was a welsh, thoroughbred and warmblood cross, but he had a bloody shoulder."

Unfortunately a move and life changes had ended their relationship when Cecelia was 14, but Tinto, her pseudo-Arabian, still followed her in her dreams.

...full story at http://blog.seattlepi.com/horsebytes/archives/220781.asp

Kentucky Equine Research Welcomes Visitors During WEG

September 8 2010

Kentucky Equine Research (KER) would like to invite you to tour its world-class facility and meet with some of the equine and human athletes who are preparing for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games at its research farm near Versailles, Ky. KER is housing the Australian Endurance Team and the U.S. Para-Equestrian Team prior to the Games.
 
There will be two opportunities to visit KER’s research farm during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games: Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m. and Thursday, Oct. 7 at 10:30 a.m. There will be a facility tour and an exhibition of the high-speed treadmill used in nutrition and exercise physiology research. Refreshments will be served.
 
Media wishing to tour the KER facility and interview members of the Australian Endurance Team or U.S. Para-Equestrian Team outside of scheduled tour hours may contact KER’s Global Marketing Manager Kimberly S. Brown at KBrown@ker.com, or call the office at 859-873-1988.
 
KER is a long-time sponsor of the Australian Endurance Squad. The three-member team for WEG is currently housed at the KER research farm, where they are preparing for the Games.
 
KER is also the official sponsor of the Kentucky Equine Research/U.S. Para-Equestrian Team for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. As part of its support, KER is housing the Para-Equestrian Team prior to the Games. The Kentucky Equine Research/U.S. Para-Equestrian Dressage Team consists of 10 horse/rider combinations representing the United States.
 
The Kentucky Equine Research/U.S. Para-Equestrian Team for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games begins arriving at the 144-acre KER facility on Sept. 17, with most of the team arriving on Sept. 22.
 
Kentucky Equine Research is not only home to one of the most prolific private research facilities in the world, but also has a covered arena, two outdoor arenas, miles of trails, and new stabling with living quarters.
 
To view the U.S. Para-Equestrian Team sponsorship press release on the USEF website, visit www.usef.org/_IFrames/newsdisplay/viewPR.aspx?id=6103.
 
For more information on USEF Para-Equestrian programs, please contact Lane at plane@usef.org.
 
To learn more about para-equestrians in sport, visit www.ipec-athletes.de/, and to contact the U.S. Para-Equestrian group, contact Hand at Wheeler966@aol.com.
 
KER is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving both the horse owner and the feed industry. Founded nearly 25 years ago by Joe Pagan, Ph.D., the company’s goal is to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology and apply that knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses at all stages of life.
 
For more information contact Kentucky Equine Research at 3910 Delaney Ferry Road, Versailles, KY; 859-873-1988; email Kimberly S. Brown, Global Marketing Manager, at KBrown@ker.com.

AAEP Enters Global Spotlight During 2010 World Equestrian Games

September 8 2010

Students, members and staff take on a variety of roles to promote equine health care
 
When elite equestrians compete for world titles this month, the American Association of Equine Practitioners will be working behind the scenes and before the cameras to ensure the health of equine athletes. 
 
The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™, held Sept. 25-Oct. 10 in Lexington, Ky., is anticipated as the largest sporting event to take place in the United States this year.  As the nation’s leading organization dedicated to equine health care, the AAEP and its members will participate in many ways during the three weeks of the Games. The AAEP will actively promote the equine veterinary profession to an international audience, involve its student membership in learning opportunities and provide crucial equine medical information to the numerous media outlets covering the Games.
 
The AAEP’s participation during the Games includes:
 
Veterinary student volunteers. Thirty-three fourth-year veterinary student members of AAEP student chapters will monitor biosecurity, help assess competition horses and provide general veterinary care alongside the Games’ official veterinarians.
 
The AAEP On Call program. AAEP members Drs. Alan Ruggles and Larry Bramlage will be prepared to respond to equine medical emergencies and answer equine health care questions as part of the AAEP’s award-winning On Call program. Events will be telecast on NBC Sept. 26, Oct. 3 and Oct. 10.
 
The Equine Village. AAEP staff and member volunteers will be on hand to offer equine health care resources and help promote the AAEP at the Equine Village, a unique venue for equine industry groups.
 
AAEP Headquarters. The AAEP’s home office is conveniently located at the National Horse Center on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park. Members are invited to stop in the office during the Games for hospitality and business assistance.
 
In addition, the AAEP, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital and Alltech are sponsoring a Veterinary Sport Horse Symposium held Sept. 22-24 in conjunction with the Games. A Sport Horse Owner Workshop will be held Friday, Sept. 24.  For more information about the two educational events, visit www.aaep.org.
 
The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse.  Currently, the AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 10,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.

Sept 7th Shaker Village - Heather's Blog

Reynolds Racing Blog

Tuesday, 07 September 2010
Today was pretty tame. We all met for a 7:30 breakfast at the dining hall of Shaker Village. There were candles on each table as well as pitchers of juice. It was a buffet. Very pleasant, Ellen and my favorite part was the perfectly crispy bacon. It is rare to find it done the way we like it.

After the breakfast we had a brief meeting and headed to the barn. We put the first set of horses on the walker.

After the walking, all of the horse/rider combos went one at a time in 15 min increments practicing bullet hand offs. (This is where you get handed a jug of water to pour on your horse as you fly by on horseback). That was fun and time well spent. It was windy so we all got fairly wet.

Jeremy and I rode Sam and Smitty after this. They were great. We did a really nice 12 miles at a rapid clip. They are both looking fabulous!...

Read more here:
http://www.reynoldsracing.us/heathers_blog/view/309/sept_7th_shaker_village

EEE: New York Confirms First Case in 2010

Thehorse.com

by: Edited Press Release
September 02 2010, Article # 16899

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker announced the state's first confirmed equine case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) this year on Aug. 27. The affected horse was a 2-year old gelding kept in Oswego County. EEE is a rare viral disease of horses and humans that is spread by infected mosquitoes. To date, there have been no reported nor confirmed human cases of EEE in 2010.

"New York's abundant water sources and humid climate unfortunately make the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and the EEE virus," Commissioner Hooker said. "Therefore, we highly encourage horse owners to protect their animals and consider vaccinating for EEE. The EEE vaccine has proven to drastically reduce the incidence of the virus in horses and can be easily administered by a private veterinarian."

The infected horse was purchased at a New York auction earlier this year. The young horse had an unknown vaccination history at the time of purchase and was not vaccinated after purchase. Last week, the gelding was showing typical signs of EEE, including loss of appetite, circling and leaning against the stall, and after examination by a private veterinarian, was euthanized. Brain samples were sent to the New York State Department of Health's Wadsworth Laboratory and tested positive for EEE. To date, the other horses on the same premises are not showing any signs of EEE and have since been vaccinated.

EEE is found mainly along the East Coast, affects the central nervous system of horses, and usually results in death in horses. Symptoms in equines include staggering, circling, depression, loss of appetite and sometimes fever and blindness. Humans cannot become infected by handling an infected horse, nor can a horse acquire the virus from another infected horse; however, the presence of an infected horse in the area indicates that mosquitoes carrying EEE are present and infected mosquitoes pose a threat to both humans and horses.

While there is no treatment, nor cure for this disease, vaccines are available and found to be effective in protecting horses from this virus. The vaccines are effective for six to twelve months, so horses should be vaccinated at least annually. In an area where the disease occurs frequently, such as Oswego County, most veterinarians recommend vaccination every six months. For the vaccine to be effective it must be handled and administered properly and be given at least two weeks before the horse is exposed to the virus.

Other methods of preventing EEE in horses and humans is to control mosquito populations, which can be done by destroying standing water, using insect repellents and removing animals from mosquito-infested areas during peak biting times, usually dusk to dawn. Horse owners and caretakers are also advised to wear light colored clothing, long sleeves and pants when tending horse in areas where mosquitoes may be present.

Shaker Village - Reynolds Racing

Reynolds Racing - Heather's Blog

Monday, 6 September 2010

We have now been in Shaker Village for a week. Almost all of the riders are here. Meg has not arrived yet but both of her horses have been here and Michelle Roush and her horse arrived yesterday and we got to see Emmit, the ride manager for the World Championship.

Jeremy went straight to work on assembling the Supreme Horse Walker the first day we were here. There was a problem with the fencing as they had not been arranged for. Jason Stasuk fixed that problem with a few phone calls. We are in full operation with the walker going for two sets a day.

The housing we have is nice. All riders got a room and each room has a full bathroom. Jeremy and I got two rooms so Deborah's crew, Emilio is staying in our extra at the moment. Something we were not expecting is that we are on our own for meals and there isn't a place to make food unless you can cook everything in a microwave and store enough stuff for 14 people in one hotel room size fridge!

The horses are healthy and things are looking good. All of the people here are getting along well...

Read more here:
http://www.reynoldsracing.us/heathers_blog/view/306/shaker_village

Great Britain: I Think She's Ready!

Beccybroughton's WEG Countdown Blog

Sunday, 5 September 2010

So I think my little Java is ready to get the job done. So we cantered on Friday. The plan: 16km canter @ approx 22kph. MMmm. Miss Java started very nicely and we trotted around the 3km stubble field which has become very sandy since combining. However from that point it deteriated. She wanted to go faster and I wanted to start at around 18kph building up to a finishing pace of around 24kph. But Oh No... we should obviously be starting at 24kph!

So Java being quite difficult to ride on occassions, and so it bagan- The Clash of The Titans!!!!!! After the 3rd loop of riding with all my mite trying not to use my hands and instead ride her from my backside I decided it was safer for everyone if we went back to school so picked a corner and did exactly that. Round and round in circles, changing reins and half halting, Java chomping at the bit getting crosser and crosser but I finally got her back in work mode and managed to get a nice canter back around the field and decided to call it a day. Mind you we went round and round in circles for so long that we still did 16km!...

Read more here:
http://beccybroughton.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-think-shes-ready.html

Shaker Village - "The Machine"

FEIRedhorse Blog - Story and pictures

Sunday, September 5, 2010


The first few days were spent putting together "The Machine". Very nice variable speed, 6 horse exerciser. We had some horse panels donated, just to use, by a local TSC store. It went together pretty nicely and at one point had about 10 people working on it. Usually all 6 slots are filled, both for the AM and the PM works. Quite a few people on the team have these type of walkers and use them extensively. MONK has been in one before but only maybe for a total of 2 hours and two separate times. They seem to take to it quickly and hopefully are relatively safe. Some of the fancy ones I saw at the big barns are enclosed with shredded rubber for the surface and you can customize the workout. This one is a basic model that you do everything manually on.

More:
http://feiredhorse.blogspot.com/2010/09/shaker-village-machine.html

National equestrian championship to be held at H Cooper Black

Thecherawchronicle.com - full article

by Matt Smith

The H. Cooper Black Jr., Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area will have a chance to showcase some of the best equestrian riders on Oct. 10-17 as the local park hosts the 2010 American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) National Championships.

The event will pit almost 200 riders from across the country in a 55-mile and 100-mile race to name a national champion.

This is the first time that the AERC has held their national championships in South Carolina.

The national championship festivities will officially kick off on Oct. 12 when race participants register at H. Cooper Black recreation facility. A potluck dinner will be held for racers and their teams before a pre-race veterinary inspection of the horses is held on Oct. 13.

Cheraw Tourism Director Phil Powell said that the event could have a positive impact on the town’s economy.

“It’s a national event that will have riders and support people from over 30 states,” said Powell. “This is an opportunity to introduce the Cheraw community to the riders and their teams. By having them utilize shops, this event will have a positive economic impact on the area. We hope to continue to have events here at H. Cooper Black and have them prosper here because there are economic ties to the city from these events..."

Read more here:
http://www.thecherawchronicle.com/view/full_story/9353305/article-National-equestrian-championship-to-be-held-at-H--Cooper-Black?instance=secondary_news_left_column

Head for Sand Hills!

Myhorse.com - Full Article

Story by Genie Stewart-Spears

With a combined 46,000 acres of rolling hills, long-leaf pine forests, and open fields, Sand Hills State Forest and H. Cooper Black Jr. Memorial Field Trial and Recreation Area is a top Southeast destination for trail riders. Located in north-central South Carolina, between Hartsville and Patrick, the H. Cooper Black in particular is the ideal staging and camping spot for your horseback excursion.

"You can ride all day and not see a human being, just forest creatures - beautiful black fox, squirrels, deer, turkey, and, if you have a keen eye, the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker," says Patsy Gowen, an endurance rider and American Endurance Ride Conference ride manager who developed a unique trail system there.

"The entire area is beautiful," Gowen continues. "In the spring, iris, dogwoods, yellow jasmine, and other wildflowers are in bloom. Sand Hills is also a working forest, with logging pine-needle harvesting. With the underbrush cleared out, you can see far into the forest."

The South Carolina State Park Service, which is extremely horse-friendly, manages H. Cooper Black. There are three entrances, and you can arrive anytime; there are no gated entries. And you don't need a permit to ride on its 7,000 acres and 20 miles of marked trails...

Read more here:
http://myhorse.com/head-sand-hills.html

Horse-rider partnership endures through grueling 24-hour race

Rapidcityjournal.com - Full Article

Jennifer Garreau Special to the Journal
rapidcityjournal.com | Posted: Saturday, September 4, 2010

On July 24, Paschal and Deb Karl saddled up to attempt the 55th Annual Tevis Cup Western States 100-mile, one-day endurance ride. In one of the most challenging and technically difficult endurance rides in the world, horse-and-rider teams are tested through grueling terrain through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in hot, July temperatures.

Riders and their mounts have 24 hours to complete 100 miles of narrow, rocky and slippery shale trails with sheer drop offs into the abyss and treacherous, hoof-sucking bogs. Teams must ford rivers, cross high mountain bridges, negotiate rocky climbs and 105 switchback descents.

In June, Time magazine listed the Tevis Cup as one of the top 10 endurance competitions in the world, along with the Tour de France bicycle race and the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, among others.

“Half of all endurance riders are afraid of the Tevis,” Paschal Karl said. Statistically, only half of the riders finish it. This year, 96 riders, or 52.7 percent, completed the ride. To date, 9,102 riders have started the ride since its inception in 1955 and 4,946 have completed it...

Read more here:
http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/sports/article_510a5e8a-b7aa-11df-ace8-001cc4c002e0.html

Back in Illinois - Heather Reynolds' Blog

Reynolds Racing Blog - Full Article

Sunday, 29 August 2010
On Sunday the 22 of Aug I went to Yosemite and stayed overnight to hike Half Dome with my parents and sisters and some friends. We hiked on Monday and then drove home that night. Jeremy had too many horses to shoe so we sadly went without him. He has done the hike a few times already so it wasn't too horrible for him, although I am sure he would have loved to have gone.

We got back on Monday night around 11:45 pm and then I packed up my bag and got everything ready for my 10 am flight for Tuesday morning. When our tickets to fly were booked, we booked them round trip from the time trial in Illinois to CA and back. Originally I was going to go with Jeremy to Deborah Reich's house and then to home. Unfortunately her dogs got mange from the local fox and I had my ticket changed to go directly home as Merlin was traveling with us. Because of this, on our return trip Jeremy and I were on two separate flights at different times on different airlines from two different airports.

Tim drove Jeremy to San Francisco for a 7 am departure and my Mom drove me to San Jose for a 10 am departure. We meet up in Chicago and drove to Jan and Grace's house. It is about 2 and 1/2 hours from their house. We landed on the 24th and I have yet to see my baggage... it is the 29th today! Delta.

Our horses were great when we arrived with the exception of a sunburn on Smitty's nose. Poor guy, it was bright red and cracked. It looks a lot better now. Their weight was both good though and they were in good spirits...

Read more here:
http://www.reynoldsracing.us/heathers_blog/view/305/back_in_illinois

Italy: Endurance, let me introduce you to ISHA and to her story of love and horses

Sportendurance.it - Full Article

Pubblicato il 03 settembre 2010 in Endurance

Among many encounters experienced in the world of horses, there is an important one… a person who left me a special impression.

Isha Judd is Australian but can be considered “daughter of the world” due to her trips in many countries. She decided to bring her horses to Italy, in the region of Abruzzo where they will be trained.

The choice fell on the new born stables “La Divina” property of Mirco Mazzocchetti and of Oscar Bacot owner of the farm Aras de l’Alma in Punta de l’Este together with his wife Veronica Koncke, a well known rider in Italy too.

His horses will start training in Italy and then they will depart to different destinations attending Italian races first...

Read more here:
http://www.sportendurance.it/2739-endurance-let-me-introduce-you-to-isha-and-to-her-story-of-love-and-horses/

Great Britain: West quartet prepare to show their grit in test

Thisisbristol.co.uk - Full Article

September 3 2010

On the one hand, Christine Yeoman is a lucky lady. She lives in a huge house, with lots of land and custom-built equine facilities for her string of eight or so top-class horses. She has a very supportive husband and she is shortly to fly to the USA to represent Britain at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky.

On the other hand, she has multiple sclerosis (although it is not bothering her at the moment) and her chosen sport is so punishing on her body that it has so far led to three operations.

But the Christine I met certainly wasn't complaining. Bright and smiley, she has the air of someone both comfortable and confident in who she is and what she does. And justifiably so. A stalwart of the British team for several years, Christine is next month heading to her fifth international championship – and has high hopes of success.

This will be her second WEG; the first was four years ago in Aachen, Germany, when she was 17th. This time she's hoping for a team medal. "I think we have a very good chance," she said. "We have a very, very good team and it is achievable."

With that longed-for medal in the bag, her highest personal goal would be achieved. Along the way she has travelled the world, competing in Asia and in Europe, where she has won and come second in 120km races in France...

Read more here:
http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/entertainmentnews/West-quartet-prepare-grit-test/article-2601412-detail/article.html

ENDURANCE INSPIRED SCULPTURE ON DISPLAY DURING WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES

Moraffee, a table top bronze sculpture by Lisa Sharpe, has been accepted to the prestigious American Academy of Equine Art juried show and will be on display during the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, USA.

Moraffee was inspired by the infamous Cougar Rock climb encountered during the Tevis Cup endurance race in California. She is depicting a playful working Arabian mare dreaming about the fun of the climb. The sculpture is a new release and is limited to an edition of 10. The piece is approximately 11 ½” tall by 11” long and 3 ½” wide and will be available for purchase for $4100 USD.

The American Academy of Equine Art was established in 1980 by a group of ten distinguished artists, individually famed for their work on equine subjects. Their aim was to maintain a degree of excellence within the genre, and to promote the academic representation of the equine form in drawing, painting and sculpture. Each fall the Academy hosts a Juried Exhibition of original equine art selecting from the many applications.

This year the show will be held from September 17, 2010 to October 22, 2010 at the Scott County Arts and Cultural Center/Gallery located only minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park in Georgetown. Gallery hours will be extended hours during the World Equestrian Games from September 25-October 10, 2010. Come by and meet Lisa Sharpe at the gallery reception on Friday September 17 from 6:30 to 9:00 pm or Saturday at noon.

If you are unable to attend please contact the Artist, Lisa Sharpe before the show at lisa.sharpe@hotmail.com for more information on acquiring a piece of this limited sculpture.

For more information on the AAEA contact:
American Academy of Equine Art 
Frances Clay Conner, Executive Director
, PO Box 1364
Georgetown, KY 40324
Tel: 859-281-6031

US Endurance Team finds a home at Shaker Village

Kentucky.com - Full Article

September 2 2010

By Greg Kocher - gkocher1@herald-leader.com

harrodsburg — They were industrious and famous for woodworking and animal husbandry, but the 1800s religious sect known as the Shakers weren't known for their athleticism.

However, for the next three weeks, a restored historic settlement in Mercer County, will host some of the top equestrian riders in the world. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is where the U.S. Endurance Team will train for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Shaker Village has hosted everything from craft shows to education-reform roundtables for years. But "we have never been a training camp before, so this is a new experience for us," said Madge Adams, president and CEO of the site.

Endurance is essentially a 100-mile horse race with five compulsory stops for veterinarians to check the horses' fitness to continue. The competitor who finishes the ride in the shortest time wins.

Shaker Village was selected as a training site because it was close to the Kentucky Horse Park, where the Games will be held Sept. 25 to Oct. 10, said Vonita Bowers, director of endurance for the U.S. Equestrian Federation. She and endurance coach Becky Hart — called a chef d'equipe in the endurance world — visited several sites last year...

Read more here:
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/09/02/1418417/us-endurance-team-finds-a-home.html

The electrolyte debate heats up

Veterinarynews.dvm360.com - Full Article

Sep 1, 2010
By: Kenneth L. Marcella, DVM
DVM NEWSMAGAZINE

To supplement or not to supplement—and, if so, how much—is the question in these dog days of summer

At an equine endurance competition at Big South Fork National Forest in Tennessee this summer, the combined heat and humidity pushed the heat index to a dangerous 150 degrees. Intense heat and humidity have been the norm for much of the country this year, but equine athletic events continue to be held. During these dog days of summer, equine veterinarians must be aware of and prepared to treat the potential problems facing equine athletes performing under these harsh conditions.

Often clients will consult their veterinarians regarding conditioning, nutrition, supplementation and managing horses exercising in extreme heat. These recommendations have traditionally included electrolyte supplementation. Joe Pagan, PhD, of Kentucky Equine Research calls electrolytes "essential nutrients for the performance horse," and adds that along with being essential for maximal performance, electrolyte supplementation "helps horses rebound from hard work sooner, return to feed quicker and begin the necessary rebuilding phase that occurs after exertion."

The essential elements of the electrolyte debate used to be which electrolyte mix to recommend, how much to use and when to administer it...

Read more here:
http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/Equine+medicine/The-electrolyte-debate-heats-up/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/684684?contextCategoryId=40534

Shagya Arabian to compete in the USA WEG Trials

American Shagya Arabian Verband

August 30th, 2010

Kentucky owned and bred Shagya Arabian horse SA Belshazzar will compete in the USA WEG Trials to determine the national USA WEG Endurance Team at Shaker Hill in the next few weeks. He is owned and bred by Daunna Sellers (859-485-4403) of Verona, Kentucky and is Registered with the American Shagya Arabian Verband (ASAV) a Kentucky Non-Profit Corporation that registers the Shagya Arabian Horse in the USA. Contact person: Darlene Steven, past President, founding member lives in Finchville, Kentucky (502-419-7638)

Belshazzar will be staying in Henryville for two days before leaving for the trials. On Tuesday, August 31st the ASAV will host a media meet and greet from 10 am to 3pm at Connie Caudill’s Farm in Henryville. (see directions below) In attendance will be SA Belshazzar (the WEG shagya arabian horse), Ellen Rapp the rider, Daunna Sellers the owner, Darlene Steven ASAV media rep, Connie Caudill, AERC President (American Endurance Ride Conference) who represents the USA as the volunteer coordinator for WEG endurance competitions. (812-967-5973)

Reporters will be able to take photos, video, talk with the people above, and interact with the horse. He will leave for Shaker Hill on Wednesday, so this is a one day event.

Story factoids:

SA Belshazzar is fathered by Bayram who stands at Seller’s Farm in Verona. Mother is Jayel TongaFarah, both owned by Sellers. He is a grey Shagya Arabian who stands 15.1 hands tall and is 13 years old. He is being ridden by Ellen Rapp and longtime endurance rider from LaMotte, Iowa. Both Ellan and “Zar” have been trained by Jeremy Olson. He is owned by Daunna Sellers of Verona, Kentucky who has bred and raised shagya arabians for over 20 years and is a founding member and breed registrar for the ASAV. Sellers also owns Bayram the sire of “Zar” as he is fondly refer to by everyone who loves him. Bayram’s sire Oman was also the sire of SMR Fayette de Cameo who won the Tevis Cup in 2002 and the Haggin Cup. The Tevis is known as the most grueling 100 mile endurance race in the country.

Hungares, also a Shagya Arabian Horse was the 2006 WEG Endurance Champion was bred by Babolna, the State Stud for breeding horses in Hungary. The horse was owned by Spaniard, Miguel Vila Ubach.

The American Shagya Arabian Verband will hold its 5th National Membership meeting during the first weekend of WEG September 24th - 27th. The meeting will include a Shagya Arabian Judge’s Seminar with Dr. Walter Huber and Dr. Egon Kamarasy both certified International Shagya Judges. The seminar will start on Saturday September 25th break for the WEG Games Opening Ceremony and Endurance 100 mile Race on Sunday, to be continued on Monday the 27th. The membership meeting will be held on Friday evening at Buckcreek Farm in Finchville, Ky. The meeting is open to everyone for free. There is a cost for the Judges Seminar please check the ASAV Webpage for details. www.shagyaregistry.com.

This will be the fourth time the ASAV has held it’s national meeting in Shelby County, Kentucky. Darlene Steven owns Buckcreek Farm and has bred Shagya Arabian for close to 25 years says, “She is excited to have this Shagya Arabian Judges Seminar at her farm. It will be the first time such an extensive and educational event has been held in the USA.” The Shagya Arabian is a rare and endangered breed of horse with less then 2000 breeding animals worldwide. The breed was developed by the former Austro Hungarian Empire of the Habsburg Family, where as after WW II, was segregated into the former East Block of Nations with very few animals outside of those countries. The first record of Shagya Arabians imported to the United States were with the horses with also included Lipizzaners and Purebred Arabians that were imported by General Patton for the U. S. Cavalry at the end of the war. Since that time, individual breeders have imported Shagya Arabian from Europe which today have formed a collection of breeding animals across the United States with a largest group being bred in the Pacific Coast and the Midwest.

Dr. Walter Huber is on the Board of Directors of the Internationale Shagya Araber Geselleshaft and will be the lead clinician for the event. Huber is known as a horsemen and international judge in Europe. Dr. Egon Kamarasy is a retired Professor from the University of Illinois at Carbondale. He was born in Hungary in the 1920’s and was part of the Hungarian Cavalry after WW II came to the United States and became a Political Science Professor. He will assist at the event and is also a ISG International Judge who has officiated at a number of Hungarian Horse Shows

WEG 2010: FIeld of 168

Horsebytes Blog - Monica Bretherton

The Alltech World Equestrian Games are galloping towards us, I was reminded last week, with less than thirty days to the opening ceremony. The official press release I received announced that there are 168 riders nominated for Endurance, representing 26 countries.

That's a full field. Granted, it will be narrowed down a little by September 20th, the day on which final entries will be announced - but not by all that much. 156 horses started at the WEG in Aachen in 2006.

The rules allow each country a team of 5, with the 3 top performances counting for the team effort. To have a team, you must have at least three horse and rider pairs. All team riders participating will be competing for individual placement as well, while some nations will only have individual riders.

Many countries have already announced their final teams: Australia, Belgium, Great Britain, New Zealand, Spain and South Africa, among others. Because of the distances they will be traveling and the requirement for the horses to be in Kentucky for a quarantine period, with the first international horses arriving September 16th, there is not a lot of reason for continued suspense.

The Canadians have listed their nominations as team and alternates. The United States, however, is taking full advantage of being on their home continent by waiting until the last minute to make final team selections and their nominations are unranked. This will allow Chef d'Equipe Becky Hart to make strategic choices based not only on current horse condition and rider teamwork, but possibly even weighted by the expected weather on September 26th, race day. She is holding her cards very close...

Read more here:
http://blog.seattlepi.com/horsebytes/archives/219899.asp?from=blog_last3

13-year-old completes endurance ride on horseback

Newarkadvocate.com - Full Article

DREW BRACKEN • Sentinel Correspondent • September 1, 2010

Paige Underwood, 13, of Granville, completed 125 miles of the Shore-to-Shore Endurance ride -- a horse race that tests stamina and strength as well as speed -- this summer. It started in Oscoda, Mich., and ended in Empire, Mich.

"The goal is to finish in the least amount of time, but you also have to finish with a horse in good shape," said her mother, Karla Underwood. "So you can't expect to win if your horse is half-dead."

Paige, an eighth-grader, rode with her mentor, Leah Palestrant, of Johnstown, 25 miles per day for five days. Paige rode on her 10-year-old Arabian named Apollo while Palestrant rode alongside her with her 6-year-old Arabian, Jordan...

Read more here:
http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20100901/COMMUNITIES02/9020313

Endurance riding already has fans in southern Indiana

Courier-journal.com - Full Article

By Jennie Rees • jrees@courier-journal.com • August 30, 2010

HENRYVILLE, Ind. — Kentucky may be known as the horse capital of the world, but you have to cross the Ohio River into Southern Indiana to find the heartbeat of endurance horse riding in the Midwest.

Henryville, about 20 miles north of Louisville, is a hotbed for endurance riding because of nearby Clark State Forest, which has almost 100 miles of horse trails amid its 26,000 acres.

Endurance is one of the eight equine disciplines that will be showcased at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington from Sept. 25 through Oct. 10, with a 100-mile endurance race set for Sept. 26.

It's a sport that tests both the horse and rider.

“Every ride, I think, ‘Why are we doing this?'” said Cindy Young, who drives from her home in Spencer County, Ky., to Henryville several days a week to train. “Because it's either hot, the flies are bad, the conditions are miserable, there's mud on the trail. Then you're finished, and you go, ‘Oh my gosh, we just finished! That was excellent!'”

The sport started in California in 1954, with its main base on the West and East coasts...

Read more here:
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100830/WEG/308300087/-1/cust01/Endurance+riding+already+has+fans+in+southern+Indiana

Back Country Horsemen of America Monitors U.S. Forest Service Trail Re-Classification

August 26, 2010
For further information, Contact
Peg Greiwe, BCHA
1-888-893-5161

by Sarah Wynne Jackson

Back Country Horsemen of America, the nationwide organization that leads the fight of preserving our right to ride horses on public lands, continues to be actively involved in the U.S. Forest Service’s trail re-classification.

The Power of the Individual

Back Country Horsemen of America values the dedication and hard work of its members. The national body has put the responsibility of overseeing the implementation of the new classification system in the hands of the folks who use the land. Each individual BCHA unit will communicate with the managers responsible for the trails local to that unit. In this way, through open conversation, a long lasting working relationship will be formed, helping to ensure that horses will continue to be allowed on our favorite trails.

U.S. Forest Service Deputy Chief Joel Holtrop has been a steadfast ally who is dedicated to safeguarding the historic uses of our wilderness lands trails. He has committed to make available upon request information regarding the Forest Service’s management objective for each trail countrywide. This information will make it simpler for local horsemen to determine if current trail objectives are consistent with historical classifications.

If the BCH group finds that the management objective for a given trail that was historically used for horses does not allow pack and saddle stock, that group will then begin a discussion with that district ranger to determine the justification for not managing the trail for pack and saddle stock.

For trails that are not designated to be maintained for horses and mules, the area BCH unit will request that the line officer disclose the planning document(s) and the public involvement process used in determining the uses for which the trail will be managed.

As appropriate, Back Country Horsemen groups will negotiate with the local district ranger or forest supervisor to have the trail management objectives changed to reflect a managed use for pack and saddle stock.

In the interest of preserving the spirit of partnership, this strategy will provide the Forest Service with every reasonable means to defend a change in the physical characteristics of a trail as the result of implementing the new classification system, or to amend their data to reflect characteristics in place prior to implementation of the new trail classification system.

In 1999, the Forest Service began to design a new trail classification system, but failed to allow public involvement as required by the National Forest Management Act. After numerous failed attempts to gain an audience with the agency, BCHA was forced to litigate in 2005. The court ruled in the horsemen’s favor.

Since then, the Forest Service has listened to concerned citizens and taken into consideration the needs of horsemen as well as other user groups as they redesigned the trail classification system. Prior to BCHA involvement, the new pack and saddle stock parameters were marginal. Through subsequent communications with the Forest Service they have negotiated pack and saddle stock parameters that will safeguard our historic access to National Forest System lands.


Working Together

Back Country Horsemen of America recognize the need for horse folks to get involved in monitoring the implementation of the new trail classification program. Otherwise, we may find that our favorite trails are no longer managed to a standard appropriate for horses and mules.

The goal of BCHA is to determine if land managers have assigned new trail classes that would not accommodate pack and saddle stock on trails that were historically accessible to stock. If so, did the agency involve the public and follow an approved land management planning process as agreed in the court decision?

Back Country Horsemen of America have always seen themselves as partners with the Forest Service in preserving and protecting our back country resource. Continuing in that attitude, BCHA plans to achieve their objective in a spirit of teamwork with land managers.

The Trail Classification System is still new. It is not inconceivable, at this preliminary stage, that district rangers are not yet aware that the management objectives for a trail might be a concern for horsemen or reflect a change in the historical status for the trail. BCHA considers its efforts to be that of helping the agency validate and update its records.


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 regarding 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!

Highway to Hell

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

by Mark Henderson | Horse-Canada September/October 2010

On long, hot trailer hauls, should you leave the upper back doors open or closed? Here’s a tale that ends all debate on the topic.

Chrystal Woodhouse was just easing back into the passenger seat after stopping at a roadside restaurant with husband, Rob, as they resumed their trip back to Canada. Their young daughters were in the back seat and Miss T Moonlight was munching on hay in the trailer. They were on their way home from the Old Dominion 100-mile endurance ride in northern Virginia. Chrystal didn’t quite complete the event. She had to pull her horse up after 90 miles because of a stone bruise. Apart from the disappointment of not finishing, it had been a perfect family weekend.

They were just outside Breezewood, Pennsylvania, south east of Pittsburgh, and had only been on the interstate for minutes when Chrystal noticed something odd out of the corner of her eye in the rear view mirror. It was brown, like a deer, a dog or a coyote or something, tumbling or rolling behind them on the highway.

After gazing in silence for a few seconds, the realization of what it was came into sharp focus and struck like a bolt of lightning. She uttered a few incoherent words, then screamed at the top of her lungs; “that’s my horse, that’s my horse - pull over, now, now, stop!” ...

Read more here!
http://www.horse-canada.com/?p=3902

FEI World Games to boost US Horse Economy

Examiner.com - Full Article

August 26 2010

Jennifer Garreau
Rapid City Equestrian Examiner

The 2010 World Equestrian Games will be held September 25th through October 10th at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. It will represent the largest equine sporting event ever held in the United States. The venue will host more than 900 competitors and their 1,300 horses from 58 countries, requiring the largest single importation of horses into the United States since World War II.

This is the first time since the Games began in 1990, that the event has been held outside of Europe. Prior Games have been held in Sweden, Italy, Spain and the 2006 Games were held in Aachen, Germany. The 2014 Games will be held in Normandy, France. The first Games in 1990 involved six disciplines – Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Driving, Endurance Riding and Vaulting. In 2002, the discipline of Reining which is dominated by the American Quarter Horse was added. This year Para Dressage was added, which is a Dressage competition for the physically and mentally handicapped.

It is also the first time the Games have been held in a single venue, as there is not another facility worldwide, other than the Kentucky Horse Park that has the facilities to host such a large event...

Read more here:
http://www.examiner.com/equestrian-in-rapid-city/fei-world-games-to-boost-us-horse-economy

Endurance Rider Kathy Brunjes (USA) Follows the U.S. Endurance Selection Trials for the 2010 Games

Kathy Brunjes - 2010AlltechWEG.blogspot.com

August 26, 2010

Endurance riders vying for a spot to represent the U.S. endurance community at the 2010 WEG participated in three separate selection trials during the 10-day period of June 18-27th.

Central started the process off with 14 nominated riders and 17 horses gathering in Danville, IL for an 80-mile trial that would demonstrate speed and stamina. Unfortunately weather conditions cut the trial short (to 54 miles) and speed could not be demonstrated due to footing on the course – rain and wind caused mud, wet fields and slippery grass, swollen creeks and trees crashing down across trails. Heat and humidity tested the horses and riders for the 54 miles. Veteran international endurance riders Valerie Kanavy, Margaret Sleeper, DVM, Michele Roush, DVM, Jan Worthington and Ellyn Rapp, along with some newer candidates (Kim Orr, Deborah Reich) successfully completed their shortened trial.

East sponsored the next trial at the Fair Hills location (Elkton, MD) with nine horse/rider combinations presenting. The course was 80 miles, and weather cooperated this time around for riders. Heat and humidity was again a factor, and tested both horses and riders. Four riders completed the course successfully (Nicki Meuten, DVM, Lisa Green, Deborah Reich and Meg Sleeper, DVM)...

http://2010alltechweg.blogspot.com/2010/08/endurance-rider-kathy-brunjes-usa.html

FEI Redhorse: Kentucky

http://feiredhorse.blogspot.com
Kentucky


100 Acre Farm in Nicholasville, KY

Trying to remember why I abandoned my nice comfortable life to live in a box with wheels for months on end. Actually not that bad, been to some very interesting places and met some wonderful people, an experience that I will always hold dear.



Danville to Kentucky was not too far, about 7 hours, but it was nice and hot, highest temp I saw was 97. Just as I got into town the AT&T network went down so could not call Ron Brown to get the final few miles of directions to the farm.

Arrived in Nicholasville, KY at about 1:30 PM on Thursday the 16 of August. Ron has 100 acres in the middle of a upper scale neighborhood, just seconds from the Hwy, we are about 15 miles to Shaker Village and the same to Lexington Horse Park, so perfect. He has two very large older barns that are in good repair. Ron's dream is to have really nice boarding and exercise facility.

MONK loves Kentucky, as do I. He likes that green stuff they put on the ground, they have a little in California, but it goes away fast. Here he has it has far as the eye can see, he runs in it, rolls in it and then eats it, what more could you ask.. He has quite a routine when I give him his hay and grain as I can hear him right outside the trailer door. He eats a little hay, some grain and then some of that green stuff, and so it goes...


During the day time MONK goes into a large 4 board pasture of maybe 4 acres or so which is next to the dry lot which is reserved for the weight loss patients. He runs the fence line with some of the more able, but mostly just hangs out and eats. Mid day, during the heat of the day I try and put him into a stall for a few hours to get away from the sun and the flies. When I get him out I wash and disinfect his pasterns and reapply my zinc oxide. Currently only a couple of very tiny spots of scratches.. They don't call them that here in Kentucky, will have to remember to find out what they do...

...more

Endurance Event Volunteer's Introduction to WEG

Thehorse.com
21 Aug 2010, 12:10 AM

The first step in my adventure as a volunteer for the endurance phase of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games was taken July 26, 2010, when I attended my first volunteer training meeting. It is estimated there will be about 8,000 volunteers and World Equestrian Games Foundation staff working during the Games. Many of the workers have come from places other than the Lexington area, taking their vacations to volunteer. The room was abuzz with excitement about what was to come, the anticipation heightened by a beautiful promotional video played on a big screen in the front of the room.

We were told that the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will be the largest equine event ever held in the United States, and the largest, over the 14 days, sporting event ever held in Kentucky. Just typing this sentence gives me chills! I have attended the Kentucky Derby many times, never considering the logistical and safety challenges the staff of that event must face. When I think of Derby day, I think of traffic problems. During the World Games, traffic heading to the Horse Park will be re-routed directionally so all traffic enters from one direction and exits heading the opposite direction. All left turns into and out of the Park are eliminated, which will speed up the overall traffic flow. Several different traffic and parking scenarios have been proposed so everyone attending the Games should remember that the traffic, the lines, the crowds, and the excitement level will be on a grand scale. Car-pool. Be patient. Be courteous—words to live by.

At this training session we were given a few tips about cultural differences in behavior and saw a video about conflict resolution. A list of responsibilities and expectations was discussed which included things like where the volunteers are to park, check in times, wearing clean uniforms, and that we are not to light fires. Now I enjoy a crackling campfire but I would not think of starting one at the Horse Park! We were told what to do if someone approaches and states that they want to “defect.” If anyone in the room did not understand that this will be an international event, perhaps this discussion drove the point home. There will be people from 59 countries participating in the games. You know they are going to love our beautiful Bluegrass area!

As volunteers we must wear specific uniforms that consist of provided polo shirts, a jacket, a hat (we must wear the bill forward) and a cinch pack for the personal things we need to survive our shift. We are to wear long khaki pants, but they are not provided. I do not know what the shirts will look like yet, but they will surely be better than the ones we were given for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. I worked there as an equine therapist, happily wearing the way-oversized shirt with its gaudy design of blue and turquoise loops and circles. You could easily pick out the workers in a crowd and perhaps that is the idea. As during the Olympics, workers will all have an accreditation pass to enter the Park. We must show this pass for access to our venue.

My work venue will be the endurance test, which is like a marathon race. The horses will run a 160-kilometer course laid out through the Park and surrounding farms. Team and individual championships will be determined and the veterinary commission will select a horse that finishes in the best condition. I truly look forward to watching this demanding event and to doing my small part to make it happen. I will be checking back in with updates as we get closer to the opening of the Games. See you there!

...full article at http://cs.thehorse.com/blogs/behind-scenes-weg/archive/2010/08/21/endurance-event-volunteer-s-introduction-to-weg.aspx

WEG: FIRST USA BRED SHAGYA ON SHORT LIST FOR WEG ENDURANCE

SA Belshazzar (Bayram x Jay El Tongafarah ox) named by USEF to go to Shaker Village. First USA Shagya to travel to Dubai, UAE to race in the President's Cup. First USA Shagya to do a 100 miles in 9 hours 17 min.
In 2006, a purebred Shagya won the WEG endurance 100 mile endurance race and "Zar's" breeder, Daunna Sellers,
of Verona, Ky. is wishing for another Shagya win. The Shagya breed is a rarity in the horse world with only about 150
breeding animals in the U.S. It's versatility has been proven, as the Shagya excels in all the disciplines, but lately it
has found a niche in the endurance world.

According to the American Shagya Arabian Verband, inc. the breed originated in Hungary and has been developed since 1789 from purebred Arabian stock. Recognized in 1978 as a distinct breed by the World Arabian Horse Organization,
WAHO, the Shagya has struggled to comeback following WWII when it almost became extinct.

The Shagya registry is holding an annual meeting and a judging clinic Sept. 25 and 27th

-- The clinic will be held in Finchville,KY. (between Louisville/Lexington), just off the main hwy. and easy drive from WEG
grounds.
The registry is honored to have as clinician, Dr. Walter Huber, ISG judge and
renowned speaker.
Dr. Huber is interesting and fun and you will enjoy hearing about his lifetime
experience with the Shagya breed. He is a resident of Germany and vice president of http://www.shagya-isg.de/index.php

Information about the clinic and annual meeting may be found at www.shagyaregistry.com

Contributions and sponsors are welcomed to fund SA Belshazzar towards his quest for the WEG race. They
may be sent to ZAR Fund, 15918 Porter Rd., Verona, Ky. 41092

Horses, riders from WEG to work out at Shaker Village before games

Story at http://www.amnews.com/stories/2010/08/18/loc.142004.sto
By BEN KLEPPINGER
bkleppinger@amnews.com
August 18, 2010

PLEASANT HILL — Shaker Village has been selected to host the U.S. Equestrian Endurance Team in the run up to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games this fall.

A dozen horses and 10 riders will arrive at Shaker Village on Sept. 1, where they will do light conditioning work with the horses, Endurance Team Coach Becky Hart said. Riders will exercise the horses on a circular treadmill known as a ‘eurociser,’ climbing hills and doing some short canter, she said.

The riders also will keep in shape by going on hikes, jogging, bicycling and swimming.

Hart said the horses already are very fit and will need only minimal training before the games. On Sept. 17, the list of riders will be halved as the final five are selected to represent the U.S. at the games. Then the team will move to the World Equestrian games venue on Sept. 24.

Hart said the team chose Shaker Village because it had everything they were looking for, from stalls and access to trails, to living quarters close to the horses and on-site meals. Shaker Village also will provide the team with a nice level of privacy because it is a good distance away from Lexington, she said.

“Privacy and a place where we can retain our focus and dedication to winning a medal for the United States was an important part of opting for Shaker Village,” Hart said.

The World has Moved On, John di Pietra

My father passed away a couple of weeks ago. It's hard to believe that over twenty years has gone by since he first started toying with the idea of the ultimate endurance saddle. In the eighty's, as he was racing more and more, he was having a hard time finding a saddle that fit him and his horse and also had all of the comfort features that he thought were important. Rather quickly, it became a bit of an obsession for him. He had been the owner of a twenty some year old office supply and computer business but as he focused more on designing saddles his attention shifted away from business and he ended up losing his house and closing his business. He then moved into his warehouse and lived on credit cards for a couple of years as his reputation as a saddle maker slowly spread and he started taking orders for saddles.

He lived with such a passion for life and always pushed and tested himself constantly. He loved competition. Earlier in his life he competed in water skiing, quick draw competitions and raced speed boats. In the seventies he got his first horse and discovered endurance racing and spent the next thirty years competing all over the United States. He had over 50 first place finishes and in 1989 he was the National 100 Mile Champion. In 1992, he was Reserve Champion over all weight divisions in AERC sanctioned races. In 1995, at the age of 63, my dad finished 4th out of 250 entrants at the Tevis Cup 100 mile endurance ride. This ride is so tough that on average half of the competitors never see the finish line.

My wife and I feel very fortunate to have learned the art of saddle making from my father and to be able to work together to carry on the tradition. We are proud of the fact that what started as my dad's dream of the perfect endurance saddle has turned into a saddle company that can build any type of saddle: English, endurance, cutters, barrel, reiners, trail, ropers or any combination that our customers can dream up. I envision a day when we too will pass this business on to our children.

John Paul Di Pietra 1932-2010. He will be missed.

Dave

contact at synergist.mail@synergistsaddles.com

Kiwi Harris in good spirits after Mongol Derby effort

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

August 16, 2010

Reporting: Diana Dobson

The New Zealander who finished third in the 1000-kilometre Mongol Derby says the aches and pains are not nearly as bad as she imagined.

"I'm doing really well actually," said Madonna Harris, who is Equestrian Sports New Zealand's endurance high performance leader.

"I'm not anywhere near as sore as I thought I might be."

The Aucklander led for several days and remained in contention for most of the race, but in the end finished three hours behind American Justin Nelzen and two-time derby veteran Saskia van Heeren, from South Africa.

Nelzen and van Heeran ended the race only a few metres apart...

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/08/118.shtml

Top Ten - Heather Reynolds' Blog

Reynolds Racing - Heather's Blog

Thursday, 12 August 2010
Yesterday it was announced who was in the top ten for the USA World Endurance team. The top ten riders are: Ellyn Rapp, Michele Roush, Jan Worthington (our host), Meg Sleeper, Melody Blittersdorf, Lindsay Graham, Ceci Stasuik, Deborah Reich (friend and client) and Heather and Jeremy!!! It was really cool to make it. Sam and Smitty are both looking great.

It was a billion degrees yesterday and we all were putting up a healthy sweat as the announcements were made. Then there were discussions of future details and time lines...

Read more here:
http://www.reynoldsracing.us/heathers_blog/view/304/top_ten

Danville WEG final selection ride - Monk's blog

FEIRedhorse.blogspot.com - Full Article

Friday, August 13, 2010

"MONK goes to Shaker Village"

Lots of pictures in the Danville file on this link http://picasaweb.google.com/Webtackusa , there are I think two videos on that link.

What appears to be a nicely groomed trail is a ankle buster. I walked about 3 miles of the manicured trail and was surprised to find hoof sized holes, probably left over from the mud ride now covered with nice evenly cut grass..

MONK and Lindsay were in the saddle early. MONK was #1, and I guess you can read into that what you want too, I know I did. We had 6 horses in our group and I think there were 5 groups and the highest number I remember seeing was 26. Team #1 left at 5:45am, riders were out cantering their horses by 5:30am. Teams were spread 20 minutes apart.

Teams were allowed one groom, all other team members became crew to help cool down the incoming horses. When not helping others you could then go do your own thing with your horse.

Crew persons were down in numbers from the previous trials we had been too which hindered the process a little, but everybody worked together nicely and got the job done.

I was busy most of the time and did not keep track of the actual pulls but there were lots, and mostly for lameness...

Read more here:
http://feiredhorse.blogspot.com/2010/08/danville-weg-final-selection-ride.html

Linny and Sojourner ride from coast to coast

http://www.linnykenney.blogspot.com

On March 1, 2010, San Francisco based singer/songwriter Linny Kenney set off with her horse, Sojourner, on a cross country ride starting in CA heading to her childhood home in NH. Linny is riding in celebration of strong families and as an outreach to families dealing with divorce-related depression. The ride is about endurance, challenge, a love for the land, people, and the horse, and the beauty of slowing down to enjoy the moments.

"Hi!
I looked through your site and it looks like most of it is dedicated to endurance races, but if you're interested in sharing our story with your readers...I have been on my horse for nearly 6 months now, 2,115 miles. I have always dreamed of riding a horse across America since I was a little girl and now we are finally doing it. My best friend is in a support truck (no trailer) and slowly but surely we are making our way from Los Angeles, CA to Bath, New Hampshire!

Here is a link to my blog...

http://www.linnykenney.blogspot.com

The ride has shown the incredible trust, generosity, and openness that is still available in this country. It's been a pretty incredible ride full of stories that I would love to share with more people. If you have a section on your site for links or blogs maybe we could swap links on our sites?

Thanks for taking the time to read this! "

Linny

Mongol Derby: Day 6 update

http://mongolderby10.theadventurists.com/index.php?page=derby-news-template-field%20update
Dispatch from the field, race day six

Riders feel the heat
Just 13 riders remain in the fray for Mongol Derby glory. British Anna Bradbury and South African Elsa Post are riding at leisure, alternating between horses and back-up jeeps, and have retired from the competition after an exhausting first half.

The Mongolian climate has taken on some significance during the last two days of racing. Fierce heat yesterday may have ended Australian Alisa Vermay's hopes for victory. Having led the field away yesterday (Wednesday) morning, she succumbed to heat stroke and dehydration later in the day, and was held by the medical team at Urtuu 16. She responded very well to treatment but was advised to take a rest day today, and remains at Urtuu 16 with one of the Prometheus Medical team.

Today has been a good deal cooler and seen some heavy rainfall, throwing up a new set of challenges to the horses and riders.

The leading pack may have been split again today. We have had reports of a time penalty being imposed on one of the leading riders. Riders may have time penalties imposed by the vets if their horse fails its vet check, or by the back-up team if they stray too far away from the course. The penalty system is designed to protect the welfare of the horses and riders, and ensure a fair contest. At the end of day six, Saskia van Heeren and Justin Nelzen are at Urtuu 20, an urtuu clear of the next rider, Madonna Harris.

Madonna remains clear of the next group at Urtuu 18, Hilary Ponti representing the US, Sophie de Selliers of Belgium, Camilla Swift, Rhiannon Thomas, Anya Campbell and Richard Dyer of the UK. They are one urtuu ahead of Brit Susi Saddler and American Kat Swigart, who gamely recovered from a fall on day two and is reported to be sporting a shiner of a black eye, whilst Camilla Speck is just a couple of kms short of the chasing pack between Urtuus 17 and 18. Meanwhile, Alisa is bringing up the rear, some 100 kms off the pace, at Urtuu 16.

As we have seen today the race can change shape in very short order. Even if the leaders have commenced their sprint to the finish, they are only a mishap away from rejoining the chasing pack.

The horses seem to be coping very well, and we have had no veterinary incidents reported to date. The course is set with water sources in mind.

Report filed by Miss Kate Willings, Head of Equitation and Tack Cleaning, The Adventurists, from Bristol, UK

Observation Trials: Charisse Glenn

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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]

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

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

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