Insulin doping
Spectroscopy Now journal
With the 2012 Olympic Games on the horizon, the thoughts of the administrators will be turning to drug testing, in an attempt to ensure that all medals are won on a fair and equal footing. This seems to become more difficult year-on-year, with the illicit use of peptides and proteins adding to the burden of the testing labs.
One of the more popular performance enhancers is the hormone insulin, a small protein which can increase muscle size and improve endurance. Insulins have been banned by the IOC and WADA for more than ten years.
The effects of insulin are the same in horses as in humans, with the result that insulin has also been banned by the international horseracing authorities. However, policing the ban is no trivial matter. There are no equine insulin products on the market so those unscrupulous operators have to resort to insulin from other species.
There are some human insulin analogues, such as Humalog and Novolog, which are attractive to the doper because they are fast-acting and are excreted rapidly. Bovine and porcine insulin are also doping candidates, because they are structurally very similar to equine insulin with only 1-3 amino acid residues different. The Hong Kong Jockey Club are very active in equine doping research and scientists there recently published a method for the detection of insulin analogues in equine plasma. Now, they have developed a parallel procedure for insulins in equine urine, the most common biological matrix used for doping research.
The method, published by Emmie Ho, Terence Wan, April Wong, Kenneth Lam and Brian Stewart, is the first reported for the analysis of human or animal urine for foreign insulins following covert administration.
Insulins from different species distinguished by MS
The team selected five insulins for analysis, as well as endogenous equine insulin. Human, porcine and bovine insulin were included, along with Humalog and Novolog, all of which differ from equine insulin by up to four amino acid residues at the most.
Equine urine was spiked with a mixture of the five exogenous insulins which were subsequently isolated by immunoaffinity purification, using anti-human insulin antibodies bound to magnetic beads. Following elution from the beads, they were analysed intact by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using electrospray ionisation.
For speed of analysis and to reduce possible losses during processing, the researchers chose not to employ enzymatic digestion, or even reduction of the two disulphide bonds which link the A and B peptide chains of insulin. As it happened, the retention times and tandem mass spectra showed sufficient variations to allow the six insulins to be differentiated, even though they are structurally very closely related.
All six insulins eluted within 31-33 minutes. The multicharged molecules at [M+5H]5+ were chosen for fragmentation and every insulin produced a common product ion at m/z 136.3, corresponding to the same tyrosine immonium ion. These transitions were selected for screening, with several other characteristic transitions plus the retention times used for unambiguous identification of each insulin.
Human insulin and Humalog have identical molecular masses, the only structural differences being the switching of lysine and proline residues between two adjacent positions in chain B. Nevertheless, they were distinguished due to different retention times and markedly different product-ion spectra.
The detection limits of the technique were around 8.6 fmol/µL, which is equivalent to less than 0.05 ng/mL.
The method was used to screen equine urine following the administration of human insulin, at a dose equivalent to that typically used by human abusers. Even at this low level (10 IU), it was clearly detected and confirmed, illustrating the applicability of the method.
The researchers also carried out some metabolic studies of the five exogenous insulins in horse liver microsomes. All of the metabolites identified corresponded to compounds with intact disulphide bonds and truncated B chains of various lengths.
The immuoaffinity extraction procedure succeeded in trapping all of the metabolites, so they all constitute additional potential targets for screening methods. However, with the low insulin dose used in these studies, the metabolites could not be detected.
Any doping of horses with insulin will have to use products from other species, as there are no equine insulin preparations. This research is the first published report that exogenous insulin can be detected in equine urine following administration and demonstrates that urine testing would be an appropriate route for insulin doping tests in horses.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Robin Hood - American Mustang
A 2010 BLM newsletter, but worth reading again. posted by Steph Teeter, Endurance.Net:
BLM newsletter - full article
America's wild horses have long been praised by their owners for their toughness, intelligence and endurance.
Now, two Northern California wild horses, and their owners and riders, have received national recognition from the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Wild Horse and Burro Foundation for their excellence in endurance competition.
"Sir Kai" and Ray Bailey"BLM 2003 Endurance Wild Horse of the Year" awards were presented to Lincoln resident Ray Bailey and his horse "Sir Kai," and to Santa Cruz resident Dr. Philip Ottinger and his mount, "Robin Hood." Additionally, AERC honored Dr. Ottinger and Robin Hood for finishing first in the organization's West Region Featherweight Division in 2003.
The honors were presented Saturday, Feb. 28, during the American Endurance Ride Conference's annual awards banquet held in Reno.
Dr. Ottinger said time, patience and understanding in training have been the keys to his success in using wild horses in endurance competition.
"Once a wild horse connects with you, there is nothing he won't do for you," Ottinger said. "You have to take the time to understand how he thinks and to understand his physiology. You have to be open and clear about what you want."
Robin Hood, owned by Dr. Ottinger and currently ridden by Lincoln veterinarian Dr. Vicki Giles, was honored in the AERC's featherweight division. Dr. Ottinger adopted Robin Hood from the BLM in 1993, when he was just a yearling. Robin Hood finished 46th in his first endurance race in 1996. The following spring, he placed 10th in the 50-mile "Shine and Shine Only" race, and has continued to excel since then.
"Robin Hood" and Vicki GilesAs of this February, Robin Hood has completed nearly 4,000 miles in endurance ride competition and placed in the top 10 in the majority of 78 endurance rides. He has received 14 "Best Condition" awards. Ridden by Dr. Giles, he ended the 2003 competition season as points champion in the AERC West Region Featherweight Division.
Sir Kai, currently ridden by Lincoln's Ray Bailey, also was originally adopted by Dr. Ottinger. Bailey acquired the titled three-year-old from Dr. Ottinger in 1997. Sir Kai placed ninth in his first limited-distance ride, the "Death Valley 25," in 1999. He followed that performance with a third place and best condition award in the Lake Oroville Vista LD ride. During the 2003 AERC National Championship Ride, Sir Kai and Bailey placed first in the heavyweight division of the 50-mile ride.
They placed eighth in their first 100-mile ride this February. Sir Kai has now completed more than 1,300 miles in endurance competition.
The BLM, AERC and the National Wild Horse Foundation joined as partners this year to sponsor endurance awards for wild horses.
The BLM is the federal agency responsible for managing wild horse and burro herds on public lands. Some wild horses are periodically removed from the range to control wild populations, and are made available for adoption by the public.
Supporting the adoption program is the National Wild Horse and Burro Foundation, a private, non-profit organization. It helps the BLM with promotion of the adoption program, to increase successful placement of wild horses in adoptive homes.
The AERC is the official sanctioning body for horse endurance competition in the United States.
BLM newsletter - full article
America's wild horses have long been praised by their owners for their toughness, intelligence and endurance.Now, two Northern California wild horses, and their owners and riders, have received national recognition from the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the National Wild Horse and Burro Foundation for their excellence in endurance competition.
"Sir Kai" and Ray Bailey"BLM 2003 Endurance Wild Horse of the Year" awards were presented to Lincoln resident Ray Bailey and his horse "Sir Kai," and to Santa Cruz resident Dr. Philip Ottinger and his mount, "Robin Hood." Additionally, AERC honored Dr. Ottinger and Robin Hood for finishing first in the organization's West Region Featherweight Division in 2003.
The honors were presented Saturday, Feb. 28, during the American Endurance Ride Conference's annual awards banquet held in Reno.
Dr. Ottinger said time, patience and understanding in training have been the keys to his success in using wild horses in endurance competition.
"Once a wild horse connects with you, there is nothing he won't do for you," Ottinger said. "You have to take the time to understand how he thinks and to understand his physiology. You have to be open and clear about what you want."
Robin Hood, owned by Dr. Ottinger and currently ridden by Lincoln veterinarian Dr. Vicki Giles, was honored in the AERC's featherweight division. Dr. Ottinger adopted Robin Hood from the BLM in 1993, when he was just a yearling. Robin Hood finished 46th in his first endurance race in 1996. The following spring, he placed 10th in the 50-mile "Shine and Shine Only" race, and has continued to excel since then.
"Robin Hood" and Vicki GilesAs of this February, Robin Hood has completed nearly 4,000 miles in endurance ride competition and placed in the top 10 in the majority of 78 endurance rides. He has received 14 "Best Condition" awards. Ridden by Dr. Giles, he ended the 2003 competition season as points champion in the AERC West Region Featherweight Division.
Sir Kai, currently ridden by Lincoln's Ray Bailey, also was originally adopted by Dr. Ottinger. Bailey acquired the titled three-year-old from Dr. Ottinger in 1997. Sir Kai placed ninth in his first limited-distance ride, the "Death Valley 25," in 1999. He followed that performance with a third place and best condition award in the Lake Oroville Vista LD ride. During the 2003 AERC National Championship Ride, Sir Kai and Bailey placed first in the heavyweight division of the 50-mile ride.They placed eighth in their first 100-mile ride this February. Sir Kai has now completed more than 1,300 miles in endurance competition.
The BLM, AERC and the National Wild Horse Foundation joined as partners this year to sponsor endurance awards for wild horses.
The BLM is the federal agency responsible for managing wild horse and burro herds on public lands. Some wild horses are periodically removed from the range to control wild populations, and are made available for adoption by the public.
Supporting the adoption program is the National Wild Horse and Burro Foundation, a private, non-profit organization. It helps the BLM with promotion of the adoption program, to increase successful placement of wild horses in adoptive homes.
The AERC is the official sanctioning body for horse endurance competition in the United States.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
The Pacific Crest Endurance Ride near Ashland, Oregon in August
The Pacific Crest Endurance Ride will be held August 27 at Lily Glen Horse Camp near Ashland, OR
CONTACT:
Diana Aldridge
1551 Wagon Trail Drive
Jacksonville, OR 97530
(541) 899-8351
diana.aldridge1551@gmail.com
http://www.doublejoy.com/erol/Calendar/RideDetails.asp?rideID=5342
The Rogue Riders endurance club's annual Pacific Crest Endurance Ride will be held on August 27.
The event features a 50 mile and a 25 mile course, both sanctioned by The American Endurance Ride
Conference (AERC), the national governing body for long distance riding. Also offered is a 10 mile Fun Ride, a great opportunity for new riders to get an introduction to endurance riding or to just enjoy the beautiful trails.
Endurance riding is a sport that has many levels of appeal. For some it is a highly competitive and challenging athletic endeavor. For others it is a recreational activity combining a camping trip with a trail ride. For yet others it involves a search to experience our American heritage, to discover the country as our forefathers once did--from the back of a horse. Because endurance riders recognize the prime importance of finishing the event on a sound and healthy horse, the motto of the association is "To finish is to win."
Additionally, a 30 mile and a 10 mile Ride and Tie course will be held, sponsored by the national Ride and Tie Organization. For Ride and Tie information contact Annette Parsons (aparsons@apbb.net)
Lily Glen horse camp is located in the Howard Prairie recreational area operated by the
Jackson County Park system. Camp is reserved for the Pacific Crest Ride event starting friday, august 26. Awards meeting and a breakfast for all participants will be on sunday, august 28.
Come enjoy a weekend of wonderful horse camping, a variety of scenic trails and the camaraderie of fellow horsemen. All ages are welcome, special recognition for junior riders. Proceeds from the ride will be donated to Charitable Equine Programs.
For more information/entry forms contact Diana Aldridge, ride manager.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tulip Hits 22,000
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Dave Rabe and Tulip on Day 4 of the 2011 EMS - Photo by Steve Bradley
February 22 2011
Les Carr's Tulip reached 22,000 career miles on Day 4 of the Eastern Mojave Classic on February 20, 2011, with Dave Rabe in the saddle.
Tulip became AERC's highest mileage horse in the 2006 Death Valley Encounter with Les Carr, passing the previous high mileage horse, Rushcreek Lad (18,215), owned by Trilby Pederson.
He reached 20,000 miles in May of 2009.
Tulip, a 22-year-old Morab gelding, is 15.2 hands and excels in 50-mile multi-day rides.
Les Carr, 75, has 47,000 AERC miles himself. And neither show signs of slowing down.
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Tulip and his 'Crew': Les, Jill, and Dave Rabe - Photo by Steve Bradley
Monday, February 21, 2011
Hadji Halef Omar Wins 2010 AHA Distance Horse of the Year
Arabianhorses.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 11, 2011
Contact: AHA
303-696-4500
Hadji Halef Omar Wins 2010 AHA Distance Horse of the Year
Aurora, CO (February 11, 2011) - Hadji Halef Omar (Centavo x ZA Sabbaths Joy), a 1992 grey gelding, owned by Stephanie Palmer-DuRoss of Queen Creek, Ariz. has been named the 2010 AHA Distance Horse of the Year. The 10-year veteran of endurance competition has taken Palmer-DuRoss over 5,810 miles, a journey for which she is very grateful. "I am nominating Hadji for the Distance Horse of the Year Award in appreciation for all the beautiful places he has taken me and for the places we have yet to see," says Palmer-DuRoss.
"Hadji" has 112 finishes out of 114 starts with 86 finishes in the top 20. Hadji has finished in the Top Ten of half of the endurance rides he's finished with two wins and five best conditions. Together, Palmer-DuRoss and Hadji have finished 14 Pioneer rides, totaling 2,795 miles, an especially impressive feat since Pioneer rides are multi-day events consisting of 155 miles that must be completed with the same horse and rider team. "Asking your horse to do a ride and have them sound and ready to go again the next day and the next day after that requires careful management and a special horse," says Palmer-DuRoss.
In 2010 alone, Hadji was first place in the Open Event Incentive Program in Endurance, second place in the Southwest Region lightweight division, eighth overall in the Southwest region and eighth nationally in Pioneer award lightweight division. He earned two highest vet scores and completed a grand total of 765 miles.
Palmer-DuRoss found Hadji in July of 2001 after her beloved endurance mare had suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. "It's commonly said that when one door closes another door opens and I truly believe that was the case," says Palmer-DuRoss who stopped by a ranch in Beaver, Utah on her way home from an endurance ride to take a look at a grey gelding. "Of course, we did have an extra spot in the horse trailer, just in case."
Hadji had been used as a string horse and already had a wonderful base of long, slow miles that serves as excellent conditioning for a lengthy endurance career. "I bought him for $1,500. It was the best money I've ever spent," says Palmer-DuRoss. Hadji has a Half-Arabian and Quarter Horse back-up, but his work ethic and eager attitude don't give the other horses much of a chance to get on the trail. "A huge amount of Hadji's success is that we ride his ride. Once I convince him not to start out too fast in the beginning he is very good at dictating his own pace," says Palmer-DuRoss.
Palmer-DuRoss transitioned Hadji to barefoot in 2007—another secret to their success. "Hadji used to interfere in the front so bad that eventually he would have had to retire early from the damage done to his legs. Being barefoot has added years to Hadji's career. He feels younger and moves out much better than he ever did in shoes. It is amazing the difference and he gets better every year. Hadji and I do quite a few rides every year and I spend a lot of time resting him between rides and at this point there is no need to overdo his conditioning. At his age and with the shape Hadji is in, he is very easy to keep fit. My best partner Hadji and I keep in condition by exploring new trails and riding with great friends."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 11, 2011
Contact: AHA
303-696-4500
Hadji Halef Omar Wins 2010 AHA Distance Horse of the Year
Aurora, CO (February 11, 2011) - Hadji Halef Omar (Centavo x ZA Sabbaths Joy), a 1992 grey gelding, owned by Stephanie Palmer-DuRoss of Queen Creek, Ariz. has been named the 2010 AHA Distance Horse of the Year. The 10-year veteran of endurance competition has taken Palmer-DuRoss over 5,810 miles, a journey for which she is very grateful. "I am nominating Hadji for the Distance Horse of the Year Award in appreciation for all the beautiful places he has taken me and for the places we have yet to see," says Palmer-DuRoss.
"Hadji" has 112 finishes out of 114 starts with 86 finishes in the top 20. Hadji has finished in the Top Ten of half of the endurance rides he's finished with two wins and five best conditions. Together, Palmer-DuRoss and Hadji have finished 14 Pioneer rides, totaling 2,795 miles, an especially impressive feat since Pioneer rides are multi-day events consisting of 155 miles that must be completed with the same horse and rider team. "Asking your horse to do a ride and have them sound and ready to go again the next day and the next day after that requires careful management and a special horse," says Palmer-DuRoss.
In 2010 alone, Hadji was first place in the Open Event Incentive Program in Endurance, second place in the Southwest Region lightweight division, eighth overall in the Southwest region and eighth nationally in Pioneer award lightweight division. He earned two highest vet scores and completed a grand total of 765 miles.
Palmer-DuRoss found Hadji in July of 2001 after her beloved endurance mare had suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. "It's commonly said that when one door closes another door opens and I truly believe that was the case," says Palmer-DuRoss who stopped by a ranch in Beaver, Utah on her way home from an endurance ride to take a look at a grey gelding. "Of course, we did have an extra spot in the horse trailer, just in case."
Hadji had been used as a string horse and already had a wonderful base of long, slow miles that serves as excellent conditioning for a lengthy endurance career. "I bought him for $1,500. It was the best money I've ever spent," says Palmer-DuRoss. Hadji has a Half-Arabian and Quarter Horse back-up, but his work ethic and eager attitude don't give the other horses much of a chance to get on the trail. "A huge amount of Hadji's success is that we ride his ride. Once I convince him not to start out too fast in the beginning he is very good at dictating his own pace," says Palmer-DuRoss.
Palmer-DuRoss transitioned Hadji to barefoot in 2007—another secret to their success. "Hadji used to interfere in the front so bad that eventually he would have had to retire early from the damage done to his legs. Being barefoot has added years to Hadji's career. He feels younger and moves out much better than he ever did in shoes. It is amazing the difference and he gets better every year. Hadji and I do quite a few rides every year and I spend a lot of time resting him between rides and at this point there is no need to overdo his conditioning. At his age and with the shape Hadji is in, he is very easy to keep fit. My best partner Hadji and I keep in condition by exploring new trails and riding with great friends."
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Riding For Himself
Alamogordonews.com - Full Article
California man travels across the country in a covered wagon for the joy of it
Alamogordo Daily News
By Elva K. Osterreich, Associate News Editor
Posted: 02/18/2011 12:00:00 AM MST
Traveling only with Bug, Kate and Kitty, Gene Glasscock has made his home on the road. Instead of a comfortable RV in which to ride, he has chosen a covered wagon.
Kate and Kitty are mules who are faithfully hauling Glasscock from one coast to the other. Bug, a little dog, is his boss, Glasscock said.
In the early 1980s, Glasscock took his biggest longrider journey when he road a horse from the Arctic Circle to the equator, a distance of about 12,000 miles. From 2002 to 2005, he rode a horse named Frank through all 48 state capitals in the continental United States. Now, he's just hanging out in his wagon moving west to east at his own pace...
Read more here:
http://www.alamogordonews.com/ci_17418605
California man travels across the country in a covered wagon for the joy of it
Alamogordo Daily News
By Elva K. Osterreich, Associate News Editor
Posted: 02/18/2011 12:00:00 AM MST
Traveling only with Bug, Kate and Kitty, Gene Glasscock has made his home on the road. Instead of a comfortable RV in which to ride, he has chosen a covered wagon.
Kate and Kitty are mules who are faithfully hauling Glasscock from one coast to the other. Bug, a little dog, is his boss, Glasscock said.
In the early 1980s, Glasscock took his biggest longrider journey when he road a horse from the Arctic Circle to the equator, a distance of about 12,000 miles. From 2002 to 2005, he rode a horse named Frank through all 48 state capitals in the continental United States. Now, he's just hanging out in his wagon moving west to east at his own pace...
Read more here:
http://www.alamogordonews.com/ci_17418605
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Distance riders brave cold
Eastern Arizona Courier
Published on Sunday, February 13, 2011 8:24 AM MST
Veterinarian Sid Vargas of El Paso, right, checks the physical condition of a horse at the Graham County Fairgrounds during the Springdale Romp, a distance riding event, on Tuesday. Riders are required to vet their horses the day before the ride, halfway through the ride and after the ride. Thirty-three riders (61 were expected but many couldn’t make it due to bad weather) from across the country came to Safford to compete in endurance rides.
Veterinarian Sid Vargas of El Paso, right, checks the physical condition of a horse at the Graham County Fairgrounds during the Springdale Romp, a distance riding event, on Tuesday. Riders are required to vet their horses the day before the ride, halfway through the ride and after the ride. Thirty-three riders (61 were expected but many couldn’t make it due to bad weather) from across the country came to Safford to compete in endurance rides. Photo by Brian Wright
http://www.eacourier.com/articles/2011/02/13/news/doc4d55c7b65b13e536945060.txt
Published on Sunday, February 13, 2011 8:24 AM MST
Veterinarian Sid Vargas of El Paso, right, checks the physical condition of a horse at the Graham County Fairgrounds during the Springdale Romp, a distance riding event, on Tuesday. Riders are required to vet their horses the day before the ride, halfway through the ride and after the ride. Thirty-three riders (61 were expected but many couldn’t make it due to bad weather) from across the country came to Safford to compete in endurance rides.
Veterinarian Sid Vargas of El Paso, right, checks the physical condition of a horse at the Graham County Fairgrounds during the Springdale Romp, a distance riding event, on Tuesday. Riders are required to vet their horses the day before the ride, halfway through the ride and after the ride. Thirty-three riders (61 were expected but many couldn’t make it due to bad weather) from across the country came to Safford to compete in endurance rides. Photo by Brian Wright
http://www.eacourier.com/articles/2011/02/13/news/doc4d55c7b65b13e536945060.txt
Saturday, February 12, 2011
2011 AERC National Championship update
February 12 2011
the 2011 AERC National Championship will be held on August 25 and 27, 2011 at Fort Stanton, New Mexico. Base camp is located in a large open meadow at 6,200 feet elevation on BLM land. Trails are two-track roads, others cross rolling hills and open meadows.
The 100-mile ride will be held on August 25, and the 55-mile ride will be on August 27. All entries must meet AERC qualification criteria:
* - 55-mile ride: 300 lifetime miles (horse) AND 300 lifetime miles (rider), with at least 100 miles together. The mileage requirements must be met with endurance competitions of 50 miles or more only -- no limited distance miles count towards qualification criteria.
* - 100-mile ride: 500 lifetime miles (horse) AND 500 lifetime miles (rider), with at least one 100 mile, one day ride together. The mileage requirements must be met with endurance competitions of 50 miles or more only -- no limited distance miles count towards qualification criteria.
* - Alternate qualification (either distance): If the horse and rider team has completed 1,000 AERC endurance miles (rides 50 miles or more only) they are qualified to enter.
A pre-ride over the trails will be two Fort Stanton 3-day Pioneer rides (165 miles), on July 10-11-12, and July 14-15-16. It will include 6 days of 35-mile Limited Distance, and 4 days of Ride & Tie.
For more information see:
http://www.fortstantonenduranceride.com/
the 2011 AERC National Championship will be held on August 25 and 27, 2011 at Fort Stanton, New Mexico. Base camp is located in a large open meadow at 6,200 feet elevation on BLM land. Trails are two-track roads, others cross rolling hills and open meadows.
The 100-mile ride will be held on August 25, and the 55-mile ride will be on August 27. All entries must meet AERC qualification criteria:
* - 55-mile ride: 300 lifetime miles (horse) AND 300 lifetime miles (rider), with at least 100 miles together. The mileage requirements must be met with endurance competitions of 50 miles or more only -- no limited distance miles count towards qualification criteria.
* - 100-mile ride: 500 lifetime miles (horse) AND 500 lifetime miles (rider), with at least one 100 mile, one day ride together. The mileage requirements must be met with endurance competitions of 50 miles or more only -- no limited distance miles count towards qualification criteria.
* - Alternate qualification (either distance): If the horse and rider team has completed 1,000 AERC endurance miles (rides 50 miles or more only) they are qualified to enter.
A pre-ride over the trails will be two Fort Stanton 3-day Pioneer rides (165 miles), on July 10-11-12, and July 14-15-16. It will include 6 days of 35-mile Limited Distance, and 4 days of Ride & Tie.
For more information see:
http://www.fortstantonenduranceride.com/
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
US Endurance Chef d'Equipe Position
USEF.org
Endurance Chef d'Equipe - United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. (Lexington, KY)
Goals:
Short Term--
* Assess training needs of riders interested in competing in international competitions and develop clinics based on those needs;
* Develop and implement a training program for ranked riders and their horses ;
* Prepare riders to compete in the 2011 Pan American Championship with the goal of implementing those strategies in preparing a team for World Endurance Championships
Long Term--
* Assist the High Performance Committee in the development and implementation of the Endurance Strategic Plan with the primary goal of winning a team medal with Individual placements in the top ten in World Endurance Championships.
Duties:
Assist the Endurance High Performance Committee in developing a program that will:
* Promote interest and participation in international/FEI endurance competitions;
* Educate and train riders who are interested in competing in international/FEI competitions. This will include developing clinics and sourcing clinicians who can provide the necessary training and education in areas such as horse physiology, classical riding skills, nutrition, horseshoeing, and race strategy.
* Prepare horses and riders for the 2011 Pan American Championship that can be built upon for future World Championships;
* Prepare horses and riders to win team medals with individual placements in the top ten at World Championships;
* Develop fair, effective, transparent selection procedures;
* Develop an annual budget in conjunction with the Endurance Director that supports the program’s goals.
In addition, the Chef d’ Equipe will:
* Train riders named to the Ranked List through personal coaching and through clinics with the assistance of clinicians in the areas of horse physiology, classical riding skills, nutrition, horseshoeing, and race strategy in preparation for designated international/FEI competitions for which USEF will select individuals and/or a team to compete;
* Attend selection events each year in order to promote, coach, and make selection recommendations for upcoming competitions;
* Review horse and rider performance with the rider after each selection event, and send a report to the selectors after each selection event;
* Maintain records of communications with athletes;
* Work in conjunction with the Endurance High Performance Committee and the Endurance Director to meet the goals of the program;
* Exercise the judgment and discretion in the manner and means necessary to accomplish the goals of the job.
Qualifications:
* A thorough knowledge of the Policies and Procedures and organizational structure of the United States Equestrian Federation;
* The will to win;
* Proven leadership ability;
* Ability to communicate timely and effectively both verbally and in written form with riders and others as necessary and especially during a competition;
* Ability to successfully work with athletes, officials, veterinarians, and fellow USEF staff members.
* Excellent people skills with an ability to coach, motivate, and direct riders;
* A well organized individual with the ability to direct a progressive endurance program in conjunction with of the Director of Endurance;
* Foresight and vision to develop and nurture an endurance program that will result in the winning of medals at international competitions.
* A strong understanding and knowledge of endurance and a superior understanding of race strategy.
* A true horseman with the basic understanding to the physiology, nutrition, training and conditioning of endurance horses;
* Approachable by the athletes and others and forthcoming with advise;
* Able to think strategically on a national and international level;
* Ability to foster talent;
* Provide the assurance that no personal conflicts exist that may hinder the candidate’s ability to perform the job.
Term:
* Ideally this position will be filled by June 1, 2011 providing a qualified candidate is found.
* The position will last through the 2014 World Equestrian Games.
* This job description is subject to change dependent upon the individual candidate’s qualifications and skills.
Visit http://usngbjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/r.cfm?i=34086 to apply for this position.
Endurance Chef d'Equipe - United States Equestrian Federation, Inc. (Lexington, KY)
Goals:
Short Term--
* Assess training needs of riders interested in competing in international competitions and develop clinics based on those needs;
* Develop and implement a training program for ranked riders and their horses ;
* Prepare riders to compete in the 2011 Pan American Championship with the goal of implementing those strategies in preparing a team for World Endurance Championships
Long Term--
* Assist the High Performance Committee in the development and implementation of the Endurance Strategic Plan with the primary goal of winning a team medal with Individual placements in the top ten in World Endurance Championships.
Duties:
Assist the Endurance High Performance Committee in developing a program that will:
* Promote interest and participation in international/FEI endurance competitions;
* Educate and train riders who are interested in competing in international/FEI competitions. This will include developing clinics and sourcing clinicians who can provide the necessary training and education in areas such as horse physiology, classical riding skills, nutrition, horseshoeing, and race strategy.
* Prepare horses and riders for the 2011 Pan American Championship that can be built upon for future World Championships;
* Prepare horses and riders to win team medals with individual placements in the top ten at World Championships;
* Develop fair, effective, transparent selection procedures;
* Develop an annual budget in conjunction with the Endurance Director that supports the program’s goals.
In addition, the Chef d’ Equipe will:
* Train riders named to the Ranked List through personal coaching and through clinics with the assistance of clinicians in the areas of horse physiology, classical riding skills, nutrition, horseshoeing, and race strategy in preparation for designated international/FEI competitions for which USEF will select individuals and/or a team to compete;
* Attend selection events each year in order to promote, coach, and make selection recommendations for upcoming competitions;
* Review horse and rider performance with the rider after each selection event, and send a report to the selectors after each selection event;
* Maintain records of communications with athletes;
* Work in conjunction with the Endurance High Performance Committee and the Endurance Director to meet the goals of the program;
* Exercise the judgment and discretion in the manner and means necessary to accomplish the goals of the job.
Qualifications:
* A thorough knowledge of the Policies and Procedures and organizational structure of the United States Equestrian Federation;
* The will to win;
* Proven leadership ability;
* Ability to communicate timely and effectively both verbally and in written form with riders and others as necessary and especially during a competition;
* Ability to successfully work with athletes, officials, veterinarians, and fellow USEF staff members.
* Excellent people skills with an ability to coach, motivate, and direct riders;
* A well organized individual with the ability to direct a progressive endurance program in conjunction with of the Director of Endurance;
* Foresight and vision to develop and nurture an endurance program that will result in the winning of medals at international competitions.
* A strong understanding and knowledge of endurance and a superior understanding of race strategy.
* A true horseman with the basic understanding to the physiology, nutrition, training and conditioning of endurance horses;
* Approachable by the athletes and others and forthcoming with advise;
* Able to think strategically on a national and international level;
* Ability to foster talent;
* Provide the assurance that no personal conflicts exist that may hinder the candidate’s ability to perform the job.
Term:
* Ideally this position will be filled by June 1, 2011 providing a qualified candidate is found.
* The position will last through the 2014 World Equestrian Games.
* This job description is subject to change dependent upon the individual candidate’s qualifications and skills.
Visit http://usngbjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/r.cfm?i=34086 to apply for this position.
Monday, February 07, 2011
American Endurance Ride Conference Annual Convention
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date: February 3, 2010
Horseback riders of all types will find inspiration at the American Endurance Ride Conference’s 2011 convention at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada, on March 4 and 5. The theme for this year’s annual meeting is “Family-Friends-Fun” and the show promises a family-friendly celebration of endurance riding for participants of all ages.
A free trade show in the exhibit hall from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday features the lightweight tack and saddles favored by distance riders, plus a myriad of products for all horse enthusiasts. A tack swap which benefits AERC gives convention-goers a chance to pick up used saddles and tack at great prices.
For those interested in finding out more about endurance riding, seminars are available both Friday and Saturday which feature icons of the sport sharing their knowledge. Seminar passes are $55 per day ($35 for each additional family member).
On Friday, Angie McGhee of Wildwood, Georgia, author of the humorous book, “The Lighter Side of Endurance Riding,” will team up with her daughter Josie for “Adventures in Family Riding.” Gary Magdesian, DVM, associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, will talk about recent research on horses not completing at the Tevis Cup 100-mile endurance ride. Next, equine veterinarian Langdon Fielding, DVM, will discuss risk factors for endurance pulls. Rounding out Friday’s program is Jan Worthington, a top endurance competitor who, at age 70, was the oldest competitor at the recent World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.
Saturday’s line-up includes “Lame or Not Lame? You Be the Judge,” moderated by Thomas Timmons, DVM, which will give audience members a chance to recognize subtle lameness clues. Julie Suhr, an AERC Hall of Fame member and one of the most respected members of the sport, will present “The FUNctional Endurance Family” with her daughter, Barbara White, a 30-time finisher of the grueling Tevis Cup competition. Saturday’s final seminar is “Nutrition for Endurance Equines,” presented by Performance Horse Nutrition’s Stephen Duren, MS, PhD.
The conference also features a regional awards ceremony on Friday afternoon and a dance later that evening, and free “hot topics” sessions on both Friday and Saturday at 7:30 a.m., where members discuss and debate current subjects of concern.
Top equines and riders of 2010 will be honored at Saturday’s national awards banquet. The evening culminates with the naming of the newest inductees into the organization’s Hall of Fame, both human and equine, and the Pard’ners Award winner, honoring the person and horse who best personify true partnership and sportsmanship.
Convention registration can be made by phone to the AERC office at 866-271-2372. A complete convention overview and reservation forms are available online at www.aerc.org. The reservation line for the Grand Sierrra Resort and Casino is 800-648-5080.
For information about AERC's upcoming convention or membership in AERC, visit aerc.org or phone toll-free 866-271-2372.
Contact: Troy Smith
endurancenews@foothill.net
866-271-2372, 530-823-2260
Date: February 3, 2010
Horseback riders of all types will find inspiration at the American Endurance Ride Conference’s 2011 convention at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in Reno, Nevada, on March 4 and 5. The theme for this year’s annual meeting is “Family-Friends-Fun” and the show promises a family-friendly celebration of endurance riding for participants of all ages.
A free trade show in the exhibit hall from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday features the lightweight tack and saddles favored by distance riders, plus a myriad of products for all horse enthusiasts. A tack swap which benefits AERC gives convention-goers a chance to pick up used saddles and tack at great prices.
For those interested in finding out more about endurance riding, seminars are available both Friday and Saturday which feature icons of the sport sharing their knowledge. Seminar passes are $55 per day ($35 for each additional family member).
On Friday, Angie McGhee of Wildwood, Georgia, author of the humorous book, “The Lighter Side of Endurance Riding,” will team up with her daughter Josie for “Adventures in Family Riding.” Gary Magdesian, DVM, associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, will talk about recent research on horses not completing at the Tevis Cup 100-mile endurance ride. Next, equine veterinarian Langdon Fielding, DVM, will discuss risk factors for endurance pulls. Rounding out Friday’s program is Jan Worthington, a top endurance competitor who, at age 70, was the oldest competitor at the recent World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.
Saturday’s line-up includes “Lame or Not Lame? You Be the Judge,” moderated by Thomas Timmons, DVM, which will give audience members a chance to recognize subtle lameness clues. Julie Suhr, an AERC Hall of Fame member and one of the most respected members of the sport, will present “The FUNctional Endurance Family” with her daughter, Barbara White, a 30-time finisher of the grueling Tevis Cup competition. Saturday’s final seminar is “Nutrition for Endurance Equines,” presented by Performance Horse Nutrition’s Stephen Duren, MS, PhD.
The conference also features a regional awards ceremony on Friday afternoon and a dance later that evening, and free “hot topics” sessions on both Friday and Saturday at 7:30 a.m., where members discuss and debate current subjects of concern.
Top equines and riders of 2010 will be honored at Saturday’s national awards banquet. The evening culminates with the naming of the newest inductees into the organization’s Hall of Fame, both human and equine, and the Pard’ners Award winner, honoring the person and horse who best personify true partnership and sportsmanship.
Convention registration can be made by phone to the AERC office at 866-271-2372. A complete convention overview and reservation forms are available online at www.aerc.org. The reservation line for the Grand Sierrra Resort and Casino is 800-648-5080.
For information about AERC's upcoming convention or membership in AERC, visit aerc.org or phone toll-free 866-271-2372.
Contact: Troy Smith
endurancenews@foothill.net
866-271-2372, 530-823-2260
Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Great Britain: Golden Horseshoe Ride introduces new family class
Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article
Martha Terry
1 February, 2011
Endurance riders will tackle new routes at this year's Golden Horseshoe Ride on Exmoor (15-17 May), with organiser Barbara Wigley hoping that leading partnerships will use the 160k (100 miles) class en route to selection for the European Championships.
"The 160km class is possibly the most demanding on the British calendar and is ideally suited to riders looking towards international competition," said Mrs Wigley.
Home International chef d'equipe Maggie Pattinson said she would encourage all top riders to compete.
"Years ago, people would head to Exmoor to get some hard work under their belts," she said. "We've gone through a phase of being a bit soft and worried the horse might break — but we've got to see if these horses are fit enough..."
Read more here:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/305338.html
Martha Terry
1 February, 2011
Endurance riders will tackle new routes at this year's Golden Horseshoe Ride on Exmoor (15-17 May), with organiser Barbara Wigley hoping that leading partnerships will use the 160k (100 miles) class en route to selection for the European Championships.
"The 160km class is possibly the most demanding on the British calendar and is ideally suited to riders looking towards international competition," said Mrs Wigley.
Home International chef d'equipe Maggie Pattinson said she would encourage all top riders to compete.
"Years ago, people would head to Exmoor to get some hard work under their belts," she said. "We've gone through a phase of being a bit soft and worried the horse might break — but we've got to see if these horses are fit enough..."
Read more here:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/305338.html
Monday, January 31, 2011
Great Britain: Introduction to endurance riding at Stannington
Journallive.co.uk - Full Article
* by Karen Dent, The Journal
* Jan 29 2011
RIDERS interested in endurance are being offered a free introduction to the sport in the North East.
The Intro to Endurance evening in Stannington, next month, will cover everything from pleasure rides to the low-distance competitive endurance, crewing and a look at competing abroad. The main speaker on the night will be Angela Hall, the founder of the Equine Massage Academy (North East).
The event is being organised by the Northumberland & Tyneside Endurance GB group, which has 39 members and organises eight rides in the region annually.
Viv Knight from the group has been involved in endurance for 16 years and now her whole family are part of the team.
She said: “It is the safest, healthiest – for the horse – most sociable, family-friendly, lowest cost competitive sport for those with horses...
http://www.journallive.co.uk/northumberland-sites/morpeth-northumberland/morpeth-news/2011/01/29/this-is-a-sport-which-endures-61634-28085322/
* by Karen Dent, The Journal
* Jan 29 2011
RIDERS interested in endurance are being offered a free introduction to the sport in the North East.
The Intro to Endurance evening in Stannington, next month, will cover everything from pleasure rides to the low-distance competitive endurance, crewing and a look at competing abroad. The main speaker on the night will be Angela Hall, the founder of the Equine Massage Academy (North East).
The event is being organised by the Northumberland & Tyneside Endurance GB group, which has 39 members and organises eight rides in the region annually.
Viv Knight from the group has been involved in endurance for 16 years and now her whole family are part of the team.
She said: “It is the safest, healthiest – for the horse – most sociable, family-friendly, lowest cost competitive sport for those with horses...
http://www.journallive.co.uk/northumberland-sites/morpeth-northumberland/morpeth-news/2011/01/29/this-is-a-sport-which-endures-61634-28085322/
Sunday, January 30, 2011
ACTHA Searches for Horse Reality TV Stars
ACTHA.us
ANY horse can win...here's how it works!
Stage 1 - Attend an Audition near you!
When? April 9 - April 24, 2011. Entries are limited!
You will be notified of your day/time/location via mail/email/phone at least 10 days before your audition.
All applications for auditions must be received on or before March 31st, 2011. However, reservations are considered according to space availability in your region and in your age division.
Where? ACTHA will come to you.
Thanks to the hundreds and hundreds of entries already received, the following locations have been selected so far!
See list of cities here
How? About 100 horses will be selected as finalists from the regional auditions. They will be represented from 2 age divisions, over 45 and under 45 (must be at least 21 on the day of the audition). Each region will be amply represented in the national finals with a minimum of 10 finalists selected from each region.
During your approximate 5 minute audition we will be looking for horse personality, finesse, cadence, and athleticism.
Cost? The cost for an audition is $149* There are no additional entry fees for those moving on to stage 2.
(Those needing financial assistance to make the trip to the national finals will have the opportunity to request help.)
Refunds? All audition reservations are 100% refundable (or at your option credited towards other ACTHA activities) as long as you inform us of your change in plans before 3/15/11.
Make your horse a Star! Auditions will be selectively filmed and featured on National and ACTHA TV (coming soon).
A commemorative T-shirt will be given to each participant.
Stage 2 - The National Finals, getting ready for America's vote!
All regional winners will be invited to come to the National Finals at the Franklin Family Ranch, near Austin, Texas May 8th - 12th, 2011. From here on, national celebrities will "coach" you to be the best you can be for the cameras and America's viewers!
Festivities will include:
* A six mile judged Competitive Trail Challenge to be enjoyed by ALL FINALISTS. This CTC will be held on one of ACTHA's most beautiful ranch venues.
* Several days of schooling and being "coached" on a wide array of ACTHA's trail obstacles. Ample time will be given during the week for question and answer sessions as well as interviews.
* Clinics and seminars from ACTHA's Founders and celebrity clinicians, complete with ample time for question and answer sessions.
* Tours of local area attractions.
* All of the above will be filmed to convey horse personality, style, and abilities for the American audience to vote for America's Favorite Trail Horse.
A commemorative DVD and sponsors' gifts will be given to each national finalist.
Awards by America's Vote:
In at least 10 selected episodes America will vote for their favorite horse. The horse with the most votes will win $5,000 for that day's performance. (Can only be won once per contestant ).
On Nationally TV, America's vote will pick America's Favorite Trail Horse Grand Prize Winners!
1st place - $25,000
2nd place - $15,000
3rd place - $10,000
For more information see
http://www.actha.us/index.php?option=com_association&view=guest&area=afth
ANY horse can win...here's how it works!
Stage 1 - Attend an Audition near you!
When? April 9 - April 24, 2011. Entries are limited!
You will be notified of your day/time/location via mail/email/phone at least 10 days before your audition.
All applications for auditions must be received on or before March 31st, 2011. However, reservations are considered according to space availability in your region and in your age division.
Where? ACTHA will come to you.
Thanks to the hundreds and hundreds of entries already received, the following locations have been selected so far!
See list of cities here
How? About 100 horses will be selected as finalists from the regional auditions. They will be represented from 2 age divisions, over 45 and under 45 (must be at least 21 on the day of the audition). Each region will be amply represented in the national finals with a minimum of 10 finalists selected from each region.
During your approximate 5 minute audition we will be looking for horse personality, finesse, cadence, and athleticism.
Cost? The cost for an audition is $149* There are no additional entry fees for those moving on to stage 2.
(Those needing financial assistance to make the trip to the national finals will have the opportunity to request help.)
Refunds? All audition reservations are 100% refundable (or at your option credited towards other ACTHA activities) as long as you inform us of your change in plans before 3/15/11.
Make your horse a Star! Auditions will be selectively filmed and featured on National and ACTHA TV (coming soon).
A commemorative T-shirt will be given to each participant.
Stage 2 - The National Finals, getting ready for America's vote!
All regional winners will be invited to come to the National Finals at the Franklin Family Ranch, near Austin, Texas May 8th - 12th, 2011. From here on, national celebrities will "coach" you to be the best you can be for the cameras and America's viewers!
Festivities will include:
* A six mile judged Competitive Trail Challenge to be enjoyed by ALL FINALISTS. This CTC will be held on one of ACTHA's most beautiful ranch venues.
* Several days of schooling and being "coached" on a wide array of ACTHA's trail obstacles. Ample time will be given during the week for question and answer sessions as well as interviews.
* Clinics and seminars from ACTHA's Founders and celebrity clinicians, complete with ample time for question and answer sessions.
* Tours of local area attractions.
* All of the above will be filmed to convey horse personality, style, and abilities for the American audience to vote for America's Favorite Trail Horse.
A commemorative DVD and sponsors' gifts will be given to each national finalist.
Awards by America's Vote:
In at least 10 selected episodes America will vote for their favorite horse. The horse with the most votes will win $5,000 for that day's performance. (Can only be won once per contestant ).
On Nationally TV, America's vote will pick America's Favorite Trail Horse Grand Prize Winners!
1st place - $25,000
2nd place - $15,000
3rd place - $10,000
For more information see
http://www.actha.us/index.php?option=com_association&view=guest&area=afth
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Pagan to Speak at Endurance Conference in Nevada
KER.com
Joe Pagan, Ph.D., founder and president of Kentucky Equine Research (KER), is scheduled to speak at a special symposium being held in conjunction with the 2011 American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) National Convention, March 3-4, Reno, Nevada.
The symposium, titled "Acid-Base and Body Fluid Management in the Endurance Horse," features several researchers and key figures in the sport-horse industry. On the morning of March 3, Pagan will give a presentation, "Oral Electrolyte Absorption and Distribution in the Body." He will then participate in a discussion and Q-and-A later in the day.
See http://www.ker.com/news/2011/01/pagan-to-speak-at-endurance-co.html for a complete schedule of speakers and topics and registration information. The majority of the sessions are open to anyone with an interest in endurance.
KER is cosponsoring the symposium with the American Competitive Horse Consortium and Abaxis.
Joe Pagan, Ph.D., founder and president of Kentucky Equine Research (KER), is scheduled to speak at a special symposium being held in conjunction with the 2011 American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) National Convention, March 3-4, Reno, Nevada.
The symposium, titled "Acid-Base and Body Fluid Management in the Endurance Horse," features several researchers and key figures in the sport-horse industry. On the morning of March 3, Pagan will give a presentation, "Oral Electrolyte Absorption and Distribution in the Body." He will then participate in a discussion and Q-and-A later in the day.
See http://www.ker.com/news/2011/01/pagan-to-speak-at-endurance-co.html for a complete schedule of speakers and topics and registration information. The majority of the sessions are open to anyone with an interest in endurance.
KER is cosponsoring the symposium with the American Competitive Horse Consortium and Abaxis.
Back Country Horsemen of America Represented at BLM National Summit
January 26 2011
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
In its ongoing pursuit of protecting our right to ride horses on public lands, Back Country Horsemen of America sends an appropriate ambassador to the major conventions of land management agencies. Their goal? To be the voice of horsemen across the country that cherishes the opportunity to enjoy America’s beautiful landscape by horseback, as our ancestors did.
The National Landscape Conservation System Summit
On November 15 and 16, 2010, Dennis Dailey traveled to Las Vegas to attend the Bureau of Land Management’s National Landscape Conservation System Summit. Dailey is BCHA’s Senior Advisor of Wilderness, Recreation, and Trails. He was one of approximately 340 participants representing the wide variety of folks interested in the use and management of BLM land.
The summit focused on the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) and community partnerships. The NLCS contains some of the West’s most spectacular landscapes. It includes over 886 federally recognized areas and approximately 27 million acres of National Monuments, National Conservation Areas, Wilderness Areas, Wilderness Study Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, National Scenic and Historic Trails, and Conservation Lands of the California Desert.
Created in 2000 by former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, the NLCS brought these special places into a single system where conservation would be the overriding goal. NLCS lands are managed to conserve, protect, and restore the exceptional scientific, recreational, cultural, and ecological values for which they were designated. The system was made permanent by the 2009 Omnibus Public Land Management Act.
The purpose of the summit was to provide a forum to solicit, discuss, and build upon ideas and suggestions from NLCS partners to assist in the challenging mission of balancing competing land and resource uses while protecting the values for which the areas were designated. Dailey also participated in focus group sessions brainstorming ideas.
More Than Just Words
Dailey felt the summit was constructive and was pleased with various statements he heard from attendees, which reflected BCHA’s desire to both preserve and enjoy the land.
Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey made remarks that, consistent with the values for which the lands were designated, these areas would remain “accessible for use,” management plans would be “built on local effort,” and that these areas would be managed to “preserve local traditions and history as working landscapes;” a “bridge between landscapes and cultures.”
When asked whether the law meant “protection or use,” Abbey responded, clearly but politely, that it does not have to be “either/or.” The areas would be managed “to protect the values for which they were established and provide for compatible uses.”
Both Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Director Abbey stressed the importance of “partnering” and “neighboring.” The Wilderness Society President Bill Meadows, moderator of a panel discussion, also emphasized the “gospel of partnering and neighboring” and the importance of “connecting people to the places they care about.”
The Importance of Relationships
At this summit, Dailey also renewed old acquaintances and made new ones. He visited briefly with Director Abbey about BCHA’s mission and partnership contributions. He also conversed with TWS President Meadows (who once again spoke about the importance of the partnership between BCHA and TWS); Doug Scott, Campaign for America’s Wilderness; Adam Cramer, Outdoor Alliance; Greg Mumm, Blue Ribbon Coalition; Jay Watson, Student Conservation Association; and with several BLM Washington Office staff members.
Much of the emphasis for their volunteerism is with “site based” organizations, otherwise known as “friends” groups. It seems that BCHA’s volunteer work is becoming legendary. A number of other people approached Dailey throughout the meeting to comment on volunteer Back Country Horsemen efforts in their respective areas.
Although traditional land users such as ranchers and the oil/gas industry also have an interest in the land, Dailey didn’t meet many of these folks at the summit. He feels the exchange might have been more meaningful if traditional users had been better represented. BCHA was the only equestrian group there and a couple of BLM employees asked him about the organization and indicated that they would like to join or form a local chapter.
Now It’s Our Turn
Dailey feels that the BLM clearly sees the NLCS as “a different way of doing business;” a more collaborative management environment in which the responsibility for both planning and the actions prescribed by the plans would be shared with stakeholders. Back Country Horsemen of America sincerely hopes that intention becomes reality. That method would become a model for management that other agencies have yet to achieve.
Many lands in the NLCS provide important recreation experiences for horsemen. In order to preserve a reasonable balance between protection and responsible use, it’s vital for us to be involved with the planning processes from the beginning. Dailey believes that the BLM leadership is sincere about their commitment to making public involvement truly meaningful. It’s up to us now, to participate in a meaningful way.
To learn more about how you can get involved, contact Back Country Horsemen of America to find a local BCH group near you.
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!
Contact: Peg Greiwe
Back Country Horsemen of America
1-888-893-5161
www.backcountryhorse.com
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
In its ongoing pursuit of protecting our right to ride horses on public lands, Back Country Horsemen of America sends an appropriate ambassador to the major conventions of land management agencies. Their goal? To be the voice of horsemen across the country that cherishes the opportunity to enjoy America’s beautiful landscape by horseback, as our ancestors did.
The National Landscape Conservation System Summit
On November 15 and 16, 2010, Dennis Dailey traveled to Las Vegas to attend the Bureau of Land Management’s National Landscape Conservation System Summit. Dailey is BCHA’s Senior Advisor of Wilderness, Recreation, and Trails. He was one of approximately 340 participants representing the wide variety of folks interested in the use and management of BLM land.
The summit focused on the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS) and community partnerships. The NLCS contains some of the West’s most spectacular landscapes. It includes over 886 federally recognized areas and approximately 27 million acres of National Monuments, National Conservation Areas, Wilderness Areas, Wilderness Study Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, National Scenic and Historic Trails, and Conservation Lands of the California Desert.
Created in 2000 by former Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, the NLCS brought these special places into a single system where conservation would be the overriding goal. NLCS lands are managed to conserve, protect, and restore the exceptional scientific, recreational, cultural, and ecological values for which they were designated. The system was made permanent by the 2009 Omnibus Public Land Management Act.
The purpose of the summit was to provide a forum to solicit, discuss, and build upon ideas and suggestions from NLCS partners to assist in the challenging mission of balancing competing land and resource uses while protecting the values for which the areas were designated. Dailey also participated in focus group sessions brainstorming ideas.
More Than Just Words
Dailey felt the summit was constructive and was pleased with various statements he heard from attendees, which reflected BCHA’s desire to both preserve and enjoy the land.
Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey made remarks that, consistent with the values for which the lands were designated, these areas would remain “accessible for use,” management plans would be “built on local effort,” and that these areas would be managed to “preserve local traditions and history as working landscapes;” a “bridge between landscapes and cultures.”
When asked whether the law meant “protection or use,” Abbey responded, clearly but politely, that it does not have to be “either/or.” The areas would be managed “to protect the values for which they were established and provide for compatible uses.”
Both Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Director Abbey stressed the importance of “partnering” and “neighboring.” The Wilderness Society President Bill Meadows, moderator of a panel discussion, also emphasized the “gospel of partnering and neighboring” and the importance of “connecting people to the places they care about.”
The Importance of Relationships
At this summit, Dailey also renewed old acquaintances and made new ones. He visited briefly with Director Abbey about BCHA’s mission and partnership contributions. He also conversed with TWS President Meadows (who once again spoke about the importance of the partnership between BCHA and TWS); Doug Scott, Campaign for America’s Wilderness; Adam Cramer, Outdoor Alliance; Greg Mumm, Blue Ribbon Coalition; Jay Watson, Student Conservation Association; and with several BLM Washington Office staff members.
Much of the emphasis for their volunteerism is with “site based” organizations, otherwise known as “friends” groups. It seems that BCHA’s volunteer work is becoming legendary. A number of other people approached Dailey throughout the meeting to comment on volunteer Back Country Horsemen efforts in their respective areas.
Although traditional land users such as ranchers and the oil/gas industry also have an interest in the land, Dailey didn’t meet many of these folks at the summit. He feels the exchange might have been more meaningful if traditional users had been better represented. BCHA was the only equestrian group there and a couple of BLM employees asked him about the organization and indicated that they would like to join or form a local chapter.
Now It’s Our Turn
Dailey feels that the BLM clearly sees the NLCS as “a different way of doing business;” a more collaborative management environment in which the responsibility for both planning and the actions prescribed by the plans would be shared with stakeholders. Back Country Horsemen of America sincerely hopes that intention becomes reality. That method would become a model for management that other agencies have yet to achieve.
Many lands in the NLCS provide important recreation experiences for horsemen. In order to preserve a reasonable balance between protection and responsible use, it’s vital for us to be involved with the planning processes from the beginning. Dailey believes that the BLM leadership is sincere about their commitment to making public involvement truly meaningful. It’s up to us now, to participate in a meaningful way.
To learn more about how you can get involved, contact Back Country Horsemen of America to find a local BCH group near you.
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!
Contact: Peg Greiwe
Back Country Horsemen of America
1-888-893-5161
www.backcountryhorse.com
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
2011 AERC Convention
January 26 2011
The 2011 AERC Convention is fast approaching: it will take place March 4 and 5, 2011, in Reno, NV, and will feature a wealth of educational information, entertainment, awards and no lack of opportunities for shopping!
Educational seminars include subjects covering risk factors of ride pulls by Langdon Fielding, DVM, treatment options after ride pulls by K. Gary Magdesian, DVM, AERC lameness judging guidelines by Thomas R Timmons, DVM, and equine endurance nutrition by Stephen Duren, MS, PhD - author of "The Concise Guide to Nutrition in the Horse" and "The 101 Most Frequently Asked Horse Nutrition Questions."
One can count on an entertaining seminar by the always-humorous Angie McGhee - author of "The Lighter Side of Endurance Riding" - with her daughter Angie McGhee on "Adventures in Family Riding."
Highlights of this year's convention will be inspirational seminars by the popular international endurance competitor Jan Worthington, "Never Give Up; and by 'the First Lady of Endurance' Julie Suhr - author of "Ten Feet Tall, Still" - with her daughter Barbara White on "The Functional Endurance Family."
John Parke will facilitate "Hot Topics," workshops where endurance members can discuss, brainstorm, and debate topics such as "LD and Endurance" and "Trails: Lobbying for Change."
Additionally, the Jim Steere Horse Health Symposium will be presented March 3 and 4 in conjunction with the Veterinary Continuing Education Program. This is a dialogue between riders, veterinarians and teachers on the topic of acid-base and body fluid management in the endurance horse.
Of course, the very popular Trade Show with "the latest and greatest distance riding products" will run throughout the convention.
The AERC Regional Awards Ceremony will be Friday night followed by a dance, and the AERC National Awards Banquet will be on Saturday night.
You can still register for the convention. See www.aerc.org for a convention flyer and registration form.
The 2011 AERC Convention is fast approaching: it will take place March 4 and 5, 2011, in Reno, NV, and will feature a wealth of educational information, entertainment, awards and no lack of opportunities for shopping!
Educational seminars include subjects covering risk factors of ride pulls by Langdon Fielding, DVM, treatment options after ride pulls by K. Gary Magdesian, DVM, AERC lameness judging guidelines by Thomas R Timmons, DVM, and equine endurance nutrition by Stephen Duren, MS, PhD - author of "The Concise Guide to Nutrition in the Horse" and "The 101 Most Frequently Asked Horse Nutrition Questions."
One can count on an entertaining seminar by the always-humorous Angie McGhee - author of "The Lighter Side of Endurance Riding" - with her daughter Angie McGhee on "Adventures in Family Riding."
Highlights of this year's convention will be inspirational seminars by the popular international endurance competitor Jan Worthington, "Never Give Up; and by 'the First Lady of Endurance' Julie Suhr - author of "Ten Feet Tall, Still" - with her daughter Barbara White on "The Functional Endurance Family."
John Parke will facilitate "Hot Topics," workshops where endurance members can discuss, brainstorm, and debate topics such as "LD and Endurance" and "Trails: Lobbying for Change."
Additionally, the Jim Steere Horse Health Symposium will be presented March 3 and 4 in conjunction with the Veterinary Continuing Education Program. This is a dialogue between riders, veterinarians and teachers on the topic of acid-base and body fluid management in the endurance horse.
Of course, the very popular Trade Show with "the latest and greatest distance riding products" will run throughout the convention.
The AERC Regional Awards Ceremony will be Friday night followed by a dance, and the AERC National Awards Banquet will be on Saturday night.
You can still register for the convention. See www.aerc.org for a convention flyer and registration form.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Ceci Butler-Stasiuk Named 2010 Recipient of Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Trophy
USEF.org
Release: December 08 2010
Author: By Leah Oliveto
Lexington, KY - Endurance athlete Ceci Butler-Stasiuk has been named this year's recipient of the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Trophy, sponsored by Gold Medal Farm and Larry and Valerie Kanavy.This award is given to the endurance athlete who earns the most points in selected Ranking Trials during the ride year.
Butler-Stasiuk (Humble, TX) and DJB Cytron Kon JMF, owned by her mother Darolyn Butler, won the Florida Horse Park CEI3* 160km ride in January and were named to the short list for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Endurance Championship in September. Butler-Stasiuk also notched wins with DJB K De Cielo in the 80km ride at the Florida Horse Park CEI3* and in the Git-R-Done II CEI2* 120km ride. With DJB KD Fantasia she won at the Fort Howard Endurance Ride CEI3* 160km ride.
The Endurance Excellence Trophy is named for international endurance rider Maggy Price, who was an Individual Bronze and Team Silver medalist at the 1992 World Endurance Championships and was a pioneer for the sport in the United States. Price was instrumental in promoting international Endurance riding to the U.S. Endurance community; she served in multiple leadership positions and was inducted into the American Endurance Ride Conference Hall of Fame in 1994.
Release: December 08 2010
Author: By Leah Oliveto
Lexington, KY - Endurance athlete Ceci Butler-Stasiuk has been named this year's recipient of the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Trophy, sponsored by Gold Medal Farm and Larry and Valerie Kanavy.This award is given to the endurance athlete who earns the most points in selected Ranking Trials during the ride year.
Butler-Stasiuk (Humble, TX) and DJB Cytron Kon JMF, owned by her mother Darolyn Butler, won the Florida Horse Park CEI3* 160km ride in January and were named to the short list for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Endurance Championship in September. Butler-Stasiuk also notched wins with DJB K De Cielo in the 80km ride at the Florida Horse Park CEI3* and in the Git-R-Done II CEI2* 120km ride. With DJB KD Fantasia she won at the Fort Howard Endurance Ride CEI3* 160km ride.
The Endurance Excellence Trophy is named for international endurance rider Maggy Price, who was an Individual Bronze and Team Silver medalist at the 1992 World Endurance Championships and was a pioneer for the sport in the United States. Price was instrumental in promoting international Endurance riding to the U.S. Endurance community; she served in multiple leadership positions and was inducted into the American Endurance Ride Conference Hall of Fame in 1994.
Tevis Trail Work Parties
If you're interested in volunteering your time to work on the Tevis trail, RSVP to the emails below.
Event #2, Saturday, February 12, 2011
Project: Browns Bar to Lower Quarry
Meet: 8:00 am - Lower Quarry Parking Lot
Directions:From I-80, take the Elm Street exit in Auburn. Head East and follow Hwy. 49 route signs heading into canyon toward Cool. LQ parking is on the left side of road after crossing bridge over American River.
Bring: Gloves, water, snack, clippers, hand saw, shovel, etc.
Please RSVP by February 5 to trails@ws100.com
This event can be applied to 2011 Run volunteer requirement.
Event #3, Saturday, March 19, 2011
Project: Cal Loop (Peachstone Section)
Meet: 8:00 am - Foresthill Post Office. Corner of Foresthill Rd. and Racetrack St.
Directions: From I-80, take the Elm Street exit in Auburn. Head East and follow Hwy. 49 route signs heading into canyon toward Cool. LQ parking is on the left side of road after crossing bridge over American River.
Bring: Gloves, water, snack, clippers, hand saw, shovel, etc.
Please RSVP by March 12 to trails@ws100.com
This event can be applied to 2011 volunteer requirement.
Event #4, Saturday, April 30, 2011
Project: Deadwood to Michigan Bluff
Meet: 8:30 am - Foresthill Post Office Corner of Foresthill and Race Track Roads
Directions: I-80 to Auburn. Take Foresthill Exit in Auburn. Head East on Foresthill Road for 18 miles to Foresthill. Post Office on left.
Bring: Gloves, water, snack, clippers, hand saw, shovel, etc.
Please RSVP by April 23 to trails@ws100.com
This event can be applied to 2011 Run volunteer requirement.
Event #5, Saturday, May 14, 2011
Project: Dusty Corners to Last Chance/Devil's Thumb to Swinging Bridge
Meet: 8:30 am - Foresthill Post Office Corner of Foresthill and Race Track Roads
Directions: I-80 to Auburn. Take Foresthill Exit in Auburn. Head East on Foresthill Road for 18 miles to Foresthill. Post Office on left.
Bring: Gloves, water, snack, clippers, hand saw, shovel, etc.
Please RSVP by May 7 to trails@ws100.com
This event can be applied to 2012 Run volunteer requirement.
Event #6, Friday and Saturday, June 17-18, 2011
Weekend Campout, Robinson Flat Campground
Projects: Lyon Ridge to Red Star/Red Star to Robinson Flat
Meet: Friday afternoon arrival
Directions: From I-80, take the Foresthill Exit in Auburn. Head East on Foresthill Road - 38 miles to the Robinson Flat Campground
Bring: Camping gear, gloves, water, snack, clippers, hand saw,
shovel, etc.
Please RSVP by June 10 to trails@ws100.com
Event #2, Saturday, February 12, 2011
Project: Browns Bar to Lower Quarry
Meet: 8:00 am - Lower Quarry Parking Lot
Directions:From I-80, take the Elm Street exit in Auburn. Head East and follow Hwy. 49 route signs heading into canyon toward Cool. LQ parking is on the left side of road after crossing bridge over American River.
Bring: Gloves, water, snack, clippers, hand saw, shovel, etc.
Please RSVP by February 5 to trails@ws100.com
This event can be applied to 2011 Run volunteer requirement.
Event #3, Saturday, March 19, 2011
Project: Cal Loop (Peachstone Section)
Meet: 8:00 am - Foresthill Post Office. Corner of Foresthill Rd. and Racetrack St.
Directions: From I-80, take the Elm Street exit in Auburn. Head East and follow Hwy. 49 route signs heading into canyon toward Cool. LQ parking is on the left side of road after crossing bridge over American River.
Bring: Gloves, water, snack, clippers, hand saw, shovel, etc.
Please RSVP by March 12 to trails@ws100.com
This event can be applied to 2011 volunteer requirement.
Event #4, Saturday, April 30, 2011
Project: Deadwood to Michigan Bluff
Meet: 8:30 am - Foresthill Post Office Corner of Foresthill and Race Track Roads
Directions: I-80 to Auburn. Take Foresthill Exit in Auburn. Head East on Foresthill Road for 18 miles to Foresthill. Post Office on left.
Bring: Gloves, water, snack, clippers, hand saw, shovel, etc.
Please RSVP by April 23 to trails@ws100.com
This event can be applied to 2011 Run volunteer requirement.
Event #5, Saturday, May 14, 2011
Project: Dusty Corners to Last Chance/Devil's Thumb to Swinging Bridge
Meet: 8:30 am - Foresthill Post Office Corner of Foresthill and Race Track Roads
Directions: I-80 to Auburn. Take Foresthill Exit in Auburn. Head East on Foresthill Road for 18 miles to Foresthill. Post Office on left.
Bring: Gloves, water, snack, clippers, hand saw, shovel, etc.
Please RSVP by May 7 to trails@ws100.com
This event can be applied to 2012 Run volunteer requirement.
Event #6, Friday and Saturday, June 17-18, 2011
Weekend Campout, Robinson Flat Campground
Projects: Lyon Ridge to Red Star/Red Star to Robinson Flat
Meet: Friday afternoon arrival
Directions: From I-80, take the Foresthill Exit in Auburn. Head East on Foresthill Road - 38 miles to the Robinson Flat Campground
Bring: Camping gear, gloves, water, snack, clippers, hand saw,
shovel, etc.
Please RSVP by June 10 to trails@ws100.com
EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest Expanded for Endurance and Trail Riders
January 25 2011
EasyCare has announced their 5th annual edition of the Hoof Boot Contest, with $10,000 in cash and product prizes for 2011, with 20 winners to receive cash and prizes.
This year's contest has two distinct divisions - for endurance and limited distance riding, and competitive trail riding.
For each division, EasyCare will award $5000 in cash and product to the riders who complete the most sanctioned miles during the 2011 ride season.
For more information, see the EasyCare Blog page:
http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/bootlegging/weve-expanded-the-2011-10000-hoof-boot-contest-with-you-in-mind
EasyCare has announced their 5th annual edition of the Hoof Boot Contest, with $10,000 in cash and product prizes for 2011, with 20 winners to receive cash and prizes.
This year's contest has two distinct divisions - for endurance and limited distance riding, and competitive trail riding.
For each division, EasyCare will award $5000 in cash and product to the riders who complete the most sanctioned miles during the 2011 ride season.
For more information, see the EasyCare Blog page:
http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/bootlegging/weve-expanded-the-2011-10000-hoof-boot-contest-with-you-in-mind
United States Equestrian Federation honors endurance riders
Horsereporter - Full Article
January 23 2011
Kelsey Kimbler from Aberdeen, South Dakota received the USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Award at the USEF annual awards dinner on January 22. Taking double honors at the awards ceremony, Kimbler was also the recipient of the 2010 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations. Kimbler, a 17-year-old high school senior has won the AERC Junior National Hundred Mile Award twice since the award was established in 2007. Kimbler is the only junior to complete five 100-mile rides in one year. She represented the AHA Youth Association as her region’s delegate and is involved in 4-H events with her Arabians. She was nominated for this award by both the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) and the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC). Kimbler’s sister, Kirsten, won this award in 2007...
Read more here:
http://horsereporter.wordpress.com/2011/01/23/united-states-equestrian-federation-honors-endurance-riders/
January 23 2011
Kelsey Kimbler from Aberdeen, South Dakota received the USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year Award at the USEF annual awards dinner on January 22. Taking double honors at the awards ceremony, Kimbler was also the recipient of the 2010 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations. Kimbler, a 17-year-old high school senior has won the AERC Junior National Hundred Mile Award twice since the award was established in 2007. Kimbler is the only junior to complete five 100-mile rides in one year. She represented the AHA Youth Association as her region’s delegate and is involved in 4-H events with her Arabians. She was nominated for this award by both the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) and the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC). Kimbler’s sister, Kirsten, won this award in 2007...
Read more here:
http://horsereporter.wordpress.com/2011/01/23/united-states-equestrian-federation-honors-endurance-riders/
Monday, January 24, 2011
Spain: Interview with Jose Manuel Soto Kaliber organizer of Andalucia
Monday January 24 2011
[Google Translation]
La Vanguardia newspaper interview José Manuel Soto , Kaliber organizer of Andalucia, the world's longest Raid.
This is the interview José Manuel:
" Even horses need an illusion of course "
I am 50 years good or bad rider is at any age.
I was born in Seville, marking a lot: the people of Seville are terrible migrants.
Married, three grown children, thank God.
The horse does not give satisfaction to a motorcycle.
Seville 25 years I've been singing and pulled hard.
Running slowly
Before I get on the subway, I raise unlimited spaces I've seen go at a gallop (in the promotional video) to the participants of the raid Kaliber under the April sky Andalusia.
I feel a little less miserable when I think those accomplished riders joyful ride the sands of El Rocio, Grazalema streams, the dunes of Doñana, the slopes of Round or the snows of Veleta but pending the clock and GPS
"Soto told me that the Spanish are lost?, So when we talk in Seville, I propose that, in addition to the raid, arrange a ride Andalusian horses for beginners with no hurry, which is the best way to go further in these times...
Read more here:
http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/2011/01/entrevista-jose-manuel-soto-organizador.html
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Australia: Meg Wade's Recovery Progressing
SA.Equestrian.org.au
Nicola Turner, Monday, 17 January 2011
Champion Endurance rider Meg Wade suffered a brain injury from a riding accident in April 2009. Meg has written this letter to update us on her progress.
Read more here:
http://www.sa.equestrian.org.au/default.asp?Page=24975
Nicola Turner, Monday, 17 January 2011
Champion Endurance rider Meg Wade suffered a brain injury from a riding accident in April 2009. Meg has written this letter to update us on her progress.
Read more here:
http://www.sa.equestrian.org.au/default.asp?Page=24975
Friday, January 14, 2011
Tommy Crain passes
Tommy Crain died in his sleep January 13. Tommy is survived by his daughter Annie, and wife, Melissa - an avid Endurance Rider for decades. Tommy and Melissa were very active in the sport - Melissa as a serious rider and competitor with her spectacular horse Whoa Jack, and Tommy as a cheerful and competent support crew for Melissa and anybody else that needed help.
The music world will also miss Tommy. These words from Charlie Daniels:
CHARLIE DANIELS said on his website: “TOMMY CRAIN will always be a part of the CDB family and his music will always be a part of the CDB sound. We have lost a good friend and the world has lost a unique, creative and precious human being. We send our deepest condolences to the family of our brother TOMM CRAIN. You were special, buddy. We’re gonna miss you. CD”
Tommy's bio:
Tom Crain was born in Nashville, Tn. on January 16, 1951, the son of Tom and Helen Crain. He has an older sister, Sherry, and a younger brother Billy. At the tender age of 6 yrs., Tom began piano lessons after being influenced by his dad and granddad who both played the piano.
After a neighbor taught him to play ukelele in the 6th grade, Tom won a talent contest at his grammar school and decided to pursue music more seriously. He then took up guitar and banjo. Throughout high school, Tom played in various local bands, the best being Flat Creek Band in which his brother Billy also played guitar. This group eventually disbanded and Tom formed a group called Buckeye. Buckeye was the opening act at Charlie Daniels' very first Volunteer Jam at Nashville's War Memorial Auditorium where he met Charlie Daniels and a lot of other southern rock musicians.
About a year later , Charlie needed a guitar player and Tom was the man he called for the job. In a few weeks time in February of 1975, Tom married his sweetheart, Melissa, moved to a new apartment, and left on the road with the Charlie Daniels Band for a fifteen year run. Tom played on many CDB albums, co wrote over 60 songs with the band and won a Grammy for co writing " The Devil Went Down To Georgia " which won a Grammy in 1980.
Tom left the band in the summer of 1989 to pursue other interests and to raise his young daughter, Annie, and to help his wife in her career of equestrian endurance riding. After several tries at having his own band during the 90's Tom disappeared from the music scene until he met Towson Engsberg, a drummer from Atlanta , GA. who had a rhythm section called The Crosstown Allstars. Tom began commuting to Georgia on a weekly basis in 2004 to play the Atlanta club scene. After about a year and a half, the Allstars decided to record an original album to be released in 2005. The rest is future history.
Condolences to Melissa and Tommy's family and friends, and a 'thank you' to Tommy for his selfless gifts to the endurance community.
Steph
Endurance.Net
The music world will also miss Tommy. These words from Charlie Daniels:
CHARLIE DANIELS said on his website: “TOMMY CRAIN will always be a part of the CDB family and his music will always be a part of the CDB sound. We have lost a good friend and the world has lost a unique, creative and precious human being. We send our deepest condolences to the family of our brother TOMM CRAIN. You were special, buddy. We’re gonna miss you. CD”
Tommy's bio:
Tom Crain was born in Nashville, Tn. on January 16, 1951, the son of Tom and Helen Crain. He has an older sister, Sherry, and a younger brother Billy. At the tender age of 6 yrs., Tom began piano lessons after being influenced by his dad and granddad who both played the piano.
After a neighbor taught him to play ukelele in the 6th grade, Tom won a talent contest at his grammar school and decided to pursue music more seriously. He then took up guitar and banjo. Throughout high school, Tom played in various local bands, the best being Flat Creek Band in which his brother Billy also played guitar. This group eventually disbanded and Tom formed a group called Buckeye. Buckeye was the opening act at Charlie Daniels' very first Volunteer Jam at Nashville's War Memorial Auditorium where he met Charlie Daniels and a lot of other southern rock musicians.
About a year later , Charlie needed a guitar player and Tom was the man he called for the job. In a few weeks time in February of 1975, Tom married his sweetheart, Melissa, moved to a new apartment, and left on the road with the Charlie Daniels Band for a fifteen year run. Tom played on many CDB albums, co wrote over 60 songs with the band and won a Grammy for co writing " The Devil Went Down To Georgia " which won a Grammy in 1980.
Tom left the band in the summer of 1989 to pursue other interests and to raise his young daughter, Annie, and to help his wife in her career of equestrian endurance riding. After several tries at having his own band during the 90's Tom disappeared from the music scene until he met Towson Engsberg, a drummer from Atlanta , GA. who had a rhythm section called The Crosstown Allstars. Tom began commuting to Georgia on a weekly basis in 2004 to play the Atlanta club scene. After about a year and a half, the Allstars decided to record an original album to be released in 2005. The rest is future history.
Condolences to Melissa and Tommy's family and friends, and a 'thank you' to Tommy for his selfless gifts to the endurance community.
Steph
Endurance.Net
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Mongol Derby Champion of Texas to Return in 2011
Myhorse.com - Full Article
Texan farrier-come-adventurer Justin Nelzen, winner of the second Mongol Derby last summer, is a confirmed entrant in the 2011 competition. The Mongol Derby is a self-guided, 1000-km adventure race cross the Mongolian steppe. The race takes place in one of the world's last remaining wildernesses and birthplace of the largest land empire ever created. Having had the ride of a lifetime last August, Nelzen is keen to defend his title and better his achievement. A former U.S. Marine, world champion martial artist, marathon runner, triathlete and more recently international endurance rider, Nelzen will be adding to an impressive tally of sporting and adventuring honors.
The Mongol Derby isthe longest multi-horse race in the world, and one of the most grueling equine adventures. At the heart of the Mongol Derby is the horse station system, called Urtuus in Mongolian...
Read more here:
http://myhorse.com/mongol-derby-champion-texas-return-2011.html?utm_source=myhorse.com&utm_medium=email+newsletter&utm_campaign=myhorsenewsletter
Texan farrier-come-adventurer Justin Nelzen, winner of the second Mongol Derby last summer, is a confirmed entrant in the 2011 competition. The Mongol Derby is a self-guided, 1000-km adventure race cross the Mongolian steppe. The race takes place in one of the world's last remaining wildernesses and birthplace of the largest land empire ever created. Having had the ride of a lifetime last August, Nelzen is keen to defend his title and better his achievement. A former U.S. Marine, world champion martial artist, marathon runner, triathlete and more recently international endurance rider, Nelzen will be adding to an impressive tally of sporting and adventuring honors.
The Mongol Derby isthe longest multi-horse race in the world, and one of the most grueling equine adventures. At the heart of the Mongol Derby is the horse station system, called Urtuus in Mongolian...
Read more here:
http://myhorse.com/mongol-derby-champion-texas-return-2011.html?utm_source=myhorse.com&utm_medium=email+newsletter&utm_campaign=myhorsenewsletter
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Great Britain: Fears over Norfolk forest sell-off plans
Eveningnews24.co.uk - Full Article
By REBECCA GOUGH
Monday, 10 January, 2011
Hundreds of horse riders could face difficulty pursuing their passion in Norfolk if swathes of publicly-owned woodland is privatised under government proposals.
If the move goes ahead, Thetford Forest could no longer be the domain of family picnics, campers or cyclists, and riders could be forced out of the area completely due to a lack of alternative space.
Currently much of Britain’s endurance riding programme is carried out in the region, and people from all over the country descend on the forest for its long and peaceful routes.
Nicki Gilbert has been breeding endurance horses in her spare time for the past five years. She is now in limbo waiting for a decision and could be forced to relocate if the forest is sold to private landowners.
Miss Gilbert, 39, who runs Akala Arabians at Ash Farm in Shipdham, said: “A lot of it is about having access to somewhere you can ride safely and off road.
“I used to hack out in the lanes but just in the years I’ve been riding traffic has got so much faster and it’s impossible now..."
Read more here:
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/fears_over_norfolk_forest_sell_off_plans_1_770425
By REBECCA GOUGH
Monday, 10 January, 2011
Hundreds of horse riders could face difficulty pursuing their passion in Norfolk if swathes of publicly-owned woodland is privatised under government proposals.
If the move goes ahead, Thetford Forest could no longer be the domain of family picnics, campers or cyclists, and riders could be forced out of the area completely due to a lack of alternative space.
Currently much of Britain’s endurance riding programme is carried out in the region, and people from all over the country descend on the forest for its long and peaceful routes.
Nicki Gilbert has been breeding endurance horses in her spare time for the past five years. She is now in limbo waiting for a decision and could be forced to relocate if the forest is sold to private landowners.
Miss Gilbert, 39, who runs Akala Arabians at Ash Farm in Shipdham, said: “A lot of it is about having access to somewhere you can ride safely and off road.
“I used to hack out in the lanes but just in the years I’ve been riding traffic has got so much faster and it’s impossible now..."
Read more here:
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/fears_over_norfolk_forest_sell_off_plans_1_770425
Sunday, January 09, 2011
The Arabian Racing Cup Stallion Auction unites with the TABA Stallion Auction to benefit the Darley Awards
Houston, Texas, USA - January 10, 2011
Two highly regarded annual Arabian breeding auctions with years of reputable history have united for the benefit of the Darley Awards 2011. The combined auction offers a collection of top USA & International Arabian Race Sires, including the leading sire in the U.S. industry.
The auction format is online and runs from January 28th to January 31st, 2011.
Stallion owners generously donated their stallion breedings for this special event with an unwavering commitment to the Arabian racing industry. Auction prices start at 50% of the published fees.
Buyers of these breedings will have fun with competitive bidding and feel pride they are not only doing a great service for their own breeding programs, but are playing a vital role in holding up the Darley tradition. Everyone with interest in the Arabian horse and its historical role in the horse racing sport is encouraged to participate.
The equivalent of the Eclipse Awards in the Thoroughbred racing world, The Darley Awards were founded in 1987 to honor the best in Arabian horse racing. This distinguished black-tie ceremony recognizes the most outstanding racehorses, jockeys, owners, trainers and breeders of the Arabian horse community. The Darley Awards are sponsored each year by the Arabian Racing Cup and will take place this year on March 5th, 2011 in Houston, Texas. The event has been held in various venues, but has found home in Texas for the last 3 years.
The Darley weekend includes Graded stakes races at Sam Houston Race Park and other events. The Darley theme this year, "Hats Off to the Champions," flaunts festive Derby Hats in celebration of Arabian Racing´s first stakes race at the important Keeneland race track in the state of Kentucky. This grade 1 event, The President of the UAE Cup, was part of an international race series and marked an important step for Arabian racing in USA.
Texas Arabian Breeders Association (TABA) plays a leading role in Arabian racing and is an affiliate of the USA Arabian Racing organization, the Arabian Jockey Club. Organized in part to help assure Arabian horses a solid place in Texas horse racing, TABA was formed in 1988. Many of those making up the first TABA Board of Governors had made certain that the Texas Racing Act of 1987 included Arabian horses as a racing breed, along with the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse. This legislation guaranteed these racing breeds the right to race at all Texas pari-mutuel horse racing tracks, and Arabians enjoy racing opportunities at all three Class 1 horse racing tracks in Texas.
TABA's main job as an organization is to act as the liaison between the Texas Racing Commission, the racetracks and the other racing breed organizations. No less important is TABA's job of managing and promoting the Accredited Texas-Bred program, and coordinating racing meets with organizations in other states. Details about TABA, Texas Arabian horse racing and the Accredited Texas-Bred program can be found on TABA's website, www.texasarabianbreeders.com.
For more information or reservations for the 2011 Darley Awards, visit www.arabianracingcup.com.
To bid online for breedings to the Auction stallions benefiting the Darley Awards, visit www.racearabians.com.
###
Contact:
Todd Moak, Stallion Breeding Auction Manager 409-429-7142
Texas Arabian Breeders Association (TABA)
P.O. Box 215
Forney, TX 75126
auction@texasarabianbreeders.com
www.texasarabianbreeders.com
Two highly regarded annual Arabian breeding auctions with years of reputable history have united for the benefit of the Darley Awards 2011. The combined auction offers a collection of top USA & International Arabian Race Sires, including the leading sire in the U.S. industry.
The auction format is online and runs from January 28th to January 31st, 2011.
Stallion owners generously donated their stallion breedings for this special event with an unwavering commitment to the Arabian racing industry. Auction prices start at 50% of the published fees.
Buyers of these breedings will have fun with competitive bidding and feel pride they are not only doing a great service for their own breeding programs, but are playing a vital role in holding up the Darley tradition. Everyone with interest in the Arabian horse and its historical role in the horse racing sport is encouraged to participate.
The equivalent of the Eclipse Awards in the Thoroughbred racing world, The Darley Awards were founded in 1987 to honor the best in Arabian horse racing. This distinguished black-tie ceremony recognizes the most outstanding racehorses, jockeys, owners, trainers and breeders of the Arabian horse community. The Darley Awards are sponsored each year by the Arabian Racing Cup and will take place this year on March 5th, 2011 in Houston, Texas. The event has been held in various venues, but has found home in Texas for the last 3 years.
The Darley weekend includes Graded stakes races at Sam Houston Race Park and other events. The Darley theme this year, "Hats Off to the Champions," flaunts festive Derby Hats in celebration of Arabian Racing´s first stakes race at the important Keeneland race track in the state of Kentucky. This grade 1 event, The President of the UAE Cup, was part of an international race series and marked an important step for Arabian racing in USA.
Texas Arabian Breeders Association (TABA) plays a leading role in Arabian racing and is an affiliate of the USA Arabian Racing organization, the Arabian Jockey Club. Organized in part to help assure Arabian horses a solid place in Texas horse racing, TABA was formed in 1988. Many of those making up the first TABA Board of Governors had made certain that the Texas Racing Act of 1987 included Arabian horses as a racing breed, along with the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse. This legislation guaranteed these racing breeds the right to race at all Texas pari-mutuel horse racing tracks, and Arabians enjoy racing opportunities at all three Class 1 horse racing tracks in Texas.
TABA's main job as an organization is to act as the liaison between the Texas Racing Commission, the racetracks and the other racing breed organizations. No less important is TABA's job of managing and promoting the Accredited Texas-Bred program, and coordinating racing meets with organizations in other states. Details about TABA, Texas Arabian horse racing and the Accredited Texas-Bred program can be found on TABA's website, www.texasarabianbreeders.com.
For more information or reservations for the 2011 Darley Awards, visit www.arabianracingcup.com.
To bid online for breedings to the Auction stallions benefiting the Darley Awards, visit www.racearabians.com.
###
Contact:
Todd Moak, Stallion Breeding Auction Manager 409-429-7142
Texas Arabian Breeders Association (TABA)
P.O. Box 215
Forney, TX 75126
auction@texasarabianbreeders.com
www.texasarabianbreeders.com
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Great Britain: My Two-Year-Old Son's First Endurance Competition
Horseandcountry.tv - Full Article
5 January 2011
Endurance rider Beccy Broughton has been competing since she was six-years-old. She has represented Team GB at numerous events, including at WEG in 2010. In her blog, Beccy shares her life with her horses and her training tips.
“Well, here I sit on New Year’s Day, the white stuff has all gone and even the ice has finally thawed. The ground is sodden and squelchy once more, going from one extreme to the other. Mind you, I did enjoy riding in all that snow, riding through the forest in a place that I can only describe as Nania! I did not come across any half man half animal fauns or talking beavers or Aslan though. It was a magical ending to a fairly magical year...
Read more here:
http://www.horseandcountry.tv/celebrity/beccy-broughton/my-two-year-old-sons-first-endurance-competition
5 January 2011
Endurance rider Beccy Broughton has been competing since she was six-years-old. She has represented Team GB at numerous events, including at WEG in 2010. In her blog, Beccy shares her life with her horses and her training tips.
“Well, here I sit on New Year’s Day, the white stuff has all gone and even the ice has finally thawed. The ground is sodden and squelchy once more, going from one extreme to the other. Mind you, I did enjoy riding in all that snow, riding through the forest in a place that I can only describe as Nania! I did not come across any half man half animal fauns or talking beavers or Aslan though. It was a magical ending to a fairly magical year...
Read more here:
http://www.horseandcountry.tv/celebrity/beccy-broughton/my-two-year-old-sons-first-endurance-competition
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Great Britain: Versatile Bobby is crowned Olympia veteran champion
Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article
Ellie Hughes
23 December, 2010
Few horses that can boast such a comprehensive CV as 30-year-old Bobby, the 14.3hh skewbald who was recently crowned the Veteran Horse Society's in-hand champion at Olympia.
The Helme family's much-loved gelding started his ridden career competing in endurance with Becci Elme, who then passed over the reins to her younger sister Donna (now Kenyon).
Donna and Bobby went on to represent Great Britain in endurance at the World Equestrian Games in The Hague in 1994...
Read more here:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/387/304717.html
Ellie Hughes
23 December, 2010
Few horses that can boast such a comprehensive CV as 30-year-old Bobby, the 14.3hh skewbald who was recently crowned the Veteran Horse Society's in-hand champion at Olympia.
The Helme family's much-loved gelding started his ridden career competing in endurance with Becci Elme, who then passed over the reins to her younger sister Donna (now Kenyon).
Donna and Bobby went on to represent Great Britain in endurance at the World Equestrian Games in The Hague in 1994...
Read more here:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/387/304717.html
Kelsey Kimbler Named 2010 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year
USEF.org
Release: December 23 2010
Author: USEF Communications Department
Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Kelsey Kimbler as the 2010 Junior Equestrian of the Year. This highest of honor offered to a junior equestrian comes on the heels of another big honor Kelsey earned earlier this month - the 2010 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations. This puts Kelsey in elite company, as one of only a handful of junior equestrians to accomplish both feats in the same year.
"My sister Kirsten won this award in 2007 and I've always looked up to her. When she won, I decided 'That's my next goal!'" Kimbler related. "It has been a whirlwind experience."
The 17-year-old high school senior has shown an unwavering commitment to her sport. As a young child, she started in the show ring with walk-trot. Soon after, she continued her riding with endurance and has never looked back. Kimbler has won the AERC Junior National Hundred Mile Award twice in its four years of existence. This award is given to the junior rider who completes the most 100-mile rides in one year. Kimbler holds the record for being the only junior to complete five such endurance rides in one year. She also has represented the AHA Youth Association as her region's delegate and through involvement in 4-H events with her Arabians. She was nominated by both the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) and the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC).
Her commitment does not stop with her horses, and as Kimbler can attest, she's used to balancing quite a hectic schedule. She tested for the first professional level in ballet in the fall, and hopes to teach younger children, to fund her college education. In addition, she is a member of the Keystone National Honor Society which requires her to complete 30 hours of community service along with maintaining at least a 4.0 grade point average. She is also an active member of her school's cross-country team and Students Against Destructive Decisions club (SADD).
Kimbler plans to attend university near home next year, pursuing a degree in biology. While other future plans aren't yet set in stone, she's already sure of one thing: horses.
The Ruth O'Keefe Meredith Trophy was established in 1985 to honor a junior equestrian who has made outstanding contributions to equestrian competition while exemplifying exceptional talent, sportsmanship and dedication. After reviewing the many candidates nominated for one of the USEF's highest honors, the Awards Committee selected the young equestrian who exceeded the demanding qualification criteria.
To qualify, a young equestrian must have competed at USEF-recognized shows over the past year while displaying good sportsmanship and integrity. The winner is also someone who has excelled and has willingly given back to their sport.
Kimbler will be honored during the 2010 Pegasus Awards on January 22 in Lexington, KY, as part of the 2011 USEF Annual Meeting. She was nominated by both the Arabian Horse Associaton (AHA) and the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC).
For tickets to the 2011 USEF Annual Meeting and Pegasus Awards in Lexington, KY, visit www.usef.org and click on "2010 Annual Meeting" on the right side of the homepage.
For more information about the 2010 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year, contact Trisha Watkins, USEF's Awards Manager, at (859) 225-6944 or tlwatkins@usef.org.
Release: December 23 2010
Author: USEF Communications Department
Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Kelsey Kimbler as the 2010 Junior Equestrian of the Year. This highest of honor offered to a junior equestrian comes on the heels of another big honor Kelsey earned earlier this month - the 2010 USEF Youth Sportsman's Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations. This puts Kelsey in elite company, as one of only a handful of junior equestrians to accomplish both feats in the same year.
"My sister Kirsten won this award in 2007 and I've always looked up to her. When she won, I decided 'That's my next goal!'" Kimbler related. "It has been a whirlwind experience."
The 17-year-old high school senior has shown an unwavering commitment to her sport. As a young child, she started in the show ring with walk-trot. Soon after, she continued her riding with endurance and has never looked back. Kimbler has won the AERC Junior National Hundred Mile Award twice in its four years of existence. This award is given to the junior rider who completes the most 100-mile rides in one year. Kimbler holds the record for being the only junior to complete five such endurance rides in one year. She also has represented the AHA Youth Association as her region's delegate and through involvement in 4-H events with her Arabians. She was nominated by both the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) and the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC).
Her commitment does not stop with her horses, and as Kimbler can attest, she's used to balancing quite a hectic schedule. She tested for the first professional level in ballet in the fall, and hopes to teach younger children, to fund her college education. In addition, she is a member of the Keystone National Honor Society which requires her to complete 30 hours of community service along with maintaining at least a 4.0 grade point average. She is also an active member of her school's cross-country team and Students Against Destructive Decisions club (SADD).
Kimbler plans to attend university near home next year, pursuing a degree in biology. While other future plans aren't yet set in stone, she's already sure of one thing: horses.
The Ruth O'Keefe Meredith Trophy was established in 1985 to honor a junior equestrian who has made outstanding contributions to equestrian competition while exemplifying exceptional talent, sportsmanship and dedication. After reviewing the many candidates nominated for one of the USEF's highest honors, the Awards Committee selected the young equestrian who exceeded the demanding qualification criteria.
To qualify, a young equestrian must have competed at USEF-recognized shows over the past year while displaying good sportsmanship and integrity. The winner is also someone who has excelled and has willingly given back to their sport.
Kimbler will be honored during the 2010 Pegasus Awards on January 22 in Lexington, KY, as part of the 2011 USEF Annual Meeting. She was nominated by both the Arabian Horse Associaton (AHA) and the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC).
For tickets to the 2011 USEF Annual Meeting and Pegasus Awards in Lexington, KY, visit www.usef.org and click on "2010 Annual Meeting" on the right side of the homepage.
For more information about the 2010 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year, contact Trisha Watkins, USEF's Awards Manager, at (859) 225-6944 or tlwatkins@usef.org.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
America's Favorite Equestrian Campaign Launched
Wednesday December 22 2010
Tucson, AZ
United States Equestrian Foundation (USEF) and The EQUUS Foundation have launched America's Favorite Equestrian campaign.
Designed as an interactive fundraising effort, the unique program is designed to raise funds for equestrian sport on an annual basis. It relies on donations made via mobile texting through any cellphone or handheld mobile device. Each $5 donation made between December 15, 2010 and February 28, 2011 is considered a vote. A minimum of $10,000 in sport welfare grants will be awarded based on the donations made via this campaign, and an additional $5,000 grant will be made to the equestrian discilpline that generates the most votes.
Eight equestrian disciplines are listed, and within each discipline, between six and eight people are vying for your vote. The disciplines are dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para-dressage, reining, and vaulting. Each of these disciplines were represented at the recent World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky.
EasyCare is well represented in the Endurance discipline. 2009 AERC Hall of Fame Recipient Dave Rabe and EasyCare's own President & CEO, Garrett Ford, are two of the eight nominees. "I'm humbled to be in the company of such fine ambassadors of our sport. To be included in a list of equestrians that includes Julie Suhr and Becky Grand Hart is a great honor," said Ford. "I'm obviously delighted that two of the eight Endurance nominees are representing Easyboot, but this also represents an opportunity for the broader sport of endurance to receive new funds regardless of the representative you vote for."
“It is our goal to bring recognition to all the equestrian disciplines and breeds, and to inspire all equestrians to support our overall efforts on behalf of horses. We hope this program will generate excitement and involvement for horse lovers everywhere,” said Lynn Coakley, President of The EQUUS Foundation.
The EQUUS Foundation is dedicated to securing homes and useful lives for all horses - competitively, recreationally and therapeutically - and to educating the public on the important role horses have in our everyday lives. In the short time since the Foundation’s establishment, over $1.5 million in grants has been awarded to horse and equestrian charities across the United States.
How To Vote
Visit the link at http://www.equusfoundation.org/afe.php. Select your favorite equestrian listed under each discipline and follow the instructions provided. After texting your vote, you must reply YES to confirm your vote/$5 donation. Each donation is 100% tax deductible.
If you want to cast more than six $5 votes in a single month ($30), simply follow the instructions listed on each equestrian profile. A credit card is required.
How It Works
Fans can vote for their favorite equestrians from among a slate of international athletes until Februray 28, 2011.
Winner Selections
The winners will be the athletes from each discipline with the most votes. The winners will be announced in March, 2011.
America's Favorite Equestrians
To Vote and Make a $5 Donation, text VOTE + (space) + (Equestrian's Number Below) to 85944:
Dressage
Courtney King-Dye (57)
Debbie McDonald (58)
Guenter Seidel (59)
Katharine Bateson-Chandler (60)
Leslie Morse (61)
Steffen Peters (62)
Tina Konyot (63)
Todd Flettrich (64)
Driving
Chester Weber (1)
Fred Merriam (2)
Lisa Singer (3)
Rochelle Temple (4)
Suzy Stafford (5)
Tucker Johnson (6)
Endurance
Becky Hart (41)
Bill Wilson (42)
Dave Rabe (43)
Earle Baxter (44)
Garrett Ford (45)
Julie Suhr (46)
Robert Ribley (47)
Valerie Kanavy (48)
Eventing
Boyd Martin (9)
Bruce Davidson (10)
David O'Connor (11)
James C. Wofford (12)
Karen O'Connor (13)
Kimberly Severson (14)
Phillip Dutton (15)
Tiana Coudray (16)
Jumping
Anne Kursinski (17)
Beezie Madden (18)
George H. Morris (19)
Joe Fargis (20)
Laura Kraut (21)
Margie Engle (22)
McLain Ward (23)
Peter Wylde (24)
Para-Dressage
Jennifer Baker (49)
Jonathan Wentz (50)
Laura Goldman (51)
Mary Jordan (52)
Rebecca Hart (53)
Robin Brueckmann (54)
Susan Treabess (55)
Wendy Fryke (56)
Reining
Andrea Fappani (25)
Casey Deary (26)
Craig Schmersal (27)
Matthew Palmer (28)
Randy Paul (29)
Shawn Flarida (30)
Tim McQuay (31)
Tom McCutcheon (32)
Vaulting
Ali Divita (33)
Devon Maitozo (34)
Katherine Wick (35)
Kenny Geisler (36)
Kristian Roberts (37)
Mary McCormick (38)
Megan Benjamin (39)
Todd Griffiths (40)
For more information on America's Favorite Equestrian Campaign, contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880 (203) 259-1550, equus@equusfoundation.org, website: www.equusfoundation.org.
For more information on Easyboots, please see the EasyCare website at http://easycareinc.com and the EasyCare blog at http://blog.easycareinc.com . For all additional questions, contact Kevin Myers, Director of Marketing at kmyers@easycareinc.com.
Tucson, AZ
United States Equestrian Foundation (USEF) and The EQUUS Foundation have launched America's Favorite Equestrian campaign.
Designed as an interactive fundraising effort, the unique program is designed to raise funds for equestrian sport on an annual basis. It relies on donations made via mobile texting through any cellphone or handheld mobile device. Each $5 donation made between December 15, 2010 and February 28, 2011 is considered a vote. A minimum of $10,000 in sport welfare grants will be awarded based on the donations made via this campaign, and an additional $5,000 grant will be made to the equestrian discilpline that generates the most votes.
Eight equestrian disciplines are listed, and within each discipline, between six and eight people are vying for your vote. The disciplines are dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para-dressage, reining, and vaulting. Each of these disciplines were represented at the recent World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky.
EasyCare is well represented in the Endurance discipline. 2009 AERC Hall of Fame Recipient Dave Rabe and EasyCare's own President & CEO, Garrett Ford, are two of the eight nominees. "I'm humbled to be in the company of such fine ambassadors of our sport. To be included in a list of equestrians that includes Julie Suhr and Becky Grand Hart is a great honor," said Ford. "I'm obviously delighted that two of the eight Endurance nominees are representing Easyboot, but this also represents an opportunity for the broader sport of endurance to receive new funds regardless of the representative you vote for."
“It is our goal to bring recognition to all the equestrian disciplines and breeds, and to inspire all equestrians to support our overall efforts on behalf of horses. We hope this program will generate excitement and involvement for horse lovers everywhere,” said Lynn Coakley, President of The EQUUS Foundation.
The EQUUS Foundation is dedicated to securing homes and useful lives for all horses - competitively, recreationally and therapeutically - and to educating the public on the important role horses have in our everyday lives. In the short time since the Foundation’s establishment, over $1.5 million in grants has been awarded to horse and equestrian charities across the United States.
How To Vote
Visit the link at http://www.equusfoundation.org/afe.php. Select your favorite equestrian listed under each discipline and follow the instructions provided. After texting your vote, you must reply YES to confirm your vote/$5 donation. Each donation is 100% tax deductible.
If you want to cast more than six $5 votes in a single month ($30), simply follow the instructions listed on each equestrian profile. A credit card is required.
How It Works
Fans can vote for their favorite equestrians from among a slate of international athletes until Februray 28, 2011.
Winner Selections
The winners will be the athletes from each discipline with the most votes. The winners will be announced in March, 2011.
America's Favorite Equestrians
To Vote and Make a $5 Donation, text VOTE + (space) + (Equestrian's Number Below) to 85944:
Dressage
Courtney King-Dye (57)
Debbie McDonald (58)
Guenter Seidel (59)
Katharine Bateson-Chandler (60)
Leslie Morse (61)
Steffen Peters (62)
Tina Konyot (63)
Todd Flettrich (64)
Driving
Chester Weber (1)
Fred Merriam (2)
Lisa Singer (3)
Rochelle Temple (4)
Suzy Stafford (5)
Tucker Johnson (6)
Endurance
Becky Hart (41)
Bill Wilson (42)
Dave Rabe (43)
Earle Baxter (44)
Garrett Ford (45)
Julie Suhr (46)
Robert Ribley (47)
Valerie Kanavy (48)
Eventing
Boyd Martin (9)
Bruce Davidson (10)
David O'Connor (11)
James C. Wofford (12)
Karen O'Connor (13)
Kimberly Severson (14)
Phillip Dutton (15)
Tiana Coudray (16)
Jumping
Anne Kursinski (17)
Beezie Madden (18)
George H. Morris (19)
Joe Fargis (20)
Laura Kraut (21)
Margie Engle (22)
McLain Ward (23)
Peter Wylde (24)
Para-Dressage
Jennifer Baker (49)
Jonathan Wentz (50)
Laura Goldman (51)
Mary Jordan (52)
Rebecca Hart (53)
Robin Brueckmann (54)
Susan Treabess (55)
Wendy Fryke (56)
Reining
Andrea Fappani (25)
Casey Deary (26)
Craig Schmersal (27)
Matthew Palmer (28)
Randy Paul (29)
Shawn Flarida (30)
Tim McQuay (31)
Tom McCutcheon (32)
Vaulting
Ali Divita (33)
Devon Maitozo (34)
Katherine Wick (35)
Kenny Geisler (36)
Kristian Roberts (37)
Mary McCormick (38)
Megan Benjamin (39)
Todd Griffiths (40)
For more information on America's Favorite Equestrian Campaign, contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880 (203) 259-1550, equus@equusfoundation.org, website: www.equusfoundation.org.
For more information on Easyboots, please see the EasyCare website at http://easycareinc.com and the EasyCare blog at http://blog.easycareinc.com . For all additional questions, contact Kevin Myers, Director of Marketing at kmyers@easycareinc.com.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Performance of the year: Lew Hollander
XTRI.com - Full Article
By Matthew Dale, Ironman.com
12/22/2010
In another of our "Performance of the year" stories, Matthew Dale catches up with a man who provided one of the year's highlights with his amazing race in Kona. Keep those e-mails coming to kevin@ironman.com - we'll be posting some of those here on the site tomorrow.
Memo to journalists contemplating writing a story about Bend, Oregon’s ageless wonder, 80-year-old Lew Hollander -- do not begin your line of questioning as follows:
“What type of work did you do before retiring?”
“I resent you using the past tense,” said Hollander, a physicist who still works in his chosen field. “I think I’m still functioning.”
Still functioning? Uh, yeah. In October, Hollander finished the Ford Ironman World Championship for the 21st time (out of 21 starts), jogging down Alii Drive well ahead of the midnight deadline, coming home in 15 hours, 48 minutes. Four weeks later he completed the 70.3 world champs in Clearwater.
When Hollander checked out of his Clearwater hotel, a person at the front desk made a big deal about his feat at 80. A gentleman apparently in his 50s looked at Hollander and asked, “What do you take?”
Warning. Warning. Another foolish question.
“Do you want to spend a day with me?” Hollander told the man.
The guy thought for some time, then said, “No.”
“It’s like (the guy’s asking), ‘Is there a magic pill? I don’t want to do any of the training crap. I just want to take a prescription,’” says Hollander. “There isn’t any pill. It’s (and here he spells out the word) W-O-R-K.”
Work. Move. Explore. Be active. Be involved. Be curious. Splice them all together and you’ve got a peek into what makes Hollander tick...
Read more here:
http://www.xtri.com/features_display.aspx?riIDReport=7004&CAT=21&xref=xx
By Matthew Dale, Ironman.com
12/22/2010
In another of our "Performance of the year" stories, Matthew Dale catches up with a man who provided one of the year's highlights with his amazing race in Kona. Keep those e-mails coming to kevin@ironman.com - we'll be posting some of those here on the site tomorrow.
Memo to journalists contemplating writing a story about Bend, Oregon’s ageless wonder, 80-year-old Lew Hollander -- do not begin your line of questioning as follows:
“What type of work did you do before retiring?”
“I resent you using the past tense,” said Hollander, a physicist who still works in his chosen field. “I think I’m still functioning.”
Still functioning? Uh, yeah. In October, Hollander finished the Ford Ironman World Championship for the 21st time (out of 21 starts), jogging down Alii Drive well ahead of the midnight deadline, coming home in 15 hours, 48 minutes. Four weeks later he completed the 70.3 world champs in Clearwater.
When Hollander checked out of his Clearwater hotel, a person at the front desk made a big deal about his feat at 80. A gentleman apparently in his 50s looked at Hollander and asked, “What do you take?”
Warning. Warning. Another foolish question.
“Do you want to spend a day with me?” Hollander told the man.
The guy thought for some time, then said, “No.”
“It’s like (the guy’s asking), ‘Is there a magic pill? I don’t want to do any of the training crap. I just want to take a prescription,’” says Hollander. “There isn’t any pill. It’s (and here he spells out the word) W-O-R-K.”
Work. Move. Explore. Be active. Be involved. Be curious. Splice them all together and you’ve got a peek into what makes Hollander tick...
Read more here:
http://www.xtri.com/features_display.aspx?riIDReport=7004&CAT=21&xref=xx
Friday, December 17, 2010
Kibler uses a twist when it comes to endurance horse racing
TheSouthern.com
photo: Provided Keith Kibler at finish line of a 50-mile race near Kansas City on a mare named Kate. The horse won the race and was B.C. (Best Condition). (Courtesy)
Watching the 2004 movie "Hidalgo" changed Keith Kibler's life.
The movie told the story of the hardships endured by a cowboy, portrayed by Viggo Mortensen, and his horse, Hidalgo, during a long distance race across the North African desert. The movie inspired him to take up the sport of endurance horse racing.
"I had done over 80 triathlons and had accomplished about what I wanted to accomplish at that," Kibler said. "I thought I'd take a year off from punishing myself at that and spend some time with my wife and her horses.
"What really appeared to me was the relationship between the cowboy and his horse. I thought it would be fun to compete at something where you had more of a relationship than with your bike."
So, after a bit of research, Kibler decided to give endurance racing a shot.
Immediately, he discovered there was another parallel between the movie and real life.
In the movie, Mortensen rode an American mustang, a horse that many believed unsuited to the rigors of a long-distance race. Kibler, and his wife, Sandy, compete on Tennessee Walking Horses and Missouri Foxtrotters. Most endurance racers ride Arabians.
"I showed up at my first race, a 50-mile race, in May of 2005 and was told I was on the wrong kind of horse and should go home," he said. "They asked if I could really sit on a horse for 50 miles. An ironman is about 140 miles, so I thought I could. I had just completed my second one of those, and didn't know if I wanted to do that any more."
The races are sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference. About 92-93 percent of the competitors ride Arabians, a fact that piqued Kibler's curiosity.
"It made me wonder whether a gaited horse could do endurance," he said. "And, that's what I sought to find out. I used both the training techniques and training tools from my triathlon background to train the horse because I didn't know any better. Not only did it work, but it worked very well."
There is a real advantage to riding the gaited horses.
"To ride an Arabian horse for 50 of 100 miles, you have to have really strong legs and a strong back because you're jumping up and down," Kibler said. "Our horses are so smooth you don't have to do that. The saddles we use are cushioned. The one my wife has has a webbing in it. It's kind of like riding in an easy chair."
The Kiblers race nine different horses. In their five years they've had 47 races, 29 top-10 finishes and five best of condition awards.
"The best of condition award is the top honor in this sport," Kibler said. "It's a combination of where you place, the weight of the rider and how the veterinarians have scored the horses before the race, at each vet stop, at the end of the race and an hour after the race."
The presence of veterinarians is where real life deviates from the movie. At the end of Hidalgo, viewers weren't sure the horse would survive. The horses are monitored carefully in AERC events.
"Usually for a 50-mile race you'll have a stop at about 20 miles and another at 35 miles," Kibler said. "They're like pit stops in NASCAR, but they're vet stops. The vets check the horses. It's a very safe sport for the horses. You have 30 minutes for the horse's heart rate to drop. If it doesn't drop in time, you're disqualified. They watch the horses very carefully.
"The motto of the AERC is ‘To finish is to win.' You have to get it done (50-mile race) in 12 hours. That includes the vet stop time, and the vet stop time is around an hour. Your moving time is about 10 hours."
He said a top caliber horse can average about 12.5 miles per hour in a 50-mile race.
The nearest AERC races are held in Salem.
For more information on the sport, or gaited horses, go to www.shawneesunrisefarm.net.
les.winkeler@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5088
photo: Provided Keith Kibler at finish line of a 50-mile race near Kansas City on a mare named Kate. The horse won the race and was B.C. (Best Condition). (Courtesy)
Watching the 2004 movie "Hidalgo" changed Keith Kibler's life.
The movie told the story of the hardships endured by a cowboy, portrayed by Viggo Mortensen, and his horse, Hidalgo, during a long distance race across the North African desert. The movie inspired him to take up the sport of endurance horse racing.
"I had done over 80 triathlons and had accomplished about what I wanted to accomplish at that," Kibler said. "I thought I'd take a year off from punishing myself at that and spend some time with my wife and her horses.
"What really appeared to me was the relationship between the cowboy and his horse. I thought it would be fun to compete at something where you had more of a relationship than with your bike."
So, after a bit of research, Kibler decided to give endurance racing a shot.
Immediately, he discovered there was another parallel between the movie and real life.
In the movie, Mortensen rode an American mustang, a horse that many believed unsuited to the rigors of a long-distance race. Kibler, and his wife, Sandy, compete on Tennessee Walking Horses and Missouri Foxtrotters. Most endurance racers ride Arabians.
"I showed up at my first race, a 50-mile race, in May of 2005 and was told I was on the wrong kind of horse and should go home," he said. "They asked if I could really sit on a horse for 50 miles. An ironman is about 140 miles, so I thought I could. I had just completed my second one of those, and didn't know if I wanted to do that any more."
The races are sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference. About 92-93 percent of the competitors ride Arabians, a fact that piqued Kibler's curiosity.
"It made me wonder whether a gaited horse could do endurance," he said. "And, that's what I sought to find out. I used both the training techniques and training tools from my triathlon background to train the horse because I didn't know any better. Not only did it work, but it worked very well."
There is a real advantage to riding the gaited horses.
"To ride an Arabian horse for 50 of 100 miles, you have to have really strong legs and a strong back because you're jumping up and down," Kibler said. "Our horses are so smooth you don't have to do that. The saddles we use are cushioned. The one my wife has has a webbing in it. It's kind of like riding in an easy chair."
The Kiblers race nine different horses. In their five years they've had 47 races, 29 top-10 finishes and five best of condition awards.
"The best of condition award is the top honor in this sport," Kibler said. "It's a combination of where you place, the weight of the rider and how the veterinarians have scored the horses before the race, at each vet stop, at the end of the race and an hour after the race."
The presence of veterinarians is where real life deviates from the movie. At the end of Hidalgo, viewers weren't sure the horse would survive. The horses are monitored carefully in AERC events.
"Usually for a 50-mile race you'll have a stop at about 20 miles and another at 35 miles," Kibler said. "They're like pit stops in NASCAR, but they're vet stops. The vets check the horses. It's a very safe sport for the horses. You have 30 minutes for the horse's heart rate to drop. If it doesn't drop in time, you're disqualified. They watch the horses very carefully.
"The motto of the AERC is ‘To finish is to win.' You have to get it done (50-mile race) in 12 hours. That includes the vet stop time, and the vet stop time is around an hour. Your moving time is about 10 hours."
He said a top caliber horse can average about 12.5 miles per hour in a 50-mile race.
The nearest AERC races are held in Salem.
For more information on the sport, or gaited horses, go to www.shawneesunrisefarm.net.
les.winkeler@thesouthern.com / 618-351-5088
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Local volunteer wins 2010 State Trail Worker Award
Cheiflandcitizen.com - Full Article
By The Staff
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Horse lover Helen Koehler, of Levy County, was recently rewarded for her on-going contributions to the trail systems in the area at the 20th National Trails Awards symposium held in Chattanooga, Tennessee in November.
The award "recognizes an individual that has demonstrated outstanding contributions and provided consistent support for trail planning, development, or maintenance."
A horse enthusiast since the 1980’s, she purchased her first horse and began enjoying trail riding and horse camping. This interest evolved into volunteering on various trail projects, as well as, serving on local land-use committees in the Gainesville area.
She moved to Levy County in 1995 with her husband Buck and together, they have marked over 100 miles of shared use trails. Additionally, they annually host the Goethe Challenge endurance ride which raises money for the Forest.
In her spare time, Koehler also serves as the Trail Grants Program Liaison for the American Endurance Riding Conference, chairs the Levy County Tourist Development Council, is president of The Goethe Trail, Inc., which promotes nature based equine tourism and actively participates on Florida’s Recreational Trails Program Committee.
She assists local, state and federal agencies with design and layout of equestrian trail facilities...
Read more here:
http://www.chieflandcitizen.com/content/local-volunteer-wins-2010-state-trail-worker-award
By The Staff
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Horse lover Helen Koehler, of Levy County, was recently rewarded for her on-going contributions to the trail systems in the area at the 20th National Trails Awards symposium held in Chattanooga, Tennessee in November.
The award "recognizes an individual that has demonstrated outstanding contributions and provided consistent support for trail planning, development, or maintenance."
A horse enthusiast since the 1980’s, she purchased her first horse and began enjoying trail riding and horse camping. This interest evolved into volunteering on various trail projects, as well as, serving on local land-use committees in the Gainesville area.
She moved to Levy County in 1995 with her husband Buck and together, they have marked over 100 miles of shared use trails. Additionally, they annually host the Goethe Challenge endurance ride which raises money for the Forest.
In her spare time, Koehler also serves as the Trail Grants Program Liaison for the American Endurance Riding Conference, chairs the Levy County Tourist Development Council, is president of The Goethe Trail, Inc., which promotes nature based equine tourism and actively participates on Florida’s Recreational Trails Program Committee.
She assists local, state and federal agencies with design and layout of equestrian trail facilities...
Read more here:
http://www.chieflandcitizen.com/content/local-volunteer-wins-2010-state-trail-worker-award
Report Your 2010 Access Issues on Federal Land
Horsecouncil.org
December 14, 2010
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Bridget Harrison
202-296-4031
bharrison@horsecouncil.org
The American Horse Council is continuing its effort to collect information on access issues equestrians are experiencing on federal lands. The center piece of this effort is an online form equestrians can use to report their personal experiences regarding trails that have been closed to them or other access issues on federal land. This online form is located at https://www.horsecouncil.org/survey.php.
Shortly, the AHC will be publishing a 2010 Report on Equestrian Access on Federal Land. “It is vital that all equestrians report their experiences on federal land good and bad,” said AHC Legislative Director Ben Pendergrass. “Equestrians need to relay their 2010 experiences to us by the end of the year so we can include them in the 2010 report. This information is vital to AHC efforts to protect equestrian recreation on federal land.”
Last February, the American Horse Council released its first Report on Equestrian Access on Federal Land. The 2009 report provided a brief overview of the responses the AHC received from equestrians to its ongoing access survey in 2009. The report can be viewed and downloaded on the Recreation Issues page on the AHC website.
The American Horse Council began its effort to collect information regarding equestrian access issues on federal lands in July of 2009. This effort was prompted by a growing concern among recreational riders around the country that they were seeing a reduction in the number of trails and trail heads open to equestrians on federal land.
“Hundreds of thousands of Americans use horses and pack stock to enjoy America’s great outdoors each year. However, it is an experience that cannot be enjoyed without access to public land, trail systems, and trailheads,” said Pendergrass.
“The AHC uses the survey and the year end report to illustrate some of the challenges facing recreational riders,” said AHC President Jay Hickey.” “Our federal land mangers work hard to provide recreational opportunities and we need to make sure they have adequate information about what some equestrians are experiencing. The annual Report on Equestrian Access on Federal Land is just one part of our efforts to ensure equestrians continue to have recreational opportunities on federal land. “
The AHC asks all recreational riders now and in the future to visit the AHC website and report any access issues they have had using this electronic form.
December 14, 2010
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Bridget Harrison
202-296-4031
bharrison@horsecouncil.org
The American Horse Council is continuing its effort to collect information on access issues equestrians are experiencing on federal lands. The center piece of this effort is an online form equestrians can use to report their personal experiences regarding trails that have been closed to them or other access issues on federal land. This online form is located at https://www.horsecouncil.org/survey.php.
Shortly, the AHC will be publishing a 2010 Report on Equestrian Access on Federal Land. “It is vital that all equestrians report their experiences on federal land good and bad,” said AHC Legislative Director Ben Pendergrass. “Equestrians need to relay their 2010 experiences to us by the end of the year so we can include them in the 2010 report. This information is vital to AHC efforts to protect equestrian recreation on federal land.”
Last February, the American Horse Council released its first Report on Equestrian Access on Federal Land. The 2009 report provided a brief overview of the responses the AHC received from equestrians to its ongoing access survey in 2009. The report can be viewed and downloaded on the Recreation Issues page on the AHC website.
The American Horse Council began its effort to collect information regarding equestrian access issues on federal lands in July of 2009. This effort was prompted by a growing concern among recreational riders around the country that they were seeing a reduction in the number of trails and trail heads open to equestrians on federal land.
“Hundreds of thousands of Americans use horses and pack stock to enjoy America’s great outdoors each year. However, it is an experience that cannot be enjoyed without access to public land, trail systems, and trailheads,” said Pendergrass.
“The AHC uses the survey and the year end report to illustrate some of the challenges facing recreational riders,” said AHC President Jay Hickey.” “Our federal land mangers work hard to provide recreational opportunities and we need to make sure they have adequate information about what some equestrians are experiencing. The annual Report on Equestrian Access on Federal Land is just one part of our efforts to ensure equestrians continue to have recreational opportunities on federal land. “
The AHC asks all recreational riders now and in the future to visit the AHC website and report any access issues they have had using this electronic form.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Australia: Endurance Ride Tamworth in conjuntion with Australian National Arabian Championships
Thearabianhorse.com.au
December 14, 2010 | Author AHOM Admin
20 March 2011
2011 is set to be a busy year for the Tamworth & District Endurance Club, backing up after a busy 2010 running 2 x 80km rides and the Quilty.
The year will start early with an 80km Endurance Ride and 40km Training Ride being held at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) in Tamworth. The club was approached by the Arabian Horse Society to run a ride in conjunction with their National Championship to showcase Endurance. Please note that the holding of this ride all depends on a suitable and appropriate course being available.
The ride base and camping will be at AELEC which boasts the best Equine facilities in the country. The camping fee has been kept to a minimum with the support of the Arabian Horse Society.
AELEC was opened in 2009 and the TDEC were involved in this, running an Endurance Demonstration in the Arena and manning an information booth. The Centre is a $30 million World Class Venue which has hosted many championship events to date a covers a massive 42 hectares. This will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase Endurance Riding to the rest of the Arabian Horse World and the general public. It is also a great chance to check out this amazing facility and the Arabian Horse Society event.
The Arabian Horse Society has been extremely supportive in getting the Endurance Ride as part of their championships, and we hope to have Riders and Horses who attend will create a lasting and positive impression of the sport of Endurance Riding. Further information can be found at www.aelec.com.au or www.ahsa.asn.au.
The second event on the TDEC calendar will be the inaugural Manilla Muster. This will be a 3-day marathon ride and also an 80km ride on the final day of the marathon. Full details about this ride will be revealed soon.
Finally, the third and final event will be the Bendemeer Endurance Ride which is normally held in May. This has been moved to September and will take full advantage of the beautiful spring weather that the tablelands has to offer.
For information about any of these events, please call Jeff or Gay Bonham on (02) 67852055.
December 14, 2010 | Author AHOM Admin
20 March 2011
2011 is set to be a busy year for the Tamworth & District Endurance Club, backing up after a busy 2010 running 2 x 80km rides and the Quilty.
The year will start early with an 80km Endurance Ride and 40km Training Ride being held at the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC) in Tamworth. The club was approached by the Arabian Horse Society to run a ride in conjunction with their National Championship to showcase Endurance. Please note that the holding of this ride all depends on a suitable and appropriate course being available.
The ride base and camping will be at AELEC which boasts the best Equine facilities in the country. The camping fee has been kept to a minimum with the support of the Arabian Horse Society.
AELEC was opened in 2009 and the TDEC were involved in this, running an Endurance Demonstration in the Arena and manning an information booth. The Centre is a $30 million World Class Venue which has hosted many championship events to date a covers a massive 42 hectares. This will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase Endurance Riding to the rest of the Arabian Horse World and the general public. It is also a great chance to check out this amazing facility and the Arabian Horse Society event.
The Arabian Horse Society has been extremely supportive in getting the Endurance Ride as part of their championships, and we hope to have Riders and Horses who attend will create a lasting and positive impression of the sport of Endurance Riding. Further information can be found at www.aelec.com.au or www.ahsa.asn.au.
The second event on the TDEC calendar will be the inaugural Manilla Muster. This will be a 3-day marathon ride and also an 80km ride on the final day of the marathon. Full details about this ride will be revealed soon.
Finally, the third and final event will be the Bendemeer Endurance Ride which is normally held in May. This has been moved to September and will take full advantage of the beautiful spring weather that the tablelands has to offer.
For information about any of these events, please call Jeff or Gay Bonham on (02) 67852055.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Canada: Terre O'Brennan Named 2010 BC Horse Council's Horse Person of the Year
Terre O’Brennan has made an outstanding contribution to horse sport, Endurance riding in particular, rising through the years to become the most respected Endurance rider in BC and one of Canada’s top riders. She started riding in the early 1980’s on her first pony Cavvie in Endurance moving up to her current mount Koszaar. The pair were recently named as alternates for the 2010 WEG team.
Terre isn’t just a determined and clever rider she also spends countless hours giving back to the horse sport. She is one of the original members and a current Director of the Endurance Riders Association of BC as well as an Affiliate director of Horse Council BC.
The “Over the Rainbow Ride” just celebrated its 21st year in existence and Terre has been actively involved as one of the Ride Manager for 17 of those years providing her computer savvy expertise. She has also been involved with the testing and improvements of the new Endurance software and training other Ride Managers. Most recently Terre has taken on the role of Vice-President of the newly formed Endurance Canada. Her first project is to develop a structure that would allow Endurance Canada to sanction rides in Canada. Other immediate responsibilities also include
implementing a points and mileage tracking system and annual awards.
Terre is a dedicated, hard working individual that continues to demonstrate a commitment to the sport of Endurance not only as an Ambassador, but as a competitor, Ride Manager and mentor to new riders coming into the sport.
Canada: Jewell named B.C. Horse Council’s Athlete of the Year
By Kevin Parnell - Kelowna Capital News
Published: December 10, 2010 11:00 PM
Her chosen sport may be relatively obscure but thanks to an award from the Horse Council of B.C., Kelowna equestrian endurance rider Gail Jewell is hoping to keep pushing the sport of endurance riding into the main stream.
The Horse Council of B.C. named Jewell its athlete of the year at the 30th annual awards banquet late last month in Abbotsford.
“It just puts our sport so much more on the map,” said Jewell this week. “To have an endurance athlete be picked, it finally recognizes the gargantuan effort we go to to compete at a world class level.”
Jewell and her husband Elroy Karius not only compete in endurance horse racing around the world but they are among the top riders in the world. This past year they represented Canada at the World Equestrian Games, placing seventh out of 28 teams that started the 100 mile endurance ride...
Read more here:
http://www.bclocalnews.com/sports/111700804.html
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Great Britain: Wendy Dunham Wins Two Awards
Endurancegb.co.uk
Wendy Dunham - awarded both the National Assistance Award and the Alec McGuinness
8th December 2010
Wendy received a standing ovation from members at the recent Awards Dinner when she was presented with the awards - her input to Endurance has been greatly appreciated over the years.
I was delighted that Wendy Dunham, in being awarded not one but two, ‘Unsung Hero’ trophies at the Awards Dinner, at last got the recognition she so highly deserves for all the hard work she has done for EnduranceGB before and since its formation in 2001.The standing ovation that she got from those present at the AGM Dinner showed how well her input has been appreciated.
As Chairman of EHPS she was part of the working party that united EHPS and BERA to form a single society for the benefit of all Endurance riders. She then served on the management committee of the new society including three years as chairman. When she retired from the committee she continued to do a huge amount of work behind the scenes, not only as the official results checker (a huge job as I know having done it myself for 3 years!) but also acting as Technical Steward at rides up and down the country and giving helpful advice to anyone with a problem. She has also been responsible, for as long as I can remember, for working out the results for the Annual Awards evening, purchasing all the rosettes and distance awards, and laying them out in such a way that the prizegiving runs smoothly, no mean undertaking. She says she is not going to do it again and she is going to be a very hard act to follow
Margaret McKiddie
Wendy Dunham - awarded both the National Assistance Award and the Alec McGuinness
8th December 2010
Wendy received a standing ovation from members at the recent Awards Dinner when she was presented with the awards - her input to Endurance has been greatly appreciated over the years.
I was delighted that Wendy Dunham, in being awarded not one but two, ‘Unsung Hero’ trophies at the Awards Dinner, at last got the recognition she so highly deserves for all the hard work she has done for EnduranceGB before and since its formation in 2001.The standing ovation that she got from those present at the AGM Dinner showed how well her input has been appreciated.
As Chairman of EHPS she was part of the working party that united EHPS and BERA to form a single society for the benefit of all Endurance riders. She then served on the management committee of the new society including three years as chairman. When she retired from the committee she continued to do a huge amount of work behind the scenes, not only as the official results checker (a huge job as I know having done it myself for 3 years!) but also acting as Technical Steward at rides up and down the country and giving helpful advice to anyone with a problem. She has also been responsible, for as long as I can remember, for working out the results for the Annual Awards evening, purchasing all the rosettes and distance awards, and laying them out in such a way that the prizegiving runs smoothly, no mean undertaking. She says she is not going to do it again and she is going to be a very hard act to follow
Margaret McKiddie
Great Britain: Abby national GB success for rider
Tavistock-today.co.uk - Full Article
8 December 2010
ABBY Chisholm from Lydford was awarded the top national award for a Young Rider at the Endurance GB National awards evening held in Daventry.
Abby, aged 15 on her 13.2hh PB Arab pony CFS Diana of Court, beat some of the top national young riders in the country by having the most points awarded for her top 10 rides over the year.
In the competition the more miles riders do and the better the speed and recovery rates for the pony at the end of the ride determine the number of points awarded for that ride. Although Abby’s pony is small compared to most of her rivals, she is a particularly tough little pony with a very determined attitude, and a very ground covering action...
Read more here:
http://www.tavistock-today.co.uk/sport.cfm?id=43166&headline=Abby%20national%20GB%20success%20for%20rider
8 December 2010
ABBY Chisholm from Lydford was awarded the top national award for a Young Rider at the Endurance GB National awards evening held in Daventry.
Abby, aged 15 on her 13.2hh PB Arab pony CFS Diana of Court, beat some of the top national young riders in the country by having the most points awarded for her top 10 rides over the year.
In the competition the more miles riders do and the better the speed and recovery rates for the pony at the end of the ride determine the number of points awarded for that ride. Although Abby’s pony is small compared to most of her rivals, she is a particularly tough little pony with a very determined attitude, and a very ground covering action...
Read more here:
http://www.tavistock-today.co.uk/sport.cfm?id=43166&headline=Abby%20national%20GB%20success%20for%20rider
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Trail Riding Group Changes Long-Standing Hoof Protection Rule
Thehorse.com
by: Edited Press Release
November 22 2010, Article # 17240
Beginning with the 2011 ride year the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) will allow in competition all hoof boots designed for sole protection, including those that have attached straps, keepers, or gaiters, as long as these attachment devices do not extend above the pastern. The NATRC is the governing body for the sport of competitive trail riding.
The National Board of Directors voted the rule change in at their Nov. 13. board meeting in Denver, Colo. The restriction of having no hoof protection that extended above the coronet has long been a controversy within the organization especially since technology has progressed, offering an increasing amount of hoof boot options and designs that achieve more effective and reliable fit.
"There have been many recent advances in hoof protection technology," says Laurie DiNatale, the executive administrator for NATRC. "Previously the only hoof boots that were allowed in competition were those that did not cover or come above the coronary band. The new rule will give riders more of a choice in hoof protection during competition."
According to the NATRC, the organization's board of directors, judges committee, veterinarians, and other officials worked over recent years to make a rule that was right for the organization now and in the future. The wording was thought out very carefully, as well as wording for other rules impacted by this change. Leg protection, such as bell boots or wraps, is still not permitted.
These changes will give riders more choices for hoof protection. Judges may, and are encouraged to, check for fit and adjustment as well as rubs or chafes under any boot or its attachment.
by: Edited Press Release
November 22 2010, Article # 17240
Beginning with the 2011 ride year the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) will allow in competition all hoof boots designed for sole protection, including those that have attached straps, keepers, or gaiters, as long as these attachment devices do not extend above the pastern. The NATRC is the governing body for the sport of competitive trail riding.
The National Board of Directors voted the rule change in at their Nov. 13. board meeting in Denver, Colo. The restriction of having no hoof protection that extended above the coronet has long been a controversy within the organization especially since technology has progressed, offering an increasing amount of hoof boot options and designs that achieve more effective and reliable fit.
"There have been many recent advances in hoof protection technology," says Laurie DiNatale, the executive administrator for NATRC. "Previously the only hoof boots that were allowed in competition were those that did not cover or come above the coronary band. The new rule will give riders more of a choice in hoof protection during competition."
According to the NATRC, the organization's board of directors, judges committee, veterinarians, and other officials worked over recent years to make a rule that was right for the organization now and in the future. The wording was thought out very carefully, as well as wording for other rules impacted by this change. Leg protection, such as bell boots or wraps, is still not permitted.
These changes will give riders more choices for hoof protection. Judges may, and are encouraged to, check for fit and adjustment as well as rubs or chafes under any boot or its attachment.
Monday, December 06, 2010
USEF Honors Kelsey Kimbler with 2010 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Kelsey Kimbler as the winner of the 2010 USEF Youth Sportsman’s Award, sponsored by Breyer Animal Creations. Kimbler was selected from an outstanding group of youth representing their respective recognized breed/discipline affiliates from across the country. Kimbler, of Aberdeen, SD, was nominated from both the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) and the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC).
Kimbler has shown an unwavering commitment to her sport. She was chosen to win this award because of her impressive dedication to everything she attempts. Horses came into her life 11 years ago, when she started in the show ring as a walk-trot rider. A year later she started riding endurance and has never looked back. Kimbler has won the AERC Junior National Hundred Mile Award twice in its four years in existence. This award is given to the junior rider who completes the most 100 mile rides in one year. Kimbler also holds the record for being the only junior to complete five 100-mile rides in one year. She also has represented the AHA Youth Association as a Region 6 delegate and through involvement in 4-H events with her Arabians.
Her commitment does not stop witht her horses. Kimbler will test for her professional dance levels this year, and her goal is to teach younger children, to cover the cost of college. She also is a member of the Keystone National Honor Society which requires her to complete 30 hours of community service along with maintaining at least a 4.0 grade point average. Additionally, she is an active member of her school’s cross-country team and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).
Kimbler’s future plans include professional school after a degree in biology. When it comes to endurance Kimbler says, “One day I hope to be helping juniors through their first ride as a sponsor and mentor.” Although she is not absolutely sure of her future endeavors, she is sure of one thing: “I really just love riding bareback in my backyard. So as long as I can do that I will be content, anything else is just icing.”
Kimbler will receive a trophy, a scholarship to the educational program of her choice, and a lifetime membership to USEF, valued at $2,500. Kimbler, along with the other national nominees, will be recognized in January 2011 at the USEF Annual Meeting in Lexington, KY.
The other national nominees were:
• Kahlie Kroells, Hamburg, MN (American Hackney Horse Society)
• Rebecca Jones, Efland, NC (American Morgan Horse Association)
• Lauren Riggins, Winston Salem, NC (American Road Horse and Pony Association)
• Delynn Uttecht, Omaha, NE (American Saddlebred Horse Association)
• Macy Plemmons, Lewisville, NC (American Shetland Pony Club)
• Laura Orr, Topsail Beach, NC (Paso Fino Horse Association)
• Isabelle Leibler, Greenwich, CT (United States Dressage Federation)
• Gina Malito, Warren, OH (Unites States Eventing Association)
• Kara Dunegan, Manassas, VA (United States Hunter Jumper Association)
• Rachel Laufer, Utica, PA (Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America)
Kimbler has shown an unwavering commitment to her sport. She was chosen to win this award because of her impressive dedication to everything she attempts. Horses came into her life 11 years ago, when she started in the show ring as a walk-trot rider. A year later she started riding endurance and has never looked back. Kimbler has won the AERC Junior National Hundred Mile Award twice in its four years in existence. This award is given to the junior rider who completes the most 100 mile rides in one year. Kimbler also holds the record for being the only junior to complete five 100-mile rides in one year. She also has represented the AHA Youth Association as a Region 6 delegate and through involvement in 4-H events with her Arabians.
Her commitment does not stop witht her horses. Kimbler will test for her professional dance levels this year, and her goal is to teach younger children, to cover the cost of college. She also is a member of the Keystone National Honor Society which requires her to complete 30 hours of community service along with maintaining at least a 4.0 grade point average. Additionally, she is an active member of her school’s cross-country team and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).
Kimbler’s future plans include professional school after a degree in biology. When it comes to endurance Kimbler says, “One day I hope to be helping juniors through their first ride as a sponsor and mentor.” Although she is not absolutely sure of her future endeavors, she is sure of one thing: “I really just love riding bareback in my backyard. So as long as I can do that I will be content, anything else is just icing.”
Kimbler will receive a trophy, a scholarship to the educational program of her choice, and a lifetime membership to USEF, valued at $2,500. Kimbler, along with the other national nominees, will be recognized in January 2011 at the USEF Annual Meeting in Lexington, KY.
The other national nominees were:
• Kahlie Kroells, Hamburg, MN (American Hackney Horse Society)
• Rebecca Jones, Efland, NC (American Morgan Horse Association)
• Lauren Riggins, Winston Salem, NC (American Road Horse and Pony Association)
• Delynn Uttecht, Omaha, NE (American Saddlebred Horse Association)
• Macy Plemmons, Lewisville, NC (American Shetland Pony Club)
• Laura Orr, Topsail Beach, NC (Paso Fino Horse Association)
• Isabelle Leibler, Greenwich, CT (United States Dressage Federation)
• Gina Malito, Warren, OH (Unites States Eventing Association)
• Kara Dunegan, Manassas, VA (United States Hunter Jumper Association)
• Rachel Laufer, Utica, PA (Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America)
Friday, December 03, 2010
Fort Ord endurance ride draws equestrians
http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20101203/OFFSIXTYEIGHT13/12030306
Horseback riders weaved their way through 155 miles of trails on the Fort Ord Public Lands on Thanksgiving weekend during the fifth annual Desert Gold Pioneer I, II, III endurance ride.
photo: Dennis Tracy takes his horse Brilliant Disguise for a quick trot so that a veterinarian can check the horse's legs during the Desert Gold endurance horseback rides Nov. 26 through the Fort Ord Public Lands. (Conner Jay)
"The horses love it here with the rolling hills, natural grass and friendly people," said Tracy Hofstrand, chief steward of the race, referring to the hikers and mountain bikers who shared the trails with riders in the race. "This really is the perfect place for multiple disciplines and sports."
Riders chose to cover 90 miles (30 miles each day) or 155 miles (first day 55, second and third days 50 miles each) during the three-day event. While many riders stayed at a base camp at the old Fort Ord Travel Camp, others rented rooms at local lodgings.
Hofstrand said the Monterey area's many hotels and attractions provide extra comforts that aren't always available at endurance races.
After riders finish the day's race, they can enjoy tourist attractions, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and a hot shower at a hotel.
"It's a great trail to ride," said Lindsay Graham, who is also a member of the U.S. Endurance Team. "These kinds of rides with multiple days are fun, 'cause after you take care of your horse for the day, you can have a glass of wine and kick back by the fireplace."
- Conner Jay
Horseback riders weaved their way through 155 miles of trails on the Fort Ord Public Lands on Thanksgiving weekend during the fifth annual Desert Gold Pioneer I, II, III endurance ride.
"The horses love it here with the rolling hills, natural grass and friendly people," said Tracy Hofstrand, chief steward of the race, referring to the hikers and mountain bikers who shared the trails with riders in the race. "This really is the perfect place for multiple disciplines and sports."
Riders chose to cover 90 miles (30 miles each day) or 155 miles (first day 55, second and third days 50 miles each) during the three-day event. While many riders stayed at a base camp at the old Fort Ord Travel Camp, others rented rooms at local lodgings.
Hofstrand said the Monterey area's many hotels and attractions provide extra comforts that aren't always available at endurance races.
After riders finish the day's race, they can enjoy tourist attractions, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and a hot shower at a hotel.
"It's a great trail to ride," said Lindsay Graham, who is also a member of the U.S. Endurance Team. "These kinds of rides with multiple days are fun, 'cause after you take care of your horse for the day, you can have a glass of wine and kick back by the fireplace."
- Conner Jay
Saturday, November 27, 2010
International Adventurers: Exploration by Horse
Janetnewenham Blog
November 27 2010
Marianne Du Toit
In May 2002 South African born Marianne Du Toit left Ireland, where she had been living for 11 years, for South America embarking on a two year journey which her family labelled as “madness”. With two horses, named Mise and Tusa, for company, she set off to discover America, riding from Argentina to New York.
Du Toit based her trip on the journey of Aimé Tschiffely-hailed as the most famous long distance rider of the twentieth century- who rode the 10,000 miles from Buenos Aires to New York in 1925. She skimmed through his book about the journey as research but says she was “terrified to know too much”; afraid that if she knew how difficult the trip would be she may have decided she wasn’t up to it.
With limited equestrian experience and even a slight fear of horses, her love of animals, eternal optimism and lust for adventure helped her persevere.
“I remember since I was about 17 I would always read these articles about independent, daring women who had done these amazing journeys. There was always something deep down driving me to these adventurous things. I just loved the adrenaline and the excitement,” she says.
Du Toit spoke no Spanish, could barely ride a horse, knew nothing about horse care or saddling up, and didn’t know a soul in the Americas.
She had to ride across the high Bolivian Altiplano for over 40 days surviving the thinnest high altitude air and living on very little food. The only thing keeping her going was the thought of making it to the Bolivian capital, La Paz...
Read more here:
http://janetnewenham.wordpress.com/2010/11/27/international-adventurers-exploration-by-horse/
November 27 2010
Marianne Du Toit
In May 2002 South African born Marianne Du Toit left Ireland, where she had been living for 11 years, for South America embarking on a two year journey which her family labelled as “madness”. With two horses, named Mise and Tusa, for company, she set off to discover America, riding from Argentina to New York.
Du Toit based her trip on the journey of Aimé Tschiffely-hailed as the most famous long distance rider of the twentieth century- who rode the 10,000 miles from Buenos Aires to New York in 1925. She skimmed through his book about the journey as research but says she was “terrified to know too much”; afraid that if she knew how difficult the trip would be she may have decided she wasn’t up to it.
With limited equestrian experience and even a slight fear of horses, her love of animals, eternal optimism and lust for adventure helped her persevere.
“I remember since I was about 17 I would always read these articles about independent, daring women who had done these amazing journeys. There was always something deep down driving me to these adventurous things. I just loved the adrenaline and the excitement,” she says.
Du Toit spoke no Spanish, could barely ride a horse, knew nothing about horse care or saddling up, and didn’t know a soul in the Americas.
She had to ride across the high Bolivian Altiplano for over 40 days surviving the thinnest high altitude air and living on very little food. The only thing keeping her going was the thought of making it to the Bolivian capital, La Paz...
Read more here:
http://janetnewenham.wordpress.com/2010/11/27/international-adventurers-exploration-by-horse/
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