By Joanie Morris, NAJYRC
*Lexington, KY* - The dates and location of the 2012 Adequan/FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North have been designated.
The competition will take place at the Kentucky Horse Park from July 18-22, 2012 - the week before the Olympic Games commence in London.
Adequan has returned as the title sponsor of this competition, and makes the dreams of young equestrians (ages 14-21) a reality. It is through the support of Adequan that this event has been able to grow - it now boasts nine FEI Championships.
Dressage, Eventing, Jumping and Reining each offer a championship for Juniors and one for Young Riders. Endurance - which was added in 2011 as a championship, offers an FEI championship for Young Riders.
In 2011 both Vaulting and Para-Equestrian produced exhibition performances at the championship - both were very well received by the other athletes and spectators.
"We look forward to another excellent year of competition at the Kentucky Horse Park," said John Long, CEO of the USEF. "This is the showcase for our youth athletes in these five disciplines and it is a fantastic opportunity for them to compete in a championship of this
caliber."
Other supporters of the only FEI Championship held annually in North America include: Gotham North, SmartPak, Equine Canada, Platinum Performance, Ariat, Howard and Martha Simpson, the United States Dressage Federation, the United States Eventing Association, the United
States Hunter Jumper Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, Griffin Gate Marriott, Sallee Horse Vans, Hodges Badge Company, Phelps Media Group and the Alltech National Horse Show, the Mexican Equestrian Federation, Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC., Hagyard
Equine Medical, WISE Equestrian, Equifit, Dever, Inc., Best of Flowers, and Hertz.
A huge number of people and farms made the first 75-mile Endurance ride possible: Barton Brothers Farm, Ben Koostra, Black Fences/After HoursFarm, Billie Steffie, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, Chad Needham, Dunroven Stud (Steve and Martha Brown), Emmett Ross, Fayette and Scott County Police, Gaylord Highlander, Glenn Thompson, Kentuckiana Farms,
Oscar and Eloise Penn, Secretariat Center, Spy Coast Farm, UK-Ag Department (Dr. Nancy Cox), Ulrike McGovern, Equine Monitors (Donna Shifflette) and Distance Depot.
And thanks to all of the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to make this event a success.
www.youngriders.org
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
EQUUS Foundation Joins Equine Land Conservation Resource as Premier Conservation Partner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 19, 2012
CONTACT: Deb Balliet, CEO, Equine Land Conservation Resource
(859) 455-8383 or dballiet@elcr.org
By Yellow Horse Marketing for the Equine Land Conservation Resource
The Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) is proud to announce the addition of the EQUUS Foundation to its roster of Premier Conservation Partners. The Conservation Partners Program is a national membership program of organizations which play a critical role in ELCR’s mission to educate the public about the immediate need to conserve land for equine-related activity. With a diverse group of leading equestrian organizations on its roster, the ELCR Conservation Partners Program has grown to become a national network which reaches over 1.1-million horsemen across the country, working with a collective commitment towards saving local land for equine use through advocacy and the sharing of information.
The EQUUS Foundation, also known as Horse Charities of America, has emerged as the primary organization in the equine community solely focused on both horse welfare and the horse-human connection. Since 2003, the EQUUS Foundation has awarded nearly $2 million in grants to charities across the country which are improving the quality of life of horses, promoting the use of horses to enrich the lives of those in need, and educating the public about the horse's unique ability to empower, teach and heal.
"Horses enrich the lives of millions of people of all ages every day," said Jenny Belknap Kees, Chairman of the Board of the EQUUS Foundation. "Our purpose is to build a more informed and compassionate America that values the magical and powerful bond we have with horses - a bond that has existed for centuries and is stronger now than ever before. In further pursuit of this goal, we are delighted to join ELCR in this effort as a Premier Conservation Partner."
In addition to joining the Equine Land Conservation Resource's mission as a Premier Conservation Partner, the EQUUS Foundation has invited ELCR to become part of the EQUUS Alliance. Established by the EQUUS Foundation Board of Directors in 2011 to recognize the contributions of organizations involved in the equine community whose activities and programs complement and enhance the mission of the EQUUS Foundation, the EQUUS Alliance offers a mechanism to address national areas of common interest in the equine community and the means to support programs of Alliance members that educate the public about horses, provide services that benefit the equine community, and help stimulate advocacy and volunteerism on behalf of horses.
“At ELCR, we are thrilled to partner with the EQUUS Foundation and become part of the EQUUS Alliance," noted Deb Balliet, CEO of the Equine Land Conservation Resource. “Our organizations have a common goal to enhance and preserve the connection between horses and the public, a goal which is critical to achieve towards our mission of conserving land for equine activities, pastures, farms, and trails.”
About the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR): The Equine Land Conservation Resource is the only national not-for-profit organization advancing the conservation of land for horse-related activity. ELCR serves as an information resource and clearinghouse for land and horse owners on issues related to equine land conservation, land use planning, land stewardship/best management practices, trails, liability and equine economic development. For more information about the ELCR visit our website at www.elcr.org or call (859) 455-8383.
January 19, 2012
CONTACT: Deb Balliet, CEO, Equine Land Conservation Resource
(859) 455-8383 or dballiet@elcr.org
By Yellow Horse Marketing for the Equine Land Conservation Resource
The Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) is proud to announce the addition of the EQUUS Foundation to its roster of Premier Conservation Partners. The Conservation Partners Program is a national membership program of organizations which play a critical role in ELCR’s mission to educate the public about the immediate need to conserve land for equine-related activity. With a diverse group of leading equestrian organizations on its roster, the ELCR Conservation Partners Program has grown to become a national network which reaches over 1.1-million horsemen across the country, working with a collective commitment towards saving local land for equine use through advocacy and the sharing of information.
The EQUUS Foundation, also known as Horse Charities of America, has emerged as the primary organization in the equine community solely focused on both horse welfare and the horse-human connection. Since 2003, the EQUUS Foundation has awarded nearly $2 million in grants to charities across the country which are improving the quality of life of horses, promoting the use of horses to enrich the lives of those in need, and educating the public about the horse's unique ability to empower, teach and heal.
"Horses enrich the lives of millions of people of all ages every day," said Jenny Belknap Kees, Chairman of the Board of the EQUUS Foundation. "Our purpose is to build a more informed and compassionate America that values the magical and powerful bond we have with horses - a bond that has existed for centuries and is stronger now than ever before. In further pursuit of this goal, we are delighted to join ELCR in this effort as a Premier Conservation Partner."
In addition to joining the Equine Land Conservation Resource's mission as a Premier Conservation Partner, the EQUUS Foundation has invited ELCR to become part of the EQUUS Alliance. Established by the EQUUS Foundation Board of Directors in 2011 to recognize the contributions of organizations involved in the equine community whose activities and programs complement and enhance the mission of the EQUUS Foundation, the EQUUS Alliance offers a mechanism to address national areas of common interest in the equine community and the means to support programs of Alliance members that educate the public about horses, provide services that benefit the equine community, and help stimulate advocacy and volunteerism on behalf of horses.
“At ELCR, we are thrilled to partner with the EQUUS Foundation and become part of the EQUUS Alliance," noted Deb Balliet, CEO of the Equine Land Conservation Resource. “Our organizations have a common goal to enhance and preserve the connection between horses and the public, a goal which is critical to achieve towards our mission of conserving land for equine activities, pastures, farms, and trails.”
About the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR): The Equine Land Conservation Resource is the only national not-for-profit organization advancing the conservation of land for horse-related activity. ELCR serves as an information resource and clearinghouse for land and horse owners on issues related to equine land conservation, land use planning, land stewardship/best management practices, trails, liability and equine economic development. For more information about the ELCR visit our website at www.elcr.org or call (859) 455-8383.
Renew Your AERC Membership Before February 1!
AERC's 2012 ride season is underway -- renew now to keep your points and miles accumulating . . . and your Endurance News delivery each month!
You can easily renew by:
1. Phoning the AERC office (866-271-2372) to renew with a Visa or MasterCard.
2. Renew online: http://www.doublejoy.com/erol/aerc/reg/
3. Fill out the paper form and mail it in to the office: http://aerc.org/upload/MembershipHorseCurrent.pdf
Besides renewing, we hope you are planning to help come to Reno on March 9 & 10 for the AERC convention. We'll be celebrating AERC's 40th anniversary and it should be a spectacular time. As always, the trade show and tack swap guarantee great merchandise, and the awards ceremonies are worthwhile, not to mention the informative and fun seminar program and dance and Hot Topics, and more!
For full details, call the office or click here the convention flyer/registration: http://www.aerc.org/upload/2012ConventionFlyer.pdf
Thanks your your past membership, and we hope to see you back on the trails this year!
The AERC Office Staff
Kathleen, Troy, Suzi, Judy and Rho
866-271-2372
aerc@foothill.net
P.S. Here's why you should renew before February 1 each year -- per rule 8.2, "Members whose dues are not paid by February 1st will receive no points or miles for rides held between December 1st and the date their membership is restored."
You can easily renew by:
1. Phoning the AERC office (866-271-2372) to renew with a Visa or MasterCard.
2. Renew online: http://www.doublejoy.com/erol/aerc/reg/
3. Fill out the paper form and mail it in to the office: http://aerc.org/upload/MembershipHorseCurrent.pdf
Besides renewing, we hope you are planning to help come to Reno on March 9 & 10 for the AERC convention. We'll be celebrating AERC's 40th anniversary and it should be a spectacular time. As always, the trade show and tack swap guarantee great merchandise, and the awards ceremonies are worthwhile, not to mention the informative and fun seminar program and dance and Hot Topics, and more!
For full details, call the office or click here the convention flyer/registration: http://www.aerc.org/upload/2012ConventionFlyer.pdf
Thanks your your past membership, and we hope to see you back on the trails this year!
The AERC Office Staff
Kathleen, Troy, Suzi, Judy and Rho
866-271-2372
aerc@foothill.net
P.S. Here's why you should renew before February 1 each year -- per rule 8.2, "Members whose dues are not paid by February 1st will receive no points or miles for rides held between December 1st and the date their membership is restored."
Three Additional EHV-1 Cases Confirmed in California
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Erica Larson, News Editor
January 18 2012, Article # 19462
Three additional cases of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) were confirmed in California over the weekend, bringing the total number of cases in the current outbreak to eight, according to a statement from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
On Jan. 11 a gelding residing on a "large multidiscipline facility with no movement of horses on or off the property" tested positive for the debilitating virus. He was quarantined on the farm and is receiving veterinary care.
On Jan. 12 testing confirmed that two additional horses on the property were EHV-1-positive. Those horses were also isolated and quarantined on the same farm and are receiving veterinary attention. On Jan. 13, two additional horses on the premises tested positive for the virus.
Over the weekend, three additional cases were confirmed. New information from the CDFA indicates that only one horse has displayed neurologic signs; however, all eight have been quarantined on the property and are receiving veterinary attention...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=19462
by: Erica Larson, News Editor
January 18 2012, Article # 19462
Three additional cases of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) were confirmed in California over the weekend, bringing the total number of cases in the current outbreak to eight, according to a statement from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
On Jan. 11 a gelding residing on a "large multidiscipline facility with no movement of horses on or off the property" tested positive for the debilitating virus. He was quarantined on the farm and is receiving veterinary care.
On Jan. 12 testing confirmed that two additional horses on the property were EHV-1-positive. Those horses were also isolated and quarantined on the same farm and are receiving veterinary attention. On Jan. 13, two additional horses on the premises tested positive for the virus.
Over the weekend, three additional cases were confirmed. New information from the CDFA indicates that only one horse has displayed neurologic signs; however, all eight have been quarantined on the property and are receiving veterinary attention...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=19462
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Easyboot Glove Wins Horse Journal's 2011 Product of the Year Award
January 17 2011
by Kevin Myers
(Tucson, AZ) EasyCare, Inc. has received one of the most prestigious prizes in the horse industry: the Easyboot Glove has been awarded the 2011 Horse Journal Product of the Year.
Launched in 2009, the Glove quickly became the best-selling hoof boot in the world. Sporting an aggressive ergonomically designed tread, the boot is unlike any other horse hoof boot because it has no clips, buckles or wires and can be easily applied to the barefoot hoof. The Glove is known for providing dependable, long-lasting hoof protection over any terrain.
The Product of the Year award follows closely on the heels of the Horse Journal's Best Buy award to the Easyboot Trail hoof boot in November 2011. The Easyboot Trail was designed with value for money and ease of use in mind. The Easyboot Trail's closure system makes it very uncomplicated to use, with no force required to apply or remove it. This makes the boot a top choice for leisure and trail riders.
These awards are of particular significance because the Easyboot Trail and the Easyboot Glove will be combined into a new hoof boot that is expected to be launched in April, 2011. "If this was a horse pedigree," said Garrett Ford, President and CEO of EasyCare, "and the Easyboot Glove was the sire and the Easyboot Trail was the dam, we would expect an exceptional colt!"
For more information on horse hoof boots, please see the EasyCare website at http://easycareinc.com and the EasyCare blog at http://blog.easycareinc.com. For all questions, contact Kevin Myers, Director of Marketing at marketing@easycareinc.com.
EasyCare Vision: We will be the global innovator in hoof care solutions that enhance the horse/human relationship.
by Kevin Myers
(Tucson, AZ) EasyCare, Inc. has received one of the most prestigious prizes in the horse industry: the Easyboot Glove has been awarded the 2011 Horse Journal Product of the Year.
Launched in 2009, the Glove quickly became the best-selling hoof boot in the world. Sporting an aggressive ergonomically designed tread, the boot is unlike any other horse hoof boot because it has no clips, buckles or wires and can be easily applied to the barefoot hoof. The Glove is known for providing dependable, long-lasting hoof protection over any terrain.
The Product of the Year award follows closely on the heels of the Horse Journal's Best Buy award to the Easyboot Trail hoof boot in November 2011. The Easyboot Trail was designed with value for money and ease of use in mind. The Easyboot Trail's closure system makes it very uncomplicated to use, with no force required to apply or remove it. This makes the boot a top choice for leisure and trail riders.
These awards are of particular significance because the Easyboot Trail and the Easyboot Glove will be combined into a new hoof boot that is expected to be launched in April, 2011. "If this was a horse pedigree," said Garrett Ford, President and CEO of EasyCare, "and the Easyboot Glove was the sire and the Easyboot Trail was the dam, we would expect an exceptional colt!"
For more information on horse hoof boots, please see the EasyCare website at http://easycareinc.com and the EasyCare blog at http://blog.easycareinc.com. For all questions, contact Kevin Myers, Director of Marketing at marketing@easycareinc.com.
EasyCare Vision: We will be the global innovator in hoof care solutions that enhance the horse/human relationship.
Lindsay Graham Juggles International Endurance Competition and Career as Veterinarian
Horsereporter.com - Full Article
January 16, 2012
By Pamela@horsereporter
January 15, 2012, Napa Valley, USA~ Lindsay Graham from Napa Valley, California, is looking forward to her first visit to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. She is one of two invited riders from the US to compete at the annual CEI 3* HH President of the UAE Endurance Ride, this year slated for February 11. Her mount will be Christopher Martin’s 10 year old, Monk.
You might call Lindsay Graham, goal oriented. The 29 year old, from Napa Valley, California, has recently graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (2010) and jumped right into her full – time career as an Equine Veterinarian at Napa Valley Veterinary Hospital. “I like being a veterinarian,” said Graham. “I love being able to make horses feel better…and people to continue their partnership with their horse. As a rider, I can relate and understand.”
So far she is ticking the boxes of her life list. Get good grades in school – check. Compete on her hunter/jumper – check. Lindsay also rode hunter/jumpers on the UC Davis Equestrian Team. And yes, graduate from UC Davis – double check. These three goals the young Lindsay had written in a seventh grade project book...
Read more here:
http://siteground303.com/~horserep/2012/01/16/lindsay-graham-juggles-international-endurance-competition-and-career-as-veterinarian/
January 16, 2012
By Pamela@horsereporter
January 15, 2012, Napa Valley, USA~ Lindsay Graham from Napa Valley, California, is looking forward to her first visit to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. She is one of two invited riders from the US to compete at the annual CEI 3* HH President of the UAE Endurance Ride, this year slated for February 11. Her mount will be Christopher Martin’s 10 year old, Monk.
You might call Lindsay Graham, goal oriented. The 29 year old, from Napa Valley, California, has recently graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (2010) and jumped right into her full – time career as an Equine Veterinarian at Napa Valley Veterinary Hospital. “I like being a veterinarian,” said Graham. “I love being able to make horses feel better…and people to continue their partnership with their horse. As a rider, I can relate and understand.”
So far she is ticking the boxes of her life list. Get good grades in school – check. Compete on her hunter/jumper – check. Lindsay also rode hunter/jumpers on the UC Davis Equestrian Team. And yes, graduate from UC Davis – double check. These three goals the young Lindsay had written in a seventh grade project book...
Read more here:
http://siteground303.com/~horserep/2012/01/16/lindsay-graham-juggles-international-endurance-competition-and-career-as-veterinarian/
Sunday, January 15, 2012
2011 Maggy Price Award to Dr. Meg Sleeper
January 15 2011
At USEF's Pegasus dinner honoring champions on Saturday January 14 2011, Meg Sleeper, an endurance rider from Frenchtown, N.J., won the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award. Sleeper topped the USEF Endurance Rider Ranking List in 2011. She is a veterinarian at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.
At USEF's Pegasus dinner honoring champions on Saturday January 14 2011, Meg Sleeper, an endurance rider from Frenchtown, N.J., won the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award. Sleeper topped the USEF Endurance Rider Ranking List in 2011. She is a veterinarian at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
2012 AERC Scholarship Application
AERC will award a $1000 scholarship at the National Awards banquet at the AERC convention on March 10 2012.
The Scholarship s open to AERC members in good standing from their high school senior
year through age 21 (must be younger than 22 as of 1/1/2012). Applicants must have a minimum of 500 AERC lifetime miles, and must have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.
Applications are due February 13.
For more information and the application, go to
http://aerc.org/temp/2012AERCScholarshipApp.pdf
Monday, January 09, 2012
Horseback endurance ride at Houston Airport
January 8th, 2012 by Harriet Baskas
Horseback riding at the airport?
Yup. The volunteer Airport Rangers at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport do it year-round for recreation and to help patrol the airport’s grounds.
And on February 4th and 5th, 2012, 100 riders will show up for the 2nd Airport Express Endurance Ride through the 13,000 acres of groomed riding trails at the airport.
The goal of endurance riding is to complete a marked trail within the time given, as established by the American Endurance Ride Conference standards. Contestants in IAH’s ride will set out on 25 and 50 mile courses, but there will also a 10 mile “Fun Ride” for novice riders...
Read more here:
http://stuckattheairport.com/2012/01/08/horseback-endurance-ride-at-houston-airport/
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Western States Trail Work Schedule
January 8 2011
Greetings!
It's that time of year again to get out the Pulaskis and McLeods, chainsaws and clippers and give back to one of the world's greatest trails. Whether you're looking for a way to earn your service requirement hours or just want to help, there's sure to be a job for you. We've provided the dates, times and meeting locations of the planned events below. Please RSVP at your earliest convenience to trails@ws100.com.
Please remember that the United States Forest Service requires that you fill out, sign and send the Volunteer Liability Release Form (this is not the WS service requirement form) to the agency office before you can volunteer. You will not need a form for the first two scheduled work days but you will for March and all other dates. Accordingly, please have your form submitted no later than Friday, March 9. Instructions and a link to the PDF form are provided at ws100.com/projects.htm#fedform You can provide an electronic signature and send to the e-mail address provided or print, sign and fax or mail. Again, this is very important to the agency and they are important to us!
2012 Trail Work Projects
January 21
Hwy 49 to No Hands/Upper Pointed Rocks to No Hands
Meeting Time/place: 8:30 am, Lower Quarry Parking Lot
February 11
Cal 1/Cal 2 area
Meeting Time/place: 8:30 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop
March 24
Volcano Canyon/El Dorado Canyon
Meeting Time/place: 8:30 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop
April 21
Deadwood to Last Chance
8:00 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop
May 12 (last day to earn service requirement hours for 2012 WS Run)
Pucker Point Trail
8:00 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop
June 2 (these dates will serve as credit for 2013 WS Run)
Duncan Canyon
8:00 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop
June 15-16 (Robinson Flat campout)
Red Star Ridge
Friday afternoon/Saturday, 8:30 am
Please remember to dress appropriately as the weather is unpredictable. Be sure to wear long pants and bring work gloves, water and a snack. A great lunch and beverages will be provided and waiting at the finish, typically around 1:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you on the trail!
Donn Zea
Western States Endurance Run
Board of Trustees
Mike Shackelford
Western States Trail Foundation
Board of Governors
Greetings!
It's that time of year again to get out the Pulaskis and McLeods, chainsaws and clippers and give back to one of the world's greatest trails. Whether you're looking for a way to earn your service requirement hours or just want to help, there's sure to be a job for you. We've provided the dates, times and meeting locations of the planned events below. Please RSVP at your earliest convenience to trails@ws100.com.
Please remember that the United States Forest Service requires that you fill out, sign and send the Volunteer Liability Release Form (this is not the WS service requirement form) to the agency office before you can volunteer. You will not need a form for the first two scheduled work days but you will for March and all other dates. Accordingly, please have your form submitted no later than Friday, March 9. Instructions and a link to the PDF form are provided at ws100.com/projects.htm#fedform You can provide an electronic signature and send to the e-mail address provided or print, sign and fax or mail. Again, this is very important to the agency and they are important to us!
2012 Trail Work Projects
January 21
Hwy 49 to No Hands/Upper Pointed Rocks to No Hands
Meeting Time/place: 8:30 am, Lower Quarry Parking Lot
February 11
Cal 1/Cal 2 area
Meeting Time/place: 8:30 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop
March 24
Volcano Canyon/El Dorado Canyon
Meeting Time/place: 8:30 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop
April 21
Deadwood to Last Chance
8:00 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop
May 12 (last day to earn service requirement hours for 2012 WS Run)
Pucker Point Trail
8:00 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop
June 2 (these dates will serve as credit for 2013 WS Run)
Duncan Canyon
8:00 am, Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop
June 15-16 (Robinson Flat campout)
Red Star Ridge
Friday afternoon/Saturday, 8:30 am
Please remember to dress appropriately as the weather is unpredictable. Be sure to wear long pants and bring work gloves, water and a snack. A great lunch and beverages will be provided and waiting at the finish, typically around 1:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you on the trail!
Donn Zea
Western States Endurance Run
Board of Trustees
Mike Shackelford
Western States Trail Foundation
Board of Governors
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Riding the Pony Express Trail: Part 3 with Tom Noll
Boisestatepublicradio.org - Full Story and Audio
Reported by Emily Schwing on Dec 30th, 2011
Boise, ID – This summer we introduced you to Boise resident Tom Noll.
He’s an endurance horseman and he spent more than eight weeks this summer on the 2000 mile Pony Express Trail with his horses, Frank and Whiskey. It’s been four months since Noll returned from his trip.
He has a PhD in Econometrics and his coworkers at Idaho Power like to call him Dr. Tom. After he returned from his adventure on the Pony Express trail, they all piled into an auditorium at the power company’s headquarters in down town Boise to hear the doctor’s story. It was standing room only.
“People have written me and said ‘Tom you gave that talk and it gave me the motivation to get up and do something.’ One woman said she was going to do a pilgrimage trip in Europe,” says Noll. “Another person I know, he’s a high altitude climber and he said you know none of us are getting any younger, these are my years and I’m gonna focus on climbing an eight thousand meter peak, so those are… those are things I never thought would happen,” he says.
Since he’s returned, he says his writing at work has become more fluid and creative and he has a new perspective when it comes to some of the quantitative work he does for Idaho Power. Noll’s theory is that the Pony Express Trail got his creative juices flowing...
Read more here and listen:
http://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/2011/12/30/riding-the-pony-express-trail-part-3/?mid=571
Reported by Emily Schwing on Dec 30th, 2011
Boise, ID – This summer we introduced you to Boise resident Tom Noll.
He’s an endurance horseman and he spent more than eight weeks this summer on the 2000 mile Pony Express Trail with his horses, Frank and Whiskey. It’s been four months since Noll returned from his trip.
He has a PhD in Econometrics and his coworkers at Idaho Power like to call him Dr. Tom. After he returned from his adventure on the Pony Express trail, they all piled into an auditorium at the power company’s headquarters in down town Boise to hear the doctor’s story. It was standing room only.
“People have written me and said ‘Tom you gave that talk and it gave me the motivation to get up and do something.’ One woman said she was going to do a pilgrimage trip in Europe,” says Noll. “Another person I know, he’s a high altitude climber and he said you know none of us are getting any younger, these are my years and I’m gonna focus on climbing an eight thousand meter peak, so those are… those are things I never thought would happen,” he says.
Since he’s returned, he says his writing at work has become more fluid and creative and he has a new perspective when it comes to some of the quantitative work he does for Idaho Power. Noll’s theory is that the Pony Express Trail got his creative juices flowing...
Read more here and listen:
http://www.boisestatepublicradio.org/2011/12/30/riding-the-pony-express-trail-part-3/?mid=571
Friday, January 06, 2012
EasyCare Announces the 2011 $10,000 Hoof Boot Contest Results
For Immediate Release
Friday, January 6, 2012
For further information, contact Kevin Myers, EasyCare Inc.
520-297-1900 x 2238
by Kevin Myers
(Tucson, AZ) EasyCare announced today the results of the 2011 edition of the $10,000 Hoof Boot Contest. Riders enrolled in the sixth annual EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest accumulated more than 25,000 miles across two disciplines.
20 competitors earned $10,000 in cash and product based on their total annual mileage accumulations. "Now that the results have been tabulated," said Garrett Ford, President and CEO of EasyCare, "we can give back to the community who puts the most miles on Easyboots."
Endurance Division
Winner of the 2011 EasyCare Endurance Hoof Boot Contest is Carla Richardson, who rode a staggering 2,525 miles with SS Kharady Khid. She and Khid will also win the coveted AERC 2011 National Mileage Award. Carla and Khid completed 50 endurance rides in the 2011 ride season. Khid now boasts 6,635 career miles. Debbie Boscoe rode SRT Sizzling Sage and Scarlet Wind Song to second place with an accumulated 1,915 miles. New to hoof boots, Debbie was one of the highest mileage competitors at the 2011 2,000-mile XP ride from Missouri to California. In third place is 2010 Hoof Boot Contest winner, Terri Tinkham, who rode Oliver Twist for a total of 1,435 miles.
CTR Division
Winner of the 2011 EasyCare CTR Hoof Boot Contest is Mary Lambert. Mary rode High Tail Hanna and IM Bronze to a combined total of 375 miles. Bill Wingle rode Mariah for to second place with a total of 372 miles. Sheryl O'Brian rode Psyches Amore and Truimage of Gold into third place with a total of 350 miles.
For a full listing of the 2011 Hoof Boot Contest results, go the 2011 EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest page.
Easyboot is the official hoof boot of NATRC, AERC and Tevis 2012.
For more information on horse hoof boots, please see the EasyCare website at http://easycareinc.com and the EasyCare blog at http://blog.easycareinc.com. For questions from dealers, please contact Brian Mueller at bmueller@easycareinc.com. For all additional questions, contact Kevin Myers, Director of Marketing at marketing@easycareinc.com.
EasyCare Vision: We will be the global innovator in hoof care solutions that enhance the horse/human relationship.
About EasyCare: What began in 1970 with the invention of the Easyboot has since grown into a full line of hoof boots and natural hoof care products that protect the hoof, allow horses to cover rough terrain, act as a spare tire in case of a lost shoe, and aid in the treatment of laminitis and other hoof problems. EasyCare’s hoof boot brands include the Easyboot, Glove, Epic, Boa Horse Boot, Old Mac’s and EasySoaker. While our main focus at EasyCare is horse boot design, we proudly make other top quality products for trail riders and recreational horse owners such as Stowaway Saddle Packs, EZ Ride Stirrups, Comfort Pads, hoof boot accessories and natural hoof care products.
Friday, January 6, 2012
For further information, contact Kevin Myers, EasyCare Inc.
520-297-1900 x 2238
by Kevin Myers
(Tucson, AZ) EasyCare announced today the results of the 2011 edition of the $10,000 Hoof Boot Contest. Riders enrolled in the sixth annual EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest accumulated more than 25,000 miles across two disciplines.
20 competitors earned $10,000 in cash and product based on their total annual mileage accumulations. "Now that the results have been tabulated," said Garrett Ford, President and CEO of EasyCare, "we can give back to the community who puts the most miles on Easyboots."
Endurance Division
Winner of the 2011 EasyCare Endurance Hoof Boot Contest is Carla Richardson, who rode a staggering 2,525 miles with SS Kharady Khid. She and Khid will also win the coveted AERC 2011 National Mileage Award. Carla and Khid completed 50 endurance rides in the 2011 ride season. Khid now boasts 6,635 career miles. Debbie Boscoe rode SRT Sizzling Sage and Scarlet Wind Song to second place with an accumulated 1,915 miles. New to hoof boots, Debbie was one of the highest mileage competitors at the 2011 2,000-mile XP ride from Missouri to California. In third place is 2010 Hoof Boot Contest winner, Terri Tinkham, who rode Oliver Twist for a total of 1,435 miles.
CTR Division
Winner of the 2011 EasyCare CTR Hoof Boot Contest is Mary Lambert. Mary rode High Tail Hanna and IM Bronze to a combined total of 375 miles. Bill Wingle rode Mariah for to second place with a total of 372 miles. Sheryl O'Brian rode Psyches Amore and Truimage of Gold into third place with a total of 350 miles.
For a full listing of the 2011 Hoof Boot Contest results, go the 2011 EasyCare Hoof Boot Contest page.
Easyboot is the official hoof boot of NATRC, AERC and Tevis 2012.
For more information on horse hoof boots, please see the EasyCare website at http://easycareinc.com and the EasyCare blog at http://blog.easycareinc.com. For questions from dealers, please contact Brian Mueller at bmueller@easycareinc.com. For all additional questions, contact Kevin Myers, Director of Marketing at marketing@easycareinc.com.
EasyCare Vision: We will be the global innovator in hoof care solutions that enhance the horse/human relationship.
About EasyCare: What began in 1970 with the invention of the Easyboot has since grown into a full line of hoof boots and natural hoof care products that protect the hoof, allow horses to cover rough terrain, act as a spare tire in case of a lost shoe, and aid in the treatment of laminitis and other hoof problems. EasyCare’s hoof boot brands include the Easyboot, Glove, Epic, Boa Horse Boot, Old Mac’s and EasySoaker. While our main focus at EasyCare is horse boot design, we proudly make other top quality products for trail riders and recreational horse owners such as Stowaway Saddle Packs, EZ Ride Stirrups, Comfort Pads, hoof boot accessories and natural hoof care products.
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
It's easy to find the high notes in 2011, too
DCourier.com - Full Article
12/30/11
If you have been reading The Daily Courier's Top 10 stories of 2011, you might not find much to celebrate.
While some of the newsmakers are now making their homes in prison cells, appearing in court, heaping insults on each other and generally behaving badly, a lot of bright lights in our communities simply continue to strive for excellence in their chosen fields of endeavor.
In honor of the Prescott area's ranching and equine heritage, we'll bring you two of those achievers from 2011 - Jon Gilbert of Dewey-Humboldt and endurance rider Dayna Weary of Prescott.
Jon, who with his wife Marywade, runs Horsebreakers Unlimited, a horse breeding, training and boarding business in Dewey-Humboldt that handles some of top horses in the nation, won a championship in the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) North American Affiliate Reining Finals in Oklahoma City.
Gilbert and his 9-year-old bay gelding horse "Lewis" won over 109 other riders from throughout North America to win the Prime Time Non Pro Division, among other placings at the event.
Reining is an equine sport in which a horse and rider execute a pattern of circles, spins, and stops. It is a precise discipline in which the rider/horse team has to work together with very little evidence of guidance from the rider. Winning takes a responsive horse, a patient, skilled rider and a lot of practice. Winning at the national level is an achievement worth some pretty big bragging rights.
Weary has been riding in endurance races for many years, and is a past winner of the grueling local 50-mile Man Against Horse Race over Mingus Mountain and back. But the big prize she has had her eye on for years is the famous 100-mile Western States Trail Ride, or Tevis Cup, endurance ride that begins near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevadas and ends within 24 hours in Auburn, Calif. The ride is famous for its difficult terrain and capricious weather. Winning it takes a perfectly conditioned horse, a savvy rider, and a precision support crew...
Read more here:
http://www.dcourier.com/Main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=73&ArticleID=101646
12/30/11
If you have been reading The Daily Courier's Top 10 stories of 2011, you might not find much to celebrate.
While some of the newsmakers are now making their homes in prison cells, appearing in court, heaping insults on each other and generally behaving badly, a lot of bright lights in our communities simply continue to strive for excellence in their chosen fields of endeavor.
In honor of the Prescott area's ranching and equine heritage, we'll bring you two of those achievers from 2011 - Jon Gilbert of Dewey-Humboldt and endurance rider Dayna Weary of Prescott.
Jon, who with his wife Marywade, runs Horsebreakers Unlimited, a horse breeding, training and boarding business in Dewey-Humboldt that handles some of top horses in the nation, won a championship in the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) North American Affiliate Reining Finals in Oklahoma City.
Gilbert and his 9-year-old bay gelding horse "Lewis" won over 109 other riders from throughout North America to win the Prime Time Non Pro Division, among other placings at the event.
Reining is an equine sport in which a horse and rider execute a pattern of circles, spins, and stops. It is a precise discipline in which the rider/horse team has to work together with very little evidence of guidance from the rider. Winning takes a responsive horse, a patient, skilled rider and a lot of practice. Winning at the national level is an achievement worth some pretty big bragging rights.
Weary has been riding in endurance races for many years, and is a past winner of the grueling local 50-mile Man Against Horse Race over Mingus Mountain and back. But the big prize she has had her eye on for years is the famous 100-mile Western States Trail Ride, or Tevis Cup, endurance ride that begins near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevadas and ends within 24 hours in Auburn, Calif. The ride is famous for its difficult terrain and capricious weather. Winning it takes a perfectly conditioned horse, a savvy rider, and a precision support crew...
Read more here:
http://www.dcourier.com/Main.asp?SectionID=36&SubSectionID=73&ArticleID=101646
2012 will see some happy (and not so happy) anniversaries for Auburn
Kim Palaferri/Auburn Journal
Auburnjournal.com - Full Article
January 2 2012
Auburn, Placer County communities mark several milestones this year
By Gus Thomson Journal Staff Writer
Stoic, picturesque and turning a century old, Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge leads the local list of milestone birthdays in 2012.
Now a popular site for photographers, hikers, horse riders and runners, the span over the American River was initially constructed by the Pacific Portland Cement Co. to help transport limestone from a Cool mining operation for use in making concrete.
When it was constructed, it was the longest concrete-arch bridge in the world. Today, it’s perhaps best known as the symbolic start of the final leg of both the Western States 100 Endurance Run and Tevis Cup 100-mile endurance horse ride.
Another 100-year anniversary for the Auburn-area will take place in November, marking the centennial of Auburn writer Clark Ashton Smith’s first book, “The Star Treader and Other Poems.” Smith would be dubbed the “Junior Poet of the Sierras” in 1912 because of his rich use of the English language, but would go on to lasting fame for his science fiction and fantasy writing.
Auburn can even boast some 160th anniversaries as 2012 dawns. The year 1852 marked the initial publication of the Placer Herald in Auburn. Now based in Rocklin, the paper is part of the Gold Country Media cluster of publications. The Auburn Journal was founded 20 years later and is celebrating 140 years in print.
Also blowing out 160 candles this year are the Auburn Oddfellows Lodge, Old Town’s Station A post office and the Auburn Hook & Ladder Company.
May will mark the 130th anniversary of the death of Claude Chana, the expatriate native of France who first discovered gold in Auburn. He died May 24, 1882 at age 71 in Wheatland...
Read more here:
http://auburnjournal.com/detail/196761.html?content_source=&category_id=2&search_filter=&user_id=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&event_ts_to=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=1&sub_type=&town_id=
Equestrian Legends Episode 13 – Endurance Rider Julie Suhr
Horseradionetwork.com - Listen to Julie's interview
January 2 2011
Californian Julie Suhr has broken records in Endurance competitions and milestones in horseback adventures around the globe. With a recorded 30,282 miles in competition which represents 63 one hundred mile rides and almost 500 fifty mile rides, Julie last completed the Tevis Cup at the age of 76 although four years later she made her final attempt and came within two miles of another record finish.. Listen in…
Equestrian Legends Episode 13 – Show Notes and Links:
Show Host: Chris Stafford, follow Chris on Twitter
Photo Credit: Julie Suhr
Guest: Californian Julie Suhr has broken records in Endurance competitions and milestones in horseback adventures around the globe. Since her first ride in the world renown 100 mile Tevis Cup, Julie has completed twenty-two times out of twenty-nine starts. She has collected three Haggin Cups for the Best Conditioned Horse to finish in the Top Ten and she famously garnered three in one year – the Turtle Award for being last to finish; the Hard Luck Award when her horse fell and she endured a full body mud bath and for being the Oldest rider. With a recorded 30,282 miles in competition which represents 63 one hundred mile rides and almost 500 fifty mile rides, Julie last completed the Tevis Cup at the age of 76 although four years later she made her final attempt and came within two miles of another record finish. Her adventure rides have taken her from the remote expanses of Outer Mongolia to the searing heights of the Himalayas. The author of Ten Feet Tall Still, Julie is working on a second book and still sitting tall in the saddle at 87. Julie and Bob Suhr (deceased) have three children, Barbara, Robert, Nancy (deceased) and John as well as six grandchildren. Julie lives in Scotts Valley, California.
Listen to the interview here!:
http://www.horseradionetwork.com/2012/01/02/equestrian-legends-episode-13-endurance-rider-julie-suhr/
January 2 2011
Californian Julie Suhr has broken records in Endurance competitions and milestones in horseback adventures around the globe. With a recorded 30,282 miles in competition which represents 63 one hundred mile rides and almost 500 fifty mile rides, Julie last completed the Tevis Cup at the age of 76 although four years later she made her final attempt and came within two miles of another record finish.. Listen in…
Equestrian Legends Episode 13 – Show Notes and Links:
Show Host: Chris Stafford, follow Chris on Twitter
Photo Credit: Julie Suhr
Guest: Californian Julie Suhr has broken records in Endurance competitions and milestones in horseback adventures around the globe. Since her first ride in the world renown 100 mile Tevis Cup, Julie has completed twenty-two times out of twenty-nine starts. She has collected three Haggin Cups for the Best Conditioned Horse to finish in the Top Ten and she famously garnered three in one year – the Turtle Award for being last to finish; the Hard Luck Award when her horse fell and she endured a full body mud bath and for being the Oldest rider. With a recorded 30,282 miles in competition which represents 63 one hundred mile rides and almost 500 fifty mile rides, Julie last completed the Tevis Cup at the age of 76 although four years later she made her final attempt and came within two miles of another record finish. Her adventure rides have taken her from the remote expanses of Outer Mongolia to the searing heights of the Himalayas. The author of Ten Feet Tall Still, Julie is working on a second book and still sitting tall in the saddle at 87. Julie and Bob Suhr (deceased) have three children, Barbara, Robert, Nancy (deceased) and John as well as six grandchildren. Julie lives in Scotts Valley, California.
Listen to the interview here!:
http://www.horseradionetwork.com/2012/01/02/equestrian-legends-episode-13-endurance-rider-julie-suhr/
Sunday, January 01, 2012
2011 Resolution Ride Results
January 21 2012
2011 Resolution Ride 25/50/100
Results:
100; 14 start 10 finish
1. Tennessee Mahoney - DWA Pearl
1. Clydea Hastie - CR Zebra Splash
1. Dennis Summers - Bogard **Best Condition**
4. Kevin Myers
4. Kevin Waters
6. Rusty Toth
7. Pete H on a mule
8. Kerry Redente
9. Julia Elias
10. Effee Connor
Winning ride time 12:35
50 miles: 28 start 19 finish
1st Tammy Haggin - winning time 5:37
**Best Condition** - Janis Taylor
25 miles: 20 start 17 finish
ride time 3:11
2011 Resolution Ride 25/50/100
Results:
100; 14 start 10 finish
1. Tennessee Mahoney - DWA Pearl
1. Clydea Hastie - CR Zebra Splash
1. Dennis Summers - Bogard **Best Condition**
4. Kevin Myers
4. Kevin Waters
6. Rusty Toth
7. Pete H on a mule
8. Kerry Redente
9. Julia Elias
10. Effee Connor
Winning ride time 12:35
50 miles: 28 start 19 finish
1st Tammy Haggin - winning time 5:37
**Best Condition** - Janis Taylor
25 miles: 20 start 17 finish
ride time 3:11
Thursday, December 29, 2011
AERC Election Results
December 28 2011
ELECTION RESULTS:
From the Southwest Region, Julia Lynn-Elias, DVM, and from the Northeast Region, Nick Kohut, DVM, and Patti Stedman, will be sworn in as new AERC Regional Directors at the 2012 AERC convention. Representing the Mountain region will be Susan Shomburg and Jan Stevens; in the West, Maryben Stover and Forrest Tancer; Roger Taylor will continue as the Southwest Region's other regional director. All other incumbent regional directors will be continuing on for the next two-year term.
For more information, see
http://aerc.org/
ELECTION RESULTS:
From the Southwest Region, Julia Lynn-Elias, DVM, and from the Northeast Region, Nick Kohut, DVM, and Patti Stedman, will be sworn in as new AERC Regional Directors at the 2012 AERC convention. Representing the Mountain region will be Susan Shomburg and Jan Stevens; in the West, Maryben Stover and Forrest Tancer; Roger Taylor will continue as the Southwest Region's other regional director. All other incumbent regional directors will be continuing on for the next two-year term.
For more information, see
http://aerc.org/
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Ellen Olson and SA Belshazzar win winter FEI 160K in Florida
Horsereporter Blog Full Article
by Pam Burton
December 22 2011
December 18, 2011~The Goeth Challenge Endurance Ride, the last FEI ride of 2011, was also the first ride of the 2012 United States Equestrian Federation year. Held at the Goethe State Forest west of Ocala, Florida, the December 17 competition included 80,120 & 160k divisions. Many endurance trainers from the cold north are taking their winter barns to this area to condition and compete in the temperate Florida climate.
160K CEI 3*
On a day that saw temperatures at 75F (24C), 21 horse/riders took the trail in the 160K, 9 riding in the FEI Division. Ride Camp was located at the nearby Black Prong Equestrian Center.
Taking a break from her training position in Qatar, Ellen Olson took home the winning time and Best Condition on the Shagya, SA Belshazzar (Bayram x Jay El Tongafarah ox), in the 160 CEI3* with a ride time of 9:33 and an average speed of 16.80kph.
“Zar had a fantastic day,” said Olson. “This year he is the strongest yet of his career. We were near the front all day. Darolyn Butler and Valary Kanavy were in front positions as well. The trail was deep sand and very concussive road. There was actually a big turnout for each distance, over 100 riders for a one day ride..."
Read more here:
http://blog.horsereporter.com/2011/12/22/ellen-olson-and-sa-belshazzar-win-winter-fei-160k-in-florida/
by Pam Burton
December 22 2011
December 18, 2011~The Goeth Challenge Endurance Ride, the last FEI ride of 2011, was also the first ride of the 2012 United States Equestrian Federation year. Held at the Goethe State Forest west of Ocala, Florida, the December 17 competition included 80,120 & 160k divisions. Many endurance trainers from the cold north are taking their winter barns to this area to condition and compete in the temperate Florida climate.
160K CEI 3*
On a day that saw temperatures at 75F (24C), 21 horse/riders took the trail in the 160K, 9 riding in the FEI Division. Ride Camp was located at the nearby Black Prong Equestrian Center.
Taking a break from her training position in Qatar, Ellen Olson took home the winning time and Best Condition on the Shagya, SA Belshazzar (Bayram x Jay El Tongafarah ox), in the 160 CEI3* with a ride time of 9:33 and an average speed of 16.80kph.
“Zar had a fantastic day,” said Olson. “This year he is the strongest yet of his career. We were near the front all day. Darolyn Butler and Valary Kanavy were in front positions as well. The trail was deep sand and very concussive road. There was actually a big turnout for each distance, over 100 riders for a one day ride..."
Read more here:
http://blog.horsereporter.com/2011/12/22/ellen-olson-and-sa-belshazzar-win-winter-fei-160k-in-florida/
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
AERC Decade Team: Karen Chaton and Granite Chief+/
Enduranceridestuff Blog - Karen Chaton
Riders Name: Karen Chaton
Horses Name: Granite Chief+/
Region: West
Current Rider Lifetime Mileage? 30,530
Endurance: 30,530 (12,000 of that is with Chief)
Limited Distance: 25
Tell us about your horse. When/how did you come to get him/her? Chief was given to me by his breeder. He thought I would be a good match for him; he wanted Chief to ‘do something’. I told several of my friends about these horses in the bay area that the owner wanted to find good homes for. Nobody else was interested, I think everybody thought a ‘free’ horse meant something was wrong with it. That couldn’t have been further from the truth! I took Chief home, dropping him off at the vet clinic on the way where they gelded him the next morning. Chief was almost 6 years old at the time.
What is your horses breeding? Classical Spanish and CMK, Arabian.
Sex: Gelding
DOB: 4/7/1995
Horse height: 15 hh
Approx. Weight: 930
Color: Fleabitten grey
Shoe size:
Or, hoof boot size: 1
Why did you decide to purchase this horse (or if you didn’t purchase, why did you choose to use this horse in endurance)? I liked how this horse was put together. He had nice feet and a good disposition too. You’d never have known he was gelded so late as he was always well mannered. He had not been started yet so I was starting with a clean slate on a horse already old enough to start steady work.
Did you do endurance with any other horses before this horse? Yes, Dream Weaver and Rocky. Chief is my third endurance horse, and I’m the only one that has ridden him in an endurance ride.
How many different horses have you ridden in this sport? A total of six.
Do you participate in any other horse sports or activities? Not so much any more. I used to show and do a lot of play days, plus trail riding.
How many years have you been involved with horses? In endurance? I had horses as a kid, then went twenty years without. I got started in endurance riding in 1994.
What got you interested in endurance riding? What was it that kept you interested? I wanted to do the Tevis. It’s close to where I live, and I heard a lot of stories about it. I went camping with friends to Robie Park and was mesmerized by the stories from endurance riders who were there. It took me three years to finally reach that goal, and in the meantime I realized that it wasn’t so much the destination as the journey that was the best part. I was having a great time.
How old was your horse when first started? First ride? Chief was started when he was 6 years old and did his first ride after he turned 7. I like starting my horses a little older now. I started Chief out on a multiday ride...
Read more here:
http://enduranceridestuff.com/aercdecadeteams/2011/12/karen-chaton-granite-chief/
Riders Name: Karen Chaton
Horses Name: Granite Chief+/
Region: West
Current Rider Lifetime Mileage? 30,530
Endurance: 30,530 (12,000 of that is with Chief)
Limited Distance: 25
Tell us about your horse. When/how did you come to get him/her? Chief was given to me by his breeder. He thought I would be a good match for him; he wanted Chief to ‘do something’. I told several of my friends about these horses in the bay area that the owner wanted to find good homes for. Nobody else was interested, I think everybody thought a ‘free’ horse meant something was wrong with it. That couldn’t have been further from the truth! I took Chief home, dropping him off at the vet clinic on the way where they gelded him the next morning. Chief was almost 6 years old at the time.
What is your horses breeding? Classical Spanish and CMK, Arabian.
Sex: Gelding
DOB: 4/7/1995
Horse height: 15 hh
Approx. Weight: 930
Color: Fleabitten grey
Shoe size:
Or, hoof boot size: 1
Why did you decide to purchase this horse (or if you didn’t purchase, why did you choose to use this horse in endurance)? I liked how this horse was put together. He had nice feet and a good disposition too. You’d never have known he was gelded so late as he was always well mannered. He had not been started yet so I was starting with a clean slate on a horse already old enough to start steady work.
Did you do endurance with any other horses before this horse? Yes, Dream Weaver and Rocky. Chief is my third endurance horse, and I’m the only one that has ridden him in an endurance ride.
How many different horses have you ridden in this sport? A total of six.
Do you participate in any other horse sports or activities? Not so much any more. I used to show and do a lot of play days, plus trail riding.
How many years have you been involved with horses? In endurance? I had horses as a kid, then went twenty years without. I got started in endurance riding in 1994.
What got you interested in endurance riding? What was it that kept you interested? I wanted to do the Tevis. It’s close to where I live, and I heard a lot of stories about it. I went camping with friends to Robie Park and was mesmerized by the stories from endurance riders who were there. It took me three years to finally reach that goal, and in the meantime I realized that it wasn’t so much the destination as the journey that was the best part. I was having a great time.
How old was your horse when first started? First ride? Chief was started when he was 6 years old and did his first ride after he turned 7. I like starting my horses a little older now. I started Chief out on a multiday ride...
Read more here:
http://enduranceridestuff.com/aercdecadeteams/2011/12/karen-chaton-granite-chief/
Monday, December 19, 2011
Goethe 100
December 17 2011
Ellen Rapp and SA Belshazzar took 1st pace and Best Condition at the Goethe FEI 100-mile ride in Levy County, Florida on December 17, 2011. Finishing time was 9 hours 30 minutes.
Ellen Rapp and SA Belshazzar took 1st pace and Best Condition at the Goethe FEI 100-mile ride in Levy County, Florida on December 17, 2011. Finishing time was 9 hours 30 minutes.
F. Warren Hellman, Beloved Founder, Passes Away at 77
Marketwatch.com - Full Article
December 18 2011
Business innovator, private equity pioneer, dedicated philanthropist, civic champion, keen sportsman, devoted husband, father and grandfather, San Francisco icon, a true Renaissance man
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The partners at Hellman & Friedman announce with great sadness today the passing of our Founder Warren Hellman, 77, due to complications associated with leukemia.
"Warren was a great mentor, partner and friend, and above all, a great man," said Brian Powers, Chairman of Hellman & Friedman. "He will be deeply missed. His commitment to civic and philanthropic activities and his extraordinary generosity to the many causes he supported will have a lasting impact on our community."
"We have been blessed with an amazing founder. Warren has been an inspiration to all of us and set the standard by which we strive to live our personal and professional lives," said Philip Hammarskjold, Chief Executive Officer. "Warren taught us not only to be better investors, but to be better people. He always set his own course and did things in his own way. He wanted to build an investment firm dedicated to serving its limited partners and the businesses in which we invest. We have all benefited greatly from his vision, generosity and leadership."
Mick Hellman, one of Warren's four children said on behalf of his family, "Dad believed in people and their power to accomplish incredible things. In that vein, he helped start several really successful businesses over the years, and he considered Hellman & Friedman his highest professional achievement. He was an incredible problem-solver, and was great at bringing groups together that had naturally opposing interests and nudging them to a solution. He was particularly passionate about the people of San Francisco, and succeeded at projects that seemed like lost causes: fundraising for an underground parking garage in Golden Gate Park and building a consensus for pension reform in San Francisco. But he always pushed himself the hardest. His learning to play the banjo is a great example of Dad's determination and ability to find joy in confronting a challenge and overcoming it. He actually became a pretty good banjo player, and it was always really cool to walk into a limited partners meeting at Hellman & Friedman and hear his band performing."
Emmylou Harris, 12-time Grammy winner said, "I first met Warren through our mutual love of bluegrass music and came to realize over the years what a special person he was. He gave so much of himself to so many and we are all the richer for it. I'm blessed to have known him and call him my friend."
Mr. Hellman was a pioneer in the private equity business. After a distinguished career on Wall Street, he co-founded Hellman & Friedman in 1984 with Tully Friedman, and built it into one of the industry's leading private equity firms. Since its inception, the firm has raised over $25 billion of committed capital and has generated some of the industry's most outstanding investment results. Mr. Hellman was critical in many of the firms investments, including Levi Strauss & Company, VoiceStream Wireless, Young & Rubicam, Eller Media and The NASDAQ Stock Market.
Mr. Hellman joined Lehman Brothers in 1959 after graduating from Harvard Business School, and went on to become, at age 26, the youngest partner in the firm's history. From 1962 to 1977 he served in various capacities at the firm culminating in becoming its President in 1973 at age 39. In 1977, he left Lehman and moved to Boston to co-found one of the early firms in the venture capital industry which subsequently became Matrix Partners and remains a leading venture firm today. During his tenure, Matrix was an early investor in such notable start-ups as Apollo Computer, Stratus Computer, Continental Cable (now Comcast), and Apple Computer. Also in Boston, Mr. Hellman co-founded Hellman, Jordan Management Company, a specialty equity investment manager.
Mr. Hellman was a noted philanthropist with strong roots in a wide variety of local causes. He was an active participant within the community and gave generously of his time and experience to make a difference. His extraordinary generosity touched the lives of many. Mr. Hellman served as a past Chairman and Trustee Emeritus of The San Francisco Foundation and was a well-known contributor to St. Anthony's Foundation, Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco Free Clinic, which was founded by his daughter and son-in-law, Drs. Tricia and Richard Gibbs. He was an avid proponent of public education and was a proud public school graduate himself. When he was Chair of the San Francisco Foundation, he convened the San Francisco School Alliance bringing the business community and funders to support and partner with the San Francisco Unified School District. He served as a member of the Advisory Board of the Walter A. Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Trustee of the UC Berkeley Foundation. Mr. Hellman was also a contributor to the UC Berkeley aquatics program where he helped endow the Men's Water Polo Program, and instituted the Hellman Fellows Program at the University of California. In addition to serving the community at large, Mr. Hellman was also a member of the Board of Directors & Executive Committee for the Jewish Community Federation and Chair of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund. He was Founder and Chairman of the Board of The Bay Citizen, a non-profit local news organization, and a Trustee Emeritus of the Brookings Institution.
Mr. Hellman had a deep love of music, none more than bluegrass, the appreciation of which he always said was "hard-wired". Later in his life, he became an accomplished 5-string banjo player, and had an old-time band called The Wronglers with whom he performed all over the U.S. The Wronglers collaborated with country singer Jimmie Dale Gilmore this year and released the CD "Heirloom Music"; in June, they made a guest appearance on A Prairie Home Companion. Mr. Hellman was the Founder and principal sponsor of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco--an annual three-day, free music festival which brings together over 90 leading and emerging music groups and draws over 750,000 attendees each year. Speedway Meadow, the site of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival, was recently renamed "Hellman's Hollow" in honor of Mr. Hellman. In 2005, he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Mr. Hellman and his wife Chris, a former dancer, were generous supporters of the arts, including the San Francisco Ballet, where Chris chaired the Board for many years and helped make the San Francisco Ballet one of the leading ballet companies in the world today. Mr. Hellman also supported San Francisco's ODC contemporary dance company and served as Chairman of Voice of Dance.
Mr. Hellman played an active role in civic affairs in San Francisco and California. Dedicated to the well-being of San Francisco citizens, he served as a board member of the Committee on JOBS, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and Bay Area Council. Most recently, he was a pivotal member in organizing support behind Proposition C, legislation aimed at reforming San Francisco's pension system. He fostered collaborative efforts among the various constituencies to reach a joint solution. He was not afraid of political controversy, however, and led and provided financial leadership to the critical and successful effort to build an underground parking structure in Golden Gate Park, helping to keep the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum in their historic locations.
Mr. Hellman was also an accomplished endurance athlete and skier. He twice completed the Western States Endurance Run, a 100-mile foot race from Squaw Valley to Auburn, CA, and five times completed the Tevis Cup, a 100-mile horse race over the same course. He was also a five-time National Champion in Ride and Tie (combination of cross-country running and endurance horseback riding) in his age group and a varsity athlete in Water Polo at UC Berkeley...
Read more here:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/f-warren-hellman-beloved-founder-passes-away-at-77-2011-12-18
December 18 2011
Business innovator, private equity pioneer, dedicated philanthropist, civic champion, keen sportsman, devoted husband, father and grandfather, San Francisco icon, a true Renaissance man
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The partners at Hellman & Friedman announce with great sadness today the passing of our Founder Warren Hellman, 77, due to complications associated with leukemia.
"Warren was a great mentor, partner and friend, and above all, a great man," said Brian Powers, Chairman of Hellman & Friedman. "He will be deeply missed. His commitment to civic and philanthropic activities and his extraordinary generosity to the many causes he supported will have a lasting impact on our community."
"We have been blessed with an amazing founder. Warren has been an inspiration to all of us and set the standard by which we strive to live our personal and professional lives," said Philip Hammarskjold, Chief Executive Officer. "Warren taught us not only to be better investors, but to be better people. He always set his own course and did things in his own way. He wanted to build an investment firm dedicated to serving its limited partners and the businesses in which we invest. We have all benefited greatly from his vision, generosity and leadership."
Mick Hellman, one of Warren's four children said on behalf of his family, "Dad believed in people and their power to accomplish incredible things. In that vein, he helped start several really successful businesses over the years, and he considered Hellman & Friedman his highest professional achievement. He was an incredible problem-solver, and was great at bringing groups together that had naturally opposing interests and nudging them to a solution. He was particularly passionate about the people of San Francisco, and succeeded at projects that seemed like lost causes: fundraising for an underground parking garage in Golden Gate Park and building a consensus for pension reform in San Francisco. But he always pushed himself the hardest. His learning to play the banjo is a great example of Dad's determination and ability to find joy in confronting a challenge and overcoming it. He actually became a pretty good banjo player, and it was always really cool to walk into a limited partners meeting at Hellman & Friedman and hear his band performing."
Emmylou Harris, 12-time Grammy winner said, "I first met Warren through our mutual love of bluegrass music and came to realize over the years what a special person he was. He gave so much of himself to so many and we are all the richer for it. I'm blessed to have known him and call him my friend."
Mr. Hellman was a pioneer in the private equity business. After a distinguished career on Wall Street, he co-founded Hellman & Friedman in 1984 with Tully Friedman, and built it into one of the industry's leading private equity firms. Since its inception, the firm has raised over $25 billion of committed capital and has generated some of the industry's most outstanding investment results. Mr. Hellman was critical in many of the firms investments, including Levi Strauss & Company, VoiceStream Wireless, Young & Rubicam, Eller Media and The NASDAQ Stock Market.
Mr. Hellman joined Lehman Brothers in 1959 after graduating from Harvard Business School, and went on to become, at age 26, the youngest partner in the firm's history. From 1962 to 1977 he served in various capacities at the firm culminating in becoming its President in 1973 at age 39. In 1977, he left Lehman and moved to Boston to co-found one of the early firms in the venture capital industry which subsequently became Matrix Partners and remains a leading venture firm today. During his tenure, Matrix was an early investor in such notable start-ups as Apollo Computer, Stratus Computer, Continental Cable (now Comcast), and Apple Computer. Also in Boston, Mr. Hellman co-founded Hellman, Jordan Management Company, a specialty equity investment manager.
Mr. Hellman was a noted philanthropist with strong roots in a wide variety of local causes. He was an active participant within the community and gave generously of his time and experience to make a difference. His extraordinary generosity touched the lives of many. Mr. Hellman served as a past Chairman and Trustee Emeritus of The San Francisco Foundation and was a well-known contributor to St. Anthony's Foundation, Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco Free Clinic, which was founded by his daughter and son-in-law, Drs. Tricia and Richard Gibbs. He was an avid proponent of public education and was a proud public school graduate himself. When he was Chair of the San Francisco Foundation, he convened the San Francisco School Alliance bringing the business community and funders to support and partner with the San Francisco Unified School District. He served as a member of the Advisory Board of the Walter A. Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and Trustee of the UC Berkeley Foundation. Mr. Hellman was also a contributor to the UC Berkeley aquatics program where he helped endow the Men's Water Polo Program, and instituted the Hellman Fellows Program at the University of California. In addition to serving the community at large, Mr. Hellman was also a member of the Board of Directors & Executive Committee for the Jewish Community Federation and Chair of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund. He was Founder and Chairman of the Board of The Bay Citizen, a non-profit local news organization, and a Trustee Emeritus of the Brookings Institution.
Mr. Hellman had a deep love of music, none more than bluegrass, the appreciation of which he always said was "hard-wired". Later in his life, he became an accomplished 5-string banjo player, and had an old-time band called The Wronglers with whom he performed all over the U.S. The Wronglers collaborated with country singer Jimmie Dale Gilmore this year and released the CD "Heirloom Music"; in June, they made a guest appearance on A Prairie Home Companion. Mr. Hellman was the Founder and principal sponsor of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco--an annual three-day, free music festival which brings together over 90 leading and emerging music groups and draws over 750,000 attendees each year. Speedway Meadow, the site of the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival, was recently renamed "Hellman's Hollow" in honor of Mr. Hellman. In 2005, he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Mr. Hellman and his wife Chris, a former dancer, were generous supporters of the arts, including the San Francisco Ballet, where Chris chaired the Board for many years and helped make the San Francisco Ballet one of the leading ballet companies in the world today. Mr. Hellman also supported San Francisco's ODC contemporary dance company and served as Chairman of Voice of Dance.
Mr. Hellman played an active role in civic affairs in San Francisco and California. Dedicated to the well-being of San Francisco citizens, he served as a board member of the Committee on JOBS, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and Bay Area Council. Most recently, he was a pivotal member in organizing support behind Proposition C, legislation aimed at reforming San Francisco's pension system. He fostered collaborative efforts among the various constituencies to reach a joint solution. He was not afraid of political controversy, however, and led and provided financial leadership to the critical and successful effort to build an underground parking structure in Golden Gate Park, helping to keep the California Academy of Sciences and the de Young Museum in their historic locations.
Mr. Hellman was also an accomplished endurance athlete and skier. He twice completed the Western States Endurance Run, a 100-mile foot race from Squaw Valley to Auburn, CA, and five times completed the Tevis Cup, a 100-mile horse race over the same course. He was also a five-time National Champion in Ride and Tie (combination of cross-country running and endurance horseback riding) in his age group and a varsity athlete in Water Polo at UC Berkeley...
Read more here:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/f-warren-hellman-beloved-founder-passes-away-at-77-2011-12-18
Saturday, December 17, 2011
2012 Adequan® AERC Championship
December 17 2011
The 2012 Adequan® AERC Championship ride will be held at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, on September 20 (100 mile championship) and September 22 (50 mile championship). More information to follow!
The 2012 Adequan® AERC Championship ride will be held at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, on September 20 (100 mile championship) and September 22 (50 mile championship). More information to follow!
Friday, December 09, 2011
Virginia Beach marks end of horse trip across U.S.
Hamptonroads.com - Full Article
By Joanne Kimberlin
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 9, 2011
In the lethal heat of the Nevada desert, locals left them buckets of water. When one horse went lame in Colorado, a stranger gave them a spare. The dog began following them Kansas - a stray who had no idea what she was signing up for.
After 4,000 miles, 10 states and 21 months in the saddle, Richard and Jeannette McGrath are riding through Hampton Roads on the last leg of a coast-to-coast trail ride.
As of this morning, they're just 10 miles from the final "whoa" - planned for Saturday around 1 p.m. - when their horses will sink their hooves into the saltwater off Virginia Beach.
"We're exhausted," Richard said. "All of us. Everything hurts..."
Read more here:
http://hamptonroads.com/2011/12/virginia-beach-marks-end-horse-trip-across-us
By Joanne Kimberlin
The Virginian-Pilot
© December 9, 2011
In the lethal heat of the Nevada desert, locals left them buckets of water. When one horse went lame in Colorado, a stranger gave them a spare. The dog began following them Kansas - a stray who had no idea what she was signing up for.
After 4,000 miles, 10 states and 21 months in the saddle, Richard and Jeannette McGrath are riding through Hampton Roads on the last leg of a coast-to-coast trail ride.
As of this morning, they're just 10 miles from the final "whoa" - planned for Saturday around 1 p.m. - when their horses will sink their hooves into the saltwater off Virginia Beach.
"We're exhausted," Richard said. "All of us. Everything hurts..."
Read more here:
http://hamptonroads.com/2011/12/virginia-beach-marks-end-horse-trip-across-us
Sunday, December 04, 2011
Steven Hay, endurance equestrian
Centredaily.com - Full Article
December 4 2011
After years of horse racing, Steven Hay now can call himself a world-class equestrian.
Hay, a 21-year-old Halfmoon Township resident and Penn State junior, is traveling to United Arab Emirates to represent his country in the Young Rider World Endurance Championships on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
As part of the five-member U.S. team, Hay will vie with riders from 35 countries on a 75-mile desert course. The sandy conditions will be new, but the distance will not. Hay, ranked second in the country for ages 14 to 21, has excelled in endurance races for nine years on trails up to 100 miles long.
He prefers hours in the saddle, going from one rest station to the next, to the horse shows of his earlier youth.
“What you use to prove yourself in endurance isn’t a couple of minutes in the ring,” he said. “You have hours to show what you can do...”
Read more here:
http://www.centredaily.com/2011/12/04/3008280/steven-hay-endurance-equestrian.html#ixzz1fa0WIq72
December 4 2011
After years of horse racing, Steven Hay now can call himself a world-class equestrian.
Hay, a 21-year-old Halfmoon Township resident and Penn State junior, is traveling to United Arab Emirates to represent his country in the Young Rider World Endurance Championships on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
As part of the five-member U.S. team, Hay will vie with riders from 35 countries on a 75-mile desert course. The sandy conditions will be new, but the distance will not. Hay, ranked second in the country for ages 14 to 21, has excelled in endurance races for nine years on trails up to 100 miles long.
He prefers hours in the saddle, going from one rest station to the next, to the horse shows of his earlier youth.
“What you use to prove yourself in endurance isn’t a couple of minutes in the ring,” he said. “You have hours to show what you can do...”
Read more here:
http://www.centredaily.com/2011/12/04/3008280/steven-hay-endurance-equestrian.html#ixzz1fa0WIq72
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
USEF to Send Full Team to the FEI Junior and Young Rider World Endurance Championship
USEF.org
RELEASE: November 29, 2011
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Endurance Department
RELEASE: November 29, 2011 AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Endurance Department
Lexington, KY - For the first time the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will send a full team and support staff to the FEI Junior and Young Rider World Endurance Championship. The 120km race will run on December 10, 2011 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. There will be over 35 countries represented by 150 riders between the ages of 14-21. The event is sponsored by HH Sheik Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nayan and organized by Adnan Al Nuaimi and his staff. The team and the traveling reserve horse named to the definite entry are as follows in ranked order:
Name (Age, Hometown)
Kelsey Russell (16, Williston, FL) on Valerie Kanavy's Gold Raven
Gold Raven is a 10-year-old Arabian mare
Kelsey Kimbler (18, Aberdeen, SD) on Kirsten Kimbler's Cody Canuck
Cody Canuck is a 14-year-old Arabian gelding
Steven Hay (21, Port Matilda, PA) on Natalie Muzzio's Khalil Asam
Khalil Asam is a 10-year-old Arabian gelding
Kyle Gibbon (21, Kingsland, GA) on Stephen Rojek's Misu Koran
Misu Koran is a 16-year-old Arabian gelding
Traveling Reserve Horse
Cheryl Van Deusen's DA Al Capone, a 16-year-old Arabian gelding
(to be ridden by Mary Kathryn Clark, 17, Eatonton, GA)
The team represents some of the United States' most experienced Young Riders aboard horses who have tracked many miles at the top levels of the sport. This summer four of the five riders experienced international championship competition for the first time at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) where they also gained valuable team experience. Riding for Team USA, Russell captured the Team and Individual CEI4* Championship Gold Medals. She will ride Gold Raven, who has won nearly every CEI she's contested. Aiding in capturing that NAJYRC Team Gold was Gibbon, who also took the Individual Bronze with Misu Koran. In the non-championship CEI2* division, Hay and Khalil Asam took home a Team Gold and Individual Bronze, while Clark and DA Al Capone helped USA Southeast take the Team Silver.
As the 2010 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year, Kimbler will also bring a depth of skill to the team. She has competed and medaled at several non-championship NAJYRC events in addition to multiple top five placings at CEIYJs.
"Words cannot express how very lucky and fortunate I feel to have reached this level to represent the United States," said Gibbon. "I am no less than thrilled to partake in this event on such a wonderful horse, all thanks to Misu Koran's owners Steve and Dinah Rojek."
The team will be led by Chef d'Equipe Emmett Ross, "As Chef d'Equipe of the U.S. Young Riders I am really looking forward to working with five very strong horse/rider combinations," said Ross. "These Young Riders will hopefully become candidates for our senior teams in World Endurance Championships. The U.S. development of Young Riders has been a huge focus and effort by several people including Jan Stevens and Kathy Brunjes, their efforts have produced these five strong riders as well as many others. As chef I have a goal of finishing all riders in a competitive environment with a chance of sneaking onto the podium. It will be a strategic race over the 75 mile course."
Ross will be joined by Team Vet Dr. Dwight Hooton, both of whom have significant experience working in the UAE.
Three of four team riders will need to complete the course to post a team score (aggregate total time of three riders score as a team). All riders will compete as individuals as well. There will be five vet checks throughout the race to check the horse's soundness and metabolic capacity in order to be allowed to continue, these checks are part of FEI's significant guidelines for the Welfare of the Horse.
RELEASE: November 29, 2011
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Endurance Department
RELEASE: November 29, 2011 AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Endurance Department
Lexington, KY - For the first time the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will send a full team and support staff to the FEI Junior and Young Rider World Endurance Championship. The 120km race will run on December 10, 2011 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. There will be over 35 countries represented by 150 riders between the ages of 14-21. The event is sponsored by HH Sheik Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nayan and organized by Adnan Al Nuaimi and his staff. The team and the traveling reserve horse named to the definite entry are as follows in ranked order:
Name (Age, Hometown)
Kelsey Russell (16, Williston, FL) on Valerie Kanavy's Gold Raven
Gold Raven is a 10-year-old Arabian mare
Kelsey Kimbler (18, Aberdeen, SD) on Kirsten Kimbler's Cody Canuck
Cody Canuck is a 14-year-old Arabian gelding
Steven Hay (21, Port Matilda, PA) on Natalie Muzzio's Khalil Asam
Khalil Asam is a 10-year-old Arabian gelding
Kyle Gibbon (21, Kingsland, GA) on Stephen Rojek's Misu Koran
Misu Koran is a 16-year-old Arabian gelding
Traveling Reserve Horse
Cheryl Van Deusen's DA Al Capone, a 16-year-old Arabian gelding
(to be ridden by Mary Kathryn Clark, 17, Eatonton, GA)
The team represents some of the United States' most experienced Young Riders aboard horses who have tracked many miles at the top levels of the sport. This summer four of the five riders experienced international championship competition for the first time at the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) where they also gained valuable team experience. Riding for Team USA, Russell captured the Team and Individual CEI4* Championship Gold Medals. She will ride Gold Raven, who has won nearly every CEI she's contested. Aiding in capturing that NAJYRC Team Gold was Gibbon, who also took the Individual Bronze with Misu Koran. In the non-championship CEI2* division, Hay and Khalil Asam took home a Team Gold and Individual Bronze, while Clark and DA Al Capone helped USA Southeast take the Team Silver.
As the 2010 USEF Junior Equestrian of the Year, Kimbler will also bring a depth of skill to the team. She has competed and medaled at several non-championship NAJYRC events in addition to multiple top five placings at CEIYJs.
"Words cannot express how very lucky and fortunate I feel to have reached this level to represent the United States," said Gibbon. "I am no less than thrilled to partake in this event on such a wonderful horse, all thanks to Misu Koran's owners Steve and Dinah Rojek."
The team will be led by Chef d'Equipe Emmett Ross, "As Chef d'Equipe of the U.S. Young Riders I am really looking forward to working with five very strong horse/rider combinations," said Ross. "These Young Riders will hopefully become candidates for our senior teams in World Endurance Championships. The U.S. development of Young Riders has been a huge focus and effort by several people including Jan Stevens and Kathy Brunjes, their efforts have produced these five strong riders as well as many others. As chef I have a goal of finishing all riders in a competitive environment with a chance of sneaking onto the podium. It will be a strategic race over the 75 mile course."
Ross will be joined by Team Vet Dr. Dwight Hooton, both of whom have significant experience working in the UAE.
Three of four team riders will need to complete the course to post a team score (aggregate total time of three riders score as a team). All riders will compete as individuals as well. There will be five vet checks throughout the race to check the horse's soundness and metabolic capacity in order to be allowed to continue, these checks are part of FEI's significant guidelines for the Welfare of the Horse.
Pan Am Silver Medalists John Crandell and Heraldic Receive "Touch of Class" Award
USEFNetwork.com
RELEASE: November 21, 2011
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Endurance Department
Lexington, KY - The Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) last week presented the third "Touch of Class" Award to Silver medalists John Crandell III and Heraldic. Crandell and his Triple Crown-winning Arabian gelding won two Silver medals (Individual and Team) at the Pan American Games in Chile on October 21.
During the award presentation, Ashley Valis, deputy director of the Governor's Intergovernmental Affairs, presented the Crandells with a proclamation from Governor Martin O'Malley, declaring November 15 "Heraldic and Crandell Family Day."
"I'd like to commend the Crandell Family for their legendary accomplishments and commitment to the highest standards of equine training and care," said Governor O'Malley. We look forward to the continued success of Heraldic and the Crandells ..."
Heraldic was in routine quarantine in Miami after flying back from Chile, but was released in time to make it to his official homecoming and last week's Silver medal celebration event. Heraldic mingled with well-wishers, ate a few Maryland-grown apples, and posed for pictures in front of the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) headquarters in Annapolis.
"Maryland's rich history of horse-related agriculture goes back centuries, and Heraldic is a prime example of why horses and their stories are so enduring," said MDA Deputy Secretary Mary Ellen Setting during the awards ceremony. "Heraldic is a wonderful symbol of this important industry, and we are proud to host him here at MDA today."
Heraldic has been particularly versatile as an athlete, winning on the fastest as well as the most arduous courses in America. The Pan Am Games race course was a 75-mile course which Crandell and Heraldic completed in 6:03:38. The Crandell family has received recognition around the world for its success in training elite endurance horses, and last week's celebration is their first official recognition in Maryland.
Heraldic's story is the stuff of legend.
Heraldic became the only horse ever to win the Triple Crown of Endurance Riding in 2006. Those three races are the Old Dominion 100 in Virginia, the Tevis Cup in California, and the American Endurance Ride Conference Championship. In each of those events, Heraldic also received the "Best Conditioned Horse" award. And Crandell - who has been a professional farrier and trainer since 1983 - was named Overall Horseman of the Year in 2007 by Chronicle of the Horse magazine.
But in 2008, Heraldic suffered a life-threatening injury when he badly injured his stifle and had to recuperate without bearing any weight on the injured leg for months. Heraldic spent two years in rehabilitation but came back last year to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown again as well as his two Silver medals at the Pan Am Games last month. In 2010, he also won the FITS 100 miler with a time of 7:58. Heraldic's astonishing comeback is a major reason the MHIB selected to honor him and his trainer.
The MHIB's "Touch of Class" Award, named after the Maryland-bred Olympic Gold-medal winning horse, is presented to horses and people who represent the highest standards of excellence in Maryland's equine community. This is the third "Touch of Class" award presented by the MHIB.
RELEASE: November 21, 2011
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Endurance Department
Lexington, KY - The Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB) last week presented the third "Touch of Class" Award to Silver medalists John Crandell III and Heraldic. Crandell and his Triple Crown-winning Arabian gelding won two Silver medals (Individual and Team) at the Pan American Games in Chile on October 21.
During the award presentation, Ashley Valis, deputy director of the Governor's Intergovernmental Affairs, presented the Crandells with a proclamation from Governor Martin O'Malley, declaring November 15 "Heraldic and Crandell Family Day."
"I'd like to commend the Crandell Family for their legendary accomplishments and commitment to the highest standards of equine training and care," said Governor O'Malley. We look forward to the continued success of Heraldic and the Crandells ..."
Heraldic was in routine quarantine in Miami after flying back from Chile, but was released in time to make it to his official homecoming and last week's Silver medal celebration event. Heraldic mingled with well-wishers, ate a few Maryland-grown apples, and posed for pictures in front of the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) headquarters in Annapolis.
"Maryland's rich history of horse-related agriculture goes back centuries, and Heraldic is a prime example of why horses and their stories are so enduring," said MDA Deputy Secretary Mary Ellen Setting during the awards ceremony. "Heraldic is a wonderful symbol of this important industry, and we are proud to host him here at MDA today."
Heraldic has been particularly versatile as an athlete, winning on the fastest as well as the most arduous courses in America. The Pan Am Games race course was a 75-mile course which Crandell and Heraldic completed in 6:03:38. The Crandell family has received recognition around the world for its success in training elite endurance horses, and last week's celebration is their first official recognition in Maryland.
Heraldic's story is the stuff of legend.
Heraldic became the only horse ever to win the Triple Crown of Endurance Riding in 2006. Those three races are the Old Dominion 100 in Virginia, the Tevis Cup in California, and the American Endurance Ride Conference Championship. In each of those events, Heraldic also received the "Best Conditioned Horse" award. And Crandell - who has been a professional farrier and trainer since 1983 - was named Overall Horseman of the Year in 2007 by Chronicle of the Horse magazine.
But in 2008, Heraldic suffered a life-threatening injury when he badly injured his stifle and had to recuperate without bearing any weight on the injured leg for months. Heraldic spent two years in rehabilitation but came back last year to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown again as well as his two Silver medals at the Pan Am Games last month. In 2010, he also won the FITS 100 miler with a time of 7:58. Heraldic's astonishing comeback is a major reason the MHIB selected to honor him and his trainer.
The MHIB's "Touch of Class" Award, named after the Maryland-bred Olympic Gold-medal winning horse, is presented to horses and people who represent the highest standards of excellence in Maryland's equine community. This is the third "Touch of Class" award presented by the MHIB.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
UW-Eau Claire creative writing major's article to appear in Equus
November 15 2011
EAU CLAIRE (Press Release) - A University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire senior's essay that details her struggles and triumphs in equestrian endeavors was accepted for publication by a national horse magazine.
Any essay by Larissa Sprecher, a creative writing major from Cadott, was accepted for publication by the equestrian magazine Equus. The essay, "Worth the fight," is about the many struggles Sprecher has experienced with her Arabian mare, Cheeks.
"I bought and trained her in hopes that she would be my new endurance horse, but she had several severe, debilitating hoof conditions and injuries, one after another, that literally left her barely able to walk," Sprecher said.
Endurance rides are long-distance horse riding competitions, where participants can cover up to 100 miles in one day. Sprecher said she grew up riding horses and has competed in endurance riding for six years.
Through Sprecher's determination and hard work, Cheeks went from being crippled almost a year ago to logging more than 500 competition miles this past season.
"I don't mean to make it sound cheesy, but it is basically the story of a miracle," Sprecher said of her essay.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Young Endurance Rider Sponsored by KER
KER.com
November 11, 2011
Steven Hay is the latest world-class equestrian to be sponsored by Kentucky Equine Research (KER). He was recently chosen to represent the United States at the Young Rider World Endurance Championships, to be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on December 10, 2011.
Hay will ride Khalil Asam in the competition, and he feels honored to do so. "I'm blessed to have the opportunity to compete with this horse against the best young riders in the world. He is one of the most phenomenal horses I have come across. Not only are his athletic abilities most impressive, but his personality fills the barn," said Hay. Khalil Asam is owned by Natalie Muzzio.
Hay will use Kentucky Equine Research (KER) products in preparation for the international event, including Preserve™, Nano-E®, RiteTrac™, and KER-Flex®.
You can support Hay and his bid for gold by ordering research-proven supplements from KER. Whether you order online or talk to a customer service representative at 888-873-1988, use discount code SAMMY and receive 10% off your total order. A 10% donation on all products sold using the Champion Code SAMMY will then be passed on to Hay to help defray competition expenses to Abu Dhabi. This discount code will be valid until February 10, 2012.
Hay has an impressive competition record including individual and team medals at the 2010 and 2011 North American Junior Young Riders Championships, and multiple other top finishes at prestigious endurance events. He began riding in endurance competitions at the age of 12 and has accumulated over 2,800 miles, many of which were ridden on horses he owns and conditions.
Aside from his equestrian interests, Hay is a full-time student at Penn State University, where is pursuing a degree in environmental resource management.
November 11, 2011
Steven Hay is the latest world-class equestrian to be sponsored by Kentucky Equine Research (KER). He was recently chosen to represent the United States at the Young Rider World Endurance Championships, to be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on December 10, 2011.
Hay will ride Khalil Asam in the competition, and he feels honored to do so. "I'm blessed to have the opportunity to compete with this horse against the best young riders in the world. He is one of the most phenomenal horses I have come across. Not only are his athletic abilities most impressive, but his personality fills the barn," said Hay. Khalil Asam is owned by Natalie Muzzio.
Hay will use Kentucky Equine Research (KER) products in preparation for the international event, including Preserve™, Nano-E®, RiteTrac™, and KER-Flex®.
You can support Hay and his bid for gold by ordering research-proven supplements from KER. Whether you order online or talk to a customer service representative at 888-873-1988, use discount code SAMMY and receive 10% off your total order. A 10% donation on all products sold using the Champion Code SAMMY will then be passed on to Hay to help defray competition expenses to Abu Dhabi. This discount code will be valid until February 10, 2012.
Hay has an impressive competition record including individual and team medals at the 2010 and 2011 North American Junior Young Riders Championships, and multiple other top finishes at prestigious endurance events. He began riding in endurance competitions at the age of 12 and has accumulated over 2,800 miles, many of which were ridden on horses he owns and conditions.
Aside from his equestrian interests, Hay is a full-time student at Penn State University, where is pursuing a degree in environmental resource management.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Canada's Year-End standings
November 12 2011
Canada's Year-End Endurance Standings have been announced.
Senior Riders:
1. Elaine Steele - Ontario - 1006 points
2. Tom Paleczny - Ontario - 870 points
3. Christy Janzen - Alberta - 823 points
4. Colleen Devry - Alberta - 746 points
5. Kathy Irvine - Alberta - 722 points
6. Robert Gielen - Ontario - 712.5 points
7. Jaye Yavis - Alberta - 654 points
8. Elroy Karius - BC - 640 points
9. Sarah Chambers - Alberta - 575 points
10. Leanna Marchant - Alberta - 520 points
Junior Riders:
1. Jessica Yavis - Alberta - 415 points
2. Anya Levermann - BC - 250 points
2. Katya Levermann - BC - 250 points
3. Makayla Macleod - BC - 207 points
4. Shaelynn Spiker - Alberta - 150 points
5. Coletan Macleod - Alberta - 84 points
Horses:
1. Chanticleer Shadow - Steele - 1006 points
2. Nightwind's Indigo Bay - Devry - 746 points
3. Sakic - Janzen - 727 points
4. Nightwind's Savannah - Irvine - 722 points
5. Anam Cara - Chambers - 520 points
For complete standings see
http://www3.telus.net/tobytrot/html/yearend_cdn.htm
Canada's Year-End Endurance Standings have been announced.
Senior Riders:
1. Elaine Steele - Ontario - 1006 points
2. Tom Paleczny - Ontario - 870 points
3. Christy Janzen - Alberta - 823 points
4. Colleen Devry - Alberta - 746 points
5. Kathy Irvine - Alberta - 722 points
6. Robert Gielen - Ontario - 712.5 points
7. Jaye Yavis - Alberta - 654 points
8. Elroy Karius - BC - 640 points
9. Sarah Chambers - Alberta - 575 points
10. Leanna Marchant - Alberta - 520 points
Junior Riders:
1. Jessica Yavis - Alberta - 415 points
2. Anya Levermann - BC - 250 points
2. Katya Levermann - BC - 250 points
3. Makayla Macleod - BC - 207 points
4. Shaelynn Spiker - Alberta - 150 points
5. Coletan Macleod - Alberta - 84 points
Horses:
1. Chanticleer Shadow - Steele - 1006 points
2. Nightwind's Indigo Bay - Devry - 746 points
3. Sakic - Janzen - 727 points
4. Nightwind's Savannah - Irvine - 722 points
5. Anam Cara - Chambers - 520 points
For complete standings see
http://www3.telus.net/tobytrot/html/yearend_cdn.htm
2011 America's Favorite Equestrians - and the winners are . . .
USEF.org
Release: November 05 2011
Author: Equus Foundation and USEF
WESTPORT, CT - Jenny Belknap Kees, Chairman of the Board of The EQUUS Foundation and John Long, President of the United States Equestrian Federation, announced "America's Favorite Equestrians" for 2011representing the disciplines of Driving, Dressage, Endurance, Eventing, Jumping, Para-Dressage, Reining and Vaulting at their Victory Celebration on Friday, November 4, 2011, at the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky.
The program was established by the two organizations to recognize the heroes in our equestrian sport and to build grass roots support within the equestrian community for the many worthy causes supported by The EQUUS Foundation on behalf of horse welfare and the people who benefit from the horse's unique ability to empower, teach and heal.
"One of the best actions we have taken in recent years is to partner with The EQUUS Foundation," said John Long. "We look forward to continuing to build our relationship in the future."
"We are very grateful to the thousands of equestrians who cast their votes with their $5 donations to The EQUUS Foundation," said Jenny Belknap Kees. America's Favorite Equestrians were selected based on the athletes with the highest number of votes recorded in each of the eight disciplines on October 31, 2011.
The inaugural 2011 program celebrated the eight international disciplines represented on the field of play at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, with the equestrians selected by the respective affiliates of the United States Equestrian Federation. The goal is for America's Favorite Equestrian to be an ongoing program with all equestrian disciplines and breeds represented and the winners recognized in a permanent Hall of Fame.
"It is our great pleasure to be able to announce the results at the Alltech National Horse Show," continued Belknap Kees, "and to support these disciplines with a $10,000 donation to the United States Equestrian Federation."
And, the winners for 2011 are . . .
Dressage
Guenter Seidel
Driving
Rochelle Temple
Endurance
Becky Hart
Eventing
Tiana Coudray
Jumping
Anne Kursinski
Para-Dressage
Jennifer Baker
Reining
Andrea Fappani
Vaulting
Katharine Wick
About The EQUUS Foundation, Inc. The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., established in August 2002, as a 501(c)(3) national charitable foundation, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, promoting the use of horses to enrich the lives of those in need, and educating the public about the horse's unique ability to empower, teach and heal.
Thanks to the generosity of its donors, The EQUUS Foundation helps thousands of people and horses each year. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: equus@equusfoundation.org, website: www.equusfoundation.org.
Release: November 05 2011
Author: Equus Foundation and USEF
WESTPORT, CT - Jenny Belknap Kees, Chairman of the Board of The EQUUS Foundation and John Long, President of the United States Equestrian Federation, announced "America's Favorite Equestrians" for 2011representing the disciplines of Driving, Dressage, Endurance, Eventing, Jumping, Para-Dressage, Reining and Vaulting at their Victory Celebration on Friday, November 4, 2011, at the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky.
The program was established by the two organizations to recognize the heroes in our equestrian sport and to build grass roots support within the equestrian community for the many worthy causes supported by The EQUUS Foundation on behalf of horse welfare and the people who benefit from the horse's unique ability to empower, teach and heal.
"One of the best actions we have taken in recent years is to partner with The EQUUS Foundation," said John Long. "We look forward to continuing to build our relationship in the future."
"We are very grateful to the thousands of equestrians who cast their votes with their $5 donations to The EQUUS Foundation," said Jenny Belknap Kees. America's Favorite Equestrians were selected based on the athletes with the highest number of votes recorded in each of the eight disciplines on October 31, 2011.
The inaugural 2011 program celebrated the eight international disciplines represented on the field of play at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, with the equestrians selected by the respective affiliates of the United States Equestrian Federation. The goal is for America's Favorite Equestrian to be an ongoing program with all equestrian disciplines and breeds represented and the winners recognized in a permanent Hall of Fame.
"It is our great pleasure to be able to announce the results at the Alltech National Horse Show," continued Belknap Kees, "and to support these disciplines with a $10,000 donation to the United States Equestrian Federation."
And, the winners for 2011 are . . .
Dressage
Guenter Seidel
Driving
Rochelle Temple
Endurance
Becky Hart
Eventing
Tiana Coudray
Jumping
Anne Kursinski
Para-Dressage
Jennifer Baker
Reining
Andrea Fappani
Vaulting
Katharine Wick
About The EQUUS Foundation, Inc. The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., established in August 2002, as a 501(c)(3) national charitable foundation, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, promoting the use of horses to enrich the lives of those in need, and educating the public about the horse's unique ability to empower, teach and heal.
Thanks to the generosity of its donors, The EQUUS Foundation helps thousands of people and horses each year. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: equus@equusfoundation.org, website: www.equusfoundation.org.
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Trail Problem Solver
Learn how to handle barn-sour heavior, jigging, bolting and spooking on the trail.
By Micaela Myers
Traci Falcone, Heather Reynolds, and Hal Hall offer their tips on handling common hore behavioral problems
Recreational riding is America’s No.1 equestrian pastime. Nothing compares to exploring nature on horseback. But when you visualize yourself on the trail, a barn-sour, jigging, bolting, spooking horse probably isn’t part of the fantasy. These all-too-common bad habits have ruined many a trail ride: Don’t let yours be one of them. Find out why your horse may be acting up and how you can deal with these annoying and sometimes dangerous behaviors.
Why Do They Do That?
Horses don’t act up just to be naughty or to hurt us. Instead, there’s usually a valid reason behind a horse’s bad behavior: He may have too much pent up energy and need extra turnout or riding time; his tack may be pinching or hurting him because it doesn’t fit correctly or isn’t properly adjusted; he may be in poor health or receiving the wrong kind of diet, which your vet can help you remedy; he may need additional training so that he understands what you’re asking. Similarly, you may require additional instruction to improve your cues, and you may need to relax and act calmly in stressful situations to avoid escalating your horse’s behavior. Addressing these issues should be part of your overall strategy.
To help you tackle some of the most common problem trail behaviors—barn sour, jigging, bolting and spooking—three experienced endurance riders share how they handle these issues. An avid Parelli Natural Horsemanship student, Traci Falcone has completed more than 4,000 miles on endurance rides, including four Tevis Cup “100 Miles in One Day” rides; Heather Reynolds has won several Pan American Endurance Championship medals; and Hal Hall was inducted into the American Endurance Ride Conference Hall of Fame with many championship wins.
Because horses are individuals and no one approach will work on all horses, Falcone, Reynolds and Hall offer a variety of tactics for each of the four issues below. Find the approach that works best for your horse, and be consistent and patient as you work to overcome his issues.
Follow this link for specifics on:
tips on handling barn-sour behavior >>
tips on handling jigging >>
tips on handling bolting >>
tips on handling spooking >>
By Micaela Myers
Traci Falcone, Heather Reynolds, and Hal Hall offer their tips on handling common hore behavioral problemsRecreational riding is America’s No.1 equestrian pastime. Nothing compares to exploring nature on horseback. But when you visualize yourself on the trail, a barn-sour, jigging, bolting, spooking horse probably isn’t part of the fantasy. These all-too-common bad habits have ruined many a trail ride: Don’t let yours be one of them. Find out why your horse may be acting up and how you can deal with these annoying and sometimes dangerous behaviors.
Why Do They Do That?
Horses don’t act up just to be naughty or to hurt us. Instead, there’s usually a valid reason behind a horse’s bad behavior: He may have too much pent up energy and need extra turnout or riding time; his tack may be pinching or hurting him because it doesn’t fit correctly or isn’t properly adjusted; he may be in poor health or receiving the wrong kind of diet, which your vet can help you remedy; he may need additional training so that he understands what you’re asking. Similarly, you may require additional instruction to improve your cues, and you may need to relax and act calmly in stressful situations to avoid escalating your horse’s behavior. Addressing these issues should be part of your overall strategy.
To help you tackle some of the most common problem trail behaviors—barn sour, jigging, bolting and spooking—three experienced endurance riders share how they handle these issues. An avid Parelli Natural Horsemanship student, Traci Falcone has completed more than 4,000 miles on endurance rides, including four Tevis Cup “100 Miles in One Day” rides; Heather Reynolds has won several Pan American Endurance Championship medals; and Hal Hall was inducted into the American Endurance Ride Conference Hall of Fame with many championship wins.
Because horses are individuals and no one approach will work on all horses, Falcone, Reynolds and Hall offer a variety of tactics for each of the four issues below. Find the approach that works best for your horse, and be consistent and patient as you work to overcome his issues.
Follow this link for specifics on:
tips on handling barn-sour behavior >>
tips on handling jigging >>
tips on handling bolting >>
tips on handling spooking >>
Helping veterans with PTSD in a new way
KTVB.com - Full Article and video
by Dee Sarton
KTVB.COM
Posted on November 7, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Updated yesterday at 5:05 PM
BOISE -- Veterans Day. It is a day to honor those who have served our country in the military. But this year, a new report reveals shocking statistics about our all volunteer force.
From 2005 to 2010, military service members took their own lives at a rate of one every 36 hours. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates 18 veterans die by suicide every day.
To fight this tragic trend as more troops return home in the coming weeks, screening is being done to check for risk factors like posttraumatic stress disorder. Treatment options are increasing too.
Veterans need to know that research and experience are proving that new methods to treat PTSD are very effective and sometimes unconventional. An equine specialist in eastern Idaho has known that for years. She has been giving her time and her horses to veterans since 2007, discovering with them, the power of healing on horseback.
At Tranquil Valley Sanctuary, near Malad City in eastern Idaho, it is a brand new start for veterans with severe PTSD.
Donna Thibedeau's 21 horses are mostly rescues and that is how she describes the veterans who find their way here, "They fought for us, they gave up their life and their quality of life for us and we need to fight for them when they come home."
Donna is passionate about helping vets like Tyson Hunt who have been completely disabled by PTSD, a debilitating condition most of us cannot begin to understand...
Read more here:
http://www.ktvb.com/news/A-new-way-that-helps-veterans-with-PTSD-133416303.html
by Dee Sarton
KTVB.COM
Posted on November 7, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Updated yesterday at 5:05 PM
BOISE -- Veterans Day. It is a day to honor those who have served our country in the military. But this year, a new report reveals shocking statistics about our all volunteer force.
From 2005 to 2010, military service members took their own lives at a rate of one every 36 hours. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates 18 veterans die by suicide every day.
To fight this tragic trend as more troops return home in the coming weeks, screening is being done to check for risk factors like posttraumatic stress disorder. Treatment options are increasing too.
Veterans need to know that research and experience are proving that new methods to treat PTSD are very effective and sometimes unconventional. An equine specialist in eastern Idaho has known that for years. She has been giving her time and her horses to veterans since 2007, discovering with them, the power of healing on horseback.
At Tranquil Valley Sanctuary, near Malad City in eastern Idaho, it is a brand new start for veterans with severe PTSD.
Donna Thibedeau's 21 horses are mostly rescues and that is how she describes the veterans who find their way here, "They fought for us, they gave up their life and their quality of life for us and we need to fight for them when they come home."
Donna is passionate about helping vets like Tyson Hunt who have been completely disabled by PTSD, a debilitating condition most of us cannot begin to understand...
Read more here:
http://www.ktvb.com/news/A-new-way-that-helps-veterans-with-PTSD-133416303.html
Monday, November 07, 2011
Hydesville woman takes 1st place in horse endurance contest
Humboldtbeacon.com
Humboldt Beacon
Posted: 11/03/2011
Joyce Sousa of Hydesville riding her Arabian horse LV Integrity rode to a first place finish at the Ride Bear 50 mile endurance race in Gilroy on Oct. 2 and then returned to Silver Springs, Nevada on Oct. 15 at the High Desert 50 mile race and placed first against 39 other riders in a time of 5 hours and 29 minutes. LV Integrity also was judged to receive the Best Condition award.
The following day, the pair raced to a 3rd place finish in the 50 mile competition. LV Integrity in June raced his 31st 100 mile ride in Oregon and placed 2nd.
Humboldt Beacon
Posted: 11/03/2011
Joyce Sousa of Hydesville riding her Arabian horse LV Integrity rode to a first place finish at the Ride Bear 50 mile endurance race in Gilroy on Oct. 2 and then returned to Silver Springs, Nevada on Oct. 15 at the High Desert 50 mile race and placed first against 39 other riders in a time of 5 hours and 29 minutes. LV Integrity also was judged to receive the Best Condition award.
The following day, the pair raced to a 3rd place finish in the 50 mile competition. LV Integrity in June raced his 31st 100 mile ride in Oregon and placed 2nd.
Friday, November 04, 2011
Federal Government Offers Wild Horses, Burros for Adoption Tomorrow
by Erica Peterson on November 4, 2011
Due to overpopulation, there are more wild horses in captivity in the United States than there are running wild. The federal Bureau of Land Management is hoping to unload horses and burros and will offer them for adoption tomorrow at the Gatewood Arena in Dry Ridge. Info at http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/whbprogram/adoption_program/schedule.html
There will be about 30 animals available for adoption—several burros, mares, geldings and yearlings. The animals are wild, and were taken from herds that roam ten western states.
Wild horses and burros are protected in America, but the herds are growing out of control. To avoid environmental destruction, the federal Bureau of Land Management routinely moves the animals to holding facilities to await adoption. The wild horses and burros in these facilities—41,000—now outnumber the more than 38,000 roaming wild.
Tom Gorey is a spokesman for the Bureau of Land Management.
“To protect the resources on the land, including wildlife habitat we need to round up several thousand every year,” he said. “And unfortunately, the public demand for wild horses and burros has declined.”
Gorey says though the animals are wild, they can be trained.
“People who adopt a mustang generally have a very good experience. They recognize that the horse is intelligent, sure-footed and has good endurance capacities,” he said.
Prospective owners need to have an appropriate place to keep a horse, and demonstrate knowledge of the time and money needed to care for the animal. The animals aren’t domesticated, so prospective owners also need to realize the work associated with training a horse. The adoption fee is $125.
The animals can be previewed today from 2 to 7 pm. The adoption is first come, first served on Saturday.
Due to overpopulation, there are more wild horses in captivity in the United States than there are running wild. The federal Bureau of Land Management is hoping to unload horses and burros and will offer them for adoption tomorrow at the Gatewood Arena in Dry Ridge. Info at http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/whbprogram/adoption_program/schedule.htmlThere will be about 30 animals available for adoption—several burros, mares, geldings and yearlings. The animals are wild, and were taken from herds that roam ten western states.
Wild horses and burros are protected in America, but the herds are growing out of control. To avoid environmental destruction, the federal Bureau of Land Management routinely moves the animals to holding facilities to await adoption. The wild horses and burros in these facilities—41,000—now outnumber the more than 38,000 roaming wild.
Tom Gorey is a spokesman for the Bureau of Land Management.
“To protect the resources on the land, including wildlife habitat we need to round up several thousand every year,” he said. “And unfortunately, the public demand for wild horses and burros has declined.”
Gorey says though the animals are wild, they can be trained.
“People who adopt a mustang generally have a very good experience. They recognize that the horse is intelligent, sure-footed and has good endurance capacities,” he said.
Prospective owners need to have an appropriate place to keep a horse, and demonstrate knowledge of the time and money needed to care for the animal. The animals aren’t domesticated, so prospective owners also need to realize the work associated with training a horse. The adoption fee is $125.
The animals can be previewed today from 2 to 7 pm. The adoption is first come, first served on Saturday.
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Cross-country on horseback: an Oklahoma man’s journey
Tehachapinews.com - Full Article
Tuesday, Nov 01 2011
By Ed Gordon, Staff Writer
Twenty–four year old Luke Nowlin set out on June 8 from Emerald, North Carolina, to cross the country to Eureka, on the Northern California coast, on horseback. He arrived at the Chadeau Mountain Clydesdale Ranch in Tehachapi the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 27.
Chuck Lewter was returning from the Worlds Clydesdale Show in Wisconsin and got a call from a friend who told him about, “Hey there’s this guy riding across the country and he needs a place to stay every night, he’ll be in Boron tonight, Mojave the next night and can he stay at your place on Thursday night?”
Lewter replied, “Yeah, we’ll be home send him here.”
That’s how Nowlin ended up in Tehachapi at the Chadeau Mountain Ranch.
Nowlin depends on the kindness of others for shelter for himself and his horse. He's fully prepared to sleep outdoors, on the ground with the sky for a roof if he has to, but he's only had to do that on few occasions. Some nights he stayed with people who were living in trailer houses, the floor was rotted out they didn’t have anything to eat because it was the 28th of the month and food stamps don’t come till the 30th. The rest he's spent in the guest bedrooms in strangers' homes or in barns and he even spent a few days at the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, North Carolina.
“It’s really interesting about his journey,” Lewter said. “There’s nothing really set, it just seems like it’s just kind of a day-to-day thing. [He goes] wherever he can find a place to put his horse up for the night and find some hay and some grub.”
Nowlin has averaged about 25-30 miles per day during his journey...
Read more here:
http://www.tehachapinews.com/lifestyle/x1763723927/Cross-country-on-horseback-an-Oklahoma-man-s-journey
Tuesday, Nov 01 2011
By Ed Gordon, Staff Writer
Twenty–four year old Luke Nowlin set out on June 8 from Emerald, North Carolina, to cross the country to Eureka, on the Northern California coast, on horseback. He arrived at the Chadeau Mountain Clydesdale Ranch in Tehachapi the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 27.
Chuck Lewter was returning from the Worlds Clydesdale Show in Wisconsin and got a call from a friend who told him about, “Hey there’s this guy riding across the country and he needs a place to stay every night, he’ll be in Boron tonight, Mojave the next night and can he stay at your place on Thursday night?”
Lewter replied, “Yeah, we’ll be home send him here.”
That’s how Nowlin ended up in Tehachapi at the Chadeau Mountain Ranch.
Nowlin depends on the kindness of others for shelter for himself and his horse. He's fully prepared to sleep outdoors, on the ground with the sky for a roof if he has to, but he's only had to do that on few occasions. Some nights he stayed with people who were living in trailer houses, the floor was rotted out they didn’t have anything to eat because it was the 28th of the month and food stamps don’t come till the 30th. The rest he's spent in the guest bedrooms in strangers' homes or in barns and he even spent a few days at the Biltmore Mansion in Asheville, North Carolina.
“It’s really interesting about his journey,” Lewter said. “There’s nothing really set, it just seems like it’s just kind of a day-to-day thing. [He goes] wherever he can find a place to put his horse up for the night and find some hay and some grub.”
Nowlin has averaged about 25-30 miles per day during his journey...
Read more here:
http://www.tehachapinews.com/lifestyle/x1763723927/Cross-country-on-horseback-an-Oklahoma-man-s-journey
Back Country Horsemen of America Gets the Job Done
October 31, 2011
Contact: Peg Greiwe, BCHA
1-888-893-5161
by Sarah Wynne Jackson
Of all the trails advocacy organizations in the United States, Back Country Horsemen of America has become one of the largest contributors of volunteer service. In 2010, they gave 345,000 hours of volunteer service with a value of over $7,500,000. Considering today’s economy, that’s quite an accomplishment.
What exactly do Back Country Horsemen do during all those volunteer hours? From clearing trails and hauling gravel for improving campsites, teaching folks responsible recreation habits and how to pack, improving water crossings and building camping facilities, there’s plenty to get done. BCH people even do some things you’ve probably never thought of!
Transporting Fish?
Back Country Horsemen are always eager to show how useful pack stock can be, especially in remote and protected areas where motorized vehicles are impracticable or would damage a delicate ecosystem. The Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee is reestablishing the Southern Brook Trout Hatchery at Pheasant Fields in the Tellico Ranger District. The rebirth of the hatchery is part of a larger brook trout restoration program that has the support and the horsepower of the Southern Appalachian Back Country Horsemen behind it.
Late last year, a coalition of the Cherokee National Forest, Southern
Appalachian Back Country Horsemen, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Trout Unlimited and Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards came together to conduct a trial run of one important element of the Brook Trout Restoration Program: transportation.
The test was a big success. Using pack stock provided by members of Southern Appalachian Back Country Horsemen, 140 rainbow trout were moved two miles with a 100% survival rate for the fish. This test was critical to determine the viability of using horses and mules for transportation, as many of the habitats and locations for restoration are isolated or in federally designated Wilderness Areas.
In the future, pack stock will be used to transport brook trout from existing population centers to the reopened Fish Hatchery just before spawn. The offspring of this breeding cycle will become the foundation of future population restoration efforts. Back Country Horsemen members will be called back into action when the time comes to transport these offspring to their new habitats, returning native brook trout to their historic rivers and tributaries.
Promoting Safety
Head injuries account for approximately 60 percent of deaths resulting from equestrian accidents. Because horse racing organizations require approved helmets, jockeys now suffer fewer head injuries than pleasure riders. Despite those facts, some people remain averse to wearing helmets when riding, especially those who ride western. Wyoming Back Country Horsemen put a priority on changing that.
WBCH volunteered their time to raise the funding to buy fifty helmets in various sizes to create a “lending library” of helmets. People will be able to check out one or more helmets when they need one for a short time, such as when members have visiting children who want to ride. Wyoming Back Country Horsemen especially targeted young people, hoping that the helmet-wearing habit will continue into adulthood.
In addition to the helmets, they volunteered their time to acquire funding for professionally made safety posters aimed at horsemen. Young Cloud Peak BCH member Mariah McFaul modeled for the safety poster. She posed with her horse putting on her helmet and as a wounded horsewoman. The posters will be displayed in schools, hospitals, and other appropriate places.
Keeping Trails Open for Everyone
Each year, volunteers from the Gila Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of New Mexico clear many miles of forest trails to keep trails open to equestrians and other recreational users. Over the last four years, the Gila Chapter has cleared over 260 miles of trails.
Even though the snow caused them a late start, they still cleared 50 miles of trails in 2010. GBCH trail work has taken place primarily in the Silver City District and the Wilderness District of the Gila National Forest. Trails cleared have included parts of the Continental Divide Trail, trails along the Mimbres River in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness and several other popular recreation trails. To accomplish this work, they put in 777 accident-free volunteer hours and 119 stock use days.
In 2010 their most ambitious project was opening trails along the Mimbres River. From June 30 to May 3, volunteers camped at the Mimbres River Trailhead and cleared the first seven miles of the main trail. Weather added to the challenges; on May 2, they rode out in a snowstorm. By the time it stopped, there were four inches of snow on the ground.
The second project to clear Mimbres River Trails took place May 7-13. GBCH volunteers along with the Wilderness District Trail Foreman packed in 600 pounds of horse feed for the upcoming work. They then rode horses and packed camp equipment and food into the camp spot near the forks of the Mimbres River.
On May 9, clearing work began. The group worked on the lower portion of the Middle Fork Trail and the South Fork Trail for the next four days. By the time the group packed out to go home on the 13th, over 100 trees had been cut with crosscut saws or moved from the trails and another four miles were clear. This trail had not been cleared in over four years, so downed trees had entirely blocked the trail.
The efforts of the Gila Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of New Mexico resulted in the completion of the South Fork Mimbres River Trail and completion of the North Fork Mimbres River Trail (an additional seven miles).
About Back Country Horsemen of America
Obviously, BCHA folks understand the value of hard work. Protecting our right to ride isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a responsibility that requires action in a variety of forms. Back Country Horsemen of America is proud to live up to that and get the job done.
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, BCHA
1-888-893-5161
by Sarah Wynne Jackson
Of all the trails advocacy organizations in the United States, Back Country Horsemen of America has become one of the largest contributors of volunteer service. In 2010, they gave 345,000 hours of volunteer service with a value of over $7,500,000. Considering today’s economy, that’s quite an accomplishment.
What exactly do Back Country Horsemen do during all those volunteer hours? From clearing trails and hauling gravel for improving campsites, teaching folks responsible recreation habits and how to pack, improving water crossings and building camping facilities, there’s plenty to get done. BCH people even do some things you’ve probably never thought of!
Transporting Fish?
Back Country Horsemen are always eager to show how useful pack stock can be, especially in remote and protected areas where motorized vehicles are impracticable or would damage a delicate ecosystem. The Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee is reestablishing the Southern Brook Trout Hatchery at Pheasant Fields in the Tellico Ranger District. The rebirth of the hatchery is part of a larger brook trout restoration program that has the support and the horsepower of the Southern Appalachian Back Country Horsemen behind it.
Late last year, a coalition of the Cherokee National Forest, Southern
Appalachian Back Country Horsemen, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Trout Unlimited and Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards came together to conduct a trial run of one important element of the Brook Trout Restoration Program: transportation.
The test was a big success. Using pack stock provided by members of Southern Appalachian Back Country Horsemen, 140 rainbow trout were moved two miles with a 100% survival rate for the fish. This test was critical to determine the viability of using horses and mules for transportation, as many of the habitats and locations for restoration are isolated or in federally designated Wilderness Areas.
In the future, pack stock will be used to transport brook trout from existing population centers to the reopened Fish Hatchery just before spawn. The offspring of this breeding cycle will become the foundation of future population restoration efforts. Back Country Horsemen members will be called back into action when the time comes to transport these offspring to their new habitats, returning native brook trout to their historic rivers and tributaries.
Promoting Safety
Head injuries account for approximately 60 percent of deaths resulting from equestrian accidents. Because horse racing organizations require approved helmets, jockeys now suffer fewer head injuries than pleasure riders. Despite those facts, some people remain averse to wearing helmets when riding, especially those who ride western. Wyoming Back Country Horsemen put a priority on changing that.
WBCH volunteered their time to raise the funding to buy fifty helmets in various sizes to create a “lending library” of helmets. People will be able to check out one or more helmets when they need one for a short time, such as when members have visiting children who want to ride. Wyoming Back Country Horsemen especially targeted young people, hoping that the helmet-wearing habit will continue into adulthood.
In addition to the helmets, they volunteered their time to acquire funding for professionally made safety posters aimed at horsemen. Young Cloud Peak BCH member Mariah McFaul modeled for the safety poster. She posed with her horse putting on her helmet and as a wounded horsewoman. The posters will be displayed in schools, hospitals, and other appropriate places.
Keeping Trails Open for Everyone
Each year, volunteers from the Gila Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of New Mexico clear many miles of forest trails to keep trails open to equestrians and other recreational users. Over the last four years, the Gila Chapter has cleared over 260 miles of trails.
Even though the snow caused them a late start, they still cleared 50 miles of trails in 2010. GBCH trail work has taken place primarily in the Silver City District and the Wilderness District of the Gila National Forest. Trails cleared have included parts of the Continental Divide Trail, trails along the Mimbres River in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness and several other popular recreation trails. To accomplish this work, they put in 777 accident-free volunteer hours and 119 stock use days.
In 2010 their most ambitious project was opening trails along the Mimbres River. From June 30 to May 3, volunteers camped at the Mimbres River Trailhead and cleared the first seven miles of the main trail. Weather added to the challenges; on May 2, they rode out in a snowstorm. By the time it stopped, there were four inches of snow on the ground.
The second project to clear Mimbres River Trails took place May 7-13. GBCH volunteers along with the Wilderness District Trail Foreman packed in 600 pounds of horse feed for the upcoming work. They then rode horses and packed camp equipment and food into the camp spot near the forks of the Mimbres River.
On May 9, clearing work began. The group worked on the lower portion of the Middle Fork Trail and the South Fork Trail for the next four days. By the time the group packed out to go home on the 13th, over 100 trees had been cut with crosscut saws or moved from the trails and another four miles were clear. This trail had not been cleared in over four years, so downed trees had entirely blocked the trail.
The efforts of the Gila Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of New Mexico resulted in the completion of the South Fork Mimbres River Trail and completion of the North Fork Mimbres River Trail (an additional seven miles).
About Back Country Horsemen of America
Obviously, BCHA folks understand the value of hard work. Protecting our right to ride isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a responsibility that requires action in a variety of forms. Back Country Horsemen of America is proud to live up to that and get the job done.
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!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Guidelines created for performance horse treatment
AVMA.org
October 26 2011
Most equine veterinarians, at least those who are American Association of Equine Practitioners members, work with nonracing performance horses during their years of training and competition. These animals compete in a wide range of athletic activities encompassing everything from rodeo to dressage to endurance riding.
To better assist its members, the AAEP has developed guidelines for veterinarians who treat horses competing in athletic events other than racing. The document, "Clinical Guidelines for Veterinarians Treating the Non-Racing Performance Horse," promotes medical practices the AAEP believes place the appropriate emphasis on the health, safety, and welfare of performance horses.
Focusing on the highly competitive performance horse environment, the guidelines address the importance of obtaining a specific diagnosis before administering treatment.
"The current use of medications to manage competition horses is often permissive and excessive. This environment is propagated by owners, trainers, and veterinarians who fail to appreciate the potential harm to the horse inherent in the excessive or frivolous use of multiple medications and supplements in the quest for competitive success," according to the guidelines.
All medical treatment of performance horses should be based on a veterinary diagnosis with appropriate time allowed for an evaluation following treatment to ensure the horse has recovered before it competes again, the guidelines go on to say. Administering joint injections without a specific medical indication is listed as an example of underdiagnosis and overtreatment. The competition schedule should not be the primary factor when evaluating a horse's need for medical care, the guidelines contend.
In addition to medication administration, the document addresses the use of shockwave therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, and cold therapy. Also included are recommendations for veterinary medical records, drug compounding, and infectious disease control at competitions and sales. The guidelines will be updated as research provides new data about the medical care of performance horses.
The clinical guidelines were developed by the AAEP Task Force on Medication in the Non-Racing Performance Horse, a group composed of private and regulatory veterinarians involved in a wide range of sport horse disciplines. Dr. Nathaniel A. White II, AAEP immediate past president, served as task force chair.
"While the guidelines were written for veterinarians, we hope our recommendations will resonate with owners, trainers, and organizations involved with competitions," explained Dr. White in a Sept. 19 AAEP press release. "Everyone involved in the care of the horse must appreciate the potential harm that may come from the excessive use of multiple medications. Simply giving a horse time off from competition is often the best medical choice that can be made."
The clinical guidelines are at www.aaep.org/white_papers.htm .
October 26 2011
Most equine veterinarians, at least those who are American Association of Equine Practitioners members, work with nonracing performance horses during their years of training and competition. These animals compete in a wide range of athletic activities encompassing everything from rodeo to dressage to endurance riding.
To better assist its members, the AAEP has developed guidelines for veterinarians who treat horses competing in athletic events other than racing. The document, "Clinical Guidelines for Veterinarians Treating the Non-Racing Performance Horse," promotes medical practices the AAEP believes place the appropriate emphasis on the health, safety, and welfare of performance horses.
Focusing on the highly competitive performance horse environment, the guidelines address the importance of obtaining a specific diagnosis before administering treatment.
"The current use of medications to manage competition horses is often permissive and excessive. This environment is propagated by owners, trainers, and veterinarians who fail to appreciate the potential harm to the horse inherent in the excessive or frivolous use of multiple medications and supplements in the quest for competitive success," according to the guidelines.
All medical treatment of performance horses should be based on a veterinary diagnosis with appropriate time allowed for an evaluation following treatment to ensure the horse has recovered before it competes again, the guidelines go on to say. Administering joint injections without a specific medical indication is listed as an example of underdiagnosis and overtreatment. The competition schedule should not be the primary factor when evaluating a horse's need for medical care, the guidelines contend.
In addition to medication administration, the document addresses the use of shockwave therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, and cold therapy. Also included are recommendations for veterinary medical records, drug compounding, and infectious disease control at competitions and sales. The guidelines will be updated as research provides new data about the medical care of performance horses.
The clinical guidelines were developed by the AAEP Task Force on Medication in the Non-Racing Performance Horse, a group composed of private and regulatory veterinarians involved in a wide range of sport horse disciplines. Dr. Nathaniel A. White II, AAEP immediate past president, served as task force chair.
"While the guidelines were written for veterinarians, we hope our recommendations will resonate with owners, trainers, and organizations involved with competitions," explained Dr. White in a Sept. 19 AAEP press release. "Everyone involved in the care of the horse must appreciate the potential harm that may come from the excessive use of multiple medications. Simply giving a horse time off from competition is often the best medical choice that can be made."
The clinical guidelines are at www.aaep.org/white_papers.htm .
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Pocatello woman makes top 10 national equine endurance race
Idahostatejournal.com - Full Article
October 20, 2011 12:24 am
Pocatello woman makes top 10 national equine endurance race By Vanessa Grieve vgrieve@journalnet.com Idaho State Journal | 0 comments
After working with her Arabian gelding for about five years, Pocatello’s Laura Yost saw the opportunity for her horse to “open up,” earning ninth place in a nationally esteemed endurance race.
Yost, 36, competed with her horse, O.T. El Din RSI, in the Tevis Cup or Western States Trail Ride on Oct. 8. The race is 100 miles across the Sierra Nevada Mountains from Truckee, Nev., to Auburn, Calif., fluctuating in elevation from 8,700 feet to 700 feet.
“It was a dream come true,” Yost said. “This year I changed his conditioning and workout to cater to the Tevis to handle the elevation change and faster pace. I decided this was the year to let him go.”
Yost said she was on “cloud nine” after the experience. She said the morning following the race, the top 10 winners showed their horses to judges and an audience as veterinarians inspected the animals with a “fine tooth comb” for metabolic and physical soundness. Yost said El Din was quite energetic...
Read more here:
http://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/article_51f7a928-fae4-11e0-bf7c-001cc4c002e0.html
October 20, 2011 12:24 am
Pocatello woman makes top 10 national equine endurance race By Vanessa Grieve vgrieve@journalnet.com Idaho State Journal | 0 comments
After working with her Arabian gelding for about five years, Pocatello’s Laura Yost saw the opportunity for her horse to “open up,” earning ninth place in a nationally esteemed endurance race.
Yost, 36, competed with her horse, O.T. El Din RSI, in the Tevis Cup or Western States Trail Ride on Oct. 8. The race is 100 miles across the Sierra Nevada Mountains from Truckee, Nev., to Auburn, Calif., fluctuating in elevation from 8,700 feet to 700 feet.
“It was a dream come true,” Yost said. “This year I changed his conditioning and workout to cater to the Tevis to handle the elevation change and faster pace. I decided this was the year to let him go.”
Yost said she was on “cloud nine” after the experience. She said the morning following the race, the top 10 winners showed their horses to judges and an audience as veterinarians inspected the animals with a “fine tooth comb” for metabolic and physical soundness. Yost said El Din was quite energetic...
Read more here:
http://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/local/article_51f7a928-fae4-11e0-bf7c-001cc4c002e0.html
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Endurance athletes of the horse world train, compete just like human marathoners
Austin360.com - Full Article
Pam LeBlanc, Fit City
Oct. 15, 2011
ROUND MOUNTAIN — Toodles doesn't look like a long-distance runner.
She's sturdier and more stout than most marathoners. But this four-legged endurance athlete — a Polish Arabian mare — has plenty in common with her human counterparts.
She spends months building endurance. She tapers, easing off on training in the days before an event. And her owner carefully monitors her nutrition on game day, giving her electrolyte paste and the equine equivalent of energy bars to keep her from bonking.
"It's just like a human athlete," says Elaine Swiss, a retired high-tech executive and Toodles' owner and partner in competitive trail riding, one of two types of long-distance riding events popular in Central Texas.
At competitions, Swiss and Toodles follow a marked trail, tackling obstacles along the way. Judges lurk in bushes, scoring each horse-rider team as they pass through gates, scamper up and down steep hills, cross streams and negotiate special tasks. Teams must finish within a designated time window, but the first team across the finish line doesn't necessarily win.
Endurance races, the other type of long-distance riding event, are pure races. The winning horse is the first to cross the finish line.
In both types of competition, veterinarians check the horses periodically, looking for pink, healthy gums and sloshing belly noises to make sure the animal athletes are well-hydrated and capable of completing 25, 50 or 100-mile rides...
Read more here:
http://www.austin360.com/recreation/endurance-athletes-of-the-horse-world-train-compete-1915073.html
Pam LeBlanc, Fit City
Oct. 15, 2011
ROUND MOUNTAIN — Toodles doesn't look like a long-distance runner.
She's sturdier and more stout than most marathoners. But this four-legged endurance athlete — a Polish Arabian mare — has plenty in common with her human counterparts.
She spends months building endurance. She tapers, easing off on training in the days before an event. And her owner carefully monitors her nutrition on game day, giving her electrolyte paste and the equine equivalent of energy bars to keep her from bonking.
"It's just like a human athlete," says Elaine Swiss, a retired high-tech executive and Toodles' owner and partner in competitive trail riding, one of two types of long-distance riding events popular in Central Texas.
At competitions, Swiss and Toodles follow a marked trail, tackling obstacles along the way. Judges lurk in bushes, scoring each horse-rider team as they pass through gates, scamper up and down steep hills, cross streams and negotiate special tasks. Teams must finish within a designated time window, but the first team across the finish line doesn't necessarily win.
Endurance races, the other type of long-distance riding event, are pure races. The winning horse is the first to cross the finish line.
In both types of competition, veterinarians check the horses periodically, looking for pink, healthy gums and sloshing belly noises to make sure the animal athletes are well-hydrated and capable of completing 25, 50 or 100-mile rides...
Read more here:
http://www.austin360.com/recreation/endurance-athletes-of-the-horse-world-train-compete-1915073.html
Monday, October 17, 2011
Heraldic - One Determined Horse Part 2 (The Return) - by John Crandell
Heraldic and John Crandell are in Chile preparing for the 2011 Pan American Endurance Championships on October 22, 2011. This is Part II of a story about Heraldic, written by Crandell.
My heart sank that day in August of 2008. Heraldic was in training for the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship in Malaysia, and only a few weeks from departing to a training camp in Florida. He had been moved to a smaller meadow the evening before and was slated for shoeing in the morning. As I approached to bring him in, I realized something was terribly wrong. Heraldic looked both ways, contemplating evasion as always, but never moved. Getting closer I could see his left hind leg was bloodied from a 2.5 inch diameter open wound medial on the stifle; Grade 5 lame.
I hobbled Heraldic 50 yards to a nearby shed for treatment. Dr. Jeannie Waldron rushed over and we begin what I already knew would be a long ordeal.
There was little need for sonograms to visualize the critical tissues around the stifle; we could see it all with the naked eye. The collateral ligaments were visibly bruised but intact, and we saw no evidence that the integrity of the joint capsules critical infection barrier had been compromised. By extremely narrow margins, we were spared these aspects of athletic career ending injury, but there were still huge uncertainties that threatened not just his athletic ability, but his life itself.
Dr. Waldron thoroughly cleaned stones and debris out a nine inch deep pocket of loosened skin extending below the stifle, and installed drain tubes to allow the wound to expel fluid as it healed from the inside out. We anticipated that we would have a critical recovery period in a the next weeks as the bruised ligamentation around the joint went through an even more fragile stage in the early phases of healing, so the same shelter just yards from his injury was prepared to be the site of a long convalescence; as fully immobilized as a horse can survive.
The Barbaro tragedy demonstrated to the world how difficult it can be to survive a horse through an extended period with a non-weight bearing limb. It is the opposing sound limb that must bear the load of the horses’ weight without a moment’s relief that is prone to the most irreversible demise. We were fortunate that Heraldic seem comfortable to face down-slope in his shed stall, providing some physical load relief to the overburdened hind limb. We selected bedding that would fill the concavity of his hoof for the most diffused support possible. Now there were weeks of careful monitoring, and wound nursing, and hoping ahead.
It was more than a month before Heraldic could bear weight for even a moment on the left hind leg.
It would be several more months before Heraldic would walk freely in a paddock. His entire left hind quarter was completely atrophied, which stood in stark contrast to the muscular right. The wound itself had healed as flawlessly as we could have ever hoped, but the road back to the athletic wonder that Heraldic had been before would be a very long one. It was like starting his endurance racing development all over again, with additional attention needed on rebalancing.
We will never know exactly what caused the accident, which was probably just a high speed fall and skid on the abrasive soils in the mountain meadow. Something must have startled him for such a violent wipe-out, but those reasons why are lost in the dark of that night in August.
Starting all over again has not been without some benefits. My extended family is always improving our training processes, and raising the standards of education we expect of our horses as they advance in a physical fitness program. Every endurance trainer struggles between the investment of time toward more refined training standards, and the rigors of a fitness program. With more effective training techniques we are able to set higher standards early, which leads to better efficiency later in the program. This integration is pivotal to raising the ceiling of performance. It’s not just about grinding workouts; it’s about working hard without sacrificing precision. It’s about eloquent sweat.
After a year and half invested in the therapy and retraining, Heraldic came out of the ordeal re-educated, more disciplined, and better prepared to train for fitness than ever.
The 2010 Old Dominion 100 was the first ride we attempted after his two year absence from the endurance scene. Just as in developing a new endurance horse, his fitness program to this time had favored certainty that his soundness durability had been fully developed. He was still not at peak physical performance, but like the Tevis, the Old Dominion tests fitness and a lot more. Heraldic at 90% fitness is still not shabby, and the Old Dominion is our home turf (rock and sauna). We were first place and BC by a modest margin.
Two weeks of rest after Old Dominion and then several cardio/muscular focused workouts had us physically right where I felt we needed to be for Tevis. Greyson had been on a similar work schedule all season, and was performing flawlessly, so he was the clear choice for an alternate. It takes a lot of investment of time and logistics to prepare for the Tevis from out of the region. It’s both practical and fairest to the horses not to put all that pressure on one horse.
To have Shannon Constanti ride Greyson, was a late opportunity offered by Linda Glaiser, who with Roger Yohe had been a trusted friend and gracious host in our Tevis adventures for several years. Heraldic is strong and focused to the end with or without company, so we had always performed in quiet solitary for most of our endurance races. I estimated that the rider weight difference between us would be a just enough of offset the very slight difference in the ability of the two horses, and that they would be very well matched together. I was determined to ride each horse to its own best advantage, but new that we just might be able to stay together all day.
I realized as I woke the morning of the Tevis that the high altitude temperature was freakishly warm. I knew that we were as well prepared for heat as anyone could be, so it only bolstered my confidence. The “new” Heraldic gave me the calmest, most disciplined start ever, so we warmed up and moved out with excellent early efficiency.
I never have as much concern about the competitive racing aspect of the challenge as most people would think. To me the day is simply an opportunity for a nature based test of training theories and techniques, and other riders in the field are simply providing welcomed additional benchmarks. I was a little concerned that I might be over-pacing when we pulled into Red Star Ridge only a few moments behind the leaders, but the horses pulsed faster than I could take a wiz, and we were on our way.
With careful regard to the low oxygen levels at that elevation we cruised along at a very conservative pace to Robinson Flat. These horses have trained at <15 mph paces through extended mountain grades, so the pace we held was comparatively lazy. The trail after Robinson Flat is dominated by gentle downgrades on fair footing. These are bone-jarring to horses that are not well educated for a controlled and collected ride, but they are an opportunity to demonstrate low stress “free mile” canters for the well prepared. While the Western States Trail is often referred to as a tough and rugged course, I’d like to offer another perspective that better describes this tests value as a benchmark for horse and horsemanship. To simply say this is a tough course is really only a comparison, relative to the modern norm in endurance riding today. Against the whole of challenges in the evolution of horses and horsemanship, this test is not really such an extreme. The Tevis race is really much more than just a grueling challenge. In fact, only a modest proportion of the 100 mile distance is really all that arduous. We spend a lot of our time in those more rugged sections of the course, but they are not really as large a part of the total miles of testing. It’s the complement of other parts of the course that offer different challenges, test different aspects, that make this course such a comprehensive assay. This is a FULL SPECTRUM test that considers many criterions. This creates potential for broad separation of the field of competitors. Great performances here don’t come by excellence in any one aspect, but by scoring not badly in EACH AND EVERY of many aspects. The hot canyon lands passed smoothly. As always, I was much too focused on taking optimal care of my own horses to pay much attention to what the rest of the field might be doing. We passed through each vet station as efficiently as possible. We departed each check-point carrying out nibbles of food for the horses’ consumption elsewhere along the trail were the pause was more comfortable and effective. Hot and humid weather conditions are extremely critical of finer details about how the work is approached. Advantage goes to those that press on with care and reverence, and avoid the need to stop completely for rests, for this spoils the apparent breeze and compromises the efficiency of vascular circulation. “Never Hurry, Never Tarry”-- Matthew Mackay-Smith After showering away the high sierra and a change of clothes at Forest Hill, I did happen to ask “where is everybody else?” and was told by a member of the crew that the next horses where about half hour behind. This turned out to be incorrect. We later supposed that someone had miss-read across the lines of the leaderboard, and compared the next horses’ departure from Chicken Hawk, the previous vet station. Leaving Forest Hill with gross misinformation of where the other horses in the field were really didn’t affect our pacing judgment. As I’ve said before, I ride to give my horses their optimum test result. The competitive placing is a secondary concern. Our horses were rolling for home smoothly, with plenty of untapped energy waiting at our request. It was simply a matter of getting them home for dinner at the healthiest hour. No other riders showed up at Fransisco’s, and I didn’t think to ask if they had any statistical information. We lingered just a few moments extra for forage, and then moved on with more feed in hand as usual. It wasn’t until we rode into Lower Quarry, when Dr. Fellers offered that we were three hours ahead of the next horse, did it occur to me that I might for once adjust my pace due to the competition. I reasoned that we were well poised for a notable finish, where a few minutes more or less would be forgotten. We basked in those last miles at “zero risk” pace, stopped to bath the horses for cleanliness in presentation more than cooling, and generally just allowed ourselves to enjoy the moonlight trail ride. Critiques about not holding a negative split pace, or boasting about completing the last leg faster than the winner really have no credibility when the front runners are so securely apart from the field of competition. Since the 2010 Tevis, Heraldic has continued to be only wiser and stronger. We had a rare non-completion after he broke through a sub-surface hole at the AERC Championship, but he quickly recovered from that shoulder sprain. Early this year we comfortably turned out a 7:58 hr. winning hundred and BC in the sands of Florida, demonstrating the range of Heraldics athletic prowess, and making it clear that Heraldic is back, better than ever before. A background of training toward FULL SPECTRUM tests like the Tevis leaves us confident and prepared over the earth’s full range of terrain and course profiles. We are currently fund-raising and training for a bid to represent the U.S.A. in the Pan-American Championship in October. - John Crandell III See more on Heraldic and John Crandell here: http://heraldic.yolasite.com/
Follow Heraldic's training in Chile here on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heraldic/246652352042241?ref=ts
Follow the Pan American Championships here on Endurance.net:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Chile/2011PanAm/
My heart sank that day in August of 2008. Heraldic was in training for the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship in Malaysia, and only a few weeks from departing to a training camp in Florida. He had been moved to a smaller meadow the evening before and was slated for shoeing in the morning. As I approached to bring him in, I realized something was terribly wrong. Heraldic looked both ways, contemplating evasion as always, but never moved. Getting closer I could see his left hind leg was bloodied from a 2.5 inch diameter open wound medial on the stifle; Grade 5 lame.
I hobbled Heraldic 50 yards to a nearby shed for treatment. Dr. Jeannie Waldron rushed over and we begin what I already knew would be a long ordeal.
There was little need for sonograms to visualize the critical tissues around the stifle; we could see it all with the naked eye. The collateral ligaments were visibly bruised but intact, and we saw no evidence that the integrity of the joint capsules critical infection barrier had been compromised. By extremely narrow margins, we were spared these aspects of athletic career ending injury, but there were still huge uncertainties that threatened not just his athletic ability, but his life itself.
Dr. Waldron thoroughly cleaned stones and debris out a nine inch deep pocket of loosened skin extending below the stifle, and installed drain tubes to allow the wound to expel fluid as it healed from the inside out. We anticipated that we would have a critical recovery period in a the next weeks as the bruised ligamentation around the joint went through an even more fragile stage in the early phases of healing, so the same shelter just yards from his injury was prepared to be the site of a long convalescence; as fully immobilized as a horse can survive.
The Barbaro tragedy demonstrated to the world how difficult it can be to survive a horse through an extended period with a non-weight bearing limb. It is the opposing sound limb that must bear the load of the horses’ weight without a moment’s relief that is prone to the most irreversible demise. We were fortunate that Heraldic seem comfortable to face down-slope in his shed stall, providing some physical load relief to the overburdened hind limb. We selected bedding that would fill the concavity of his hoof for the most diffused support possible. Now there were weeks of careful monitoring, and wound nursing, and hoping ahead.
It was more than a month before Heraldic could bear weight for even a moment on the left hind leg.
It would be several more months before Heraldic would walk freely in a paddock. His entire left hind quarter was completely atrophied, which stood in stark contrast to the muscular right. The wound itself had healed as flawlessly as we could have ever hoped, but the road back to the athletic wonder that Heraldic had been before would be a very long one. It was like starting his endurance racing development all over again, with additional attention needed on rebalancing.
We will never know exactly what caused the accident, which was probably just a high speed fall and skid on the abrasive soils in the mountain meadow. Something must have startled him for such a violent wipe-out, but those reasons why are lost in the dark of that night in August.
Starting all over again has not been without some benefits. My extended family is always improving our training processes, and raising the standards of education we expect of our horses as they advance in a physical fitness program. Every endurance trainer struggles between the investment of time toward more refined training standards, and the rigors of a fitness program. With more effective training techniques we are able to set higher standards early, which leads to better efficiency later in the program. This integration is pivotal to raising the ceiling of performance. It’s not just about grinding workouts; it’s about working hard without sacrificing precision. It’s about eloquent sweat.
After a year and half invested in the therapy and retraining, Heraldic came out of the ordeal re-educated, more disciplined, and better prepared to train for fitness than ever.
The 2010 Old Dominion 100 was the first ride we attempted after his two year absence from the endurance scene. Just as in developing a new endurance horse, his fitness program to this time had favored certainty that his soundness durability had been fully developed. He was still not at peak physical performance, but like the Tevis, the Old Dominion tests fitness and a lot more. Heraldic at 90% fitness is still not shabby, and the Old Dominion is our home turf (rock and sauna). We were first place and BC by a modest margin.
Two weeks of rest after Old Dominion and then several cardio/muscular focused workouts had us physically right where I felt we needed to be for Tevis. Greyson had been on a similar work schedule all season, and was performing flawlessly, so he was the clear choice for an alternate. It takes a lot of investment of time and logistics to prepare for the Tevis from out of the region. It’s both practical and fairest to the horses not to put all that pressure on one horse.
To have Shannon Constanti ride Greyson, was a late opportunity offered by Linda Glaiser, who with Roger Yohe had been a trusted friend and gracious host in our Tevis adventures for several years. Heraldic is strong and focused to the end with or without company, so we had always performed in quiet solitary for most of our endurance races. I estimated that the rider weight difference between us would be a just enough of offset the very slight difference in the ability of the two horses, and that they would be very well matched together. I was determined to ride each horse to its own best advantage, but new that we just might be able to stay together all day.
I realized as I woke the morning of the Tevis that the high altitude temperature was freakishly warm. I knew that we were as well prepared for heat as anyone could be, so it only bolstered my confidence. The “new” Heraldic gave me the calmest, most disciplined start ever, so we warmed up and moved out with excellent early efficiency.
I never have as much concern about the competitive racing aspect of the challenge as most people would think. To me the day is simply an opportunity for a nature based test of training theories and techniques, and other riders in the field are simply providing welcomed additional benchmarks. I was a little concerned that I might be over-pacing when we pulled into Red Star Ridge only a few moments behind the leaders, but the horses pulsed faster than I could take a wiz, and we were on our way.
With careful regard to the low oxygen levels at that elevation we cruised along at a very conservative pace to Robinson Flat. These horses have trained at <15 mph paces through extended mountain grades, so the pace we held was comparatively lazy. The trail after Robinson Flat is dominated by gentle downgrades on fair footing. These are bone-jarring to horses that are not well educated for a controlled and collected ride, but they are an opportunity to demonstrate low stress “free mile” canters for the well prepared. While the Western States Trail is often referred to as a tough and rugged course, I’d like to offer another perspective that better describes this tests value as a benchmark for horse and horsemanship. To simply say this is a tough course is really only a comparison, relative to the modern norm in endurance riding today. Against the whole of challenges in the evolution of horses and horsemanship, this test is not really such an extreme. The Tevis race is really much more than just a grueling challenge. In fact, only a modest proportion of the 100 mile distance is really all that arduous. We spend a lot of our time in those more rugged sections of the course, but they are not really as large a part of the total miles of testing. It’s the complement of other parts of the course that offer different challenges, test different aspects, that make this course such a comprehensive assay. This is a FULL SPECTRUM test that considers many criterions. This creates potential for broad separation of the field of competitors. Great performances here don’t come by excellence in any one aspect, but by scoring not badly in EACH AND EVERY of many aspects. The hot canyon lands passed smoothly. As always, I was much too focused on taking optimal care of my own horses to pay much attention to what the rest of the field might be doing. We passed through each vet station as efficiently as possible. We departed each check-point carrying out nibbles of food for the horses’ consumption elsewhere along the trail were the pause was more comfortable and effective. Hot and humid weather conditions are extremely critical of finer details about how the work is approached. Advantage goes to those that press on with care and reverence, and avoid the need to stop completely for rests, for this spoils the apparent breeze and compromises the efficiency of vascular circulation. “Never Hurry, Never Tarry”-- Matthew Mackay-Smith After showering away the high sierra and a change of clothes at Forest Hill, I did happen to ask “where is everybody else?” and was told by a member of the crew that the next horses where about half hour behind. This turned out to be incorrect. We later supposed that someone had miss-read across the lines of the leaderboard, and compared the next horses’ departure from Chicken Hawk, the previous vet station. Leaving Forest Hill with gross misinformation of where the other horses in the field were really didn’t affect our pacing judgment. As I’ve said before, I ride to give my horses their optimum test result. The competitive placing is a secondary concern. Our horses were rolling for home smoothly, with plenty of untapped energy waiting at our request. It was simply a matter of getting them home for dinner at the healthiest hour. No other riders showed up at Fransisco’s, and I didn’t think to ask if they had any statistical information. We lingered just a few moments extra for forage, and then moved on with more feed in hand as usual. It wasn’t until we rode into Lower Quarry, when Dr. Fellers offered that we were three hours ahead of the next horse, did it occur to me that I might for once adjust my pace due to the competition. I reasoned that we were well poised for a notable finish, where a few minutes more or less would be forgotten. We basked in those last miles at “zero risk” pace, stopped to bath the horses for cleanliness in presentation more than cooling, and generally just allowed ourselves to enjoy the moonlight trail ride. Critiques about not holding a negative split pace, or boasting about completing the last leg faster than the winner really have no credibility when the front runners are so securely apart from the field of competition. Since the 2010 Tevis, Heraldic has continued to be only wiser and stronger. We had a rare non-completion after he broke through a sub-surface hole at the AERC Championship, but he quickly recovered from that shoulder sprain. Early this year we comfortably turned out a 7:58 hr. winning hundred and BC in the sands of Florida, demonstrating the range of Heraldics athletic prowess, and making it clear that Heraldic is back, better than ever before. A background of training toward FULL SPECTRUM tests like the Tevis leaves us confident and prepared over the earth’s full range of terrain and course profiles. We are currently fund-raising and training for a bid to represent the U.S.A. in the Pan-American Championship in October. - John Crandell III See more on Heraldic and John Crandell here: http://heraldic.yolasite.com/
Follow Heraldic's training in Chile here on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heraldic/246652352042241?ref=ts
Follow the Pan American Championships here on Endurance.net:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Chile/2011PanAm/
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