Tevis Trail Maintenance Report
Watson Monument through the Granite Chief Wilderness Area vicinity of Tevis Milepost 14.5 to 19 — Tuesday, July 17, 2012 Tahoe National Forest
by Robert H. Sydnor, Engineering Geologist
AERC Trail Master & Tevis Trail Maintenance Crew
The Tevis Trail Maintenance Crew carpooled from Auburn, assembled in Squaw Valley, then began work at the historic Watson Monument.
Introduction
The six-person Tevis Trail Maintenance Crew included: Michael Shackelford (Trail Crew Boss), Phyllis Keller (deputy leader), Austin Violette, Rob Habel, Zachary Brankline, and Robert H. Sydnor. The team included two AERC Trail Masters.
Phyllis Keller (M-AERC), resides with her husband Bryce Keller (retired CDF Battalion Chief) in Truckee, and is a highly-experienced rider in the Robie Park — Squaw Valley — Truckee area. Her knowledge was valuable for cleverly navigating the complicated network of unmarked jeep roads used in the summertime for ski-lift repair and installation of new ski-lifts. Phyllis Keller has faithfully and diligently served for many years on the Tevis Trail Crew, particularly in the eastern 36 mile-segment from Robie Park to Robinson Flat.
We were able to adroitly ascend on steep gravel roads in a 4-wheel drive truck to a ski-lift terminal that is above High Camp, and only one-half mile from the summit of Emigrant Pass. We parked the truck at about elevation 8,400 feet, and quickly hiked to the Watson Monument at elevation 8,675 feet. During our trail work, we would drop more than 1,100 feet, then return and hike back out over Emigrant Pass.
It was about 68°F with a brisk steady wind at 10 to 15 m.p.h., with bright sunshine and intermittent cumulus clouds; alpine visibility about 40 miles. We used sunblock for ultraviolet protection at high altitude.
The six-person Tevis Trail Maintenance Crew carried three long-handled loppers, hand-held hedge- trimmers, a bow-rake, a machete for chopping brush, and hand-held cross-cut saws.
Hand-Held Trail Tools for the Granite Chief Wilderness Area
Gas-powered engines are not allowed in the wilderness area, so that precluded weed-eaters, high- reach pole-saws, and chainsaws for fallen trees.
U.S. Forest Service officer Mary Sullivan of the American River Ranger District (in Foresthill), Tahoe National Forest, generously lent us a cross-cut saw.
The focus of our work was to improve lateral and vertical clearance for our horses, and to ascertain that there were no newly-fallen trees across the Tevis Trail. Minimal work was performed on the trail-bed.
We carried our daypacks with ample water and lunches, plus an AERC Trail Master carried a "wilderness" First-Aid Kit (that is considerably larger and more specialized than a "standard" First-Aid Kit).
The Tevis Trail Crew paused briefly at the summit of Emigrant Pass to pay homage to the pioneer sheriff Robert Montgomery Watson, who marked this historic route in September 1931...
Read more here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2012Tevis/WatsonMonumenttoGranite Chief_TevisTrail.pdf
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Endurance riding at Parrie Haynes Ranch
Austin360.com - Full ArticleBy Pam LeBlanc | Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Toodles and I teamed up for a long-distance ride at the Parrie Haynes Ranch northwest of Florence this weekend.
Toodles, you may recall, is a sturdy, sure-footed mare with a velvety nose and a trot that feels sort of like sitting in a gently swaying Barcalounger. She belongs to my friend Elaine Swiss, an all-around awesome gal who competes in distance riding and competitive trail riding events.
Elaine let me ride Toodles in a competitive trail ride a few months ago. We chugged through a course spiced up with obstacles like loading and unloading a trailer, side stepping a log, and opening a gate while mounted.
Now Elaine is preparing Toodles and one of her other horses, a gray mare named Roulette, for a distance ride, where horse and rider teams trot cross-country, racing to see who can cover a marked route in the shortest amount of time.
Rest periods are planned into the course, and veterinarians periodically check the horses along the way to make sure they’re sound and healthy. (The humans, however, are on their own!)
Elaine plans to ride Roulette at the Arabian Horse Association Distance National in September, held on the grounds of the swanky and historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C. Her sister will ride Toodles in the two-day event, which consists of a 50-mile and 100-mile endurance ride.
I’m Toodles’ backup rider. If I get the last-minute call, I will swoop in and ride Toodles through the cool, misty hills of George Vanderbilt’s old stomping ground...
Read more here:
http://www.austin360.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/fitcity/entries/2012/07/24/endurance_riding_at_parrie_hay.html?cxntfid=blogs_fit_city
Squaw Valley Construction
Teviscup.org
July 24 2012
From now until Ride Day on August 4th, there will be no riding allowed on the Squaw Valley portions of the trail for safety reasons. There is construction going on, which includes large, noisy trucks traveling down the roads. WSTF will receive special permission to use this property on Ride Day.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
NAJYRC’s First FEI 4* Endurance Race Is a Great Success
Horseinthesouth.com
The endurance team gold medal went to Canada this year with three teammates riding purebred Arabians. In a great show of team unity, all three members crossed the finish line together. In official times, Lee Hutton and Parker AES finished in seven hours and 33 seconds, Emma Webb and Serloki in seven hours and 34 seconds, and Jessica Yavis and Jahlad in seven hours and 35 seconds. Chef d’Equipe Maura Leahy noted that the overcast weather helped the team by providing a better environment for racing.
Emma Webb (18 Flesherton, ON, CAN), borrowed her horse from American endurance rider Jan Worthington. “My horse felt really good all day,” she said. “There are not very many of us (on the team), so it’s hard to get a team together and get all of us to finish.”
Jessica Yavis (16, Winfield, AB, CAN) rode her own horse and despite a slip where they almost fell on Loop 3, she finished strong. “It scared me pretty bad, so I went to check with the team vet,” she explained. “I decided to back off after that. He’s fine now; it’s just a little scrape. I’ve been riding my horse for eight years, so I know him pretty well. I keep in check with him all the time. I take the vet’s advice and go from there.”
Yavis added, “I’m so glad that we finished as a team yesterday.”
Hutton echoed the team sentiments, “It was awesome crossing the finish line together. We talked about it before. We decided if we met out on the trail, we’d stick together. We kept our pace and rode it smart to complete everybody. We would not have any of the speeds or completion rates if we had no crew. They’re amazing and don’t get nearly enough credit. There should be enough medals for everybody.” The 20-year-old from Chesterville, Ontario, Canada showed here last year and won the silver medal at the 2009 NAJYRC when endurance was a USEF rated competition.
In the Individual Endurance championships, it was 20-year-old Katherine Gardner of Coventry, RI, who rode AF Big Bucks owned by Pam Wydell to victory. The pair was able to complete the 120 km race in 6 hours, 11 minutes, and 48 seconds.
“My ride went really well. I went into it mostly because I wanted a completion, to do well but get across the finish line making sure my horse is okay. Along the way, we still had a lot of horse left and he was doing really well,” Gardener explained of her race performance.
AF Big Bucks is an experienced endurance horse who has set record times in shorter races. Gardener rode him in a 120 km race a few months ago, but this is only their second big competition together. “He knows how to race and do well,” she described. “When he comes into the hold, he knows to chill and relax and conserve energy. His pulse is down within seconds. That’s his biggest strength, is pulsing down.”
Since the endurance race at NAJYRC is an FEI four-star rated competition (for the first time in NAJYRC history), it will dramatically help the young riders that finished the race. By having this four-star qualification, they will be able to compete in more international competitions.
Also competing at the NAJYRC this week were three members from the American team that traveled to Abu Dhabi to ride in the Young Rider World Endurance Championship this past December. Under the guidance of Chef d’Equipe Emmett Ross, they posted amazing results by placing fourth out of 29 teams from all over the world.
Joining Mary Kathryn Clark and Kelsey Russell in Abu Dhabi last year was NAJYRC silver medalist Kelsey Kimbler (19, Aberdeen, SD). Here at the NAJYRC, Kimbler rode Fringant and finished in six hours, 11 minutes, and 49 seconds.
Fringant was also named the “Best Conditioned Horse” of the event. “I think conformationally he is very correct, which has helped him stay sound in the races. He has a very big heart,” Kimbler said.
Kimbler has ridden Fringant since he was three years old. “He’s the first horse that we’ve had since he was a baby and we’ve been able to bring him up and do our own training. It’s been very rewarding. I know he has a lot of potential; this was his personal best and my personal best.”
The bronze medal went to 15-year-old Cassandra Roberts of Bronson, FL. Roberts and C A Classy Marina (a three-quarters Arabian, one-quarter Saddlebred horse) have been together for three years. “We had a good plan,” Roberts said. “The weather didn’t change the plan. She went how she normally goes and I let her do her own thing.”
With the three NAJYRC medalists and the two riders that competed in Abu Dhabi, the American endurance team’s future is very strong. Ross said, “All of these young ladies are the future of our sport. I expect to have at least one of them on the World Equestrian Games team two years from now.”
For full results or to learn more about the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, please visit www.youngriders.org.
The endurance team gold medal went to Canada this year with three teammates riding purebred Arabians. In a great show of team unity, all three members crossed the finish line together. In official times, Lee Hutton and Parker AES finished in seven hours and 33 seconds, Emma Webb and Serloki in seven hours and 34 seconds, and Jessica Yavis and Jahlad in seven hours and 35 seconds. Chef d’Equipe Maura Leahy noted that the overcast weather helped the team by providing a better environment for racing.
Emma Webb (18 Flesherton, ON, CAN), borrowed her horse from American endurance rider Jan Worthington. “My horse felt really good all day,” she said. “There are not very many of us (on the team), so it’s hard to get a team together and get all of us to finish.”
Jessica Yavis (16, Winfield, AB, CAN) rode her own horse and despite a slip where they almost fell on Loop 3, she finished strong. “It scared me pretty bad, so I went to check with the team vet,” she explained. “I decided to back off after that. He’s fine now; it’s just a little scrape. I’ve been riding my horse for eight years, so I know him pretty well. I keep in check with him all the time. I take the vet’s advice and go from there.”
Yavis added, “I’m so glad that we finished as a team yesterday.”
Hutton echoed the team sentiments, “It was awesome crossing the finish line together. We talked about it before. We decided if we met out on the trail, we’d stick together. We kept our pace and rode it smart to complete everybody. We would not have any of the speeds or completion rates if we had no crew. They’re amazing and don’t get nearly enough credit. There should be enough medals for everybody.” The 20-year-old from Chesterville, Ontario, Canada showed here last year and won the silver medal at the 2009 NAJYRC when endurance was a USEF rated competition.
In the Individual Endurance championships, it was 20-year-old Katherine Gardner of Coventry, RI, who rode AF Big Bucks owned by Pam Wydell to victory. The pair was able to complete the 120 km race in 6 hours, 11 minutes, and 48 seconds.
“My ride went really well. I went into it mostly because I wanted a completion, to do well but get across the finish line making sure my horse is okay. Along the way, we still had a lot of horse left and he was doing really well,” Gardener explained of her race performance.
AF Big Bucks is an experienced endurance horse who has set record times in shorter races. Gardener rode him in a 120 km race a few months ago, but this is only their second big competition together. “He knows how to race and do well,” she described. “When he comes into the hold, he knows to chill and relax and conserve energy. His pulse is down within seconds. That’s his biggest strength, is pulsing down.”
Since the endurance race at NAJYRC is an FEI four-star rated competition (for the first time in NAJYRC history), it will dramatically help the young riders that finished the race. By having this four-star qualification, they will be able to compete in more international competitions.
Also competing at the NAJYRC this week were three members from the American team that traveled to Abu Dhabi to ride in the Young Rider World Endurance Championship this past December. Under the guidance of Chef d’Equipe Emmett Ross, they posted amazing results by placing fourth out of 29 teams from all over the world.
Joining Mary Kathryn Clark and Kelsey Russell in Abu Dhabi last year was NAJYRC silver medalist Kelsey Kimbler (19, Aberdeen, SD). Here at the NAJYRC, Kimbler rode Fringant and finished in six hours, 11 minutes, and 49 seconds.
Fringant was also named the “Best Conditioned Horse” of the event. “I think conformationally he is very correct, which has helped him stay sound in the races. He has a very big heart,” Kimbler said.
Kimbler has ridden Fringant since he was three years old. “He’s the first horse that we’ve had since he was a baby and we’ve been able to bring him up and do our own training. It’s been very rewarding. I know he has a lot of potential; this was his personal best and my personal best.”
The bronze medal went to 15-year-old Cassandra Roberts of Bronson, FL. Roberts and C A Classy Marina (a three-quarters Arabian, one-quarter Saddlebred horse) have been together for three years. “We had a good plan,” Roberts said. “The weather didn’t change the plan. She went how she normally goes and I let her do her own thing.”
With the three NAJYRC medalists and the two riders that competed in Abu Dhabi, the American endurance team’s future is very strong. Ross said, “All of these young ladies are the future of our sport. I expect to have at least one of them on the World Equestrian Games team two years from now.”
For full results or to learn more about the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, please visit www.youngriders.org.
Monday, July 23, 2012
New AERC Store!
July 20 2012
NEW AERC STORE!
Just underway is the AERC STORE with short- and long-sleeve T-shirts, hoodies, caps, etc. We'll be adding more items as we can. A portion of every sale goes to AERC. If you have any suggestions for items you'd like to order through the AERC store, please write to the Publications Desk. Thanks!
Events conclude at the 2012 North American Junior and Young Rider Championships
Horsechannel.com - Full Article
Top youth riders from five equestrian sports take home medals and the experience of international competition.
July 22, 2012
After a week of challenging weather and top competition, The FEI/Adequan North American Junior Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) concluded this weekend with the final medals awarded in eventing, freestyle dressage, individual reining and show jumping. Additionally, the endurance winners received their awards in a special presentation in the Alltech Arena on Saturday.
The United States had a sweep of the individual medals in endurance with a trio of seasoned young riders. Gold went to Katherine Gardner, 20, riding AF Big Bucks for the U.S.A. combined regional team. Gardner finished the 75-mile race in just six hours, 11 minutes and 48 seconds. Kelsey Kimbler, 19, of the U.S. Central team finished just one second behind to earn silver with Fringant. Fingant also received the coveted “Best Conditioned” award, which is based on the horse’s condition at the final vet check at the end of the race. Taking home the bronze was Cassandra Roberts, 16, of the U.S. Southeast team riding her Arabian/Saddlebred mare, CA Classy Marina.
The three riders from Canada were confirmed as the gold medalists in the team competition. Lee Hutten and Parker AES, Jessica Yavis and Jahlad, and Emma Webb and Serloki finished together and were the only team to have three riders complete the race. When the three Arabian horses had passed the final vet check, Canada’s gold-medal status was confirmed.
The team, individual and best-conditioned medals were awarded the day after the race in the Alltech Arena where the riders took a well-deserved victory lap.
Top youth riders from five equestrian sports take home medals and the experience of international competition.
July 22, 2012
After a week of challenging weather and top competition, The FEI/Adequan North American Junior Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) concluded this weekend with the final medals awarded in eventing, freestyle dressage, individual reining and show jumping. Additionally, the endurance winners received their awards in a special presentation in the Alltech Arena on Saturday.
The United States had a sweep of the individual medals in endurance with a trio of seasoned young riders. Gold went to Katherine Gardner, 20, riding AF Big Bucks for the U.S.A. combined regional team. Gardner finished the 75-mile race in just six hours, 11 minutes and 48 seconds. Kelsey Kimbler, 19, of the U.S. Central team finished just one second behind to earn silver with Fringant. Fingant also received the coveted “Best Conditioned” award, which is based on the horse’s condition at the final vet check at the end of the race. Taking home the bronze was Cassandra Roberts, 16, of the U.S. Southeast team riding her Arabian/Saddlebred mare, CA Classy Marina.
The three riders from Canada were confirmed as the gold medalists in the team competition. Lee Hutten and Parker AES, Jessica Yavis and Jahlad, and Emma Webb and Serloki finished together and were the only team to have three riders complete the race. When the three Arabian horses had passed the final vet check, Canada’s gold-medal status was confirmed.
The team, individual and best-conditioned medals were awarded the day after the race in the Alltech Arena where the riders took a well-deserved victory lap.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Canada Wins Team Gold at NAJYRC
Endurance headlines the third day of North American Junior Young Rider Championship competition in Kentucky
July 21, 2012
At 6:30 on Friday morning, a set of intrepid horses and riders set off on a 75-mile ride from base camp at the Kentucky Horse Park. The day started cloudy and cool, favorable conditions for the race, which is made up of five loops through the park and surrounding farms.
Although it is one of the most popular equestrian sports worldwide, endurance is still growing in North America. But with the group of seasoned young equestrians participating in this year’s competition, the future of the sport here is bright.
Four teams started the day, plus two individual riders for a total of 17 competitors. Riders represented three U.S. regions: Southeast, Central, and a combined team comprised of riders from other regions. Canada sent a single team of three riders. Mexico and Guatemala sent one rider each.
In order to qualify for a team medal, three riders must complete the race and have their horses pass the final vet check. This put the team from Canada at a disadvantage as they only had three riders instead of the four that each U.S. regional team had. However, by the end of the day, Canada was the only team to still have three riders in contention. The team cantered to the finish line together victoriously, with only the final check standing between them and team gold.
On the individual side, Katherine Gardner came through the finish line first and headed to the vet check. When her horse, AF Big Bucks, passed the final inspection, cheers erupted from Garnder’s U.S. combined teammates. USEF Youth Equestrian of the Year Kelsey Kimbler rode Fringant to a silver medal finish.
The medal ceremony for the endurance riders will be held on Saturday.
Partial, unofficial order of finish:
1. Katherine Gardner - Big Bucks (owner Pam Weidel)
2. Kelsey Kimbler - Fringant
3. Sondra Roberts (Southeast) - CA Classy Marina
4. Mallory Capps
5. Emma Webb (Ontario)
6. Lee Hutton (Ontario)
7. Jessica Yavis (Alberta)
CANADA - Team Gold
Friday, July 20, 2012
EasyCare announces the EasyCare Let's Go! Contest
Easycareinc Blog
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
by Kevin Myers
Where did your Easyboots take you this summer?
Today marks the launch of the EasyCare Let's Go! contest on the Easyboot Facebook page. We're giving away one pair of Easyboots every Friday for six weeks.
But that's not all: on Friday, August 31, 2012, we will have a drawing for the grand prize: a three-day get-away for two people at a Meadow Home at The Resort at Paws Up near Missoula, Montana.
Entering is easy: all you have to do is to submit a photo of where your Easyboots took you this summer. Go to the Easyboot Facebook page, then click on the Easyboot Let's Go! tab.
Once you're on the contest page within Facebook, click on the 'Enter Now' button and follow the instructions to upload your photo.
You can only enter the contest once, but you can increase your chances of winning by inviting your friends to participate. That's it - there is nothing else to do but sit back and wait to see if you win - and what. Due to US gaming laws, this contest is open only to residents of the United States.
So Let's Go! Together we'll go far.
Lost Arabian Endurance Horse in Oregon
July 18 2012
(Has full tack on… saddle, bridle, tie down, chest collar, pack)
He is a Chestnut colored horse with a flaxen mane/tail with white blaze on his forehead. His name is Baron. He is 15.3 hands tall, one white sock on front leg and one white sock on the back leg.
He was lost at the Bandit Springs Endurance Ride on Saturday, July 14, 2012 around 8:00 a.am @ Corral Flat in the Ochocos. The GPS coordinates are 44-27-59.74N and 120-22-21.96W.
Please contact Charlene Carlson-Norman at (541)385-1084 or Jeff Norman at (541) 848-1842.
(Has full tack on… saddle, bridle, tie down, chest collar, pack)
He is a Chestnut colored horse with a flaxen mane/tail with white blaze on his forehead. His name is Baron. He is 15.3 hands tall, one white sock on front leg and one white sock on the back leg.
He was lost at the Bandit Springs Endurance Ride on Saturday, July 14, 2012 around 8:00 a.am @ Corral Flat in the Ochocos. The GPS coordinates are 44-27-59.74N and 120-22-21.96W.
Please contact Charlene Carlson-Norman at (541)385-1084 or Jeff Norman at (541) 848-1842.
Carla Stroh Places Well in the Shamrock Endurance Ride...
Luskherald.com - Full Article
Posted: Thursday, Jul 19th, 2012
Phyllis Hahn/Contributing Writer
Carla Stroh rides on her horse Spook during the Shamrock Endurance Ride. Courtesy Photo
On July 6, Carla Stroh hauled her husband Harold’s Arabian horse, Spook, to the Shamrock Endurance Race, which began west of Wheatland. This was the first race she has participated in for over a year since the Equine Herpes threat last year caused Stroh to decide not to risk Spook contracting the virus. The thought of doing an easy 30 mile race was very inviting since the last race she’d ridden in was the grueling Big Horn 100 mile.
On Saturday morning, Stroh’s crew joined her in a second cup of coffee as they watched the 50 milers start out. At 7:45 a.m. Spook was saddled and Stroh was ready for roll call. The first loop of the race was approximately 22 miles long with a vet check back at base camp. The pace started out brisk and they were trotting about 12 miles an hour. The weather was cool and misty as it had rained all night so keeping the pace in the cool weather and the soft ground was not a problem. Riders usually end up riding in groups of 3 or 4 where the horses are of a similar fitness level. According to Stroh, “Spook must have had someone read him the tale of ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’, because when it came his turn to take the lead he would jump sideways or slam on the brakes at every horse eating rock or tree branch he thought looked suspicious.” (Could this be the source of his name?) When another horse took the lead he would keep pace with them because perhaps he thought that if anything were to eat a horse it would eat the lead horse first and give him time to run away. Needless to say, Spook did not take the lead often. The riders ran into a herd of cows but that didn’t present a problem, except Spook is accustomed to being used for ranch work and must have thought he was there for a roundup. Stroh had to convince him to leave the cows there and get back on the trail! They got back to the base camp earlier than expected because of their blazing pace. Stroh’s crew was just coming into the cool down area to wait for her, but she was already there. She had ridden 22 miles in just under 2 hours. Spook was the first horse in the group to pulse down before submitting to the vet check. There are a series of tests done on each horse to make sure he is fit to continue and to avoid any problems. Spook walked away with straight “A’s”...
Read more here:
http://www.luskherald.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&story_id=2274&page=77
Posted: Thursday, Jul 19th, 2012
Phyllis Hahn/Contributing Writer
Carla Stroh rides on her horse Spook during the Shamrock Endurance Ride. Courtesy Photo
On July 6, Carla Stroh hauled her husband Harold’s Arabian horse, Spook, to the Shamrock Endurance Race, which began west of Wheatland. This was the first race she has participated in for over a year since the Equine Herpes threat last year caused Stroh to decide not to risk Spook contracting the virus. The thought of doing an easy 30 mile race was very inviting since the last race she’d ridden in was the grueling Big Horn 100 mile.
On Saturday morning, Stroh’s crew joined her in a second cup of coffee as they watched the 50 milers start out. At 7:45 a.m. Spook was saddled and Stroh was ready for roll call. The first loop of the race was approximately 22 miles long with a vet check back at base camp. The pace started out brisk and they were trotting about 12 miles an hour. The weather was cool and misty as it had rained all night so keeping the pace in the cool weather and the soft ground was not a problem. Riders usually end up riding in groups of 3 or 4 where the horses are of a similar fitness level. According to Stroh, “Spook must have had someone read him the tale of ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’, because when it came his turn to take the lead he would jump sideways or slam on the brakes at every horse eating rock or tree branch he thought looked suspicious.” (Could this be the source of his name?) When another horse took the lead he would keep pace with them because perhaps he thought that if anything were to eat a horse it would eat the lead horse first and give him time to run away. Needless to say, Spook did not take the lead often. The riders ran into a herd of cows but that didn’t present a problem, except Spook is accustomed to being used for ranch work and must have thought he was there for a roundup. Stroh had to convince him to leave the cows there and get back on the trail! They got back to the base camp earlier than expected because of their blazing pace. Stroh’s crew was just coming into the cool down area to wait for her, but she was already there. She had ridden 22 miles in just under 2 hours. Spook was the first horse in the group to pulse down before submitting to the vet check. There are a series of tests done on each horse to make sure he is fit to continue and to avoid any problems. Spook walked away with straight “A’s”...
Read more here:
http://www.luskherald.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&story_id=2274&page=77
Thursday, July 19, 2012
America’s Toughest Ride: The Tevis Cup
Americanprofile.com - Full Article
by Sherry Phillips
July 17, 2012
Barbara White, 64, rides her 11-year-old mare across No Hands Bridge east of Auburn, Calif. (pop. 13,330), trotting through early morning fog in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
White grins and waves to her mother, Julie Suhr, 88, who stands at the end of the bridge alongside other well-wishers cheering for competitors in the Tevis Cup, the nation’s most grueling equine endurance ride.
“I know the nervousness and excitement they’re all feeling,” says Suhr, a former competitor who 22 times completed the one-day, 100-mile ride on the Western States Trail.
Last October, 177 horsemen and women from around the world, ranging in age from 12 to 69, began the ride, and 123 finished within the required 24 hours to earn a coveted sterling silver belt buckle emblazoned with a Pony Express rider. White received her 31st buckle, more than any other entrant.
“For me the challenge has always been the trail, not the other riders,” says White, a retired schoolteacher who lives in Scotts Valley, Calif. (pop. 11,580). “We cheer for each other, and there’s no shame in not finishing. The slogan of endurance riding is ‘to finish is to win...’”
Read more here:
http://www.americanprofile.com/articles/tevis-cup-endurance-horseback-ride/#ixzz214xZPsK1
by Sherry Phillips
July 17, 2012
Barbara White, 64, rides her 11-year-old mare across No Hands Bridge east of Auburn, Calif. (pop. 13,330), trotting through early morning fog in the Sierra Nevada foothills.
White grins and waves to her mother, Julie Suhr, 88, who stands at the end of the bridge alongside other well-wishers cheering for competitors in the Tevis Cup, the nation’s most grueling equine endurance ride.
“I know the nervousness and excitement they’re all feeling,” says Suhr, a former competitor who 22 times completed the one-day, 100-mile ride on the Western States Trail.
Last October, 177 horsemen and women from around the world, ranging in age from 12 to 69, began the ride, and 123 finished within the required 24 hours to earn a coveted sterling silver belt buckle emblazoned with a Pony Express rider. White received her 31st buckle, more than any other entrant.
“For me the challenge has always been the trail, not the other riders,” says White, a retired schoolteacher who lives in Scotts Valley, Calif. (pop. 11,580). “We cheer for each other, and there’s no shame in not finishing. The slogan of endurance riding is ‘to finish is to win...’”
Read more here:
http://www.americanprofile.com/articles/tevis-cup-endurance-horseback-ride/#ixzz214xZPsK1
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
The 2012 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North Welcomes 261 Athletes in Five Disciplines
USEFNetwork.com
RELEASE: July 17, 2012
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: Jennifer Wood for USEF
Lexington, KY - The 2012 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) is proud to welcome all of the 261 young athletes that will compete in five disciplines over the next five days. The NAJYRC is held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Today, the NAJYRC hosted the athletes, trainers, friends, and family at the Opening Ceremonies.
Five disciplines (a total of 9 championships for juniors and young riders) will take part in the only FEI Championship to be held annually in North America. The NAJYRC is the premier equestrian competition in North America for junior and young riders, ages 14-21. This year, young equestrians have come from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, and Guatemala to vie for team and individual FEI medals in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage, eventing and the FEI World Equestrian Games disciplines of reining and endurance.
The competition is run under rules of the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale), the international governing body for equestrian sport. Many of North America's best equestrians who now regularly represent their country on Olympic, World Championship and Nations Cup teams got their first taste of International experience at NAJYRC. These include show jumpers Greg Best, Chris Kappler and McLain Ward, five-time Olympian and three-day eventer Karen O'Connor, and dressage rider Todd Flettrich.
The NAJYRC began in 1974 as an eventing challenge between the United States and Canada. A dressage championship was added in 1981, and show jumping was added in 1982. The first complete Young Riders championship was held in British Columbia, Canada, in 1982. The Championships were expanded to officially include a championship division for juniors in 2006. The discipline of reining was added to the official schedule in 2008; endurance joined the championship for the first time in 2011. Vaulting competition is held at the NAJYRC, but is not officially part of the championship.
The opening ceremonies featured all of the teams from the six disciplines in a parade to honor the members and their Chefs d'Equipe. The teams posed for photos before leaving on a golf cart parade to sponsor Spy Coast Farm for an exhibitor barbeque. The golf cart parade featured many brightly decorated carts all vying for the win as "Best Dressed."
Held at the site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG), the NAJYRC brings together a multitude of disciplines similar to the WEG. Show jumping and dressage had their jogs today, where horses were tested for soundness before the officials and veterinarians. This is a key part of FEI level competition, and the junior and young riders of all disciplines here at NAJYRC are learning valuable information about international rules and regulations that will serve them well when they go to represent their country at senior-level events.
Dressage kicks off the competition tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. with the junior and young rider team tests. There are 80 dressage riders slated to ride at the NAJYRC this year. In the afternoon, medals will be awarded to the junior and young rider dressage teams, with the winning team honored with their national anthem. On Friday, the individual tests are held, and riders return on Saturday for their freestyle tests. Both days' competition will award medals to the top three finishers.
Show jumping will hold their first individual qualifiers on Wednesday afternoon with 58 starters and will return on Thursday morning to compete in their team finals. Medals will be awarded for the junior teams, followed by the young rider teams. The individual finals will be held on Saturday.
Three-Day Eventing starts on Thursday with dressage tests for both the CCI 2* and CCI 1* riders (which total 59 in all), and the always exciting cross country will take place on Saturday. The eventers wrap up their competition on Sunday morning with the stadium jumping phase and receive their individual and team medals.
Reining composes 20 riders, and they will start with a welcome competition on Wednesday afternoon in the Alltech Arena. Their team championship is held on Thursday where they will receive medals in a podium presentation, while individual medals will be contested on Saturday.
Seventeen Endurance riders will travel on a 120 kilometer course around the Kentucky Horse Park bright and early on Friday morning at 6:30 a.m. Awards for the Best Conditioned Horse and the team and individual medals will be awarded on Saturday morning.
Vaulting competition will be featured in the Mary Murphy Ring on Thursday morning. The 26 vaulters will return on Friday morning for their final competition.
More exciting news and results will be forthcoming as the week progresses. To learn more about the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, please visit www.youngriders.org.
NAJYRC showcases the best young rider and junior horse/rider combinations in dressage, eventing, jumping, reining, and endurance. Young equestrians from across the continent will descend on the Kentucky Horse Park to vie for FEI medals at these Championships.
RELEASE: July 17, 2012
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: Jennifer Wood for USEF
Lexington, KY - The 2012 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) is proud to welcome all of the 261 young athletes that will compete in five disciplines over the next five days. The NAJYRC is held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Today, the NAJYRC hosted the athletes, trainers, friends, and family at the Opening Ceremonies.
Five disciplines (a total of 9 championships for juniors and young riders) will take part in the only FEI Championship to be held annually in North America. The NAJYRC is the premier equestrian competition in North America for junior and young riders, ages 14-21. This year, young equestrians have come from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, and Guatemala to vie for team and individual FEI medals in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of show jumping, dressage, eventing and the FEI World Equestrian Games disciplines of reining and endurance.
The competition is run under rules of the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale), the international governing body for equestrian sport. Many of North America's best equestrians who now regularly represent their country on Olympic, World Championship and Nations Cup teams got their first taste of International experience at NAJYRC. These include show jumpers Greg Best, Chris Kappler and McLain Ward, five-time Olympian and three-day eventer Karen O'Connor, and dressage rider Todd Flettrich.
The NAJYRC began in 1974 as an eventing challenge between the United States and Canada. A dressage championship was added in 1981, and show jumping was added in 1982. The first complete Young Riders championship was held in British Columbia, Canada, in 1982. The Championships were expanded to officially include a championship division for juniors in 2006. The discipline of reining was added to the official schedule in 2008; endurance joined the championship for the first time in 2011. Vaulting competition is held at the NAJYRC, but is not officially part of the championship.
The opening ceremonies featured all of the teams from the six disciplines in a parade to honor the members and their Chefs d'Equipe. The teams posed for photos before leaving on a golf cart parade to sponsor Spy Coast Farm for an exhibitor barbeque. The golf cart parade featured many brightly decorated carts all vying for the win as "Best Dressed."
Held at the site of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG), the NAJYRC brings together a multitude of disciplines similar to the WEG. Show jumping and dressage had their jogs today, where horses were tested for soundness before the officials and veterinarians. This is a key part of FEI level competition, and the junior and young riders of all disciplines here at NAJYRC are learning valuable information about international rules and regulations that will serve them well when they go to represent their country at senior-level events.
Dressage kicks off the competition tomorrow morning at 7 a.m. with the junior and young rider team tests. There are 80 dressage riders slated to ride at the NAJYRC this year. In the afternoon, medals will be awarded to the junior and young rider dressage teams, with the winning team honored with their national anthem. On Friday, the individual tests are held, and riders return on Saturday for their freestyle tests. Both days' competition will award medals to the top three finishers.
Show jumping will hold their first individual qualifiers on Wednesday afternoon with 58 starters and will return on Thursday morning to compete in their team finals. Medals will be awarded for the junior teams, followed by the young rider teams. The individual finals will be held on Saturday.
Three-Day Eventing starts on Thursday with dressage tests for both the CCI 2* and CCI 1* riders (which total 59 in all), and the always exciting cross country will take place on Saturday. The eventers wrap up their competition on Sunday morning with the stadium jumping phase and receive their individual and team medals.
Reining composes 20 riders, and they will start with a welcome competition on Wednesday afternoon in the Alltech Arena. Their team championship is held on Thursday where they will receive medals in a podium presentation, while individual medals will be contested on Saturday.
Seventeen Endurance riders will travel on a 120 kilometer course around the Kentucky Horse Park bright and early on Friday morning at 6:30 a.m. Awards for the Best Conditioned Horse and the team and individual medals will be awarded on Saturday morning.
Vaulting competition will be featured in the Mary Murphy Ring on Thursday morning. The 26 vaulters will return on Friday morning for their final competition.
More exciting news and results will be forthcoming as the week progresses. To learn more about the Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North, please visit www.youngriders.org.
NAJYRC showcases the best young rider and junior horse/rider combinations in dressage, eventing, jumping, reining, and endurance. Young equestrians from across the continent will descend on the Kentucky Horse Park to vie for FEI medals at these Championships.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
57th Tevis Cup: Just Over 2 Weeks Away!
July 17 2012
The 209 riders from 4 countries are currently registered for the 57th annual Tevis Cup.
Current rider list:
http://teviscup.org/tevis-2012/the-2012-tevis-cup/current-rider-list
The ride agenda has been posted here:
http://teviscup.org/images/docs/2012_ride_week_agenda.pdf
The 2012 Checkpoint information has been posted:
http://teviscup.org/images/docs/2012_ride_week_agenda.pdf
For more information on the ride, see
http://teviscup.org/
The 209 riders from 4 countries are currently registered for the 57th annual Tevis Cup.
Current rider list:
http://teviscup.org/tevis-2012/the-2012-tevis-cup/current-rider-list
The ride agenda has been posted here:
http://teviscup.org/images/docs/2012_ride_week_agenda.pdf
The 2012 Checkpoint information has been posted:
http://teviscup.org/images/docs/2012_ride_week_agenda.pdf
For more information on the ride, see
http://teviscup.org/
Sunday, July 08, 2012
Endurance riding ‘To finish is to win’
Lagrandeobserver.com - Full Article
Written by By Dick Mason The Observer July 06, 2012
ELGIN — This Elgin equestrian is more concerned with the pace of her horses’s pulse than the speed of his gait.
Meet Vicki Nickels, an Elgin endurance rider with more than 25 25-to-50 mile endurance rides to her credit and a record which is gaining sparkle.
Nickels recently placed fifth in the first day competition at the Eagle (Idaho) Spring Fling 50-mile endurance ride. She also received a coveted complement — Ruger, her Morgan-Arabian mix, was rated by the ride’s veterinarian as the best in terms of physical condition of any of the nine horses ridden at the Eagle Spring Fling.
“To me that was more important than coming in first,’’ Nickels said.
Endurance ride participants must have their horses checked by veterinarians five times in the course of a 50-mile event — at the start and finish and three times during the ride. The horses’ heart rates, hydration levels, leg condition and much more are closely checked by veterinarians. When veterinarians determine that a horse is not fit to continue, riders are asked to pull their horse from the competition.
“It is all about the animal,’’ Nickels said. “There is no shame in pulling out...’’
Read more here:
http://www.lagrandeobserver.com/Features/Outdoor/Recreation/Endurance-riding-To-finish-is-to-win
Written by By Dick Mason The Observer July 06, 2012
ELGIN — This Elgin equestrian is more concerned with the pace of her horses’s pulse than the speed of his gait.
Meet Vicki Nickels, an Elgin endurance rider with more than 25 25-to-50 mile endurance rides to her credit and a record which is gaining sparkle.
Nickels recently placed fifth in the first day competition at the Eagle (Idaho) Spring Fling 50-mile endurance ride. She also received a coveted complement — Ruger, her Morgan-Arabian mix, was rated by the ride’s veterinarian as the best in terms of physical condition of any of the nine horses ridden at the Eagle Spring Fling.
“To me that was more important than coming in first,’’ Nickels said.
Endurance ride participants must have their horses checked by veterinarians five times in the course of a 50-mile event — at the start and finish and three times during the ride. The horses’ heart rates, hydration levels, leg condition and much more are closely checked by veterinarians. When veterinarians determine that a horse is not fit to continue, riders are asked to pull their horse from the competition.
“It is all about the animal,’’ Nickels said. “There is no shame in pulling out...’’
Read more here:
http://www.lagrandeobserver.com/Features/Outdoor/Recreation/Endurance-riding-To-finish-is-to-win
Kimery's biggest endurance ride yet coming up
July 6 2012
Christina Kimery, 14, Bixby, who’s becoming well known for endurance rides, says her June 30 weekend was fabulous. She rode her mom’s little mare, Angel, in a 30-mile distance ride. Twenty-seven riders from four states started out at 4 p.m. at Camp Carl in a local ride sponsored by the Ozark Country Endurance Riders (AERC) which sanctions endurance rides in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
Angel, Christina’s teammate for the day, is a 13.3 fox trotter which means she’s 13.3 hands tall and a breed appreciated for stamina and known for an ambling gait known as the fox trot.
Every 12 miles the horses were thoroughly examined to make sure there were no physical problems. Christina’s mother Gail said two veterinarians were available in addition to several veterinarian students from Oklahoma State University.
The riders were taken care of as well. “We had fans, shade, and frozen Popsicles for the riders in camp,” said Gail.
Christina came in third place with a riding time of five hours. Angel won High Vet Score and Best Condition...
Read more here:
http://www.southcountyleader.com/n2southcounty/kimery-s-biggest-endurance-ride-yet-coming-up/article_2a30d91e-c7bc-11e1-9d9a-cfff5ca8a454.html
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Free Listings for Fire-Related Missing Livestock
30 June 2012
NetPosse.com ALERT: We are offering FREE listings on our website for ANY livestock that are missing due to the wildfires/natural disasters in Colorado and Montana.
This includes horses, ponies, donkeys, mules, dogs, llamas, etc. People are having to leave so fast due to the winds carrying embers and starting new fires that they cannot properly evacuate. If you lose your animals, you can list. If you FIND animals, we encourage you to search first, then list if the owner has not already done so.
As always, we encourage owners to use permanent identification if at all possible. If not possible or time is critically short, use a permanent marker, livestock chalk, or take digital pictures. Take all documentation with you when you leave.
For more information, see NetPosse.com
Organizations Offer Help as Western Wildfires Displace Hundreds of Horses
June 30 2012
Wildfires raging across the West have forced not only people, but horses from their homes. Thehorse.com reported on over 200 horses evacuated from near Manitou Springs, Colorado, a town threatened by the 29-square mile Waldo Canyon Fire which began on June 23. ChronofHorse.com reports that in the last month, 500 horses have been housed at The Ranch Larimer County Fairgrounds and Events Complex from wildfires near Fort Collins, Colorado. The Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs currently houses over 100 horses.
Volunteers helped to haul away horses and cattle from the danger zones from the Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs. The Colorado State Fairgrounds have offered their fairgrounds to house evacuated house pets and livestock.
Many organizations have stepped up to help care for displaced horses. Stolen Horse International (Netposse.com) offers free listings to any owners who are missing horses from the fires (as well as other major disasters).
Horse Evacuations East (http://www.facebook.com/HorseEvacuationsEast connects people who need evacuation assistance and shelter for horses during a natural disaster to those who can provide it.
The Billingsgazette announced that the MAERA, Montana Awareness Education and Equine Rehabilitation Association (http://www.montanaawareness.com/), can arrange for transportation in some instances. The offer is made for horses in immediate danger and those that have been displaced or lost in fires.
Check the above pages for missing or found horses.
Humane societies across the country are working with local law enforcement to rescue pets and livestock from the fires. Find local humane societies at their national page: http://www.humanesociety.org/.
Consider donating your time, supplies, hay, or grain to to shelters in need, or consider donating money to some of the reduce organizations.
You can find a list of groups in Colorado accepting donations and volunteering at this page:
http://www.facebook.com/notes/lost-and-found-pets-from-texas-wildfires/colorado-fires-information-for-pet-owners-or-donations/261022527336588.
As always, when donating to any cause, do your homework and make sure it is not a scam - the Good People come out in an emergency, and so too, unfortunately, do the Scammers.
Wildfires raging across the West have forced not only people, but horses from their homes. Thehorse.com reported on over 200 horses evacuated from near Manitou Springs, Colorado, a town threatened by the 29-square mile Waldo Canyon Fire which began on June 23. ChronofHorse.com reports that in the last month, 500 horses have been housed at The Ranch Larimer County Fairgrounds and Events Complex from wildfires near Fort Collins, Colorado. The Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado Springs currently houses over 100 horses.
Volunteers helped to haul away horses and cattle from the danger zones from the Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs. The Colorado State Fairgrounds have offered their fairgrounds to house evacuated house pets and livestock.
Many organizations have stepped up to help care for displaced horses. Stolen Horse International (Netposse.com) offers free listings to any owners who are missing horses from the fires (as well as other major disasters).
Horse Evacuations East (http://www.facebook.com/HorseEvacuationsEast connects people who need evacuation assistance and shelter for horses during a natural disaster to those who can provide it.
The Billingsgazette announced that the MAERA, Montana Awareness Education and Equine Rehabilitation Association (http://www.montanaawareness.com/), can arrange for transportation in some instances. The offer is made for horses in immediate danger and those that have been displaced or lost in fires.
Check the above pages for missing or found horses.
Humane societies across the country are working with local law enforcement to rescue pets and livestock from the fires. Find local humane societies at their national page: http://www.humanesociety.org/.
Consider donating your time, supplies, hay, or grain to to shelters in need, or consider donating money to some of the reduce organizations.
You can find a list of groups in Colorado accepting donations and volunteering at this page:
http://www.facebook.com/notes/lost-and-found-pets-from-texas-wildfires/colorado-fires-information-for-pet-owners-or-donations/261022527336588.
As always, when donating to any cause, do your homework and make sure it is not a scam - the Good People come out in an emergency, and so too, unfortunately, do the Scammers.
WSTF is Western States Horse Expo's Hall of Fame Honoree
June 29 2012
Tevis makes history again! We are pleased and proud to announce that the Western States Horse Expo, now in its 14th year, has chosen the Western States Trail Foundation as its honoree for this year's Hall of Fame Award!
WSTF President, Kathie Perry, was present to accept the award at the Magnificent 7 stock horse event on Friday night, June 8th at Cal Expo in Sacramento.
The Western States Horse Expo Hall of Fame is awarded in honor of those who have made a significant, meaningful difference in the world of horses.
Teviscup.org
Tevis makes history again! We are pleased and proud to announce that the Western States Horse Expo, now in its 14th year, has chosen the Western States Trail Foundation as its honoree for this year's Hall of Fame Award!
WSTF President, Kathie Perry, was present to accept the award at the Magnificent 7 stock horse event on Friday night, June 8th at Cal Expo in Sacramento.
The Western States Horse Expo Hall of Fame is awarded in honor of those who have made a significant, meaningful difference in the world of horses.
Teviscup.org
Sacramento - The risk of a return of West Nile virus to California
lbemc.com
SACRAMENTO – The risk of a return of West Nile virus to California
this year is renewing calls for horse owners to make sure their
animals are vaccinated.
In 2011, 15 horses in California were confirmed positive for West Nile
Virus. Four of the 15 were euthanized. All of the euthanized horses
were not vaccinated
“Outbreaks of West Nile virus are still a risk for horses,” said
California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Whiteford. “Horse owners
should contact their veterinarians as soon as possible to ensure
vaccination status is current. If people get the necessary shots for
their horses now, the animals will have optimal protection against the
disease.”
Signs of West Nile virus include stumbling, staggering, wobbling,
weakness, muscle twitching and inability to stand. Horses contract the
disease from carrier mosquitoes and are not contagious to other horses
or people. Affected horses have experienced a mortality rate of nearly
40 percent.
CDFA is cooperating with the California Department of Public Health to
detect and respond to the disease in California. Horses provide an
additional sentinel for disease detection in the environment. For more
information, click on
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/WNV_Info.html.
Outbreak Alert – WNV
On 5/3/2012, a case of West Nile virus (WNV) was reported in Bird near
Sacramento, California. WNV is a potentially deadly virus that causes
inflammation of the brain and threatens horses, birds and humans.1
While the risk of horses contracting the disease is lower than it used
to be, equine WNV remains dangerous and widespread – a serious threat
to the health of horses throughout the country. 1 One out of three
horses that gets sick from WNV dies or must be euthanized.2
Horse owners who suspect equine WNV should watch for the following
clinical signs and, if they are observed, a veterinarian should be
consulted. Signs include:
Stumbling
Lack of coordination
Depression
Limb weakness, and
Muscle and lip twitching.
Horse owners are advised to keep their horses’ west Nile vaccination
status current.
SACRAMENTO – The risk of a return of West Nile virus to California
this year is renewing calls for horse owners to make sure their
animals are vaccinated.
In 2011, 15 horses in California were confirmed positive for West Nile
Virus. Four of the 15 were euthanized. All of the euthanized horses
were not vaccinated
“Outbreaks of West Nile virus are still a risk for horses,” said
California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Whiteford. “Horse owners
should contact their veterinarians as soon as possible to ensure
vaccination status is current. If people get the necessary shots for
their horses now, the animals will have optimal protection against the
disease.”
Signs of West Nile virus include stumbling, staggering, wobbling,
weakness, muscle twitching and inability to stand. Horses contract the
disease from carrier mosquitoes and are not contagious to other horses
or people. Affected horses have experienced a mortality rate of nearly
40 percent.
CDFA is cooperating with the California Department of Public Health to
detect and respond to the disease in California. Horses provide an
additional sentinel for disease detection in the environment. For more
information, click on
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/WNV_Info.html.
Outbreak Alert – WNV
On 5/3/2012, a case of West Nile virus (WNV) was reported in Bird near
Sacramento, California. WNV is a potentially deadly virus that causes
inflammation of the brain and threatens horses, birds and humans.1
While the risk of horses contracting the disease is lower than it used
to be, equine WNV remains dangerous and widespread – a serious threat
to the health of horses throughout the country. 1 One out of three
horses that gets sick from WNV dies or must be euthanized.2
Horse owners who suspect equine WNV should watch for the following
clinical signs and, if they are observed, a veterinarian should be
consulted. Signs include:
Stumbling
Lack of coordination
Depression
Limb weakness, and
Muscle and lip twitching.
Horse owners are advised to keep their horses’ west Nile vaccination
status current.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Federal Funding for Alternative Transportation May Be Cut!
The House and Senate are currently in conference over the federal transportation bill. This is the funding authorization that supports key programs for advocates of trails, biking, and walking: Recreational Trails Program, Transportation Enhancements, and Safe Routes to School.
The Conference Committee includes 34 Senators and Representatives who are attempting to reconcile differences between MAP-21, the Senate version of the transportation bill passed earlier this year, and H.R. 7, the House version of the bill that did not pass the House.
Currently, the Senate and House conferees are going back and forth with counter proposals that could gravely affect the progress that has been made to include dedicated funding for the Recreational Trails Program, Transportation Enhancements, and Safe Routes to School in MAP-21, the Senate Bill!
The Conference Committee has until the end of June to arrive at a compromise on Transportation funding, and it depends on you whether your Members of Congress will support trails and bike/ped facilities in this bill.
It's especially important to contact your member of Congress if they are on the Conference Committee, but all members need to hear that you support funding for trails and bike/ped facilities now!
ACTION NEEDED:
PLEASE CALL or EMAIL your Senators and Representative and ask them to support trails and bike/ped facilities! Ask them to retain the compromises already reached on Recreational Trails, Transportation Enhancements, and Safe Routes to School in MAP-21, the Senate's version of the Transportation Bill. We must have dedicated funding for these programs! Ask them to stand firm in protecting these critical programs!
Call or email your members of Congress now:
CLICK HERE to contact your Senators.
CLICK HERE to contact your Representatives.
Stay up to date, by visiting these pages on the American Trails website.
Thank you once again for your efforts on behalf of trails!
Sincerely,
Jill Boullion, Executive Director
P.S. Things will be changing fast over the next few weeks, so to keep up to date on current actions/opportunities, please check the American Trails "Take Action" page often.
The Conference Committee includes 34 Senators and Representatives who are attempting to reconcile differences between MAP-21, the Senate version of the transportation bill passed earlier this year, and H.R. 7, the House version of the bill that did not pass the House.
Currently, the Senate and House conferees are going back and forth with counter proposals that could gravely affect the progress that has been made to include dedicated funding for the Recreational Trails Program, Transportation Enhancements, and Safe Routes to School in MAP-21, the Senate Bill!
The Conference Committee has until the end of June to arrive at a compromise on Transportation funding, and it depends on you whether your Members of Congress will support trails and bike/ped facilities in this bill.
It's especially important to contact your member of Congress if they are on the Conference Committee, but all members need to hear that you support funding for trails and bike/ped facilities now!
ACTION NEEDED:
PLEASE CALL or EMAIL your Senators and Representative and ask them to support trails and bike/ped facilities! Ask them to retain the compromises already reached on Recreational Trails, Transportation Enhancements, and Safe Routes to School in MAP-21, the Senate's version of the Transportation Bill. We must have dedicated funding for these programs! Ask them to stand firm in protecting these critical programs!
Call or email your members of Congress now:
CLICK HERE to contact your Senators.
CLICK HERE to contact your Representatives.
Stay up to date, by visiting these pages on the American Trails website.
Thank you once again for your efforts on behalf of trails!
Sincerely,
Jill Boullion, Executive Director
P.S. Things will be changing fast over the next few weeks, so to keep up to date on current actions/opportunities, please check the American Trails "Take Action" page often.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Oregon runner shatters Western States 100 Mile record
Sacbee.com - Full Article
june 24 2012
By Jacqueline Sahlberg
jsahlberg@sacbee.com
On an unusually cool summer day, Timothy Olson, 28, rounded the Placer High School track Saturday night for the first sub-15-hour finish in the history of the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run.
After placing sixth in 2011, Olson came back from Ashland, Ore., with a vengeance this year to shatter Geoff Roes' 2010 course record by more than 20 minutes, finishing in 14 hours, 46 minutes and 44 seconds.
Ellie Greenwood, 33, of Canada set the women's record in 16:47:19, besting the previous mark of 17:37:51 set by Ann Trason in 1994.
An estimated 380 runners are competing in the race, which began at 5 a.m. Saturday in Squaw Valley. The course will remain open until the 30-hour cutoff at 11 a.m. today.
Read more here:
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/24/4585042/oregon-runner-shatters-western.html
june 24 2012
By Jacqueline Sahlberg
jsahlberg@sacbee.com
On an unusually cool summer day, Timothy Olson, 28, rounded the Placer High School track Saturday night for the first sub-15-hour finish in the history of the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run.
After placing sixth in 2011, Olson came back from Ashland, Ore., with a vengeance this year to shatter Geoff Roes' 2010 course record by more than 20 minutes, finishing in 14 hours, 46 minutes and 44 seconds.
Ellie Greenwood, 33, of Canada set the women's record in 16:47:19, besting the previous mark of 17:37:51 set by Ann Trason in 1994.
An estimated 380 runners are competing in the race, which began at 5 a.m. Saturday in Squaw Valley. The course will remain open until the 30-hour cutoff at 11 a.m. today.
Read more here:
http://www.sacbee.com/2012/06/24/4585042/oregon-runner-shatters-western.html
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Back Country Horsemen of America Names New Executive Director
6/18/2012
by Sarah Wynne Jackson
As the leading organization saving trails for horse use, Back Country Horsemen of America continues to grow and expand. They have 27 member state organizations across the nation with a combined membership of 13,000, and those members have cumulatively provided $63,000,000 worth of trails work over the last 16 years. They have also preserved our right to ride horses on countless trails from coast to coast.
But because there’s still so much work to do, BCHA has added an Executive Director to oversee and manage operations of this national volunteer 501(c)3 public benefit organization. They found the perfect candidate right within their own ranks.
A Life With Horses
Rick McLean became a member of the Back Country Horsemen of North Carolina, Foothills Chapter, a number of years back. He currently lives and grew up in the Piedmont region of the state, where his family has resided for several generations. His father bred Shetland ponies and rode the trails, instilling in Rick a passion for both horses and the back country.
As a youth and young adult, Rick dabbled in the rodeo, sat on a few saddle broncs, and showed locally, but riding a good trail horse in America’s wilderness remained his true love. After he married his wife, Judith, and children arrived, he decided he needed to get a “real job” to support his family.
Giving to the Community
With a Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Pfeiffer University, Misenheimer, North Carolina, under his belt, Rick began a life of public service.
He served as Chief of Police in Whiteville, NC, and Town Manager of both Carolina Beach, NC, and Mooresville, NC. He now owns and operates Hidden Creek Stables in Mooresville, a small family farm where he and his wife purchase trail horse prospects, develop them into safe, dependable trail horses, and place them with folks who enjoy trail riding.
The Joys of Retirement
After retiring from public service, Rick was free to pursue his passion once again. He and Judith have traveled all 48 states to see this beautiful country of ours from horseback. Although most of their trips last only a few days, they have taken a couple of six-week-long journeys in America’s Southwest and Northwest regions. They have plans to ride in Alaska in the future.
In addition to being a BCHA member, Rick is also a member of the Blue Ridge Horsemen’s Association and a Life Member of the North Carolina Horse Council. Several years ago, he completed the classroom and field work in trail design, construction, and maintenance sponsored by the North Carolina Horse Council.
Honoring the Past and the Future
Back Country Horsemen of America is pleased to welcome Rick McLean to the team. His education and experience will enable him to guide BCHA forward to new accomplishments and the realization of current goals. His love of riding and the back country will fuel his enthusiasm to preserve our right to ride horses on public lands.
Rick says, “I’m passionate about horses and riding, and I’m passionate about preserving trails for horse use. I’m really excited about this opportunity to get involved and do my part. My dad would have been so proud. His passion was riding his horse on the trail, in the mountains. I’m honored to be able to do this in his memory.”
“My grandchildren ride and enjoy horses,” he adds. “They’ve taken lots of rides with my wife and I. I hope there will always be trails for them, and their grandchildren, to enjoy.”
About Back Country Horsemen of America
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes in regards to the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands.
If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com, call 888-893-5161, or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!
CONTACT:
Peg Greiwe
Back Country Horsemen of America
1-888-893-5161
peg@backcountryhorse.com
http://www.backcountryhorse.com
by Sarah Wynne Jackson
As the leading organization saving trails for horse use, Back Country Horsemen of America continues to grow and expand. They have 27 member state organizations across the nation with a combined membership of 13,000, and those members have cumulatively provided $63,000,000 worth of trails work over the last 16 years. They have also preserved our right to ride horses on countless trails from coast to coast.
But because there’s still so much work to do, BCHA has added an Executive Director to oversee and manage operations of this national volunteer 501(c)3 public benefit organization. They found the perfect candidate right within their own ranks.
A Life With Horses
Rick McLean became a member of the Back Country Horsemen of North Carolina, Foothills Chapter, a number of years back. He currently lives and grew up in the Piedmont region of the state, where his family has resided for several generations. His father bred Shetland ponies and rode the trails, instilling in Rick a passion for both horses and the back country.
As a youth and young adult, Rick dabbled in the rodeo, sat on a few saddle broncs, and showed locally, but riding a good trail horse in America’s wilderness remained his true love. After he married his wife, Judith, and children arrived, he decided he needed to get a “real job” to support his family.
Giving to the Community
With a Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Pfeiffer University, Misenheimer, North Carolina, under his belt, Rick began a life of public service.
He served as Chief of Police in Whiteville, NC, and Town Manager of both Carolina Beach, NC, and Mooresville, NC. He now owns and operates Hidden Creek Stables in Mooresville, a small family farm where he and his wife purchase trail horse prospects, develop them into safe, dependable trail horses, and place them with folks who enjoy trail riding.
The Joys of Retirement
After retiring from public service, Rick was free to pursue his passion once again. He and Judith have traveled all 48 states to see this beautiful country of ours from horseback. Although most of their trips last only a few days, they have taken a couple of six-week-long journeys in America’s Southwest and Northwest regions. They have plans to ride in Alaska in the future.
In addition to being a BCHA member, Rick is also a member of the Blue Ridge Horsemen’s Association and a Life Member of the North Carolina Horse Council. Several years ago, he completed the classroom and field work in trail design, construction, and maintenance sponsored by the North Carolina Horse Council.
Honoring the Past and the Future
Back Country Horsemen of America is pleased to welcome Rick McLean to the team. His education and experience will enable him to guide BCHA forward to new accomplishments and the realization of current goals. His love of riding and the back country will fuel his enthusiasm to preserve our right to ride horses on public lands.
Rick says, “I’m passionate about horses and riding, and I’m passionate about preserving trails for horse use. I’m really excited about this opportunity to get involved and do my part. My dad would have been so proud. His passion was riding his horse on the trail, in the mountains. I’m honored to be able to do this in his memory.”
“My grandchildren ride and enjoy horses,” he adds. “They’ve taken lots of rides with my wife and I. I hope there will always be trails for them, and their grandchildren, to enjoy.”
About Back Country Horsemen of America
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes in regards to the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands.
If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com, call 888-893-5161, or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!
CONTACT:
Peg Greiwe
Back Country Horsemen of America
1-888-893-5161
peg@backcountryhorse.com
http://www.backcountryhorse.com
Monday, June 18, 2012
Canadian Endurance Team Gold
Horse-canada.com
HORSE SPORT JUNE 15, 2012
At CEI Fort Howes in Fort Howes, MT, which was held June 8-10, Jessica Manness and Greater Glide were pulled in at vet gate one in the FEI 75 mile event. Diane Trundle on Nikki and Angie LaVallee on Okay Spotless wne the Gold medal in the 35 mile event.
In the 50 mile race on Sunday, Diane Trundle, Jessica Mannes and Angie LaVallee won the Silver medal. Diane Trundle finished in third and Angie LaVallee was fifth overall.
The Canadian Team rode on Sunday in the CEI 3*160. The team, named the Rabid Grasshoppers, won the gold medal in the Team Event. Kathy Irvine (Savahnna), Colleen DeVry (Indigo), Jaylene Janzen (Sakic) and Christy Janzen (Regal Morning Mist) were the members on the team.
HORSE SPORT JUNE 15, 2012
At CEI Fort Howes in Fort Howes, MT, which was held June 8-10, Jessica Manness and Greater Glide were pulled in at vet gate one in the FEI 75 mile event. Diane Trundle on Nikki and Angie LaVallee on Okay Spotless wne the Gold medal in the 35 mile event.
In the 50 mile race on Sunday, Diane Trundle, Jessica Mannes and Angie LaVallee won the Silver medal. Diane Trundle finished in third and Angie LaVallee was fifth overall.
The Canadian Team rode on Sunday in the CEI 3*160. The team, named the Rabid Grasshoppers, won the gold medal in the Team Event. Kathy Irvine (Savahnna), Colleen DeVry (Indigo), Jaylene Janzen (Sakic) and Christy Janzen (Regal Morning Mist) were the members on the team.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
FEI Judge Course
The Kentucky Horse Park will be the site of an FEI Level 1 Endurance Judge Course, set for July 18 and 19, 2012. A minimum of 10 and maximum of 15 people will be able to participate. Sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information contact Charles E. (Chuck) Walker, USEF director of education, at 859-225-6970 or cwalker@usef.org. The course flyer and sign-up form is available through this link on the AERC website:
http://www.aerc.org/Temp/FEI_JudgeCourse2012.pdf
http://www.aerc.org/Temp/FEI_JudgeCourse2012.pdf
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Euston Park Bound
June 7 2012
Soundness and Fitness Trials are underway around the country for the USA WEC Team hopefuls. The first trial took place in Prescott, Arizona on June 2; following will be Wharton State Park, New Jersey on June 16, Fort Ord, California on June 22, and Brushy Creek State Rec Area, Iowa, on June 29.
Attending each trial will be US Chef d'Equipe Emmett Ross, two Vet Panel veterinarians, and at least one selector.
Horses will go through a pre-trial inspection, ride a total of 60 kilometers at assigned speeds (40 km followed by a 30 minute hold, a final loop of 20 km and a final vet check), then a post-trial inspection. "This is not a race or competition amongst us," said Ross, "[but] how the horses' current condition appears to be."
The goal is to have the horses built up to be peaked just before the team boards the plane for England on August 12/13. "Holding a real peak is difficult to do any longer than about 2 weeks - there is a very fine line," he said. The speed of the trials are not designed to place the horses under a lot of stress, but rather to provide a physical effort upon which to base a final evaluation.
After the trials are complete, Ross will announce the final selection process and announcement dates for the 12 nominated horse/rider pairs and the 6 on the traveling squad.
Read Heather Reynolds' account of the Arizona trials here:
http://reynoldsracing.us/heathers_blog/view/400/soundness_fitness_evaluation_for_the_world_championship
Friday, June 01, 2012
The Equine Land Conservation Resource is Honored as the Eleventh Annual Equine Industry Vision Award Winner
Organization Recognized for its Dedication to Preserve Land for Equestrian Activities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Rebecca Pitcher
Equine Resources International, LLC
610-444-7554
Rebecca@equineresources.com
Madison, NJ (June 1, 2012) – Pfizer Animal Health and American Horse Publications (AHP) are proud to announce that the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) has been named the recipient of the eleventh annual Equine Industry Vision Award. A truly unique honor, the Equine Industry Vision Award is the first of its kind to showcase innovation across the entire equine market, as well as recognize ingenuity and service. This award was presented to the Immediate Past President Larry Byers and founder Georgiana Hubbard McCabe, representing ELCR’s four original founders, during a ceremony held on Friday, June 1 at the AHP Ride into History Seminar in Colonial Williamsburg, VA.
The ELCR was selected to receive this honor because of the organizations dedication to help preserve land for the future of equestrian sports, recreation and industry. The ELCR is an organization that works to educate horse owners regarding key issues related to land conservation as well as establish partnerships with individuals and organizations that can help represent the conservation community. The ELCR is the only national organization addressing these issues for the equestrian community.
“It’s an honor to recognize the ELCR for their vision and dedication to help preserve and protect U.S. land for the future of equestrian sports,” said Kate Russo, Marketing Manager, Cattle and Equine Parasiticides, at Pfizer Animal Health. “The ELCR has made exemplary strides in educating horse owners and organizations on the issues that losing open land can have on the equestrian industry. The work of this organization is imperative to the industry as a whole.”
Founded in 1997, the ELCR was initiated by a group of concerned horse people who recognized that the loss of open land is the greatest threat to the future of all equestrian sports, recreation and industry1. What began as a program within the Conservation Fund, a highly respected conservation organization, became what today the industry recognizes as the national organization to preserve land and promote access for all types of equestrian use.
Across the U.S., the country is losing 6,000 acres of agriculture, forest and other lands each day1. Conservatively, the U.S. needs 36,000,000 acres to feed the estimated 9 million horses in the country1.
Over time, the ELCR has learned that all land is saved locally. ELCR’s vision is to provide horsemen with the tools, resources and networks needed to ensure a viable future for horse-related activity in their own home towns2. ELCR has enlisted 122 equine organizations and corporation as Conservation Partners and their involvement is critical to the success of the mission2. The Conservation partners represent 1.2 million members.
“ELCR is an innovator with a vision and the determination to raise awareness of the land loss issue and to promote the broad array of international resources and experts necessary to ensure land is available for our industry to thrive,” said Don Treadway Jr., Executive Vice President of the American Quarter Horse Association. “As a breed organization, we look to the ELCR as the lead organization on land issues related to equine needs.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the US population is projected to increase to 392 million by 2050 from 308 million in 20102. That represents more than a 50-percent increase from the 1990 population size2. That population growth will be located primarily around urban and suburban centers. A critical issue facing the equestrian community is maintaining the boarding stables, youth riding academies, competition and training spaces, trails and hay suppliers in proximity of the population centers. This accessibility to horse and equine activities within 30 miles of population centers is essential to the future of the equine industry. These urban and suburban participants are the next Olympic champions, race horse trainers and breeders, regional competitors and recreational riders. They’ll also be customers of the suppliers to the equine industry – the veterinarians, clothing and footwear manufacturers, saddle and harness makers, feed and supplement companies.
“Receiving the Equine Industry Vision Award is an honor and a privilege,” said Georgiana Hubbard McCabe, ELCR past president and one of ELCR’s four founders. “To be recognized by our peers for our mission and for the dedication of our friends, partners and supporters to conserve and protect horse lands and the equestrian lifestyle, means the world to us.” The other finalists for this year’s Equine Industry Vision Award included Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends, retirement farm for pensioned Thoroughbred race horses, Denny Emerson, USEA Hall of Fame member and past president of the USET, and the American Paint Horse Association, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012.
American Horse Publications
American Horse Publications is a non-profit professional association dedicated to promoting excellence in equine media and better understanding and communication within the equine publishing industry. For more information on the association or to request a nomination ballot for the 2013 Equine Industry Vision Award, please contact: Chris Brune, American Horse Publications at ahorsepubs@aol.com or 386-760-7743 or visit the AHP Web site at www.americanhorsepubs.org.
About Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc., is a world leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of innovative animal health vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic products. Pfizer Animal Health invests more in research and development than any other animal health company. We work to assure a safe, sustainable global food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry and fish while helping dogs, cats and horses live healthier longer lives. We strive to be the animal health company that provides full healthcare solutions to veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners. To learn more, visit www.us.animalhealth.pfizer.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Rebecca Pitcher
Equine Resources International, LLC
610-444-7554
Rebecca@equineresources.com
Madison, NJ (June 1, 2012) – Pfizer Animal Health and American Horse Publications (AHP) are proud to announce that the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) has been named the recipient of the eleventh annual Equine Industry Vision Award. A truly unique honor, the Equine Industry Vision Award is the first of its kind to showcase innovation across the entire equine market, as well as recognize ingenuity and service. This award was presented to the Immediate Past President Larry Byers and founder Georgiana Hubbard McCabe, representing ELCR’s four original founders, during a ceremony held on Friday, June 1 at the AHP Ride into History Seminar in Colonial Williamsburg, VA.
The ELCR was selected to receive this honor because of the organizations dedication to help preserve land for the future of equestrian sports, recreation and industry. The ELCR is an organization that works to educate horse owners regarding key issues related to land conservation as well as establish partnerships with individuals and organizations that can help represent the conservation community. The ELCR is the only national organization addressing these issues for the equestrian community.
“It’s an honor to recognize the ELCR for their vision and dedication to help preserve and protect U.S. land for the future of equestrian sports,” said Kate Russo, Marketing Manager, Cattle and Equine Parasiticides, at Pfizer Animal Health. “The ELCR has made exemplary strides in educating horse owners and organizations on the issues that losing open land can have on the equestrian industry. The work of this organization is imperative to the industry as a whole.”
Founded in 1997, the ELCR was initiated by a group of concerned horse people who recognized that the loss of open land is the greatest threat to the future of all equestrian sports, recreation and industry1. What began as a program within the Conservation Fund, a highly respected conservation organization, became what today the industry recognizes as the national organization to preserve land and promote access for all types of equestrian use.
Across the U.S., the country is losing 6,000 acres of agriculture, forest and other lands each day1. Conservatively, the U.S. needs 36,000,000 acres to feed the estimated 9 million horses in the country1.
Over time, the ELCR has learned that all land is saved locally. ELCR’s vision is to provide horsemen with the tools, resources and networks needed to ensure a viable future for horse-related activity in their own home towns2. ELCR has enlisted 122 equine organizations and corporation as Conservation Partners and their involvement is critical to the success of the mission2. The Conservation partners represent 1.2 million members.
“ELCR is an innovator with a vision and the determination to raise awareness of the land loss issue and to promote the broad array of international resources and experts necessary to ensure land is available for our industry to thrive,” said Don Treadway Jr., Executive Vice President of the American Quarter Horse Association. “As a breed organization, we look to the ELCR as the lead organization on land issues related to equine needs.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the US population is projected to increase to 392 million by 2050 from 308 million in 20102. That represents more than a 50-percent increase from the 1990 population size2. That population growth will be located primarily around urban and suburban centers. A critical issue facing the equestrian community is maintaining the boarding stables, youth riding academies, competition and training spaces, trails and hay suppliers in proximity of the population centers. This accessibility to horse and equine activities within 30 miles of population centers is essential to the future of the equine industry. These urban and suburban participants are the next Olympic champions, race horse trainers and breeders, regional competitors and recreational riders. They’ll also be customers of the suppliers to the equine industry – the veterinarians, clothing and footwear manufacturers, saddle and harness makers, feed and supplement companies.
“Receiving the Equine Industry Vision Award is an honor and a privilege,” said Georgiana Hubbard McCabe, ELCR past president and one of ELCR’s four founders. “To be recognized by our peers for our mission and for the dedication of our friends, partners and supporters to conserve and protect horse lands and the equestrian lifestyle, means the world to us.” The other finalists for this year’s Equine Industry Vision Award included Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends, retirement farm for pensioned Thoroughbred race horses, Denny Emerson, USEA Hall of Fame member and past president of the USET, and the American Paint Horse Association, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2012.
American Horse Publications
American Horse Publications is a non-profit professional association dedicated to promoting excellence in equine media and better understanding and communication within the equine publishing industry. For more information on the association or to request a nomination ballot for the 2013 Equine Industry Vision Award, please contact: Chris Brune, American Horse Publications at ahorsepubs@aol.com or 386-760-7743 or visit the AHP Web site at www.americanhorsepubs.org.
About Pfizer Animal Health
Pfizer Animal Health, a business unit of Pfizer Inc., is a world leader in the discovery, development and manufacture of innovative animal health vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic products. Pfizer Animal Health invests more in research and development than any other animal health company. We work to assure a safe, sustainable global food supply from healthy beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry and fish while helping dogs, cats and horses live healthier longer lives. We strive to be the animal health company that provides full healthcare solutions to veterinarians, livestock producers, and pet owners. To learn more, visit www.us.animalhealth.pfizer.com.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Mountain bikers, equestrians try to play nice on trails
Auburnjournal.com - Full Article
5/29/12
With a growing community of mountain bike riders, equestrians are trying to hold onto their trails
By Justin A. Lawson Journal Staff Writer
The scenic and challenging trails in the Auburn area have become a favorite for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. With the pleasant weather and the American River as a backdrop to many of the trails it’s easy to see why, but the swelling numbers of mountain bikers have forced a competition for trail time with equestrians.
“The mountain bike community is just growing and growing and they’re just riding out there on some of the horse trails and we encounter a lot of that,” said Joe Larkin, president of the Gold Country Endurance Riders.
On a busy weekend you can find a number of cars parked along the Foresthill Divide Loop with bike racks on the roof. While the trail is designated a multi-use trail, mountain bikers have basically taken over the trail, which was rated one of the top 5 rides in Northern California by Yahoo!.
The trails on the loop are narrow with several blind corners that are challenging for mountain bikers to avoid collisions and can easily spook unsuspecting horses...
Read more here:
Auburnjournal.com
5/29/12
With a growing community of mountain bike riders, equestrians are trying to hold onto their trails
By Justin A. Lawson Journal Staff Writer
The scenic and challenging trails in the Auburn area have become a favorite for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. With the pleasant weather and the American River as a backdrop to many of the trails it’s easy to see why, but the swelling numbers of mountain bikers have forced a competition for trail time with equestrians.
“The mountain bike community is just growing and growing and they’re just riding out there on some of the horse trails and we encounter a lot of that,” said Joe Larkin, president of the Gold Country Endurance Riders.
On a busy weekend you can find a number of cars parked along the Foresthill Divide Loop with bike racks on the roof. While the trail is designated a multi-use trail, mountain bikers have basically taken over the trail, which was rated one of the top 5 rides in Northern California by Yahoo!.
The trails on the loop are narrow with several blind corners that are challenging for mountain bikers to avoid collisions and can easily spook unsuspecting horses...
Read more here:
Auburnjournal.com
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
9 weeks till Tevis 2012
5/30/2012
With just over 9 weeks left till the August 4th Tevis Cup, 119 riders from 4 countries have pre-registered.
See the current rider list here:
http://teviscup.org/tevis-2012/the-2012-tevis-cup/current-rider-list
Sign up by July 14 to avoid late fees. To be seeded in Pen 1, you must supply your record on the entered horse for the period of January 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.
For more information and entry form see
http://teviscup.org/
With just over 9 weeks left till the August 4th Tevis Cup, 119 riders from 4 countries have pre-registered.
See the current rider list here:
http://teviscup.org/tevis-2012/the-2012-tevis-cup/current-rider-list
Sign up by July 14 to avoid late fees. To be seeded in Pen 1, you must supply your record on the entered horse for the period of January 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.
For more information and entry form see
http://teviscup.org/
And in Forty-Seventh Place…
Seattlepi.com - Horsebytes Blog
by Monica Bretherton
“Who’s that?” I asked, as a nearly white horse came speeding towards the start line with another in hot pursuit.
It was at the Mt. Adams endurance ride in 2010, and I was waiting for two friends to finish their fifty-mile ride.
At my fourth endurance ride, I didn’t really know many of the other riders. My new best friend, a ride volunteer, answered as my shutter clicked as they flashed past us, “Dennis Summers… and Rosie.”
I might not have remembered that moment, except that I was to see Dennis Summers repeatedly at future rides, usually at the awards meeting, when he had to get up twice, first on behalf of his win and then to collect the cooler for Best Condition.
Sometimes he and his wife, Sue Summers, have to toss a coin to see who will be given the first place after crossing the finish line together.
They are one of the power couples in West Coast endurance. They ride to win, and now they are sharing some of their methodology in a book called 4th Gear: Power up Your Endurance Horse, available on Amazon as an e-book.
I read it before going to Mt. Adams this year. Although I knew the book was not primarily directed to riders like myself, for whom a limited distance ride is enough of a challenge, I read a lot faster than I ride and thought I could get through it without wearing myself out.
Thanks to the snappy, conversational style and personal tone, I breezed right through it.
Afterwards, I felt like a super-lean distance runner who routinely top-tens at Tevis. For about fifteen minutes anyway. But that’s all you get even for your real achievements, at least according to Andy Warhol.
Time well spent
The highest value to me turned out to be reinforcing the importance of the Strategic Planning Department. That’s where I like to hang out anyway.
If, like me, you aren’t a super-athlete, making informed choices — whether in chosing your competitive horse, your conditioning methodology, your care regiment or your ride plan — is especially critical. Plus strategic thinking it is the aspect of endurance riding that sucked me in, besides going fast in gorgeous country and good company. It’s not a trail ride, its conditioning with a purpose...
Read more here:
http://blog.seattlepi.com/horsebytes/2012/05/29/and-in-forty-seventh-place/
by Monica Bretherton
“Who’s that?” I asked, as a nearly white horse came speeding towards the start line with another in hot pursuit.
It was at the Mt. Adams endurance ride in 2010, and I was waiting for two friends to finish their fifty-mile ride.
At my fourth endurance ride, I didn’t really know many of the other riders. My new best friend, a ride volunteer, answered as my shutter clicked as they flashed past us, “Dennis Summers… and Rosie.”
I might not have remembered that moment, except that I was to see Dennis Summers repeatedly at future rides, usually at the awards meeting, when he had to get up twice, first on behalf of his win and then to collect the cooler for Best Condition.
Sometimes he and his wife, Sue Summers, have to toss a coin to see who will be given the first place after crossing the finish line together.
They are one of the power couples in West Coast endurance. They ride to win, and now they are sharing some of their methodology in a book called 4th Gear: Power up Your Endurance Horse, available on Amazon as an e-book.
I read it before going to Mt. Adams this year. Although I knew the book was not primarily directed to riders like myself, for whom a limited distance ride is enough of a challenge, I read a lot faster than I ride and thought I could get through it without wearing myself out.
Thanks to the snappy, conversational style and personal tone, I breezed right through it.
Afterwards, I felt like a super-lean distance runner who routinely top-tens at Tevis. For about fifteen minutes anyway. But that’s all you get even for your real achievements, at least according to Andy Warhol.
Time well spent
The highest value to me turned out to be reinforcing the importance of the Strategic Planning Department. That’s where I like to hang out anyway.
If, like me, you aren’t a super-athlete, making informed choices — whether in chosing your competitive horse, your conditioning methodology, your care regiment or your ride plan — is especially critical. Plus strategic thinking it is the aspect of endurance riding that sucked me in, besides going fast in gorgeous country and good company. It’s not a trail ride, its conditioning with a purpose...
Read more here:
http://blog.seattlepi.com/horsebytes/2012/05/29/and-in-forty-seventh-place/
Monday, May 28, 2012
Injured horse Amigo still going strong; fund helps other animals
WBIR.com - Full article & VideoMay 23 2012
Written by
Jim Matheny
At the top of the hierarchy for world's most famous race horse, you'll find names like Secretariat, Seabiscuit, and Man O' War.
A couple of years ago, no equestrian name was more famous in East Tennessee than "Amigo." The Arabian endurance race horse obtained champion-level celebrity status without winning a single competition. However, Amigo victoriously triumphed over an obstacle arguably more challenging than any triple crown.
Amigo's Injury
In January 2010, owner Gary Sanderson found Amigo at his barn after the endurance racehorse somehow stabbed himself through the chest with a limb measuring three feet in length. Doctors at the University of Tennessee's Large Animal Clinic initially gave Amigo a two percent chance of survival...
"I've seen some pretty bad things, but he [Amigo] was definitely the worst traumatic injury I've ever seen," said Carla Sommardahl, large animal specialist at the UT Vet School. "The amount of infection from that kind of internal injury was just devastating. But every day that he kept going, we started feeling like maybe we're going to save this one.""
Read more here:
http://www.wbir.com/news/article/220552/2/Injured-horse-Amigo-still-going-strong-fund-helps-other-animals
Monday, May 21, 2012
Toklat Saddle Pads Become "The Official Saddle Pad of the United States Equestrian Federation"
USEFnetwork.comRELEASE: May 17, 2012
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department
Lexington, KY - On April 20th 2012, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and Toklat Originals signed an agreement designating Toklat saddle pads as "The Official Saddle Pad of the United States Equestrian Federation." The agreement continues through November, 2013 and for that 18 month period Toklat will provide saddle pads for athletes representing the United States in high performance equestrian disciplines.
At their factory in Lake Oswego, Oregon Toklat Originals designs and manufactures a variety of quality equine products, such as Matrix Saddle Pads and the Classic III series of quilted pads, that have been tested and endorsed by top equestrian athletes. The rigorous quality control enforced by Toklat ensures that high performance riders and horses will be outfitted with premium saddle pads whenever they represent the United States.
About the agreement Judy Auble, Sales Manager at Toklat, says "we're very excited to join with USEF to bring our best quality products to our top athletes."
To learn about the history of the name Toklat (it's an interesting one that's got a little to do with a river in Alaska and a little to do with a bear), and to shop for Toklat products, visit their website www.toklat.com.
For more information about USEF Sponsorship, please contact Scott Carling at scarling@usef.org
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Mackey Hwy 89
Heraldextra.com - Full Article
May 17, 2012
A couple of years ago, I wrote about the Hell's Kitchen Horseback Endurance Ride held annually in Sanpete County. Sponsored by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), the Hell's Kitchen ride is one of the most popular events of its kind in Utah.
This year's Endurance Ride will be held Saturday, May 19, and will begin with a meeting Friday night just north of the Gunnison Cemetery with the base camp at the "old rodeo grounds." Like most events that last, there's a story behind the story.
Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Reed Syndergaard, Manti, about the ride's early years before it was an actual AERC approved event. He said back in the 1970s and early 80s every town in the area had at least one riding club,and some had two or more, with more than 4,500 members statewide.
"I don't know of one in the county today," he observed. Syndergaard said the clubs were involved in promoting equine events, many of which had long been associated with rodeo. The groups were affiliated with a state-wide riding club association. He became involved at nearly every level of the organization's leadership, including at the state and district levels.
Syndergaard said he and Arlene Christensen, Mt. Pleasant, got together with a number of other people involved with area riding clubs to create an endurance ride as a fundraiser. They began to focus on the area south of the rugged country long known as Hell's Kitchen...
Read more here:
http://www.heraldextra.com/sanpete-county/commentary/mackey-hwy/article_54972d7d-9f11-5cf8-944d-04ce30d358f8.html
May 17, 2012
A couple of years ago, I wrote about the Hell's Kitchen Horseback Endurance Ride held annually in Sanpete County. Sponsored by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), the Hell's Kitchen ride is one of the most popular events of its kind in Utah.
This year's Endurance Ride will be held Saturday, May 19, and will begin with a meeting Friday night just north of the Gunnison Cemetery with the base camp at the "old rodeo grounds." Like most events that last, there's a story behind the story.
Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Reed Syndergaard, Manti, about the ride's early years before it was an actual AERC approved event. He said back in the 1970s and early 80s every town in the area had at least one riding club,and some had two or more, with more than 4,500 members statewide.
"I don't know of one in the county today," he observed. Syndergaard said the clubs were involved in promoting equine events, many of which had long been associated with rodeo. The groups were affiliated with a state-wide riding club association. He became involved at nearly every level of the organization's leadership, including at the state and district levels.
Syndergaard said he and Arlene Christensen, Mt. Pleasant, got together with a number of other people involved with area riding clubs to create an endurance ride as a fundraiser. They began to focus on the area south of the rugged country long known as Hell's Kitchen...
Read more here:
http://www.heraldextra.com/sanpete-county/commentary/mackey-hwy/article_54972d7d-9f11-5cf8-944d-04ce30d358f8.html
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Pritzlaff bloodlines in Distance Horse of the Year
Modern Arabian Horse - Full Article
by Marcha Hayes
Issue 2/2012
Shunning horse shows, Egyptian breeder Richard Pritzlaff nurtured his horses on thousands of acres of northern New Mexico terrain. Endurance rider Crockett Dumas continue this breeding legacy.
She's young, beautiful and has a four-year old at home. She's OT Sara Moniet RSI and AHA's Distance Horse of 2011. Like most working moms in American today, OT Sara Moniet RSI (Sara) has a complex background, life and support system. Bred, fed, trained, shod, and ridden by owner Crockett Dumas of Escalante, Utah, Sara accomplished amazing things in 2011. She completed 31 out of 31 AERC rides, totaling 1,675 miles. Sara finished top ten in all rides except the 2011 100 Mile Tevis Cup, and was declared Best Conditioned at nine events. And although only seven years old at the time, she accomplished these feats carrying a rider/tack combination of around 225 pounds...
Read more here:
http://www.pagegangster.com/p/gDZnf/#/page/83
by Marcha Hayes
Issue 2/2012
Shunning horse shows, Egyptian breeder Richard Pritzlaff nurtured his horses on thousands of acres of northern New Mexico terrain. Endurance rider Crockett Dumas continue this breeding legacy.
She's young, beautiful and has a four-year old at home. She's OT Sara Moniet RSI and AHA's Distance Horse of 2011. Like most working moms in American today, OT Sara Moniet RSI (Sara) has a complex background, life and support system. Bred, fed, trained, shod, and ridden by owner Crockett Dumas of Escalante, Utah, Sara accomplished amazing things in 2011. She completed 31 out of 31 AERC rides, totaling 1,675 miles. Sara finished top ten in all rides except the 2011 100 Mile Tevis Cup, and was declared Best Conditioned at nine events. And although only seven years old at the time, she accomplished these feats carrying a rider/tack combination of around 225 pounds...
Read more here:
http://www.pagegangster.com/p/gDZnf/#/page/83
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Canadians Endurance Riders Clean Up in North Carolina
Horse-canada.com
HORSE SPORT MAY 9, 2012
BY: EQUINE CANADA
At the FEI/FEI-JYR 100, 75, 50 Biltmore Challenge held at the Biltmore Equestrian Center, Ashville, NC, on May 5th, Misha Green and Vagas won first place in the 50 Mile FEI* and FEI Best Condition. In the 75 Mile FEI** Young Rider division, Lee Hutten and Parker AES also won first place. Third place went to Emma Webb and CwmFellen Zillary.
More information about the Biltmore Challenge may be found at http://www.biltmoreendurance.com/.
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
Endurance Rider Holly Corcoran Has Her Eye on WEG 2014
Pennsylvaniaequestrian.com - Full Article
May 2012 - Marcella Peyre-Ferry
It is a long hard road to the top of any sport, but Holly Corcoran of Stroudsburg PA has gotten there in 50 and 100 mile stretches. Corcoran is actively competing and winning in FEI level endurance rides with an eye toward the WEG in 2014 and more.
Corcoran is a CPA and entrepreneur by profession, yet she is passionate about the sport of endurance riding. Originally from New Jersey, she has always loved trail riding. She grew up with horses, riding since she was six months old when her father first put her on one of the family Morgan horses.
After a fifteen-year hiatus, she returned to riding as an adult, entering the western show ring, and teaching her children to ride. They were involved in 4H, and Corcoran was a club leader for 10 years while the family took part in showing Arabians. “It kind of started off pretty tame. As I was going along, I was finding I was really looking for something different,” she said.
Daughter Kelly is now 21 and nearing graduation from Penn State and has applied to vet school for the fall. That leaves Corcoran time to pursue her love of endurance riding.
Not for Everyone
Endurance riding is not a sport for every horse and rider combination. It involves a timed race over 50 to 100 miles in one day over a marked course, monitored by veterinarians at intermittent checkpoints. Winning requires the horse and rider team to turn in the best time within the maximum time limits of 12 hours for a 50 and 24 hours for a 100 mile ride, plus the horse must be deemed “fit to continue” at the end of the trek...
read more here:
http://www.pennsylvaniaequestrian.com/news2012/may/Endurance-Rider-Holly-Corcoran-Has-Her-Eye-on-WEG-2014.php
Sunday, May 06, 2012
Biltmore Challenge
Biltmore Challenge
The Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride took place on May 5 2012 at the Biltmore Equestrian Center in Asheville, North Carolina, with an open AERC, AHA Local 50 and 75 miles, Region 12 Championship 100 mile, FEI/FEI-JYR 100, 75, 50, SERA sanctioned and SEDRA sanctioned.
Eone Willemse won a close race to the finish of the 100 miles, riding Valerie Kanavy's My Wild Irish Gold over Jeremy Reynolds.
The following is a partial (unofficial) list of completors.
100 miles
26 starters
1. Eone Willemse on My Wild Irish Gold
2. Jeremy Reynolds
3. Becky Bunnel (first AHA)
4. Amy Wallace Whelan
5. Gina Hagis
6. Steve Rojek
6. Lisa Green
8. Don Meuten and Fury
9. Sudi Lenhart
10. Patricia Clark and Sierra Bey Wind
11. Karen Bell
11. Stephen Faryadi (Jr)
also finished
Cat Carter, Debbie Schultz, Jennifer Sapira, Denis Susan Franklin
75 miles
47 starters, 37 finishers
1. Ceci Butler-Stasiuk and Diesel 8:08
2. Leigh Ann Pauley and Steeleman (Best Condition)
3. Lee Hutten (YR)
4. Mary Farris
5. Diane Hawthorne
6. Christina Kimery (YR)
7. TJ Vore and Shadowfax
8. Emma Webb
9. Wendy Benns
10. Mary Kathryn Clark (YR)
50 miles
89 starters, 72 finishers
1. Jesse Jarrett on Smoke Deuce in 4:20
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Tevis: Joint Trail Work Day May 12
April 29 2012
On Saturday May 12th We will be working hard on the Pucker Point Trail. Meet at Foresthill Joe's Coffee Shop at 8:00am.
We'll divide up into groups and head out to areas in need of trimming, water bars and other general maintenance. Plan to wrap-up and regroup at Foresthill Joe's for lunch.
Bring: Gloves, water, snack, clippers, hand saw, shovel, etc. Please RSVP on scheduled work parties to trails@ws100.com.
This event can be applied to 2012 volunteer requirement.
Looking forward to seeing everyone on the trail!
Sincerely,
Donn Zea
WS Trail Manager
WS Board of Trustees
Mike Shackelford
Tevis Cup Trail Manager
WSTF Board of Trustees
The next Trail Work day will be Saturday, June 2nd. Please meet at Foresthill Joe's Coffe Shop at 8:00 am to work on Duncan Canyon.
Updated Trail Work information can be found online under the "Trail Work Projects" Quick Link in the left-hand column of the home page at www.teviscup.org.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Chad Crosby andBeverly Gray Help Strengthen Omega Fields Brand
Newton, WI, April 27, 2012 – Omega Fields® has announced that horse stables owner/trainer Chad Crosby and endurance racer/trainer Beverly Gray have joined their stable of company spokespeople. They will help strengthen the Omega Fields brand during their show, competition and clinic appearances nationwide, promoting the company's Omega-3-rich, milled flaxseed supplements for animals and humans.
Chad Crosby, http://www.stealingtheshowstables.com/index.html, has over 25 years of equine experience including 10 years as a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Owner of one of Charleston's premiere equestrian facilities, Stealing the Show Stables, Johns Island, SC, Crosby offers top quality instruction for youth and amateur riders for Open, IEA, APHA/PtHA, AQHA and rated hunter show circuits. He also sells and leases horses for clients' riding or showing needs.
Crosby has been feeding Omega Fields supplements to all of his show horses for many years and attributes their many wins in part to the benefits of this Omega-3-rich powerhouse supplement, including healthy, shiny coats; strong, solid hooves and quick recovery after exercise.
"Omega Horseshine® is the only supplement that I insist on giving to all of by show horses, as I feel it sets them apart from the others in the show ring," said Crosby. "Being that my facility is located on the sandy soil of Charleston, South Carolina, I also appreciate the added benefit of its psyllium[-like] properties to aid in the prevention of sand colic."
Beverly Gray, http://www.bevgrayusa.com/index.htm, has over two decades experience in endurance racing with many accomplishments including her selection to the United States Equestrian Endurance Team; first USA rider at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain; 2004 Dubai Gold Cup (14th of 110 riders with only 16 completing); Team Silver winner at the 2003 Pan American Championship; First Place and "Best Condition" at the Big Horn 100 and, three weeks later, finishing 9th at the Tevis. As a guest of the King of Malaysia, Beverly rode the Sultans Cup in Terrenganu, Malaysia. Recently, she raced at the American Endurance Ride Conference National Championship 100 finishing Reserve Champion.
Working with champion horses such as Arabian Regalidon (aka, Paladin) and Anglo-Arabian AA Omner, Gray is a firm believer in the outstanding results from supplementation with Omega Horseshine® and Omega Nibblers® treats. She is looking forward to being a part of the Omega Fields Spokesperson Program, using her extensive network of contacts to advance their fine products.
About Omega Fields
Omega Fields® provides premium, nutritional products, made from human-grade, non-GMO, stabilized ground flaxseed, rich in fiber and antioxidants, and containing the optimum ratio of the full spectrum of Omega Fatty Acids for equine, canine, poultry and human nutrition.
Omega Fields® and its parent company, ENRECO®, Inc. have been innovators and market leaders for more than 25 years, being the first in the industry to manufacture premium, Omega-3-rich, human food-grade, flax based products for animal and human consumption. ENRECO® was also a pioneer in developing ground flaxseed stabilization technology for long product shelf life and was the first in the flaxseed industry to garner SQF 2000, Level 3 certification – a world standard of safety and quality – for its flaxseed products.
Omega Fields® is recognized as a minority owned business. Its mission is to offer the finest quality, most nutritious products at fair prices, and to provide outstanding customer service. We want our customers to have exceptional experiences with our products, our staff, our websites and our retailers.
For further information, contact Patrick Young, Omega Fields Director of Communications, toll free at 1-800-962-9536 or 920-550-4061, ext. 118, email pat.young@enreco.com, or visit www.OmegaFields.com or www.FLAX.com.
Contact:
Patrick J. Young
Director of Communications
Omega Fields®
Ph: 920-550-4061 Ext. 118
Email: pat.young@enreco.com
Monday, April 23, 2012
American Endurance Ride Conference marks 40th anniversary
APRIL 20, 2012 -- Back in 1972, a small group of Northern California distance horseback riders gathered to create an organization to recognize their riding accomplishments, standardize ride rules, and work to preserve trails. Still going strong, this month the American Endurance Ride Conference celebrates its 40th anniversary.
AERC is still headquartered in the self-proclaimed “Endurance Capital of the World” in Auburn, which continues to be a hot spot for endurance riding 40 years later. Much has changed in the sport – the six simple rules adopted in the 1970s have become a 10,000-word document – but the basic premise is the same: a rider, a horse, and a trail.
Perhaps the best known of all endurance rides is the venerable Western States Endurance Ride, commonly known as the Tevis Cup, which traverses the Sierra Nevadas from near Lake Tahoe to Auburn under the full moon one summer night each year. Today, hundreds of rides are sanctioned by AERC across the U.S. and Canada, ranging from 25 to 100 miles per day. Also popular are Pioneer Rides, which are a minimum of three consecutive days and 155 total miles.
Endurance riding grew from its humble California beginnings to become an internationally recognized sport. Hundreds of endurance rides are held annually around the U.S. and Canada, with everything from small, low-key rides to ultra-competitive races. The nation’s top riders are gearing up for the World Endurance Championships to be held August 25 in England and the AERC National Championship rides September 20 and 22 at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.
The welfare of the horse is paramount in endurance riding, and veterinarians acting as control judges check the horses before, during and after the competition. Most new endurance riders begin with the 25-30 mile rides in the limited distance division. While there is no minimum time for completion of a ride, the maximum time for a 25-mile ride is six hours. When riders are ready to move up to 50-mile rides, the time limit jumps to 12 hours, including mandatory rest stops. For the 100-mile rides, horse-and-rider teams have 24 hours to complete the ride.
All equines are eligible to compete, and while Arabian horses proliferate, there are a growing number of gaited horses participating. Mules and quarter horses are common mounts, but even draft horses and at least one zebra have competed in endurance.
Endurance riding is truly a sport for every horseman with a fit horse. And one of those original six rules which is still in force is that “everyone finishing a ride shall receive a completion award.” As AERC motto states, “to finish is to win.”
All ages are welcome at endurance competitions. “Endurance riding is truly a family sport, allowing lots of family bonding time while traversing some beautiful countryside,” said AERC Executive Director Kathleen Henkel. “Moms, dads, and even grandparents can participate on the trails with junior riders.”
Rho Bailey, one of AERC’s founders who works part-time at the office, said, “Nothing matches the satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment of finishing a 50- or 100-mile.
“Being able to see territory and trails you would never see otherwise is one of the special things about endurance riding,” she added. The other is the bond that develops between horse and rider. “You really depend on each other out on the trail.”
No matter how much the sport has changed, she said that three things will always remain the same: “It will always be fun, competitive and educational.”
The organization’s national office tracks miles and points for all members and their horses, and confers annual awards in both regional and national competitions, including a family award and an award given to the rider 65 or older who completes the most miles each year.
AERC’s monthly publication, Endurance News, includes an extensive ride calendar and awards standings each month as well as education articles and features. Memberships are $75 per year, with a 15% discount for first-time members.
More information on endurance riding is available by visiting www.aerc.org or by calling the AERC office at 823-2260.
AERC Rules (1974)
The term endurance riding is defined as an athletic event in which the same horse and rider cover a measured course and conforms to the following conditions:
- The first horse to finish (in the least amount of time) in acceptable condition is the winner.
- An award is given for the best conditioned horse.
- There can be no minimum time limit.
- The ride (horses) must be controlled by veterinarians.
- Everyone finishing a ride shall receive a completion award.
- The ride is open to all breeds of horses.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Chef Review of USA Endurance Team Trials
Horsereporter.com - Full Article
By Pamela@horsereporter
Chef’s Review and Wrap of March 31, Texas Team Trials
April 16, 2012, Texas, USA
A new system to change the selection process was initiated this year in an attempt to bring the six soundest and fittest horses possible to the August 25, 2012 World Endurance Championship in Euston Park England, and regain some lost pride and improve the poor results of the last 14 years. As the new Chef d’Equipe, I felt a head-to-head challenge was the best way to remove the subjectivity of prior selection processes.
Top Five Finish March 31
1. Jeremy Reynolds–A Kutt Above–19.35 km/h
2. Wendy MacCoubrey—Reach for the Gold–19.35 km/h—Wendy was a proxy rider for Valerie Kanavy who had 3 entries—Valerie will campaign this horse
3. Becky Hart—No Repeat–19.34 km/h
4. Heather Reynolds–Riverwatch–18.40 km/h
5. Nicki Meuton–Not Tonight—18.22 km/h
Rider Long List
A long list of 20 riders resulted from the 160 km FEI 3* event. In about 8-10 weeks, in the last weeks of June, the long listed riders will be required to gather in one of three different locations throughout the US depending on where the horse/rider combinations are domiciled, to continue demonstrating their soundness and fitness. From the results of the test event, the fitness and soundness reviews, and rider/horse combination history, an elite group of 12 will be chosen to become the Nominated list which must be submitted no later (in our case sooner) than July 24, 2012, to the Organizing Committee. Shortly after selecting the Nominated candidates the traveling squad of 6 and possibly a spare combination will be prepared to travel to a stable and training center nearby Euston Park near the village of Thetford.
Flight to Stansted
Fortunately the horses will only have to endure a 6-7 hour flight to Stansted from Newark, New Jersey. This entry is only about an hour drive to the UK stables. The new team veterinarian, Dr. Dwight Hooton, who is no stranger to world endurance needs and support, will lead a much needed effort to ensure the horses are ready to go at full strength.
As Chef I am tremendously pleased with the results of our trial event and look forward to initiating a new approach to racing and gaining better results. The trial course in the town of Mt Pleasant in northeast Texas was hosted so generously by the PRIEFERT RANCH EQUIPMENT Co. and the Priefert family. The trial provided numerous challenges, mostly due to the soggy portion of the trail, the result of several hard rains of 4-6 inches just weeks before the event—but wise race management prevailed and good solid times resulted– giving me much hope and encouragement. There was nearly 100% humidity and fairly hot weather for the time of year. Another bonus was the addition of several new international FEI participants, including three Young Riders, which bodes well for our future.
As is the case in most of the world endurance community, none of our efforts and dreams could be achieved without the tireless contributions of many volunteers and FEI officials. My sincere thanks goes to all who contributed to our new dawn of US Endurance racing. We are coming to England to renew old friendships with our endurance brethren, take the best care of our equine friends, and make no mistake about it—we want to race and achieve our goals. Good luck to all.
USA Chef d’Equipe, Emmett Ross
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Western States Trail Work Schedule Meeting Change!
April 17, 2012
Hello everyone,
Due to a change in work priorities and recent precipitation we are changing our work location and meeting place for this Saturday's (April 21) trail work day. That information is provided below. If you plan on attending and haven't responded please RSVP at trails@ws100.com.
For all remaining dates, we will be on National Forest land. 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. Instructions and a link to the PDF form are provided at ws100.com/projects.htm#fedform . You can provide a scanned signature and send to the e-mail address provided or print, sign and fax or mail. Or, to sign the form electronically (digital ID) click on the link in the signature field and follow the directions for creating a new digital ID. You can then save and send a copy of the PDF file. Please remember this is very important to the agency and they are important to us!
2012 Remaining Trail Work Projects
April 21 -- Meeting place and work location change
Peachstone (CAL 2)
8:00 am, Starbucks, 13345 Lincoln Way, Auburn (near corner of Foresthill Rd. and Lincoln Way, adjacent to Interstate 80)
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
Hello everyone,
Due to a change in work priorities and recent precipitation we are changing our work location and meeting place for this Saturday's (April 21) trail work day. That information is provided below. If you plan on attending and haven't responded please RSVP at trails@ws100.com.
For all remaining dates, we will be on National Forest land. 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. Instructions and a link to the PDF form are provided at ws100.com/projects.htm#fedform . You can provide a scanned signature and send to the e-mail address provided or print, sign and fax or mail. Or, to sign the form electronically (digital ID) click on the link in the signature field and follow the directions for creating a new digital ID. You can then save and send a copy of the PDF file. Please remember this is very important to the agency and they are important to us!
2012 Remaining Trail Work Projects
April 21 -- Meeting place and work location change
Peachstone (CAL 2)
8:00 am, Starbucks, 13345 Lincoln Way, Auburn (near corner of Foresthill Rd. and Lincoln Way, adjacent to Interstate 80)
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
Sunday, April 08, 2012
4th Gear Power Up Your Endurance Horse - New Book by Dennis Summers
Lulu.com MarketplaceBy Dennis Summers
eBook (ePub for Adobe Digital Editions)
My intent in writing 4th gear is to provide cutting edge information to all endurance riders that will help them and their horses reach their goals. We will cover many subjects you may have been in doubt about and hopefully a couple that you hadn’t much considered yet. I will raise as many questions as answers and call on you the reader to tap your inner horseman to come up with solutions yourself to the challenges that will arise. This is a skill that will in large part determine your success and satisfaction in this greatest of equestrian sports. These endurance horses are extreme athletes of the highest caliber. Together let’s develop a program that will bring out their best.
Available for $10 as an immediate download.
To purchase, see
http://www.lulu.com/shop/dennis-summers/4th-gear-power-up-your-endurance-horse/ebook/product-20044374.html
Friday, April 06, 2012
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