2013 EHV-1 Tracker Map

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By The Horse Staff • Mar 07, 2013 • Article #31479

Equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) is a highly contagious disease that affects horses and camelids and is commonly referred to as rhinopneumonitis or “rhino” in its respiratory form. EHV-1 is passed horse to horse via aerosol transmission (when affected animals sneeze or cough) and contact with nasal secretions.

The virus can cause epidemic abortion in mares, the birth of nonviable foals, or a sporadic neurologic form of the disease called equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM). The Horse’s official 2013 EHV-1 Tracker offers the most up-to-date and accurate information about reported EHV-1 cases throughout the United States and Canada.

To see and use this map:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/31479/2013-ehv-1-tracker-map

AERC 2012 Breed Awards

Breed Awards were announced at the March 8-9 AERC Convention in Reno, Nevada.

Akhal Teke Association of America - High point endurance: MV Patrickhan (owner Jas Shearer-McMahon)

High point limited distance: Kuguar (owner Dovlet Geldy Kyarizov)

Arabian Horse Association - 100 Mile High Point Arabian: PWF Lee Wynd (owner Amanda Fant)

100 Mile High Point Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian: Greenbriar Al Jabal (owner Suzanne Hayes)

50 Mile High Point Arabian: Scudd Run (owner Laurie Birch)

50 Mile High Point Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian: RTM First in Line (owner: Linda Hamrick)

Institute for the Desert Arabian Horse - Drinkers of the Wind Award - OT Sara Moniet RSI (owner: Corckett Dumas)

Intermountain Wild Horse & Burro Advisors - High Mileage (endurance) & Overall High Mileage: NRR Team 91 Hoss (owner Valerie Jaques)

High Mileage (limited distance): Lady Jasmine (owner: Janet Tipton)

Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association - High Point & High Mileage (endurance): Barney's Fife's Single Shot (owner: Ashley Sansome, DVM)

High Mileage (limited distance): Dancer's American Beauty (owner: Dorothy Foster)

North American Shagya Society Radautzer Award - Salome (owner: Hannah Summers)

Paso Fino Horse Association - Diamante de Zeta & Tivio IXL (owner: Ross Carrie)

Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders' and Exhibitors' Association - High Point & High Mileage (endurance): Bono (owner: Linda Reznicek, DVM)

High Mileage (limited distance): Spirit of Woodhaven (owner: Beth Marshall)

US Trotting Association - Standardbred Endurance Award: Steady's Bad Boy (owner: Nancy Salazar)

Cracker horse breed has rich state history

Tallahassee.com - Full Article

Breed was a part of Ponce de Leon's initial visit to New World

March 10, 2013
Written by Karl Etters
Democrat staff writer

Will Moncrief trotted into the jumping arena Sunday, flashing a smile as he waved the American flag while riding atop Pretty Boy — his grandfather’s cracker horse.

His presence was a part of the Red Hills Horse Trials parade of breeds. Moncrief and his family stem from a long history of celebrating the state’s official horse, which was a part of Ponce de Leon’s initial visit to the New World in the 1500s. Moncrief was thrilled to showcase a breed that has a special place in his family, not to mention a sweeping hand in the driving cattle industry and the settlement of Florida.

“It’s good to let other people get exposure to the cracker horse,” the 23-year-old Tallahassee resident added as he saddled his horse. “We’re excited to be here.”

The parade featured nine other horse breeds, but Moncrief was flanked by two other cracker horses: Sweet Bill and Sally Too ridden by Amanda Carpenter and Celina Murray, respectively.

The three horses represent the three major groups of cracker horses in the state — Harvey, Bronson and Ayers — all receiving their names from family lineages that helped steward the breed through its time into the modern era...

Read more here:
http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20130311/NEWS01/303110016/Cracker-horse-breed-has-rich-state-history?nclick_check=1

2013 AERC Convention Concludes

3/10/13

The 2013 AERC Convention concluded Saturday evening with a year-end awards banquet.

2012 Hall of Fame Horse is Granite Chief +/ owned by Karen Chaton.

2012 Hall of Fame Person is Maike Maul.

2012 Pard'ners Award went to Mike Maul and Rroco-My-Sol.

Other awards included:
National 100-Mile Award: Steve Rojek
National 100-Mile Junior Award: Tie for first place between Bryna Stevenson, Brooke Koehn, and Dillon Thomas
National BC Award: Bev Gray and Jolly Sickle
Bill Thornburgh Family Award: the Blakeleys
Bill Stuckey Award: Ann Kratochvil
Bob & Julie Suhr Husband and Wife Team Award: Dennis and Sue Summers
Kathy Brunjes Memorial Young Rider Award: Jennifer Perryman
War Mare Award: Ann Kratochvil's GF Brazil's Envy
Jim Jones Stallion Award: Cheri Briscoe's MMF Thunders Echo+/
National Mileage Champion: Laurie Birch & Scudd Run
National Mileage Junior Champion: Starla Dale & Top Affiliate
Anne Ayala Memorial Scholarship: Kelsy Kimbler
Brunjes Jr/YR Trophy: McCamey Kimbler
Maggie Price Award: Heather Reynolds
USEF Youth Sportsman's Award Endurance: Mallory Capps
Ann Parr Trails Preservation Award: Roger Taylor

More results will be posted on the AERC website:
http://www.aerc.org/

Four United States Endurance Riders ranked in the FEI Top Twenty-Five

3/1/13

California, United States, March 8, 2013 – Jeremy Reynolds, ranked 14th in the FEI Open Riders World Endurance Ranking leads the United States riders with two horses owned by Reynolds Racing. Jeremy’s mounts are two geldings, 7 year old RR An Honest Crook, and the 8 year old gelding Chanses. Jeremy represented the USA at the World Championships in Great Britain, where he finished in 21nd position.

Cheryl Van Dusen rode in the Pam Am Games 2011 held in Santo Domingo, Chile. Cheryl is currently ranked 19th overall internationally riding her two geldings EBC Regal Majjaan and Nazeefs Pinot Noir.

Marcia Hefker, a new comer to International competition, entering her second season in FEI competition. Marcia started out with a good showing this year winning the Ridgecrest 160 km on her 12 year old mare, Hindi Bint Samia.

Ann S Hall rounds out the top twenty five ranked riders in the 24th spot riding the Hall’s HCC Zara RR. The 12 year old mare, was Ms. Hall’s partner with to win the FEI World Champion Horse and Rider Combination title in 2010.

While the top ranked riders in the FEI World Ranking reflect the endurance season of the Middle East in full swing, the United State is looking to continue their upward movement in International competition as their season is just starting. The United States through the support of the American Endurance Riding International Committee, United States Equestrian Federation and the private donation of the Rashid Fund has a record number of FEI sanctioned rides for 2013 . The United States has given un- prescient support to the Young Riders program.

The Open Rider World Endurance ranking number one position is held by United Arab Emirate rider Al Abbar Mohammed Ahmed Hassan. Thus far in the season, Al Abbar has finished 3 of 4 events, including 11 place finish in the 160km HH Sh. Mohammed Bin Rashid Maktoum Endurance Cup, riding Castlebar Kadeen. Following closely in the second position is New Zealand rider Alison Higgins.

The FEI, founded in 1921, is the international body governing equestrian sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Today, it is the sole controlling authority for 8 equestrian disciplines throughout the world. Of the equestrian disciplines that FEI oversees is the sport of endurance riding.

John Crandell III and ReactorPanel Saddle Company Collaborate to Design the Heraldic Lightweight Endurance and Trail Saddle

Exceptional fit in a 12-lb package

Oakland, California – March 7, 2013.  John Crandell III, the 2007 Chronicle of the Horse Overall Horseman of the Year and his famous horse Heraldic are household names in the sport of endurance. They were the first - and so far only - pair to earn the “Triple Crown” in the history of American endurance riding by winning the Virginia Old Dominion 100, The Western States Tevis Cup and the AERC National Championship in 2006. Still running strong with many national and international awards, Crandell and Heraldic won Tevis for the second time in 2010, won team and Individual silver medals at the Pan American Games in 2011 and represented the U.S. at the World Endurance Championships in England in 2012.

Crandell has a lifetime of experience in the sport of endurance, and he approaches each element of training and gear selection analytically. When he began using ReactorPanel saddles in training rides, he learned firsthand of the system's benefits.
“I had been aware of ReactorPanel saddles for some time,” said Crandell. “I knew that Maria (Alvarez Ponton, the multiple World Champion from Spain) was using one. Then I got a personal introduction when I was training with Wendy MacCoubrey in Florida.”
When he started using ReactorPanel saddles, Crandell noticed the difference in his horses right away.

“With ReactorPanel Saddles, you notice the extra freedom of motion that the horse has underneath you, which is tremendous” he said.  “The horses are willing to become more supple in their backs. You might notice it first going downhill where typical saddles tend to put extra pressure into the shoulder blades. These saddles sit exactly where they are supposed to be with little or no tension or assistance from a crupper or breast collar.  It particularly becomes apparent at the end of a long, long day of riding."

With the amount of conditioning required to be competitive in the sport of endurance, horses’ backs change, develop and muscle up, sometimes going through multiple changes in a single season.

“Adjustability is always an issue,” said Crandell. “Particularly in endurance riding the horses tone up and their backs change shape as they get fit. The ReactorPanel saddles help us to re-tweak things as the horse develops.”

Carmi Weininger, President of ReactorPanel Saddle Company, was understandably pleased to learn that Crandell was interested in helping to develop a new RP saddle. She said, "John was conditioning in our saddles but felt they were too heavy for racing competitively at the FEI level.  During our first conversation in early 2012, he challenged me to make a lighter weight saddle. We got excited about the idea of providing the legendary RP fit in a lightweight package, and were able to design the first prototype in just a few months. John has been racing in our saddles since we delivered the first one in July, and has given us excellent feedback that has allowed us to improve the design."

“I really liked the standard RP saddles,” Crandell shared.  “I was happy with the position I got. The horses always seemed to be comfortable, but they were a bit heavier than I could compete in. I weigh almost 155 pounds and unless I have a little lighter saddle, it leaves me giving too much advantage to other competitors by being over the 165-lb weight minimum for FEI competitions.”

Crandell is thrilled with the lighter saddle he developed with the ReactorPanel Saddle Company. Finally, he feels he has the perfect saddle for competition for his body type.

“Like a lot of men, my hips are not that wide. The Heraldic saddle has the option of a particularly narrow seat with almost nothing under your thigh area. It really helps you to ride as you stand. Your legs fall very comfortably straight underneath you without straining your hips or legs.”

“I finally feel like I have a saddle that I am going to be happy with for a long, long time,” he continued.  “I have been making do with different saddles that had different drawbacks most of my career. This is the first time I have a saddle that fits me perfectly and fits the horse perfectly.”

Crandell couldn’t be happier with his ReactorPanel experience.

“Carmi has been wonderful. I've come to expect her to give objective advice. You can tell that she just enjoys considering everything openly.  That really gives you confidence,” he said. The ReactorPanel "Heraldic" Endurance Saddle retains all of the fitting principles of the ReactorPanel system, including flexible panels on user-adjustable shock mounts using aviation grade velcro for almost infinite adjustability. This saddle is available now in a 12-lb version, with an even lighter saddle in the works. Pricing starts at $2500.

The ReactorPanel Saddle Company, based in Oakland, CA, makes saddles for multiple disciplines including dressage, trail, endurance, eventing, hunter/jumper and fox hunting.  Policies are as unique as the products. Saddles are not for sale until the rider has gone through a two-week evaluation, which is free (except for freight).  Saddles are fit and adjusted by specially trained Fitting Agents, or by users who enjoy do-it-yourself projects and access the company's unlimited customer support, user's guide, and how-to YouTube videos.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Evie Holt
ReactorPanel Saddle Company
evie@reactorpanel.com
510-698-6272

The Western States Trail Foundation BOG announces the Signature Rider entry for 2013

3/7/13 This is for the rider who would like to be recognized for donating to the preservation and improvement of  the Tevis trail.  This $1,500 entry includes a buckle upon successful completion of the ride, a director's chair with the Tevis logo, jacket for the rider and a sheet for their horse with a one-of-a-kind patron of the trail emblem monogrammed on each item, an invitation to the VIP/Foreign Rider Reception on Tuesday night before the ride, reserved seating at the Sunday Banquet including additional recognition, a two-night stall reservation, Thursday and Saturday night assisted parking at Robie Park and Foresthill, a copy of "They Crossed The Mountains" DVD, and a CalStar Insurance Membership specifically covering the Tevis Cup.    The Signature Rider entry includes a letter of donation for $800.    Click HERE to fill out your entry!

Salazar's Standardbred endurance champion crowned

Harnesslink.com - Full Article

Harnesslink Admin 06:41 AM 07-Mar-2013 NZT

Nancy Salazar and Steady's Bad Boy logged 485 miles in 2012 to take the second annual High Mileage Standardbred Award, given by the USTA through the American Endurance Ride Conference. Based in Minnesota, Nancy and Steady's Bad Boy traveled to rides in their home state as well as Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.

The AERC awards banquet and convention is being held in Reno, Nev., this Friday and Saturday (March 8-9). Salazar has already received her awards blanket as she will not be attending the ceremony, and the duo will be the subjects of the next ad in Endurance News, the AERC's membership magazine.

Steady's Bad Boy is an 8-year-old gelding by Badlands Hanover that made $24,496 on the track and took a lifetime mark of 1:54.3 at Colonial Downs in 2010. His dam, Steady Ironstone (by On The Road Again), made more than $109,000 and his Pro Bono Best half-brother is the currently racing Road Storm, who is also a $100,000 earner.

"This is Steady's Bad Boy's second year in long distance riding," said Salazar. "In addition to being a pacer, he now has acquired a long trot and a beautiful canter. What I love about him is he just does what you ask him to do, mile after mile. He remembers his racing days and uses a bit of that attitude when he needs to."

Finishing second was the inaugural winner of the Standardbred Mileage Award, East Meets West and Patricia Clark; together they logged 280 miles of both Endurance and Limited Distance rides.

The AERC High Mileage Standardbred award is given to the Standardbred that has the most miles ridden during the current riding season (Dec. 1 through Nov. 30). All rides are considered, including the limited distance 24-35 mile rides, and standard endurance rides (50-plus miles). Riders must be a member of AERC in order to track horse and rider mileage. For more information on the AERC, visit their website at www.aerc.org.

Since 1996, the Standardbred Equine Program has worked with off-the-track Standardbreds and their owners to educate the general public about the many disciplines at which Standardbreds excel once they are retired from racing. For more information about the SEP at the USTA, visit standardbreds.ustrotting.com, or send e-mail inquiries to sep@ustrotting.com .

by Jessica Schroeder, USTA Outreach & Membership Enrichment Coordinator

Courtesy of the United States Trotting Association Web Newsroom

Florida EHV-1: One Farm Released from Quarantine

Thehorse.com - Full Article
By Erica Larson, News Editor • Mar 04, 2013 • Article #31461

A farm in Wellington, Fla., where a horse had tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) has been released from quarantine, according to a March 4 statement from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Meanwhile, the EHV-1 case count in Ocala, Fla., is holding steady at seven.

In Wellington, noted the FDACS statement, Tequestrian Farm "was initially quarantined due a horse testing positive for EHV-1. This horse was imported from another state and isolated at the farm on arrival. No connection was made between this horse and the HITS Showground EHV-1 cases. The horse never developed neurologic signs and the quarantine was released after fourteen days with no evidence of transmission, no clinical signs on the farm, and all horses testing negative on the premises..."

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/31461/florida-ehv-1-one-farm-released-from-quarantine

Tevis Cup: Special Rider Opportunities for 2013

Teviscup.org

03 March 2013

Hello, Tevis enthusiasts. I hope your late winter training is going well. On behalf of the Tevis Ride Committee I would like to update you on the July 20, 2013 ride. I am excited to announce that the first 15 qualified juniors to submit a ride application with a qualified sponsor application for the 2013 Tevis will have their entry sponsored! Yes, our young riders can ride free of charge! If the junior is a first time finisher, he or she would also qualify for a legacy buckle! Juniors and sponsors take notice that this invitation is extended to the first 15 entries. The 16th junior to sign up does not qualify for the free entry. Tevis Board members and our generous sponsors are committed to the future of the sport of endurance riding. The Tevis ride takes a stand that encouraging junior riders and their adult sponsors to accept the ultimate challenge is just one of the ways the Board of Governors is leading the sport by supporting today's youth. If you would like to be a sponsor of one of our junior riders, let us know at the office. We would love to have you join in our mission.

The Legacy Buckle program is returning for 2013. Legacy Buckles are buckles that were earned and owned by Tevis completers who have been donated the buckle back to the WSTF. They are then presented to first time finishers at no cost to the rider, thus fulfilling the legacy. This program was so well received that the committee has had to work hard to offer this generous program again in 2013. Riders hoping to take advantage of this program need to pray extra hard to the "Tevis gods" to finish this year as the supply of "Legacy Buckles" may run out in future years.

In an effort to provide enriched opportunities for riders who would like to give back to the trails that mean so much to us, WSTF BOG announces the Signature Rider entry. For the rider who would like to be recognized for donating to the preservation and improvement of Tevis trail we offer the Signature Rider entry. This $1,500 entry which includes a buckle upon successful completion of the ride, a jacket for themselves and a sheet for their horse with a one-of-a-kind patron of the trail emblem monogrammed on both items, a Tevis Cup Director's chair, an invitation to the VIP/Foreign Rider Reception on Tuesday night, reserved seating at the Sunday Banquet with additional recognition, a two-night stall reservation, Thursday and Saturday night assisted parking at Robie Park and Foresthill, a copy of They Crossed The Mountains DVD, and a CalStar Insurance Membership specifically covering the Tevis Cup. The Signature Rider entry includes a letter of donation for $800.

To insure the highest quality ride experience for all entrants the 2013 Tevis ride is limited to 210 entries plus ten foreign rider entries. Entry forms are available on the home page.

Trade Show Exhibitors Announced for AERC Convention

AERC.org

TRADE SHOW EXHIBITORS: Confirmed and ready to greet convention attendees will be: Action Rider Tack, Adequan AERC National Championships, AERC International, Ameraican Trail Gear, Arabian Horse Association, Arabian Saddle Company, Auburn Laboratories Inc., Boz Saddlery, EasyCare Inc., Equithotics Inc., Equus Nutrition for Horses, Farmers Warehouse/LMF Feeds, Fleece Works, Hought Endurance Tack, Jans Jems, Just For "Horsin-Round", Ann Kratochvil, Lemke Saddle Services Inc., Natural Horse Halters, Porta-Grazer, Purina Animal Nutrition, Reactor Panel Saddle Co., Renegade Hoof Boots, Revitavet Therapy Systems, Snell Valley Ranch, Specialized Saddles, Triple Crown Nutrition, Western States Trail Foundation (Tevis), USEF, Wild Horses of Nevada Photography, Vettec.

There is still time to sign up for the convention in Reno March 8 & 9, 2013.

Think Like a Vet - Learn From the Vets

Speaker Seminars
Fabulous Trade Show
National Awards Banquet
Tack Swap
Friday Night Dance
Regaional Awards
Hot Topics Workshops
Much More!

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
Trisha Dowling, DVM, MSc, DACVIM (LAIM), DACVP; Sarah Fletcher, MD; Karen Hassan, DVM, DACVS; Jeanette Mero, DVM; Hal Schott, DVM, PhD, ADVIM; Donna Snyder-Smith; Aarene Storms; Jeannie Waldron, DVM

TOPICS INCLUDE:
Hot Topic 1: Liability Issues at Endurance Rides (Free!); Hot Topic 2: Dogs, Guns, and Steel (Free!); Blind Ambition: Ethics and Drugs in Competitive Horse; Achieve Greater Speed, Distance and Soundness with Better Rider Biomechanics; Endurance 101: A Gentle Introduction to the Sport; Hoof Balance and Lameness Issues; Tying up - Unraveling some of the Muysteries Surrounding this Syndrome; Lyme Disease in Humans and Horses; The Secrets to Winning Best Condition; Fluffy, Fuzzy and Fat Foundered Horses - Equine Metabolic Diseases

For more information see:
AERC.org

Two Additional Utah Horses Confirmed EHV-1 Positive

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Erica Larson, News Editor
Feb 27, 2013

Two additional Cache County, Utah, horses have tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), bringing the total number of confirmed cases in that state to four, according to a Feb. 27 update from the Utah state veterinarian's office.

"Tests on two of three horses that were under observation returned positive results on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m [MST]," the statement read. "One other horse remains under observation. It will be retested in the coming days. The number of confirmed or suspect cases remains at five..."

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/31437/two-additional-utah-horses-confirmed-ehv-1-positive

Diagnosis of EHV-1 in Florida

USEFnetwork.com

RELEASE: February 28, 2013
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department

Lexington, KY - The Florida Department of Agriculture has confirmed the positive diagnosis of Equine Herpes Virus 1 (EHV-1) in horses in Florida. Six of the confirmed cases are linked to the HITS competition in Ocala. An additional horse in the Wellington area (with no identified direct or indirect connection to the Ocala show grounds) has been tested and found to be EHV-1 positive.

The Florida Department of Agriculture has posted a detailed report regarding this situation and is updating the report regularly. These updates include links to additional resources and are available at: http://www.freshfromflorida.com/newsroom/press/2013/02272013_2.html. Please check this source regularly for the most current and reliable information regarding the status of the disease.

The equestrian community is being advised of the importance of horsemen implementing good biosecurity protocols that should be routine when attending competitions or visiting other venues where horses of different origin and disease status are congregating. If planning to travel to such venues, make certain you contact the venue prior to travel to understand what biosecurity measures have been imposed. Additionally, it is advised that you consult with your veterinarian in evaluating your horse's current vaccination and immunity status and to review or develop an individual biosecurity plan. The California Department of Food & Agriculture has published a bio-security tool kit at this link: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/animal_health/equine_biosecurity.html. Dr. Stephen Schumacher, Chief Administrator for the USEF Drugs & Medication Program describes this as a "good comprehensive resource compiled from a number of sources."

Clark on short list for endurance riding world’s in France

MAGR.com - Full Article

February 28, 2013
Marla Pretty Brock Mpretty9@gmail.com

Eatonton’s Mary Kathryn Clark has another honor – she is among the riders expected to represent the United States in France in July at the 2013 Federation Equestre Internationale’s World Junior and Young Rider Championships in France.

Clark, 18, is ranked second in the FEI for endurance riding. The ranking puts her on a short list of riders who have qualified for the world championships by competing in four international races by this May.

“I am ready to go to France,” Clark said recently. “I’m really excited about the chance to return to the world’s this year. We already have a team together that will help us.”

Clark’s teams have always included her mom, Peggy. This year, if afforded the opportunity, Clark said her father will be traveling with them for the first time.

Clark said the event will be held in Tarbes, France, a mountainous region that she expects will offer a wealth of riding experiences.

“There will be a host of different courses they could have set up,” Clark said. “It is not unusual to see street races at European races. Of course, there will be mountainous terrain.”

Clark said the final list for the American team is expected to be announced in June after time trials. Seven Americans top the list of equestrians in endurance racing, and all will be vying for a seat on the five-person team...

Read more here:
http://www.msgr.com/sports/article_362ea430-81b6-11e2-a104-0019bb2963f4.html

Mustang Lady: A Reflection

February 26 2013

2001 AERC Hall of Fame horse Mustang Lady, owned and campaigned by Naomi Preston, turns 33 this year.

In 1991 she was featured on Idaho Public Television's show "Outdoor Idaho" and a national show "The West", which can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeSR7mErGtg

A look back at her career can be seen here
http://merritravels.endurance.net/2010/08/happy-birthday-mustang-lady.html

"She was my once-in-a-lifetime horse, my pride and joy," Naomi says.

Jackie Bumgardner Reaches 30,000 AERC Miles

February 24 2013

In the 32nd annual Twenty Mule Team on February 23, 2013 near Ridgecrest, California, Jackie Bumgardner reached 30,000 AERC miles on her gelding Fire Mt Zane, whom she bred and raised. Jackie is one of the top ten high mileage riders in AERC lifetime miles.

Robert and Melissa Ribley manage the 20 Mule Team, a ride which Jackie used to manage.

Additionally, Definetly Spice, ridden by Gretchen Montgomery, reached 4000 miles with their completion in the 100-mile ride. It was Spice's first 100-mile completion.

Glidden's Tracy McIntosh saddles up for endurance rides

Carrollspaper.com - Full Article

February 23 2013

She and Amigo finish famed Tevis Cup and are competing this weekend in Oklahoma

By LARRY DEVINE
News Editor

Riding a horse on narrow trail with sheer cliff on one side and straight drop-off on the other isn’t for the faint of heart.

Navigating such terrain safely, riders employ their considerable skills and also put great trust in their horses.
A misstep can mean tragedy.

That’s the challenge Tracy McIntosh of Glidden accepted this summer when she and her 14-year-old Arabian horse, Amigo, who’s already proved himself to be a survivor, participated in the annual Tevis Cup in California, considered to be the country’s pinnacle of endurance horseback endurance racing.

Riders push to complete the 100-mile course that steers riders and horses through highly demanding of terrains — mountain, canyons and switchbacks — within 24 hours.

Tevis Cup began shortly after 5 a.m. Aug. 4, at Robie Equestrian Park near Truckee, Calif., crossed the Sierra Nevada Mountains and finished at Gold County Fairgrounds arena at Auburn.

Right off the bat, riders climbed from 6,200-foot elevation at Squaw Valley to 8,750 feet at Emigrant Pass.

For McIntosh, that was a grueling start but also a favorite part of the ride. “That was really beautiful climbing. And the scenery was beautiful up there,” she says.

Indeed, the course’s dramatic changes in elevation was one of the biggest challenges for McIntosh and Amigo.
“In Iowa, there’s no place you can train for those elevations,” she says. “You can’t really train for the altitude. You just have to put in your miles and try to do some hills.”

With the cliffs, canyons and dropoffs, the Tevis Cup course has a lot of other features McIntosh doesn’t normally see.
Danger adds to the challenge.

“You don’t have a lot of trail space,” she says. “The trail can be barely a foot wide. They’ve widened it a little bit, but you have cliffs and you have dropoffs, so you can’t add too much.”

With the course crossing the Sierra Nevada Mountains, she remarks, “It’s tough stuff. You just have to trust your horse you won’t slip and fall...”

http://www.carrollspaper.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=14992

Dr. Richard Barsaleau Obituary: Veterinarian, teacher and poet

Sacbee.com - Full Article

By Robert D. Dávila
rdavila@sacbee.com

Published: Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013

Dr. Richard Barsaleau, a veterinarian and noted equestrian who championed care for horses as a competitive rider, teacher and poet, died Feb. 13 at 87.

He died in his sleep after receiving an X-ray test at a hospital for a complaint of chest congestion, said his son Dean. The X-ray showed no problems, his son said.

Dr. Barsaleau was widely recognized as an authority on the care of horses, especially in the sport of distance riding. He was a longtime veterinarian and judge for the annual Western States Trail Ride, also known as the Tevis Cup Ride. Meanwhile, he competed 16 times in the 100-mile ride from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, finished 14 rides and won three top-10 awards.

He judged horses professionally for many years and was a lecturer and clinician at horse events in the United States, Canada and Australia. He wrote a handbook for veterinary judges and many articles on equine performance, training and conditioning.

Dr. Barsaleau also co-founded and served as director of the animal health technology program at Cosumnes River College from 1972 to 1989. He invited students to practice skills at his Loomis home, where he raised and trained Arabian horses.

"He could be gruff because he was an ex-Marine, so you kind of toed the line his way – but it was a good way," said former student Cheryl Buch, a registered veterinary technician. "He set a high reputation for Cosumnes River College, and our students are recognized all over the state..."

Read more here:
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/02/21/5205631/veterinarian-teacher-and-poet.html

Virginia Horse Council and Equine Land Conservation Resource Present a One-Day Educational Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2012
 
CONTACT:  Holley Groshek, Director of Marketing and Membership, Equine Land Conservation Resource
(859) 455-8383 or hgroshek@elcr.org
 
Virginia Horse Council and Equine Land Conservation Resource Present a One-Day Educational Forum

As part of the Equine Land Conservation Resource’s (ELCR) ongoing regional forum series, ELCR is partnering with the Virginia Horse Council (VHC) to present a special one day educational forum on March 16, 2013 at Blue Ridge Community College in, Weyers Cave, Virginia. The event, sponsored by Bayer Animal Health, USA Equestrian Trust and Weller and Associates Insurance, will be held in conjunction with the VHC Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon.

The morning general session entitled No Time to Waste: Protect Your Equine Land & Trails,  focusing on important equine land conservation issues relative to Virginia and the surrounding areas, will include the following presentations:

·        “Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late - Land Use Planning for Horsemen” – Tom Daniels, PhD, Department of City and Regional Planning, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA
·        “Protect Your Watershed, Protect Your Land - Equine Land Best Management Practices” – Mr. Willie Woode, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, Fairfax VA
·        “Protecting Horse Land and History - Conservation Easements Work for Virginia” - Ms. Heather Richards, Piedmont Environmental Council, Warrenton VA        
 
Afternoon concurrent break-out sessions will be offered in the following topic areas: equine health, equine land conservation and emerging industry issues. A special full day youth track will be offered for ages 9-18 years.
The pre-registration deadline is March 5, 2013. For the full program agenda, registration information or hotel accommodations please visit www.virginiahorsecouncil.org or contact Virginia Horse Council at 888-467-7382 or info@virginiahorsecouncil.org
 
About the Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR): The Equine Land Conservation Resource is the only national not-for-profit organization advancing the conservation of land for horse-related activity. ELCR serves as an information and networking resource for land and horse owner, organizations, agencies and all equine enthusiasts on issues related to farm and ranch land conservation, land use planning, farm and ranch land stewardship/best management practices, trail access and sustainability, liability and equine economic impacts.  For more information about the ELCR visit our website at www.elcr.org or call (859) 455-8383.

Back Country Horsemen of America Celebrates 40 Years

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2013
 
Contact Peg Greiwe
1-888-893-5161
 
Back Country Horsemen of America Celebrates 40 Years
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
 
From the vision and insight of four mountain men was born Back Country Horsemen of America, the nation’s leading organization in our fight to preserve our right to ride horses on public lands. In 40 years, a handful of folks has increased to over 13,000 members from over 185 chapters and affiliates in 26 states.
 
Humble Beginnings
 
The seeds of BCHA were planted in the late 60s and early 70s. As hiking, mountain biking, and other trail uses rapidly grew, the general sentiment toward horses on public lands soured. Pack and saddle stock were quickly restricted to a few particular trails or prohibited altogether.
 
Four friends from Montana — Roland Cheek, Ken Ausk, Dennis Swift, and Dulane Fulton – could see the future on the horizon. They knew they needed an organization of horsemen to represent the interests of back country horse users on matters regarding public lands.
 
Gathered around the fire at Roland’s hunting camp in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of western Montana, they brainstormed and developed a vision for a new organization and a course of action for it to follow. They also arrived at three basic principles which have guided BCHA since its inception: 1) become involved in public land management issues that affect recreational stock use; 2) participate in volunteer programs on public lands that enhance riding opportunities; 3) educate horsemen in low impact methods of using stock on public lands.
 
The founding members presented their ideas to local officials of the Flathead National Forest (Montana), who endorsed the concept and encouraged them to proceed. The founding members gathered community support and at a public meeting on January 17, 1973, officially formed the first Back Country Horsemen organization. True to the principles of the new group, they immediately became involved in wilderness issues and volunteer programs related to equestrian use. 
 
The idea of a united voice speaking for the interests of stock users spread throughout Montana and Idaho during the 1970s. Around the same time, the Washington State Horsemen and the High Sierra Stock Users Association of California, both with similar goals and objectives as the new Back Country Horsemen organizations in Montana and Idaho, became interested in affiliation. In 1986, a constitution was adopted by representatives of all four states and the organization officially became Back Country Horsemen of America.
 
Making a Difference
 
In the years since then, BCHA had addressed a variety of issues at the local, state, and national levels, including forest management, wilderness use, the US Forest Service’s Limits of Acceptable Change process, invasive species, stock restrictions, user fees, trail closures, outsourcing, sale of public lands, endangered species, agency funding, and more. BCHA takes an active role on these issues and helps shape outcomes that will benefit recreational stock use as well as other trail users.
 
The path hasn’t always been a smooth one. Despite their reasonable expectation of fairness and cooperation, BCHA’s efforts were at times rebuffed. A prime example is the US Forest Service’s poorly conceived trails classification plan that failed to consider horse use almost completely. After many unsuccessful efforts at communicating this problem, Back Country Horsemen of America finally filed a lawsuit in 2005. A federal judge ruled in favor of BCHA to give horsemen across the country a say in how pack and saddle stock trails are managed.
 
From the very start, Back Country Horsemen of America have been folks who believe in giving back. They find ways to volunteer their time, manpower, horsepower, and money towards projects that benefit the community and keep public lands open for recreational stock use. The quality and scope of this work is truly outstanding and includes cleaning trails after storms; blazing new trails; hauling in materials for the construction of bridges and camps; preserving historic trail structures; public education about enjoying and protecting America’s wilderness lands; picking up litter (including a junk car and a World War II bomb); food drives for local food banks; stocking fish; rescuing ill and injured hikers; and so much more. Many of these projects, although performed by horsemen, benefit all trail users and the wilderness in general.
 
Often, BCHA does these projects in cooperation with other organizations, such as the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, state divisions of natural resources, Sierra Club, The Wilderness Society, Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Association, Wyoming Wilderness Association, Washington Trails Association, Pacific Crest Trail Association, Montana Conservation Corps, Capon Valley 50K Run (West Virginia), Continental Divide Trail Alliance, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Trout Unlimited, and Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards.
 
It is doubtful that any other organization in the country donates as much to our public lands as BCHA. The numbers alone are staggering. In 2011, Back Country Horsemen across the country donated 326,347 hours to volunteer activities. The total value of the “grunt labor,” vehicle mileage, stock hauling, pack and stock used, and equipment and supplies used during those hours was nearly $11 million. During the past 17 years BCHA has contributed $74 million of service and 2,970,000 hours of time. Is your favorite trail well-maintained? If so, you can probably thank a Back Country Horseman.
 
Celebration
 
Back Country Horsemen of America is celebrating their 40th anniversary throughout 2013 with events and activities at all levels of the organization; chapter, state, and national. Some special activities are scheduled during their annual national board meeting in April in Rapid City, South Dakota. Fitting for the occasion, the festivities include educational clinics (one will be given by a US Forest Service Lead Packer), meet and greet gatherings, and recognition of the folks who have helped make BCHA the amazing organization it is today.
 
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 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!

Idaho: Horsemen call wilderness trails a disaster

LMTribune.com - Full Article

February 19 2013

The Back Country Horsemen of Idaho are seeking to have one of their favorite destinations declared a disaster area.
Fed up over the lack of trail clearing and maintenance in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area, the group is behind House Joint Memorial No. 1 which would declare the 2.3 million acre wilderness a natural resource disaster area.

They say the memorial is an attempt to point much needed attention at a problem that too few Idahoans know about. It's not about getting more money for trails at a time when budgets are tight. Rather, they contend, its about U.S. Forest Service making trail work a priority.

"Our play isn't asking for more money from Congress..."

Read more here:
http://lmtribune.com/blogs/scrawl_of_the_wild/article_f8e0d7ee-7abf-11e2-aa59-001a4bcf6878.html

Tevis Reception at AERC Convention

Teviscup.org

Western States Trail Foundation
and
Western States Trail Endowment Fund

Invites you to attend their

Reception

"FEATURING"

- SHOWING OF DVD - "They Crossed the Mountains" -
the history of the Western States Trail
- 2013 Tevis Entries
- Adopt-The-Trail
- 2013 Educational and Fun Ride information

Date: Friday march 8 2013
Time: 5:00 PM - 7 PM
Place: Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
Tahoe room (casino Level)

Hot Hors d'Oeuvres & snacks provided
No host cocktails

Unwanted Horse Coalition's Partnership with American Competitive Trail Horse Association Picks Up Steam

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tom Scrima
Managing Member of ACTHA
830-693-2065
tom@actha.us
 
On January 28, 2013 The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) and the American Competitive Trail Horse Association (ACTHA) joined forces to help the over 700 rescues listed with the UHC.  "ACTHA will facilitate rides for as many rescues that want them and donate all the net proceeds to the rescue and the UHC to continue their valuable work," stated Tom Scrima of ACTHA.
 
And it looks like the rescues are ready! With only 12 days into the effort preliminary interest from the rescues is high. "We're getting about a 20% return from our initial contacts within a small test sector of the rescues. Rides are being scheduled almost every day since the original announcement. We've added staff to help with the phones and have dedicated our top trainers to make sure the rides are a success," says Robin Tilghman, Director of Special Projects for ACTHA.
                                                                                         
The effort is planned to go on for the year 2013. ACTHA and the UHC are planning on hundreds of rescues to take them up on the offer which not only supplies funding in the short term but also acts as a funding fishing pole. This results from the rides being repeatable whenever there is a need.
 
With the initial responses it would seem to indicate that up to 500 rides with over 15,000 horse and riders partaking is likely. All made possible by thousands volunteers from Coast to Coast, and ACTHA.
 
"We need sponsors interested in being a part of this cause. There will be a lot of eyes on the effort," said Scrima.
 
For more information see www.actha.us or contact Tom Scrima at 830-693-2065 (tom@actha.us)
 
The UHC is a broad alliance of equine organizations that have joined together under the umbrella of the American Horse Council to reduce the number of unwanted horses and to improve their welfare through education and the efforts of organizations committed to the health, safety, and responsible care and disposition of these horses. 
 
For more information about the UHC or unwanted horses, please visit the UHC website at www.unwantedhorsecoalition.org or contact Ericka Caslin at ecaslin@horsecouncil.org (phone: (202) 296-4031). The UHC website has a list of facilities that accept horses, additional assistance for horse owners in need, free downloadable materials about unwanted horses, and information about owning responsibly.

An Update from Dave Rabe

XPRides.com

An Update from Dave Rabe, recovering from his Death Valley accident

February 14 - Valentine's Day 2013

This writeup is from Dave.  He said he had nothing else to do,so it got kind of long!  When my accident happened on December 30,2012 I feel fortunate to be riding with Robert Bischoff,a retired fireman, Jackie Beaupre,and Judi Hommertzheim who all pitched in with my fall and got me ready to go to the hospital.  I guess my Wyoming mechanic Richard Simcox drove me to the hospital.  Rick is the only mechanic that could fix my truck in the last four years (I have had LOTS of mechanics!) 

Thanks to Jackie Bumgardner for taking care of my horses at her place in Ridgecrest.  Thanks to Tony and Sue Wilkie for bringing my truck and trailer with my horses to Bishop,CA where my good friends Bob and Gina Hall and my favorite nurse Tami Rogeau (who is my hero for serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan) met them at the half way point.  They brought my horses back to Nevada to Jackie Beaupre’s place in Silver Springs,NV.  Jackie is still taking care of my four horses.  She has 2+ acres of sandy pasture which is better than my 20 acres of snow and ice.  Jackie says they love it there.  I still haven’t seen my horses yet.  I really miss them...

Read more here:
http://xprides.com/news/dave-rabe/

Cracker Trail Ride to create cross-state cattle drive for 26th year

Bradenton.com - Full Article

February 13 2013

By JAMES A. JONES JR. — jajones1@bradenton.com

MANATEE -- David and Megan Reed began taking part in the cross-state Florida Cracker Trail ride 11 years ago, retracing the Florida cattle drives of more than 100 years ago from Manatee County to Fort Piece.

David Reed saw it as a way to build his relationship with his daughter, at that time a Haile Middle School student.

It would also build self-reliance, perseverance and responsibility, he said.

"It can be a very difficult ride. It is can be a endurance ride rather than a trail ride. The weather can be drenching wet, cold, muddy, or dry and dusty," he said.

All that time in the saddle and camping at ranches across the state can also build enduring friendships.

For the 26th year, the Florida Trail Ride sets off at 8 a.m. Saturday from Kibler Ranch off State Road 64 in East Manatee...

Read more here:
http://www.bradenton.com/2013/02/13/4391269/cracker-trail-ride-to-create-cross.html

Northwest Regional Director Change

2/14/13

Stephanie Teeter of Oreana, Idaho, will be serving as a Northwest Regional Director after the resignation of Tom Noll. Thanks to Tom for his many years of representing the NW region.

Back Country Horsemen of America Names New Advisor for Wilderness and Recreation

Press Release by Sarah Wynne Jackson

Back Country Horsemen of America, the organization leading the fight to preserve our right to ride horses on public lands, has experienced a changing of the guard. The legendary Dennis Daily recently retired and endorsed Randy Rasmussen as his replacement as Advisor for Wilderness and Recreation.

A Natural Fit

Dennis and Randy met a number of years ago when Randy was working with American Hiking Society and trying to convince them to “work with the horsemen.” In 2008, Randy made sure BCHA was involved in a conference focused on traditional or “quiet” trail use. Since then, Randy and Dennis have been working together to bridge the gap between hikers and horsemen. When it came time for Dennis to hand over the reins, Randy seemed a natural fit.

He comes to Back Country Horsemen of America with a wide range of skills gained throughout his lifetime of interest in protecting both the environment and our ability to enjoy America’s beautiful wild places. He earned a Master’s degree from Colorado State University in Natural Resources and Recreation, emphasizing Wilderness Management, and he has over 12 years of experience developing partnerships to protect traditional forms of recreation and to conserve important landscapes.

National Trails Day®

Americanhiking.org

What is National Trails Day®?

American Hiking Society's National Trails Day® (NTD) is a celebration of America's magnificent Trail System, occuring annually on the first Saturday in June. NTD features a series of outdoor activities, designed to promote and celebrate the importance of trails in the United States. Individuals, clubs and organizations from around the country host National Trails Day® events to share their love of trails with friends, family, and their communities. NTD introduces thousands of Americans to a wide array of trail activities: hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding, trail running, and bird watching and more. For public and private land managers alike, National Trails Day® is a great time to showcase beautiful landscapes and special or threatened locales as thousands of people will be outside looking to participate in NTD events.

National Trails Day® evolved during the late ‘80s and ‘90s from a popular ethos among trail advocates, outdoor industry leaders and political bodies who wanted to unlock the vast potential in America’s National Trails System, transforming it from a collection of local paths into a true network of interconnected trails and vested trail organizations. This collective mindset hatched the idea of a singular day where the greater trail community could band together behind the NTD moniker to show their pride and dedication to the National Trails System.

When is National Trails Day®?

This year National Trails Day will occur on June 1, 2013. National Trails Day is always the first Saturday in June.

View the National Trails Day historical timeline.

Why Celebrate Trails?

America's 200,000 miles of trails allow us access to the natural world for recreation, education, exploration, solitude, inspiration, and much more. Trails give us a means to support good physical and mental health; they provide us with a chance to breathe fresh air, get our hearts pumping, and escape from our stresses. All it takes is a willingness to use them!

National Trails Day® also aims to highlight the important work thousands of volunteers do each year to take care of America's trails. Trails do not just magically appear for our enjoyment; their construction and maintenance takes hours of dedicated planning and labor. So give thanks to your local volunteers and consider taking a day to give back to your favorite trail.

Who Can Host a National Trails Day® event?

Anyone can host a National Trails Day® event. If you need help with programming ideas or would like more information, take some time to read through the materials on the host information page. There you will find all the information you need to host a successful event. Once you've planned the event, remember to register it!

If you have any questions contact John Michels, Trail Programs Manager, at 301-565-6704 x 208 or JMichels@americanhiking.org .

Who Can Attend a National Trails Day® event?

Anyone is allowed to attend public NTD events, unless otherwise noted. All public events are listed under the event search page. Events registered as "private" will not appear on the event search page.

What Kinds of Events are Included?

National Trails Day® events involve a broad array of activities, including hiking, bike riding, trail maintenance, birding, wildlife photography, geocaching, paddle trips, trail running, trail dedications, health-focused programs, and children’s activities. Whatever you like to do outdoors, there is bound to be an event to fit your interests. If you don't find the type of event you want, then plan it yourself -- and be sure to register it.

How do Trails Make You Healthy?

Trails give you the opportunity to get your heart pumping, lungs expanding, and muscles working at various levels of difficulty, thereby improving your physical as well as mental well-being. With obesity rates skyrocketing, exercise is increasingly important, and trails provide a wide variety of opportunities for being physically active.

Does National Trails Day® have to be the first Saturday in June?

If your organization has a conflict with the first Saturday in June, plan your National Trails Day® event for a day or weekend that works best for you. No matter what day you choose, be sure to register your event with American Hiking Society; the national attention will draw more participants and media, and American Hiking Society will help you throughout the entire planning process.

Looking for ways to get involved year round?

Become a member of American Hiking Society or join the Alliance of Hiking Organizations.

2012 Final Report


National Trails Day 2012 Statistics:

2,176 registered activities in all 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, & Canada

157,000 participants (including 21,400 trail volunteers)

375,000 miles hiked

200,000 miles biked

33,000 miles paddled

11,000 miles on horseback

1,291 miles of trail maintained

Horse breeder 'Bazy' Tankersley, of Al-Marah Arabians, dies at 91

AZStarnet.com - Full Article

Veronica M. Cruz - Arizona Daily Star

Ruth "Bazy" McCormick Tankersley, renowned Arabian horse breeder and the founder of St. Gregory College Preparatory School, died Tuesday at her home. She was 91.

Tankersley bought her first purebred Arabian horse when she was 19 years old and opened Al-Marah Arabians in her early 20s when she and her husband moved to Tucson in 1941, according to Star archives.

Tankersley moved the ranch to Maryland in the 1950s but returned to Tucson in the mid-1970s.

In 2001, Tankersley bequeathed the 85-acre property at 4101 N. Bear Canyon Road to the University of Arizona, which will continue to use the property as a working ranch.

Tankersley also helped found horse breeder organizations, created a program to train young horse lovers and was a supporter of Therapeutic Riding of Tucson, known as TROT, a program that helps children with disabilities ride horses.

"You see, I come from that old-fashioned background of noblesse oblige: If you're born with money, you have an obligation to do good works for others," Tankersley said in a biography. "Only in recent years did I come to feel that through Arabian horses I might do more for my fellows than in any other way."

Tankersley was born in Chicago in 1921. Her father, Medill McCormick, was a U.S. senator from Illinois and her mother, Ruth Hanna McCormick, was an Illinois congresswoman. Both parents were also in the newspaper industry...

Read more here:
http://azstarnet.com/news/local/horse-breeder-bazy-tankersley-of-al-marah-arabians-dies-at/article_4d478800-b56b-5a3f-8965-445da75c170b.html

AERC International at Convention

Saturday, March 9, 1-3: USA Chef d'Equipe Emmett Ross will be presenting "International Endurance, Past and Future: Where Are We Headed?"

AERC/USEF committee meetings will be held Saturday morning 8-noon.

TBA: Jan Stevens will speak to ride managers interested in hosting FEI competitions. Complete schedule available at the convention!

Still Time to Sign up for the AERC Convention

www.aerc.org

2013 AERC Convention:
Think Like a Vet
Learn From the Vets

March 8 & 9 - Gran Sierra Resort, Reno, Nevada

The convention is a fabulous two days of endurance, endurance and more endurance! It's a wonderful place to see old friends, meet new ones, and check out all the latest endurance gear at the always-terrific trade show.

For more information and to sign up:
http://www.aerc.org/2013conventionflyer.pdf

USA Young Riders: Interested in riding a 1* or 2* FEI event?

February 1 2013

AERC International's new program allows a $50 ride entry fee subsidy for the first event and $20 for subsequent events (as long as funds are available). If you're a young rider and are interested, fill out the 2013 Young Rider Incentive Program form or see the form for contact information if you have any questions.

http://www.aerc.org/Temp/2013FEIYouthIncentive.pdf

A Tribute to the Still's - Karen Bumgarner

Karenshorsetales Blog

February 1 2013

n December, Cole Still lost his lovely bride, Charlotte, she was 86. Just less than two months after Charlotte's passing, Cole, 93, joined her in the great beyond. They had wed in October of 1942, and had settled in the Prineville, OR. in 1948 with their daughters Connie and Carolyn.

In 1973 the Still's rode the Pacific Crest Trail from the Columbia River to the California Border in 17-1/2 days, setting a new record for that accomplishment as no one had previously ridden it in less than 20 days. Charlotte and Cole rode many rides back in the old days of AERC and PNER. Cole and Charlotte were there helping Lew Hollander and Elwin Wines form PNER in 1972, and Cole always said that he was PNER's oldest member. In 1974 Charlotte and Zella Hai placed 11th on the PNER Top 15 Senior Riders. In 1975 PNER gave out awards to the Top 25 and Charlotte placed 5th while Cole was 22nd; Charlotte also placed 17th on the AERC National Top 25 that year.

I met Cole and Charlotte in 1977 when I began endurance riding. What characters with a great sense of humor. They were truly kind, helpful people and also great competitors. When we first met Cole, he worked at the mill North of Prineville. He had built a corral there by a shed and rode his horse to and from work every day, 16 miles round trip. No wonder the man and his horses were so tough!

In the early 80's we joined the Prineville Ridge Riders and Cole had already been the club President forever. Cole joined the Ridge Riders in 1951 and had been President since 1958! He, Charlotte and the club put on the Prineville Endurance Ride north of Prineville on The Crooked River National Grasslands since 1972. I believe Cole rode that ride for 32 consecutive years, missing it for the first time when he was 83 after Stormy fell with him and he had a broken foot...

Read more here:
http://karenshorsetales.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-tribute-to-stills.html

Search Continues for Missing Endurance Horse in Florida

2 February 2013

Another large search is scheduled today to search for Maruf (aka Magoof), the endurance horse owned by Robin Schadt who disappeared into the forest in Levy County during an endurance ride on January 12. Missing since January 12, the gray gelding was wearing blue tack when he dumped his rider and disappeared in the Goethe State Forest near Tidewater Campground in Dunnellon, Florida (Ocala area).

for more information see
http://www.netposse.com/store/reports/flyer1062.pdf
or contact Robin Schadt at
(708) 280-8241

EHV-1 Confirmed in Horse at National Western Stock Show Rodeo

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Edited Press Release • Jan 29, 2013 • Article #31277

The Colorado Department of Agriculture is investigating one confirmed case of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) within the state. A quarantine has been placed on seven horses, including the index case, and a hold order has been placed on six additional horses who might have had direct contact.

The affected horse, a 6-year-old gelding from Texas, is part of a team of Quarter Horses used during the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) rodeo (which took place Jan. 12-27 in Denver) to pull a stagecoach during rodeo performances. The horse began showing clinical signs of disease Jan. 27 and was transported to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital for diagnosis and treatment. The EHV-1 diagnosis was confirmed Jan. 28.

The affected horse is isolated and in stable condition. The other horses from the team are under quarantine at the NWSS coliseum and hold orders have been placed on other horses who might have had direct contact.

"The department is taking quick and appropriate actions to investigate, control, and mitigate this disease," said Colorado State Veterinarian Keith Roehr, DVM. "We will continue to trace the potential contacts of this horse in order to protect Colorado's equine industry."

The affected horse was housed in the coliseum at the NWSS from January 7 to 28. Neither the gelding nor the rest of the team had any contact with horses being housed and shown in the Events Center and the Hall of Education. Horse owners who traveled to the NWSS and participated in events in the coliseum are urged to monitor their horses for clinical signs and contact their veterinarian immediately if their horse becomes ill or has a fever. Owners who have horses with clinical signs consistent with neurologic EHV-1 infection should consult their veterinarian.

Although it's not transmissible to humans, EHV-1 is highly contagious among horses and camelids, and it is generally passed from horse to horse via aerosol transmission (when affected animals sneeze/cough) and contact with nasal secretions. The disease can cause a variety of ailments in equines, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and myeloencephalopathy (EHM, the neurologic form).

Myeloencephalopathy is characterized by fever, ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the hind limbs, and incontinence. Should a horse with potential EHV-1 exposure display any of the aforementioned clinical signs, a veterinarian should be called to obtain samples and test for the disease.

EHV-1 was also diagnosed in Douglas County, Colo., in 2012. In early May, one horse tested positive for EHV-1. Prior to exhibiting signs of the disease, the affected horse had recently traveled to Colorado from Iowa. The Douglas County horse was euthanized after showing severe neurologic signs associated with the disease.

Three Farriers Recognized As Rising Shoeing Stars

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:

Frank Lessiter

(262) 782-4480, ext., 402

lessitef@lesspub.com
 
Three Farriers Recognized As Rising Shoeing Stars

Three young horseshoers were recognized for outstanding career progress in the equine footcare field during the recent 10th International Hoof-Care Summit in Cincinnati, Ohio. These individuals were honored as Rising Shoeing Stars in a program that promotes the importance of further footcare education while encouraging young shoers to succeed in their careers.

The program is co-sponsored by six outstanding equine footcare industry suppliers that include G.E. Forge & Tool, Delta Mustad Hoofcare Center, Life Data Labs, Purcell Farrier Supply, R.J. Mathews Co. and Vettec.

This year’s program honored three outstanding farriers who graduated from horseshoeing school in 2009 and have spent the past 3 years establishing their equine footcare careers.

The first-place farrier received $1,000 and had his expenses paid to this year’s International Hoof-Care Summit to accept the award in front of the industry’s leading footcare professionals. Two runners-up each received $500 awards.
Jake Giguere of Smithers, British Columbia, is a 2009 graduate of the Pacific Horseshoeing School in Plymouth, Calif. He handles the footcare work of 300 horses in Northern British Columbia and works closely on therapeutic shoeing concerns with most of the equine veterinarians located within 75 miles of his home.

Already on the road to becoming an outstanding farrier at a young age, his goals are to provide a good living for his family, earn the respect from clients and equine veterinarians and enjoy industry recognition as an excellent farrier.
Justin Court of La Grange Ky., is a 2009 graduate of the Kentucky Horseshoeing School at Richmond, Ky. Specializing in Thoroughbred footcare, he grew up around racetracks and breeding farms. Along with his trimming and shoeing skills, he attributes much of his success to being able to stay calm, cool and collected in his daily work.
Wayne Whitson of Viola, Del., is a 2009 graduate of the Lookout Mountain Horseshoeing School in Gadsden, Ala. While he handles footcare work with many types of horses and has done some training of horses, he’s working toward specializing in the footcare work of Standardbred horses.

Nominations for next year’s 2014 Rising Shoeing Star program are now being accepted. To nominate a young farrier who graduated from a horseshoeing school in 2010, send a two- or three-page letter explaining why he or she is a candidate for a “Rising Shoeing Star” award. Mail your nomination to American Farriers Journal, P.O. Box 624, Brookfield, WI 53008-0624 or email it to lessitef@lesspub.com prior to Aug. 31, 2013.

Reynolds and Kimbler Receive Top Endurance Awards at 2013 USEF Annual Meeting

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

January 29, 2013
By Pamela@horsereporter

January, 2013, Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the winners of two prestigious awards in the discipline of Endurance, the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award and the Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy. The awards were presented at the USEF Horse of the Year Awards gala and dinner on Friday, January 18, 2013 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown in Louisville, Kentucky.

Heather Reynolds of Dunnellon, Florida, received the Maggy Price Award sponsored by Gold Medal Farms and Valerie and Larry Kanavy, awarded to the Endurance Rider Ranking List athlete with the most points earned in the competition year...

Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/?p=5762

Memories of 3 World Championships (Part 3) in Sweden - Becky Hart

Beckyharthorsepro.com - Full Article

My plan was simple – in 1989, go to a few races for preparation, then take Rio to the North American Championship in Canada. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with a degenerating disk at the end of 1988, so we modified the plan to have a friend ride Rio. At the first ride of the season, Rio took a bad step and strained his suspensory ligament. At that point I decided to rest him for 6 months so we could both recover. During the last half of 1989 and all of 1990, leading up to Sweden, I swam, worked out with weights and the Stairmaster machine. When I would get bored, I would imagine Rio winding deftly through the woods in Sweden. I would think about all the miles he had carried me without complaint. I only had to swim one mile, do 30 minutes on the Stairmaster! He went 50 or 100 miles every ride – but – he never seemed bored and certainly never complained.

In addition to working out, I started taking riding lessons. Over the years, I had developed some bad habits, some of which hurt my back. Centered Riding, developed by Sally Swift, gave me new riding techniques that made riding much easier on my body. The program worked so well for me that I become a Centered Riding instructor and have taught clinics to endurance riders all over the world.

With my new riding techniques, I entered a 75 mile ride near the end of 1989. Rio and I were both ready – he won the ride and I was not sore the next day – a 1st for me...

Read more here:
http://beckyharthorsepro.com/memories-of-three-world-championships-part-3-in-sweden/

Reynolds Racing Tops USEF Standings for 2012

1/24/2013

Heather Reynolds tops the USEF Endurance ranking for 2012, with her husband Jeremy Reynolds coming in second. The Reynolds train in California in the summers and Florida in the winters.

Third is Cody Boysen, with Steve Rojek 4th and Ceci Butler-Stasiuk 5th.

Complete rankings can be seen here:
http://www.usef.org/documents/disciplines/endurance/Standings12012012.pdf

Owner, others search for frightened horse

Gainesville.com - Full Article

By Carlos E. Medina
Correspondent

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Robin Schadt can't remember exactly what spooked her 13-year-old Arabian named Maruf as she rode the gelding through the Goethe State Forest in Levy County recently, but whatever it was scared Maruf enough that he ran into the dense woods and seemingly disappeared.

"He dumped me. I took a pretty good hit to the head. It threw me for a loop and I'm fuzzy about the details," said Schadt, who was in the forest participating in a 22-mile endurance trail ride on Jan. 12.

Schadt, a standardbred racehorse trainer based in Illinois, spends her winters in South Florida training younger horses for the race track.

"Training is a six day a week job. When I can take a weekend off here or there, I like to participate in endurance riding," she said.

She bought Maruf in 2008 specifically to participate in those types of rides.

"The worst thing was hauling an empty trailer back. It's heartbreaking," she said.

Maruf, who is gray in color, has never run off before. Schadt was riding the Orange Trail in the forest when the horse bolted near Buck Island Pond after they had traveled about 12 miles from the Tidewater Trailhead near Dunnellon...

Read more here:
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20130123/ARTICLES/130129831

USEF Announces Election of Endurance Eligible Athlete Committee

USEFNetwork.com

RELEASE: January 10, 2013
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) has elected a new Endurance Eligible Athlete Committee.

Endurance Eligible Athlete Committee

Melody Blittersdorf, Vice Chair
Kyle Gibbon
Carolyn Hock
Suzanne Hayes
Suzanne Hedgecock
Valerie Kanavy, Chair
Joseph Mattingley
Margaret Sleeper, Athlete Representative to the Endurance High Performance Committee
Deborah Reich
Heather Reynolds
Stephen Rojek

For further information regarding the USEF High Performance Endurance Program visit; http://usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/allEndurance.aspx.

For additional information please contact Vonita Bowers via email at vbowers@usef.org.

Reynolds and Kimbler to Receive Top Endurance Awards at 2013 USEF Annual Meeting

USEFNetwork.com

RELEASE: December 17, 2012
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce the winners of two prestigious awards in the discipline of Endurance, the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award and the Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy. The awards will be presented at the USEF Horse of the Year Awards gala and dinner on Friday, January 18, 2013 at the Louisville Marriott Downtown in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award, sponsored by Gold Medal Farm, and Larry and Valerie Kanavy, is in memory of Maggy Price, who was the 1992 FEI World Endurance Championship Silver medalist instrumental in the development of international endurance in the U.S. The award is presented to the Endurance Rider Ranking List athlete with the most points earned in the competition year.

Heather Reynolds had a remarkable year claiming top honors at numerous endurance races in 2012. She began her year with a win at the Goethe Benefit Challenge CEI2* aboard her own Ta Tiran. Reynolds finished first with her husband Jeremy Reynolds' Stirgess at the FITS 160 km race and came in fourth a month later at the CEI3* USA Team Trial riding her own Riverwatch. At the Zone Team Endurance Challenge, she finished first in two races on her own horses - in the CEI2* with Bound for Honor and the CEI3* with Chanses. Reynolds finished out her year of strong performances by representing the U.S. aboard Riverwatch at the Longines FEI World Endurance Championship, where the U.S. team claimed fourth place.

The Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy is presented to the Endurance Rider Ranking List Junior/Young Rider athlete with the most points earned in the competition year. The Trophy is awarded in memory of Kathy Brunjes, who was a successful endurance athlete and an active supporter of the Junior/Young Rider program.

Sixteen-year-old McCamey Kimbler had a stellar year, starting off with a win in February at the FITS CEIJY2*, riding Jeremy Olson's Noslo's Banjara. Her success continued with an impressive showing at the CEI3* USA Team Trial, finishing in 19th place on Samantha Sandler's Elliptic among the nation's top endurance riders. Kimbler had additional wins at the Spruce Woods CEIJY2* on Kelsey Kimbler's HV Cimmarons Goliath and at the Zone Team Endurance Challenge CEIJY2* on Kirsten Kimbler's Fringant.

For more information about the 2013 USEF Annual Meeting visit http://www.usef.org/convention/

Endurance Horse Missing in Ocala, Florida area

1/12/2013

Note from his owner, Robin Schadt: We were riding the Gator Run 50 (orange loop) Saturday the 12th. Maruf and I were separated about 12 miles into the 22 mile loop. ... He was wearing a synergist saddle with a bright blue tolkat pad and a blue bridle/reins. I appreciate anything and everything anyone can do to help me find him."
 
Name: Maruf
Nickname: Magoof
Breed: Arabian
Age: 13 years
Color: grey
Gender: gelding
  
NOTE: Magoof was FULLY TACKED and BODY CLIPPED except legs and head.
 
PRINT FLYER, pictures, copy Facebook Alert and see details:

Click here

Report on NetPosse:
http://www.netposse.com/view_report.asp?reportid=1834

Memories of 3 World Championships (Part 2) Front Royal, VA, USA - Becky Hart

Beckyharthorsepro.com - Full Article

The next world championship was in Front Royal, VA, USA. Living out west, Rio was used to breathing and working in very dry air. To create a humid climate, I trained him with his stable sheet on over the saddle. It worked very well. I also made the decision to fly him to the east coast – a 15 hour day as opposed to 3 or 4 days driving across the country. Rio arrived at the ride site and settled comfortably into his stall, and did not seem bothered by the humidity.

The weather was very hot and the day before the race we packed the crew bags. We put in only a light stable sheet since it was so hot. The day of the race the weather turned very cool abut half way through. At the 80 mile check it rained and we had nothing to put on the horse. He was very hungry and stood the entire 20 minutes eating. When we went to take him to the out-timer he was walking very stiffly. We heard a collective gasp from the spectators, who were standing under a shelter nearby...

Read more here:
http://beckyharthorsepro.com/memories-of-3-world-championships-part-2-front-royal-va-usa/

Camden hosts S.C. Horse Expo on Feb. 9

Uniondailytimes.com - Full Article

COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Horsemen’s Association Expo will be held at the S.C. Equine Park in Camden Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. The day-long expo features a myriad of horse-related activities for the hobbyist to the professional rider.

The Expo has four presentations scheduled in the main arena, with concurrent demonstrations in separate areas. There will also be a horse health pavilion, children’s activities, and a silent auction along with numerous vendors.

The first demonstration will be the Knights of the Guild-East, a jousting team that brings to life the pageantry and skills of long-ago knights on horseback. They will be followed by internationally known three-day-event rider Lellie Ward, whose teaching methods advocate riding through knowledge. Her Equine/Human Proprioception, or “body awareness,” is sure to open the eyes of many skilled riders to a new method of communication with horses.

Endurance riding is among the fastest-growing equine sports in the country, so an introduction to that discipline is another of the topics in the main arena. Dr. Julia Fisher, an avid endurance competitor, will have a team from the American Endurance Ride Conference to demonstrate behind-the-scenes activities, from vet checks to rules of the ride, conditioning of horse and rider, the various distances involved, and a host of other topics that can help prepare riders for this exciting sport. A three-time National Endurance Champion will be the demo horse...

Read more here:
http://www.uniondailytimes.com/view/full_story/21408080/article-Camden-hosts-S-C--Horse-Expo-on-Feb--9

Memories of 3 World Championships (Part I) - Becky Hart

Beckyharthorsepro.com - Full Article

This is taken from a talk I presented for Equine Affaire and I will cover it in 3 parts. I hope you will please feel free to ask questions in the comments. The sport of endurance is one I never get tired talking about.

After 30 years in the sport, I am still never happier than starting a ride on a good horse. Tonight I share my enthusiasm by revisiting some WC’s in the hopes that you too will see what is possible and that you continue to enjoy this sport to its utmost.

Although I have competed on over 34 different horses, the very best of them was R.O. Grand Sultan, aka “Rio”. Without Rio, I would not be standing here before you. This talk, in a way, is a tribute to him. The first video in the background is of the endurance race at the World Equestrian Games in Sweden, 1990. The second is the WC in Spain in 1992 – the last 30 minutes.You will see when Rio crosses the finish line, his attitude and character. When the horse loves the sport as much as the rider, they give each other the determination and courage to go on.

Riding at an international level requires not only a great horse and a good rider, but, an entire team, working together. Together the horse, rider, crew, veterinarian and farrier work to develop a top athlete. To win at a top level everything must be perfect. The crew must know exactly what their duties are and have rehearsed them to achieve maximum efficiency. For example, in Spain, I never saw my crew during the day. One evening I asked them “ What are you guys doing all day?” They explained that they not only knew how to get to reach of the 6 vet checks, they knew 3 other alternate routes for each one, in case, for any reason, the road was blocked. When I come into a vet check I have my breast-collar unhooked, any extra water in bottles is poured on the horse, my rider card is out, ready to had over. My crew has the saddle off, ice boots on, horse offered water and on the way to the vet box within seconds of my arrival...

Read more here:
http://beckyharthorsepro.com/memories-of-three-world-championships-part-1/

Carla Richardson and SS Kharady Khid +/ Reach 9000 Miles

January 7 2013

After completing Day 3 of the Death Valley Encounter Pioneer in California on December 30 2012, Carla Richardson and her 12-year-old gelding SS Kharady Khid +/ both reached the 9000-mile AERC mileage mark, in just 5 years of competing together.

Carla and Khid were featured in my article in June of 2011 when they hit the 5000-mile mark:
http://merritravels.endurance.net/2011/06/carla-and-khid.htm

Kharady Khid +/ is now currently 24th in the AERC Lifetime Miles rank, and Khid and Carla show no signs of slowing down yet.

"Onward to 10,000 miles for 2013!" Carla said.

2013 AERC Director-At-Large Election Results

January 4 2012

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE ELECTION RESULTS: Congratulations to the following members who will be serving on the board for 2013-14: Tom Bache, Olin Balch DVM PhD, Randy Eiland, Susan Garlinghouse DVM, Terry Woolley Howe, Mike Maul, Stephanie Teeter, Bruce Weary DC. New board members will be sworn in at this March's convention.

AERC.org

2013 Distance Nationals Dates Set

Arabianhorses.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 03, 2012
Contact: AHA
303-696-4500

2013 Distance Nationals Dates Set

Aurora, CO (Nov. 3 2012) - The Arabian Horse Association (AHA), in cooperation with the Arabian Horse Distance Riding Association (AHDRA), will be hosting the 2013 AHA Distance Nationals at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area near Chandlerville, Illinois, October 23 – 28, 2013. Events offered will be:

October 24: 100 Mile AHA National Championship Ride
Open 100 Mile Endurance Ride
Open 50 Mile Endurance Ride
Open 25 Mile Limited Distance Ride
Open 25 Mile Competitive Ride
Open 12.5 Mile Novice Ride

October 26: 50 Mile AHA National Championship Ride
Open 50 Mile Endurance Ride
Open 25 Mile Limited Distance Ride
Open 25 Mile Competitive Ride
Open 12.5 Mile Novice Ride

October 27 – 28: 2-day 70 Mile AHA National Competitive Trail Ride
Open 70 Mile 2-Day Competitive Ride
Open 35 Mile Competitive Rides each day
Open 12.5 Mile Novice Ride, October 27 only

Awards are offered for completion, Top Ten, Reserve Champion and Champion in both the Arabian and Half-Arabian Divisions. AHDRA's forty-year-old traveling trophy – the Harry McGlothlen Trophy – will be given to the first purebred Arabian gelding across the line in the 100 Mile Event. Team awards are planned. All rides are recognized as AHA local rides (exception Novice CTRs) and are sanctioned by Upper Midwest Endurance and Competitive Rides Association (UMECRA). Arabian Breeders Sweepstakes nominated horses will earn points in all eligible rides.

Rules for competing and qualifying may be found at www.ArabianHorses.org, under Competitions → National Events → Distance Nationals. More information about the ride venue, location, and schedules will be available on AHA's web site, on AHDRA's website, and on AHDRA's group Facebook page.

The Jim Edgar Panther Creek (JEPC) Park offers riders varied terrain, having hills and flat ground. There is occasional gravel, so shoes are recommended, though not required. The facilities offer 51 electric campsites, 38 of which may be reserved. Overflow camping in a primitive setting is also available. Showers and toilets are on-grounds. Cabins are available for non-campers. Reservations may be made in advance by going to www.ReserveAmerica.com.

A new ride season, goals and achievements - Karen Chaton

Enduranceridestuff.com Blog

“They say to touch Heaven, your soul must go higher, to streets that are paved with gold and with pearls;
But for me, it’s a ridge, high above an endless valley, being one with my horse, at the top of the world.
Thank you Chief, for showing me the world thru your ears.”

*******

I wrote that many years ago and still feel that I am on top of the world when I am riding Granite Chief+/. He has carried me a long way and together we have experienced some really great adventures together.

At the Death Valley Warmup ride on December 9, 2012 Chief passed his final completion exam and in doing so passed the 13,000 lifetime mileage mark. I was never sure we’d make it this far and am both amazed and impressed that Chief is still so happily going down the trail.

Each time I ride Chief on a ride, I am both happy and sad. I’m happy that we are still getting to share the trails together, but also aware that it’s not going to last forever. That makes me cherish each ride all the more.

I haven’t been planning in advance as far as goals go. My biggest goal for Chief in the last year was to make this big milestone. With 13,020 miles Chief is now the 6th highest mileage horse with AERC, and also the 2nd highest mileage registered Arabian in the sport...

Read more here:
http://enduranceridestuff.com/blog/2012/12/ride-season-goals-achievements/comment-page-1/