Endurance rider plans July event

Lillooetnews.net - Full Article

JUNE 12, 2013

JUNE MELHUISH, SPECIAL TO THE NEWS

About 20 years ago, I attended my first endurance ride in Pemberton. We loaded our QH/Arab mare into the stock rack, the girls into the jump seat of the truck, and headed over the Duffey Lake Road to the ride site. I had no idea what I was getting into at that ride, or that I would keep on going to long-distance horse competitions for so many years… that I would be totally hooked by the sport!

What is it? Endurance rides are competitions over marked wilderness trail for distances of 25 to 100 miles, and allow six to 24 hours for completion. It's a test of horse and rider over challenging terrain, and getting there requires lots and lots of conditioning for you and your horse, and that builds a remarkable relationship of friendship and trust between the two of you that I don't think any other equestrian sport can offer. It also encourages the rider to learn everything out there about how their horse works in order to support their effort, and develop their health and soundness to qualify for the endurance goal of 'fit to continue' at the end of every event...

Read more here:
http://www.lillooetnews.net/article/20130612/LILLOOET0201/306129996/-1/lillooet/endurance-rider-plans-july-event

Horse Missing on Tevis Trail

6/13/2013

A chestnut mare went missing on the Tevis trail along the Middle Fork near Poverty Bar on Wednesday, June 12. Horse and rider parted ways at the Tevis river crossing. Rider got scraped up but is okay, but the horse hasn't been seen since late afternoon 6/12. The horse was located via GPS cell signal between Poverty Bar River crossing and a bit downstream of Maine Bar, could be on either side of the river.

If you can hike or ride in this area or have any information, contact Leslie Spitzer, lspitzer at pacbell.net

Come On and Take a Free Ride!

Your next ACTHA Ride is Free!

Just refer two new ACTHA members before 7/15/13.
Be sure your friends enter your ACTHA ID# when they join.
Anyone who is not a current member qualifies as a candidate.
 
Friends wishing to join ACTHA  at the same time to take advantage of this offer are invited to call 877-99-ACTHA (22842)

For more information see:
https://www.actha.us/

Western States Trail Needs Your Help!

Teviscup.org

June 12 2013

There are three significant trail projects that need attention prior to the running of the Western States Trail Ride on July 20th. The Trail Committee would really appreciate an influx of volunteers to complete these projects.

The three projects include:

El Dorado Canyon - Greg Kimler needs a crew to join him in performing brushing and removal of duff and debris that has sloughed onto the trail. All tools will be provided. All you need is good walking boots, work gloves and drinking water. This work will be conducted during the week, so as to avoid the higher trail usage periods on the weekends. Please e-mail Greg at echovalleyranchinc@yahoo.com your availability.

Granite Chief Wilderness – Phyllis Keller will lead a crew to prune back the regrowth that has occurred since the Western States Run traversed the trail on June 29th. You’ll travel in on your horse, and you will need to bring along a good set of pruning shears. This will also be a great chance to see the trail when not in a hurry on race day, and take in some great views of the Tahoe Basin. Please e-mail Phyllis at phylliskeller@sbcglobal.net with your availability.

Highway 89 Crossing –Marc Van Zuuck will need two crews to assist with trail work on both sides of Hwy 89, south of Truckee. The work will take place on Saturday, June 29th, and involves trail bed clearing and some brushing. Please contact Marc at marc.vanzuuk@fire.ca.gov for more details.

What better way to spend a gratifying day, than volunteering to ensure a successful ride for all of the Tevis Riders in 2013. This ride doesn’t happen without the wonderful volunteers. So show your support and contact these project leaders to commit.

For more information:
http://www.teviscup.org/

Mustang Mountain Ranch looking to be retreat for both people and horses

TheReflector.com - Full Article

Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Devin Higgins staff reporter

The drive past the cast iron gates down the 1/4-mile entry into the Mustang Mountain Ranch is often the best part of Chuck Cowan’s day.

“When the sun’s out and it hits all the trees along the driveway, that’s one of the prettiest places on Earth,” the ranch owner said.

After time spent first in the Army, then operating a successful heavy construction consultation business for the last 15 years, Cowan decided he wanted to get back to his roots.

“I was actually born in my family’s farmhouse in Georgia and grew up riding the mules we used to pull the plows because we could only afford one tractor,” Cowan said. “I would spend my days working with the sharecroppers and just loved it, so it was always in the back of my mind to create something similar when I was old enough.”

Over 53 acres in Yacolt, Cowan and his wife Annette have created a refuge for horses, with everything from riding trails to grazing pastures, a massive indoor competition-style riding arena, grooming bays, and riders with a guesthouse, fitness center, lounge and RV park.

“What I want is for the Mustang to be a place for people to come to from everywhere to spend time with their horses,” said Cowan. “The other goal is to be established as a top-quality rehab facility for horses where they can be brought to, treated and recover in a rural setting they can thrive in...”

http://www.thereflector.com/horse_corral/article_2fe9294a-cd49-11e2-94a9-0019bb2963f4.html

To finish is to win

TSLN.com - Full Article

Wednesday 22 May 2013
To finish is to win

By Holly Thomas for Tri-State Livestock News

Rays of sun falling over sandstone cliffs painted with ancient petroglyphs were welcomed by riders on the morning of the Medicine Lodge Endurance Ride, held at Medicine Lodge Archaeological Site State Park, near Hyattville, WY, on May 11 and 12. Sunrise had arrived and the race would soon begin. Last minute preparations were made and helmets were screwed on tight. The tension in the air from hot, anxious horses and riders was not unlike a barrel race or roping, but the end goal on competitors’ minds was very different: not “beat her time” or “rope that steer,” but simply, “finish.”

The sport of endurance riding has a very long history and trying to pick out a birth place or date for the sport could be difficult to pin down. An article in The Chronicle of the Horse referenced Pony Express riders and the U.S. Cavalry as early and necessary endurance rides (“World Equestrian Games: Endurance,” by Coree Reuter, 8/1/2010); but as years went by, this type of necessary riding was no longer called for. Then, in 1955, an avid rider named Wendell Robie and some of his friends proved doubting spectators wrong as he rode the 100-mile trail from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, CA in a single day. This accomplishment started a spark in the hearts of long-distance riders and The Tevis Cup was born. Later, in 1972, the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) was founded and began setting down rules and sanctioning events across the country. Since then, the sport has had its ups and downs, but according to many riders is back on the upswing – whether that can be attributed to Viggo Mortensen and “Hidalgo” is questionable – but the fact is that interest and attendance are up!...

Read more here:
http://www.tsln.com/agliving/equine/6628928-111/endurance-horse-race-riders

The MAGIC of ACTHA CONTINUES

June 3rd, 2013
           
FOR MORE INFORMATION
877-99-ACTHA (22842)
WWW.ACTHA.US
 
                                         
The MAGIC of ACTHA CONTINUES
$22,015 Given to Charity in the Month of May
 
After a stellar month of rides and ride attendances all over the USA, ACTHA and its devoted ride hosts were able to donate $22,015 in cash to charities across the United States. "This wonderful phenomenon happens month after month at ACTHA and has for 5 years now. We believe our business model is the key and hopefully will set a standard for any others entering our space. The solution to the unwanted horse will not just evaporate. It will take the collective power of our industry in support of each other to eradicate the injustice done to our historical servants and friends. We're just one small grass roots company making our contribution by providing the trail rider with enjoyable week end experiences and giving their riding a purpose. We are very thankful to have been embraced by so many other companies that see not only the chance to help but also see the business opportunities. ACTHA simply channels as much as we can of this generosity generated from our hosts, members, our thousands of incredible volunteers and our sponsors to the charities we serve. All the while chipping away at the leading reason for the unwanted horse; unemployment" states Tom Scrima ACTHA's GM.
 
ACTHA's plan is simple. Individuals from anywhere in the US or Canada apply to put on an ACTHA event. There are two types to choose from. Competitive Trail Challenges (CTCc), very casual and educational and ACTHA's Obstacle Challenges (AOCs). The first, CTCs, take place over a 6-8 mile trail ride while the second, AOCs, take place in an open field or arena. "This way we can serve every region year round" states Robin Tilghman, Director of Marketing.
 
Ride hosts can repeatedly put on ACTHA events after considerable training. The funds earned can be applied to personal expenses or those of their club, organizations or favorite charity. Many opt for a charity but regardless ACTHA donates from every event approximately 20% of its gross rider entry income to charity. The actual charities that ACTHA sends its share of funds to are actually selected by the ride host from a list of hundreds of approved ACTHA charities. Big and small. This way no matter what every ride host gets firsthand knowledge of what is being accomplished and they come back for more. Some hold as many as 10 events per year.
 
"One of the favorite things about my work for ACTHA and the Cause happens every Thursday” states Ann Kinsey, Director of Operations. "First I cut checks to all the ride hosts who have submitted for payments from the last week's events. I send the check directly to them or the charity they have represented. And then I send another check directly from ACTHA to one of our listed charities. I don't know where else I can get this thrill and get paid to do it! The letters of appreciation we get every week chokes me up. It never gets old."
 
ACTHA is well on pace due to their marketing and pacts with major entities like the Unwanted Horse Coalition and Horses 4 Heroes to hold over 1,000 events per year. The role of ACTHA sponsor's is a critical component. Cash is not required to be an ACTHA  Sponsor. Rather ACTHA becomes a meaningful sales outlet to those seeking the elusive trail rider market. Each sponsor offers their products for 15-25% discounts to ACTHA members. " It's really refreshing to see a company like ACTHA knock on my door with a win win proposition versus the typical asking for cash donations that we lose visibility of. ACTHA has become one of our largest outlets for sales. The discounts come back to us as happy customers order more and more of our creations". So state's Molly's Custom Silver, another seasoned ACTHA sponsor.
 
Sponsors that don't sell to the public directly can adopt one of ACTHA's many Medal programs such as the Diamond In The Rough Medal sponsored by Mountain Horse. This medal is given to horses who have found their way into ACTHA from a rescue category. It is awarded for excellence in performance and receives, in addition to a beautiful medal donated by Hodges Badge, a stunning Devon embroidered jacket from Mountain Horse ( retail value approximately $200).
 
ACTHA is happy to share its business plan with any company wanting to join the cause of full equine employment.
 
 
 
The American Competitive Trail Horse Association is based near Austin Texas and for 5 years has been following the below mission.
 
To create an enjoyable venue showcasing the wonderful attributes of the great American trail horse and granting them the recognition they so richly deserve.
 
To create a registry open to all breeds and a point designation system which will stay with each horse for its lifetime, thereby adding to their value and distinction.
 
To create and enable humane treatment options and employment for horses in need.

AERC Nomination Time!

[More ...]

IT'S NOMINATION TIME! Nominations are now open for Hall of Fame/Member, Hall of Fame/Equine, Pard'ners Award, Ann Parr Trails Preservation Award, and Volunteer Service Award. Visit the Membership Recognition/Awards Description page for more details. Nominations are due in to VP Michael Campbell by 8/1/13.

For more information see
http://www.aerc.org/

Back Country Horsemen of America Volunteer in their Local Communities

For Immediate Release: May 28, 2013

Contact: Peg Greiwe
1-888-893-5161
www.backcountryhorse.com
 
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
 
Back Country Horsemen of America is known for protecting our right to ride horses on public lands and for donating millions of dollars of volunteer value each year towards maintaining trails, but their hard work doesn’t end there. These horsemen and horsewomen see themselves as an integral part of their communities and they enjoy using their unique skills to benefit those around them.
 
Cowboy Canned Food Convoy
 
Each year, the Redwood Unit of Back Country Horsemen of California partners with Food for People (the food bank of Humboldt County) for the Cowboy Canned Food Convoy as part of the county’s Annual Holiday Spirit Food & Fund Drive and Hunger Fighter Challenge.
 
Collected cans are gathered at Quality Body Works on West Del Norte Street in Eureka. Just before Thanksgiving, the Redwood Unit loads their pack horses with the bounty and delivers it to the food bank through streets lined with townsfolk gathered to see the horses. The food bank staff greets the horses with carrots and apples. Last year, the Redwood Unit of BCHC transported 440 pounds of non-perishable food donations to be distributed to those in need in their area.
 
The Redwood Unit of Backcountry Horsemen of California is based in Eureka. Many members live in outlying areas, primarily in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. Their local public lands of interest include the Lost Coast, Redwood National Park, Humboldt Redwoods State Park, the Marble Mountain Wilderness Area, Trinity Alps Wilderness Area, Yolla Bolly Wilderness, several BLM management areas, and county park beaches.
 
Cans and Cash
 
The High Sierra Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Nevada participates in an annual food drive for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, which is sponsored by local television stations. Throughout the year, chapter members bring non-perishable food items to their monthly meetings, which are stored for delivery to the food bank during the holidays.
 
Last year, in addition to their gift of 350 pounds of food, the High Sierra Chapter presented the food bank with a generous check. At the chapter’s holiday party, member Don Daniel told the rest of the group that he would match money they donated to the food drive that night. Challenge donations totaled $250 to make a donation of $500.
 
Members of the High Sierra Chapter loaded their donations onto pack horses and delivered them to one of the three drop-off locations, the Carson Valley Inn and Casino in Minden. On a cold, dark December evening, the team rode into the parking lot amidst fire engines with flashing emergency lights, city traffic, and TV camera crew lights. Local people came to pat the horses and have their photos taken with them. 
 
High Sierra Chapter Vice President Edward Acosta was interviewed on live television. The High Sierra Chapter BCHNV has set themselves the goal of increasing their donation this year. 
 
Teaching Future Back Country Horsemen
 
Last summer, a 4-H leader with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians asked Back Country Horsemen of Washington to give their young people hands-on lessons about horses. Five members of the Northeast Chapter attended their three-day campout in July and assisted tribal program staff in teaching horsemanship to the 15 youth (grades 5-8), their high school age mentors, and some adult leaders.
 
Located near Cusick, Washington, not far from the Idaho border, the Kalispel Tribe leases land near Priest Lake, Idaho, an ideal place for the young people to camp and learn. The majority of them were tribal members, but the program is open to all youth in the area.
 
The Northeast Chapter volunteers first taught the basics of safety around horses, horse anatomy, Leave No Trace principles, and packing guidelines. After these lessons, each person had an opportunity to climb bareback onto a quiet, reliable pony for instruction in balance and posture.
 
Then the children worked one-on-one with the horses, learning more about safety, grooming, tacking up, mounting, and riding while being led by the BCHW teachers on the ground. Each group finished with a short trail ride through a meadow and around stands of trees, before unsaddling and leading the horses to nearby Goose Creek for water.
 
The kids raved about how much they enjoyed the horses and the Kalispel 4-H leaders asked the Northeast Chapter of BCHW to expand the program
for next year.
 
Founded in 1976, Back Country Horsemen of Washington was one of the four original member organizations of the newly formed Back Country Horsemen of America. The Northeast Chapter was created in 1999.
 
It’s Not Only About Trails
 
Back Country Horsemen of America recognizes the time and effort these member organizations volunteer to the benefit of the folks around them. BCHA is first and foremost a service organization, and that doesn’t just mean on the trails. These stories are only a few examples of the many ways that BCHA member organizations seek to make our world a better place. Back Country Horsemen of America encourages all horsemen and horsewomen to get involved with local causes with their own unique equestrian style.
 
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!

Tevis Sponsored Junior Rider Program

May 22 2013

**ONLY 8 ENTRIES SO FAR!**

We are 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 you would like to sponsor one of our junior riders,  
contact the WSTF office. 
 
For more information, click here.

To Finish is to Win

Eugeneweekly.com - Full Article

Hitting the long trail, horseback
ARTICLE | MAY 23, 2013 - 1:00AM | BY NADIA RAZA

It is 4:54 pm along a dusty trail in the high desert of Eastern Oregon. I am out of breath, heaving my weight against a wooden post trying to finesse a centimeter of slack in the latch that is holding together a large, awkward barbed wire fence. There is some urgency to my efforts because two humans and three horses are waiting to access the trail on the other side of the fence. We have been riding for 43 miles and we have seven more to go. Welcome to endurance horse riding.

Endurance riding = horses + humans + wilderness + distance — what could be better? Dominated by Arabian horses that evolved with a unique physiological stamina and enthusiasm for distance, endurance riding is a sport, a tradition and a testament to the relationship between humans and horses...

Read more here:
http://www.eugeneweekly.com/20130523/lead-story/finish-win

ACTHA Honors The First Ever Member Ambassador Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                
May 21st, 2013
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION
877-99-ACTHA (22842)
WWW.ACTHA.US

May 20 2013

Judy Limsky and her horse Picasso have made ACTHA and trail rider history. To win ACTHA's Ambassador distinction a rider and their horse must accumulate 600 performance points in the open division. This award is the highest award that can be attained in ACTHA. What makes this even more remarkable than the 100+ competitions Judy and Picasso took part in, is the fact they had never competed in any discipline before ACTHA.
 
"What I find remarkable states Carrie Scrima, an ACTHA Founder, is no matter where we show up on ACTHA's circuits everyone has only great praise for Judy and Picasso. After a lifetime of competing I find this wonderfully refreshing and a good example of the sportsmanship of the ACTHA casual competitor."
 
So much so that ACTHA has instituted a new award, dedicated to Judy's horse, The annual Picasso Award. This award goes to one who is nominated by any ACTHA member or ACTHA judge for displaying dedicated sportsmanship during the ride season. Nominations are sent to a special email address, picasso@Actha.us to continue to honor Picasso for decades of ACTHA rides to come. Any member or host may be nominated with the winner receiving a complimentary lifetime membership valued at a little under $1,000. ACTHA hopes that this tribute will emphasize how much value is placed on being a good sport in their casual competitions. "If the public were open for nominations I'd nominate Mark Limsky who trailered, volunteered and cheered EVERYBODY on at most every event Judy competed in!" chuckled Robin Tilgham director of National Sales.
 
As an ACTHA Ambassador Judy will receive lifetime privileges entitling her to complimentary rides and membership. She will also represent ACTHA on a stipend basis at various events around the country. She will hang up her competitive hat and now wear the role of ACTHA Ambassador while enjoying the ride, side by side of newcomers and friends.
 
The American Competitive Trail Horse Association is based near Austin Texas and for 5 years has been following the below mission.
 
To create an enjoyable venue showcasing the wonderful attributes of the great American trail horse and granting them the recognition they so richly deserve.
To create a registry open to all breeds and a point designation system which will stay with each horse for its lifetime, thereby adding to their value and distinction.
To create and enable humane treatment options and employment for horses in need.

Not Tonight wins 160 km at Biltmore Estates endurance ride

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

May 12, 2013
By Pamela@horsereporter

May 4, 2013, Asheville, North Carolina ~ Nicki Meuten riding Not Tonight, aka, Nellie, has won the 160k ride and Best Condition (BC) at this historic event in the time of 9:59:03. Her finish time bettered the last two years finish by almost an hour. (2012 winning 160km ride time was 10:53:19; 2010 winning 160km ride time was 10:19:12) Nicola Gilbert, riding Cleopatrah came in 2nd by 16 minutes.

Don & Nicki Meuten, veterinarians by trade and avid endurance riders, are doubly proud, as their home-bred, FYF Dutch (LS Zand Grey x Lateef Zeda) with Young Rider, Sara Jack onboard, was first and also took BC in the 120km. Sarah Jack is working to qualify to ride in the FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) to be held July 17-21, 2013, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

Meuten’s Winning Strategy

Dawn Osborne, Don Meuten and Sarah’s father, Blaine, crewed the Meuten horses. From Don Meuten: “They came in together off of their separate loops at the last check for (120km) 75s, second to last check for (160km)100s. Both got through great, Nellie out 1-2 minutes in front of FYF Dutch, so we decided that Nicki would just keep up a steady trot to wait for Sarah and Dutch. We told Sarah just to take off (after her release time); to catch Nicki and Nellie was a piece of cake. Dutch can handle it; he is a 100- miler too...”

Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/?p=6771

Colorado: The Heritage Ride

June 15th, 2013 - Greenland Open Space - Douglas County, CO

Saddle Up, It's Time for a Trail Ride - The Council is having its “first” Annual Heritage Ride in Douglas County, Greenland Open Space, on June 15th,2013. The purpose of this ride is to make people aware of our efforts and the equine industry in our state.  This ride will focus on education of those in and out of the equine community and will be a fundraiser to support our work in protecting horses in our state.  The Colorado Horse Council invites all equestrians to come and join us in a day-long equine adventure, The Heritage Ride. 

There will be educational opportunities for you to learn about trail riding, equine safety and much, much more.  You will also have the opportunity to ride with guest clinicians, Mike Brashear, Debbie Bibb, and Scott Whinfrey.  The ride will be about a 2 ½ hour ride and is right off the hwy at the Greenland open space, just south of Castle Rock.  

For more information see:
http://coloradohorsecouncil.com/index.cfm?id=cca967c8-c94d-48eb-083414b938ed2075&heritage-ride.html

First Person: Peace of the long-distance rider

ABABJ.com - Full Article

Racing through America helps banker slow down

By Steve Cocheo, executive editor & digital content manager

Astride one of his Arabian horses in an endurance race, Jim Lewien's mind narrows to the trail ahead and his mount's performance. "You don't think about work, the bank, or anything like that," says the Colorado executive. "It's very hard riding, but it's very recreational, because it's very physical and you don't have the same mental element you do on the job."

Lewien, chairman of the Denver region of $22.2 billion-assets Commerce Bancshares, grew up riding the horses of an across-the-street friend. They just hacked around, but he kept that love of riding. Yet, life happened in the meantime, and the banker didn't do much more regular riding, other than working some cattle on a relative's farm. Then, about nine years ago, at 59, he discovered endurance riding and bought several young horses that could grow into good competitors.

Distances vary according to race, rider class, and time and trail available. In common to all races is that under the rules of the American Endurance Ride Conference-its motto is "To Finish Is To Win"-horses undergo checks before, during, and after a race. Lewien explains that a horse pushed too hard by a rider-or its own competitive instincts-won't "pulse down" within the time limit. This costs horse and rider some standing.

"The health of the horse is paramount," says Lewien. Typically, during the days that many events last, the rider sleeps near his horses. (Riders may ride multiple horses in a meet.) Lewien's horse trailer has a small bunk space...

Read more here:
http://www.ababj.com/briefing/peace-of-the-long-distance-rider-3934.html

9 Weeks till the 58th Tevis Cup

Teviscup.org

5/17/2013

With 9 weeks left till the 58th annual Tevis Cup, 66 riders are pre-entered for the ride.

See the entry list at:
http://www.teviscup.org/tevis-2013/2013-tevis-rider-list

Tevis Joint Trail Agreement

Teviscup.org

2 April 2013

Dear Western States Trail Stakeholders,

During the past several weeks representatives from the Western States Trail Foundation and the Western States 100-Mile Run Foundation have met regarding the future of the Western States Trail. Both organizations have agreed to allocate resources to work together in maintaining the trail, in preserving its historic nature and in ensuring its accessibility to the public. Our long-term goal is to develop a collaborative, strategic vision for future efforts between our organizations in all of these key areas. Both organizations will do this while working in collaboration and cooperation with the private land owners and other interested organizations and foundations as well as local, state and federal agencies that are charged with managing this precious resource.

We plan regularly updating all Western States stakeholders on our progress in this joint trail agreement.

Sincerely,

Kathie D. Perry
President
Western States Trail Foundation

John Trent
President
Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run Foundation

Local Washingon endurance riders off to fast start

Union-bulletin.com - Full Article

May 15 2013

WALLA WALLA — Walla Walla endurance riders have had a good start to the season.

Dean Hoalst won the 75th “Home on the Range” endurance race in April near Washtucna, followed by a win two weeks later an hour ahead of the next rider at the 50-mile “Tough Sucker” race south of Boise on his horse, Rocket.

At Washtucna, Walla Wallan Heather Ruth Wimer took fourth place in the 25-mile race.

In early May at the 25-mile Prineville, Ore., race local horses Captain Calypso and Sweet Steele, owned by Walla Wallan Ernie Schrader came in second and fourth, with Schrader on Sweet Steele and Katie Glawoski of Stanwood, Wash., on Captain Calypso.

Liz Erb of Walla Walla placed third on a horse owned by local Jerry Parton.

The three finished at the same time but “pulsed down” about a minute apart, Schrader said.

In the longer distance races, the finish time is when the horse crosses the finish line, and subsequently passes the veterinarian exam...

Read more here:
http://union-bulletin.com/news/2013/may/15/local-endurance-riders-fast-start/

Nevada Discovery Ride

May 2013 - 450 Miles for Wild Horses

The Scale Has Tipped...

Right now, more than 35,000 wild horses are warehoused in holding facilities across the western United States. These horses will never be returned to the wild, and they languish in limbo. Government roundups continue annually - at a rate that exceeds adoption demand. Something needs to be done...

Nevada is home to more wild horses than any other state. That's why in May 2013, one mustang, one dog, and one human, will journey across the state to bring attention to their plight and encourage adoption.

The trio will trace the Nevada-portion of the American Discovery Trail: a challenging 450 mile route through mountains and deserts, ghost towns and wilderness, sand dunes and state parks, Pony Express stations and tribal lands. This is the 1st ever solo ride along the Nevada ADT! The equestrian adventure will be captured on film as part of an upcoming documentary about wild horses in the West.

We invite you to follow along on our journey, learn about wild horses, and support our cause. Please consider bringing one of these icons of American history into your home!

http://www.nevadadiscoveryride.com/index.html

Trail Symposium scheduled for Western States Horse Expo in June

Horsechannel.com

The symposium will feature resources for competitive and non-competitive trail riders.
May 14, 2013

Edited Press Release

Of the over two million horse owners in the United States, 73 percent of them participate in trail and pleasure riding. That’s a staggering figure that makes one sit up and take notice. And that’s exactly what the president of Western States Horse Expo Miki Nelsen did 15 years ago when she founded this event.

"I knew how important trail riding was to horse owners, and how important it is to my own heart," says Nelsen. "I finished the famous Tevis Cup Ride in 1994, meeting the challenge of 100 miles over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It changed my life — riding for close to 24 hours over that magnificent terrain is something almost unexplainable.

"I also realized that people are anxious for information about trail riding, camping with horses, challenging events on the trail like endurance and competitive trail riding (American Competitive Trail Horse Association [ACTHA] and North American Trail Riding Conference [NATRC]),” continues Nelsen. "So when I planned the first Horse Expo, I wanted trail riders to have a voice in the activities at the Expo. For 15 years, I’m proud to say that we’ve continued to create and grow an informative Trail Symposium within the Expo.”

This year’s Western States Horse Expo, June 7-9, 2013 at Cal Expo in Sacramento, California, promises to host even more trail experts and trail topics than ever before.

International endurance champion Becky Hart will lend her expertise in distance riding to the audience. She is a three-time FEI World Endurance Champion, was inducted into the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) Hall of Fame, was the AHSA (now USEF) Equestrian of the Year, and won the Tevis Cup Ride twice on the same horse. Her knowledge of the mental and physical qualities of the endurance horse — and what it takes for the rider to succeed—are beyond measure.

Speakers from ACTHA and NATRC are also slated for those who want to ride at a slower pace and travel fewer miles than required for endurance. These two organizations excel in educating people about horsemanship, horse care, veterinary criteria and correct pacing on the trail. For those thousands of people who want to get out on new trails, camp with like-minded people, and see what the judges have to say about their horsemanship and their horse — these competitions are perfect.

Not all the Trail Symposium lectures and demonstrations are about competing on the trail. Horse camping is a wonderful way to be with your horse in the wilderness. Back Country Horsemen of California, represented by the Mother Lode, Sutter Buttes and East Bay units, will set up their "Gentle Use Camp” at the Trail Symposium. These experts will demonstrate what hitches to use, how to tie your horse with a high line, what to pack, how to pack — all the skills necessary to "leave no trace" when enjoying the trails and backcountry.

Horse camping expert Bonnie Davis will once again share her experiences and expertise with the audience. Drawing from her hands-on knowledge, she defines "horsecamping” as getting a horse ready to camp, rigs and trailers; feeds and feeding; weed-free feeds; selecting campsites; keeping a horse in camp; meeting environmental regulations; dealing with bears, mountain lions and elk; safety; emergency care; camping tips and more. Bonnie points out that horsecamping allows a person to enjoy longer trips and spend more time with their horse exploring the trails—regardless of one’s physical condition or age.

Additional presentations at the Horse Expo Trail Symposium are structured to educate horse people about the use and expansion of multi-use trails. Created to inform horse owners of the on-going and pressing issues facing the preservation of trails, the Symposium offers a forum to share ideas and effective actions needed to keep our trails open and used properly. Environmental and political issues will also be addressed, accompanied by blueprints of success when dealing with challenging issues.

For more information about the Western States Horse Expo, June 7-9 in Sacramento, California, visit www.horsexpo.com. Be sure to visit your local tack and feed stores for Expo Bucks — $3 off the gate admission price!

Arabian Horse World to Cover AERC National Championships

AERCNC-Endurance.net

May 13 2013

Equine journalist and photographer Genie Stewart-Spears of Illinois will be covering the 2013 Adequan AERC National Championships in Almo, Idaho for the magazine Arabian Horse World.

The 50 mile ride will take place on September 20th, and the 100 mile ride will take place on September 22. Trails will run in and around the City of Rocks National Reserve.

Based out of Cambria, California, Arabian Horse World is the world's leading Arabian horse publication, offering award-winning coverage of the Arabian breed since 1959.

For more information see:
http://www.endurance.net/AERCNC2013/index.htmlArabian Horse World to Cover AERC National Championships

Tevis Trail Maintenance Alert

Teviscup.org

5/13/2013

TRAIL ALERT: The Tevis Trail Maintenance Crew will be working in El Dorado Canyon on the Western States Trail in the vicinity of Kaput Springs on Friday, May 17; Saturday, May 18; and Sunday, May 19. Please do not ride horses in this segment (near Kaput Springs) during this brief three-day timeframe. It is a safety issue, since the narrow trail on a steep cross-slope has no lateral passage for a horse.

OK to ride nearby segments (from Deadwood down to the Swinging Bridge then ascend to Last Chance) and (from Foresthill to Michigan Bluff, then back to Foresthill).

For further questions, please contact Matt Brownlee, US Forest Service; Tahoe National Forest Trail Manager, at Foresthill Ranger Station; or Greg Kimler, WSTF Governor.

The Tevis Trail Maintenance Crew is always glad to have additional volunteers. You will have to sign the official USFS Volunteer papers.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert H. Sydnor
AERC Trail Master and Tevis Trail Crewman

Vernon Downs EHV-1: One Horse Euthanized

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By The Horse Staff
May 08, 2013

A May 8 statement from New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine and State Gaming Commission Acting Executive Director Robert Williams now indicates that three horses stabled at Vernon Downs Raceway are infected with a strain of the equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1). One of these horses was humanely euthanized, the statement said.

As of May 8, no other horses at New York racetracks or at Vernon Downs, located in Vernon, N.Y., have been reported positive for EHV-1, the statement said.

"The Department of Agriculture and Markets has implemented a 28-day quarantine period," the statement read. "No horses will be permitted to ship in or out of Vernon Downs until 28 days after the Department of Agriculture and Markets has determined that the infected horses stop showing symptoms of EHV-1. Barn number 4 and barn number 2 at Vernon Downs are under strict quarantine, and the only persons permitted to enter these barns are horse caretakers assigned to those barns. Horses in these barns are prohibited from racing or training on the track. These barns will remain under strict quarantine until 28 days after the last signs of EHV-1 are seen in their populations...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/31848/vernon-downs-ehv-1-one-horse-euthanized?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=welfare-industry&utm_campaign=05-09-2013

Endurance riding and EquiPak

Vettec.com - Full Article

Submitted by Vettec Hoof Care
Thu, 05/09/2013

Meet endurance rider and EquiPak devotee Carey Brock from Delhi, California. Carey and her 7 year old Arab mare Khandy Kiss have made quite an impact in the sport of Multi-Day Endurance, trail rides that can span up to five days and beyond. In a sport where few riders log one thousand miles in one year on the same horse, Carey and Khandy have ridden 2,160 miles together in the last two years and are on track to earn the AERC 3K Award by the end of this year. If she makes it, Khandy will be one of the youngest horses to achieve that distinction.

Carey has been endurance riding for only the last 8 years or so, but her lifelong passion for horses helped shape her philosophy of always putting the well being of the horse at the top of her priorities. At a youthful 63, Carey admits to having to think about self-preservation too, especially with a spirited young Arab she calls “an absolute machine.” “Once you pass 60, you seriously have to consider your safety with a bit more caution than when you were 30...”

Read more here:
http://www.vettec.com/content/endurance-riding-and-equipak

National Equestrian Trails Conference 2013

NETC2013.com

NETC 2013
Registration Now Available
July 18-20, 2013 
Rock Hill, S.C.
 
The National Equestrian Trails Conference will be held July 18-20, 2013 in Rock Hill, S.C. The South Carolina Horsemen's Council is excited to be hosting this national conference, which grew out of the Southeastern Trails Conference.

Equestrian trail conferences are driven by the goal of preserving trail riding in natural settings on both public and private land. This conference will focus on preserving cultural heritages-that is, a long-standing tradition of enjoying horse trails in natural heritage settings.

Furtherance of any movement begins with the education of advocates for a cause. The cause we serve is the promotion of land and natural resource stewardship among horsemen, guided by a deep sense of the need for ethical behavior, both ecologically and socially.

Land ethicist Aldo Leopold developed the idea of the "ecological conscience,"  i.e.  the extension of the social conscience to the greater community of soils, waters, plants and animals on the natural landscape. That idea is today universally accepted.  If that community is to survive, we must also maintain the assets critical to the environment, thus enhancing our quality of life.

In our conferences we attempt to create awareness among trail riders that we all must become ecologically conscious of the need for stewardship.  The vision of trail riders as conservationists is a key theme. The future of our trail riding heritage lies in our commitment to this cause.

We would like to recognize our proud sponsors who have already come on board to help support this exciting topic!
 
American Quarter Horse Association
Horse Tales TV         
Carolina Hoofbeats Magazine
Kentucky Horse Council
South Carolina Horse Council
Southeast Endurance Riders Association
Equine Land Conservation Resource
American Endurance Ride Conference
Chattahoochee Trail Horse Association
Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association
South Carolina Upstate Equine council
Start Em Right
South Eastern Distance Riders Association

Results from the Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride

USEFNetwork.com

RELEASE: May 6, 2013
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: Andrew Minnick

Asheville, NC - Endurance riders gathered at the historic Biltmore Estate over the weekend for a ride around the grounds for 80km, 120km, and 160km. Below are the individual results of each division.

80 km
Young Rider: Rae Shumate-Tysor riding Super Sonnic. Time 5:18:35
Senior: Amy Wallace Whelan riding Mahummad Shazam. Time 5:52:58

120km
Young Rider: Sarah Jack riding FYF Dutch. Time 8:21:58
Senior: Jennifer Townes riding Best of Kin PW. Time 8:21:58

160km
Senior: Nicki Meuten riding Not Tonight. Time 9:59:03

The Great 1,000 mile race

Mccookgazette.com - Full Story

Monday, May 6, 2013
McCook Daily Gazette

Walt Sehnert

Recently we came across an article, which noted that the running of ultra-marathon races (endurance races of 50, 100, even 150 miles) was the fastest growing outdoor sport in America. McCook has at least two dedicated ultra-marathoners, who do credit to their sport. This brought to mind a race that originated in Nebraska some 120 years ago, a super race that tested the mettle of both man and beast, and in so doing set the standard for endurance horse races to today.
In 1893, even in western Nebraska, there was a great thirst for news, whether it was local news or news concerned with events worldwide, fueled by the resources of the Associated Press service, the leading news resource of the day. The AP accommodated newspapers across the land, including the Chadron paper. The AP encouraged its members to contribute stories from their coverage area, to be disseminated to papers across the land and abroad. This, Chadron seemed to do -- with enthusiasm. Chadron had contributed several stories, eagerly picked up by eastern papers.

The trouble was that some of these stories were bogus, idea of a couple of Chadron cut-ups, Emmett Albright, a cowboy from Texas and John Maher, a clerk in the Dawes County Courthouse, (and an unnamed friend at the Newspaper. Maher loved practical jokes, to the extent that he was known as John Maher, "Paralyzer of the Truth." Both boys loved to pull the leg of easterners, with stories of a Petrified Man, the Monster from Alkali Lake, and several others. "Those Easterners want to believe that the West is mysterious, with savage Indians, half-wild cowboys, and damsels in distress. We were just helping to bolster those illusions."

In the fall of 1892 the Germans and the Austrian armies waged a friendly 360 mile endurance race, from Berlin to Vienna. The race turned into a disaster...

Read more here:
http://www.mccookgazette.com/story/1966413.html

Young Rider Partners With Kerrits to Let Readers “Design Their Own Riding Tights”

One lucky reader will win custom-made riding tights and be featured in a national magazine
 
May 1, 2013 – Young Rider magazine is inviting artistic young equestrians to let their inner fashion designer out when they enter the Kerrits Performance Equestrian Apparel “Design Your Own Riding Tights” Junior Designer Contest. 
 
The contest, in its third year, invites readers to create a custom pair of riding tights and visit YoungRider.com to submit it online between May 1, 2013 and June 30, 2013. Last year, the contest received more than 900 entries.
 
“This contest offers Kerrits the unique opportunity to receive valuable input and design ideas from young horse enthusiasts across the country,” said Kerri Kent, owner and designer of Kerrits. “Riders that will influence and shape the sport in years to come.”
 
“Every year, this contest is a favorite with our readers,” said Young Rider Editor Lesley Ward. “Our readers are wonderfully creative, and there is no better way to celebrate that than by applying that creativity to their primary passion: riding.”
 
About Young Rider
For more than 15 years, Young Rider magazine has taught young people, in an easy-to-read and entertaining way, how to look after their horses properly and how to improve their riding skills safely.  It is published by I-5 Publishing LLC.
 
About Kerrits
Home-grown performance that sprouted in 1986, Kerrits Performance Equestrian Apparel thrives on creating innovative, functional and stylish performance apparel, uniquely designed for women and kids who ride and love horses.
 
Contact: Lesley Ward, Editor lward@i5publishing.com
 

Two for the Road ~ Horse and Rider Recuperate After Cross-Country Ride

Ramonajournal.com - Full Article

By Jim Evans - Ramona Home Journal • Wed, May 01, 2013

Patrick Tyre and his horse Bucky are both a bit saddle-weary, but you can’t blame them. After all, it isn’t every day that a man and his horse trek halfway across the country — more than 1,200 miles — from Texas to the California coast.

The two vagabonds are currently enjoying some much-needed rest with the Carey family at Rancho Ballena Thoroughbreds in Ramona, a breeding, training and rehabilitation facility for thoroughbred racehorses.

The journey actually began as a fundraiser more than 20 years ago when Patrick, a general contractor from Shelbyville, Del., and his horse Rocky, a Walkaloosa (a Tennessee Walker crossed with an Appaloosa), set out to cross the country from nearby Bethany Beach to California to raise funds for flood victims in Mississippi.

Patrick’s brother Jeff joined them with a support vehicle, and they called themselves The Riders Across America.

The plan was to ride every mile on horseback for one year all the way to California, but the ride ended 1,500 miles and five months later in DeKalb, Tex. Two years later — in 1995 — Patrick and Rocky resumed the ride but had to abandon their quest after just 250 miles this time...

Read more here:
http://ramonajournal.com/two-for-the-road-horse-and-rider-recuperate-after-crosscountry-ride-p5059-1.htm

30 Best Condition Awards for Fire Mt Malabar

Merri Melde-Endurance.net photo

April 29 2013

Heavyweight rider Lee Pearce of the Northwest region and his 14-year-old gelding Fire Mt Malabar hit an impressive milestone at the Owyhee Tough Sucker II endurance ride near Oreana, Idaho on April 27 2013.

After finishing in 6th place in the 50 mile ride in 5:47.01 beside his wife Naomi Preston, Lee and Malabar received the Best Condition award, the 30th BC that the duo has won over Malabar's 7-year endurance career. This puts Fire Mt Malabar in an 8th place tie for all-time Best Condition awards in the AERC. The pair also won the National Best Condition award of 2011.

Fire Mt Malabar is a son of the redoubtable 7000+ mile, 1992 AERC Hall of Fame horse Sierra Fadwah +/, out of Malabar Dawn by Malabar Amir.

Malabar has 3820 miles with a record of 65 completions in 68 starts, with 6 100-mile completions, while Lee has over 5600 miles.

Results from Young Rider Endurance World Championship Team Selection Trial

Horsecollaborative.com

April 20 2013

by Kyle Gibbon

The US Young Rider World Championship Selection Trials went quite well. All very nice looking rider/horse combinations supported by amazing crews, trainers, friends, family, and owners. 9 horses were evaluated today. Rankings will be published in a couple of weeks.

It was very warm and humid on Friday, April 19th in Jasper, Florida. Horses were asked to average a speed of 19 KPH on the first two loops, and average at a speed of 17 KPH on the last loop. The trial was 80 KM's. First loop was 32 KM followed by a 40 minute hold, second loop was 32 KM followed by 40 minute hold, and final and third loop was 16KM, which equates to completing 50 miles at a speed of about 11.4 MPH overall.

Current candidates in alphabetical order:

Mary Katherine Clark - Basha Bada Bing
Jessica DiCamillo - Sha Strike Two
Katherine Gardener - AF Big Bucks
Katherine Gardener - Chasing the Wind
McCamey Kimbler - Cody Canuck
McCamey Kimbler - Fringant
Kelsey Kimbler - Cody Canuck
Kelsey Kimbler - Fringant
Christina Kimery - Wallace Hill Shade
Cassandra Roberts - CA Classy Marina
Kelsey Russell - My Wild Irish Gold
Kelsey Russell - AF Big Bucks
Kelsey Russell - Chasing the Wind

Hoof Clinic to be Held by Christoph Schork at 2013 Adequan® AERC National Championships

www.endurance.net/AERCNC2013

April 14 2013

A Hoof Clinic will be held by Christoph Schork of Global Endurance Training Center at the Adequan AERC National Endurance Championship at City of Rocks. 

Saturday September 21

9:00 - 12:00 AM

Christoph will demonstrate various hoof trims for barefoot riding, shoeing, booting, gluing. Various  hoof protection methods will be on display and explained, followed by a demonstration of an Easycare hoof boot gluing
.
Questions will be answered and participants can bring their own horses for a free hoof and trim evaluation.

The Clinic is sponsored by Global Endurance Center, EasyCare, Equiflex and Vettec.

Vettec will sponsor refreshments during the clinic, and all sponsors have provided give  away prizes for a drawing afterwards.

For more information see:
http://www.endurance.net/AERCNC2013

AERC Group to Ride in July's Cheyenne Frontier Days Parade

The Northwest's Amy Church is putting together an AERC group that would like to ride in the Cheyenne Frontier Days Parade this July in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

World Famous- Cheyenne Frontier Days- World's Largest Outdoor Rodeo & Western Celebration
                                  
*  Cheyenne, Wyoming
*  July 19-28 2013
*  Parade Days Saturday July 20, Tuesday July 23, Thursday July 25, Saturday July 27  Come ride one day or them all
*  No Charge to enter parade
*  Will wear coordinating shirt colors to be announced at a later date
*  Includes a free family day pass to the rodeo
*  Parade route is appx 2 miles with over 10,000 spectators
*  If you need stabling/camping is appx 2 1/2 miles from CFD at $10 stall.  Contact Bob Fecht cell (307) 421-3308 or email rfecht@gmail.com
*   For more information on rodeos, concerts, and other activities at Cheyenne Frontier Days Celebration visit www.cfdrodeo.com
*  Also for more information or to participate contact Amy Church (208) 793-3977 or email 
robertnamychurch@msn.com
*  Deadline is 1st week in June, but please try to confirm sooner if possible

Becky Hart Featured in Tevis Talks

Tevis Winner and World Endurance Champion Becky Hart Featured in Tevis Talks

An intimate evening with a Tevis Winner & World Champion

Join us for Tevis Talks this Saturday, April 13th at the Auburn Fairgrounds. Tevis Cup Winner and World Champion, Becky Hart will be sharing her insights, stories, and wisdom with us. There will be a spaghetti dinner served and no host bar. Don't miss out on all the fun!

For Reservations: WSTF 530.823.7282
tevistalks@gmail.com

Tickets Presale $20-At the Door $25
6:00 Mingle
6:30 Dinner
7:30 Campfire Talk
Sierra Building, Gold Country Fairgrounds, Auburn, California

About Becky

Becky has been involved in endurance racing since 1974.  Since then she has moved up through the ranks and become one of the most successful competitors in the world. While best well known for her many successes with RO Grand Sultan (Rio), Becky has ridden over 31 horses in competition, won races on 12 of them and top tenned on 25. With over 21,000 miles of competition, Becky has won both the prestigious Tevis Cup and Race of Champions rides twice.  She has twice been AERC National Champion and North American Champion.  Becky is the only rider to have won the FEI World Endurance Championship three consecutive times.

Starting at age six with lessons, Becky lost no time in learning the many aspects of horsemanship. A wide range of experience came from being a Pony Club member and competitor in English and Western pleasure, equitation, trail, saddle seat and jumping, and student at Potomac Horse Center in Maryland.

Becky is a level three Centered Riding ® instructor. In addition to Centered Riding, she teaches natural style riding and ground work. Becky has been teaching riding for over 20 years. She incorporates her knowledge of a variety of disciplines to provide a safe, balanced way of riding.  This year Becky will be teaching clinics across the United States, Canada and Switzerland.

In addition to teaching and riding, Becky has served on the AERC Board of Directors, USEF Board of Trustees, is an FEI 3-star judge and has coached and taught world nominated endurance riders for USEF.  She was the Chef d’Equipe for the United States Endurance Team from 2008 to 2010.  She is the manager the Shine and Shine Only Endurance Rides.

For more information, see
http://www.teviscup.org/tevis-2013/wstf-tevis-news/147-featuring-becky-hart

Important Information Regarding the use of Equine Supplements

USEFNetwork.com - Full Article

RELEASE: April 1, 2013
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department

Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation does not certify, endorse, nor approve specific equine nutritional supplements as safe for use during recognized competitions. As a service to USEF Members, and upon request, the USEF Drug and Medication Program office will review product labels to determine if forbidden substances are amongst the specific ingredients listed. However, all competitors are advised that the manufacture of equine nutritional supplements is not currently subject to formal regulation by any government agency; therefore the proportions, source, and quality of their ingredients may not be consistently controlled during the production process and may be highly variable from manufacturer to manufacturer. In the unfortunate event that a forbidden substance is present in a sample collected by the USEF Drug & Medications testing program, the owner and trainer will be subject to the provisions outlined in GR404 and GR406 and will be held accountable as defined in Chapter 4 of the USEF Rule Book.

Vicki Gaebe is Photographer for 2013 Adequan® AERC National Championships

www.endurance.net/AERCNC2013

April 8 2013

Vicki Gaebe of ParkCityPhotography.com will be the official ride photographer for the 2013 Adequan® AERC National Championships to be held in Almo, Idaho on September 20-22.

Vicki describes her work: "Photography is a full-time passion. Whether it is photographing an equestrian event, enjoying the beauty of our National Parks, or on a hike and making 'eye contact' with a bull moose, I've always had a desire to capture it through the lens.  Over the years I have created an extensive portfolio of dramatic shots of animals, flowers, nature and scenes throughout Park City and all over the West, even as far away as Africa, Spain and Malaysia. My photos have been used by tourism bureaus, real estate publications, magazines, online, as well as the Utah Film Commission."

Vicki will have photos of riders available for purchase after the event.

Check the ride website regularly for updates and news, trail videos, and google earth fly-overs.

http://www.endurance.net/AERCNC2013

AERC's New Logo

April 3 2013


AERC.org

Congratulations to Sue Feenstra, whose artwork was selected from all the submissions in the recent AERC new logo contest. The switch to the new logo is underway. Tshirts will be available soon from AERC.org

American Trail Gear is latest AERCNC Sponsor

www.endurance.net/AERCNC2013

April 2 2013

American Trail Gear (http://www.americantrailgear.com/) is the latest to join as a sponsor for the 2013 Adequan® AERC National Championships to be held in Almo, Idaho on September 20-22. As a Bronze Sponsor, American Trail Gear will provide High Vet Score awards for the 50 and 100 mile rides.

Check the website regularly for updates and news, trail videos, and google earth fly-overs.

http://www.endurance.net/AERCNC2013

Entry fees and applications will be posted soon.

Rooms are filling fast at the Almo Creek Lodge - to reserve a room contact http://www.almocreek.com/lodging/

The late, great (fake) Texas-to-Vermont Horse Race

GMoutlook.com - Full Story

Rutland — A popular Disney/Touchstone movie, titled “Hidalgo”—directed by Joe Johnston, starring Viggo Mortensen, and written by Vermonter John Fusco—has had a number of western, and Vermont, history scholars in a tizzy ever since its 2004 release.

The “based on a true story” movie, now available on DVD for home viewing, tells the amazing tale of U.S. Cavalry dispatcher, Buffalo hunter, and stunt rider Frank T. Hopkins, and a mustang named Hidalgo.

Hopkins claimed to have competed in (and won) over 400 endurance horse races, including the 1890 “Ocean of Fire” race—a 3,000-mile ride from Aden to Syria across the Arabian Desert—depicted in the Disney movie.

But Hopkins, it turns out, may have been among the biggest wild west story tellers to ever warm his saddle sores beside a trailside campfire.

“The races run and won by Hopkins make up, to say the least, an impressive catalogue,” according to blogger Peter Harrigan. “If substantiated, they place Hopkins well at the head of horseback-endurance riders in history...

Read more here:
http://www.gmoutlook.com/news/2013/apr/01/late-great-fake-texas-vermont-horse-race/

ACTHA Offers Bold Guarantee: "Use It or Don't Lose It"

March 26th, 2013
 
With the proliferation of ACTHA events nationwide, the American Competitive Trail Horse Association is showing their members some love and confidence.
 
"It's a pretty simple guarantee," says Robin Tilghman, Director of National Sales. "ANY MEMBER OF ACTHA, NEW OR OLD, THAT IS NOT ABLE TO ATTEND AT LEAST 2 EVENTS DURING THEIR MEMBERSHIP YEAR CAN GET THEIR MEMBERSHIP RENEWED AT NO CHARGE."  It doesn't matter what the reason is. ACTHA realizes things happen: Horses get sick, people get sick, weather is unpredictable and any number of events can happen that can keep a member from participating as often as they’d like."
 
"It's the right thing to do and I think it exemplifies the dedication of ACTHA to our loyal members, current and future," states Ann Kinsey, ACTHA's new Director of Operations. "Putting our members needs first we know will pay off down the road".
 
After having more than 1,000 rides, ACTHA prepares for its fifth year of offering Competitive Trail Challenges throughout the USA. The team is confident the next 12 months will bring more rides to more places than ever before. They bolster this statement with signed agreements with the Unwanted Horse Coalition and Horses 4 Heroes. Together these two organizations have over a thousand registered rescues and locations hoping for an ACTHA event to help them with their fiscal needs. According to Ms. Kinsey, "We most likely will not be able to accommodate all of them over the next 12 months but we're sure going to help as many as we can. These new locations, along with our historical growth from repeat and new rides virtually assure that all ACTHA members will find numerous opportunities to participate throughout the year. But if they can’t make at least two rides, they can get a free renewal. Pretty straight forward."
 
"It’s going to be a record year for the horses we serve, our riders, our hosts and our dozens of sponsors, of that you can be sure, "says Carrie Scrima, ACTHA Co-Founder.
 
Feel free to call regarding no cash sponsorship opportunities.
Call 877-99-ACTHA (22842).
 
 
The American Competitive Trail Horse Association is based near Austin Texas and for 5 years have been following the below mission.
 
To create an enjoyable venue showcasing the wonderful attributes of the great American trail horse and granting them the recognition they so richly deserve.
To create a registry open to all breeds and a point designation system which will stay with each horse for its lifetime, thereby adding to their value and distinction.
To create and enable humane treatment options and employment for horses in need.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Andrew McNeall
877-99-ACTHA (22842)
andrew@actha.us

Dave Rabe On The Mend

xprides.com/news/dave-rabe/

March 28 update from Dave: I’ve made it through my surgery ok and I am on the trail to recovery. I have had one issue with my left arm so far. It has gone numb a few times for about 15 minutes each time,and then it goes back to normal. The doctors don’t know for sure what is causing it yet. I’m doing cat scans and MRI’s for awhile to see how my head injury is progressing. So far everything is looking good. I’ve had no headaches since my surgery. I do have two new holes in my head (one of them was a bonus) from the surgery. They are both healing really good.

Overall I am just taking it easy and trying to get my head to heal. I’ve only been able to see one of my horses so far since the accident as they are still at Jackie Beaupre’s. My favorite female Carolyn is riding Rushcreek Ok. She did the Rides of March on him recently and is keeping Ok at her place in Washoe Valley.

My house is back to normal now thanks to my endurance rider electricians Pam Anderson and Joyce Stoffey and my friend Kenny Creech. They have got all of my electrical problems fixed now.

My old endurance riding partner Bonnie Way came up to see me. It was great to see her again. I think I rode over 10,000 miles with Bonnie. She is known as the mean nurse from California. She is a really great lady and a Hosebag.

I hope to be riding by this fall and look forward to seeing all of you then. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers and cards. You will see me with a helmet on from now on,as I’ve gotten a little smarter now. (the hard way)

~Dave Rabe

For more updates, or to leave a get well comment for Dave to read, go to:
http://xprides.com/news/dave-rabe/

AERC Trail Master Course

AERC.org

Leatherwood Mountains, Ferguson, North Carolina, August 22-25, 2013. Contact host Mike Everett for information and to sign up for the class: 828-781-2274, mikeeverett@embarqmail.com

AERC's Trail Master Program

AERC sponsors Trail Master classes across the U.S. In addition to teaching endurance riders the proper way to design and build new trails -- and maintain and improve existing trails -- we invite two land managers to attend the class with riders. Mornings are spent in the classroom. A written test follows at lunch, and afternoons are set aside for field work and getting one's hands dirty.

Those who graduate from the four-day course are certified crew leaders, and can go anyplace to lead crews in the proper way to maintain, build and design trails. By working together with our land managers we can build sustainable trails for the future.

For more information, see:
http://www.aerc.org/TrailMaster.aspx

Kentucky: Cave Run Non-Motorized Trails Project

March 25, 2013

From the Daniel Boone Project Team 
 
We are planning to make a decision on the Cave Run Non-Motorized Trails Project in April or May this year. This is a later than what we had hoped, but we continue to move forward. Resource specialists have completed an analysis of the physical, biological, social, and economic effects of each of the alternatives that were presented in the Comment Period Report we released August 31, 2012.
 
Currently, other agency partners are reviewing the environmental analysis. We expect these reviews to be completed in April. The Forest Supervisor will then make a final decision based on 1) the effects of project activities disclosed within the resource analyses; 2) which alternative best meets the project purpose and need; and 3) which alternative best addresses the issues raised during scoping and the comments received during the legal comment period.

We will let you know when a decision has been made and the completed Environmental Assessment and decision document have been posted on the Daniel Boone National Forest website. You can access this website to review other project documents here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/projects/dbnf/landmanagement/projects
 
We will keep you informed of further progress and any changes that may occur. Please contact me with any questions at rriegle@fs.fed.us or at 989-724-9381.
 
Becky Riegle 
Cave Run Trails Project Team Leader

Santa Barbara Co., Calif., Horse Positive for EHV-1

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Erica Larson, News Editor • Mar 26, 2013 • Article #31591

A Santa Barbara County, Calif., gelding has tested positive for non-neuropathogenic equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) reported March 25.

"A Welsh Cross gelding in Santa Barbara County displaying neurologic signs on March 20, 2013, has been confirmed positive for the non-neuropathogenic strain of EHV-1," the CDFA reported in a statement on their website. "This strain of virus is responsible for the more common respiratory EHV-1 cases. A small percentage of non-neuropathogenic EHV-1 infected horses can display neurologic signs and are classified as equine herpes myeloencephalopathy cases which are a reportable condition in California...

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http://www.thehorse.com/articles/31591/santa-barbara-co-calif-horse-positive-for-ehv-1?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=health-news&utm_campaign=03-26-2013

Running Bear is latest AERCNC Sponsor

www.endurance.net/AERCNC2013

March 24 2013

Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear Endurance and Trail Riding Essentials is the latest entity to join as a sponsor for the 2013 Adequan® AERC National Championships to be held in Almo, Idaho on September 20-22.

Teddy will supply 100 Rider Vet Cards for the event.

Susan Garlinghouse DVM and Art King DVM are the newest members of the Veterinary staff, along with Head Veterinarian Michael Foss DVM and Robert Washington DVM.

Check the website regularly for updates and news, trail videos, and google earth fly-overs.

http://www.endurance.net/AERCNC2013

Entry fees and applications will be posted soon.

Endurance rider racks up miles

TheLCN.com - Full Article

March 23, 2013 by Sally Fox

The winter months bring out the couch potato in many of us. Libby Llop of Caledonia has found another way to put in serious seat time waiting for spring to arrive.

This would involve flying to Colorado and then driving and riding more than 3,800 miles to compete two weekends in a row in endurance rides in Texas and California before returning to Fort Collins, Colo.

Llop has been an endurance rider for quite some time. She and her Arabian mare, Fly So Free, were recognized at this year’s American Endurance Ride Conference convention as a Decade Team for having completed at least one recognized 50-mile ride per year for 10 consecutive years.

About 10 years ago, Llop accompanied her husband, Dr. Quentin Llop, when he took part in a short course on embryo transplants at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Prior to the trip, Libby inquired in an online endurance riding group about anyone in that area that she might connect with to help pass the time while Quentin was in class.

Thus she came to meet Linda Fisher of Kenlyn Arabians in Aurora and Fort Collins. With more than 21,000 competition miles to her credit, Fisher’s primary interest nowadays is breeding quality endurance horses. The top market for her horses is, not surprisingly, Middle-Eastern sheiks with money to spare. Still, the preference of such buyers is for proven mounts with low wear and tear, but internationally-recognized competition mileage...

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http://thelcn.com/2013/03/23/endurance-rider-racks-up-miles/

Oklahoma Horse Processing Bill Advances

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Pat Raia • Mar 19, 2013 • Article #31547

A bill aimed at facilitating the establishment of the horse processing industry in Oklahoma is another step closer to becoming law after being passed by members of that state’s Senate committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.

Horse processing has not taken place in the United States since 2007 when a combination of legislation and court decisions shuttered the last remaining horse processing plants in Illinois and Texas. Currently horse slaughter for human consumption is prohibited by Oklahoma state statute. Commercial horse slaughter in the United States became possible again in 2012 when Congress passed legislation that did not specifically deny the USDA the funding to carry out inspections at domestic horses processing plants. Some Oklahoma lawmakers supported the resumption of horse processing in that state even before the federal funding ban was lifted...

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http://www.thehorse.com/articles/31547/oklahoma-horse-processing-bill-advances?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=welfare-industry&utm_campaign=03-21-2013

Endurance rider preparing for 2013 season

Laramieboomerang.com - Full Article

BY EVE NEWMAN / EVEN@LARAMIEBOOMERANG.COM • FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

Laramie endurance rider Bonnie Swiatek will be spending a lot of hours on horseback this summer.

Swiatek and Sky, her horse, will ride hundreds of miles together in endurance rides around the West. At 16, Sky is hitting her peak year for endurance riding, and Swiatek hopes to take advantage.

“This is her year. I’m pretty excited about that,” Swiatek said.

Endurance riding is an equestrian sport in which horse and rider compete in distances of up to 100 miles at a time. The winner crosses the line first while the horse must pass periodic veterinary checks to ensure its health and fitness. Riders must manage themselves, their horse, the weather and the trail, Swiatek said.

“Every ride is a little different. You can’t just bull your way through. If you ride fast and go fast all the time, your horse will break down,” she said.

Swiatek, 68, competes in a division called limited distance, where rides are 25-35 miles a day, with some events lasting several days.

In 2012, she was named the limited distance champion of the Mountain Region by the Mountain Region Endurance Riders for completing the most miles on a single horse. That honor came despite a fall in which she broke her collar bone and had to sit for six weeks...

Read more here:
http://www.laramieboomerang.com/articles/2013/03/22/outdoors/doc514bd388e9391097306242.txt

Green comes to Cascade Gold

Horsebytes Blog - Full Story

by Monica Bretherton

“We’re like an old married couple,” Cathy said as she cruised down the trail on Galen.

Maybe its not quite like a typical human marriage – they’ve been together since his birth, and Cathy orchestrated the cross that produced him, but there are some similarities.

Back in 2000 when Galen was a beautiful, gleaming foal who everyone wanted because of his color, he also demonstrated his strong will. Cathy often found herself talking people out of buying him instead of trying to sell him. He was not going to be an easy horse for an inexperienced handler.

As he matured, Galen kept his strong will, but with a careful, consistent foundation, somehow Galen’s “one true way” was also Cathy’s way most of the time.

That found its best expression on the trail. Galen is happy when things are technical – you can see how his mind clicks on when the footing is tricky or the way is twisty. Fast is okay too, and in front is definitely best. Cathy has a competitive streak too – back in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, there are some boys who remember playing hockey against her. Endurance turned out to be a good fit for both of them, and it is not surprising to see Galen listed as a breed champion...

Read more here:
http://blog.seattlepi.com/horsebytes/2013/03/17/green-comes-to-cascade-gold/

Fire horse, endurance riding

Fillmorecountyjournal.com - Full Article

By Andy Siefert
Mon, Mar 18th, 2013

Fillmore County resident Barry Saylor is a horse endurance rider. Horses, is what he does. “It’s all I do. I don’t do tennis or play golf. I do horses,” Saylor said.

Saylor’s horses are Paddy and Mini. He prefers short names. “It’s important for me to have something that rolls off the tongue,” he said. “Easy.”

Paddy is 11-years-old and Mini is 10-years-old. They’re Arabians and according to Saylor, both are at their peak for endurance riding.

“Mini is the dominant one,” Saylor said, “Mellow. He’s come a long way from when I got him.”

“Paddy,” Saylor added, “is hot, explosive. He’s got as much fire in his belly as any horse I’ve ever ridden.” But Saylor, passionate about his horses, agreed that he has a bit of that fire inside him too. “I like that fire,” he said. “Everyone has to ride the horse that they like...”

Read more here:
http://fillmorecountyjournal.com/single.php?article_id=29825