Now it’s time to Take A Break: Toth, Quake win 100-mile Tevis Cup

Re-posted from Roseville and Granite Bay Press Tribune

After a hard day of work on an uber-hot Western States Trail, Quake received the ultimate reward: a fistful of carrots.

And after galloping for 100 miles in just under 17 hours, the 8-year-old chestnut gelding devoured his victory treats in a matter of seconds.

Rusty Toth, the man aboard Quake, was quick to deflect credit for winning this year’s Tevis Cup in a time of 16 hours, 57 minutes.

“It’s all about the horse,” Toth said of his steed, also known as Take A Break. “He did it — not me.”

Toth and Quake never held the lead throughout the ride that started at 5:15 a.m. until it mattered most.

With five miles to go until the official finish line at the Auburn Overlook, the winning duo took advantage of their window of opportunity.

Toth, who won the Haggin Cup last year after a fourth-place finish, described the win as amazing.

“Last year I won Haggin, so this is the icing on the cake, I guess,” he added. “It’s a pretty amazing feeling to come here and win this. I never ever, ever dreamed I’d win this ride.”

Toth, who lives in Durango, Colo., isn’t used to temperatures that exceed 90 degrees. While riding up the El Dorado Canyon, he pointed out that it was 108 degrees at the bottom.

“It slowed me down quite a bit,” he said of the sweltering weather.

The same went for the rest of the field

At 6:18 p.m., the Tevis Cup's official Twitter account tweeted, "Due to the extreme heat, all cut off times except for the finish line at 5:15 (a.m.) have been extended by 15 minutes.”

One horse had to be put to sleep during the endurance event, according to the official Tevis Cup Facebook page.

“The Tevis unfortunately had a fall accident today with horse and rider #140, last name Williams,” a post on the fan page said. “The horse fell, not far off of Cougar Rock and sustained a serious neck injury. The rider was not injured. A veterinarian attended to the horse. The horse’s injuries left no option but to euthanize. The Tevis regrets this unfortunate accident; however, it was just that – an accident.”

Horse No. 140, Diamond Ruler L, was being ridden by Kelly Williams of Penryn.

“It was a fall accident,” said Ride Director Chuck Stalley. “A seasoned rider and a seasoned horse. Horse rescue was caring for the horse for three hours.

“…Very unfortunate. Our hearts go out to the owner of the horse and the family. It’s a difficult ride.”

Jennifer Waitte of Yountville, who held the lead for a majority of the afternoon, finished second at 10:29 p.m. along with third-place finisher Jenni Smith of Moraga. Both reached the finish 17 minutes after Toth.

Christoph Schork of Utah was fourth and Colorado’s Kevin Myer fifth.

Auburn’s Hal Hall, seeking his 3,000-mile buckle, was in 24th place at press time.

Barbara White of Scotts Valley, who has a record 32 finishes, was pulled at Foresthill because of surface factors.

Penyrn’s Shellie Hatfield, chasing her 1,000-mile buckle, was pulled at Foresthill by her own choice.

Starting at Robie Park near Squaw Valley, 160 riders took off with the goal of trying to reach Auburn within 24 hours. Late Saturday night 68 riders had already been pulled from the ride.

Reach Matthew Kimel at matthewk@goldcountrymedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@matthewkimel

[More plus videos...]

Back in the saddle again: Auburn’s Hal Hall chasing 3,000-mile Tevis Cup buckle

Longtime rider would be 'honored' if Barbara White presented him the award

By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor


The Auburn resident, a three-time Tevis Cup winner who started competing in the equestrian endurance event in 1969 at the age of 14, has the opportunity to do something no man has ever done before.

If Hall can finish the 100-mile ride that starts Saturday at Robie Park near Squaw Valley and ends at the Auburn Overlook in fewer than 24 hours, he’ll earn a 3,000-mile buckle for finishing Tevis Cup on 30 different occasions — each in less than a day.

Hall, however, wouldn’t be the first person to receive the rare buckle. Barbara White of Scotts Valley acquired one — the only one to ever be awarded — in 2010.

“Like the other (years) in the past, I look forward to riding and competing in the Tevis Cup along the Western States Trail,” Hall said in an email to the Journal. “Probably more so since I will be joining Barbara White as the only other horseman to earn a 3,000-mile, 30-day buckle.”

White, who has known Hall for 45 years, recently expressed that she’d like to be the one to present Hall the hardware when the time comes.

“I’ve known him since he was a teenager and I was 20,” White said. “I’ve known him through every stage of our lives. I’m hoping for a great ride for Hal. He’s an exceptional rider. I’m pretty sure he’ll make it. He’s a savvy fellow.”

Added Hall: “I would be honored to receive the award from Barbara as she has set the standard for what all Tevis riders aspire.”

Hall, who won his first Tevis Cup in 1974 and last in 1990, will be aboard PR Comet for the 58th running of the endurance ride. The 17-year-old Arabian/Standardbred is a gelding owned by Fred Emigh of Georgetown in El Dorado County.

Hall, who also serves on the board of governors for the Western States Trail Foundation, is a three-time Haggin Cup winner.

The Tevis Cup is awarded to the first-place finisher while the Haggin Cup goes to the rider in the top 10 whose horse is judged most fit to continue riding at the conclusion.

Riding CR Rohbellion, Hall finished in 66th place in the 2012 rendition of the ride in 22 hours, 56 minutes.

This year marks the 38th time Hall’s attempted the ride. He was pulled during his first attempt, but a year later at the age of 15 he picked up his first buckle.

“I was there when he got his first one,” Ride Director Chuck Stalley said. “It seems like yesterday. Some of us have been doing this a long time.”

Reach Matthew Kimel at matthewk@goldcountrymedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@matthewkimel

[More ...]

Distance Rider dies in horse accident

By Shaun Hall of the Daily Courier

A local woman who loved horseback riding died Saturday after a riding accident outside Bend.

Beth Bliss, a longtime nurse with Asante, and a board member with local horse organizations, was 61.

Nine years ago, Bliss was featured in the Daily Courier, after fulfilling a lifelong dream of completing a 100-mile horseback endurance ride called the Tevis Cup, through the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe. Saturday's accident occurred six miles into a 50-mile ride northeast of Prineville.

"One of the most important things for us is that Mom went out doing something she loved dearly," her daughter, Sarah, said Wednesday.

Bliss died at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend, where she was flown by helicopter after the accident. Her horse apparently stepped in a hole in an old logging road and threw her about 20 feet, according to an account provided by the family. She wore a helmet and was found unconscious by fellow riders. The helmet was dusted, but not otherwise damaged.

"She was full of joy and life," Sarah said. "I think she loved it (horses and horseback riding) almost more than anything."

Her first horse was a wild mustang she broke herself, after obtaining it from the Bureau of Land Management, back when the family lived in Nebraska.

In 2001, the Bliss family moved to Grants Pass, where Beth worked as an emergency room nurse at what is now Three Rivers Medical Center. She left the job after 10 years, until returning in January to an on-call position there.
Last month, the family had a reunion on the Oregon Coast, near Lincoln City.

"We were lucky to have that time with her so close to her passing," Sarah said. "Mom being Mom did all sorts of things with us: clamming, just enjoying life and having fun with family."

Bliss is survived by her husband, Barry, of Grants Pass, and two daughters: Sarah, of Brighton, Colo., and Autumn, of Grants Pass, and Autumn's daughter, Madelynn.

A memorial event is set for 4 p.m. Saturday at 10100 North Applegate Road. Visitors should bring a dish to share, beverages, a chair and stories to tell about Bliss. Coincidentally, the annual Tevis Cup is held Saturday.

Donations may be made in her name to Grayback Brushriders, P.O. Box 102, Williams, OR, 97544. Bliss was secretary of the organization. Donations also may be made to Rogue Riders, c/o Gerry Luternauer 13237 East Evans Creek Road, Rogue River, OR, 97537. Bliss was vice-president of that group.

Hull & Hull Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.

A Look Into The World Of Endurance Horse Racing

Harold Kuntz, News On 6



At only 10 years old, Christina Kimery rode in her first endurance horse race. It was a 25-mile race. Five years later, Kimery is the headed to represent her country in France as the No. 1 racer in the country.

"Being as old as I am, it's pretty shocking to me that I can make it to the top," Kimery said.

Kimery is the No. 1-nominated entry for endurance horse racing for junior and young riders in the U.S. Think of endurance racing as cross country for horses. The horses are checked by a veterinarian every 15 to 20 miles, and it's a long trek -- so you have to make sure the horse and rider get along.

"You always have to figure them out," Kimery explained. "How they are, their personality. To see how they like you, because if they don't they will let you know."

Not only does endurance racing take patience for the rider but for the horse as well. It takes two to three years to get the horse ready for races about 75 to 100 miles long. And throughout the race there are some pretty scary obstacles.

"My horse snorted and about 50 deer flew around me and then took off. My horse about dropped down to the ground fainting."

But despite the obstacles, Kimery has been up to the task, winning multiple national events. And although the trip is costly, it all pays off to hopefully become champion.

"It's going to be a chore getting the horse over there. But once its race day it pays off. The feeling of winning and racing 75-100 miles is rewarding."


[More ...]

Pony express: Field of 165 to take on 100-mile Tevis Cup endurance event

By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor Auburn Journal


A wide-open field of 165 is set to take on the Western States Trail Ride this Saturday.

Starting at Robie Park near Squaw Valley at 5:15 a.m., riders and their horses will attempt to make it to the Auburn Overlook within 24 hours when the 58th annual Tevis Cup gets underway.

The prestigious equestrian endurance event will be contested without last year’s winners, Garrett and Lisa Ford, who didn’t sign up because they’re busy working at home in Colorado.

Nonetheless, there are still plenty of talented riders and four-hoofed animals entered.

“There’s about 20 horses that you could expect to finish in the top 10 because of their record,” said Ride Director Chuck Stalley. “I would pick 10 from that group that the winner would come from.

“It’s always an open field in Tevis — stuff happens. The winner in his interview a couple of years ago said there are a million things you need to do to finish the race. You have to ride a smart ride and not fall down. On a hot day you’ve got to judge your horse accordingly and ride a smart ride. When you’re competing, you’re pushing the edge and each other. All of those front runners don’t always finish.”

Last year, there were 204 starters but only 98 finishers (48.04 percent) as 106 horses were pulled.

Stalley expects the winner to arrive in the Endurance Capital of the World around 10 p.m., but added that weather could be a factor. A cool day could lead to a 9:30 p.m. finish, where a scorcher could slow the horses and their riders down. After reaching the Auburn Overlook, finishers will trot into McCann Stadium at the Gold Country Fairgrounds for spectators.

Like the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, Tevis Cup has several subplots.

“There’s those who are going to win it, dream about a top-10 finish and those that want to finish for the first time and get their first buckle,” Stalley said. “Then there’s those that are going for 1,000- or 2,000-mile buckles. There’s races in the race. It’s me against the trail.”

With the race just a few days away, here are some storylines to pay attention to:

High mileage

Barbara White may soon have company in the 3,000-mile buckle club.

White, who has a record 32 finishes, is the only rider in Tevis Cup history to earn a 3,000-mile buckle.

Asked why she keeps coming back nearly year after year, White said, “I like it because it’s a historical trail.

“You’re heading west all day long toward a destination. It’s a fabulous event.”

Stalley said White’s finish rate is unprecedented in the sport.

But Auburn’s Hal Hall, who has recorded 29 finishes, could be joining White in the 3,000 club this year if he completes the trail in fewer than 24 hours.

Others going for milestone buckles in 2013 include Rocklin’s Pat Chappell (2,000 miles), Grass Valley’s Melissa Ribley (1,000), Canada’s Danny Grant (1,000) and Penryn’s Shellie Hatfield (1,000).

Chappell’s quest didn’t go so well last year.

“She’s been doing this for a while,” Stalley said. “She got pulled last year. But she’s got a pretty good horse.”

Ribley, a local veterinarian, is a former Haggin Cup winner, an award given to a rider whose horse earns a top-10 finish and is judged to be in the best condition after the 100-mile trek.

Foreign affair

Riders from six foreign countries will be hitting the trail Saturday.

Stalley said this is about on par with previous years.

Included among the entrants are France’s Stephane Chazel and Thomas Fouquerolle; the United Kingdom’s Sally Toye and Nicole Gilbert; Canada’s Grant, Tina Thompson, Leanna Marchant and Gail Jewell; Japan’s Hiromi Kitaike; Australia’s Rose Ross and Ecuador’s Nathalie Weemaels.

“We’ve got a few Canadians,” Stalley said. “We’re not used to having Ecuador. Australia is pretty common.”

Young and the restless

There are 12 juniors entered in the trail ride.

“They’re under 18,” Stalley said. “Some of them are pretty good because they’ve done a lot of rides. They’re light and young and healthy.

“But we worry about them. They have to have a sponsor rider for our peace of mind.”

The youngest junior is 12-year-old Jack Evers of Laramie, Wyo.

Seventh heaven

In addition to Hall, there are six other riders who hail from Auburn in the field.

Shannon Constanti, Greg Kimler, Kathie Perry, Erin Riely-Kelley, Mark Schuerman and Dale Scoville will all be riding toward home when they saddle up aboard their steeds.

[More ...
Auburn Journal]

2013 Big Horn Results

July 13 2013

Angie Mikkelson and MD Maverick won the legendary Big Horn 100 on July 13 2013 near Shell, Wyoming.

The ride seems to be "getting tougher due to erosion," said finisher Cindy Collins. "The ground is so hard coming off the mountain now and rockier than ever."

16 of 24 riders completed the 100, including a number of Big Horn first timers.

See more here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2013BigHorn/

AERC Trails Grants

July 14 2013

AERC does more than just sanction endurance rides. We also collect and distribute Trail Grant funds for improvement of local trails by hard-working, enthusiastic trails workers. Makes me pretty durned proud! Someone in our region is prepping for a grant application right now and there are resources to help you do that. Does your local trail riding club have an upcoming project? Is your endurance ride camp in need of a little cash in addition to some sweat equity?

Read more here:
http://www.aerc.org/TrailsGrants.aspx

Endurance Rider Sue Walz passes away

July 13 2013

Sue Walz of Greenwood, California, passed away Thursday July 12 after losing a battle with ALS. She was diagnosed with the disease in 2012 and had been looking forward to a stem cell treatment that her friends and family had raised money for.

She will be remembered for her kindness and generosity, her endurance mentoring, and her good horses. Happy Trails Sue!

Tevis Cup: Barbara White going for record 33rd buckle

65-year-old rider can't keep herself off Western States Trail
By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor

Barbara White calls it an annual pilgrimage.

Every year the 65-year-old Scotts Valley resident makes a trek up to Auburn for Tevis Cup, the horse ride along the Western States Trail that begins in the Lake Tahoe area and ends in the Endurance Capital of the World.

“It’s addictive,” said White, who has completed the 100-mile-in-one-day ride an unheard of 32 times. “The trail just lures me back. It’s a spectacular trail. It’s a spiritual experience leaving Squaw Valley at night and coming into Auburn at night. It’s magical. It’s a chance to see if I still have the stuff to finish the trail year after year.”

No one has more Tevis Cup finishes than White, who is the first — and only — person to have ever earned a 3,000-mile buckle for completing the ride in fewer than 24 hours on 30 different occasions.

[More ...]

Trail rider outdistances competition

By Jessica Klymchuk - Salmon Arm Observer
Published: July 09, 2013 4:00 PM
Updated: July 09, 2013 4:11 PM

A local trail rider is hitting her stride this summer. Diane Prinsen excelled at her first two competitions and doesn’t plan on slowing down any time soon.

She placed first in a competitive trail ride in Lumby, and fifth in a 50-mile endurance ride in Summerland.

Prinsen has been taking part in competitive trail rides for five years and broke into endurance riding three years ago. She says she enjoys the challenge and the longer ride, adding that it’s nice to see what your horse can accomplish.

“You still have to pace yourself but it’s faster,” she said. “Your horse has to be conditioned quite a bit better to have a faster pace and it’s longer distance.”

The sport is dominated by Arabian horses, but Diane rides a foundation-bred quarter horse, who she calls her “four wheel drive.”

“He seems to do quite well at it,” Prinsen said.

Arabian horses tend to have good heart rate recovery for trail rides based on their muscle mass. Prinsen said her horse is more muscular so it takes longer for his heart rate to slow down, but they still do well.

“He has quite a bit of ‘go’ and I like that,” she said. “He’s a really sure-footed horse too.”

Prinsen trains on several trails around the Shuswap including South Canoe, Larch Hills and Skimikin. She also owns Brookside Stables where she has an outdoor arena and an indoor arena for training in the winter.

“A lot of it is being out on the trails and going to new areas,” she said. “And you make a lot of new friends. It’s a competition that doesn’t feel like a show where you’re really competing. It’s more relaxed.”

[Salmon Arm Observer, British Columbia]

Hammer & Saw Films to Produce Documentary of Vermont 100

July 8 2013

Hammer & Saw films with Windcrossing Productions, is proud to announce a feature length Documentary "100 : Head/Heart/Feet" as we follow Zak Wieluns as he trains for & runs this year's 25th anniversary of the Vermont 100.

They are also interested in reaching out to and interviewing members of the horse riding community.

If you're interested in possibly participating, contact Donna Berghorn at dberghor@colby-sawyer.edu.


The following is a press release for the documentary:

June 18, 2013

Contact Michael Mooney 603-369-0387
mike@hammerandsawfilms.com

New Film 100: Head Heart and Feet will explore the world of New England ultrarunning

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. AND BURLINGTON, VER. — Hammer & Saw Films has released the trailer for its first featurelength documentary, 100: Head Heart and Feet, which will follow Maine ultrarunner Zak Wieluns as he trains for and competes in the 25th anniversary of the Vermont 100, one of the original 100-mile runs in the United States.

The trailer will give viewers a sneak peek into the unique culture of the ultrarunner on the 100: Head Heart and Feet facebook site, which features Wieluns’ weekly ultrarunning journal accompanied by photo essays and short video clips updating the filming.

The award winning producers of Motel and Exit 7A, Mike Mooney and Will Peters this winter began following Wieluns’ intensive training regiment and its impact on his relationships while exploring the reasons he is singularly dedicated to completing the “100.” In the film, to be released later this year, other ultrarunners will explain what motivates them to take part in this extreme sport and discuss the camaraderie among this special group of people. Handlers, sherpas and training partners will examine the friendships that motivate their grueling preparation for the race. Physiologists, nutritionists and sport psychology experts will address the extreme health risks associated with ultra running.

This film will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the legendary Vermont 100. The cameras will record all aspects of the grueling race, from the horses that accompany the runners to the stations where runners refuel to the medical check points and the hospital tents. From the base camp to the celebration barbecue, the race’s founders will discuss its history, and fans will relate why this extreme event is so fascinating.

In its partnership with Windcrossing Productions, Colby-Sawyer College’s video unit, Hammer & Saw films will feature the camera work of several alumni and involve current students in the project to further their educational experiences.

For more information, please visit 100 Head Heart and Feet facebook site https://www.facebook.com/#!/100.Head.Heart.Feet , hammerandsawfilms.com or colby-sawyer.edu/windcrossing.

Hammer and Saw films was founded in 2008 by Colby-Sawyer alumni Will Peters and Mike Mooney. Their first short film, Motel, won Best of Fest and the Rochester International Film Festival and the Slightly North of Boston Film Festival. Exit 7A screened at 21 film festivals in the US, winning The Best of Fest award at The Filmshift Festival, Best Short Thriller at Somewhat North of Boston Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Buffalo International Film Festival. Exit 7A has also been selected for deadline magazine’s Best International Short Thriller award in Munich,

Windcrossing Productions, founded in 1990 by the late Professor Donald Coonley, was reborn in 2011 and dedicated to the creation of interdisciplinary video projects that invite alumni to collaborate with current students and community members. Hammer & Saw films worked with the Windcrossing crew to produce The Checkup and It’s Not Not Safe, which were screened at six film festivals.

Horse Retention: Unbranded Style

Westernhorseman Blogs - Full Story

July 2nd, 2013 / Author: Western Horseman

The journey pushes onward: Four men, 13 Mustangs and more than 3,000 miles.

We’ve spent more than two months on the trail and traveled more than 1,000 miles thus far on our trip. We’ve been lucky to find smaller traps or corrals for some nights, but the majority have been spent outdoors where the nearest fence might be 15 miles or more away. Retaining our horses at night is always a problem and we’ve tried many methods. We’ve learned that it is best to be overly safe so that you wake up to the sound of jingling horses, not the sound of scratching heads wondering how far you have to track your stock.

• Pickets. We picket at least one horse every night, sometimes two. We use approximately 14-inch metal stakes with a swivel and hook attachment on top. For a rope we use a 1-inch cotton rope around 30 feet long. On our extremely broke picket horses we’ll sometimes use a ½-inch rope, but the smaller the rope, the easier it is for the rope to get caught in the heel of a horseshoe or burn your horse’s ankles. For cuffs we prefer a nylon cuff with replaceable padding in order not to burn our horses’ ankles. We attach the cuff to the horse’s ankle and snug it down fairly tight. After driving the stake, attaching the rope and cuff, I walk the horse in a circle at the end of the rope...

Read more here:
http://blogs.westernhorseman.com/unbranded/2013/06/17/horse-retention-unbranded-style/

About Unbranded:
http://blogs.westernhorseman.com/unbranded/about/

Tevis Cup 2013

The Western States Trail Ride, or 'Tevis Cup' will be held on July 20 of 2013.

An important message for riders and crew from Chuck Stalley, 2013 Ride Director:

Ride Director's Message

Posted 25 June 2013.

As of June 14, I am writing to remind riders of required reading of important procedures and rules that may be overlooked at great peril to the rider's successful experience on the Tevis. We want you to know why we have these rules and why it is important that all Tevis riders follow them.

All riders are responsible for the conduct of their crews. With that in mind, if we review these procedures and rules at the Friday night rider meeting, many of these key points would not get communicated to the crews until they arrive at Robinson Flat. It is vital that crews know the rules, as well as the riders themselves, enough ahead of time that they can adequately plan and support their rider through this challenging ride.

Tevis has a rule that states, "Do not start your automotive engines until 5:15AM on Saturday morning, July 20. At first look, one would think that is clear not to depart from Robie Park until the horses have had a chance to exit the area and proceed onto the Tevis trail. But this rule also includes automotive traffic coming into Robie Park on Saturday morning. That is traffic which may include riders staying in town on Friday night and driving back in to saddle and mount up for the ride. We are stopping traffic coming into Robie from 10:30 pm until 5:30 am. As I interpret this, riders cannot come back into Robie unless they walk in on the ride morning. That means they should consider staying at Robie on Friday night. The traffic will be stopped at the intersection of Road 6 and the confluence of the Western States Trail. It will also be stopped a mile north of Robie Park on Road 6. Tevis ride management would like the riders to stay in camp on Friday night to eliminate any conflicts with horses and riders and vehicle traffic.

There is NO crewing of horses from the water trough at the timed finish. Crews can attend to their riders/horses after the team passes under the banner finish in McCann Stadium. Horses have forty minutes to meet criteria from the time they cross the timed finish to vet at the post ride check in McCann Stadium. Please do not crew your horse/rider until they cross under the banner at the risk of disqualification. It takes ten minutes to walk to the stadium at an average walk.

To ease pressure on hauled water supplies, please read the following article, which was published in the Tevis Forum, on the correct way to utilize water at checks where management has had to truck the water in.

...continue reading

Vettec Inc - New Title Sponsor for AERC National Championship

Vettec Inc is the new Title Sponsor of the 2013 AERC National Championship Event.

The Vettec AERC National Endurance Championship will be held during September in Almo, Idaho at the City of Rocks National Reserve. The National Park Service, State Park Service, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and private land owners are all welcoming this elite equestrian event. The championship course will follow some of the original pioneer emigrant trails, and the entire area is rich in history.

Event organizers Steph Teeter and Regina Rose are excited about sharing this beautiful location with riders from all over the country. The town of Almo is small but has many amenities, and due to the unique granite rock formations is an International destination for serious rock climbers. One can find just about everything there, including hot spring pools for soaking.

Our thanks again to Vettec Inc for supporting the AERC and it's premier National Endurance Championship Event.

Vettec Inc. - the leader in quality hoof care products, has been manufacturing and distributing the highest level of horse hoof care products worldwide for over 15 years. Vettec’s extensive line of hoof related materials allow your hoof care professional to complete hoof repairs and glue on shoes with Adhere, urethane adhesive, as well as create instant horse shoes and foal extensions with Super Fast, equi-thane adhesive. Read more about Vettec at http://www.vettec.com

Learn more about participating in the National Championship at http://www.endurance.net/AERCNC2013

The 2013 NC Team.

Trail riders rewarded

New Zealand:

The Marlborough Trail and Endurance Riding (Equestrian) Club held their annual meeting and prizegiving last month with members walking away with plenty of spoils for their season's hard work.

There were two categories of prizes.

One was based on points and kilometres gained throughout the club's season and the other decided on by the club committee, or individuals.

Then any club members present got to vote for who they thought should be Sportsperson of the Year on the day of the prizegiving.

The high points awards were taken from points from a minimum of three, up to a maximum five rides in one grade.
[More ...]

Condolences to lost Firefighters

Endurance.Net and the entire trail riding community wishes to express deep condolences to the family, friends and community of the 19 firefighters that died in Arizona. Bruce and Dana Weary, endurance riders from Prescott, lost friends and will be attending a community vigil to honor the young men.

These men were among the many men and women who protect our forests and range lands and communities. We all thank them for their service.

[More here]

Oakland horse riders thrown, injured after run-in with illegal Marin mountain bikers

Mercurynews.com - Full Article

By Gary Klien

Marin Independent Journal
Posted: 06/22/2013 02:16:27 PM PDT

Marin authorities are trying to identify two young mountain bikers who illegally whipped down a rural Novato trail, causing two Oakland women to be thrown from their horses and injuring a horse that fled in a panic.

Lisa Zeppegno, who suffered spinal injuries in the incident, said the mountain bikers ignored their pleas for help and rode off. She was airlifted from the remote area some two hours later.

"I could've been killed," said Zeppegno, 44, of Oakland. "They came so fast and out of nowhere that the horses were spooked. I'm just lucky the horse didn't run over me."

The incident left the county's park director seething -- and vowing to hold the bicyclists and their parents accountable...

Read more here:
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_23519109/oakland-horse-riders-thrown-injured-after-run-illegal

Trail Building Class Announced by the Kentucky Horse Council

Kentuckyhorse.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Ginny Grulke
Kentucky Horse Council
Executive Director
859.367.0509
director@kentuckyhorse.org
www.kentuckyhorse.org


Lexington, KY, June 18, 2013 – The Kentucky Horse Council is inviting anyone interested in building sustainable trails to a one-day Trail Building Class on August 24, 2013. This class is open to all non-motorized trail user groups, tourism and travel individuals, and anyone interested in building or maintaining non-motorized trails in their communities. The trail topics to be discussed will not be unique to horse trails, but are applicable for any type of non-motorized trail.

The location of the class will be determined by the location of interested participants.

No trail building experience is necessary. The class is limited to 15 individuals.

Topics to be covered in this one-day class include: a discussion of trail environment in Kentucky; introduction of trail issues involving user groups, public and private lands; key features of good trail design, and less acceptable trail design; options to limit erosion through design techniques, and an introduction to trail tools and equipment.

The class will involve a morning classroom session, lunch, and an afternoon session outside observing and discussing on a specific trail section.

Registration prices are $45 for participants with a discounted rate of $40 for Kentucky Horse Council members. Registration fees include all materials and lunch.

To be considered for the class, individuals must complete an online "Interest Form" at www.kentuckyhorse.org/trailbuildclass, to allow KHC to determine the best class location. This form must be completed by July 19, 2013. After the location is announced, interested individuals may register and pay for the class.

Questions regarding this class should be directed to Ginny Grulke at 859-533-7002 or director@kentuckyhorse.org.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY HORSE COUNCIL - The Kentucky Horse Council is a non-profit organization dedicated, through education and leadership, to the protection and development of the Kentucky equine community. The Kentucky Horse Council provides educational programs and information, outreach and communication to Kentucky horse owners and enthusiasts, equine professional networking opportunities through KENA, trail riding advocacy, health and welfare programs, and personal liability insurance and other membership benefits. The specialty Kentucky Horse Council license plate, featuring a foal lying in the grass, provides the primary source of revenue for KHC programs.

Kentucky State Parks adds additional 18 miles of trails with opening of Dawkins Line Rail

KyForward.com

June 20 2013

With the opening of the Dawkins Line Rail Trail, horseback riders have another 18 miles of trails to enjoy the beautiful Kentucky scenery.

The Kentucky State Parks, which will manage the Dawkins Line that runs through Johnson and Magoffin counties, have several other equine opportunities available to guests.

“The Kentucky State Parks have some excellent trails, campgrounds and riding opportunities throughout the state,” First Lady Jane Beshear said. “Even if you don’t own a horse, several state parks have horses available so all visitors have the chance to enjoy a trail ride on a safe and comfortable mount.”

There are five campgrounds suitable for campers with horses at Carter Caves, Taylorsville Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, Pennyrile Forest and Greenbo Lake state parks. The park system has equine trails at those five parks as well as at Green River Lake near Campbellsville.

For those who need a horse, the park system can give you a ride at five parks that have horse concessions. They are: Carter Caves, Cumberland Falls, Kentucky Dam Village, Barren River and Lake Cumberland. These rides are offered on a seasonal basis. Rides usually last about 45 minutes and cost $18.

The Dawkins Line is open to horseback riders, cyclists and hikers. The new trail features 24 trestles and the 662-foot Gun Creek Tunnel. Plans are underway to add another 18 miles to the trail into Breathitt County.

For more information about equine trails and camping at Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov

From Ky. State Parks

Pony Express rider blazes through South Lake Tahoe

Tahoedeailytribune.com - Full Article

June 19 2013

Interview by Dylan Silver
dsilver@tahoedailytribune.com

Most little boys and little girls have imagined themselves among the characters of the Wild West. Few actually ever get to live that dream. But Davey “Doc” Wiser has. For the last 30 years, Wiser has ridden his horse in the annual re-ride of the Pony Express. He took a few minutes to talk to Lake Tahoe Action about living his boyhood dream.

Lake Tahoe Action: Why do you do this?

Wiser: Because I was born 100 years too late. I go on wagon trains. I ride Pony Express. I like riding horses. I like reliving the past. I like presenting it to all ages that are interested. Cowboys and trains will never lose their popularity.

How did this start?

In 1968, 1970, a bunch of guys in Placerville got together and started retracing the old trail. They got going pretty good. Then in 1978, they got a hold of all the riders in other states that were interested. Each state has its own division. Now, we have the eight states and we do the vignette of one of the states in a letter. If you get in early enough, you can get a personal letter...

Read more here:
http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/6981730-113/pony-express-wiser-lake#.UcM6AXree00.email

Pony Express Rides Again- Follow The Historic Re-Enactment Today

Londonderrynh.net - Full Article

June 17-27, 2013 Follow the riders as they make their way from St. Joseph, Missouri along the original route of the Pony Express to Sacramento, California. Since the journey is ten days of non-stop riding, the phase of the moon was significant in the beginning date. Follow the riders on the trail and more! www.xphomestation.com

Many of us have an iconic image of the Pony Express; a rider galloping into a designated station, throwing the mochila over the next rider’s saddle and sending him on his journey to the next station designated on the planned route. It is a part of the romanticized lore of the American West. The reliance of young, hardy riders on fast horses towards a unified mission of mail delivery became the focus of the endurance of rugged American individualism of the Frontier times. It began in earnest in April of 1860 and ended with the completion of the transcontinental telegraph in October of 1861. A short yet exciting time in American history.

The gold rush of 1848-49 brought prospectors, investors and businessmen to the west coast. The idea for an express mail delivery service to the Pacific coast was prompted by more people making their way to California which entered the Union as a Free State in 1850. It became even more important for communication as the American Civil War began...

Read more here:
http://www.londonderrynh.net/2013/06/pony-express-rides-again-follow-the-historic-re-enactment-today/63713

AERC: It's Nomination Time!

AERC.org

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.

Dave Rabe Back on the Endurance Trail

June 27 2013

After sustaining a serious head injury on December 30, 2012 in the Death Valley ride in California, surgery, and a long convalescence at his home in Nevada, 2009 AERC Hall of Fame endurance rider Dave Rabe returned to the saddle when he completed the 3-day Strawberry Fields Pioneer endurance ride in Utah on June 21-23.

Fellow endurance riders were delighted to see him back on the trails (marking trail, competing in the ride each day, and then unmarking trail), and wearing a helmet, a new part of his traditional attire (shorts and 'wife-beater' Tshirt, no matter the weather). Dave's nickname used to be "Hosebag," but it was affectionally changed to "Crackhead" since he cracked his head while not wearing a helmet.

Dave's lifetime endurance mileage now stands at 56,800, and the endurance community is thrilled to see that number will continued to grow for a long time.

C'mon and take a free ride

ACTHA.com

Ride Free with ACTHA

Just guide 2 friends to join and your next ride is FREE!

7/15/13 is the cut-off date to be eligible.

All they need to do is go to http://www.actha.us and click to join!

When 2 join, recognizing you, a credit for a free ride magically appears in your account!

Ride anytime, anywhere, any division.

Get 4 friends and you get 2 free rides! It's that easy!

You win, your friends win. Most importantly the horse wins!

C'mon and take a free ride! Call your friends right now!!

It's so much fun taking an ACTHA ride with your friends!

CALL THEM NOW..

for more information see:
http://us7.campaign-archive1.com/?u=688e52c6205a5aa6c3a788e8b&id=c21d1f191c&e=474923227a

2013 Updated Tevis Rider List

Teviscup.org

June 24 2013

With 3 weeks and 3 days left till the 58th annual Tevis Cup, the rider list stands at:
172 Entries / 13 Junior Riders / 6 Foreign Countries / 11 Signature Entries

For details see:
http://teviscup.org/tevis-2013/2013-tevis-rider-list

Wild West Endurance Ride celebrates 15 years

Theunion.com - Full Article

Walter Ford
wford@theunion.com

June 19, 2013

Sprawling forest trails and breathtaking views are the big draw at the Wild West Endurance Ride and the reason riders keep flocking to it year after year. “(The Wild West Endurance Ride) is unique in that it has a very fun and relaxed atmosphere,” Ride coordinator Melissa Ribley said. “We really stress people enjoying the country’s beauty and the trails and not stress racing so much. It’s beautiful camping and beautiful trails. The uniqueness here is the beauty of the Tahoe National Forest and its trails...”

Read more here:
http://www.theunion.com/news/sports/6981441-113/ride-endurance-ribley-west

Couple undertakes long-distance horse trek

Frontiersman.com - Full Article

Posted: Saturday, June 15, 2013 10:46 pm
By Alys Culhane Off the Grid

Yesterday, June 15, my husband Pete Praetorius and I embarked on a four-month horse trek that will take us from northern Colorado to (at least) northern Montana. We’ll ride our two Icelandic horses (named Raudhetta and Siggi) and pack a third (named Signy). We’ll be accompanied by Rainbow, our 12-year old Montana cattle dog/husky mix.

This trip is the second part of an ongoing adventure. I determined that I wanted to do long-distance horse trekking in August 2003, shortly after bicycling solo from northern Montana to southern New Mexico. Afterward, I told Pete that it would be equally fun to do this route on horseback.

I began working toward this goal shortly after we moved back to Alaska from Butte, Mont. I took on a job cleaning horse pens at Bill and Katie Long’s Moose Creek Ranch, and a year later purchased Raudi, a young Icelandic filly, with the intent of training her to do this trek. I chose to go with this particular breed because I’d heard that they’re hardy, trail savvy and easy to get along with...

Read more here:
http://www.frontiersman.com/valley_life/couple-undertakes-long-distance-horse-trek/article_722c5434-d650-11e2-bf97-001a4bcf887a.html

Merri Melde photo honored at AHP conference

(photo of Merri Melde and Stormy)

The Horse, TheHorse.com Win Media Awards

The Horse: Your Guide To Equine Health Care and TheHorse.com staff garnered seven media honors in the American Horse Publications annual awards program, held Saturday, June 22, at the organization’s annual seminar in Colorado Springs.

Additionally, the judges awarded honors to several other Blood-Horse Publications products during the award presentations. A full list of awards received is included below. The awards recognized work completed in and dated 2012 for both print and online categories.

A total of 104 AHP members entered a total of 758 entries for this year’s awards, and 177 awards were presented to the finalists for first, second, third place, or honorable mention. Sixty-three members were finalists.

Among The Horse magazine’s entries, Doug Thal, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, won first place in the Personal Single Column, Circulation Over 20,000 (Print) category, with the article “The Value of a Diagnosis,” which appeared in the October 2012 issue. The contest judges said Thal eloquently and coherently made his case, noting “the importance of an informed and correct diagnosis is the basis of proper treatment.”

Also in print, The Horse won third place in the Equine-Related Editorial Series class for the magazine’s “Creepy Crawlies” articles, which Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc, authored. Judges noted the three pieces, which focused on various threats in horses’ environments, were very educational.

Visually, The Horse magazine picked up honorable mention in the Editorial Action Photograph (Print or Online) for Merri Melde’s July 2012 issue photo of an endurance horse scaling a steep bank. “The thing that set this photo apart from a class that had many good photos is the considerable effort this photographer made to capture the photo,” the judges wrote. “The terrain is hilly and rough; it must have been quite a hike to get here. Good illustration for story about endurance riding.”


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Back Country Horsemen of America’s 2012 Volunteer Value is the Highest in its History

By Sarah Wynne Jackson
 
As the leader in protecting our right to ride horses on public lands, Back Country Horsemen of America is proud of their record of service. For 40 years, they have volunteered their time, skill, and resources towards keeping trails open to horse use and promoting responsible recreation in a myriad of ways.
 
BCHA commends its members across the nation who continue to make public service a priority, despite economic and weather-related difficulties. In fact, 2012 was their best year yet, with a total of $12,515,563 in annual volunteer value donated; the highest in the history of the organization. 
 
Is There Anything They Don’t Do?
 
What can twelve-and-a-half million dollars of sweat, skill, and time do? We’re glad you asked! As they have every year since 1973, BCHA’s now 13,000 members from over 185 chapters and affiliates in 26 states spent the last year clearing trails of deadfall after storms, repairing gates and fences, building bridges, hauling gravel to fill washouts, and creating new trails.
 
In order to protect our enjoyment of wild lands by horseback, they attended public planning meetings, assisted land managers in making important decisions that affect all trail users, and wrote to people at the state and federal level who make legislative decisions.
 
But their goodwill isn’t limited to the trails. BCHA folks also invested many hours in educating adults and children in responsible recreation practices, packing, trail riding, and trail cooking. They participated in food drives, restored historic trail structures, picked up litter, and transported fish for stocking.
 
Protecting a Century-Long Legacy
 
Throughout 2012, Back Country Horsemen of America has been following up on their work with the US Forest Service trail classification system. In 2005, BCHA was forced to file suit against the USFS for failing to seek public input before developing a new trail classification system. This new system immediately and arbitrarily downgraded 59% of our trails to a level below equestrian standards. It changed the standards for time-tested horse trails that have evolved over nearly a hundred years.
 
A federal judge ruled in favor of BCHA, allowing the US Forest Service to keep their new trail classification system as designed, but preventing them from assigning a trail a new classification without public input on the proposed change.
 
Across the nation, BCHA members donated many hours attending meetings with USFS representatives to see how each Forest or Ranger District has implemented the new trail classification system in their area. For example, in the Willamette National Forest in western Oregon, most of the 173 trails that had been categorically downgraded from pack and saddle stock standards to bike and hiker only standards have been reinstated. The trails will be managed for other uses in addition to stock, but they must continue to be managed to include horses. Any trail work will be expected to meet and maintain design standards for equestrian trails.
 
It’s Just Another Day of Trail Work
 
Last year, as every year, Back Country Horsemen of America kept a strong focus on trail maintenance. In June, the San Joaquin Sierra Unit of Back Country Horsemen of California spent a number of days camped in the Sierra National Forest, clearing Edison Lake area trails designated for maintenance by the USFS. The 22 person work party, including seven hard working women, divided into two groups. Collectively, the groups cleared over 15 miles of trail, removing more than 60 trees from the Goodale Pass Trail and the Graveyard Meadow Alternate Trail.
 
Starting out from camp each morning, the crew rode the trail until coming upon a downed tree. After tying up their horses, they put on safety gear and pulled out their cross-cut saw, bow saw, loppers, hammer and wedges. Some trees also required the axe or the peavey. As the group worked, one crew member walked ahead to clear as much as possible by hand, then came back and reported to the others how far ahead the next work site was.
 
On the Graveyard Meadow Alternate Trail, the crew found many groups of downed trees pinned by a larger uprooted tree. These can be very dangerous to remove and called for careful planning in order to be cleared safely and efficiently. The skilled and experienced BCHC volunteers accomplished this with no injuries or mishaps.
 
Investing in the Future
 
The folks at Back Country Horsemen of America know that children truly are the future of our country, and too many of them never have the opportunity to meet a horse. In August, the Mountain Riders Chapter of Show-Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen teamed up with the Douglas County Fox Trotters and the Ava Area Frontier Girls to change that for one group of girls aged seven to ten.
 
Held at the Ava Saddle Club, Get To Know a Horse Day paired each girl with her very own horse and its owner for the day. The girls learned how to safely move and work around a horse, how to brush a horse, check its hooves, and properly put on a saddle. With the horse owner’s assistance, each girl rode her horse, which was the first time several of the children had sat on a horse. The girls also learned about basic horsemanship and the principles of Leave No Trace responsible recreation.
 
The day was designed to help these Frontier Girls earn a Merit Badge in Horsemanship. They went home with pink Show-Me Missouri Back Country Horsemen T-shirts, notebooks of information on horses, and huge smiles on their faces. 
 
About Back Country Horsemen of America
 
The year 2012 was certainly a good one. In the years to come, Back Country Horsemen of America will continue their work in maintaining trails, ensuring the USFS trail classification system is fairly implemented, teaching others about horses and responsible recreation, and the countless other ways they protect America’s heritage of traveling through our wild lands by horseback.
 
BCHA is a non-profit corporation made up of state organizations, affiliates, and at-large members. Their efforts have brought about positive changes regarding the use of horses and stock in the wilderness and public lands.
 
If you want to know more about Back Country Horsemen of America or become a member, visit their website: www.backcountryhorse.com; call 888-893-5161; or write PO Box 1367, Graham, WA 98338-1367. The future of horse use on public lands is in our hands!

Lost Juniper Ranch is Bronze Sponsor of AERC National Championship

AERCNC 2013

Rick and Carol Brand of Lost Juniper Ranch are the latest Bronze Sponsors of the 2013 Adequan AERC National Championships in Almo, Idaho on September 20-22. The Brands will be taking on the tremendous responsibility of all the water sets for horses at Ridecamp and along the trails, which will run in and around the City of Rocks National Reserve.

Lost Juniper Ranch is located in Oreana, Idaho, and is a dealer for Specialized and Timberline saddles and occasional endurance prospects.

For more information on the AERC National Championships, see
http://www.endurance.net/AERCNC2013/index.html

Early Tevis Entry Deadline is Monday, June 17th!

Mail your Entry on or before June 17th
 
Postmark your 2013 Tevis Entry by June 17th to secure your entry at the $350 price. On June 18th the entry price goes up to $450. Don't miss out on the discounted price!

Click HERE to for the entry. 
 
Postmark your Seeding Form by June 24th
 
June 24th is the postmark deadline date for seeding forms that will be considered. Please submit the form with information on you and your horse's record of rides completed together during the past year (if you do not have a record of riding together, submit the horse's record instead). If you do not send in a fully completed seeding form, you will not be considered to start in Pen 1.

Click HERE to for the seeding form. 

To ensure the highest quality ride experience for all entrants the 2013 Tevis ride is limited to 210 entries plus foreign rider entries. Entry forms and more information are available online at www.teviscup.org

Canandaigua couple escapes on horseback

Democratandchronicle.com - Full Article

Canandaigua couple cherishes their Arabian adventures

June 10 2013

Ed Varno never had pets growing up and had never been on a horse. Then Vanessa Waters came into his life — along with her horses — and the adventure began. It took them on horseback across the United States, to Canada, to national parks out West, and to Europe and Asia.

In the 1990s, Waters was a well-known competitive horsewoman. When she and Varno became a couple in 1994, Waters taught Varno to ride. Her teaching brought remarkable results: The following year, Varno was able to enter a national trail-riding competition in which horse and rider follow a course of up to 35 miles.

“Competitive trail riding is similar to a road rally,” Varno explains. “The horse in the best condition at the end wins.”

Waters competed in endurance racing — 100-mile races that take place over the toughest terrain in the U.S. and Canada. Riders gather points for national awards.

“I went along as her ‘water boy’ for that,” Varno jokes.

Varno, executive director of the Ontario County Historical Society for 18 years, also wrote for The Trail Rider Magazine for 14 years under the pen name Ben Theyre...

Read more here:
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20130610/LIVING/306100048/Canandaigua-couple-escapes-horseback

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!

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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/