Action Hero, Devan Horn talks about her Mongol Derby ride

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

August 16, 2013
By Pamela@horsereporter

August 16, 2013, California ~ In order to be a writer, you must have a story to tell. Devan Horn at age 20 is racking up the stories for an epic adventure novel. The latest is her race across Mongolia on semi-wild Steppe horses. Although Horn arrived in first place, because of a time penalty, her final finish order was second. This is her first public comment after her return.

“I want to thank everyone who followed me, cheered for me, and cried with me during this adventure. I’ve read through all of the comments and messages post-derby, and imagined your support all throughout the race. Every one of you have my heartfelt thanks – you got me through some pretty rough times...

Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/?p=7708

Take Action Now Against Cuts to Recreational Trail Programs!

The American Horse Council is urging all recreational riders to call their senators and ask them to vote no on Senate Amendment 1742 to the 2014 transportation appropriations bill.
 
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced the amendment to the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The amendment would strip all funding from the Recreational Trail Program.

The Paul amendment would transfer all funding from the Transportation Alternatives Program to pay for bridge repairs. As part of the Transportation Alternatives Program,RTP would lose all funding in fiscal year 2014 if the amendment passes.

Since its inception, RTP has provided money for thousands of state and local trail projects across the country, including many that benefit equestrians. RTP provides funding directly to states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for all recreational trail users. It is funded with a portion of the gas taxes paid into the Highway Trust Fund by recreational off-highway vehicle users.

Note from KHC:
Contact our Senators and express the importance of the RTP program to trails and rural economic development: EVEN 10 CALLS OR EMAILS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO A SENATOR!  WILL YOU BE ONE OF THEM?
 
Sen. Paul Rand
(202) 224-4343
Email: www.paul.senate.gov/?p=contact
 
Sen. Mitch McConnell 
(202) 224-2541
Email: www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=contact 
 
For more information, contact the  American Horse Council

Remy completes 100-mile ride

SYVNews.com - Full Article

August 15, 2013 12:00 am • Pamela Dozois/pdozois@syvnews.com

A locally bred gelding, Remy (aka khnight to Remember) has once again completed the grueling 100-mile, 24-hour endurance ride, the Tevis Cup, at the age of 161⁄2.

Known as “the toughest endurance ride in the world,” Remy and his owner⁄rider Peter Claydon of Buellton came in 16th place out of 160 starters, despite having had a fall on a precipitous mountain trail. The ride, which has been held annually since 1955, took place July 20. The temperature in some places reached 110 degrees over a trail that covered more than 4,000 feet of elevation changes in the High Sierras. Only 75 horses actually finished the ride.

“Remy is one of the oldest horses being ridden by one of the oldest riders,” said Claydon, who is 67 years old. “Remy and I first completed the Tevis in 2004 and at the time I swore I’d never do it again. It was so hard, so technically challenging and so exhausting. I clearly didn’t listen to my own advice and as a psychologist, I should recognize that I need professional help!”...

Read more here:
http://syvnews.com/lifestyles/remy-completes--mile-ride/article_7309e56c-049d-11e3-b99c-0019bb2963f4.html

American Fire burns near Tevis Trail

The American Fire, located about 10 miles northeast of Foresthill in the Tahoe National Forest, has burned across the North Fork Middle Fork American River and is burning both up and down the river drainage. The potential for fire growth is high due to the heavy fuels, steep slopes (up to 150 percent or 56.31 degrees), predicted temperatures, and low humidities. As of August 16 the fire has burned 7367 acres and is 35% contained.

The community of Foresthill is not currently threatened.

Check http://yubanet.com/nevada/American.php for updates.


Aug 13:
fire perimeter today (courtesy of Steve Willer, Premier Mapping) with Yubanet heat information (Red = intense head; yellow = scatterered heat; Red hotspots) superimposed over the WST. It looks like the fire reached all the way to the cabin near the vet check at Last Chance, and is still veering towards Pacific Slab/Swinging Bridge, but the majority of the new burn is focused to the north.

Randolph County riding club’s endurance race a success

Theintermountain.com - Full Article

August 15, 2013
The Inter-Mountain

The seventh annual Ride between the Rivers Endurance Race was a big success.

On Aug. 3, the Randolph County Regional Riding Club hosted 70 riders for a nationally sanctioned 30- and 50-mile endurance race in Ellamore. The event has earned a reputation as one of the best in the country for challenging trails, beautiful scenery and most importantly, the spectacular volunteers. Each year, event organizers receive numerous accolades about the hospitality and professional management of the event.

The Randolph County Regional Riding Club was founded in 2002 by a group of local horse enthusiasts. The organization now boasts a membership of 75 equestrians with interests from trail riding to showing. The club organizes several events each year, including trail rides, overnight pack trips and competitions...

Read more here:
http://www.theintermountain.com/page/content.detail/id/563947/Randolph-County-riding-club-s-endurance-race-a-success.html?nav=5008

First Horses in the Morning Show with Karen Chaton

August 13 2013

Tuesday was the first Endurance Day on Horses in the Morning at the Horse Radio Network. It was a live show from 6 to 7:30 a.m, co-hosted by endurance rider Karen Chaton. A wide variety of topics were covered, with guests Sue Hedgecock,  Diedre from Action Rider Tack and endurance competitor Patti Stedman  telling the crew about everything from riding in the dark to camping at competitions to putting your bridle in the dishwasher!

To listen to the show, go here:

http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/hitm-for-08-13-2013-by-action-rider-tack-endurance-day-with-karen-chaton-and-friends/

Parker AES passes

Arabian Horse World

August 9 2013

Quote of the Month from “At the Waterhole/Greener Pastures” in our August issue. The breed recently lost an inspiring equine hero, who, despite living with a severe birth defect, was a champion in endurance.

“Parker was an incredible teacher and mentor to riders and other horses,” says his owner Lee Hutten. “He was sensitive, kind, and patient, teaching riders how to sit quietly and be subtle in their cues, how to ride the ‘big’ trot, and he looked after beginners while challenging advanced ones. He dared me to dream and took me places I hadn’t considered, humbling me with his courage and drive. He touched so many people in so many ways, more than I ever realized until the notes and phone calls of condolence came pouring in. I really miss him. One of my favorite lines from a friend is, ‘If anything, Parker taught people that you don’t have to look like everyone else to be a champion. He just knew he wanted to go down that trail and boy, could he!’”

Parker AES (Hennessy x Cryztalgara) with Canadian Lee Hutten at the 2012 Biltmore Challenge, where they finished the 75-mile course in fourth place and won the FEI CEI Junior rider division and BC. Photo by Genie Stewart-Spears.

Pioneer endurance ride set for Evanston Aug. 16-18

Uintacountyherald.com - Full Article

Posted: Tuesday, Aug 13th, 2013
BY: Jake Hibbard, Herald Sports Editor

EVANSTON — Coming up on Aug. 16-18 will be the annual Pioneer Endurance Ride near Evanston. Organized by Beth Buzis of Bear River, this ride will be the third annual one in the area. It is part of the larger Northern Endurance Rider Conference circuit.

This ride is a “pioneer” ride because of its three day length. Any ride in the circuit that is three or more days qualifies as pioneer mileage and goes into scoring for a special award in the NERC.

The first two years the Buzis’ put on the race, it was held near Mountain View. They chose to change the location for this year’s race to Evanston for a few reasons.

“We know the trails better, it’s closer to home,” Buzis said. “And, it makes it more available for community members to volunteer...”

Read more here:
http://www.uintacountyherald.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&story_id=6719&page=73

Appaloosa National Championship Endurance Ride

For all you Appy Endurance Riders out there, the Appaloosa National Championship Endurance Ride will be held in Conjunction with the Spook Run ride held November 2, in the Midwest Region.  Here's a link for more information:
http://www.appaloosa.com/trail/national-champ.htm

 Need more info.?  Email me at Appalucie  at aol.com. I'll see you there!

AHA Nationals raffle!

The AHA Distance  Nationals are coming up, October 24-27, located in Chandlersville, IL, at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek  Fish & Wildlife Area (http://www.arabianhorses.org/competitions/nationalevents/natdist/2013/default.asp)

Being held in the Midwest, the centralized location will be easily accessible by a large geographical cohort of distance enthusiasts. Anticipating a large turnout, and good times!

This is less than 3 months way (where is the time going!?) and there will be a raffle to assist in the funding of this premier event. We are looking for new/unused items that would appeal to the distance rider, the horses involved,  the crew and interested family members that support their distance rider & horse.
The possibilities are endless. Tack, horse clothing, rider items, horse feed/supplements/treats, crew items (outcheck bags, coolers with beverages/nonperishable snack items, inclement weather gear, shade tents), accessories for rigs (awnings/high & spring ties, bucket holders), horse containment (pickets, electric fence components) , buckets & hay nets, horse/distance rider themed items, photo sessions, certificates to future rides, gift certificates to the legions of distance rider stores . 

And  mail/online order outlets....do you have a good working relationship with a favorite? Ask if they’ll donate an item or certificate good at their online store! A local feed store could donate a sack of feed, treats and/or supplements!  And gas cards!!! Your favorite fill up station, if it a nationally recognized chain! I’m going to email BP (and remind them of what a volume-wise good customer I am) and request a donated fuel card!
So I’m kicking it off with an item that my friends on Facebook helped me win by virtue of “liking” Distance Depot/The Horse Lover’s Outlet Facebook page on my behalf...this nifty  bridle.

As I am blessed to be the coordinator of this raffle, I’d be delighted to collect your donations at any ride I am at, or you can have it mailed to me or Jennifer Allen or Marge Spotts Dixon.

Ride on!
Jessi Zirbel

For more information, see:
http://www.arabianhorses.org/competitions/nationalevents/natdist/2013/default.asp

Lee Pearce's Fire Mt Malabar: 4000 miles and 32 Best Conditions at City of Rocks

photo by Naomi Preston

August 13 2013

Lee Pearce's Fire Mt Malabar reached a career-high 4000 AERC miles on Day 2 of the City of Rocks Pioneer Trails endurance ride near Almo, Idaho over August 6-10, 2013. In addition, Pearce and Malabar received the Best Condition award. It is their 32nd Best Condition award together since 14-year-old Malabar began his endurance career 7 years ago.

For a detailed story on Pearce and Fire Mt Malabar, see
http://merritravels.endurance.net/2013/06/he-scares-hell-out-of-me-lee-pearce-and.html.

Horses in the Morning Live Endurance Riding Radio Show

Enduranceridestuff Blog - Karen Chaton

Starting on August 13, 2013 the Horse Radio Network is going to have a once a month Horses in the Morning radio show on the topic of Endurance Riding with your truly as one of the hosts, along with Glenn the Geek. The show is live on East coast time from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. West Coast). The Endurance Riding monthly show will air on the second Tuesday of each month.

This is going to be a lot of fun and will be a great way for other equestrians to learn about the sport of endurance riding. We’re going to have guests on each show that will be both entertaining and educational. Just think about all of the interesting things we can talk about – horses, trails, tack, product reviews, useful tips, organization, travel, books and so much more!! Got some ideas for topics or guests? If so shoot me a message or leave a comment. Since the show is live callers are encouraged to call in and ask questions.

If you aren’t able to listen to the live show, you can listen to a recording of it that will be online shortly after the show airs. Here is more information on the various ways you can listen to Horses in the Morning or any of the other Horse Radio Network shows:

Tune in at www.horsesinthemorning.com or on mobile at www.horsesinthemorning.mobi

Here is the link for the players: http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/carry-our-show/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/horseradio

- See more at: http://enduranceridestuff.com/blog/2013/08/horses-morning-endurance-riding/#sthash.K9aARueY.dpuf

Horseback riding turned endurance sport for a Clark County teen

Centralkynews.com - Full Article

By Keith Taylor
The WInchester Sun
6:24 p.m. EDT, August 2, 2013

When it comes to riding horses, Paige Taylor is in it for the long haul.

The George Rogers Clark High School junior has logged more than 1,200 miles on the endurance trail since she began riding with her grandmother Janice Taylor in 2005. The younger Taylor is featured on this month’s cover of Endurance News and has competed in three events this year with Titan Missel, an arabian gelding. She began her riding career with Panama Jack, followed by a stint with a friend’s horse — Mr. Breeze. She competed with BF Suliemon before settling down with Titan.

“He’s my favorite so far,” Taylor said of Titan. “He’s done a lot for me and he’s my main buddy. He’s big, he’s fast and sometimes he acts a little silly, but that’s OK —that makes it fun and sometimes it’s frustrating, but it also teaches you a lot. I don’t know what I would do without him.”

Taylor credits her love for endurance riding to her grandmother...

Read more here:
http://www.centralkynews.com/winchestersun/news/ws-horseback-riding-turned-endurance-sport-for-a-clark-county-teen-20130802,0,183446.story

Humboldt Woman Rides Stallion to Finish in Prestigious Endurance Horse Race

Lostcoastoutpost.com - Full Article

“You ride for 30 miles in the dark,” explained thirty-one year old April Moore of Southern Humboldt about the Tevis Cup, a 100 mile endurance horse race she completed last week. “That’s amazing… . You ride with a glow stick on your collar.. a headlamp for emergencies… . You put a lot of trust in your horse.” In the end, she said when you’ve trained a lot with your horse and things get tough, “You drop your horse’s reins and just let him bring you on home.”

Moore was the only rider this year to complete the prestigious race riding a stallion. She finished 49th out of 161 riders (less than half of whom completed the race in the required 24 hours.) She started out at 5:30 A.M. on the 20th of July and rode through the night completing the race at 4:21 in the morning. Although the tradition of the Tevis Cup started with a Wendell Robie and his Arabian stallion Bandos, stallions entering the race are relatively rare. Even rarer are those that finish. This year Moore and DB Bey Barz were the only pair to succeed.

This was Moore’s third attempt at the prestigious event. People come from all over the world to participate and finishing the grueling event is considered a huge accomplishment. Temperatures this year reached over 110 degrees and Moore described competitors “dropping like flies, throwing up in trash cans” as they attempted to complete the ride...

Read more here:
http://lostcoastoutpost.com/2013/jul/31/riding/

Long riders – horses kick up their heels in Seneca Stampede

Bluemountaineagle.com - Full Article

uesday, July 30, 2013
By Raymond Field Blue Mountain Eagle

SENECA – Horse trailers loaded with tough and highly trained endurance horses stirred up the dust near the 96 Ranch in Bear Valley last weekend, as riders gathered for the Seneca Stampede.

For seasoned riders in the sport of competitive trail riding, challenging courses like the Bear Valley routes are a sweet addiction. The horses take their riders along sometimes treacherous backroads at 5 to 10 mph, across some of the most beautiful terrain in the country. The courses followed secondary, over-grown dirt roads and trails with hill climbs and stellar mountain views, most of the roads having been closed for years due to a big fire that swept through the area a decade ago...

Read more here:
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/sports/outdoors/long-riders-horses-kick-up-their-heels-in-seneca-stampede/article_8a3e2b58-f958-11e2-9da1-001a4bcf887a.html

2013 AERCNC: 1st Place Awards and Junior Completion Awards Created by Diane Dann and sponsored by Belesemo Arabians

7/29/2013

Northwest endurance rider Diane Dann has created the awards, sponsored by Belesemo Arabians, for the winners of the 50 and 100-mile AERC National Championships, and for the Junior completions in each distance. Each will receive a handmade mini-quilt of a horse.

"Quilting is something I had always wanted to do but didn't have the time," Diane said, "so I did lots of crafts, needlepoint, knitting and crochet for many years. Then in 2011 I got the bug, big time, and finally had some time and jumped in with both feet. Since then I have made 8 quilts ranging from king size to lap top, 4 table cloths of varying sizes, 2 wall hangings, 7 rag quilts, 3 table runners and a 3 different sets of placemats totaling 16 and have started to applique.

"I had been talking to Steph about making completion awards for any of her rides, as I just love to have projects to make, and she was the one who mentioned the National Championship."

Belesemo Arabians has a breeding program centers primarily on the tried and true Crabbet/Davenport bloodlines of Antez, Abu Farwa and Alla Amarward with a touch of Ferseyn, which are proven in the endurance, sport horse and competitive trail fields.

Buck Creek Valley Rescue co-founder and rescue horse to make 2800 mile treck to raise funds for rescue

Louisville.com - Full Article

July 18 2013

by Sandy Dolan
Richard Mills is the co-founder of Buck Creek Valley Rescue, a 501c3 non-profit rescue, and he’s about to embark on a long distance ride to raise desperately needed funds for the rescue. Richard will be riding one of the rescue horses that came to the rescue named Willie. Willie is a 6 year old pinto walking horse that came to the rescue in 2012 and was severely abused, being hit in the head with 2‘ by 4‘ boards. Willie was abused and suffered terribly but thanks to Buck Creek Valley Rescue‘s patient care and love he is now a healthy gentle horse who is about to help out those who helped him by focusing attention to and raising funds for the rescue.

Richard and Willie will begin their long distance journey at the Falls of the Ohio in Clarksville, Indiana on July 27, leaving at about 10 am, and ride their way to Great Falls, Montana. You can follow their 2800 mile journey...

Read more here:
http://www.louisville.com/content/buck-creek-valley-rescue-co-founder-and-rescue-horse-make-2800-mile-treck-raise-funds-rescue

The Vettec AERC National Endurance Championship is coming up soon!

http://www.endurance.net/AERCNC2013/index.html for all info.

The deadline for qualification to enter a 50 or 100 mile Championship division is September 9. 

All ride entry registrations must be postmarked or received by September 11.

Late registrations will be permitted but will incur a $50 late fee.

Ride entry fees:

50 Mile Championship:  $150

100 Mile Championship: $190

And because Ride Management wants to encourage participation by Juniors - entry fees for Juniors in both divisions will be Half Price! 

Downloadable and online registration forms will be available soon on the website. Payments may be made with cash or personal check, or if you pay by Visa, Mastercard or PayPal there will be an additional 3% to cover bank fees. 

Championship Qualification Criteria

100-mile ride:
500 lifetime miles (horse) AND 500 lifetime miles (rider), with at least one 100-mile, one-day ride together. The mileage requirements must be met with endurance competitions of 50 miles or more only -- no limited distance miles count towards qualification criteria. All miles MUST be AERC miles.
50-mile ride:
300 lifetime miles (horse) AND 300 lifetime miles (rider), with at least 100 miles together. The mileage requirements must be met with endurance competitions of 50 miles or more only -- no limited distance miles count towards qualification criteria. All miles MUST be AERC miles.
Alternate Qualification (either distance):
If the horse and rider team has completed 1,000 AERC endurance miles together (rides 50 miles or more only) they are qualified to enter either distance.
Non-Qualified:
You may enter the AERC event even if you and/or your horse do not meet the Qualification Criteria and will receive AERC points and mileage credit. In this case we ask that:
1) you are willing take over sponsorship of a Junior in the case that the Junior's original sponsor is eliminated from competition, or 
2) you are willing to help Ride Management in other ways such as drag rider, gate opener/closer or
3) you can volunteer during one of the rides (50 or 100) that you are not participating in.

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