Arabianracingcup.com
DARLEYS HOLLYWOOD 2014
The Arabian Racing Cup is pleased to announce the nominees for 27th annual Darley Awards, sponsored by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival. Honoring the best in the US in Arabian flat racing in 2013, the US champions will be named at the Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards Hollywood 2014 celebration to be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on the evening of April 4, 2014.
The 2013 Darley Nominees for Arabian Racing in USA are:
3 YEAR OLD COLT OR GELDING -
DJS Double O Seven, Lucky Sand, MY Kaliber, RB Champagne Taste, Thess Is Awesome
3 YEAR OLD FILLY -
Dhaan, Gogo Dancer CS, Our Princess, RB Burn Baby Burn, Reign Supreme CS
4 YEAR OLD COLT OR GELDING -
In X Hess, Krossfire CS, Lacy Vaz, Noble Czar, Smoke House
4 YEAR OLD FILLY -
C Louise, Delishess, Mahra T, Sand On Fire, TTT Tiny Tina
OLDER HORSE -
Ayers, Grilla, Sammy V, So Big Is Better, Valiant Boy SBFAR
OLDER MARE -
DC Willeys Song, Explosive Heat MHF, Hy Hopes JPL, Lil Rich Girl, Ms Dixie
OWNER -
Cre Run Enterprises LLC, Mark Powell, Quarter Moon Ranch, Rosebrook Farms LLC, Sam Vasquez
BREEDER -
Alan Kirshner and Deborah Mihaloff, Dale Partin, Sam Vasquez, Bill Waldron, Dianne Waldron
TRAINER -
Lynn Ashby, Ron Martino, Randy Nunley, Scott Powell, Jerenesto Torrez
JOCKEY -
Victor Carrasco, Alex Cintron, Gerardo Mora, Gregorio Rivera, Juan Torres
HORSE OF THE YEAR -
DHAAN, GRILLA, SMOKE HOUSE, SO BIG IS BETTER, VALIANT BOY SBFAR
Often referred to as the "Oscars" of Arabian racing, sharing the spotlight on the Dolby Theater stage that evening are the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards for Ladies. These elite international Awards are presented in the name of Her Highness to outstanding women in Arabian racing globally in 2013. Ms Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival, will announce the Ladies finalists in the eleven categories in the coming weeks. These awards are determined by an international panel of distinguished judges from 8 countries, including the UAE, United Kingdom, Bahrain, Egypt, Qatar, Lebanon, Netherlands, and United States.
Chartered in 1983, the Arabian Racing Cup is a nonprofit corporation founded by Dr. Sam Harrison and directed by its Board of Stewards. The Cup is dedicated to the international promotion of Arabian Racing, and in 2012, joined together with the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival to promote this prestigious Darley Awards event.
Supported by an extensive list of international sponsors, the Darley Awards are under the direction of Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the Festival, and organized by Arabian Racing Cup, the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in association with International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities, Emirates Racing Authority, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, and supported by General Authority of Youth & Sports Welfare. Emirates Airlines is the official carrier.
Contact Denise Gault, Chief Steward of the Arabian Racing Cup - 831.625.4275
Monday, March 24, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
AERC Membership Committee Launches New Endurance Blog
In light of the aging population in endurance riding and the need to recruit new members, enthusiastic new AERC board member Rusty Toth has launched a new blog, "Why Endurance?"
"The blog was my idea, born out of the AERC Membership Committee," says the mountain region's Toth, a national and international endurance rider, Tevis Cup and Haggin Cup winner, who first began riding endurance in 1999. "The idea is to inspire riders to either try a longer distance or possibly step up the speed in a safe way, and to encompass the big tent of endurance, showing that it is okay to be a 'hot shoe' and a 'back-of-the-packer.' The blog will include helpful information to responsibly guide the 'middle-of-the-pack' rider who may want to start riding for Top Ten completions.
"We also want to reach out to our younger audience, as AERC endurance is an aging demographic," Toth continued. "For the future of the sport we need to revitalize our youth and capture new riders in the sport at a lower age segment.
"I am reminded of a story of fellow BOD member Tom Bache, having competed in the Twenty Mule Team 100-miler this February, riding much of it with a 19-year old-lady. A 70-year-old man and a 19-year-old lady riding a 100 and finishing Top Ten together, that is our sport; everyone.
"You can be a junior or senior, fast or slow rider, and it's all endurance. It's all this glorious sport shared with our best equine friends."
Darryl Downs, 27-year-old 3000-mile endurance rider from the northeast region, is the first blog poster.
In less than 20 hours since its launch, the blog already has over 1000 hits.
Follow the blog at:
http://whyendurance.blogspot.com/
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Lane County, Ore., Horses Test Positive for Neurologic EHV-1
Thehorse.com - Full Article
By Edited Press Release
Mar 11, 2014
A Lane County, Ore., horse has died from and four others from the same stable have tested positive for neurologic equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), Oregon animal health officials announced late yesterday (March 10).
A statement from the Oregon Department of Agriculture indicates that all 10 horses residing on the affected property have been quarantined, and those showing signs of disease are being treated. There is no indication that the virus has spread to other horses beyond those being quarantined, the statement said.
“At this point in time, the investigation shows that this is an isolated incident confined to the animals now under quarantine,” said Oregon State Veterinarian Brad LeaMaster, DVM, PhD. “Equine veterinarians in the state are well aware of this virus and are trained to take the proper steps when a horse is showing symptoms.”
LeaMaster said the exposed horses have not been moved from the property in more than two months. The horse that died had originally been purchased from an owner in Benton County, Ore.; the previous owner has been contacted and reports no signs of illness in any of their horses.
“The Lane County stable owner and all horse owners have been very cooperative and supportive of the disease control actions taken” LeaMaster said. “A neurologic EHV-1 diagnosis certainly gets the attention of equine veterinarians and horse owners. We have had occurrences of the disease in Oregon in the past. I’ve noticed what seems to be a higher degree of awareness of the EHV-1 disease with horse owners than there was just a couple a years ago.”
LeaMaster praised quick work by local veterinarians and Oregon State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in detecting the virus quickly and taking steps to limit any spread...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/33521/lane-county-ore-horses-test-positive-for-neurologic-ehv-1?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=health-news&utm_campaign=03-11-2014
By Edited Press Release
Mar 11, 2014
A Lane County, Ore., horse has died from and four others from the same stable have tested positive for neurologic equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), Oregon animal health officials announced late yesterday (March 10).
A statement from the Oregon Department of Agriculture indicates that all 10 horses residing on the affected property have been quarantined, and those showing signs of disease are being treated. There is no indication that the virus has spread to other horses beyond those being quarantined, the statement said.
“At this point in time, the investigation shows that this is an isolated incident confined to the animals now under quarantine,” said Oregon State Veterinarian Brad LeaMaster, DVM, PhD. “Equine veterinarians in the state are well aware of this virus and are trained to take the proper steps when a horse is showing symptoms.”
LeaMaster said the exposed horses have not been moved from the property in more than two months. The horse that died had originally been purchased from an owner in Benton County, Ore.; the previous owner has been contacted and reports no signs of illness in any of their horses.
“The Lane County stable owner and all horse owners have been very cooperative and supportive of the disease control actions taken” LeaMaster said. “A neurologic EHV-1 diagnosis certainly gets the attention of equine veterinarians and horse owners. We have had occurrences of the disease in Oregon in the past. I’ve noticed what seems to be a higher degree of awareness of the EHV-1 disease with horse owners than there was just a couple a years ago.”
LeaMaster praised quick work by local veterinarians and Oregon State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in detecting the virus quickly and taking steps to limit any spread...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/33521/lane-county-ore-horses-test-positive-for-neurologic-ehv-1?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=health-news&utm_campaign=03-11-2014
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Endurance Day on Horses in the Morning Radio Show!
March 11 2014
On today's Action Rider Tack endurance episode Karen, as is her usual habit, opens the show with yet another smile inducing ride story followed up with some great rider ride recovery advice. Next up Shannon Weil tells us about her adventures with and book about Linda Tellington-Jones. Rounding out the show Connie Creech talks about riding seventy five 100 mile races, and why she wants to do more! Listen in with hosts Karen Chaton and Glenn the Geek…
http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/hitm-for-03-11-2014-by-action-rider-tack-rider-recovery-tellington-jones-book-how-many-100s/
On today's Action Rider Tack endurance episode Karen, as is her usual habit, opens the show with yet another smile inducing ride story followed up with some great rider ride recovery advice. Next up Shannon Weil tells us about her adventures with and book about Linda Tellington-Jones. Rounding out the show Connie Creech talks about riding seventy five 100 mile races, and why she wants to do more! Listen in with hosts Karen Chaton and Glenn the Geek…
http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/hitm-for-03-11-2014-by-action-rider-tack-rider-recovery-tellington-jones-book-how-many-100s/
AHA Increases Dues on April 1
March 11 2014
AHA base membership will increase to $40 on April 1, 2014. Dues have not increased since 2002. The current three year rate of $70 will also go up. If you are a current member of AHA you can lock in the $25 rate if you renew now even if your membership does not expire till later this year.
If you are planning to be involved in any Arabian Horse Association shows or AHA sanctioned endurance rides this year either as an owner, exhibitor or trainer, you need to have ...a membership with the association. A nonmember show fee for just one of the AiM shows this year is $35 so you may consider an AHA membership.
If you affiliate your membership with a club such as AiM (club number 4230) your competition card is $35 not $60. A competition card is required to participate in shows.
For more information, see:
http://www.arabianhorses.org/default2.asp
AHA base membership will increase to $40 on April 1, 2014. Dues have not increased since 2002. The current three year rate of $70 will also go up. If you are a current member of AHA you can lock in the $25 rate if you renew now even if your membership does not expire till later this year.
If you are planning to be involved in any Arabian Horse Association shows or AHA sanctioned endurance rides this year either as an owner, exhibitor or trainer, you need to have ...a membership with the association. A nonmember show fee for just one of the AiM shows this year is $35 so you may consider an AHA membership.
If you affiliate your membership with a club such as AiM (club number 4230) your competition card is $35 not $60. A competition card is required to participate in shows.
For more information, see:
http://www.arabianhorses.org/default2.asp
Back Country Horsemen of America Trek the Old Spanish National Historic Trail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 7, 2014
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
Although equestrians share the trails with many other types of users, horseback riding is the original use for many of the trails and public lands we enjoy today. Not only does Back Country Horsemen of America protect our right to ride horses on public lands, they seek to preserve those historic trails our predecessors traveled.
In Our Ancestors’ Footsteps
Some ambitious Back Country Horsemen are planning a 1200 mile horseback ride along the Old Spanish National Historic Trail through California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. The trail takes its name from the Spanish colonies in northern New Mexico and southern California that were linked by this rugged route from 1829 to 1848. Traders exchanged woolen goods made in New Mexico and mules, horses, and donkeys from California.
The BCHA ride will commemorate the historical and modern day significance of this trail. The primary objective of the journey is to educate folks about the importance of protecting equestrian access to our nation’s public lands and BCHA’s leading role in that endeavor.
They also hope to inspire a zeal for preserving the treasures of our American heritage, such as the Old Spanish National Historic Trail, that still survive across the nation. Many of today’s trails, public lands, and paths were forged specifically for travel by horseback, long before hiking and mountain biking were invented. These byways have been a part of the landscape for numerous generations, and with our attention, for numerous generations to come.
Plan and Prepare
Although at this point plans are not yet finalized, Back Country Horsemen of America expect a core group of around six people to ride the entire route, with many others joining at various places along the way, for as little as a day or as long as a week or two. They’ll travel the first 600 miles from El Pueblo de Los Angeles, California, to central Utah in the fall of 2014. They’ll trek the second 600 miles from central Utah to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the spring and summer of 2015, after the snow melts in the Utah passes.
Traveling through deserts and mountains, Indian reservations and National Forests, BCHA riders expect to average 20 miles each day with one rest day a week, completing the trip in 60 to 70 days (with allowances for unexpected delays). In isolated areas, pack horses and mules will carry their equipment and supplies to the next camping spot, replicating the way the original traders traveled the route.
Back Country Horsemen in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico will assist with finding the route, choosing camp sites, acquiring supplies and services, and other tasks requiring local knowledge. Richard Waller of Back Country Horsemen of California, Los Padres Unit, will put his considerable experience and skill to use as the ride’s Trail Boss and Chief Planner.
Spread the Word
To further share the story of their ride and the need to save cultural gems like the Old Spanish National Historic Trail, a book will be written about the trek and camera crews will film the journey to create a movie. Updates on the riders’ progress during the trip will be placed in the media and online to allow the public to experience the trek along with them.
To learn more about Back Country Horsemen of America’s Old Spanish National Historic Trail Trek, go to http://wanderingthewest.com/old-spanish-trail/ost.html or find them on Facebook: Backcountry Horsemen Old Spanish Trail Trek.
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 regarding 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!
Peg Greiwe
1-888-893-5161
March 7, 2014
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
Although equestrians share the trails with many other types of users, horseback riding is the original use for many of the trails and public lands we enjoy today. Not only does Back Country Horsemen of America protect our right to ride horses on public lands, they seek to preserve those historic trails our predecessors traveled.
In Our Ancestors’ Footsteps
Some ambitious Back Country Horsemen are planning a 1200 mile horseback ride along the Old Spanish National Historic Trail through California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. The trail takes its name from the Spanish colonies in northern New Mexico and southern California that were linked by this rugged route from 1829 to 1848. Traders exchanged woolen goods made in New Mexico and mules, horses, and donkeys from California.
The BCHA ride will commemorate the historical and modern day significance of this trail. The primary objective of the journey is to educate folks about the importance of protecting equestrian access to our nation’s public lands and BCHA’s leading role in that endeavor.
They also hope to inspire a zeal for preserving the treasures of our American heritage, such as the Old Spanish National Historic Trail, that still survive across the nation. Many of today’s trails, public lands, and paths were forged specifically for travel by horseback, long before hiking and mountain biking were invented. These byways have been a part of the landscape for numerous generations, and with our attention, for numerous generations to come.
Plan and Prepare
Although at this point plans are not yet finalized, Back Country Horsemen of America expect a core group of around six people to ride the entire route, with many others joining at various places along the way, for as little as a day or as long as a week or two. They’ll travel the first 600 miles from El Pueblo de Los Angeles, California, to central Utah in the fall of 2014. They’ll trek the second 600 miles from central Utah to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the spring and summer of 2015, after the snow melts in the Utah passes.
Traveling through deserts and mountains, Indian reservations and National Forests, BCHA riders expect to average 20 miles each day with one rest day a week, completing the trip in 60 to 70 days (with allowances for unexpected delays). In isolated areas, pack horses and mules will carry their equipment and supplies to the next camping spot, replicating the way the original traders traveled the route.
Back Country Horsemen in California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico will assist with finding the route, choosing camp sites, acquiring supplies and services, and other tasks requiring local knowledge. Richard Waller of Back Country Horsemen of California, Los Padres Unit, will put his considerable experience and skill to use as the ride’s Trail Boss and Chief Planner.
Spread the Word
To further share the story of their ride and the need to save cultural gems like the Old Spanish National Historic Trail, a book will be written about the trek and camera crews will film the journey to create a movie. Updates on the riders’ progress during the trip will be placed in the media and online to allow the public to experience the trek along with them.
To learn more about Back Country Horsemen of America’s Old Spanish National Historic Trail Trek, go to http://wanderingthewest.com/old-spanish-trail/ost.html or find them on Facebook: Backcountry Horsemen Old Spanish Trail Trek.
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 regarding 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!
Peg Greiwe
1-888-893-5161
Saturday, March 08, 2014
Videos from the 2014 AERC Convention
March 8 2014
Reporting for AERC, intrepid roving reporters Ken and Julie Herrera are roaming the seminar halls of the 2014 AERC "Horses First" Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, showing everyone who is not in attendance a taste of what they are missing, including vendor hall and Hot Topic meetings, interviews with vets and riders, snippets of different talks, parties and awards banquets.
See the AERC video channel to keep up with what's going on at the convention:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx4Qhez7S753wqU5MCnJ4w?feature=watch
Reporting for AERC, intrepid roving reporters Ken and Julie Herrera are roaming the seminar halls of the 2014 AERC "Horses First" Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, showing everyone who is not in attendance a taste of what they are missing, including vendor hall and Hot Topic meetings, interviews with vets and riders, snippets of different talks, parties and awards banquets.
See the AERC video channel to keep up with what's going on at the convention:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx4Qhez7S753wqU5MCnJ4w?feature=watch
Tuesday, March 04, 2014
Motions Up for Consideration at AERC Convention
AERC.orgTwo motions up for consideration by the board of directors at the AERC Convention in Atlanta this weekend concern the Equine Welfare Reform Package and the AERC Notice to FEI Sponsorship Committee Motion.
EQUINE WELFARE REFORM PACKAGE MOTION BEFORE THE BOARD: The Veterinary, Research and Welfare of the Horse committees are proposing the Equine Welfare Reform Package motion -- please read it over and make comments to your board representatives. Discussion will take place at the convention board meetings. Click for the Equine Welfare Reform Package Motion.
Also up for consideration by the board of directors at their convention meetings is the Sponsorship Committee Motion: AERC Notice to FEI, which is now in its final version before presentation to the board. Please read it over and make comments to your board representatives. Click for the Sponsorship Committee Motion: AERC Notice to FEI.
Super horse wins USA’s top competitive trail title – again
Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Mar 04, 2014 in News
Colorado horse Awesomes Fire N Ice has received the USA’s highest endurance award for the second time.
Ridden by Ken Wolgram of Craig, Colorado, Awesomes Fire N Ice, aka Ice, a half-arabian red dun gelding, was named the winner of the North American Trail Ride Conference’s (NATRC) President’s Cup for the 2013 season...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2014/03/04/super-horse-wins-usa-top-endurance-title-again/#axzz2v0TcMzy5
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Mar 04, 2014 in News
Colorado horse Awesomes Fire N Ice has received the USA’s highest endurance award for the second time.
Ridden by Ken Wolgram of Craig, Colorado, Awesomes Fire N Ice, aka Ice, a half-arabian red dun gelding, was named the winner of the North American Trail Ride Conference’s (NATRC) President’s Cup for the 2013 season...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2014/03/04/super-horse-wins-usa-top-endurance-title-again/#axzz2v0TcMzy5
‘Hall-of-fame’ endurance rider Cindy Collins
Codyenterprise.com - Full Article
March 3 2014
By COREY MORRIS
With a single headlamp shining the way, Cindy Collins of Cody climbs the mountain atop her chestnut Arabian mare, AUR Sierra Wind.
The lights of the society she and Sierra came from glow below in the distance as the clop of Sierra’s shoes moves them both forward into the darkness and away from the safety of humanity.
Collins holds back the growing motion sickness, ignoring the swinging of the headlamp’s light. The trail ahead sways because of the swinging light, like a boat on the sea, but Collins deals with it.
When she and Sierra reach the 25-mile mark, they’ll enjoy a one-hour break on the Big Horn Mountains...
Read more here:
http://www.codyenterprise.com/news/people/article_88f362f0-a320-11e3-8d23-0019bb2963f4.html
March 3 2014
By COREY MORRIS
With a single headlamp shining the way, Cindy Collins of Cody climbs the mountain atop her chestnut Arabian mare, AUR Sierra Wind.
The lights of the society she and Sierra came from glow below in the distance as the clop of Sierra’s shoes moves them both forward into the darkness and away from the safety of humanity.
Collins holds back the growing motion sickness, ignoring the swinging of the headlamp’s light. The trail ahead sways because of the swinging light, like a boat on the sea, but Collins deals with it.
When she and Sierra reach the 25-mile mark, they’ll enjoy a one-hour break on the Big Horn Mountains...
Read more here:
http://www.codyenterprise.com/news/people/article_88f362f0-a320-11e3-8d23-0019bb2963f4.html
Saturday, March 01, 2014
Endurance.net's Book of the Week: And Miles to Go: The Biography of a Great Arabian Horse, Witez II
Endurance.net/market/bookstoreAnd Miles to Go: The Biography of a Great Arabian Horse, Witez II by Linell Smith is a collector's item!
Witez II, purportedly the most magnificent Arabian horse ever, was born in Poland in 1938 and survived the Nazi, Russian and American invasions. This is his story--a gallant one--told with irrepressible sentiment. Any youthful interest aroused by the general aura of the stable will be squelched by the appearance of the young twins Stacia and Stasik, both of whom utter only deathless prose. Stacia and her Babka (grandmother) are both clairvoyant, so that the grim future is always agonizingly clear. There are some interesting scenes which present the plight of Poland first under the Germans, then caught between the Russians and the Americans, but the alternately pedantic, rhetorical, and tearful style obstructs appreciation. Witez never emerges as more. than a sweet-tempered, adored specimen, even after the sudden (tragic) disappearance of the pompous twins., as one after another human falls under the spell of his beauty.
Tevis Cup Legacy Buckles
Teviscup.org
Share the journey and share the buckle!
First time finishers in 2014 may choose to receive a historic buckle at this year's Awards Banquet on August 10th. Each legacy buckle is engraved with the year and the name of the horse and rider team that earned it. Legacy buckles as far back as the '60s are being donated very generously by multi-time finishers to the Western States Trail Foundation for this purpose. These donors include Tevis Cup and Haggin Cup winners, as well as riders of unusual breeds.
To learn more about earning a legacy buckle in 2014 or to donate your buckles for this worthy project, please contact Kathie Perry, Chuck Stalley, Barbara White or wstf@teviscup.org.
Share the journey and share the buckle!
First time finishers in 2014 may choose to receive a historic buckle at this year's Awards Banquet on August 10th. Each legacy buckle is engraved with the year and the name of the horse and rider team that earned it. Legacy buckles as far back as the '60s are being donated very generously by multi-time finishers to the Western States Trail Foundation for this purpose. These donors include Tevis Cup and Haggin Cup winners, as well as riders of unusual breeds.
To learn more about earning a legacy buckle in 2014 or to donate your buckles for this worthy project, please contact Kathie Perry, Chuck Stalley, Barbara White or wstf@teviscup.org.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Jennifer Waitte and Al Baraaq Hold Original 20 Mule Team 100-mile Course Record
February 26 2014
It was reported that in winning the 100-mile Twenty Mule Team on February 22, 2014, Brandon Reed and BA Resolute set a new course record. While they did set a record over this particular course configuration, it is Jennifer Waitte and Al Baraaq who set and hold the original course record of 8:45 over the original Twenty Mule Team 100 trails in 2000, before the course was changed to the present trails. They also won Best Condition that year.
Al Baraaq, by Berdo out of Abu Farwyn by Numizmat, held a record of 28 of 29 AERC starts, with 11 of 11 100-mile rides completed, and 9 Best Condition awards. In 1999, Waitte and Al Baraaq also won the 100-mile Twenty Mule Team (and Best Condition), the 2-day 100 Death Valley Encounter (and Best Condition), and in 2000 they won the Virginia City 100.
It was reported that in winning the 100-mile Twenty Mule Team on February 22, 2014, Brandon Reed and BA Resolute set a new course record. While they did set a record over this particular course configuration, it is Jennifer Waitte and Al Baraaq who set and hold the original course record of 8:45 over the original Twenty Mule Team 100 trails in 2000, before the course was changed to the present trails. They also won Best Condition that year.
Al Baraaq, by Berdo out of Abu Farwyn by Numizmat, held a record of 28 of 29 AERC starts, with 11 of 11 100-mile rides completed, and 9 Best Condition awards. In 1999, Waitte and Al Baraaq also won the 100-mile Twenty Mule Team (and Best Condition), the 2-day 100 Death Valley Encounter (and Best Condition), and in 2000 they won the Virginia City 100.
The Endurance of a Horse
Sportsmanslifestyle.com - Full Article
February 17 2014
by Carmen Schwartz
When it comes to the world of sports, endurance is a trait that is necessary to achieve success, win awards, and have medals pinned to one’s chest. But there are many sports where the person is not really the one that must pass the endurance test – it is the creature logothey sit upon.
Equestrian sports are actually lovely to the eyes. The mighty steed is stunning; the rider weaving and leading the creature through the maze of jumps is incredibly graceful; even when heading through the woods after that sly fox, the world of chivalry is once again born, along with the actual sport. Many think of the equestrian sports as ‘British’ sports; a human and animal riding in perfect symmetry, dressed and groomed well, looking as if the 1800s have been resurrected.
But there is a subset of this sport that is all about endurance, and the training that needs to be undergone is almost painful to think Tevis cupabout. Called endurance riding, this sport is actually based on planned-out, controlled, long-distance races...
Read more here:
http://sportsmanslifestyle.com/endurance-horse/
February 17 2014
by Carmen Schwartz
When it comes to the world of sports, endurance is a trait that is necessary to achieve success, win awards, and have medals pinned to one’s chest. But there are many sports where the person is not really the one that must pass the endurance test – it is the creature logothey sit upon.
Equestrian sports are actually lovely to the eyes. The mighty steed is stunning; the rider weaving and leading the creature through the maze of jumps is incredibly graceful; even when heading through the woods after that sly fox, the world of chivalry is once again born, along with the actual sport. Many think of the equestrian sports as ‘British’ sports; a human and animal riding in perfect symmetry, dressed and groomed well, looking as if the 1800s have been resurrected.
But there is a subset of this sport that is all about endurance, and the training that needs to be undergone is almost painful to think Tevis cupabout. Called endurance riding, this sport is actually based on planned-out, controlled, long-distance races...
Read more here:
http://sportsmanslifestyle.com/endurance-horse/
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
26th Annual Twenty Mule Team
February 22 2014
For 26 years, the annual Twenty Mule Team endurance ride has drawn riders from around the country to the Mojave desert in Ridgecrest, California. One of the premiere 100-mile rides in the winter (there's also a 65 and a 35 mile ride), it was started by Jim and Jackie Bumgardner in 1989; Robert and Melissa Ribley took over the ride in 2007 and continue to manage it.
Brandon Reed riding BA Resolute (aka Goliver) won this year's 100 mile ride in 8:51, by 8 minutes over Diane Stevens riding Banderaz LC. Brandon was first heavyweight, and BA Resolute also won Best Condition.
29 of 33 completed the 100. It's the second highest completion rate - 87% - in the history of the ride. 2013 saw 89% complete the 100.
Finishing 16th was Gina Hall on Fire Mt Destiny in 15:32 - Destiny's 19th 100-mile completion.
Elizabeth Funderburk and her gaited mare Eagle Eyes Miss Dixie, (known as Team Fixie, with a big fan club), and JayaMae Gregory, riding Foxfire's Little Britches, all finished their first 100 mile ride, coming in 23rd and 24th in 17:38. Katy Elliot riding Kodaakhrom finished with them in 22nd place.
The 65 mile ride had 36 starters and 34 finishers. Zach Rabow and RTR Rimfire won the ride, High Vet Score and Best Condition.
The 35 mile ride had 29 starters and 27 finishers. Justin Loewen was the winner.
**This post originally stated Brandon Reed set a course record of 8:51 for the 100-mile ride. While he did set a new course record over the current trails, Jennifer Waitte and Al Baraaq hold the original record of 8:45, set in 2000.
For 26 years, the annual Twenty Mule Team endurance ride has drawn riders from around the country to the Mojave desert in Ridgecrest, California. One of the premiere 100-mile rides in the winter (there's also a 65 and a 35 mile ride), it was started by Jim and Jackie Bumgardner in 1989; Robert and Melissa Ribley took over the ride in 2007 and continue to manage it.
Brandon Reed riding BA Resolute (aka Goliver) won this year's 100 mile ride in 8:51, by 8 minutes over Diane Stevens riding Banderaz LC. Brandon was first heavyweight, and BA Resolute also won Best Condition.
29 of 33 completed the 100. It's the second highest completion rate - 87% - in the history of the ride. 2013 saw 89% complete the 100.
Finishing 16th was Gina Hall on Fire Mt Destiny in 15:32 - Destiny's 19th 100-mile completion.
Elizabeth Funderburk and her gaited mare Eagle Eyes Miss Dixie, (known as Team Fixie, with a big fan club), and JayaMae Gregory, riding Foxfire's Little Britches, all finished their first 100 mile ride, coming in 23rd and 24th in 17:38. Katy Elliot riding Kodaakhrom finished with them in 22nd place.
The 65 mile ride had 36 starters and 34 finishers. Zach Rabow and RTR Rimfire won the ride, High Vet Score and Best Condition.
The 35 mile ride had 29 starters and 27 finishers. Justin Loewen was the winner.
**This post originally stated Brandon Reed set a course record of 8:51 for the 100-mile ride. While he did set a new course record over the current trails, Jennifer Waitte and Al Baraaq hold the original record of 8:45, set in 2000.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
2014 Tevis Cup Entries Now Available
Teviscup.org
Welcome to the 59th Annual Tevis Cup 100-Miles One-Day Western States Trail Ride
To qualify to enter the Western States Trail Ride, Riders (not the equine) must, at the time of application, meet one of the qualifications below. The 300 miles are cumulative lifetime. Equine must be a minimum of 72 months (6 years) old at time of ride.
I have previously completed the Western States Trail Ride.
I have completed a total of 300 miles of rides sanctioned by WSTF, AERC, NATRC, and/or a foreign/international equivalent. All the rides except those sanctioned as Education Rides by WSTF were 50 miles or more in length. (Note: You may count toward the required 300 miles, 75 miles for each day that you have completed on a WSTF Education Ride up to a maximum of 150 miles.)
Rules governing the WSTF differ in some respects from those of other AERC sanctioned rides. The WSTF Rules will be applied and adhered to before, during and after the Ride.
Receipt of a completed entry by the WSTF does not guarantee acceptance to the ride.
When the quota of 210 participants has been reached, further entries will be placed on a waiting list. Ten additional entries in the Ride List are discretionary and are generally accorded to foreign riders.
Applications by junior riders who are over 12 and under 18 on ride day will only be considered if accompanied by the entry of an adult rider (21 years or older) as sponsor.
For entries, and more information, click here:
http://www.teviscup.org/tevis-2014/the-2013-tevis-cup
Welcome to the 59th Annual Tevis Cup 100-Miles One-Day Western States Trail Ride
To qualify to enter the Western States Trail Ride, Riders (not the equine) must, at the time of application, meet one of the qualifications below. The 300 miles are cumulative lifetime. Equine must be a minimum of 72 months (6 years) old at time of ride.
I have previously completed the Western States Trail Ride.
I have completed a total of 300 miles of rides sanctioned by WSTF, AERC, NATRC, and/or a foreign/international equivalent. All the rides except those sanctioned as Education Rides by WSTF were 50 miles or more in length. (Note: You may count toward the required 300 miles, 75 miles for each day that you have completed on a WSTF Education Ride up to a maximum of 150 miles.)
Rules governing the WSTF differ in some respects from those of other AERC sanctioned rides. The WSTF Rules will be applied and adhered to before, during and after the Ride.
Receipt of a completed entry by the WSTF does not guarantee acceptance to the ride.
When the quota of 210 participants has been reached, further entries will be placed on a waiting list. Ten additional entries in the Ride List are discretionary and are generally accorded to foreign riders.
Applications by junior riders who are over 12 and under 18 on ride day will only be considered if accompanied by the entry of an adult rider (21 years or older) as sponsor.
For entries, and more information, click here:
http://www.teviscup.org/tevis-2014/the-2013-tevis-cup
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Annual Convention for American Endurance Ride Conference in March 2014 in Atlanta!
Horsegirltv.com - Full ArticleEndurance riders from across the U.S. and Canada will converge on Atlanta, Georgia, for the American Endurance Ride Conference’s 2014 convention March 7 and 8 at the Sheraton Gateway Atlanta Airport Hotel.
The convention combines free events – a trade show for distanced riders, early morning “hot topics” discussions, and an always-popular tack swap – with seminars ($55 per day), a dance on Friday night, and the nonprofit organization’s national awards banquet on Saturday evening.
The trade show and tack swap are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, and until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8.
Complete information about the convention can be found on AERC’s website: www.aerc.org/2014convention.pdf...
Read more here:
http://www.horsegirltv.com/annual-convention-for-american-endurance-ride-conference-in-march-2014-in-atlanta/#.Uwi-GUJdVLU
Friday, February 21, 2014
AERC Launches YouTube Video Channel
AERC.orgFebruary 21 2014
The American Endurance Ride Conference announced the launch of its very own YouTube Channel.
Written and narrated by Susan Garlinghouse DVM and produced by Ken and Julie Herrera, the first four videos produced feature educational instructions on how to vet your horse at a vet check, how to pack a crew bag, and how to camp safely with your horse. While aimed at "newbies" in the sport, even seasoned riders will find useful tips in the videos.
Further education videos are nearing completion, and more are planned, including some by “Roving Reporter” Ken Herrera at the upcoming national convention, filming quick looks and goings-on at ongoing activities, vendors, parties and award banquets. "They're another great tool to demonstrate who we are," Garlinghouse said.
AERC's Youtube channel can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqx4Qhez7S753wqU5MCnJ4w
Changes Planned for Tevis 2014
Teviscup.org
Message from the Ride Director
Chuck Stalley
There are a couple of changes planned for this year's ride. The ride committee has decided to raise the entry fee to $400, which now includes the Friday night dinner for riders as well as the Sunday Awards Banquet. The change in the entry fee is also necessary because of the increased costs of all aspects of the ride--not just the trail maintenance caused by the 2013 fire.
The veterinary committee is planning to implement a couple of new proposals this year. One of the proposals is to give your horse a body condition score during the veterinary check in at Robie Park . Experienced Tevis riders know that a horse that is too thin or too heavy has less of a chance to finish in good condition. Therefore, look for an article from head veterinarian Greg Fellers on how to judge and score your horse's conditioning, which should help you moderate your horse's weight long before the event.
Our record-breaking drought has the ride committee identifying many locations along the trail to add water troughs where natural water would be found in a normal year. The message on the social media sites this year is clearly about horse welfare and having opportunities for your horse to hydrate is the number one concern of the Tevis ride committee.
Steve Hallmark and the trail committee are making plans and working with the USFS to restore the canyon trail from Last Chance to Devils Thumb which incurred major damage last summer from the fire. The Devil's Thumb side has had most of its work done in October and November but the east side of the canyon is scheduled for early spring.
Please note the joint trail committees have a website for volunteers to sign up to help restore the Last Chance trail and the side hill bridge on the east side near the bottom. Please volunteer if possible for one or more of the work days. This is a chance to improve this canyon trail and make it safer. This section of WS Trail is scheduled to be opened by April 1st but check the websites to be sure.
The 2014 Tevis is continuing to offer the legacy buckle program for first time finishers. This is a very popular program that continues because of the generosity of the donors.
The Signature Rider entry is back, which is an all inclusive entry. While offering no competitive advantage, it allows riders to donate back to the ride and fund maintenance work and improvements to the trail.
The first ten juniors to enter with a qualified sponsor will have their entry fee paid on their behalf. Thank you, Easycare, for your continuing dedication to the next generation of distance riders and making this junior program possible. For details on these programs please see the website and read through the pages of the entry for all the details.
On behalf of the Board of Governors of the Western States Trail Ride happy training.
Message from the Ride Director
Chuck Stalley
There are a couple of changes planned for this year's ride. The ride committee has decided to raise the entry fee to $400, which now includes the Friday night dinner for riders as well as the Sunday Awards Banquet. The change in the entry fee is also necessary because of the increased costs of all aspects of the ride--not just the trail maintenance caused by the 2013 fire.
The veterinary committee is planning to implement a couple of new proposals this year. One of the proposals is to give your horse a body condition score during the veterinary check in at Robie Park . Experienced Tevis riders know that a horse that is too thin or too heavy has less of a chance to finish in good condition. Therefore, look for an article from head veterinarian Greg Fellers on how to judge and score your horse's conditioning, which should help you moderate your horse's weight long before the event.
Our record-breaking drought has the ride committee identifying many locations along the trail to add water troughs where natural water would be found in a normal year. The message on the social media sites this year is clearly about horse welfare and having opportunities for your horse to hydrate is the number one concern of the Tevis ride committee.
Steve Hallmark and the trail committee are making plans and working with the USFS to restore the canyon trail from Last Chance to Devils Thumb which incurred major damage last summer from the fire. The Devil's Thumb side has had most of its work done in October and November but the east side of the canyon is scheduled for early spring.
Please note the joint trail committees have a website for volunteers to sign up to help restore the Last Chance trail and the side hill bridge on the east side near the bottom. Please volunteer if possible for one or more of the work days. This is a chance to improve this canyon trail and make it safer. This section of WS Trail is scheduled to be opened by April 1st but check the websites to be sure.
The 2014 Tevis is continuing to offer the legacy buckle program for first time finishers. This is a very popular program that continues because of the generosity of the donors.
The Signature Rider entry is back, which is an all inclusive entry. While offering no competitive advantage, it allows riders to donate back to the ride and fund maintenance work and improvements to the trail.
The first ten juniors to enter with a qualified sponsor will have their entry fee paid on their behalf. Thank you, Easycare, for your continuing dedication to the next generation of distance riders and making this junior program possible. For details on these programs please see the website and read through the pages of the entry for all the details.
On behalf of the Board of Governors of the Western States Trail Ride happy training.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
2014 Tevis: Juniors Ride Free!
Teviscup.orgJuniors Ride Free! EasyCare will pay ride entry fee for first ten juniors* to sign up for Tevis 2014!
*Junior entry must be accompanied by paid adult sponsor entry to qualify for EasyCare paid entry fee. Under 18 years of age are considered "junior" riders.
Go to Teviscup.org for entry forms and more information.
American Endurance Ride Conference Annual Convention March 2014 in Atlanta
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 19, 2014
Contact: Troy Smith
American Endurance Ride Conference
www.aerc.org
endurancenews@foothill.net
866-271-2372, 530-823-2260
Endurance riders from across the U.S. and Canada will converge on Atlanta, Georgia, for the American Endurance Ride Conference’s 2014 convention March 7 and 8 at the Sheraton Gateway Atlanta Airport Hotel.
The convention combines free events – a trade show for distanced riders, early morning “hot topics” discussions, and an always-popular tack swap – with seminars ($55 per day), a dance on Friday night, and the nonprofit organization’s national awards banquet on Saturday evening.
The trade show and tack swap are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, and until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8.
Complete information about the convention can be found on AERC’s website: www.aerc.org/2014convention.pdf.
The theme for this year’s gathering is “Horses First,” which reflects AERC’s commitment to horse welfare. “With rides of up to 100 miles in one day, it is imperative that our riders always put their horses first,” said AERC Executive Director Kathleen Henkel. “Every competition includes a pre-ride check for the horse, with multiple checks during and after the competition.” Endurance riders today, Henkel emphasized, strive to do well with their horses over the long run. “One of our most coveted awards is the Decade Team award, which honors riders and equines who have competed together for 10 or more years,” she said.
Many rides offer introductory, fun rides of 10 to 15 miles, to acquaint new distance riders with veterinary checks and following ribbons along the marked course of a ride. The organization is also expanding the number of clinics so new riders become familiar with training methods, suggested tack, and common feeding protocols.
“It’s a pretty low-cost sport for riders compared to other equine disciplines,” said Henkel. “Plus our members and their horses have the benefit of riding together, building their partnership, over miles of trails as they train and compete.”
The American Endurance Ride Conference motto is “To finish is to win,” and last year AERC’s 5,000 members completed more than 650,000 miles of competitions in rides across the U.S. and Canada.
The national governing body for endurance riding in the U.S., AERC was founded in 1972 and has grown over the years as both a membership organization that tracks points and mileage for its rides of 25 to 100 miles per day, and as a leading force behind preservation and construction of new equestrian trails.
For more information about AERC or endurance riding, please contact the AERC office, located in Auburn, California, at 866-271-2372, email aerc@foothill.net, or visit www.aerc.org
SIDEBAR
New endurance riders wanted!
Is endurance riding for cowboys wanting to ride over hill and dale? For dressage riders wanting to take their skills out of the arena? Or for trail riders who feel their outings are never long enough?
Endurance riding is all that, and more.
Most people with a reasonably conditioned horse or mule will be able to complete what the American Endurance Ride Conference calls a “limited distance” ride of 25 miles, and by AERC rules, they have six hours to complete that ride.
At local endurance rides, you’ll find everyone from high-level competitors to families with multiple kids making their way through marked trails on their way to the finish and their award – it’s written into the rules that all finishers must receive an award of some kind.
But no wild riding is involved as the rides are overseen by veterinarians, known as control judges, who check over the equine athletes before, during and after the ride to be sure each one is “fit to continue” as they make their way along the course.
All equines are eligible to compete, and while Arabian horses proliferate, there are a growing number of gaited horses participating. Mules and quarter horses are common mounts, but even draft horses and at least one zebra have competed in endurance.
Hundreds of endurance rides are held annually around the U.S. and Canada, with everything from small, low-key rides to ultra-competitive races.
The organization’s national office, headquartered in the self-proclaimed “Endurance Capital of the World” in Auburn, California, tracks miles and points for all members and their horses, and confers annual awards in both regional and national competitions, including a family award and an award given to the rider 65 or older who completes the most miles each year.
AERC’s monthly publication, Endurance News, includes an extensive ride calendar and awards standings each month as well as education articles and features. Memberships are $75 per year, with a 15% discount for first-time members.
More information on endurance riding is available by visiting www.aerc.org or by calling the AERC office at 823-2260. By request, the office will send out a free information packet to prospective members.
Date: February 19, 2014
Contact: Troy Smith
American Endurance Ride Conference
www.aerc.org
endurancenews@foothill.net
866-271-2372, 530-823-2260
Endurance riders from across the U.S. and Canada will converge on Atlanta, Georgia, for the American Endurance Ride Conference’s 2014 convention March 7 and 8 at the Sheraton Gateway Atlanta Airport Hotel.
The convention combines free events – a trade show for distanced riders, early morning “hot topics” discussions, and an always-popular tack swap – with seminars ($55 per day), a dance on Friday night, and the nonprofit organization’s national awards banquet on Saturday evening.
The trade show and tack swap are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, and until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8.
Complete information about the convention can be found on AERC’s website: www.aerc.org/2014convention.pdf.
The theme for this year’s gathering is “Horses First,” which reflects AERC’s commitment to horse welfare. “With rides of up to 100 miles in one day, it is imperative that our riders always put their horses first,” said AERC Executive Director Kathleen Henkel. “Every competition includes a pre-ride check for the horse, with multiple checks during and after the competition.” Endurance riders today, Henkel emphasized, strive to do well with their horses over the long run. “One of our most coveted awards is the Decade Team award, which honors riders and equines who have competed together for 10 or more years,” she said.
Many rides offer introductory, fun rides of 10 to 15 miles, to acquaint new distance riders with veterinary checks and following ribbons along the marked course of a ride. The organization is also expanding the number of clinics so new riders become familiar with training methods, suggested tack, and common feeding protocols.
“It’s a pretty low-cost sport for riders compared to other equine disciplines,” said Henkel. “Plus our members and their horses have the benefit of riding together, building their partnership, over miles of trails as they train and compete.”
The American Endurance Ride Conference motto is “To finish is to win,” and last year AERC’s 5,000 members completed more than 650,000 miles of competitions in rides across the U.S. and Canada.
The national governing body for endurance riding in the U.S., AERC was founded in 1972 and has grown over the years as both a membership organization that tracks points and mileage for its rides of 25 to 100 miles per day, and as a leading force behind preservation and construction of new equestrian trails.
For more information about AERC or endurance riding, please contact the AERC office, located in Auburn, California, at 866-271-2372, email aerc@foothill.net, or visit www.aerc.org
SIDEBAR
New endurance riders wanted!
Is endurance riding for cowboys wanting to ride over hill and dale? For dressage riders wanting to take their skills out of the arena? Or for trail riders who feel their outings are never long enough?
Endurance riding is all that, and more.
Most people with a reasonably conditioned horse or mule will be able to complete what the American Endurance Ride Conference calls a “limited distance” ride of 25 miles, and by AERC rules, they have six hours to complete that ride.
At local endurance rides, you’ll find everyone from high-level competitors to families with multiple kids making their way through marked trails on their way to the finish and their award – it’s written into the rules that all finishers must receive an award of some kind.
But no wild riding is involved as the rides are overseen by veterinarians, known as control judges, who check over the equine athletes before, during and after the ride to be sure each one is “fit to continue” as they make their way along the course.
All equines are eligible to compete, and while Arabian horses proliferate, there are a growing number of gaited horses participating. Mules and quarter horses are common mounts, but even draft horses and at least one zebra have competed in endurance.
Hundreds of endurance rides are held annually around the U.S. and Canada, with everything from small, low-key rides to ultra-competitive races.
The organization’s national office, headquartered in the self-proclaimed “Endurance Capital of the World” in Auburn, California, tracks miles and points for all members and their horses, and confers annual awards in both regional and national competitions, including a family award and an award given to the rider 65 or older who completes the most miles each year.
AERC’s monthly publication, Endurance News, includes an extensive ride calendar and awards standings each month as well as education articles and features. Memberships are $75 per year, with a 15% discount for first-time members.
More information on endurance riding is available by visiting www.aerc.org or by calling the AERC office at 823-2260. By request, the office will send out a free information packet to prospective members.
Monday, February 17, 2014
The first 8 months: Saddle and Tack, Education, Castration, Conditioning and Finding Mentors
Easternsierrarider Blog - Full StoryThe first 8 months: Dec 2005 to Aug 2006: Saddle and Tack, Education, Castration, Conditioning and Finding Mentors
by Jennifer Langlo Sheldon
I had purchased my horse, Caartouche CS (Rio), in November 2005 (see previous post) and he was shipped to me from Colorado to Bishop, CA about a month later. Shipping was delayed because of snow storms. I had decided to not have him castrated right away. I thought I would ride and compete in endurance with him for a year and then decide if I should have him cut or not. It took some convincing of the owner of where I board my horse to allow me to have a stallion at her place. I had only met her once, and she knew I was green. She did have a place for him though and said that she would give it a try. It is more challenging to own a stallion because in most cases you have to keep them separate to the point where their paddock is not next to any other horses.
I live in Mammoth Lakes, CA. in the beautiful Eastern Sierras with a population of 8,250. The elevation is 8,000 feet. I board my horse in Bishop, CA in the Winter (approximately 6 to 7 months of the year). Bishop is 35 miles South with an elevation of 4,200 feet. I have been boarding Rio at Millpond Equestrian Center since purchasing Caartouche. It is a wonderful facility with access to many great trails...
Read more here:
http://easternsierrarider.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-first-8-months-dec-2005-to-aug-2006.html
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Horses in the Morning Radio Show for 2-11-2014
Horsesinthemrning.com - Listen in!
HITM for 02-11-2014 by Action Rider Tack – Connie Leads Century Club, Barbara White on Tevis Trail and Green Beans
On today's Action Rider Tack endurance episode following a few endurance rider defining nuggets from Karen we'll visit with Connie Berto for a chat about why she loves endurance riding so much and some of her favorite rides. Next up Barbara White provides an update on the conditions for the upcoming Tevis Cup race following the devastating fires in 2013. In the third half of the show we'll look at Green Bean groups. Listen in...
http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/hitm-for-02-11-2014-by-action-rider-tack-connie-leads-century-club-barbara-white-on-tevis-trail-and-green-beans/
HITM for 02-11-2014 by Action Rider Tack – Connie Leads Century Club, Barbara White on Tevis Trail and Green Beans
On today's Action Rider Tack endurance episode following a few endurance rider defining nuggets from Karen we'll visit with Connie Berto for a chat about why she loves endurance riding so much and some of her favorite rides. Next up Barbara White provides an update on the conditions for the upcoming Tevis Cup race following the devastating fires in 2013. In the third half of the show we'll look at Green Bean groups. Listen in...
http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/hitm-for-02-11-2014-by-action-rider-tack-connie-leads-century-club-barbara-white-on-tevis-trail-and-green-beans/
Beverly Gray Joins the Cur-OST® Team for 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2014
Nouvelle Research, Inc., the manufacturer of the Cur-OST® line of supplements for horses announces the addition of Beverly Gray to our Team! Beverly's race career spans over 2 decades with over 19.,500 competition miles, 370 races and 110 wins. Her list of accomplishments is extensive including her selection with Regalidon (aka Paladin) to the United States Equestrian Endurance Team. Beverly and Pal are an awesome team and were the first USA rider at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. The next year, they were invited by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zaued Al Nahyan to race at his beautiful al Wathba Endurance Village in Abu Dhabi. The following month, Beverly and Pal were invited by the United Arab Emirates Racing Federation to race in Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was her gracious host. She has also raced 3 times in Malaysia by invitation of the King of Malaysia.
Her highest career achievements is the National Champion BEST CONDITION horse award riding Jolly Sickle.
One of Beverly's most famous horses is an Anglo Arabian named AA Omner. He raced 9,000 of Beverly's 19.500 career miles. He was inducted to the American Endurance Ride Conference Hall of Fame, Top Ten Endurance Horse of the Millenium by Arabian Horse and a Breyer model horse.
Nouvelle Research, Inc.is about protecting and rebuilding total health for horses, pets and people. Beverly is the prime example of what we as a company represent; health, stamina and recovery. We congratulate Beverly on her achievements and welcome her aboard our team as it is truly an honor!
For more information regarding Nouvelle Research, Inc. and the Cur-OST® line of all natural curcumin based anti-inflammatory formulas for horse, pets and people, please visit us at www.curost.com or call 1-800-476-4702.
For more information regarding Beverly Gray and her list of accomplishments, please visit www.bevgrayusa.com.
Nouvelle Research, Inc.
North Carolina
www.curost.com
February 11, 2014
Nouvelle Research, Inc., the manufacturer of the Cur-OST® line of supplements for horses announces the addition of Beverly Gray to our Team! Beverly's race career spans over 2 decades with over 19.,500 competition miles, 370 races and 110 wins. Her list of accomplishments is extensive including her selection with Regalidon (aka Paladin) to the United States Equestrian Endurance Team. Beverly and Pal are an awesome team and were the first USA rider at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. The next year, they were invited by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zaued Al Nahyan to race at his beautiful al Wathba Endurance Village in Abu Dhabi. The following month, Beverly and Pal were invited by the United Arab Emirates Racing Federation to race in Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was her gracious host. She has also raced 3 times in Malaysia by invitation of the King of Malaysia.
Her highest career achievements is the National Champion BEST CONDITION horse award riding Jolly Sickle.
One of Beverly's most famous horses is an Anglo Arabian named AA Omner. He raced 9,000 of Beverly's 19.500 career miles. He was inducted to the American Endurance Ride Conference Hall of Fame, Top Ten Endurance Horse of the Millenium by Arabian Horse and a Breyer model horse.
Nouvelle Research, Inc.is about protecting and rebuilding total health for horses, pets and people. Beverly is the prime example of what we as a company represent; health, stamina and recovery. We congratulate Beverly on her achievements and welcome her aboard our team as it is truly an honor!
For more information regarding Nouvelle Research, Inc. and the Cur-OST® line of all natural curcumin based anti-inflammatory formulas for horse, pets and people, please visit us at www.curost.com or call 1-800-476-4702.
For more information regarding Beverly Gray and her list of accomplishments, please visit www.bevgrayusa.com.
Nouvelle Research, Inc.
North Carolina
www.curost.com
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Blount teen named national champion in endurance riding
Thedailytimes.com - Full Article
By Melanie Tucker | (melt@thedailytimes.com)
A home-schooled student in Blount County who has ridden horses since she was 6 years old has raced her way to the top in endurance racing.
Lily Turaski, 15, has become the 2013 National Champion Junior Rider in endurance racing in the American Endurance Ride Conference. She rode her bay Arabian, Chance of Freedom, for a total of 465 miles in the limited distance division. Those are races that are 25 to 35 miles long...
Read more here:
http://www.thedailytimes.com/Blount_Life/story/Blount-teen-named-national-champion-in-endurance-riding-id-046814
By Melanie Tucker | (melt@thedailytimes.com)
A home-schooled student in Blount County who has ridden horses since she was 6 years old has raced her way to the top in endurance racing.
Lily Turaski, 15, has become the 2013 National Champion Junior Rider in endurance racing in the American Endurance Ride Conference. She rode her bay Arabian, Chance of Freedom, for a total of 465 miles in the limited distance division. Those are races that are 25 to 35 miles long...
Read more here:
http://www.thedailytimes.com/Blount_Life/story/Blount-teen-named-national-champion-in-endurance-riding-id-046814
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Camptown Races - Endurance.net's Book of the Week!
http://www.endurance.net/market/bookstore/Sandra Adams' book Camptown Races is Endurance.net's book of the week.
For the truly stalwart sports fans, this short missive will surely tweak whatever remote interest the reader might have in "out of the box" sports. It is not the best spectator sport, but one, when experienced, is addictive. Visit "base camp" once - at least by reading if not in person! There are other endurance riding books which aptly explain the "how-to" of preparing for and completing a ride. This, on the other hand, will assist in preparing a person for the "everything else" of the sport - camping, planning, companionship, or not, and so forth.
Sandra Adams was born in California, and grew up in Anaheim, not far from Disneyland - and several good stables. As a child, she could not find enough horses to ride - belonging to other people of course. While working on her degree in Exercise Physiology, she acquired a smallish, not so handsome horse named Porsche, with dozens to follow over the span of nearly 40 years. She and her mounts have won Regional and national recognition and awards in Western, Hunters, and endurance, with commendable success in an ongoing role in MSAR - Mounted Search And Rescue. She married retired UCLA Baseball Head Coach and author Gary Adams in 1984 and two daughters, Jessica and Audrey followed. This is the first published work from this author with more to come.
Tuesday, February 04, 2014
AERC Convention Vendors Announced
AERC.orgWe're happy to welcome these vendors at the 2014 AERC "Horses First" Atlanta convention -- AgSouth, Auburn Laboratories, Distance Depot, Evolutionary Hoof Care, Reactor Panel Saddles, Renegade Hoof Boots, Revitavet, Saddle Up LLC, SERA, Taylored Tack, Ultimate Bitless Bridle, United Country Real Estate, USEF. Know someone who might be interested in a booth at convention (yourself, maybe)? Here is a link to the 2014 Trade Show Packet.
For more information on the convention, or to register, see
http://www.aerc.org/2014convention.pdf
USA Darley Nominees Announced for the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards Hollywood 2014
Horsereporter.com - Full Article
February 4 2014
Pamela Burton
6ARC_Logo_A21February 3, 2014, Carmel, California, USA ~ The Arabian Racing Cup is pleased to announce the nominees for 27th annual Darley Awards, sponsored by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival. Honoring the best in the US in Arabian flat racing in 2013, the US champions will be named at the Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards Hollywood 2014 celebration to be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on the evening of April 4, 2014.
The 2013 Darley Nominees for Arabian Racing in USA are:
Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/2014/02/04/usa-darley-nominees-announced-for-the-hh-sheikha-fatima-bint-mubarak-darley-awards-hollywood-2014/
February 4 2014
Pamela Burton
6ARC_Logo_A21February 3, 2014, Carmel, California, USA ~ The Arabian Racing Cup is pleased to announce the nominees for 27th annual Darley Awards, sponsored by HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival. Honoring the best in the US in Arabian flat racing in 2013, the US champions will be named at the Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards Hollywood 2014 celebration to be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California on the evening of April 4, 2014.
The 2013 Darley Nominees for Arabian Racing in USA are:
Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/2014/02/04/usa-darley-nominees-announced-for-the-hh-sheikha-fatima-bint-mubarak-darley-awards-hollywood-2014/
Monday, February 03, 2014
Robert Clovis "Dr. Bob" Goulding, 1922 – 2014
Robert Clovis "Dr. Bob" Goulding, 1922 – 2014, was a beloved husband and father. He shared a love of horses and that of being a cowboy.
Bob died January 13 in Auburn, peacefully and with his family close by, at the age of 91 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Marjorie Goulding, and granddaughter Cynthia Brush.
Bob was born and raised in Sacramento. He graduated from McClatchy High School and earned his veterinary degree from Washington State University. Bob owned a private vet practice and then held a long career with the State of California in the Bureau of Animal Health's Horse Program. He owned a cattle ranch in Modoc County, California, where he lived the frontier life with spring water, periodic electricity from a gas-powered generator, and a CB radio for communicating with his daughter 20 miles away. After retiring from the State of California he remained active as a judge and advisor for American Endurance Ride Association and the North American Trail Ride Conference. He was a head judge for the Tevis Cup in the 1960's. Bob was one of the original Pony Express riders for the Centennial Pony Express Re-ride, riding from Phillips Station to Strawberry Station in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on what is now Highway 50. He also served as Wagonmaster for the Kit Carson Mountain Men Annual Wagon Train from South Lake Tahoe to Placerville.
Bob was active in such organizations as Kit Carson Mountain Men, Native Sons of the Golden West, Masons, Shriners, and St. Peter's Anglican Church.
Bob is survived by his wife Charlotte of 63 years; children Cathy Baldwin, Candy Phillips, Claudia Brush, Curt Goulding, and Carolyn Goulding; sister Harriet Lawrie; 2 nieces, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.
Donations can be made to: VEF Cynthia Brush Memorial Scholarships, c/o Ken and Claudia Brush, 19724 Dixie River Road, Caldwell, ID 83607, or to your local 4-H club.
Come celebrate his life with us at Auburn Dewitt Senior Center (Avenue D entrance) on February 8 at 1PM.
Bob died January 13 in Auburn, peacefully and with his family close by, at the age of 91 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Marjorie Goulding, and granddaughter Cynthia Brush.
Bob was born and raised in Sacramento. He graduated from McClatchy High School and earned his veterinary degree from Washington State University. Bob owned a private vet practice and then held a long career with the State of California in the Bureau of Animal Health's Horse Program. He owned a cattle ranch in Modoc County, California, where he lived the frontier life with spring water, periodic electricity from a gas-powered generator, and a CB radio for communicating with his daughter 20 miles away. After retiring from the State of California he remained active as a judge and advisor for American Endurance Ride Association and the North American Trail Ride Conference. He was a head judge for the Tevis Cup in the 1960's. Bob was one of the original Pony Express riders for the Centennial Pony Express Re-ride, riding from Phillips Station to Strawberry Station in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on what is now Highway 50. He also served as Wagonmaster for the Kit Carson Mountain Men Annual Wagon Train from South Lake Tahoe to Placerville.
Bob was active in such organizations as Kit Carson Mountain Men, Native Sons of the Golden West, Masons, Shriners, and St. Peter's Anglican Church.
Bob is survived by his wife Charlotte of 63 years; children Cathy Baldwin, Candy Phillips, Claudia Brush, Curt Goulding, and Carolyn Goulding; sister Harriet Lawrie; 2 nieces, 6 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.
Donations can be made to: VEF Cynthia Brush Memorial Scholarships, c/o Ken and Claudia Brush, 19724 Dixie River Road, Caldwell, ID 83607, or to your local 4-H club.
Come celebrate his life with us at Auburn Dewitt Senior Center (Avenue D entrance) on February 8 at 1PM.
Sunday, February 02, 2014
Endurance Clinic on February 9 in Penryn, California
On February 9 2014 in Penryn, California, Loomis Basin Equine Medical Center will present an endurance clinic: "Newest Concepts in Endurance Riding for 2014." Attendees will learn about the newest developments in endurance horse research and how it applies to you and your horse.
Speakers include Langdon Fielding, who will speak on new results of electrolyte research (Should you change how you are supplementing?), and on lameness (How do you tell which leg is lame?); Susan Garlinghouse, who will address appropriate body condition (Why is it so important?); Jay Mero, who will speak on minimum levels of fitness for starting the ride; Gary Magdesian, who will address gastric ulcers; and Kathy Perry, who will provide data analysis from Tevis 2013.
Seating is limited to 100 registrants. Presentations run from 9 AM to 3 PM for a fee of $55. Proceeds will benefit endurance horse research.
For more information, contact Langdon Fielding at langdonfielding@yahoo.com, or Amber Clark at amd413@hotmail.com.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
The ‘Year of the Horse’ Just Might Result in a Lombardi Trophy for a Special Arabian Horse
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 24 – (AURORA, COLO.) – In the Year of the Horse, an equine, NFL mascot is making a name for himself and his Super Bowl-bound teammates. Thunder, a purebred, Arabian gelding and the beloved symbol of Broncos’ victory is not just a pretty face. Rather, he is an ambassador for the Arabian breed and a timestamp for a title and ring that is just within reach for the Mile High City.
The 2013 NFL season marked Thunder’s tenth year as the club’s mascot. With the passing of the original Thunder in 2009, Thunder II, or Winter Solstyce, and Ann can be seen at any home game galloping down the turf, marking a scoring drive from the Denver Broncos. The crowd of 76,000 goes wild as horse and rider thunder over the yard lines in a blaze of navy and orange.
While Thunder II will not be traveling to Super Bowl XLVII, his young protégé, Thunder III, a fourteen year old Arabian gelding by the registered name of Me N Myshadow, will take the place of honor. Thunder III served as mascot during the 2013 pre-season Broncos’ home games and attends most of the duo’s public appearances. His age made him the horse of choice for travel to this year’s Super Bowl. While a Thunder mascot has traveled to Super Bowls in the past, this will be Thunder III and Ann’s first trip to the championship game together.
Because this special Arabian will be the first Thunder mascot to fly to a Super Bowl game, Fed Ex will sponsor the duo’s travel. In a pressurized, cargo plane like those used for transporting Olympic horses, Thunder III will be flying in style and safety. The size of his stall, the temperature of the plane, and the overall atmosphere of the experience and flight, have all been thoughtfully considered.
“All of this has been discussed,” says Judge-Wegener, “so that when he gets to New Jersey, he is rested and ready to ride.”
His duties upon arrival have yet to be determined. However, rumor has it that Thunder (III) will lead the team out onto the field in MetLife Stadium. While he won’t be galloping the field after every Bronco’s score, he will resume his stance on the sidelines throughout the entirety of the game. Additionally, horse and rider will be making the rounds to sign autographs and take pictures with fans.
While he can’t wear a ring, it is assured that Thunder will play an important role for the Denver Broncos and their fans come Super Bowl Sunday. Perhaps the Broncos will be inspired in this 2014 Year of the Horse and bring home the coveted Lombardi Trophy. ‘United They Ride,’ the city of Denver will just have to wait and see.
AHA is a major equine association serving 85,600 Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horse owners across North America. AHA registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $3 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes over 550 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities, education, and programs that promote breeding and ownership.
Contact Information:
Arabian Horse Association
10805 East Bethany Road
Aurora, Colorado 80014
303-696-4500
media@arabianhorses.org
JANUARY 24 – (AURORA, COLO.) – In the Year of the Horse, an equine, NFL mascot is making a name for himself and his Super Bowl-bound teammates. Thunder, a purebred, Arabian gelding and the beloved symbol of Broncos’ victory is not just a pretty face. Rather, he is an ambassador for the Arabian breed and a timestamp for a title and ring that is just within reach for the Mile High City.
The 2013 NFL season marked Thunder’s tenth year as the club’s mascot. With the passing of the original Thunder in 2009, Thunder II, or Winter Solstyce, and Ann can be seen at any home game galloping down the turf, marking a scoring drive from the Denver Broncos. The crowd of 76,000 goes wild as horse and rider thunder over the yard lines in a blaze of navy and orange.
While Thunder II will not be traveling to Super Bowl XLVII, his young protégé, Thunder III, a fourteen year old Arabian gelding by the registered name of Me N Myshadow, will take the place of honor. Thunder III served as mascot during the 2013 pre-season Broncos’ home games and attends most of the duo’s public appearances. His age made him the horse of choice for travel to this year’s Super Bowl. While a Thunder mascot has traveled to Super Bowls in the past, this will be Thunder III and Ann’s first trip to the championship game together.
Because this special Arabian will be the first Thunder mascot to fly to a Super Bowl game, Fed Ex will sponsor the duo’s travel. In a pressurized, cargo plane like those used for transporting Olympic horses, Thunder III will be flying in style and safety. The size of his stall, the temperature of the plane, and the overall atmosphere of the experience and flight, have all been thoughtfully considered.
“All of this has been discussed,” says Judge-Wegener, “so that when he gets to New Jersey, he is rested and ready to ride.”
His duties upon arrival have yet to be determined. However, rumor has it that Thunder (III) will lead the team out onto the field in MetLife Stadium. While he won’t be galloping the field after every Bronco’s score, he will resume his stance on the sidelines throughout the entirety of the game. Additionally, horse and rider will be making the rounds to sign autographs and take pictures with fans.
While he can’t wear a ring, it is assured that Thunder will play an important role for the Denver Broncos and their fans come Super Bowl Sunday. Perhaps the Broncos will be inspired in this 2014 Year of the Horse and bring home the coveted Lombardi Trophy. ‘United They Ride,’ the city of Denver will just have to wait and see.
AHA is a major equine association serving 85,600 Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horse owners across North America. AHA registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $3 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes over 550 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities, education, and programs that promote breeding and ownership.
Contact Information:
Arabian Horse Association
10805 East Bethany Road
Aurora, Colorado 80014
303-696-4500
media@arabianhorses.org
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
AERC Convention Hot Topic Change
AERC.org1/29/2014
The annual AERC Convention will be held March 7-8 in Atlanta.
The subject for Saturday's A.M. Hot Topic seminar has been changed to Horse Welfare Issues -- always a hot topic. Please plan to attend Saturday from 9-10 A.M. to discuss current issues for endurance riders on horse welfare.
For more information on the convention see:
http://www.aerc.org/2014convention.pdf
Monday, January 27, 2014
PNER Convention: THE Place to Be
January 27 2014
The Pacific Northwest Endurance Rides conference, held January 24-26 in Portland, Oregon, was a tremendous success, with more than 200 regional members attending lectures, panel discussions, the trade show, the used tack sale, the awards banquet, and the dance. Educational speakers and sessions included yoga for riders, nutrition for the performance horse, horse hoof biomechanics, tracking the lost horse, lameness, and a panel of expert endurance riders.
Endurance 101 clinics led by author Aarene Storms were filled on both days, with "green bean" participants and experienced mentors ready to work together to make entry-level endurance a fun and exciting experience, highlighting information from the Endurance 101 book (Triangle Ranch Press, 2012). "My favorite part is always the stick pony vet check," said Storms with a laugh, "but participants really kept me busy with their great questions."
The Green Beans, a newly-formed endurance Facebook group for 'green' riders and horses, and willing mentors, adorned in clipped-on green tail ribbons provided by the Endurance 101 team, made time for meet-ups throughout the weekend to welcome riders new to the group and new to the sport.
In addition, at the convention, PNER elections were held, and current President Becky Fiedler and Vice President Tani Bates were re-elected by acclamation of the membership. Further election results will be posted on the PNER website.
"We are building a sustainable event which has grown and matured into a righteous educational, social, and community event," Said Dr Eileen Reilich, one of the organizers of the convention. Reilich, an endurance rider, volunteered for the convention and updating the PNER website, and created the PNER slideshows, as well as being elected a rider representative for Washington state for 2014.
The event, held annually in January, is always an energetic start to the new ride season in AERC's Northwest Region.
Slideshows from the event can be seen here:
Friday Night Awards
Saturday Awards
Day at the Races
The Pacific Northwest Endurance Rides conference, held January 24-26 in Portland, Oregon, was a tremendous success, with more than 200 regional members attending lectures, panel discussions, the trade show, the used tack sale, the awards banquet, and the dance. Educational speakers and sessions included yoga for riders, nutrition for the performance horse, horse hoof biomechanics, tracking the lost horse, lameness, and a panel of expert endurance riders.
Endurance 101 clinics led by author Aarene Storms were filled on both days, with "green bean" participants and experienced mentors ready to work together to make entry-level endurance a fun and exciting experience, highlighting information from the Endurance 101 book (Triangle Ranch Press, 2012). "My favorite part is always the stick pony vet check," said Storms with a laugh, "but participants really kept me busy with their great questions."
The Green Beans, a newly-formed endurance Facebook group for 'green' riders and horses, and willing mentors, adorned in clipped-on green tail ribbons provided by the Endurance 101 team, made time for meet-ups throughout the weekend to welcome riders new to the group and new to the sport.
In addition, at the convention, PNER elections were held, and current President Becky Fiedler and Vice President Tani Bates were re-elected by acclamation of the membership. Further election results will be posted on the PNER website.
"We are building a sustainable event which has grown and matured into a righteous educational, social, and community event," Said Dr Eileen Reilich, one of the organizers of the convention. Reilich, an endurance rider, volunteered for the convention and updating the PNER website, and created the PNER slideshows, as well as being elected a rider representative for Washington state for 2014.
The event, held annually in January, is always an energetic start to the new ride season in AERC's Northwest Region.
Slideshows from the event can be seen here:
Friday Night Awards
Saturday Awards
Day at the Races
Friday, January 24, 2014
Laramie Endurance Rider Recognized
Laramieboomerang.com
January 24 2014
Bonnie Swiatek, who competes in an equestrian sport called endurance riding, was recognized by the Mountain Region Endurance Riders as the 2013 limited distance champion. Swiatek completed the most miles on a single horse last year during sanctioned events, finishing with 945. That number placed her third in the country in the limited distance division, which is for rides of 25-35 miles a day. She competes on BRA Surprise Skylark.
January 24 2014
Bonnie Swiatek, who competes in an equestrian sport called endurance riding, was recognized by the Mountain Region Endurance Riders as the 2013 limited distance champion. Swiatek completed the most miles on a single horse last year during sanctioned events, finishing with 945. That number placed her third in the country in the limited distance division, which is for rides of 25-35 miles a day. She competes on BRA Surprise Skylark.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
USEF Names Individuals to Restructured Board of Directors and Newly Formed Councils
USEFNetwork.comRELEASE: January 9, 2014
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department
Lexington, Ky.- In accordance with Bylaws amended at the USEF Board of Directors Mid-Year Meeting the Federation’s governance structure has been modified to create a more agile and efficient organization. During the 2014 USEF Annual Meeting currently underway in Lexington Kentucky the new structure has been populated. The Administration & Finance Working Group, FEI Affiliates Working Group, High Performance Working Group, and National Affiliates Working Group have transitioned to become the Administrative and Finance Council, International Disciplines Council, and the National Breeds and Disciplines Council respectively.
Effective January 9, 2014, the Board of Directors has been streamlined from 54 members to 19. The following individuals have been elected or appointed to the USEF Board of Directors:
Chrystine Tauber, President
Ellen Di Bella, Vice-President
Bill Hughes, Secretary/Treasurer
Lisa Deslauriers
Derek di Grazia
Elisabeth Goth
Georgie Green
S. Tucker Johnson
Valerie Kanavy
Chris Kappler
Murray Kessler
Victoria Lowell
Beezie Madden
Bill Moroney
Michael Pollard
Cynthia Richardson
Howard Simpson
Chester Weber
George Williams
More here:
http://www.usefnetwork.com/news/10807/2014/1/9/usef_names_individuals_to_restructu.aspx
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department
Lexington, Ky.- In accordance with Bylaws amended at the USEF Board of Directors Mid-Year Meeting the Federation’s governance structure has been modified to create a more agile and efficient organization. During the 2014 USEF Annual Meeting currently underway in Lexington Kentucky the new structure has been populated. The Administration & Finance Working Group, FEI Affiliates Working Group, High Performance Working Group, and National Affiliates Working Group have transitioned to become the Administrative and Finance Council, International Disciplines Council, and the National Breeds and Disciplines Council respectively.
Effective January 9, 2014, the Board of Directors has been streamlined from 54 members to 19. The following individuals have been elected or appointed to the USEF Board of Directors:
Chrystine Tauber, President
Ellen Di Bella, Vice-President
Bill Hughes, Secretary/Treasurer
Lisa Deslauriers
Derek di Grazia
Elisabeth Goth
Georgie Green
S. Tucker Johnson
Valerie Kanavy
Chris Kappler
Murray Kessler
Victoria Lowell
Beezie Madden
Bill Moroney
Michael Pollard
Cynthia Richardson
Howard Simpson
Chester Weber
George Williams
More here:
http://www.usefnetwork.com/news/10807/2014/1/9/usef_names_individuals_to_restructu.aspx
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
AERC Mechanized Trail Master Machine Class at Convention
Dates: March 4 & 5 or 10 & 11
($50/limited to 5 students) will be held directly before or after the 2014 AERC National Convention in Atlanta. Must be an AERC member and a certified Trail Master. Contact Mike Riter at 678 410-8021 or mike@traildesign.com.
($50/limited to 5 students) will be held directly before or after the 2014 AERC National Convention in Atlanta. Must be an AERC member and a certified Trail Master. Contact Mike Riter at 678 410-8021 or mike@traildesign.com.
Launching the New EasyShoe
Easycareinc.com Blog
Tuesday, January 21, 2014 by Garrett Ford
Thank you for making 2013 our best year ever!
The equine world continues to learn about better hoof care options and EasyCare hoof boot sales continue an upward trend. Bigger boot sizes was one of the most requested items in 2013 and because of this, we are adding larger sizes in three different hoof boot models. Larger sizes are now available in the Old Mac’s G2 and the Easyboot Trail: effective immediately, sizes #11 and #12 are available in both models. The Easyboot Glove Back Country will add #4.5 and #5 in April 2014. With the new sizing, EasyCare will offer 131 individual sizes spread over 13 different hoof boot models.
It gets better. EasyCare is adding a long-term form of flexible hoof protection to compliment our hoof boot range. After roughly 30 months of development and testing in many different disciplines, the EasyShoe product range is now ready for market and will benefit the health and soundness of equines around the world. We believe the EasyShoe is a great alternative to steel shoes and also has a place with barefoot horse owners: we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg for possible uses in the vet and podiatry worlds...
- See more at: http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/hoof-boot-news/launching-the-new-easyshoe#sthash.ZH107o6o.dpuf
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Book of the Week: The Nature of Horses
The Nature of Horses
by Stephen Budiansky
Horses have a shared history with man going back millennia to their domestication around 4000 B.C. Yet only in very recent years have scientists begun to turn the tools of modem science on this remarkable animal that has been so wrapped up in human dreams and legends. Now modern scientific research is beginning to explain long-standing mysteries about the true nature of the horse. How well can horses really see? What causes breakdowns in racehorses? How intelligent are they compared to other animals, and are some breeds smarter than others? Does nature or nurture matter more in creating a great sport horse? What causes cribbing and other vices? In this beautifully illustrated, compelling narrative, Budiansky tells the story of the origins, behavior, intelligence and language of the horse. For the first time, horse lovers will have access to cutting-edge research on topics of interest including new information on horse vision, horse biology and movement. Introducing the latest archeological findings, Budiansky presents a fascinating discussion of how the horse evolved as well as a dramatic and provocative history of man's use and abuse of the horse from prehistoric times to today. In a revealing chapter on horse intelligence, he debunks the commonly held belief that horses are stupid and also presents compelling new scientific information on horse language which will greatly benefit the horse rider and trainer. Finally, drawing together the latest research on horse physiology, genetics and biomechanics, Budiansky asks the million dollar question - what makes for a winning racehorse? Anyone who loves horses will find this an invaluable resource as well as a fascinating read.
http://www.endurance.net/market/bookstore/
Sunday, January 19, 2014
AERC Convention Time Shift!
AERC.orgThe timeline for Saturday, March 8, at the convention has switched around in order to accommodate SERA's annual meeting. Here is the latest convention information/schedule/registration form. It's going to be a great time and we hope you will make it!
Friday, January 17, 2014
USEF Announces Date and Location for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Endurance Team Selection Trial
The United States Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce a new location for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Endurance Team Selection Trial CEI2* 120km.
January 15, 2014 -- The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce a new location for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Endurance Team Selection Trial CEI2* 120km. The event will now take place April 17-20, 2014 in Broxton Bridge, SC.
The 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is being held August 23 - September 7, 2014 in Normandy, France with the Endurance event being held August 27th and 28th in Baie du Mont Saint Michel, France.
Information on the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games - Endurance can be found here: https://www.usef.org/_IFrames/breedsDisciplines/discipline/allendurance/hpendurance.aspx
For more information please contact Vonita Bowers, Director of Endurance, by email at vbowers@usef.org [More ...]
Response to the FEI Motion by the AERC Veterinary Committee
Date: January 13, 2014
To: American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) Board of Directors
From: AERC Veterinary Committee
Re: Response to Sponsorship Committee’s Motion: Temporary Suspension of Concurrent FEI Events
The AERC Veterinary Committee understands and is sympathetic to concerns regarding FEI and its apparent inability to enforce its own equine welfare regulations. However, the Veterinary Committee feels this
concern, while somewhat justified, is misguided, as AERC has its own equine welfare issues to attend to. The Veterinary Committee feels strongly that separation from FEI will only diminish our collective voice and would in fact weaken AERC, making it appear more of an isolationist group and not interested in constructive dialogue. AERC has a voice through USEF and on the Equine Strategic Planning Group (ESPG), through Joe Mattingley. To leave now, while there is progress being made would be counter-productive. To participate in the discussion
and lead by example is smarter than leaving the discussion and having no voice.
To lead by example in the early years of this sport was something the AERC was famous for. The landmark equine welfare reform of “Fit to Continue” passed by AERC in 1990 has become the global standard. However, since that time AERC has not remained progressive, or even current, on equine welfare policies and is sadly lagging behind most other world endurance organizations and federations. There is such glaring weakness in our own welfare policies that most on the Veterinary Committee in response to the FEI motion used such language as – “he who
lives in a glass house, should not cast stones.”
Many of the Veterinary Committee members are FEI veterinarians as well, and as such have a unique perspective into the workings of FEI endurance. Their comments were overwhelmingly that unless an AERC member has specific knowledge, experience or a direct working relationship with FEI, then they are lacking the full facts and
information regarding the welfare issues within FEI. They strongly feel that the proposed “line in the sand” will not affect FEI at all, as AERC has no leverage against FEI directly, but would only serve to damage those AERC members who have worked hard to participate in international riding.
In addition, the danger from radical animal rightest groups should NOT be underestimated. And as such, we will all be painted with the same brush – AERC, FEI and USEF. The general public will not take the time to see the intricate separations between our organizations. Extremist groups rarely make an effort to fully investigate the crusades they take on. Instead, such groups function using inflammatory platforms designed to appeal to the general public’s reactionary, sympathetic nature. This motion will do nothing to insulate AERC from the ire of the general public if they suddenly decide riding horses over long distances is somehow cruel and unfair to the equine species.
In summary, the AERC Veterinary Committee voted unanimously, (with two abstentions), against the Sponsorship Committee’s “Temporary Suspension of Concurrent FEI Events.” We recommend the AERC BOD to stay in the discussion with USEF and FEI, and work together to find constructive means to improve the welfare of horse’s competing in international level endurance. In addition, the Veterinary Committee strongly urges the AERC BOD to consider a widespread, sweeping platform of equine welfare changes to improve the humane conditions of horses competing in endurance here at home in the USA. To that end, the Veterinary Committee is currently finalizing such suggestions for the AERC BOD and general membership.
Respectfully submitted for the AERC Veterinary Committee
Jeanette L Mero, DVM
Chair, AERC Veterinary Committee
To: American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) Board of Directors
From: AERC Veterinary Committee
Re: Response to Sponsorship Committee’s Motion: Temporary Suspension of Concurrent FEI Events
The AERC Veterinary Committee understands and is sympathetic to concerns regarding FEI and its apparent inability to enforce its own equine welfare regulations. However, the Veterinary Committee feels this
concern, while somewhat justified, is misguided, as AERC has its own equine welfare issues to attend to. The Veterinary Committee feels strongly that separation from FEI will only diminish our collective voice and would in fact weaken AERC, making it appear more of an isolationist group and not interested in constructive dialogue. AERC has a voice through USEF and on the Equine Strategic Planning Group (ESPG), through Joe Mattingley. To leave now, while there is progress being made would be counter-productive. To participate in the discussion
and lead by example is smarter than leaving the discussion and having no voice.
To lead by example in the early years of this sport was something the AERC was famous for. The landmark equine welfare reform of “Fit to Continue” passed by AERC in 1990 has become the global standard. However, since that time AERC has not remained progressive, or even current, on equine welfare policies and is sadly lagging behind most other world endurance organizations and federations. There is such glaring weakness in our own welfare policies that most on the Veterinary Committee in response to the FEI motion used such language as – “he who
lives in a glass house, should not cast stones.”
Many of the Veterinary Committee members are FEI veterinarians as well, and as such have a unique perspective into the workings of FEI endurance. Their comments were overwhelmingly that unless an AERC member has specific knowledge, experience or a direct working relationship with FEI, then they are lacking the full facts and
information regarding the welfare issues within FEI. They strongly feel that the proposed “line in the sand” will not affect FEI at all, as AERC has no leverage against FEI directly, but would only serve to damage those AERC members who have worked hard to participate in international riding.
In addition, the danger from radical animal rightest groups should NOT be underestimated. And as such, we will all be painted with the same brush – AERC, FEI and USEF. The general public will not take the time to see the intricate separations between our organizations. Extremist groups rarely make an effort to fully investigate the crusades they take on. Instead, such groups function using inflammatory platforms designed to appeal to the general public’s reactionary, sympathetic nature. This motion will do nothing to insulate AERC from the ire of the general public if they suddenly decide riding horses over long distances is somehow cruel and unfair to the equine species.
In summary, the AERC Veterinary Committee voted unanimously, (with two abstentions), against the Sponsorship Committee’s “Temporary Suspension of Concurrent FEI Events.” We recommend the AERC BOD to stay in the discussion with USEF and FEI, and work together to find constructive means to improve the welfare of horse’s competing in international level endurance. In addition, the Veterinary Committee strongly urges the AERC BOD to consider a widespread, sweeping platform of equine welfare changes to improve the humane conditions of horses competing in endurance here at home in the USA. To that end, the Veterinary Committee is currently finalizing such suggestions for the AERC BOD and general membership.
Respectfully submitted for the AERC Veterinary Committee
Jeanette L Mero, DVM
Chair, AERC Veterinary Committee
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Tevis Cup: there is no Endurance race without trust and harmony between horse and rider!
Enduronline.com.br - Full Story
Among all the Endurance rides, the Tevis Cup holds a special position, not only for being the first competition in the modern history of Endurance, but also as it is considered the most difficult in the world. For Endurance riders, taking part in this mythical journey is a dream, a challenge and, perhaps more importantly, a target!
By Nathalie Weemaels, Ecuador
On July 20 I was fortunate enough not only to participate at the 2013 Tevis Cup, but also to carry the Ecuadorian flag to the finish, arriving on the 21st place on GE Haad Saad Pico, an Arabian horse which belongs to Christoph Schork, from the Global Endurance Training Center. It was an absolutely unforgettable experience, because of the breath-taking beautiful surroundings of the Sierra Nevada and also for the competition itself with such a high level of technique and… endurance!...
Read more here:
http://www.enduroonline.com.br/tevis_cup_nathalie.php
Among all the Endurance rides, the Tevis Cup holds a special position, not only for being the first competition in the modern history of Endurance, but also as it is considered the most difficult in the world. For Endurance riders, taking part in this mythical journey is a dream, a challenge and, perhaps more importantly, a target!
By Nathalie Weemaels, Ecuador
On July 20 I was fortunate enough not only to participate at the 2013 Tevis Cup, but also to carry the Ecuadorian flag to the finish, arriving on the 21st place on GE Haad Saad Pico, an Arabian horse which belongs to Christoph Schork, from the Global Endurance Training Center. It was an absolutely unforgettable experience, because of the breath-taking beautiful surroundings of the Sierra Nevada and also for the competition itself with such a high level of technique and… endurance!...
Read more here:
http://www.enduroonline.com.br/tevis_cup_nathalie.php
“My Favorite Trail” – Essay Contest Winner Named
January 2014
“My Favorite Trail” – Essay Contest Winner Named Debra Ambrose’s Favorite Trail Essay Named the Winner
North Carolina trail and endurance rider Debra Ambrose was named the winner in the American Endurance Ride Conference’s “My Favorite Trail” essay contest.
She won a year’s free membership in AERC and a generous gift certificate from Riding Warehouse.
Debra spoke of clearing a trail with pruning shears, loppers and a shovel in order to reach a trail for training. Was that hard work worth it? As Debra’s essay concluded:
“I still marvel at how slow I was to appreciate the benefits of that first trail, how it brought me back to the rides I took out of my back yard on a pony forty years before. It was our gateway to the world, built on our own effort. I thought of my mother on the kitchen porch as I rode out the driveway, and heard her voice reciting Longfellow’s The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere as we cantered now in deeper footing along a pond, and roared up an incline to an old logging trace:
“He has left the village and mounted the steep,
And beneath him, tranquil and broad and deep,
Is the Mystic, meeting the ocean tides;
And under the alders that skirt its edge,
Now soft in the sand, now loud on the ledge,
Is heard the tramp of his steed as he rides.”
Second place went to Cyd Ross, and third place was Elizabeth Gould. “All the entrants shared their abiding love for their horses and the trails they ride on,” said AERC Executive Director Kathleen Henkel. “The contest was a great way for people to express what riding trails mean to them.”
All essays can be found in AERC’s quarterly online newsletter, AERC Extra: http://www.aerc.org/AERCWtr14Extra.pdf.
AERC is the nation’s leading sport in encouraging the use, protection and development of equestrian trails. With rides ranging from 25 to 100 miles in a day, endurance riders are lucky enough to experience trails in all their glory as they train and compete. They would love to welcome new riders and their horses into the sport to share joy of riding trails, both new and historic. To find out more about the sport of endurance riding, visit www.aerc.org.
Part of AERC’s mission is to fund trail projects that not only make trail improvements for endurance rides, but for all who use the trail systems. Each year thousands of dollars contributed by endurance riders are given to trail grant applicants. The organization also hosts Trail Master classes to teach sustainable trail building, maintenance and repair skills to trail workers around the country.
Contact: Troy Smith
American Endurance Ride Conference
www.aerc.org
endurancenews@foothill.net
866-271-2372, 530-823-2260
“My Favorite Trail” – Essay Contest Winner Named Debra Ambrose’s Favorite Trail Essay Named the Winner
North Carolina trail and endurance rider Debra Ambrose was named the winner in the American Endurance Ride Conference’s “My Favorite Trail” essay contest.
She won a year’s free membership in AERC and a generous gift certificate from Riding Warehouse.
Debra spoke of clearing a trail with pruning shears, loppers and a shovel in order to reach a trail for training. Was that hard work worth it? As Debra’s essay concluded:
“I still marvel at how slow I was to appreciate the benefits of that first trail, how it brought me back to the rides I took out of my back yard on a pony forty years before. It was our gateway to the world, built on our own effort. I thought of my mother on the kitchen porch as I rode out the driveway, and heard her voice reciting Longfellow’s The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere as we cantered now in deeper footing along a pond, and roared up an incline to an old logging trace:
“He has left the village and mounted the steep,
And beneath him, tranquil and broad and deep,
Is the Mystic, meeting the ocean tides;
And under the alders that skirt its edge,
Now soft in the sand, now loud on the ledge,
Is heard the tramp of his steed as he rides.”
Second place went to Cyd Ross, and third place was Elizabeth Gould. “All the entrants shared their abiding love for their horses and the trails they ride on,” said AERC Executive Director Kathleen Henkel. “The contest was a great way for people to express what riding trails mean to them.”
All essays can be found in AERC’s quarterly online newsletter, AERC Extra: http://www.aerc.org/AERCWtr14Extra.pdf.
AERC is the nation’s leading sport in encouraging the use, protection and development of equestrian trails. With rides ranging from 25 to 100 miles in a day, endurance riders are lucky enough to experience trails in all their glory as they train and compete. They would love to welcome new riders and their horses into the sport to share joy of riding trails, both new and historic. To find out more about the sport of endurance riding, visit www.aerc.org.
Part of AERC’s mission is to fund trail projects that not only make trail improvements for endurance rides, but for all who use the trail systems. Each year thousands of dollars contributed by endurance riders are given to trail grant applicants. The organization also hosts Trail Master classes to teach sustainable trail building, maintenance and repair skills to trail workers around the country.
Contact: Troy Smith
American Endurance Ride Conference
www.aerc.org
endurancenews@foothill.net
866-271-2372, 530-823-2260
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
January 2014's Endurance Day on Horses In the Morning Radio Show
1/15/2014
January's edition of Endurance Day on Horses in the Morning Radio Show, co-hosted by Glenn the Geek and Karen Chaton featured northwest rider Susan Summers, who stopped by for a chat about the FEI/AERC controversy over recent drugging allagations. The new owners of Action Rider Tack stopped by in the middle half of the show to tell us about what's new. Rounding out the show Dennis Summers talked about moving up to the next level in endurance.
Listen to the show here:
http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/hitm-for-01-14-2014-by-action-rider-tack-karens-list-new-aerc-rules-moving-up-the-levels/#t=11:44.4
January's edition of Endurance Day on Horses in the Morning Radio Show, co-hosted by Glenn the Geek and Karen Chaton featured northwest rider Susan Summers, who stopped by for a chat about the FEI/AERC controversy over recent drugging allagations. The new owners of Action Rider Tack stopped by in the middle half of the show to tell us about what's new. Rounding out the show Dennis Summers talked about moving up to the next level in endurance.
Listen to the show here:
http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/hitm-for-01-14-2014-by-action-rider-tack-karens-list-new-aerc-rules-moving-up-the-levels/#t=11:44.4
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
AERC Hall of Fame Rider Robert Ribley Responds to Sponsorship Committee Motion
January 13 2014
To:
AERC Board of Directors
International Committee
Veterinary Committee
Competitions Committee
Welfare of the Horse Committee
Sponsorship Committee
I am writing to you regarding the motion put forward from the Sponsorship Committee that proposes to suspend concurrent FEI and AERC events as of January 1, 2015 if AERC requirements are not met by FEI by December 31, 2014.
I am an AERC member, rider, ride manager, comittee member on various committees, committee chair and previous AERC director. I am not an FEI rider nor do I ever plan on becoming an FEI rider (though I do think they could learn a thing or two from me). I have ridden in a number of AERC/FEI co-sanctioned rides and what I observe is the safeguards put in place for the horses are more stringent and of a higher quality than most stand-alone AERC rides. The FEI co-sanctioned rides have experienced, qualified endurance veterinarians and treatment readily available. I observe that where a horse may be disqualifed from the FEI portion of the ride because they have not met the FEI criteria, the same horse will finish the AERC ride because of the more lax criteria. My experience in the U.S. is that FEI rides are more stringently monitored, and safe for our horses than our AERC stand alone rides. I have managed AERC/FEI co-sanctioned rides and find the U.S. FEI riders to be professional, courteous, and though competitive they still compete within the guidelines and rules put forth to keep their horses safe. The first FEI/AERC ride I managed I had concerns about the level of competition within the FEI riders and associated problems. What happened in reality was that compared to the level of competition and squabbling amongst the LD riders fighting at the finish line for a pulse, the FEI riders and horses posed no problem.
100 mile rides within AERC are struggling to survive due to the decrease in riders willing to take on the challenges and dedication it takes to ride this distance. The 100 mile ride is the historical foundation upon which this sport is based and the organization should do what it can to help preserve and support the 100 mile one day ride, the distance that brought this sport into existence. Denying sanctioning to 100 mile rides (and the associated distances for any particular ride) because they are FEI associated will do nothing to improve the welfare situation for horses on the other side of the world, but will assuredly accelerate the demise of 100 mile rides here in our home country.
While I understand the reasons behind the intent of AERC to dissociate itself with FEI if certain parameters are not met, I do not see where taking our organization out of the discussion will in any way help the situation for horses overseas. If AERC has identified safety and welfare issues for horses in our sport that are outside of our country, and we trueley want to help improve the situation for these horses, then we need to keep our voices heard by remaining active and leading by example. To simply withdraw from the participation and therefore discussion will not bring AERC any closer to a resolution.
The majority of AERC members have not ridden in FEI rides, have not managed FEI rides, and do not have enough knowledge about FEI to make an informed decision on this motion. It is a "feel good" motion that on first glance seems to solve a problem they have heard rumors about. This is similiar to the "feel good" law that was passed in California banning horse slaughter. The "horse lovers" that supported this measure did not foresee the ramifications that resulted such as overpopulation of unwanted/starving horses. The AERC membership, before being asked what they think about this motion, should be educated by those more intimately involved in and knowledgeable about FEI on matters such as how withdrawing FEI sanctioning in the U.S. will help improve the situation for horses and what the potential negative ramifications for AERC the passage of this motion would mean.
I have seen AERC in it's early years from the perspective of a rider and am a good judge of horse abuse. We were a different culture in the beginnings of AERC - it's a fact that horses were overridden. We have changed culturally, and some of these changes have not been because of rule changes but because of our views on how we look at our horses. Rules often cannot put a stop to overriding horses, but what will stop it comes from within the rider. Endurance riding in other countries is relatively new compared to the U.S. and they are still developing their cultural way in the treatment of horses. Riders in any country who put a value on horses and truly learn to value their horses will eventually develop the desire within to preserve the health and longevity of their horses.
I would ask that committee chairs that are copied on this email forward it on to their respective committees.
Thank you for all that you do for AERC as directors and committee chairs. AERC is an organization that I am proud to be a member of and with good direction will remain the leader within the sport of endurance riding.
Robert Ribley
AERC # 2247
Elections Committee Chair
To:
AERC Board of Directors
International Committee
Veterinary Committee
Competitions Committee
Welfare of the Horse Committee
Sponsorship Committee
I am writing to you regarding the motion put forward from the Sponsorship Committee that proposes to suspend concurrent FEI and AERC events as of January 1, 2015 if AERC requirements are not met by FEI by December 31, 2014.
I am an AERC member, rider, ride manager, comittee member on various committees, committee chair and previous AERC director. I am not an FEI rider nor do I ever plan on becoming an FEI rider (though I do think they could learn a thing or two from me). I have ridden in a number of AERC/FEI co-sanctioned rides and what I observe is the safeguards put in place for the horses are more stringent and of a higher quality than most stand-alone AERC rides. The FEI co-sanctioned rides have experienced, qualified endurance veterinarians and treatment readily available. I observe that where a horse may be disqualifed from the FEI portion of the ride because they have not met the FEI criteria, the same horse will finish the AERC ride because of the more lax criteria. My experience in the U.S. is that FEI rides are more stringently monitored, and safe for our horses than our AERC stand alone rides. I have managed AERC/FEI co-sanctioned rides and find the U.S. FEI riders to be professional, courteous, and though competitive they still compete within the guidelines and rules put forth to keep their horses safe. The first FEI/AERC ride I managed I had concerns about the level of competition within the FEI riders and associated problems. What happened in reality was that compared to the level of competition and squabbling amongst the LD riders fighting at the finish line for a pulse, the FEI riders and horses posed no problem.
100 mile rides within AERC are struggling to survive due to the decrease in riders willing to take on the challenges and dedication it takes to ride this distance. The 100 mile ride is the historical foundation upon which this sport is based and the organization should do what it can to help preserve and support the 100 mile one day ride, the distance that brought this sport into existence. Denying sanctioning to 100 mile rides (and the associated distances for any particular ride) because they are FEI associated will do nothing to improve the welfare situation for horses on the other side of the world, but will assuredly accelerate the demise of 100 mile rides here in our home country.
While I understand the reasons behind the intent of AERC to dissociate itself with FEI if certain parameters are not met, I do not see where taking our organization out of the discussion will in any way help the situation for horses overseas. If AERC has identified safety and welfare issues for horses in our sport that are outside of our country, and we trueley want to help improve the situation for these horses, then we need to keep our voices heard by remaining active and leading by example. To simply withdraw from the participation and therefore discussion will not bring AERC any closer to a resolution.
The majority of AERC members have not ridden in FEI rides, have not managed FEI rides, and do not have enough knowledge about FEI to make an informed decision on this motion. It is a "feel good" motion that on first glance seems to solve a problem they have heard rumors about. This is similiar to the "feel good" law that was passed in California banning horse slaughter. The "horse lovers" that supported this measure did not foresee the ramifications that resulted such as overpopulation of unwanted/starving horses. The AERC membership, before being asked what they think about this motion, should be educated by those more intimately involved in and knowledgeable about FEI on matters such as how withdrawing FEI sanctioning in the U.S. will help improve the situation for horses and what the potential negative ramifications for AERC the passage of this motion would mean.
I have seen AERC in it's early years from the perspective of a rider and am a good judge of horse abuse. We were a different culture in the beginnings of AERC - it's a fact that horses were overridden. We have changed culturally, and some of these changes have not been because of rule changes but because of our views on how we look at our horses. Rules often cannot put a stop to overriding horses, but what will stop it comes from within the rider. Endurance riding in other countries is relatively new compared to the U.S. and they are still developing their cultural way in the treatment of horses. Riders in any country who put a value on horses and truly learn to value their horses will eventually develop the desire within to preserve the health and longevity of their horses.
I would ask that committee chairs that are copied on this email forward it on to their respective committees.
Thank you for all that you do for AERC as directors and committee chairs. AERC is an organization that I am proud to be a member of and with good direction will remain the leader within the sport of endurance riding.
Robert Ribley
AERC # 2247
Elections Committee Chair
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Tschiffely's Ride - Endurance.net's Book of the Week!
January 12 2014
Tschiffely's Ride: Ten Thousand Miles in the Saddle from Southern Cross to Pole Star, by Aimé Tschiffely, is Endurance.net's book of the week.
From the southeast coast of South America through an expanse of Peruvian sands en route to the West Coast, then onward through Central American jungles and rainforest, and finally to New York, Tschiffely’s journey was considered impossible and absurd by many newspaper writers in 1925. However, after two and a half years on horseback with two of his trusty and tough steeds, this daring trekker lived to tell his best-selling tale.
Tschiffely’s 10,000-mile journey was filled with adventure and triumph, but it also forced the traveler to deal with tremendous natural and man-made obstacles, as many countries in Central America were war-torn. He traversed rivers and mountains in hurricanes and hail storms, stopping to stay the night with farmers and villagers in huts who often shared their mysterious and superstitious tales. He ate dried goats’ meat in a desolate town of Santiago del Estero, watched illegal cockfights and vicious machete battles between plantation workers in Jujuy, and was healed by an Indian herb doctor in the mountains of Bolivia for his infection after excavating graves; these obstacles have captured the hearts of people from around the world.
In addition to the remarkable details of his travel expedition, Tschiffely’s relationship with his horses, Mancha and Gato, is perhaps the most endearing element of the book, and his photos of the people and places he encountered make Tschiffely’s Ride the perfect travel companion for adventure enthusiasts.
http://www.endurance.net/market/bookstore/
Saturday, January 11, 2014
AERC-I Responds to AERC Sponsorship Committee Motion Proposal
AERC-I Responds to AERC Sponsorship Committee Motion Proposal
January 11 2014
AERC-I is the AERC liaison in the USA for FEI International Equine Endurance Rides. The group has responded to the AERC Sponsorship Committee's motion which proposes temporary suspension of concurrent FEI events with AERC rides.
This is continued fallout from the FEI Endurance Controversy and doping scandal that began last summer with the illegal seizure of "thousands of pounds" of illegal equine drugs seized from a private plane, and a subsequent raid of illegal veterinary drugs from Shaikh Mohammed's endurance Moorley Farm East in Newmarket, and the consequent exposure of endurance horse doping positives and deaths, particularly in the FEI Group VII are (which includes the Middle East and North Africa).
A complete history of the scandal can be reviewed here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2013FEIControversy/
Following is AERC-I's response to the AERC Sponsorship Committee Motion Proposal: (link here; letter is printed below)
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2013FEIControversy/AERC_I_ResponseToSponsorshipCommittee_Motion_Proposal.doc
AERC-I Response to Sponsorship Committee Motion Proposal
The International Committee of AERC vehemently opposes the Sponsorship Committee Motion Proposal to temporarily suspend sanctioning of FEI events, effective July 1, 2014.
Approval of this motion proposal would be a counter-productive method to effect the changes desired by AERC. A much better solution is for AERC to remain in its current active and positive role and thus retain its voice and strength to help direct the changes that will be made within FEI.
Approval of the motion would, in the first place, not effect the desired changes, and in the second place, have unintended negative consequences for AERC, all the while doing absolutely nothing to promote global horse welfare.
1. Approval of this motion would in no way effect changes desired within FEI.
• The US does not hold leverage over FEI, and US withdrawal from the FEI Endurance arena will not have the effect of coercing any action for positive change
• Withdrawal of the US from FEI will in fact destroy our credibility and our voice within International endurance. We currently have some of the most experienced and respected individuals we have ever had within our FEI framework, and we are poised to be able to have some actual, very positive, influence within the organization. Our current committee members, leaders, and our Chef d’Equipe will work with those representatives from other countries with similar opinions to our own, and our united voices will be heard within FEI. Withdrawal will take away our right to have a voice, our ability to be heard within the FEI arena, and will completely strip us of any ability to effect positive changes. It will also cause us to abandon our allies from other countries, thus weakening all of our collective voices.
• There is much concern over public perception and a negative image for the sport of endurance. This seems to be the major impetus driving the current controversy and motion proposal to separate AERC from FEI. The fact is that such a separation will NOT change any public perception. The supposed bad name of endurance will be out there, and the public will not make any distinction between AERC Endurance and FEI Endurance. The public will only see a negative perception. Therefore, and this is a very important point, the best way out of this maze for AERC is not to abandon the cause, but to stay in the fight, and to be a part of making the change from negative to positive public image! The same is true for actual horse welfare, above and beyond the public perception issue. Only by retaining a right to be heard and a right to shape the future of all Endurance around the world, can we genuinely say that we are horse welfare advocates.
• Radical activist groups will attack at their own whim, regardless of whether or not AERC is affiliated with FEI. If we divide ourselves, we stand ready to fall. United, we will prevail.
2. Approval of this motion would have unintended detrimental consequences for AERC.
• 100 mile rides: International member may only be 7% of the AERC membership population, but they are directly responsible for 42% of the 100 mile rides. At one time in AERC history, any ride shorter than 100 miles was not considered to be “endurance.” In this day and age, we are long removed from that sentiment, but there are some who still hold the opinion that the 100 mile ride is the Crown Jewel of our sport, and should be regarded as something worth preserving. Of the 14 100 mile rides on the US AERC calendar at the time of this writing, seven are dual-sanctioned with FEI. Of those seven rides, only one would exist without the dual-sanctioning. Most of these seven rides would never have been started without FEI, in the first place, and most of them would be in jeopardy without the FEI sanctioning, increased numbers of entries, and personnel support system that comes with FEI sanctioning. Of the ones in jeopardy, two are so dependent upon FEI riders for numbers of entries, the entire ride, all distances, would likely cease to exist. These two rides are the historic Biltmore ride, as well as the Pioneer ride FITS. Riders of all levels, not just those interested in International, will be negatively affected by the loss of FEI sanctioning. LD riders, 50 mile riders, and pioneer riders need to recognize how unalterably interwoven are all of our interests in this issue. Loss of FEI sanctioning would not just do away with half of our 100 mile rides, but would cause the loss of other distances available for everyone, as well.
• Financial impact: see above for loss of ride entries/per-rider fees/ride sanctioning fees. In addition, there would be a reduction of 75 mile rides, as the FEI star rating system has necessitated a resurgence of this intermediate distance.
• Unknown impact for insurance and drug testing programs, associated with USEF.
• Legal impact: AERC would not be upholding its affiliate responsibilities for USEF. In addition, AERC may be on rather murky legal grounds if they attempt to rescind ride sanctioning without good cause.
• Junior/Young Riders: International is a huge supporter of our youth riders. There is unprecedented financial and educational support and encouragement available for AERC youth riders within the FEI arena. Our Juniors and Young Riders have had opportunities to travel and compete in foreign countries, as well as to experience a higher level of championship competition on our own turf. FEI supports competitions exclusively for Juniors and Young Riders, and gives them their own level playing field, thus encouraging them to rise to better levels of global humanitarian perspectives, overall horsemanship and sportsmanship, and insightful personal achievement.
The AERC International Committee agrees that action must be taken to clean up the FEI house. This is not the issue in question. The contention lies with the method to be employed. Attempting to strong-arm the FEI by threatening our withdrawal if our criteria are not met is NOT the answer. Educating our membership as to the actual issues and supporting our very fine members who are in the debate representing us IS the answer. The Committee has much confidence in our representatives and in their abilities to work with representatives from other nations with similar strong ethics and beliefs to effect definite, positive, and timely change within FEI. Furthermore, USEF has such high regard for our representatives and their credentials, that Valerie Kanavy was just elected to the USEF Board of Directors representing the Non-Olympic disciplines, and Joe Mattingley was elected as the Chairperson of the International Disciplines Council.
The AERC International Committee feels very strongly that any careful consideration of the true issues at hand cannot lead to any conclusion other than that we and the horses and the sport we wish to honor and protect will be best served by putting forth a united voice. The consequences of division would be far-reaching, unforeseeable in totality, and potentially extremely damaging. The impetus for change within the FEI governing structure has reached a point of inevitability, and the opportunity for AERC to be an integral part of that change should be enthusiastically cultivated.
January 11 2014
AERC-I is the AERC liaison in the USA for FEI International Equine Endurance Rides. The group has responded to the AERC Sponsorship Committee's motion which proposes temporary suspension of concurrent FEI events with AERC rides.
This is continued fallout from the FEI Endurance Controversy and doping scandal that began last summer with the illegal seizure of "thousands of pounds" of illegal equine drugs seized from a private plane, and a subsequent raid of illegal veterinary drugs from Shaikh Mohammed's endurance Moorley Farm East in Newmarket, and the consequent exposure of endurance horse doping positives and deaths, particularly in the FEI Group VII are (which includes the Middle East and North Africa).
A complete history of the scandal can be reviewed here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2013FEIControversy/
Following is AERC-I's response to the AERC Sponsorship Committee Motion Proposal: (link here; letter is printed below)
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2013FEIControversy/AERC_I_ResponseToSponsorshipCommittee_Motion_Proposal.doc
AERC-I Response to Sponsorship Committee Motion Proposal
The International Committee of AERC vehemently opposes the Sponsorship Committee Motion Proposal to temporarily suspend sanctioning of FEI events, effective July 1, 2014.
Approval of this motion proposal would be a counter-productive method to effect the changes desired by AERC. A much better solution is for AERC to remain in its current active and positive role and thus retain its voice and strength to help direct the changes that will be made within FEI.
Approval of the motion would, in the first place, not effect the desired changes, and in the second place, have unintended negative consequences for AERC, all the while doing absolutely nothing to promote global horse welfare.
1. Approval of this motion would in no way effect changes desired within FEI.
• The US does not hold leverage over FEI, and US withdrawal from the FEI Endurance arena will not have the effect of coercing any action for positive change
• Withdrawal of the US from FEI will in fact destroy our credibility and our voice within International endurance. We currently have some of the most experienced and respected individuals we have ever had within our FEI framework, and we are poised to be able to have some actual, very positive, influence within the organization. Our current committee members, leaders, and our Chef d’Equipe will work with those representatives from other countries with similar opinions to our own, and our united voices will be heard within FEI. Withdrawal will take away our right to have a voice, our ability to be heard within the FEI arena, and will completely strip us of any ability to effect positive changes. It will also cause us to abandon our allies from other countries, thus weakening all of our collective voices.
• There is much concern over public perception and a negative image for the sport of endurance. This seems to be the major impetus driving the current controversy and motion proposal to separate AERC from FEI. The fact is that such a separation will NOT change any public perception. The supposed bad name of endurance will be out there, and the public will not make any distinction between AERC Endurance and FEI Endurance. The public will only see a negative perception. Therefore, and this is a very important point, the best way out of this maze for AERC is not to abandon the cause, but to stay in the fight, and to be a part of making the change from negative to positive public image! The same is true for actual horse welfare, above and beyond the public perception issue. Only by retaining a right to be heard and a right to shape the future of all Endurance around the world, can we genuinely say that we are horse welfare advocates.
• Radical activist groups will attack at their own whim, regardless of whether or not AERC is affiliated with FEI. If we divide ourselves, we stand ready to fall. United, we will prevail.
2. Approval of this motion would have unintended detrimental consequences for AERC.
• 100 mile rides: International member may only be 7% of the AERC membership population, but they are directly responsible for 42% of the 100 mile rides. At one time in AERC history, any ride shorter than 100 miles was not considered to be “endurance.” In this day and age, we are long removed from that sentiment, but there are some who still hold the opinion that the 100 mile ride is the Crown Jewel of our sport, and should be regarded as something worth preserving. Of the 14 100 mile rides on the US AERC calendar at the time of this writing, seven are dual-sanctioned with FEI. Of those seven rides, only one would exist without the dual-sanctioning. Most of these seven rides would never have been started without FEI, in the first place, and most of them would be in jeopardy without the FEI sanctioning, increased numbers of entries, and personnel support system that comes with FEI sanctioning. Of the ones in jeopardy, two are so dependent upon FEI riders for numbers of entries, the entire ride, all distances, would likely cease to exist. These two rides are the historic Biltmore ride, as well as the Pioneer ride FITS. Riders of all levels, not just those interested in International, will be negatively affected by the loss of FEI sanctioning. LD riders, 50 mile riders, and pioneer riders need to recognize how unalterably interwoven are all of our interests in this issue. Loss of FEI sanctioning would not just do away with half of our 100 mile rides, but would cause the loss of other distances available for everyone, as well.
• Financial impact: see above for loss of ride entries/per-rider fees/ride sanctioning fees. In addition, there would be a reduction of 75 mile rides, as the FEI star rating system has necessitated a resurgence of this intermediate distance.
• Unknown impact for insurance and drug testing programs, associated with USEF.
• Legal impact: AERC would not be upholding its affiliate responsibilities for USEF. In addition, AERC may be on rather murky legal grounds if they attempt to rescind ride sanctioning without good cause.
• Junior/Young Riders: International is a huge supporter of our youth riders. There is unprecedented financial and educational support and encouragement available for AERC youth riders within the FEI arena. Our Juniors and Young Riders have had opportunities to travel and compete in foreign countries, as well as to experience a higher level of championship competition on our own turf. FEI supports competitions exclusively for Juniors and Young Riders, and gives them their own level playing field, thus encouraging them to rise to better levels of global humanitarian perspectives, overall horsemanship and sportsmanship, and insightful personal achievement.
The AERC International Committee agrees that action must be taken to clean up the FEI house. This is not the issue in question. The contention lies with the method to be employed. Attempting to strong-arm the FEI by threatening our withdrawal if our criteria are not met is NOT the answer. Educating our membership as to the actual issues and supporting our very fine members who are in the debate representing us IS the answer. The Committee has much confidence in our representatives and in their abilities to work with representatives from other nations with similar strong ethics and beliefs to effect definite, positive, and timely change within FEI. Furthermore, USEF has such high regard for our representatives and their credentials, that Valerie Kanavy was just elected to the USEF Board of Directors representing the Non-Olympic disciplines, and Joe Mattingley was elected as the Chairperson of the International Disciplines Council.
The AERC International Committee feels very strongly that any careful consideration of the true issues at hand cannot lead to any conclusion other than that we and the horses and the sport we wish to honor and protect will be best served by putting forth a united voice. The consequences of division would be far-reaching, unforeseeable in totality, and potentially extremely damaging. The impetus for change within the FEI governing structure has reached a point of inevitability, and the opportunity for AERC to be an integral part of that change should be enthusiastically cultivated.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Race to the finish
NPTelegraph.com - Full ArticleJanuary 10, 2014
By Heather Johnson hjohnson@nptelegraph.com
A new craze sweeping the nation is gaining ground in North Platte.
Kerri Ross is among those jumping boots first into virtual endurance horse racing.
“I started last year,” Ross said. “Horseback riding had always been a hobby of mine, but now it’s my life.”
Tammy Vasa, of Weston, started the competition. The rules are simple. People track how far they ride using a GPS device.
They then post those miles online, where the data is gathered and logged onto a spreadsheet. The person who rides the most miles by the end of the year wins bragging rights...
http://www.nptelegraph.com/news/race-to-the-finish/article_02132774-2319-5377-9a3f-3e257ec4113d.html
Thursday, January 09, 2014
"AERC Is Trails" Essay Contest Produces Top-Notch Stories
AERC.orgJanuary 9 2014
The Winter edition of AERC Extra - the online newsletter for AERC members - features trail stories from participants who entered stories in the "AERC Is Trails" contest.
The contest celebrates riders' favorite trails where the authors love to ride. Over 30 entries were received and judged by AERC's Trails and Land Management Committee members.
Riding Warehouse sponsored this contest and provided gift certificates to the winners, Debra Ambrose (first place), Cyd Ross (second place), and Elizabeth Gould (third place).
The ride stories submitted by the entrants can be seen here in the Winter AERC Extra:
http://www.aerc.org/AERCWtr14Extra.pdf
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
Kimery Awarded the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award and the Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy
USEFNetwork.com
RELEASE: January 7, 2014
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department
Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Christina Kimery as the winner of the two prestigious awards in the discipline of Endurance, the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award and the Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy. 2013 is the first time the coveted awards have been won by the same individual.
The Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award, sponsored by Gold Medal Farm, and Larry and Valerie Kanavy, is in memory of Maggy Price, who was the 1992 FEI World Endurance Championship Silver medalist instrumental in the development of international endurance in the U.S. The award is presented to the Endurance Rider Ranking List athlete with the most points earned in the competition year. The Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy is presented to the Endurance Rider Ranking List Junior/Young Rider athlete with the most points earned in the competition year. The Trophy is awarded in memory of Kathy Brunjes, who was a successful endurance athlete and an active supporter of the Junior/Young Rider program.
Sixteen-year-old Kimery (Bixby, Okla.) had a noteworthy year, claiming top honors at numerous endurance races in 2013. Kimery began her year with two wins in January at the Broxton Bridge CEIYJ2*, riding Jeremy Olson's SA Belshazzar and Laurie Pearson’s Rohara Royale +. Her success continued with an impressive showing at the CEIYJ2* in Williston, Fla., finishing in first place on Rohara Royale + and in third on Amy Wallace-Whelan’s Wallace Hill Shade. She had additional wins and high placings at the Indian Springs Endurance (Las Cruces, N.M.) CEIYJ2* and the Zone Team Endurance Challenge (Ashland, Mont.) CEIYJ2* & CEIYJ3*. Kimery had a strong performance in Tarbes, France, while representing the U.S. at the FEI Junior/Young Rider World Endurance Championships. She is involved in the Bixby High School Future Farmers of American program where her endurance riding is recognized and supported, allowing her to compete throughout the school year. Kimery is also a member of her high school’s skeet team and enjoys hunting and fishing with her dad.
“Christina Kimery was an immense joy for me to have on the team of Young Riders this summer at the Worlds in Tarbes, France,” said Emmett Ross, Endurance Chef d'Equipe and Technical Advisor. “As my youngest team rider she was one of the most focused and competent. Christina has an immense unlimited future in endurance. Her family support group was incredible as well. Thanks to the Kimerys.”
RELEASE: January 7, 2014
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department
Lexington, KY - The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is pleased to announce Christina Kimery as the winner of the two prestigious awards in the discipline of Endurance, the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award and the Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy. 2013 is the first time the coveted awards have been won by the same individual.
The Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award, sponsored by Gold Medal Farm, and Larry and Valerie Kanavy, is in memory of Maggy Price, who was the 1992 FEI World Endurance Championship Silver medalist instrumental in the development of international endurance in the U.S. The award is presented to the Endurance Rider Ranking List athlete with the most points earned in the competition year. The Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy is presented to the Endurance Rider Ranking List Junior/Young Rider athlete with the most points earned in the competition year. The Trophy is awarded in memory of Kathy Brunjes, who was a successful endurance athlete and an active supporter of the Junior/Young Rider program.
Sixteen-year-old Kimery (Bixby, Okla.) had a noteworthy year, claiming top honors at numerous endurance races in 2013. Kimery began her year with two wins in January at the Broxton Bridge CEIYJ2*, riding Jeremy Olson's SA Belshazzar and Laurie Pearson’s Rohara Royale +. Her success continued with an impressive showing at the CEIYJ2* in Williston, Fla., finishing in first place on Rohara Royale + and in third on Amy Wallace-Whelan’s Wallace Hill Shade. She had additional wins and high placings at the Indian Springs Endurance (Las Cruces, N.M.) CEIYJ2* and the Zone Team Endurance Challenge (Ashland, Mont.) CEIYJ2* & CEIYJ3*. Kimery had a strong performance in Tarbes, France, while representing the U.S. at the FEI Junior/Young Rider World Endurance Championships. She is involved in the Bixby High School Future Farmers of American program where her endurance riding is recognized and supported, allowing her to compete throughout the school year. Kimery is also a member of her high school’s skeet team and enjoys hunting and fishing with her dad.
“Christina Kimery was an immense joy for me to have on the team of Young Riders this summer at the Worlds in Tarbes, France,” said Emmett Ross, Endurance Chef d'Equipe and Technical Advisor. “As my youngest team rider she was one of the most focused and competent. Christina has an immense unlimited future in endurance. Her family support group was incredible as well. Thanks to the Kimerys.”
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