Bluemountaineagle.com - Full Article
Angel Carpenter
Published: August 5, 2014 4:06PM
Seneca Stampede draws 56 riders to Bear Valley.
BEAR VALLEY – Holly Rouska of Bend has combined her love of endurance horse riding with her love of the Bear Valley area.
She and her husband Les, ride managers, have teamed up with friends in Seneca to provide a unique fund-raiser, the Seneca Stampede Endurance Ride.
It’s a labor of love to support the Seneca School Foundation.
“I’m incredibly passionate about endurance rides,” Holly said.
There were 56 riders, from Oregon, California, Idaho, Washington and Arizona, who showed up for the two-day event, also passionate about their horses and the trail...
Read more here:
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20140805/endurance-riding-its-all-about-the-horse#.U_IF1Uj9hXl
Monday, August 18, 2014
Sunday, August 17, 2014
‘Cantankerous old pony’ rides into US endurance Hall of Fame
horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
By Contributor on Aug 14, 2014
At the age of 26, Icelandic horse Remington has been named as this year’s American Endurance Ride Conference Hall of Fame Equine.
The 13.3hh pony wasn’t honored for winning distance events, but for his consistency and true endurance. Owner John Parke shares the story of this remarkable competitor and how he came to earn endurance riding’s supreme honor.
Why on earth would anybody want a cantankerous old pony in the Hall of Fame? Maybe the answer lies in the different ways we recognize endurance in our horses...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2014/08/14/cantankerous-old-pony-us-endurance-hall-fame/#axzz3AgE7hvBC
By Contributor on Aug 14, 2014
At the age of 26, Icelandic horse Remington has been named as this year’s American Endurance Ride Conference Hall of Fame Equine.
The 13.3hh pony wasn’t honored for winning distance events, but for his consistency and true endurance. Owner John Parke shares the story of this remarkable competitor and how he came to earn endurance riding’s supreme honor.
Why on earth would anybody want a cantankerous old pony in the Hall of Fame? Maybe the answer lies in the different ways we recognize endurance in our horses...
Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2014/08/14/cantankerous-old-pony-us-endurance-hall-fame/#axzz3AgE7hvBC
Friday, August 15, 2014
Sturgeon Creek Arabians: Breeding for Endurance
Canadian Arabian Horse Magazime
Pyatigorsk
A shortened version of this article, entitled “Sturgeon Creek Arabians’ Carl Fudge Honored for Outstanding Achievements in the Sport of Endurance,” appears in the August, 2014 issue of the Canadian Arabian Horse News.
The statistics…
From 1988 to 2014, Sturgeon Creek Arabians has bred 111 horses. Of those, 27 have competed in Endurance in the US and Canada, winning:
1 US National Championship;
2 selected for World Championships;
2 Tevis Cup finishes;
6 Regional Championships;
5 Reserve Regional Championships;
2 AERC Decade Team members.
Out of 596 total competitions, there have been 206 Top Ten finishes (35%), 55 wins, 38 seconds and 30 Best Condition awards. There has been a remarkable 87% completion rate, covering 25,000 miles in competition – beyond the distance around the world! Five horses have over 2,000 miles in competition and four others have between 1,400 and 2,000 miles.
These 27 Endurance horses were produced by 7 different sires and 17 different dams. It is amazing to have these consistently excellent results when there were different owners, different environments, and unique training and conditioning programs. The only common factor has been the power of the gene pools SCA has used. Other SCA-bred horses have competed in open dressage, Sport Horse competition and barrel racing, while many just became well-loved family members.
Full story...
Pyatigorsk
A shortened version of this article, entitled “Sturgeon Creek Arabians’ Carl Fudge Honored for Outstanding Achievements in the Sport of Endurance,” appears in the August, 2014 issue of the Canadian Arabian Horse News.
The statistics…
From 1988 to 2014, Sturgeon Creek Arabians has bred 111 horses. Of those, 27 have competed in Endurance in the US and Canada, winning:
1 US National Championship;
2 selected for World Championships;
2 Tevis Cup finishes;
6 Regional Championships;
5 Reserve Regional Championships;
2 AERC Decade Team members.
Out of 596 total competitions, there have been 206 Top Ten finishes (35%), 55 wins, 38 seconds and 30 Best Condition awards. There has been a remarkable 87% completion rate, covering 25,000 miles in competition – beyond the distance around the world! Five horses have over 2,000 miles in competition and four others have between 1,400 and 2,000 miles.
These 27 Endurance horses were produced by 7 different sires and 17 different dams. It is amazing to have these consistently excellent results when there were different owners, different environments, and unique training and conditioning programs. The only common factor has been the power of the gene pools SCA has used. Other SCA-bred horses have competed in open dressage, Sport Horse competition and barrel racing, while many just became well-loved family members.
Full story...
Magalia woman, horse finish 100-mile Tevis Cup
By Dan Reidel
MAGALIA >> Three and a half years of practice and failure paid off for JayaMae Gregory when she rode Asali, her Missouri fox trotter horse, across the finish line at the Tevis Cup in Auburn early Sunday morning.
Gregory and Asali finished the 100-mile endurance race 66th out of the 107 teams that finished. A total of 186 began the race at Robie Equestrian Park near Truckee and ended at Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn. Asali was the second Missouri fox trotter to complete the 100-mile race since 1979, and the other Missouri fox trotter completed the ride in 2011 when the 100 miles were shortened because the toughest canyons were clogged with snow.
Last year, Gregory attempted the Tevis Cup, but fell short when she and Asali were about 20 minutes late to the 55-mile checkpoint.
"It was right after the most difficult canyon, Devil's Thumb Canyon," Gregory said. "It was extremely hot. She pooped out on me."
Gregory walked the horse through the canyon, but they were a little too late to keep going.
"This year, I still did almost the entire thing on foot," Gregory said of tackling the Devil's Thumb. "But she let me tail her this year. With tailing, I grabbed her tail and she pulled me right out of that canyon."
read full story
MAGALIA >> Three and a half years of practice and failure paid off for JayaMae Gregory when she rode Asali, her Missouri fox trotter horse, across the finish line at the Tevis Cup in Auburn early Sunday morning.
Gregory and Asali finished the 100-mile endurance race 66th out of the 107 teams that finished. A total of 186 began the race at Robie Equestrian Park near Truckee and ended at Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn. Asali was the second Missouri fox trotter to complete the 100-mile race since 1979, and the other Missouri fox trotter completed the ride in 2011 when the 100 miles were shortened because the toughest canyons were clogged with snow.
Last year, Gregory attempted the Tevis Cup, but fell short when she and Asali were about 20 minutes late to the 55-mile checkpoint.
"It was right after the most difficult canyon, Devil's Thumb Canyon," Gregory said. "It was extremely hot. She pooped out on me."
Gregory walked the horse through the canyon, but they were a little too late to keep going.
"This year, I still did almost the entire thing on foot," Gregory said of tackling the Devil's Thumb. "But she let me tail her this year. With tailing, I grabbed her tail and she pulled me right out of that canyon."
read full story
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Swashbuckle to support SIRE's special needs riders
Yourhoustonnews.com - Full ArticlePosted: Tuesday, August 12, 2014 1:10 pm
By Community Reports
Ready for an old-fashioned movie experience? In a state-of-the-art theater?
Come watch Hidalgo at the Alamo Drafthouse in the Vintage and support SIRE’s special needs riders at the same time.
Of Hidalgo, Roger Ebert said, “Bold, exuberant and swash-buckling, Hidalgo has the purity and simplicity of something Douglas Fairbanks or Errol Flynn might have bounded through. Hidalgo is a throwback to a more innocent time when heroes and their horses risked everything just because life was so damned boring in the slow lane.”
SIRE patrons also will have the chance to hear from Darolyn Butler, championship endurance rider, who’s raced over some of the same harsh land portrayed in Hidalgo.
Darolyn won her first of many championships in 1984. Among other accomplishments in the 1990’s, she won the Gold Medal and Best Condition at the World Nature Games in Brazil. Around the same time, she acquired her Texas Trainer’s License and trained Arabians and a few thoroughbreds for the racetrack...
Read more here:
http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/east_montgomery/living/swashbuckle-to-support-sire-s-special-needs-riders/article_9bf5737a-1b07-5de1-baaa-db3fac15b16e.html
City of Electrifying Rocks
Karen Bumgardner
The lightening was flashing all around us as we zig zagged our horses through the trees and brush. The horses were tense and the air filled with electricity. As the trail wound around we'd see the bright flash and hear the crack of the thunder directly above us. With one deafening crack of thunder I was accused of screaming like a girl! It was just a small scream but the danger was real as we scurried down the mountain side as fast as we dared.
This was true endurance at the City of Rocks Pioneer ride, August 9. Day 3 had begun as a gorgeous morning and turned to thunder and lightening. Most stories start at the beginning, this one starts backwards, near the end.
Full story...
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Endurance Day on Horses in the Morning Radio Show with Jordan Heald, Barrak Blakely, and Heather Reynolds
www.horsesinthemorning.com
Tune in to http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/ tomorrow for Endurance day.
Jordan Heald tells us about her first Tevis completion, while Barrak Blakely fills us in on what it's like to win the Haggin Cup as the youngest rider on the oldest horse to win ever and Heather Reynolds is going to describe her exciting ride to a first place finish at this years Tevis Cup, Plus more -- endurance tips, biothane tack, how to find a mentor and more. Horses in the Morning 6 - 7:30 a.m. pst.
To listen live, go to http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/ and add the phone app to your smart phone if you have one, otherwise you can listen through a web browser on Tuesday - 6 to 7:30 a.m. PST (9 to 10:30 EST).
Tune in to http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/ tomorrow for Endurance day.
Jordan Heald tells us about her first Tevis completion, while Barrak Blakely fills us in on what it's like to win the Haggin Cup as the youngest rider on the oldest horse to win ever and Heather Reynolds is going to describe her exciting ride to a first place finish at this years Tevis Cup, Plus more -- endurance tips, biothane tack, how to find a mentor and more. Horses in the Morning 6 - 7:30 a.m. pst.
To listen live, go to http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/ and add the phone app to your smart phone if you have one, otherwise you can listen through a web browser on Tuesday - 6 to 7:30 a.m. PST (9 to 10:30 EST).
Saturday, August 09, 2014
Watton rider to represent England at endurance competition
Edp24.co.uk - Full Article
Doug Faulkner
Friday, August 8, 2014
It is a sport that pushes both animal and rider to the limit but for one Norfolk woman it has led her to the international stage.
Carol Chapman is set to compete in this year’s endurance riding Home International competition in Scotland.
Endurance riding sees riders and their mounts travel over long distances through all kinds of conditions and types of countryside.
Although she has been riding since the age of 11, this will be the first time Mrs Chapman, now 57, will be competing at an international level.
She said: “I am really proud and pleased to be selected.
“Of course now I am thinking that I mustn’t let anybody down but all you can do is the ride to the best of your abilities.”
Endurance competitions come in different forms with some requiring speed while others involve monitoring the horses heart rate...
Read more here:
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/watton_rider_to_represent_england_at_endurance_competition_1_3719154
Doug Faulkner
Friday, August 8, 2014
It is a sport that pushes both animal and rider to the limit but for one Norfolk woman it has led her to the international stage.
Carol Chapman is set to compete in this year’s endurance riding Home International competition in Scotland.
Endurance riding sees riders and their mounts travel over long distances through all kinds of conditions and types of countryside.
Although she has been riding since the age of 11, this will be the first time Mrs Chapman, now 57, will be competing at an international level.
She said: “I am really proud and pleased to be selected.
“Of course now I am thinking that I mustn’t let anybody down but all you can do is the ride to the best of your abilities.”
Endurance competitions come in different forms with some requiring speed while others involve monitoring the horses heart rate...
Read more here:
http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/watton_rider_to_represent_england_at_endurance_competition_1_3719154
Horseback Riding Meets Running in the Sport of Ride and Tie
Horsechannel.com - Full ArticleFun and fitness are all part of this unique endurance sport.
By Anna O’Brien, DVM | August 8, 2014
Are you a horse lover and a runner? Ever wonder if there was a way to combine the sport of endurance riding with cross-country running? Look no further! The equestrian sport called ride and tie might be right for you.
Officially started in 1971, this relatively new sport to the horse world requires a team of two people and one horse. Over a trail course that can vary in length from under ten miles to one hundred miles, each individual trades off riding the horse and running solo at strategic distances along the course.
While the horse and rider gallop ahead, the runner makes up distance on foot and catches up to the horse that has been tied up and is waiting, while the previous rider then becomes the runner. This leapfrog method continues through the entire length of the course until all three team members cross the finish line...
Read more here:
http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-news/2014/08/08-horseback-riding-meets-running-in-ride-and-tie.aspx
Tevis Cup riders aren’t horsing around
Auburnjournal.com - Full Article
Wednesday Aug 06 2014
59th annual Western States Trail Ride
100-mile equestrian endurance test set for Saturday
By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor
The 59th annual Tevis Cup is so foal of good horses, Ride Director Chuck Stalley can’t even pick a favorite.
“The field is loaded,” Stalley said of the 195 riders and steeds entered in Saturday’s Western States Trail Ride, which begins at Robie Park at 5:15 a.m. and ends 24 hours later in the Endurance Capital of the World. “Sometimes they put pressure on each other and they can’t finish. But they’ll push each other hard. This is a very competitive field. It will be very hard this year to get in the top 10.”
Some of the equestrian endurance athletes will be seeking the Tevis Cup with a first-place finish and others the Haggin Cup, awarded to a top-10 finisher whose horse finishes the ride in the best condition after arriving at the Gold Country Fairgrounds’ McCann Stadium.
Others simply just want to finish in less than a day’s time, bringing home a coveted buckle...
Read more here:
http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/8/06/14/tevis-cup-riders-aren%E2%80%99t-horsing-around
Wednesday Aug 06 2014
59th annual Western States Trail Ride
100-mile equestrian endurance test set for Saturday
By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor
The 59th annual Tevis Cup is so foal of good horses, Ride Director Chuck Stalley can’t even pick a favorite.
“The field is loaded,” Stalley said of the 195 riders and steeds entered in Saturday’s Western States Trail Ride, which begins at Robie Park at 5:15 a.m. and ends 24 hours later in the Endurance Capital of the World. “Sometimes they put pressure on each other and they can’t finish. But they’ll push each other hard. This is a very competitive field. It will be very hard this year to get in the top 10.”
Some of the equestrian endurance athletes will be seeking the Tevis Cup with a first-place finish and others the Haggin Cup, awarded to a top-10 finisher whose horse finishes the ride in the best condition after arriving at the Gold Country Fairgrounds’ McCann Stadium.
Others simply just want to finish in less than a day’s time, bringing home a coveted buckle...
Read more here:
http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/8/06/14/tevis-cup-riders-aren%E2%80%99t-horsing-around
Friday, August 08, 2014
Tevis Cup welcomes foreign riders to Auburn
Auburnjournal.com - Full Article
Tuesday Aug 05 2014
By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor
Woman says 'everybody in Europe' talks about Western States Trail Ride
Auburn Mayor Bridget Powers had the chance to show off her foreign language skills Tuesday night, saying hello to more than a handful of international Tevis Cups riders in their respective languages at a dinner welcoming the out-of-towners to the Endurance Capital of the World.
About 140 people attended the Tevis Cup’s annual Foreign Rider Reception/VIP Dinner held outside at the Auburn Staging Area, giving the riders from overseas the opportunity to share their stories of why they want to compete in the Western States Trail Ride.
This year’s field, which will take off from Robie Park near Squaw Valley Saturday at 5:15 a.m. in hopes of reaching the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn within 24 hours, features 197 entries. Sixteen of the riders hail from countries other than the United States, representing 12 nations...
Read more here:
http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/8/05/14/tevis-cup-welcomes-foreign-riders-auburn
Tuesday Aug 05 2014
By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor
Woman says 'everybody in Europe' talks about Western States Trail Ride
Auburn Mayor Bridget Powers had the chance to show off her foreign language skills Tuesday night, saying hello to more than a handful of international Tevis Cups riders in their respective languages at a dinner welcoming the out-of-towners to the Endurance Capital of the World.
About 140 people attended the Tevis Cup’s annual Foreign Rider Reception/VIP Dinner held outside at the Auburn Staging Area, giving the riders from overseas the opportunity to share their stories of why they want to compete in the Western States Trail Ride.
This year’s field, which will take off from Robie Park near Squaw Valley Saturday at 5:15 a.m. in hopes of reaching the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn within 24 hours, features 197 entries. Sixteen of the riders hail from countries other than the United States, representing 12 nations...
Read more here:
http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/8/05/14/tevis-cup-welcomes-foreign-riders-auburn
Monday, August 04, 2014
Tevis Cup a bucket list item for woman who had heart transplant
Auburnjournal.com - Full Article
August 3 2014
By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor
Angie Mikkelson has been dreaming about Tevis Cup and riding along the Western States Trail for years.
The circumstances, however, have never been right for the 39-year-old North Dakota woman.
She’s never had the right horse. And until having a heart transplant in 2000, Mikkelson wasn’t healthy enough to compete in the 100-mile equestrian endurance ride from Robie Park to Auburn.
This year, though, the pieces are all falling into place.
Mikkelson is leaving Scranton, N.D., today, embarking on a three-day drive to the Endurance Capital of the World.
Mikkelson and her 9-year-old chestnut gelding Tango are both in good condition, trying to earn a buckle in Saturday’s Western States Trail Ride...
Read more here:
http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/8/03/14/tevis-cup-bucket-list-item-woman-who-had-heart-transplant
August 3 2014
By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor
Angie Mikkelson has been dreaming about Tevis Cup and riding along the Western States Trail for years.
The circumstances, however, have never been right for the 39-year-old North Dakota woman.
She’s never had the right horse. And until having a heart transplant in 2000, Mikkelson wasn’t healthy enough to compete in the 100-mile equestrian endurance ride from Robie Park to Auburn.
This year, though, the pieces are all falling into place.
Mikkelson is leaving Scranton, N.D., today, embarking on a three-day drive to the Endurance Capital of the World.
Mikkelson and her 9-year-old chestnut gelding Tango are both in good condition, trying to earn a buckle in Saturday’s Western States Trail Ride...
Read more here:
http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/8/03/14/tevis-cup-bucket-list-item-woman-who-had-heart-transplant
Saturday, August 02, 2014
Auburn Tevis Cup rider, trainer Mark Schuerman is a kayaking cowboy
Auburnjournal.com - Full Article
Wednesday Jul 30 2014
By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor
Horses help him feed his whitewater addiction
A self-proclaimed cowboy, Mark Schuerman of Auburn is an expert when it comes to working with steeds for endurance and show.
“I don’t own any horses,” said Schuerman, who will be riding in his sixth Tevis Cup on Aug. 9 and seeking his third buckle. “I just train them.”
He also rides. And he does it well.
Schuerman finished seventh in last year’s Western States Trail Ride. He also completed the 100-mile ride from Robie Park near Squaw Valley to the Endurance Capital of the World in 2012, placing 11th...
Read more here:
http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/7/30/14/auburn-tevis-cup-rider-trainer-mark-schuerman-kayaking-cowboy
Wednesday Jul 30 2014
By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor
Horses help him feed his whitewater addiction
A self-proclaimed cowboy, Mark Schuerman of Auburn is an expert when it comes to working with steeds for endurance and show.
“I don’t own any horses,” said Schuerman, who will be riding in his sixth Tevis Cup on Aug. 9 and seeking his third buckle. “I just train them.”
He also rides. And he does it well.
Schuerman finished seventh in last year’s Western States Trail Ride. He also completed the 100-mile ride from Robie Park near Squaw Valley to the Endurance Capital of the World in 2012, placing 11th...
Read more here:
http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/7/30/14/auburn-tevis-cup-rider-trainer-mark-schuerman-kayaking-cowboy
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Stroh Rides the Shamrock Endurance again
Carla Stroh, riding Spook, finished in the top ten in the 30 mile Shamrock Endurance Ride. Courtesy PhotoPosted: Wednesday, Jul 30th, 2014
BY: Phyllis Hahn
On July 5, Carla Stroh, riding her husband’s Arabian horse named Spook, participated in the annual Shamrock Endurance Ride that takes place on the Dietz Ranch southwest of Wheatland. This is the location where Tom Horn allegedly shot Willy Nichols. Stroh was accompanied by her good friend, Barb Orr of Mesa, Ariz., who had come along to do the all-important job of “crewing”. This involves being ready to take care of the horse when they come in for a vet check after the first loop. They have to sponge the horse down to cool it off and have water or Gatorade for the rider. They have to be willing to do whatever job the rider wants them to do at the last minute. Barb excels in this! The idea is to get the horse’s heart rate down to the required minimum so the vet can test him to see if he is fit to continue to ride. The vet tests for soundness at the trot, heart rate recovery after the trot out, capillary refill time, muscle tone and gut sounds. If the horse fails any of these, he is pulled from the race.
[More ...]
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Stampede! Equestrians compete, riding for a good cause
Bluemountaineagle.com - Full Article
Angel Carpenter
Published: July 29, 2014 3:58PM
Horses and riders compete in Seneca Stampede Endurance Ride.
BEAR VALLEY – Several rough riders kicked it up a notch last weekend for the Seneca Stampede Endurance Ride.
They clipped along several trails, mapped out by ride managers Les and Holly Rouska, enjoying the countryside of the Malheur National Forest while competing.
The Stampede drew out-of-town and local participants for routes that included the Intro Ride, Ride & Tie, a 25-mile and 50-mile ride...
Read more here:
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20140729/stampede-equestrians-compete-riding-for-a-good-cause#.U9j9t4BdWnk
Angel Carpenter
Published: July 29, 2014 3:58PM
Horses and riders compete in Seneca Stampede Endurance Ride.
BEAR VALLEY – Several rough riders kicked it up a notch last weekend for the Seneca Stampede Endurance Ride.
They clipped along several trails, mapped out by ride managers Les and Holly Rouska, enjoying the countryside of the Malheur National Forest while competing.
The Stampede drew out-of-town and local participants for routes that included the Intro Ride, Ride & Tie, a 25-mile and 50-mile ride...
Read more here:
http://www.bluemountaineagle.com/Local_Sports/20140729/stampede-equestrians-compete-riding-for-a-good-cause#.U9j9t4BdWnk
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Tevis Trail Update
Teviscup.orgJuly 29 2014
The trail crew has been working tirelessly on the trail as the ride approaches. Most recently, Steve Hallmark and his crew tackled the Pucker Point section. Reports back are that the trail is clear and in good shape. We thank our many volunteers who have put in countless hours making our trail safe and passable.
As many of you know, riding the canyons will be a bit different from past years without the Swinging Bridge in commission. In order to ease some concerns, we asked experienced Tevis riders to report back on their training ride. Here is what 7-time finisher and WSTF Board Member, Tony Benedetti had to say about the river crossing when he rode it with Past WSTF President, Kathie Perry:
"I crossed this creek on July 5th. I was third in line of a group of horse. The entrance into the creek was not unsafe. The water is deepest in the middle, a bit of a hole, but it was only belly deep. I didn't get my feet wet. The exit up the bank is a little difficult but not unsafe, nor any worse than other trail obstacles prior to this point in the ride. The worst part is a boulder in the creek in front of the exit. The rider has to decide to go left or right around the boulder to exit the creek. The three of us went left. Overall, this creek crossing is no more dangerous than other sections of the trail.
As far as riders turning around and going back to Last Chance, during the ride this would be very dangerous and no rider should go backwards on the trail until the Sweep Riders have passed."
Tony Benedetti
Auburn business owner ready to try Tevis Cup for first time
Auburnjournal.com - Full Article
July 28 2014
Victory Velo Bike Shop's Dawn Tebbs training 'on big girl trails'
By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor
Dawn Tebbs loves a challenge.
The 46-year-old Auburn business owner is in for one when she tests the 100-mile Tevis Cup for the first time.
“Being a mother of four boys isn’t challenging enough,” joked Tebbs, who’s always had an interest in the Western States Trail Ride while living in the Endurance Capital of the World. “I have to set the bar pretty high.”
Tebbs, who will begin her journey at 5:15 a.m. in at Robie Park near Squaw Valley on Aug. 9 in hopes of reaching home within 24 hours, will be riding Beylis Comet, a 10-year-old bay mare.
Beylis was first trained by Mark Schuerman, one of five other Auburn equestrian endurance athletes entered in this year’s Tevis Cup...
Read more here:
http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/7/28/14/auburn-business-owner-ready-try-tevis-cup-first-time
July 28 2014
Victory Velo Bike Shop's Dawn Tebbs training 'on big girl trails'
By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor
Dawn Tebbs loves a challenge.
The 46-year-old Auburn business owner is in for one when she tests the 100-mile Tevis Cup for the first time.
“Being a mother of four boys isn’t challenging enough,” joked Tebbs, who’s always had an interest in the Western States Trail Ride while living in the Endurance Capital of the World. “I have to set the bar pretty high.”
Tebbs, who will begin her journey at 5:15 a.m. in at Robie Park near Squaw Valley on Aug. 9 in hopes of reaching home within 24 hours, will be riding Beylis Comet, a 10-year-old bay mare.
Beylis was first trained by Mark Schuerman, one of five other Auburn equestrian endurance athletes entered in this year’s Tevis Cup...
Read more here:
http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/7/28/14/auburn-business-owner-ready-try-tevis-cup-first-time
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Local rider saddling up for world's longest horse race
Photo: The Adventurists WKYC.com - Full Story and videoSusan Moses, WKYC 11:36 p.m. EDT July 15, 2014
If I have to reset my own femur, which is what they teach you how to do, I will cross the finish line.
Stephanie Murray
HINCKLEY, Ohio -- Say "derby" in the sporting world, and it's "Kentucky" that immediately comes to mind. But the world's most grueling horse derby takes place far from Churchill Downs. It's run in the Mongolian Steppe and as we found out a local woman is among a small group of international riders brave enough to try it.
Stephanie "Stevie" Murray has ridden most of her life, but much of it has been in the show ring on her dependable mount Gilbert. Murray's horseback riding experience is about as far removed from the Mongol Derby as you can get...
Read more and watch the video here:
http://www.wkyc.com/story/life/2014/07/15/local-rider-taking-part-in-mongol-derby/12483987/
In Khan’s steps
Suffolknewsherald.com - Full ArticleJuly 25 2014
by Matthew Ward
An adventurer will carry leatherwork created in Suffolk across the steppes of Mongolia when she sets out in the world’s longest horse race.
The intricate work of Miguel Aguilar, owner of The Saddle Barn on Pruden Boulevard, was discovered by 32-year-old Rose Sandler on Instagram.
“I called them up one morning, and I decided to come and visit because it’s (Aguilar’s work) really cool,” Sandler, of Culpeper, said.
Aguilar says he’s been a leathersmith essentially “my whole life,” and is the third generation of his family to practice the art.
Born in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, his family moved to Texas in 1995, when he was 14. He opened the Suffolk shop a year ago...
Read more here:
http://www.suffolknewsherald.com/2014/07/25/in-khans-steps/
Friday, July 25, 2014
Two Weeks till the 59th Tevis Cup
July 25 2014
With 2 weeks till the 59th Tevis Cup, 193 riders from 12 countries have pre-entered the ride. Foreign riders are from France, Ecuador, Australia, UK, Austria, Germany, Japan, Norway, Canada, Israel, and The Netherlands. The field includes 8 juniors who have taken advantage of the Juniors Ride Free promotion, sponsored by EasyCare.
For more information on the Tevis Cup and an entry form, see:
http://teviscup.org/
For a detailed list of rider/horse entries, see:
http://teviscup.org/tevis-2014/tevis-rider-list
With 2 weeks till the 59th Tevis Cup, 193 riders from 12 countries have pre-entered the ride. Foreign riders are from France, Ecuador, Australia, UK, Austria, Germany, Japan, Norway, Canada, Israel, and The Netherlands. The field includes 8 juniors who have taken advantage of the Juniors Ride Free promotion, sponsored by EasyCare.
For more information on the Tevis Cup and an entry form, see:
http://teviscup.org/
For a detailed list of rider/horse entries, see:
http://teviscup.org/tevis-2014/tevis-rider-list
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Hannah Pruss and Krusador win 2014 Big Horn 100
12 July 2014
Hannah Pruss and Krusador won the legendary Big Horn 100 in Shell, Wyoming on July 12th, in 14:05, finishing in the daylight. Just 7 minutes behind her were husband-wife team of Dennis and Sue Summers, riding AH Bantiki (aka "Bogart") and Oh Susanna (aka "Peach"), respectively. Bogart won the Best Condition award.
It's a tough ride, "around 15,000 feet of climb and descent through some of the most scenic, and rocky country I have ever seen," Dennis Summers said. "At any pace this trail presents huge challenges… Anybody who reaches the finish line knows they are a serious endurance rider aboard a serious endurance horse."
Sami and Linda Browneller and Christina Long finished 1-2-3 in 7:30 on the 50-mile ride, with Best Condition going to Long.
Riders praised the volunteers, ride management and organization, and trail markings for the successful ride. "Spectacular company, horsemen, trails, ride management," said 10th place finisher and 3-time buckle winner Roxi Welling.
For complete (unofficial) results and stories by Dennis Summers and Roxy Welling, see:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2014BigHorn/
Hannah Pruss and Krusador won the legendary Big Horn 100 in Shell, Wyoming on July 12th, in 14:05, finishing in the daylight. Just 7 minutes behind her were husband-wife team of Dennis and Sue Summers, riding AH Bantiki (aka "Bogart") and Oh Susanna (aka "Peach"), respectively. Bogart won the Best Condition award.
It's a tough ride, "around 15,000 feet of climb and descent through some of the most scenic, and rocky country I have ever seen," Dennis Summers said. "At any pace this trail presents huge challenges… Anybody who reaches the finish line knows they are a serious endurance rider aboard a serious endurance horse."
Sami and Linda Browneller and Christina Long finished 1-2-3 in 7:30 on the 50-mile ride, with Best Condition going to Long.
Riders praised the volunteers, ride management and organization, and trail markings for the successful ride. "Spectacular company, horsemen, trails, ride management," said 10th place finisher and 3-time buckle winner Roxi Welling.
For complete (unofficial) results and stories by Dennis Summers and Roxy Welling, see:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2014BigHorn/
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
North American Junior and Young Rider Endurance Championship on July 18
July 15 2014
The North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) is the premier equestrian competition in North America for junior and young riders, age 14-21. Young equestrians vie for team and individual FEI medals in several disciplines. The competition is run under rules of the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale), the international governing body for equestrian sport, and is the only FEI championship held annually on this continent.
The 2014 Endurance Championship will be held on July 18, 2014.
Definite Entry List
USA Central Combined
Chef d' Equipe: Jeremy Olson
Mary Kathryn Clark - Chasing The Wind
Emilynn DiBassie - MK Spyder
Christina Kimery - Noslo’s Selket Da
Jessica DiCamillo - SHA Strike Two
USA Southeast Combined
Chef d' Equipe: Lynn Kenelly
Mallory Capps - SA Belshazzar
Michael Bishop - Thundering Overtime
Morgan Watson - My Lords Elisha
Josie Whelan - FFC First Csea Lord
Cassandra Roberts - Golden Lightning
USA Northeast Combined
Chef d' Equipe: Natalie Muzzio
Katie Baldino - Questafir
Hunter Green - Spotless Summer Magic
Maria Muzzio - Laconic
Taylor Stine - Wonder Witch
Canada West
Katya Levermann - TEF Sunflash
For more information see:
http://usequineendurance.org/2014-najyrc.html
The North American Junior and Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) is the premier equestrian competition in North America for junior and young riders, age 14-21. Young equestrians vie for team and individual FEI medals in several disciplines. The competition is run under rules of the FEI (Federation Equestre Internationale), the international governing body for equestrian sport, and is the only FEI championship held annually on this continent.
The 2014 Endurance Championship will be held on July 18, 2014.
Definite Entry List
USA Central Combined
Chef d' Equipe: Jeremy Olson
Mary Kathryn Clark - Chasing The Wind
Emilynn DiBassie - MK Spyder
Christina Kimery - Noslo’s Selket Da
Jessica DiCamillo - SHA Strike Two
USA Southeast Combined
Chef d' Equipe: Lynn Kenelly
Mallory Capps - SA Belshazzar
Michael Bishop - Thundering Overtime
Morgan Watson - My Lords Elisha
Josie Whelan - FFC First Csea Lord
Cassandra Roberts - Golden Lightning
USA Northeast Combined
Chef d' Equipe: Natalie Muzzio
Katie Baldino - Questafir
Hunter Green - Spotless Summer Magic
Maria Muzzio - Laconic
Taylor Stine - Wonder Witch
Canada West
Katya Levermann - TEF Sunflash
For more information see:
http://usequineendurance.org/2014-najyrc.html
Endurance.net's Book of the Month: A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains
http://www.endurance.net/market/bookstore/by Isabella Lucy Bird
Talk about a long distance rider!
In 1872, Isabella Bird, daughter of a clergyman, set off alone to the Antipodes 'in search of health' and found she had embarked on a life of adventurous travel. In 1873, wearing Hawaiian riding dress, she rode her horse through the American Wild West, a terrain only newly opened to pioneer settlement. The letters that make up this volume were first published in 1879. They tell of magnificent, unspoiled landscapes and abundant wildlife, of encounters with rattlesnakes, wolves, pumas and grizzly bears, and her reactions to the volatile passions of the miners and pioneer settlers. A classic account of a truly astounding journey.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
AERC Nomination Time!
July 13 2014
Nominate a worthy AERC member for: Hall of Fame Member, Hall of Fame Equine, Pard'ners Award, Volunteer Service Award, and Ann Parr Trails Preservation Award, this year's highest honors.
Nominations are due August 1, 2014 -- send to Vice President Lisa Schneider (see form for details).
Award Descriptions:
Hall of Fame, Equine & Member:
Honors lifetime achievements by recognizing outstanding performances or outstanding contributions to the sport or to AERC.
Pard'ners Award:
Rider and horse perform together as a mutually bonded team. Rider and horse engender a spirit of friendship, enthusiasm and championship that makes those around them glad to have attended the ride. However competitive they may be, good sportsmanship remains their first priority. Horse and rider take care of each other. Together horse and rider personify the prevailing and abiding goal of AERC "To Finish is to Win." This award was established in honor of the late Mae Schlegel.
AERC Volunteer Service Award:
This award is established to honor an AERC member who has devoted an extraordinary amount of volunteer effort, time and service on behalf of the AERC for many years. This award may not be given every year.
Ann Parr Trails Preservation Award:
This award, first given in 2012, honors the member who has worked tirelessly for equine trails. This award may not be given every year
Click here for the nomination form.
Nominate a worthy AERC member for: Hall of Fame Member, Hall of Fame Equine, Pard'ners Award, Volunteer Service Award, and Ann Parr Trails Preservation Award, this year's highest honors.
Nominations are due August 1, 2014 -- send to Vice President Lisa Schneider (see form for details).
Award Descriptions:
Hall of Fame, Equine & Member:
Honors lifetime achievements by recognizing outstanding performances or outstanding contributions to the sport or to AERC.
Pard'ners Award:
Rider and horse perform together as a mutually bonded team. Rider and horse engender a spirit of friendship, enthusiasm and championship that makes those around them glad to have attended the ride. However competitive they may be, good sportsmanship remains their first priority. Horse and rider take care of each other. Together horse and rider personify the prevailing and abiding goal of AERC "To Finish is to Win." This award was established in honor of the late Mae Schlegel.
AERC Volunteer Service Award:
This award is established to honor an AERC member who has devoted an extraordinary amount of volunteer effort, time and service on behalf of the AERC for many years. This award may not be given every year.
Ann Parr Trails Preservation Award:
This award, first given in 2012, honors the member who has worked tirelessly for equine trails. This award may not be given every year
Click here for the nomination form.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Fireworks Endurance Ride returns Saturday
Santacruzsentinel.com - Full Article
by Wire Services
July 10 2014
The world's prettiest equestrian athletes will be parading through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Upper UC Santa Cruz and Wilder Ranch State Park this Saturday.
The Fireworks Endurance Ride, hosted by the Santa Cruz County Horsemen's Association, will see endurance horses and their riders taking on 25- and 50-mile routes beginning at 6:30 a.m. Typically these are Arabian horses, which are gorgeous to look at and known for their stamina, but this year Santa Cruz gets a special treat: spotted horses, there for the Appaloosa National Championship Endurance Ride taking place simultaneously...
Read more here:
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_26129414/outside-roundup-fireworks-endurance-ride-returns-saturday
by Wire Services
July 10 2014
The world's prettiest equestrian athletes will be parading through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Upper UC Santa Cruz and Wilder Ranch State Park this Saturday.
The Fireworks Endurance Ride, hosted by the Santa Cruz County Horsemen's Association, will see endurance horses and their riders taking on 25- and 50-mile routes beginning at 6:30 a.m. Typically these are Arabian horses, which are gorgeous to look at and known for their stamina, but this year Santa Cruz gets a special treat: spotted horses, there for the Appaloosa National Championship Endurance Ride taking place simultaneously...
Read more here:
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/localnews/ci_26129414/outside-roundup-fireworks-endurance-ride-returns-saturday
Monday, July 07, 2014
Endurance Day on Horses in the Morning Radio Show with Jordan Rae and Jeremy Reynolds
www.horsesinthemorning.com
Tune in to http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/ tomorrow for Endurance day.
Karen Chaton's guests are 17-year-old junior Jordan Rae who is entered in Tevis this year on a Rocky Mountain horse that she trained and conditioned herself, and Jeremy Reynolds, who will talk about what he thinks about the differences between running the WST 100 and riding it (he's won the Tevis Cup 3 times) and then will also talk about the USA team selection process for WEG coming up in August.
To listen live, go to http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/ and add the phone app to your smart phone if you have one, otherwise you can listen through a web browser on Tuesday - 6 to 7:30 a.m. PST (9 to 10:30 EST).
Tune in to http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/ tomorrow for Endurance day.
Karen Chaton's guests are 17-year-old junior Jordan Rae who is entered in Tevis this year on a Rocky Mountain horse that she trained and conditioned herself, and Jeremy Reynolds, who will talk about what he thinks about the differences between running the WST 100 and riding it (he's won the Tevis Cup 3 times) and then will also talk about the USA team selection process for WEG coming up in August.
To listen live, go to http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/ and add the phone app to your smart phone if you have one, otherwise you can listen through a web browser on Tuesday - 6 to 7:30 a.m. PST (9 to 10:30 EST).
Saturday, July 05, 2014
Tevis Cup Entry Fee Increases July 12th
Teviscup.orgJuly 5 2014
With just under 5 weeks till the 59th annual Tevis Cup, you can still enter the ride for the normal ride entry fee. Traditional ride entry is $400, which includes drug testing, Robie Park camping, one ticket to the Friday Night Dinner, and one ticket to the Sunday Awards Banquet. First time finishers may choose to receive a Legacy Buckle for no charge. Award buckle is $150.00 when reserved pre-ride and is nonrefundable. Buckles are $199 when purchased post ride.
Signature Ride Entries cost $1500, and include raditional ride entry plus a generous donation to the Western States Trail Foundation. This entry package ncludes a buckle upon completion of the ride, a Signature Entry jacket and horse sheet, an invitation to
the VIP/Foreign Rider dinner, Wednesday evening barbeque, reserved seating at the Sunday Awards Banquet, two nights of stabling for your horse, Easyboots, and additional items. To make the weekend more relaxed, the Signature Rider also receives CalStar
helicopter insurance for the weekend and parking assistance at the Robie Park ride camp and Foresthill vet check. Signature Entries are limited to 15 riders.
Junior Entries are free to the first ten juniors who enter with an adult sponsor. Easy Care’s generosity makes
it possible for this program, which includes a Legacy Buckle for first time junior finishers, to be offered again
in 2014.
The ride entry fees increase by $100 on July 13.
For more information or to fill out your ride entry, see:
http://www.teviscup.org/images/docs/2014/2014_Entry_Standard.pdf
Friday, July 04, 2014
More Than the Finish Line
WhyEndurance Blog - Full StoryMike LaRoux
Ten years ago I made a conscious decision to live my life outside of my comfort zone. I had held in my grasp for a fleeting few seconds the feeling that I could do the things I thought were impossible, and it was intoxicating. It was the start of a lifelong adventure which has taken me to the jungles of Papua New Guinea, the sand dunes of the Moroccan Sahara, the remote outback of Australia, up and over the unforgiving hills of the Comrades marathon in South Africa, over staggering altitudes in the Rockies, swimming 6 miles in the ocean off Hawaii and now riding five back to back 50 mile days on horse back in Utah.
Over the years as I pushed and explored the boundaries of my comfort zone, or discomfort zone as I came to know it, I developed a philosophy I called More Than The Finish Line, which effectively focused on my journey, allowing me to live outside of my comfort zone but in a way that made sense of the set backs and managed my expectations. It allowed me to let go of finish lines and showed me the value and the joy of the journey. When I look back 15 years I could never have imagined that I would be where I am now, a South Africa born, naturalized Australia, living in the Coloradan Rockies on a property, with horses and dogs, and plenty of local wildlife, riding the trails on horseback and working for a not for profit that encourages kids to get off the couch and outside.
On our wedding day in October 1999, I weighed a hefty 253 lbs, all of which I attributed to my Rugby Union playing background, and the requirement to stop a charging athlete dead in his tracks. Over the past 15 years I have spent all of my energy and focus on trying to become as efficient as possible over long distance. Being a bigger framed athlete (6.3ft) I have always found that longer, harder and tougher has tended to suit me, by bringing everyone back to a level playing field.
Over the years I have competed at the highest level in Ironman Triathlon, run a multi-day race across the Moroccan Sahara desert and run competitively at the half-marathon, marathon, 50 mile and 100 mile distances. In 2010 I was fortunate enough to cross the finish line first at the Ultraman World Championships in Hawaii, a 3-day endurance triathlon, and decided that I had spent a long career in triathlon, and that it was time to pursue something different. At the time I was working for a global engineering firm in Australia, while studying to be a coach and personal trainer. To walk the talk I needed to follow my passions in life and get out from behind a desk.
In 2011 my focus became on gaining qualification status for the Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley...
Read more here:
http://whyendurance.blogspot.com/2014/06/more-than-finish-line.html
Thursday, July 03, 2014
Endurance.net's Book of the Month: The Egyptian Alternative: Breeding the Arabian Horse, Vol. 1
July 3 2014
http://www.endurance.net/market/bookstore/
The Egyptian Alternative: Breeding the Arabian Horse, Volume 1, by Philippe Paraskevas
The author challenges many current notions about breeding and showing. He also questions whether Western breeders should continue to set the parameters for “Egyptian” breeding or whether breeders in Egypt will reclaim their history and take responsibility for safeguarding the Egyptian Arabian horse for the future. A book to challenge the thinking of all Arabian horse breeders.
Review
As the source and foundation of Egyptian Arabian breeding, it is important for breeders to learn as much as possible about the E.A.O. and breeding in Egypt. El Zahraa is at the core of many of the key issues. The Egyptian Alternative presents a well thought out approach to preserving all the bloodlines and to utilizing them in a careful way that will insure they remain an integral part of our cultural heritage. --Ahmed S. Hamza, Former Chairman, E.A.O.
Through the years there have been many books and publications about the Egyptian Arabian horse but few have been written by an Egyptian. We now have The Egyptian Alternative which has been written by a local breeder who maintains a breeding philosophy that remains close to the traditional approach and does not follow the current strategy of adding specific refinement to the basic characteristics. He believes that many of the trends introduced by the West into the show ring have deviated from the original principles. Paraskevas also presents a different interpretation on the history of the Egyptian Arabian as published by several researchers, historians and breeders. He has done his research and homework in a very thorough manner and while occasionally controversial, the book will trigger discussions and debates for some time. As such it is a must read work. --Dr. Nasr Marei, Ph.D., Al Badeiya Stud Farm
I have known Philippe for over 25 years and have always felt that he is a real lover of the Arabian and a true breeder. In this time we need devoted people like him who still love and care about El Zahraa. Serious Arabian horse people should read this book to learn what is a real Arabian and how to live with this noble creature. --Dr. Ibrahim Zaghloul, Director E.A.O. (Retired)
http://www.endurance.net/market/bookstore/
The Egyptian Alternative: Breeding the Arabian Horse, Volume 1, by Philippe Paraskevas
The author challenges many current notions about breeding and showing. He also questions whether Western breeders should continue to set the parameters for “Egyptian” breeding or whether breeders in Egypt will reclaim their history and take responsibility for safeguarding the Egyptian Arabian horse for the future. A book to challenge the thinking of all Arabian horse breeders.
Review
As the source and foundation of Egyptian Arabian breeding, it is important for breeders to learn as much as possible about the E.A.O. and breeding in Egypt. El Zahraa is at the core of many of the key issues. The Egyptian Alternative presents a well thought out approach to preserving all the bloodlines and to utilizing them in a careful way that will insure they remain an integral part of our cultural heritage. --Ahmed S. Hamza, Former Chairman, E.A.O.
Through the years there have been many books and publications about the Egyptian Arabian horse but few have been written by an Egyptian. We now have The Egyptian Alternative which has been written by a local breeder who maintains a breeding philosophy that remains close to the traditional approach and does not follow the current strategy of adding specific refinement to the basic characteristics. He believes that many of the trends introduced by the West into the show ring have deviated from the original principles. Paraskevas also presents a different interpretation on the history of the Egyptian Arabian as published by several researchers, historians and breeders. He has done his research and homework in a very thorough manner and while occasionally controversial, the book will trigger discussions and debates for some time. As such it is a must read work. --Dr. Nasr Marei, Ph.D., Al Badeiya Stud Farm
I have known Philippe for over 25 years and have always felt that he is a real lover of the Arabian and a true breeder. In this time we need devoted people like him who still love and care about El Zahraa. Serious Arabian horse people should read this book to learn what is a real Arabian and how to live with this noble creature. --Dr. Ibrahim Zaghloul, Director E.A.O. (Retired)
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Endurance Day on Horses in the Morning Radio Show with Kristen Lacy and Julie White
Horsesinthemorning.com
June 10 2014
Endurance Day with Karen Chaton features Kristen Lacy from Distance Depot with the low down on heart rate monitors, Julie White on Australian endurance riding, Kirt Lander answers a listener question about glue on boots and Dr. Gillespie on the latest AERC rule change proposal. Listen in...
http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/hitm-for-06-10-2014-endurance-day-australia-heart-monitors-101-glue-on-boots-rule-changes-proposed/
June 10 2014
Endurance Day with Karen Chaton features Kristen Lacy from Distance Depot with the low down on heart rate monitors, Julie White on Australian endurance riding, Kirt Lander answers a listener question about glue on boots and Dr. Gillespie on the latest AERC rule change proposal. Listen in...
http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/hitm-for-06-10-2014-endurance-day-australia-heart-monitors-101-glue-on-boots-rule-changes-proposed/
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Two local equestrians are vying for spots on U.S. team for the World Equestrian Games
NJ.com - Full Article
By Lillian Shupe/Hunterdon County Democrat
on June 10, 2014 at 4:40 PM
Two local equestrians are hoping to be on the U.S. team going to the World Equestrian Games later this summer.
Tewksbury Township native Doug Payne has his eye on a spot on the three-day eventing team. Eventing has three phases — dressage, cross-country and show jumping...
Dr. Meg Sleeper of Kingwood Township has two of the 16 horse-rider combinations on the Long List for 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games chosen by United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
Syrocco Cadence, an 11-year-old Arabian mare and Syrocco Reveille, a 14-year-old Arabian mare are both owned by Sleeper.
Sleeper of Kingwood Township was one of two riders that represented the United States at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games endurance test event last summer. The ride was held at Sartilly in Manche, France...
Read more here:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2014/06/two_local_equestrians_are_vyin.html
By Lillian Shupe/Hunterdon County Democrat
on June 10, 2014 at 4:40 PM
Two local equestrians are hoping to be on the U.S. team going to the World Equestrian Games later this summer.
Tewksbury Township native Doug Payne has his eye on a spot on the three-day eventing team. Eventing has three phases — dressage, cross-country and show jumping...
Dr. Meg Sleeper of Kingwood Township has two of the 16 horse-rider combinations on the Long List for 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games chosen by United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
Syrocco Cadence, an 11-year-old Arabian mare and Syrocco Reveille, a 14-year-old Arabian mare are both owned by Sleeper.
Sleeper of Kingwood Township was one of two riders that represented the United States at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games endurance test event last summer. The ride was held at Sartilly in Manche, France...
Read more here:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2014/06/two_local_equestrians_are_vyin.html
Monday, June 09, 2014
Last Day of Back Country Horsemen Fundraiser
June 9 at 11:59 PM is the final day of the "Keeping Trails Open for You" fundraising campaign on Indiegogo.com. The goal of $50,000 has already been passed, with the amount reaching $62,842 so far for the non-profit Back Country Horseman of America.
Why the campaign? "Because our trails on public lands need you.
"Like you, the men and women of Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA) care about protecting and sustaining a safe and accessible outdoor experience for our families and future generations. But we can't do it alone. We count on our partners and you to help us preserve access to public lands. In 2012, only 37% of the 158,000 miles of National Forest Service trails received basic maintenance. Only one-quarter of these trails meet standard regulation for public use.
Gaps of investment, oversight, and maintenance point to a future with fewer sustainable trails in our 144 National Forests.
The funds from this campaign will increase BCHA's capacity to drive a national campaign to address the growing trail maintenance backlog on our public lands. BCHA, along with partner The Wilderness Society, have become the catalyst of a national discussion with Congress, agency leaders and the nation's recreation community regarding solutions for keeping trails open and enjoyable for everyone--hikers, hunters, anglers, bird-watchers, bicyclists and horsemen alike! With our decades-long track record of volunteerism and "sweat equity" in keeping America's trails open for you, BCHA's crowdfunding effort will secure our role in the campaign to secure sustainable solutions to the Nation's trail maintenance crisis."
All monies above $50,000 received will be split 50/50 with BCH state organizations and chapters via the BCHA Education Foundation.
To donate on today's last day, see https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/keeping-trails-open-for-you-back-country-horsemen-of-america.
For more information on the Back Country Horsemen, see http://www.backcountryhorse.com/
Why the campaign? "Because our trails on public lands need you.
"Like you, the men and women of Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA) care about protecting and sustaining a safe and accessible outdoor experience for our families and future generations. But we can't do it alone. We count on our partners and you to help us preserve access to public lands. In 2012, only 37% of the 158,000 miles of National Forest Service trails received basic maintenance. Only one-quarter of these trails meet standard regulation for public use.
Gaps of investment, oversight, and maintenance point to a future with fewer sustainable trails in our 144 National Forests.
The funds from this campaign will increase BCHA's capacity to drive a national campaign to address the growing trail maintenance backlog on our public lands. BCHA, along with partner The Wilderness Society, have become the catalyst of a national discussion with Congress, agency leaders and the nation's recreation community regarding solutions for keeping trails open and enjoyable for everyone--hikers, hunters, anglers, bird-watchers, bicyclists and horsemen alike! With our decades-long track record of volunteerism and "sweat equity" in keeping America's trails open for you, BCHA's crowdfunding effort will secure our role in the campaign to secure sustainable solutions to the Nation's trail maintenance crisis."
All monies above $50,000 received will be split 50/50 with BCH state organizations and chapters via the BCHA Education Foundation.
To donate on today's last day, see https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/keeping-trails-open-for-you-back-country-horsemen-of-america.
For more information on the Back Country Horsemen, see http://www.backcountryhorse.com/
Don't Forget the AERC Master Trail Class in June!
June 9 2014
AERC Trail Master Class ($225/limited to 16 students) will be held June 21-24, 2014, in Duluth, Minnesota. Must be an AERC member in good standing for at least one year. Contact Candy Barbo for more information 218 349-9606 or candy.barbo@gmail.com.
AERC sponsors Trail Master classes across the U.S. In addition to teaching endurance riders the proper way to design and build new trails -- and maintain and improve existing trails -- we invite two land managers to attend the class with riders. Mornings are spent in the classroom. A written test follows at lunch, and afternoons are set aside for field work and getting one's hands dirty.
Those who graduate from the four-day course are certified crew leaders, and can go anyplace to lead crews in the proper way to maintain, build and design trails. By working together with our land managers we can build sustainable trails for the future.
AERC Trail Master Class ($225/limited to 16 students) will be held June 21-24, 2014, in Duluth, Minnesota. Must be an AERC member in good standing for at least one year. Contact Candy Barbo for more information 218 349-9606 or candy.barbo@gmail.com.
AERC sponsors Trail Master classes across the U.S. In addition to teaching endurance riders the proper way to design and build new trails -- and maintain and improve existing trails -- we invite two land managers to attend the class with riders. Mornings are spent in the classroom. A written test follows at lunch, and afternoons are set aside for field work and getting one's hands dirty.
Those who graduate from the four-day course are certified crew leaders, and can go anyplace to lead crews in the proper way to maintain, build and design trails. By working together with our land managers we can build sustainable trails for the future.
Wednesday, June 04, 2014
29 horse riders gather for endurance event; Horse enthusiasts from 6 states come to Barry County
Cassville-democrat.com - Full Article
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
By Murray Bishoff
Cassville Democrat
For the 22nd year, local horse and riding enthusiasts have completed the Jo Tate Memorial Endurance Ride at the Flag Springs Conservation Area, west of Washburn.
A total of 29 riders participated on the first day and 18 on the second, doing the 25 and 50-mile treks.
The ride is the only endurance ride in Missouri held on Conservation Department-owned land. Jodi Hess-Schlup, ride manager for the every year of the event, plotted three separate 50-mile loops to provide significant variety for the participants. This year, riders came from the Four-State area, as well as Texas and Mississippi...
Read more here:
http://www.cassville-democrat.com/story/2089075.html
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
By Murray Bishoff
Cassville Democrat
For the 22nd year, local horse and riding enthusiasts have completed the Jo Tate Memorial Endurance Ride at the Flag Springs Conservation Area, west of Washburn.
A total of 29 riders participated on the first day and 18 on the second, doing the 25 and 50-mile treks.
The ride is the only endurance ride in Missouri held on Conservation Department-owned land. Jodi Hess-Schlup, ride manager for the every year of the event, plotted three separate 50-mile loops to provide significant variety for the participants. This year, riders came from the Four-State area, as well as Texas and Mississippi...
Read more here:
http://www.cassville-democrat.com/story/2089075.html
2014 Tevis Cup Entries Now Available
Teviscup.orgThe 59th annual Tevis Cup is open for entries!
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.
For entry form and more information, see
http://www.teviscup.org/tevis-2014/the-2014-tevis-cup
Monday, June 02, 2014
Back Country Horsemen of America Helps Keep Our Nation’s Landscape Clean
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 31, 2014
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
Back Country Horsemen of America defends our right to ride horses on public lands, and they also believe strongly in recreating responsibly, whether we ride horses, mountain bikes, or ATVs, or simply use our own two feet. Sadly, there are some folks who don’t feel the same respect for our wild lands. When they leave behind trash and discarded items, it tarnishes the pristine countryside and can create hazards for people, domestic animals, and wildlife. BCHA members from coast to coast spend many hours every year cleaning up after litterbugs.
A Long Term Commitment
Members of the Uintah Basin Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Utah recently spent a day cleaning up trash at Doc’s Beach. This Bureau of Land Management property in the northeast corner of Utah is a popular recreation site for horseback riders, ATV riders, hikers, and shotgun shooters. But because it’s only a 15-minute drive from the city of Vernal, irresponsible people find it a convenient place to leave their garbage and other unwanted items.
Chapter members pulled on work gloves and in no time had loaded a refrigerator, kitchen stove, two recliners, and numerous smaller items into a borrowed trailer for proper disposal at the dump.
The BLM’s Vernal District has upgraded the Doc’s Beach site by installing a proper trailhead and bathrooms, and by improving the parking area. They’re currently in the process of designating trails on public land in and around Utah’s Uintah Basin, including the Doc’s Beach area.
Projects like this benefit all users who enjoy recreating there. As member Don Connolly said, “If everyone would leave the area a little better than they found it, we could all enjoy it more.” The Uintah Basin Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Utah is committed to helping keep Doc’s Beach clean, with an even more ambitious cleanup planned for National Public Lands Day in September.
Keeping Trails Beautiful for All to Enjoy
Five members of the Northeast Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Washington volunteered to help clean up discarded items in a large hobo camp near the Centennial Trail, which follows the Spokane River in Spokane, Washington.
City crews had bagged old camping gear, clothes, and miscellaneous junk into 80 pound feed sacks donated by Justin Bag Company. The Northeast Chapter members loaded them onto four pack mules and hauled them up the steep riverbank trail. After one full day of many round trips, they had hauled a total of around 1,500 pounds of bagged garbage.
This project was completed in association with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the City of Spokane Park and Recreation Department, the City of Spokane Valley, and Spokane County Park and Recreation Department.
The Northeast Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Washington was pleased to assist in this project which focused on an area where equestrian recreation isn’t allowed. Their involvement demonstrates a desire to improve trails for all users and the value of pack animals in accomplishing that goal.
Whatever the Mess, They Clean it Up
The Canyon Country Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Utah picked up trash from over 38 miles of trail in the Dixie National Forest, packing out 450 pounds of rubbish. This work was completed for the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in cooperation with the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
This ambitious BCH chapter also cleaned up the ashes and debris that remained after a fire had destroyed the historic Cowpuncher Cabin and outbuildings in the Dixie National Forest. In coordination with the US Forest Service, a dozen members armed with shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, trash cans, and numerous extra heavy duty trash bags volunteered several hours of their time cleaning the area.
The Cowpuncher Cabin site is just off Hells Backbone Road 20 miles northeast of the town of Escalante in southern Utah. It’s surrounded by trails, including the Great Western Trail, which offer abundant opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. After the vicinity was cleaned by the Canyon Country Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Utah, the US Forest Service was able to replace the cabin with a 20-foot diameter yurt.
About Back Country Horsemen of America
BCHA is dedicated to the responsible use of public lands, which means leaving no trace of your visit – unless you leave it cleaner than you found it, that is! Back Country Horsemen of America encourages all trail users to pack out everything they bring in, keeping our countryside beautiful for all to enjoy.
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
By Sarah Wynne Jackson
Back Country Horsemen of America defends our right to ride horses on public lands, and they also believe strongly in recreating responsibly, whether we ride horses, mountain bikes, or ATVs, or simply use our own two feet. Sadly, there are some folks who don’t feel the same respect for our wild lands. When they leave behind trash and discarded items, it tarnishes the pristine countryside and can create hazards for people, domestic animals, and wildlife. BCHA members from coast to coast spend many hours every year cleaning up after litterbugs.
A Long Term Commitment
Members of the Uintah Basin Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Utah recently spent a day cleaning up trash at Doc’s Beach. This Bureau of Land Management property in the northeast corner of Utah is a popular recreation site for horseback riders, ATV riders, hikers, and shotgun shooters. But because it’s only a 15-minute drive from the city of Vernal, irresponsible people find it a convenient place to leave their garbage and other unwanted items.
Chapter members pulled on work gloves and in no time had loaded a refrigerator, kitchen stove, two recliners, and numerous smaller items into a borrowed trailer for proper disposal at the dump.
The BLM’s Vernal District has upgraded the Doc’s Beach site by installing a proper trailhead and bathrooms, and by improving the parking area. They’re currently in the process of designating trails on public land in and around Utah’s Uintah Basin, including the Doc’s Beach area.
Projects like this benefit all users who enjoy recreating there. As member Don Connolly said, “If everyone would leave the area a little better than they found it, we could all enjoy it more.” The Uintah Basin Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Utah is committed to helping keep Doc’s Beach clean, with an even more ambitious cleanup planned for National Public Lands Day in September.
Keeping Trails Beautiful for All to Enjoy
Five members of the Northeast Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Washington volunteered to help clean up discarded items in a large hobo camp near the Centennial Trail, which follows the Spokane River in Spokane, Washington.
City crews had bagged old camping gear, clothes, and miscellaneous junk into 80 pound feed sacks donated by Justin Bag Company. The Northeast Chapter members loaded them onto four pack mules and hauled them up the steep riverbank trail. After one full day of many round trips, they had hauled a total of around 1,500 pounds of bagged garbage.
This project was completed in association with the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the City of Spokane Park and Recreation Department, the City of Spokane Valley, and Spokane County Park and Recreation Department.
The Northeast Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Washington was pleased to assist in this project which focused on an area where equestrian recreation isn’t allowed. Their involvement demonstrates a desire to improve trails for all users and the value of pack animals in accomplishing that goal.
Whatever the Mess, They Clean it Up
The Canyon Country Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Utah picked up trash from over 38 miles of trail in the Dixie National Forest, packing out 450 pounds of rubbish. This work was completed for the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in cooperation with the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
This ambitious BCH chapter also cleaned up the ashes and debris that remained after a fire had destroyed the historic Cowpuncher Cabin and outbuildings in the Dixie National Forest. In coordination with the US Forest Service, a dozen members armed with shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, trash cans, and numerous extra heavy duty trash bags volunteered several hours of their time cleaning the area.
The Cowpuncher Cabin site is just off Hells Backbone Road 20 miles northeast of the town of Escalante in southern Utah. It’s surrounded by trails, including the Great Western Trail, which offer abundant opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. After the vicinity was cleaned by the Canyon Country Chapter of Back Country Horsemen of Utah, the US Forest Service was able to replace the cabin with a 20-foot diameter yurt.
About Back Country Horsemen of America
BCHA is dedicated to the responsible use of public lands, which means leaving no trace of your visit – unless you leave it cleaner than you found it, that is! Back Country Horsemen of America encourages all trail users to pack out everything they bring in, keeping our countryside beautiful for all to enjoy.
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
Sunday, June 01, 2014
2014 Owyhee Fandango
endurance.net/international/USA/2014Fandango/by Merri Melde
5/25/2014
No matter the size, you've got a good crowd when some of the '-est' guys and gals show up at your endurance rides.
There's not much different about 59,000-mile Dave Rabe since his riding accident back in December of 2012 other than wearing a helmet (a good thing!) - he still wears shorts, he still rides the same couple thousand miles a season, he still rides the same white horse that might have killed him, and he's still the same nicest, Helping-est guy in camp and on the trails.
Need help marking trails? Dave will show up early and help you. Got a problem with your truck or trailer wiring? Dave will help you sort it out. Need Easyboots glued on before the ride? Dave will do it for you. Keep throwing your Easyboot Gloves on trail? Dave will stop to help you get a better fit so you can continue on your ride. Need help unmarking trail? Dave will do that too.
Much of all this in addition to bringing 3 horses to the 3-day Owyhee Fandango, riding 50 miles the first two days, and riding the 100 on Day 3.
This including riding his rogue horse White Cloud on the 100, the horse responsible for his accident, the one he still has to always be alert while riding, since White Cloud will still pull stunts if Dave is not paying complete attention. Why ride such a horse? "Because he's a good horse!"
Since his accident at the Death Valley Encounter in December of 2012, where White Cloud bolted and bucked as Dave was climbing on, once Dave started back on endurance rides (on White Cloud), the pair has completed over 1300 more AERC miles (and plenty more marking trail). The Owyhee Fandango 100 was White Cloud's 9th 100-mile completion, and 7315 AERC miles. His record shows one pull back in 2011. That's why Dave keeps riding this horse with a devilish look in his eye. Dave is now only 1615 miles short of being the High-est-mileage endurance rider ever. It might be White Cloud that gets him there...
Read more here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2014Fandango/notes01.html
Friday, May 30, 2014
Endurance.net's Book of the Week: Drinkers of the Wind by Carl Raswan
http://www.endurance.net/market/bookstore/Orginally published in the 1930's or 1942, Drinkers of the Wind is a delightful story of Raswan's travels in bedouin Arabia in search of the perfect horse.
Carl Reinhard Raswan, born Carl Reinhard Schmidt, was one of the greatest connoisseurs and patrons of the purebred Arabian horse. He authored numerous books on Arabian horses and the Bedouin people who raised them. A scholar of Arabian bloodlines, he also published the Raswan Index, an extensive compilation of Arabian horse pedigree and strain information. He advocated tolerance and understanding of Bedouin ways of life and culture in Arabia.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
More Than The Finish Line: An Endurance Athlete Discovers Endurance Riding
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date: May 2014
More Than The Finish Line: An Endurance Athlete Discovers Endurance Riding
By Mike LeRoux
Ten years ago I made a conscious decision to live my life outside of my comfort zone. I had held in my grasp for a fleeting few seconds the feeling that I could do the things I thought were impossible, and it was intoxicating. It was the start of a lifelong adventure which has taken me to the jungles of Papua New Guinea, the sand dunes of the Moroccan Sahara, the remote outback of Australia, up and over the unforgiving hills of the Comrades marathon in South Africa, over staggering altitudes in the Rockies, swimming six miles in the ocean off Hawaii and now riding five back-to-back 50 mile days on horseback in Utah.
Over the years as I pushed and explored the boundaries of my comfort zone, or discomfort zone, as I came to know it, I developed a philosophy I called More Than The Finish Line, which effectively focused on my journey, allowing me to live outside of my comfort zone but in a way that made sense of the setbacks and managed my expectations. It allowed me to let go of finish lines and showed me the value and the joy of the journey. When I look back 15 years I could never have imagined that I would be where I am now, a South Africa-born naturalized Australian, living in the Coloradan Rockies on acreage with horses and dogs and plenty of local wildlife, riding the trails on horseback and working for a not-for-profit that encourages kids to get off the couch and outside.
When my wife Kirsten and I married in October 1999, I weighed a hefty 253 pounds, all of which I attributed to my Rugby Union-playing background, and the requirement to stop a charging athlete dead in his tracks. Over the past 15 years I have spent all of my energy and focus on trying to become as efficient as possible over long distance. Being a bigger-framed 6’3” athlete, I have always found that longer, harder and tougher has tended to suit me, by bringing everyone back to a level playing field.
Over the years I have competed at the highest level in Ironman Triathlon, run a multi-day race across the Moroccan Sahara desert and run competitively at the half-marathon, marathon, ultra distances. In 2010 I was fortunate enough to cross the finish line first at the Ultraman World Championships in Hawaii, a 3-day endurance triathlon with a 6.2 mile swim, 261.4 mile bike ride and 52.4 mile run. Afterwards, I decided that I had spent a long career in triathlon, and that it was time to pursue something different. At the time I was working for a global engineering firm in Australia while studying to be a coach and personal trainer. To “walk the talk” I needed to follow my passions in life and get out from behind a desk.
In 2011 my focus became on gaining qualification status for the Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley. To do this I was required to run three 100 mile events, one of which needed to be within 12 months of my application. Never having run 100 miles, this was going to my year of wading through the races. In my third 100 mile race in Australia I ran the country's fastest-ever time for 100 miles on trail: 15 hours and 37 minutes. As the year drew to a close I had achieved my criteria for qualifying for Badwater – now all I had to do was wait until February to apply.
In the December of 2011 I thought that I would put my name in the lottery for the Western States 100 mile endurance run. This was before the Badwater application but I figured that in a lottery my chances were not that great of getting accepted. As it turns out I was given a special consideration spot as an international, the only Australian entrant accepted. There went my plans for Badwater, but more excitingly I was going to run the “grandfather” of 100 milers and follow in the footsteps of ultrarunning greats. Thinking, “How do I get further out of my comfort zone?” following my acceptance, I applied for and was granted entry to race in the “Grand Slam of Ultrarunning.” The Slam consists of the four oldest 100 milers in history over a period of 11 weeks: Western States 100, Vermont 100, Leadville 100 and Wasatch 100. There is generally three weeks between each event with only two weeks between Leadville and Wasatch.
So in June 2012 I moved from Australia to the U.S. for the summer to race the Slam. Finishing The Slam is winning enough, although I was fortunate enough to place second overall and was the first Australian to complete the series. It was a grueling 11 weeks where I learned a lot about myself and my discomforts, as well as my boundaries and capabilities. During the Slam I stayed with Morgan Murri of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. We had met at Marathon des Sables in 2008 which was the same time that Morgan founded a charitable fund called GECKO (Giving Every Child Knowledge of the Outdoors) that staged outdoor events raising funds for GECKO programs and scholarships. GECKO was growing quickly and Morgan needed some help. Over the summer we hatched a plan for me to join him in this exciting venture.
In 2013, my wife Kirsten and I moved from Australia to Pagosa Spring to pursue a lifestyle of mountain living and continue life outside of our comfort zones. I joined GECKO and took on the role of Race Director for the event management side of the organization, as well continuing to train and coach athletes from around the globe. Of course aside from trails and continuing with my running, living in a Colorado mountain town meant I became immersed in the ranching and horse culture.
I have always had an affinity for horses, ever since I was a kid. Every opportunity I had, every birthday I could convince my parents, I would go horseback riding. I rode as much as I could whilst living in Australia too. Then when I raced the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning I learned about the history of the Western States 100 mile endurance run and its relation to the Tevis Cup and endurance horse riding. The Vermont 100 (the second race in the Slam) also happens to be run on the same day as the Vermont 50, 75 and 100 mile endurance horse ride – so I was able to experience firsthand what the ride event looked like. It was the most exciting feeling to be on course with super-fit horses. As a runner, it looked and felt as though the horses shared the same enjoyment of being out on the trail doing what they do best.
Upon moving to Pagosa Springs it became apparent that the equine community in town and the region was huge. In fact, it’s probably more extensive than the running community. I was really excited as I knew I could access the support I needed for my new direction. I started taking note and networking and through a series of meetings and friendships locally I set my sights on the sport of endurance riding and completing the 2015 Tevis Cup.
Having raced solo extensively over the past number of years, a racing partnership was going to be a whole new way of thinking. It was no longer all about me before, during and after the race; I now had a relationship to nurture and develop on this journey: a relationship with a powerful, athletic creature with a mind of its own.
The concept of providing support and maintaining the best interests of a partner to get through 100 grueling trail miles really appealed to me. I am hoping that through my experience and passion within the sport of endurance, I have something to offer an equine partner. I have immense respect for the 100 mile distance, but it’s not intimidating because I’ve done it human-powered many times before. This gives me the courage to be 100% focused on my horse's well-being and our partnership on the trail.
That being said, this experience has flung me out past anything I know, and the learning curve so far has been vertical. I am so far out of my comfort zone I can barely glimpse its edges.
What keeps me moving forward at this point is the extreme generosity of the endurance riding community, who have made themselves available as mentors to guide me daily through this overwhelming new world. Erica and Mark Devoti, Garrett Ford, Rusty Toth and Kevin Myers, Parelli professional and good friend Terry Wilson, Parelli president Mark Weiler and many others from Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Christoph Schork and Tennessee Lane. Whilst I understand the dynamics of what is required to get to my goal, I have no real experience with horses or horse ownership. Each day I climb a vertical cliff face of learning.
I became fully immersed in training for my first endurance horse ride – whenever that was to be. If that concept was not hard enough for someone with no equine background, it was made slightly more challenging living in the mountains dealing with icy road conditions, snow dumps and frigid wintertime temperatures.
I am perfecting the skill of trailering a horse, sometimes two (which is two steps forward, one step backwards) as well as how to efficiently boot and suit my guy in pretty quick time before a ride. I learned the art of tailing. I’m still learning the intricacies of nutrition and metabolic symptoms. I learned about heart rates for horses, different recovery rates, and how my ability to run a few miles with the horse significantly helps that rate of recovery.
As I’ve already mentioned some great teachers and mentors have made and continue to make all of this possible. However the greatest teacher of all so far has been Sonny, an 18-year-old Arabian gelding who has allowed me to explore, experiment and give me the latitude to develop. Sonny has the patience of a saint and the enthusiasm of a child.
In April this year I attempted my first limited distance (25 mile) ride at Antelope Island in Utah. I borrowed a seasoned campaigner called Gus from the ride manager, Jeffrey Stuart. It took a while for me to get into the swing of things, but after the first six miles, I was hooked and happy with my choice of new sport. It was a classroom day, with Jeff sharing his knowledge of the trail and all things endurance-related. I was fortunate enough to be loaned a second horse for the following day in which I completed my second ride. After that weekend I was definitely not disappointed with how things had gone.
Three weeks later I was signed up to ride my first 50 mile ride at the Mt. Carmel XP in Utah. My plan was to ride four days, 50 miles per day. I leased horses from Christoph Schork and his Global Endurance Training Center and Tennessee Lane from Remuda Run. My learning curve was almost vertical. I was exposed to a faster-paced ride on an experienced horse from day 1 on technical trails. Day 2 was getting Stolis Hot Shot through his first 50 mile ride safely. The pace was surprisingly fast given it was Stolis' first 50. By the end of day 4 I was totally fatigued and super happy with how the ride had gone. I was packing up to drive home when I was subject to some peer pressure to stay and ride a fifth day. I had no real argument as to “why not,” so I stayed and completed a fifth day – 250 miles in five days. I had an absolute blast and have to thank Christoph and Tennessee for babysitting me on each ride. Without their guidance, support and mentoring my experience would have been totally different, and I don’t believe that I would have gained so much valuable insight into the sport. It is now two weeks after Mt. Carmel and I have just purchased Stolis. I know that we have a fun few years ahead of us.
Every now and then the idea of where I am heading, the goal I have set myself, and the ups and downs of the journey overwhelm me. It is important to have long-term audacious goals, but the trick to achieving them is to take life one-step at a time, live in the moment, focus on the NOW, enjoy the friendships and celebrate milestones along the way and what you have achieved today.
More information on endurance riding is available by visiting www.aerc.org or by calling the AERC office at 866-271-2372. By request, the office will send out a free information packet to prospective members. To find out more about GECKO, visit www.joingecko.org.
Contact: Troy Smith
American Endurance Ride Conference
www.aerc.org
endurancenews@foothill.net
866-271-2372, 530-823-2260
Date: May 2014
More Than The Finish Line: An Endurance Athlete Discovers Endurance Riding
By Mike LeRoux
Ten years ago I made a conscious decision to live my life outside of my comfort zone. I had held in my grasp for a fleeting few seconds the feeling that I could do the things I thought were impossible, and it was intoxicating. It was the start of a lifelong adventure which has taken me to the jungles of Papua New Guinea, the sand dunes of the Moroccan Sahara, the remote outback of Australia, up and over the unforgiving hills of the Comrades marathon in South Africa, over staggering altitudes in the Rockies, swimming six miles in the ocean off Hawaii and now riding five back-to-back 50 mile days on horseback in Utah.
Over the years as I pushed and explored the boundaries of my comfort zone, or discomfort zone, as I came to know it, I developed a philosophy I called More Than The Finish Line, which effectively focused on my journey, allowing me to live outside of my comfort zone but in a way that made sense of the setbacks and managed my expectations. It allowed me to let go of finish lines and showed me the value and the joy of the journey. When I look back 15 years I could never have imagined that I would be where I am now, a South Africa-born naturalized Australian, living in the Coloradan Rockies on acreage with horses and dogs and plenty of local wildlife, riding the trails on horseback and working for a not-for-profit that encourages kids to get off the couch and outside.
When my wife Kirsten and I married in October 1999, I weighed a hefty 253 pounds, all of which I attributed to my Rugby Union-playing background, and the requirement to stop a charging athlete dead in his tracks. Over the past 15 years I have spent all of my energy and focus on trying to become as efficient as possible over long distance. Being a bigger-framed 6’3” athlete, I have always found that longer, harder and tougher has tended to suit me, by bringing everyone back to a level playing field.
Over the years I have competed at the highest level in Ironman Triathlon, run a multi-day race across the Moroccan Sahara desert and run competitively at the half-marathon, marathon, ultra distances. In 2010 I was fortunate enough to cross the finish line first at the Ultraman World Championships in Hawaii, a 3-day endurance triathlon with a 6.2 mile swim, 261.4 mile bike ride and 52.4 mile run. Afterwards, I decided that I had spent a long career in triathlon, and that it was time to pursue something different. At the time I was working for a global engineering firm in Australia while studying to be a coach and personal trainer. To “walk the talk” I needed to follow my passions in life and get out from behind a desk.
In 2011 my focus became on gaining qualification status for the Badwater Ultramarathon in Death Valley. To do this I was required to run three 100 mile events, one of which needed to be within 12 months of my application. Never having run 100 miles, this was going to my year of wading through the races. In my third 100 mile race in Australia I ran the country's fastest-ever time for 100 miles on trail: 15 hours and 37 minutes. As the year drew to a close I had achieved my criteria for qualifying for Badwater – now all I had to do was wait until February to apply.
In the December of 2011 I thought that I would put my name in the lottery for the Western States 100 mile endurance run. This was before the Badwater application but I figured that in a lottery my chances were not that great of getting accepted. As it turns out I was given a special consideration spot as an international, the only Australian entrant accepted. There went my plans for Badwater, but more excitingly I was going to run the “grandfather” of 100 milers and follow in the footsteps of ultrarunning greats. Thinking, “How do I get further out of my comfort zone?” following my acceptance, I applied for and was granted entry to race in the “Grand Slam of Ultrarunning.” The Slam consists of the four oldest 100 milers in history over a period of 11 weeks: Western States 100, Vermont 100, Leadville 100 and Wasatch 100. There is generally three weeks between each event with only two weeks between Leadville and Wasatch.
So in June 2012 I moved from Australia to the U.S. for the summer to race the Slam. Finishing The Slam is winning enough, although I was fortunate enough to place second overall and was the first Australian to complete the series. It was a grueling 11 weeks where I learned a lot about myself and my discomforts, as well as my boundaries and capabilities. During the Slam I stayed with Morgan Murri of Pagosa Springs, Colorado. We had met at Marathon des Sables in 2008 which was the same time that Morgan founded a charitable fund called GECKO (Giving Every Child Knowledge of the Outdoors) that staged outdoor events raising funds for GECKO programs and scholarships. GECKO was growing quickly and Morgan needed some help. Over the summer we hatched a plan for me to join him in this exciting venture.
In 2013, my wife Kirsten and I moved from Australia to Pagosa Spring to pursue a lifestyle of mountain living and continue life outside of our comfort zones. I joined GECKO and took on the role of Race Director for the event management side of the organization, as well continuing to train and coach athletes from around the globe. Of course aside from trails and continuing with my running, living in a Colorado mountain town meant I became immersed in the ranching and horse culture.
I have always had an affinity for horses, ever since I was a kid. Every opportunity I had, every birthday I could convince my parents, I would go horseback riding. I rode as much as I could whilst living in Australia too. Then when I raced the Grand Slam of Ultrarunning I learned about the history of the Western States 100 mile endurance run and its relation to the Tevis Cup and endurance horse riding. The Vermont 100 (the second race in the Slam) also happens to be run on the same day as the Vermont 50, 75 and 100 mile endurance horse ride – so I was able to experience firsthand what the ride event looked like. It was the most exciting feeling to be on course with super-fit horses. As a runner, it looked and felt as though the horses shared the same enjoyment of being out on the trail doing what they do best.
Upon moving to Pagosa Springs it became apparent that the equine community in town and the region was huge. In fact, it’s probably more extensive than the running community. I was really excited as I knew I could access the support I needed for my new direction. I started taking note and networking and through a series of meetings and friendships locally I set my sights on the sport of endurance riding and completing the 2015 Tevis Cup.
Having raced solo extensively over the past number of years, a racing partnership was going to be a whole new way of thinking. It was no longer all about me before, during and after the race; I now had a relationship to nurture and develop on this journey: a relationship with a powerful, athletic creature with a mind of its own.
The concept of providing support and maintaining the best interests of a partner to get through 100 grueling trail miles really appealed to me. I am hoping that through my experience and passion within the sport of endurance, I have something to offer an equine partner. I have immense respect for the 100 mile distance, but it’s not intimidating because I’ve done it human-powered many times before. This gives me the courage to be 100% focused on my horse's well-being and our partnership on the trail.
That being said, this experience has flung me out past anything I know, and the learning curve so far has been vertical. I am so far out of my comfort zone I can barely glimpse its edges.
What keeps me moving forward at this point is the extreme generosity of the endurance riding community, who have made themselves available as mentors to guide me daily through this overwhelming new world. Erica and Mark Devoti, Garrett Ford, Rusty Toth and Kevin Myers, Parelli professional and good friend Terry Wilson, Parelli president Mark Weiler and many others from Parelli Natural Horsemanship, Christoph Schork and Tennessee Lane. Whilst I understand the dynamics of what is required to get to my goal, I have no real experience with horses or horse ownership. Each day I climb a vertical cliff face of learning.
I became fully immersed in training for my first endurance horse ride – whenever that was to be. If that concept was not hard enough for someone with no equine background, it was made slightly more challenging living in the mountains dealing with icy road conditions, snow dumps and frigid wintertime temperatures.
I am perfecting the skill of trailering a horse, sometimes two (which is two steps forward, one step backwards) as well as how to efficiently boot and suit my guy in pretty quick time before a ride. I learned the art of tailing. I’m still learning the intricacies of nutrition and metabolic symptoms. I learned about heart rates for horses, different recovery rates, and how my ability to run a few miles with the horse significantly helps that rate of recovery.
As I’ve already mentioned some great teachers and mentors have made and continue to make all of this possible. However the greatest teacher of all so far has been Sonny, an 18-year-old Arabian gelding who has allowed me to explore, experiment and give me the latitude to develop. Sonny has the patience of a saint and the enthusiasm of a child.
In April this year I attempted my first limited distance (25 mile) ride at Antelope Island in Utah. I borrowed a seasoned campaigner called Gus from the ride manager, Jeffrey Stuart. It took a while for me to get into the swing of things, but after the first six miles, I was hooked and happy with my choice of new sport. It was a classroom day, with Jeff sharing his knowledge of the trail and all things endurance-related. I was fortunate enough to be loaned a second horse for the following day in which I completed my second ride. After that weekend I was definitely not disappointed with how things had gone.
Three weeks later I was signed up to ride my first 50 mile ride at the Mt. Carmel XP in Utah. My plan was to ride four days, 50 miles per day. I leased horses from Christoph Schork and his Global Endurance Training Center and Tennessee Lane from Remuda Run. My learning curve was almost vertical. I was exposed to a faster-paced ride on an experienced horse from day 1 on technical trails. Day 2 was getting Stolis Hot Shot through his first 50 mile ride safely. The pace was surprisingly fast given it was Stolis' first 50. By the end of day 4 I was totally fatigued and super happy with how the ride had gone. I was packing up to drive home when I was subject to some peer pressure to stay and ride a fifth day. I had no real argument as to “why not,” so I stayed and completed a fifth day – 250 miles in five days. I had an absolute blast and have to thank Christoph and Tennessee for babysitting me on each ride. Without their guidance, support and mentoring my experience would have been totally different, and I don’t believe that I would have gained so much valuable insight into the sport. It is now two weeks after Mt. Carmel and I have just purchased Stolis. I know that we have a fun few years ahead of us.
Every now and then the idea of where I am heading, the goal I have set myself, and the ups and downs of the journey overwhelm me. It is important to have long-term audacious goals, but the trick to achieving them is to take life one-step at a time, live in the moment, focus on the NOW, enjoy the friendships and celebrate milestones along the way and what you have achieved today.
More information on endurance riding is available by visiting www.aerc.org or by calling the AERC office at 866-271-2372. By request, the office will send out a free information packet to prospective members. To find out more about GECKO, visit www.joingecko.org.
Contact: Troy Smith
American Endurance Ride Conference
www.aerc.org
endurancenews@foothill.net
866-271-2372, 530-823-2260
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Endurance - I wish I knew how to quit you
WhyEndurance Blog May 19 2014
Confessions of an endurance addict, and how you, too, can stoke the fire that burns within throughout your lifetime. By Barbara White
This blog series has the theme of Why Endurance. Daryl, Gwen, and Dennis have articulately written why we do it. Sometimes, however, even if we understand and accept the why, getting it done requires us to plot the how very carefully. Unless you are a professional, it's not always easy to pursue Endurance dreams. My purpose here is to share some strategies to help keep you, the amateur Endurance addict, on the Endurance trail as you journey through the main stages of your life, facing the various challenges and obstacles each stage can bring to participation.
I entered my first Endurance Ride, a hundred miler, when I was a 19 year old college kid home for the summer. I have entered that same hundred miler, to be held in August, as a 66 year old retiree. In the intervening years, I have finished school, traveled, married, reared children, worked, volunteered, lived in a subdivision in a huge, flat valley with horses boarded out, and lived in the mountains with our equines surrounding the house. Not only does our sport of Endurance Riding welcome people of all ages; it is, indeed, a sport in which the individual can participate for a lifetime. I have learned that each chapter in a person's life will come with different challenges to that participation. I have also found that the three big necessities for this sport are time, money, and health/youth/energy. I have yet to find a period in my life when I had all three! In spite of that, somehow, due to the generosity of others or wily behavior of my own, I have been able to ride Endurance almost every year of my adult life.
Many of us are passionate about this sport. The addiction plays havoc with our rational brains. The craving, the yearning, the sacrifices we will make, and the depths to which we will descend to feed the beast that overwhelms us are familiar. I want to share with you some of the strategies that have worked for me over the decades, as well as some observations about other riders. No names have been changed because not one is innocent.
I ride Endurance because I love to ride horses, and I love to set personal goals that are both large and small. I enjoy conditioning rides, and I enjoy competitions. I love to ride alone, and I love to ride with others. I love the nervous anticipation shared by the horse and me at the start of a ride, and I love the deep satisfaction of finishing a ride on an equine partner for which I feel both respect and gratitude. Unfortunately, that satisfaction is temporary, only satiating the need for a short while. And then it must begin again. But it’s never the same; that would be pointless. And, therein, are both the appeal and the test of Endurance Riding, as well as its overwhelming, addictive quality. Can I do this trail, can this horse do this distance, or can this body handle another 100 miler? With each ride similar questions pop up that won’t be answered until the finish line. But first you have to get to the starting line. Even without time, money, and an energetic, strong body, there are ways to get there. Don’t put it off; there will never be a perfect time...
Read the rest of the story here:
http://whyendurance.blogspot.com/2014/05/endurance-i-wish-i-knew-how-to-quit-you.html
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Owyhee Fandango Extras
May 17 2014
Extras for the May 23-25 Owyhee Fandango Pioneer Endurance Ride and CTR include a VETTEC-sponsored Welcome Wine & Cheese party on Friday evening, a Christoph Schork-led Hoof Care and Booting Clinic, outdoor café by Two Trees Catering, and Tack Swap. Food will be available for purchase in the café, and the Tack Swap fee will be $10.
For more information on the Fandango trails, events, and amenities, see:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2014Fandango/
Friday, May 16, 2014
Grand Raffle for Tevis Trail's Swinging Bridge
The preliminary estimate for the Swinging Bridge repair is $150,000. Government funds are limited so the WSTF and the WSERF are partnering on bridge restoration.
Like a Phoenix, the Swinging Bridge will rise again! But it’s going to take time and money to make the hefty repairs. With your help, we can do this!
To help meet our share of the costs some of our sponsors have donated merchandise that we are offering in our Grand Raffle for the Swinging Bridge. The prizes include:
1. A spectacular Tevis Memory Quilt by Crazy Horse Quilting donated by Dorothy Miller
2. A Skito Saddle pad donated by Tom Clark
3. A RevitaVet Therapy IR2 Complete Light System donated by Tom Neuman
4. A Rubicon Endurance Saddle by The Arabian Saddle Co. – Walsall, England donated by Bev Gray
5. An animal portrait by Kimberly Ann Carter donated by Kimberly Ann
TICKETS are $5 each / 5 TICKETS for $20
13 TICKETS for $50 / 30 TICKETS for $100
The DRAWING will take place on August 10, 2014 at the Awards Ceremony for the Tevis Cup Ride, Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn, California. You need not be present to WIN!
Purchase tickets through the Tevis Store Here »
Like a Phoenix, the Swinging Bridge will rise again! But it’s going to take time and money to make the hefty repairs. With your help, we can do this!
To help meet our share of the costs some of our sponsors have donated merchandise that we are offering in our Grand Raffle for the Swinging Bridge. The prizes include:
1. A spectacular Tevis Memory Quilt by Crazy Horse Quilting donated by Dorothy Miller
2. A Skito Saddle pad donated by Tom Clark
3. A RevitaVet Therapy IR2 Complete Light System donated by Tom Neuman
4. A Rubicon Endurance Saddle by The Arabian Saddle Co. – Walsall, England donated by Bev Gray
5. An animal portrait by Kimberly Ann Carter donated by Kimberly Ann
TICKETS are $5 each / 5 TICKETS for $20
13 TICKETS for $50 / 30 TICKETS for $100
The DRAWING will take place on August 10, 2014 at the Awards Ceremony for the Tevis Cup Ride, Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn, California. You need not be present to WIN!
Purchase tickets through the Tevis Store Here »
Heather Reynolds on Horsemanship Radio Episode 16
Horsemanshipradio.com - ListenMay 15 2014
Horsemanship Radio Episode 16 by Index Fund Advisors IFA.com – Endurance Riding and Horse Sense and Soldiers, featuring Heather Reynolds, Champion Endurance Rider and Pat Roberts, Exec Director of Join-Up International, on Monty Roberts Horse Sense and Soldiers clinics for returned service men and women. Listen in...
Listen here:
http://www.horseradionetwork.com/2014/05/15/horsemanship-radio-episode-16-by-index-fund-advisors-ifa-com-endurance-riding-and-horse-sense-and-soldiers/
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Endurance Day on Horses in the Morning Radio Show with Dr. Marcella and Julie White
Horseradionetwork.com
May 13 2014
Endurance Day with Karen Chaton features Dr. Ken Marcella who tells us about the WEG selection process and recovery from colic surgery for the high performance horse, Australian endurance rider Julie White and Karen’s Trail Etiquette part deux. Listen in...
http://www.horseradionetwork.com/2014/05/13/hitm-for-05-13-2014-endurance-day-weg-selection-with-dr-marcella-julie-white-aussie-endurance/
May 13 2014
Endurance Day with Karen Chaton features Dr. Ken Marcella who tells us about the WEG selection process and recovery from colic surgery for the high performance horse, Australian endurance rider Julie White and Karen’s Trail Etiquette part deux. Listen in...
http://www.horseradionetwork.com/2014/05/13/hitm-for-05-13-2014-endurance-day-weg-selection-with-dr-marcella-julie-white-aussie-endurance/
Monday, May 12, 2014
Owyhee Fandango Endurance Ride Adds Competitive Trail Ride
May 12 2014
For the first time, the 3-day Owyhee Fandango Pioneer Endurance Ride in Oreana, in southwestern Idaho, will include a Competitive Trail Ride competition. Held this year over May 23-25, riders in both events, CTR and endurance, will traverse scenic canyons and historic trails below the Owyhee Mountains.
Friday the 23rd and Saturday the 24th will each feature a 30-mile CTR, for those who which to try CTR or to qualify for the AHA Distance Nationals which will be held over the same area trails in September.
The endurance riders will have a choice in distances over the 3 days of 25, 30, 50, 60, 80 and/or 100 miles.
The Owyhee Fandango has been attracting national and international endurance riders since 2006 (the ride was named the Owyhee Rangelands in 2006-7), with competitors from the US, Canada, Argentina, Belgium, Scotland, Sweden, Romania, and Japan.
For more information on the Fandango trails, events, and amenities, see:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2014Fandango/
Tuesday, May 06, 2014
Endurance.net's Book of the Week: Soul Deep in Horses: Memoir of an Equestrian Vagabond
http://www.endurance.net/market/bookstore/
Soul Deep in Horses: Memoir of an Equestrian Vagabond is endurance rider Merri Melde's synopsis of an intriguing life with horses:
Clinging to a four-legged rocket ship among the Pyramids in Egypt. Riding a racehorse on the Curragh in Ireland. Winning a first endurance ride in Texas. Flipping a packhorse down a cliff in California. Flying on a Lord of the Rings horse in New Zealand. Cowgirling it in Idaho.
All of these serendipitous equine adventures, and more, are disparate pieces of a puzzle that have merged to create the eclectic, nomadic lifestyle that Merri Melde lives every day with horses. And none of them might have happened if she had not first met the racehorse Fred, who taught her how to fail spectacularly at her dream job.
It's not the destination of new dreams but the journeys toward them that allow Melde, by chance or by divine intervention, to experience such diverse escapades and to come to know and love such magnificent horses as Harry—a fire-breathing dragon who gives her a great gift; Zayante—one of the country's best endurance horses; Jose—an Avatar and Kindred Spirit; and Stormy—The Most Beautiful Horse On The Planet.
In Soul Deep in Horses: Memoir of an Equestrian Vagabond, Merri Melde paints a vivid portrait with her moving words of a unique life irrevocably entangled with horses—the beauty, the humor, the thrills, the fun, the fear, and above all, the love that goes deep down into the soul.
Part memoir, part travel and horse-riding adventure book, this heartfelt narrative packed with excitement and emotion will appeal not just to horse lovers, but to anybody who has ever experienced failure and success in following their dreams, and anyone who has ever lost their courage and rediscovered it once again.
Monday, May 05, 2014
Horse endurance ride draws hundreds
Bendbulletin.com - Full Article
43-year-old “Prineville Ride” renamed
By Shelby R. King / The Bulletin
Published May 5, 2014
LONE PINE —
Horses and riders of all breeds and sizes spent the weekend in the Skull Hollow-Crooked River National Grasslands participating in endurance rides, trail rides and other challenges at the 43rd annual Still Memorial Weekend, formerly known as The Prineville Ride.
Sandy Mayernick, volunteer coordinator at Mustangs to the Rescue, an all-breed horse rescue and rehabilitation organization based near Sisters, said she estimated about 200 people participated in the three-day event.
“It’s huge this year,” Mayernick said. “Our numbers are definitely up. (Saturday) there were horse trailers as far as the eye could see.”
For the first 42 years, the event was known as The Prineville Ride.
When Mustangs to the Rescue Executive Director Kate Beardsley took the event over this year, she changed the name to honor Cole and Charlotte Still.
“They were big proponents of endurance rides,” Mayernick said...
Read more here:
http://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/2046049-151/horse-endurance-ride-near-redmond-draws-hundreds#
43-year-old “Prineville Ride” renamed
By Shelby R. King / The Bulletin
Published May 5, 2014
LONE PINE —
Horses and riders of all breeds and sizes spent the weekend in the Skull Hollow-Crooked River National Grasslands participating in endurance rides, trail rides and other challenges at the 43rd annual Still Memorial Weekend, formerly known as The Prineville Ride.
Sandy Mayernick, volunteer coordinator at Mustangs to the Rescue, an all-breed horse rescue and rehabilitation organization based near Sisters, said she estimated about 200 people participated in the three-day event.
“It’s huge this year,” Mayernick said. “Our numbers are definitely up. (Saturday) there were horse trailers as far as the eye could see.”
For the first 42 years, the event was known as The Prineville Ride.
When Mustangs to the Rescue Executive Director Kate Beardsley took the event over this year, she changed the name to honor Cole and Charlotte Still.
“They were big proponents of endurance rides,” Mayernick said...
Read more here:
http://www.bendbulletin.com/localstate/2046049-151/horse-endurance-ride-near-redmond-draws-hundreds#
Friday, May 02, 2014
Veteran Marine rides horse across country for wounded warriors
WFSB.com - Full StoryPosted: May 01, 2014 4:11 PM MDT
Updated: May 02, 2014 5:23 AM MDT
By: Kaitlin Stansell
SURF CITY, NC -
It was a bitter sweet send off for a veteran marine in Surf City Thursday as he began a long journey across the country.
"Sit tall in the saddle," Matt Littrell's father said as he hugged his son goodbye.
The 32-year-old then hopped onto the back of his BLM mustang named "Crow," clicking to the horse to step into the Atlantic Ocean.
It was a symbolic start to what Littrell expects to be a 6 to 8 month trip from Camp Lejeune, NC, to Camp Pendleton, CA.
The duo will be traveling along with close his friend, Raymond Avery, and two other horses.
It's all an effort to raise support and about $7 million for wounded warriors through the Semper Fi Fund, a journey that some people call crazy.
"Of course it's crazy. It should be.They deserve crazy, so we're going to be crazy for them," Littrell said...
Read more here:
http://www.wfsb.com/story/25407655/veteran-marine-rides-horse-across-country-for-wounded-warriors
'A Hard Day's Night' at the Old Dominion Endurance Ride
Co-opliving.com - Full ArticleStory and Photo by Priscilla Knight Williams, Contributing Writer
The sound of pounding hooves and bugle horns fills Piedmont’s countryside at foxhunts and steeplechase races. Dressage competitions and polo matches fill paddocks. And the memory of 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat setting records at the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes fills every Virginia horse lover with pride.
Lesser known, but just as exhilarating to participants, is Virginia’s Old Dominion Endurance Ride. For 40 years every June, riders, friends, family, veterinarians, volunteers, and horses from across America have headed to remote areas in Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC), Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC), and Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) country to tackle mile after mile of rugged trail in the “O.D.” race.
The 2013 Old Dominion
Hundreds of people and horses gathered on Friday, June 7, 2013, at the O.D. basecamp nestled against a mountain in Orkney Springs, Va., near Bryce Resort. Jack Weber, O.D. president and SVEC member, welcomed everyone and went over race details with the 145 riders who entered the 100-mile, 50-mile, or 25-mile events.
Reveille at 3:30 a.m. on Saturday stirred participants in trailers, tents, and pens. As coffee percolated, 100-mile riders, including NOVEC member Natalie Muzzio of Clifton, Va., saddled their horses and strapped on their helmets for the 5:15 a.m. start. The 50-milers followed at 6:45 a.m., and the 25- milers took off at 8 a.m...
Read more here:
http://www.co-opliving.com/coopliving/issues/2014/May%202014/cover%20story.htm
Thursday, May 01, 2014
Targeting a U.S.A. Team Medal at the 2014 WEG: Broxton Bridge Selection Trials
April 30 2014
by Merri Melde
It seemed so straightforward: a CEI2* 120-km 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Endurance Team Selection Trial at Broxton Bridge Planation in Ehrhardt, South Carolina, April 18-19, for U.S. riders and horses vying for a spot on the team for the August championship in Normandy, France.
Endurance rides have been held over grounds of the historic Broxton Bridge Plantation (built in the late 1700's) the past several years, and it made sense to hold a 120-km event here over the somewhat flat and fast course. The horses' fitness would be determined by the trial; there would be detailed veterinary inspections pre- and post-ride; riders would hone their skills with their GPS units to judge pace; team play, crewing, trotting the horses in the vet lanes, and other things would be discussed; all "to accomplish our mission, which is to win a team medal at the 2014 World Equestrian Games," said U.S. Chef d'Equipe Emmett Ross.
That was until Mother Nature had a few things to say on Friday the 17th, the day before the ride. "We were significantly disrupted by bad weather," Ross put it mildly. "When I got there on the 15th, the trails were in bad shape anyway because of the weather they'd had there all winter, followed by a big freeze. The owner of the property was very cooperative, putting some bulldozers on the trail to remove all the fallen trees. There was still some work that needed to be done, so I immediately decided to create one loop and run it several times to make up the 120 kilometers."
The one-loop plan seemed a good fallback solution and all was set for the start of the trial Saturday morning - until it started raining Friday afternoon, and it didn't stop for 12 hours.
The pre-ride vetting had been squeezed in Friday morning - right before the rain began, but as the day continued wet and dismal, (some 4 inches fell in the 12 hours), Friday night Ross called his 17 riders (14 rider applicants, with 3 proxy riders) for a meeting. Since the idea of the qualifying trial was not just to race 120 kilometers to determine the fastest horses and riders - particularly over a sloppy course, thereby risking losing a few to serious lameness - Ross suggested they reduce the trial distance further, and postpone the official event until Sunday morning (hoping the rain would indeed stop); and Ross would come up with another alternative trail. The riders were all in good spirits despite the pressure they all felt; and after comments and questions, they all agreed at 10 PM that night to wait till Sunday to ride.
By 3:00 Saturday afternoon, Ross was able to squeeze out a safe trail of about 15 miles which the riders would do 3 times. Besides assessing performances in the trial ride itself, significant pre-ride inspections were done on Thursday, and post-ride evaluations would take place early Monday morning, for an over-all picture of the contestants. (Additionally, Ross had all 17 horses take a formal drug panel test after the post-ride evaluation on Monday. "This was done in part to demonstrate to the FEI and other countries we run clean - always have and always will," Ross declared.)
"Everybody made significant changes to their schedules," Ross said, "and they hung around, and we ended up having a very good event."
What was supposed to be the Saturday night post-ride southern dinner became the pre-ride dinner for close to a hundred people - staff, riders, crews, and helpers. Everybody dressed up for a real unique southern meal; and finishing awards - crystal vases - were given out. "I think that's the first time anybody's had a finishing award before they even finished the ride!" Ross said. "People were in good spirits; it was just fantastic."
The trial began at 9 AM on Sunday. The weather turned out to be clear and cool - mid-50's to mid-60's during the day - and beautiful, with the trails drying out. "It was pretty much a canter all day." Ross divided the riders into two groups, and gave each group a speed range to achieve. "When we go overseas, we're always racing in big groups of people, which we don't do here in the States. So on each of the three loops, I gave them a speed range so they could learn how to use their GPS units better. The second loop I gave them a higher speed range, and the third loop was even higher than the prior two." The course wasn't a "technical" course, though riders did have to watch their footing on some boggy areas, while still maintaining the rhythm and speed Ross set for them. "'Technical' wasn't the goal. I know we can ride technical."
It turned out to be a highly successful trial despite the weather; and while the horses and riders can now rest a while, the selection process continues for Ross and the Team Selectors (Susan Kasemeyer of Tennessee, Linda Howard of Utah, and Carol Giles of Oregon), and the Veterinarians (Dr Ann Stuart of North Carolina, Dr Ken Marcella of Georgia, Dr Catherine Kohn of Ohio, and Team Vet Dr Dwight Hooton of Colorado). They will look at their notes, analyze performances, and review interviews with each rider, and will then rank the riders. By June 24th, the Nominated List of the top 10 horse/rider combinations must be submitted to the Organizing Committee in France, which cannot be changed. The Endurance Championship at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will take place on August 28. Ross will continue to work with the 10 combinations, then ultimately take the top 5 to France on August 12 or 13.
"Prior to the [trial] event," Ross recounts, "we had 1 or 2 people that were unable to continue due to some mild veterinary issues, so that took them out of contention, and that kind of disappointed me; but we're going to have a strong group to pick from. Everybody who will go [to France] will have earned a position on the team. And they will all meet the criteria that I think is necessary to bring back a medal." The USA team finished 4th in the World Endurance Championship in 2012 in England, just missing the bronze medal. "This year we're going to take an even stronger team, and I'm really confident - not hopeful, but confident - that we'll be able to regain some of our past notoriety in endurance company."
Ross has been involved in endurance one way or another (beginning with Ride & Tie competitions) since 1982, and he has been U.S. Chef d'Equipe since 2011; and yet he still learned something from the Broxton Bridge Trials. "It isn't just about a horse and a rider being able to do something. I'm certain of this: it's the character, and the way they get along under pressure. [At Broxton Bridge] we were able to look at those things as well, and I was quite pleased, actually. You bring together a lot of highly competitive people, they're all trying to make a team, it's not always easy."
It isn't always easy, but with the depth of talent aiming for the 2014 World Equestrian Games Endurance Championship, the U.S.A. is poised to accomplish their goal of standing on the podium in France in August with a team medal for the first time since 1998.
Photos by Becky Pearman Photography
Click here for a horse/rider list.
http://www.endurance.net/international/France/2014WEG/
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