November 12 2014
by Deb Moe
A truly selfless and courageous act of generosity and faith is happening today. Cathe Cheesebrow is receiving a life-saving kidney transplant, donated from her friend Janet Hedding Sarver. I have received word that the surgeries have gone well.
Most of you won't know these ladies. They met, as most of us have, through a love of riding distance horses. Their friendship grew even closer last year when both decided to ride 50's together. Cathe and her pistol of a mare, LB, even went on to win a top 5 AERC award.
Last fall, Cathe's health began to decline and she was diagnosed with kidney disease. I don't know the specifics, but I do know that the doctors told her it was likely she'd be on dialysis within a year. I don't need to remind anyone what that means.
Early this summer, Cathe got the news she was on the waiting list for a kidney transplant and although that was good news, the wait times can be several years. Cathe's positive attitude was inspiring.
Once Cathe announced she was on the wait list, Janet secretly began her own journey, as she calls it. She took the questionnaires and passed. She took preliminary screenings and passed. She came to realize she might actually be a match and decided then and there she would do this for her friend. She said on her FB page "From the very first blood test to the CT scan to the wonderful team at the U of M Donor program it has all been a bit of a whirlwind. So many times I had to give up all control to God and rest my mind from the unknown details."
One can only imagine the tears that were shed when Cathe learned Janet was the closest to being a match over everyone else that had tried.
In late October, they learned that Janet was in fact a very good match. The surgeries were scheduled asap because (God Dammit!) they were going to be back on horses in the spring!
As another friend said, this a friendship, developed from the love of horses, that turned into a gift of life.
I know they wouldn't want the attention, but this story is too uplifting to not share. It exemplifies just how wonderful this endurance family is.
Be well Cathe and Janet. Ride on.
*Nov 14 Update - Both Cathe and Janet are doing well!*
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Friday, November 14, 2014
Modern Mustangs and Mustangers Do the Distance
Frankhopkins.com - Full Article
Compiled by Beverley J. Davis
It might seem like the accomplishments of Hidalgo and his kind are now a part of the past, something we only find in books and movies. But modern Mustangs and Mustangers are carrying on the old traditions and proving their mettle in this age of mechanized transportation and supersonic speeds. And in this world of flash and glamour, where the motto is bigger is better, the small Indian ponies of old, who carried the US mail from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California, who followed the war trails with Quanah Parker and Chief Joseph, and taught the US cavalry that size had nothing to do with stamina and heart, are still hitting the trails and going the distance.
Finding a starting place for this journey is not an easy one, but since we must start somewhere, I’ll jump in with the tale Mal de Ojo and Indio Blanco. In the early 1970s, two young adventurers named Nathan and Elly Foote started out of Argentina with the intention of riding across North and South America on their Argentine Criollos, a breed closely related to the Spanish mustang. Unfortunately at the Texas border two of their horses died in quarantine due to a faulty drug administered by the USDA. It might have been the end of the journey, but Gilbert Jones, a Spanish mustang breeder from Oklahoma stepped up and offer them two of his horses, Mal de Ojo and Indio Blanco. Right away the mustangs proved themselves to be as tough and loyal as the horses that they had lost, carrying their new owners from the Rio Grande all the way to Alaska. Elly Foote said that these tough adventurers spent their last years in the green pastures of Burns Lake, British Columbia, Canada. No doubt a well-earned reward.
In the world of competitive trail riding, there are two prominent organizations, The AERC, American Endurance Ride Conference, and the NATRC, North American Trail Ride Conference, both of which has regional rides and accumulates points accordingly.
In 1989, Chief Yellow Fox, owned by Kim Kingsley and a descendent of SMR 3 Yellow Fox, one of the foundation sires of the Spanish Mustang Registry and Horse of Americas, competed in the AERC and won the Jim Jones Award for the most miles, 1450 in the 1989 season. The previous year he had gone 800 miles in 17 rides...
Read more here:
http://www.frankhopkins.com/endurance.html
Compiled by Beverley J. Davis
It might seem like the accomplishments of Hidalgo and his kind are now a part of the past, something we only find in books and movies. But modern Mustangs and Mustangers are carrying on the old traditions and proving their mettle in this age of mechanized transportation and supersonic speeds. And in this world of flash and glamour, where the motto is bigger is better, the small Indian ponies of old, who carried the US mail from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California, who followed the war trails with Quanah Parker and Chief Joseph, and taught the US cavalry that size had nothing to do with stamina and heart, are still hitting the trails and going the distance.
Finding a starting place for this journey is not an easy one, but since we must start somewhere, I’ll jump in with the tale Mal de Ojo and Indio Blanco. In the early 1970s, two young adventurers named Nathan and Elly Foote started out of Argentina with the intention of riding across North and South America on their Argentine Criollos, a breed closely related to the Spanish mustang. Unfortunately at the Texas border two of their horses died in quarantine due to a faulty drug administered by the USDA. It might have been the end of the journey, but Gilbert Jones, a Spanish mustang breeder from Oklahoma stepped up and offer them two of his horses, Mal de Ojo and Indio Blanco. Right away the mustangs proved themselves to be as tough and loyal as the horses that they had lost, carrying their new owners from the Rio Grande all the way to Alaska. Elly Foote said that these tough adventurers spent their last years in the green pastures of Burns Lake, British Columbia, Canada. No doubt a well-earned reward.
In the world of competitive trail riding, there are two prominent organizations, The AERC, American Endurance Ride Conference, and the NATRC, North American Trail Ride Conference, both of which has regional rides and accumulates points accordingly.
In 1989, Chief Yellow Fox, owned by Kim Kingsley and a descendent of SMR 3 Yellow Fox, one of the foundation sires of the Spanish Mustang Registry and Horse of Americas, competed in the AERC and won the Jim Jones Award for the most miles, 1450 in the 1989 season. The previous year he had gone 800 miles in 17 rides...
Read more here:
http://www.frankhopkins.com/endurance.html
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Endurance Day on Horses in the Morning with Dianna Chapek and Tim Worden
Horses in the Morning - Listen!
November 11 2014
Endurance Day with Karen Chaton opens with a great app for dog lovers and how to respond to the alarm universal to all equestrians; "loose horse"! Guests Dianna Chapek and Tim Worden chat about the future of the AERC. Listen in...
Horses in the Morning Radio show
November 11 2014
Endurance Day with Karen Chaton opens with a great app for dog lovers and how to respond to the alarm universal to all equestrians; "loose horse"! Guests Dianna Chapek and Tim Worden chat about the future of the AERC. Listen in...
Horses in the Morning Radio show
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
How Many Trips To The Well? Insights From A Sleep-Deprived Ride Manager
EnduranceInstrospection Blog - Full Story
by Patti Stedman
October 5 2014
Being an AERC Ride Manager has its challenges.
Chiropractors from all over will soon be summoned as those who have taken it on nod in near-violent agreement.
There are so many reasons we throw in the towel, permanently or temporarily, or contemplate doing so.
Perhaps writing about it all after a weekend of only a smattering of sleep is unwise. I recognize that I’m exhausted, and on an emotional tidal wave, teary and touched with joy and gratitude, then frustrated by the “why do we do this?” moments that every Ride Manager knows all too well.
Ride management means worrying. Over the course of the last ten days I’ve worried over the following: Too many entries (since we have a limited camp size), too few entries (since a horrible forecast and the usual attrition meant they were dropping like flies in the seventy-two hours before the ride), the weather (which I’ve learned I can do nothing about but fret over nonetheless), my newbie riders, having enough food and lodging for all of my volunteers and riders and the others who pop by for a free meal (I didn’t, but a last minute grocery run fixed that), the interstate construction near our ride camp, whether the trail markings would stay up (many didn’t), the last minute porta-potty charge from the Park, and the condition of our trails (which like most, are not made better by a deluge of rain)...
Read more here:
http://enduranceintrospection.com/how-many-trips-to-the-well-insights-from-a-sleep-deprived-ride-manager/
by Patti Stedman
October 5 2014
Being an AERC Ride Manager has its challenges.
Chiropractors from all over will soon be summoned as those who have taken it on nod in near-violent agreement.
There are so many reasons we throw in the towel, permanently or temporarily, or contemplate doing so.
Perhaps writing about it all after a weekend of only a smattering of sleep is unwise. I recognize that I’m exhausted, and on an emotional tidal wave, teary and touched with joy and gratitude, then frustrated by the “why do we do this?” moments that every Ride Manager knows all too well.
Ride management means worrying. Over the course of the last ten days I’ve worried over the following: Too many entries (since we have a limited camp size), too few entries (since a horrible forecast and the usual attrition meant they were dropping like flies in the seventy-two hours before the ride), the weather (which I’ve learned I can do nothing about but fret over nonetheless), my newbie riders, having enough food and lodging for all of my volunteers and riders and the others who pop by for a free meal (I didn’t, but a last minute grocery run fixed that), the interstate construction near our ride camp, whether the trail markings would stay up (many didn’t), the last minute porta-potty charge from the Park, and the condition of our trails (which like most, are not made better by a deluge of rain)...
Read more here:
http://enduranceintrospection.com/how-many-trips-to-the-well-insights-from-a-sleep-deprived-ride-manager/
AERC Juniors Can Apply for Anne Ayala Scholarship
November 4 2014
AERC Juniors and Young Riders in good standing from their high school senior year through age 21 are invited to apply for the 2015 Anne Ayala Junior Scholarship. Applicants must have a minimum of 500 AERC lifetime miles, and an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0.
One scholarship of $1000 will be awarded, paid directly to the school and credited to your tuition.
Applicants will, in 1000 words total, write an essay answering specific questions about endurance riding and their personal experiences.
Applications must be received by January 7, 2015, and the recipient will be announced at the AERC convention in Reno, Nevada March 6-7, 2015.
For an application, see
http://aerc.org/Temp/2015Scholarship.pdf
AERC Juniors and Young Riders in good standing from their high school senior year through age 21 are invited to apply for the 2015 Anne Ayala Junior Scholarship. Applicants must have a minimum of 500 AERC lifetime miles, and an unweighted GPA of at least 3.0.
One scholarship of $1000 will be awarded, paid directly to the school and credited to your tuition.
Applicants will, in 1000 words total, write an essay answering specific questions about endurance riding and their personal experiences.
Applications must be received by January 7, 2015, and the recipient will be announced at the AERC convention in Reno, Nevada March 6-7, 2015.
For an application, see
http://aerc.org/Temp/2015Scholarship.pdf
Sunday, November 02, 2014
National horse endurance race here
Dailytribune.net - Full Article
October 30 2014
By ANNETTE WHITE Tribune Staff Writer
The American Endurance Ride Conference kicked off its national championship event yesterday at the Priefert sales hangar.
The endurance race, which features the top riders and horses from across the nation, began Thursday at 6 a.m. with a 100-mile race and will wrap up Saturday with a 50-mile circuit.
“The 100-mile circuit is tough,” Michael Campbell, president of AERC, said. “They not only have to go that distance, but they have to complete it within 24 hours.”
Campbell said riders and horses train extensively for these races.
“This isn’t necessarily about who necessarily comes out first, but who finishes,” Campbell said. “The AERC motto says it all, to finish is to win.”
Racers from each circuit can expect to take home prizes for completing the race, while the winner will claim the national champion trophy...
Read more here:
http://www.dailytribune.net/news/national-horse-endurance-race-here/article_dc111442-6098-11e4-b703-d7651d29bf9a.html
October 30 2014
By ANNETTE WHITE Tribune Staff Writer
The American Endurance Ride Conference kicked off its national championship event yesterday at the Priefert sales hangar.
The endurance race, which features the top riders and horses from across the nation, began Thursday at 6 a.m. with a 100-mile race and will wrap up Saturday with a 50-mile circuit.
“The 100-mile circuit is tough,” Michael Campbell, president of AERC, said. “They not only have to go that distance, but they have to complete it within 24 hours.”
Campbell said riders and horses train extensively for these races.
“This isn’t necessarily about who necessarily comes out first, but who finishes,” Campbell said. “The AERC motto says it all, to finish is to win.”
Racers from each circuit can expect to take home prizes for completing the race, while the winner will claim the national champion trophy...
Read more here:
http://www.dailytribune.net/news/national-horse-endurance-race-here/article_dc111442-6098-11e4-b703-d7651d29bf9a.html
2014 AERC National Championships
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2014AERCNC/100 Mile Champion: Lisa Green and Amana Tabi
50 Mile Champion: Windsor Mundy and Kharismas Grace
Lisa Green and Amana Tabi won the AERC 100 mile National Championship on October 30 at the Priefert Ranch in Mt Pleasant, Texas. Amana Tabi also won the Best Condition award.
Windsor Mundy and Kharismas Grace won the AERC 50 mile National Championship on November 1. "Grace" received High Vet Score, and 7th place finishers, Gunnar Frank and Trinity won Best Condition. The following are partial unofficial finishers:
AERC 100 Miles
1st - Lisa Green and Amana Tabi
2nd - Vicki Roden and Jolly Juice
3rd - Gunnar Frank and Ansata
4th - Alanna Frank and Ramses Mr Midnight
AERC 50 miles
1 Windsor Mundy and Kharismas Grace - High Vet Score
2 Cameron Holtzer and Kong
3 Alisija Granger and Dixieland Dude
4 Megan Dunn and Mandys Gold
5 Verena Stock and King Tiki
6 Charlotte Baca and TFR Rafa Ibn Soheir
7 Gunnar Frank and Trinity - Best Condition
8 Marcelle Himanka and Oliver Swift
9 Claude Brewer and Hal Bents Miracl
More will be posted when available at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2014AERCNC/
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
James “Jim” Helfter, 72, Sherrard, Ill
KCHANEWS.com - Full Article
James “Jim” Helfter, age 72, of Sherrard, Illinois, died Sunday, October 26, 2014, at Trinity Hospital in Rock Island, Illinois.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 1, 2014, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, Iowa, with Pastoral Minister Annette Uker officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery in New Haven, Iowa. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
Jim was born June 6, 1942, in Osage, Iowa, the son of John and Merna (Coonradt) Helfter. He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in New Haven in 1960. On December 30, 1988, he married Gwen Eileen Pike in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Jim worked at Martin Marietta in Colorado. He was currently CEO of Helfter Enterprises, Inc. in Osco, Illinois, in the field of customized organic feed animal supplements. He was a member of the American Endurance Riders Association and the Upper Midwest Endurance and Competitive Riders Association...
Read more here:
http://kchanews.com/2014/10/28/james-jim-helfter-72-sherrard-ill/
James “Jim” Helfter, age 72, of Sherrard, Illinois, died Sunday, October 26, 2014, at Trinity Hospital in Rock Island, Illinois.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 1, 2014, at the Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home in Osage, Iowa, with Pastoral Minister Annette Uker officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery in New Haven, Iowa. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Champion-Bucheit Funeral Home.
Jim was born June 6, 1942, in Osage, Iowa, the son of John and Merna (Coonradt) Helfter. He graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in New Haven in 1960. On December 30, 1988, he married Gwen Eileen Pike in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Jim worked at Martin Marietta in Colorado. He was currently CEO of Helfter Enterprises, Inc. in Osco, Illinois, in the field of customized organic feed animal supplements. He was a member of the American Endurance Riders Association and the Upper Midwest Endurance and Competitive Riders Association...
Read more here:
http://kchanews.com/2014/10/28/james-jim-helfter-72-sherrard-ill/
Woman Battles Stage 4 Breast Cancer, Shares Story of Hope
KEYT.com - Full Article
Santa Ynez Valley woman surpasses two year life expectancy
Meredith Garofalo, KEYT - KCOY - KKFX Meteorologist & Reporter, meredith.garofalo@keyt.com
October 29 2014
SANTA YNEZ, Calif. -
Two years ago, 34-year-old Lora Wereb and her horse, Merlin. were an unlikely pair.
"I never thought I'd love a horse," Wereb recalled.
But their paths crossed after this Santa Ynez Valley woman was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
"They found it throughout my chest, through my liver, up my neck," Wereb said. "It was everywhere. Everywhere but my bones, which was the best news I could have gotten."
Wereb was thrown into a whirlwind of chemotherapy, seven different surgeries, and many different medications. In addition, she received a terrible life expectancy.
"You're given six months to two years sometimes," she said.
It was a very scary moment for both Lora and her boyfriend, Bryan Snyder.
"I guess my reaction was, I guess, to hope for the best you know?" Snyder said. "Because it's just a big question mark."
However, it was hope that kept her from giving up and help from a four legged friend...
Read more here:
http://www.keyt.com/news/woman-battles-stage-4-breast-cancer-shares-story-of-hope/29386004
Santa Ynez Valley woman surpasses two year life expectancy
Meredith Garofalo, KEYT - KCOY - KKFX Meteorologist & Reporter, meredith.garofalo@keyt.com
October 29 2014
SANTA YNEZ, Calif. -
Two years ago, 34-year-old Lora Wereb and her horse, Merlin. were an unlikely pair.
"I never thought I'd love a horse," Wereb recalled.
But their paths crossed after this Santa Ynez Valley woman was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
"They found it throughout my chest, through my liver, up my neck," Wereb said. "It was everywhere. Everywhere but my bones, which was the best news I could have gotten."
Wereb was thrown into a whirlwind of chemotherapy, seven different surgeries, and many different medications. In addition, she received a terrible life expectancy.
"You're given six months to two years sometimes," she said.
It was a very scary moment for both Lora and her boyfriend, Bryan Snyder.
"I guess my reaction was, I guess, to hope for the best you know?" Snyder said. "Because it's just a big question mark."
However, it was hope that kept her from giving up and help from a four legged friend...
Read more here:
http://www.keyt.com/news/woman-battles-stage-4-breast-cancer-shares-story-of-hope/29386004
Friday, October 24, 2014
Survivor Run honors breast cancer survivors
Canfield.vindy.com - Full Article
October 24 2014
By ABBY SLANKER
neighbors@vindy.com
Life-long horse enthusiast Megan Hruska of Canfield wanted to honor breast cancer survivors, including her mother, in the way she knew best - with a Survivor Run consisting of a 12.5 mile clinic ride to help spread awareness of early breast cancer detection and to get others involved in her mother’s passion for riding.
The Survivor Run took place at Buckeye Horse Park on Oct. 11.
Hruska’s mother, Sallie Sullivan, was diagnosed last October with first stage breast cancer...
- See more at: http://canfield.vindy.com/news/2014/oct/24/survivor-run-honors-breast-cancer-surviv/#sthash.HZExsSXd.dpuf
October 24 2014
By ABBY SLANKER
neighbors@vindy.com
Life-long horse enthusiast Megan Hruska of Canfield wanted to honor breast cancer survivors, including her mother, in the way she knew best - with a Survivor Run consisting of a 12.5 mile clinic ride to help spread awareness of early breast cancer detection and to get others involved in her mother’s passion for riding.
The Survivor Run took place at Buckeye Horse Park on Oct. 11.
Hruska’s mother, Sallie Sullivan, was diagnosed last October with first stage breast cancer...
- See more at: http://canfield.vindy.com/news/2014/oct/24/survivor-run-honors-breast-cancer-surviv/#sthash.HZExsSXd.dpuf
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Endurance.net's Book of the Month: The Lighter Side of Endurance Riding
http://www.endurance.net/market/bookstore/
by Angie McGhee (Jan 1, 2006)
If you haven't read this book already, it's about time you did!
From one of the funniest story tellers on horseback, Angie looks at endurance riding like nobody else can.
"The only thing that might force you to put this book down before reading it cover to cover is the laughter induced, side splitting stomach ache you will experience within a few paragraphs. A must for everyone who has ever loved, and been confused by, horses and riding. Barbara White"
2015 Dates and Location Announced for Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships Presented by Gotham North
USEFNetwork.comRELEASE: October 16, 2014
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: Mark Coley
Lexington, Ky. - The Organizing Committee of the 2015 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) presented by Gotham North is pleased to announce the dates and location of the 2015 Championships.
Returning to the Kentucky Horse Park, the best Junior and Young Rider competitors from North America will compete for prestigious Team and Individual medals July 14-19, 2015. With unwavering support, Adequan will mark its fifth consecutive year as title sponsor of the event.
“We are very excited to be returning to the beautiful Kentucky Horse Park next summer,” said USEF CEO Chris Welton. “NAJYRC is an important Championship for the future of equestrian sport, giving many top riders their first experiences in international competition. The wonderful support of Adequan, Gotham North, and all of our sponsors make the event possible.”
Supporting the only FEI multi-discipline Championship held annually in North America, NAJYRC is lucky to have a long list of dedicated sponsors, which include: Gotham North, SmartPak, U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, U.S. Dressage Federation, U.S. Eventing Association, Equine Canada, and the Federación Ecuestre Mexicana. For a full list of NAJYRC sponsors and to learn more about partnership opportunities, please visit www.youngriders.org.
To get involved with NAJYRC please contact Mark Coley at mcoley@usef.org.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Raffle Horse at 2014 Old Dominion on October 25
Olddominionrides.org
Time is running out to buy tickets for Kaptivant CS a 2009 gelding, donated by Asgard Arabians for 2014 Old Dominion endurance ride fundraiser. The drawing will be the weekend of October 25. Raffle information can be found at www.olddominionrides.org/raffle.html. Raffle tickets are available at all OD endurance rides and clinics, and from any of the OD Board Members at any time. Contributions towards the raffle are tax deductible - please make checks payable to the Old Dominion Endurance Ride, Inc (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.) The winning ticket is pulled at the final OD ride of the year. Winners need not be present to win. Tickets are $10 each, or 5 for $40.
Need not be present to win, so all you riders looking for your next endurance horse, buy a ticket...... Or several. Cross country shipping really isn't that expensive and it's for a good cause. The Old Dominion club is a non-profit organization that puts on 3 endurance rides a year and one Ride and Tie.
The OD organization extends a very deep and appreciate thanks to Halldis and Tom Sayvetz of Asgard Arabians who have donated one of their purebred Arabian horses every year since 1998 to the Old Dominion organization as a raffle horse. Many of those raffle horses have gone on to have fabulous endurance careers with their happy owners with outstanding placings in AERC endurance rides.
Asgard Arabians also offers many outstanding horses for sale for endurance, show, and sporting disciplines. Several of Asgard horses are competing at the top endurance rides in the US and abroad, and also at the highest level of international FEI. Asgard Arabians is located in Sinks Grove, WV 24976. Telephone (304) 645-1670 to schedule an appointment.
For more information on OD or the Raffle Horse, see
http://www.olddominionrides.org/raffle.html
Time is running out to buy tickets for Kaptivant CS a 2009 gelding, donated by Asgard Arabians for 2014 Old Dominion endurance ride fundraiser. The drawing will be the weekend of October 25. Raffle information can be found at www.olddominionrides.org/raffle.html. Raffle tickets are available at all OD endurance rides and clinics, and from any of the OD Board Members at any time. Contributions towards the raffle are tax deductible - please make checks payable to the Old Dominion Endurance Ride, Inc (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.) The winning ticket is pulled at the final OD ride of the year. Winners need not be present to win. Tickets are $10 each, or 5 for $40.
Need not be present to win, so all you riders looking for your next endurance horse, buy a ticket...... Or several. Cross country shipping really isn't that expensive and it's for a good cause. The Old Dominion club is a non-profit organization that puts on 3 endurance rides a year and one Ride and Tie.
The OD organization extends a very deep and appreciate thanks to Halldis and Tom Sayvetz of Asgard Arabians who have donated one of their purebred Arabian horses every year since 1998 to the Old Dominion organization as a raffle horse. Many of those raffle horses have gone on to have fabulous endurance careers with their happy owners with outstanding placings in AERC endurance rides.
Asgard Arabians also offers many outstanding horses for sale for endurance, show, and sporting disciplines. Several of Asgard horses are competing at the top endurance rides in the US and abroad, and also at the highest level of international FEI. Asgard Arabians is located in Sinks Grove, WV 24976. Telephone (304) 645-1670 to schedule an appointment.
For more information on OD or the Raffle Horse, see
http://www.olddominionrides.org/raffle.html
Friday, October 17, 2014
Dave Rabe - AERC's Newest Highest Mileage Rider at 60,580 Miles
October 17 2014
At the October 10-12, 2014 Paunsaugunt XP endurance ride (also know as the Bryce Canyon XP), the accomplishments of AERC's newest highest-mileage rider at 60,580 miles, the incomparable Dave Rabe, were celebrated.
A party followed Saturday night's dinner, where fellow riders shared their comments about Dave around the campfire, and Annie Nicholson read Garrett Ford's tribute, "The Man With The +". "We all had a lump in our throat and tears in our eyes," Carla Richardson wrote afterwards. "Annie read it with a quivering voice."
Photographer Steve Bradley, who's been photographing Dave Rabe on endurance rides since at least 2007, presented Dave with a digital photo album of his rides (some are seen at the link below).
Informally known among many endurance riders as "The Ambassador of endurance riding", Dave is one of the most erudite, helpful, and selfless riders you can ever hope to share a mile of trail with, or have come to one of your rides, as he'll help you mark trails before the ride and unmark trails after the ride; and he'll stop at any time in the middle of a ride to help a fellow rider in need. He'll even jump your truck in ridecamp if you run the battery down, or help fix a flat, or he'll glue your Easyboots on.
He's most recognizable for his tradition of wearing shorts, no matter the weather. He's usually got a tank top on, though if it's snowing, he'll throw on a windbreaker and maybe a pair of gloves. He was elected to the AERC Hall of Fame in 2009, and was National Mileage Champion in 2010.
Overcoming a serious traumatic brain injury in December of 2012 when coming off a bucking horse, after surgery, a long hospitalization, and rehab, he returned to the endurance saddle (on the same horse that bucked him off) in June of 2013, with a helmet, and he hasn't looked back.
And Dave Rabe still has many more miles to go.
Steve Bradley Photos:
https://picasaweb.google.com/112590388649341553131/DaveRabeBySteveBradley102014
or slide show:
At the October 10-12, 2014 Paunsaugunt XP endurance ride (also know as the Bryce Canyon XP), the accomplishments of AERC's newest highest-mileage rider at 60,580 miles, the incomparable Dave Rabe, were celebrated.
A party followed Saturday night's dinner, where fellow riders shared their comments about Dave around the campfire, and Annie Nicholson read Garrett Ford's tribute, "The Man With The +". "We all had a lump in our throat and tears in our eyes," Carla Richardson wrote afterwards. "Annie read it with a quivering voice."
Photographer Steve Bradley, who's been photographing Dave Rabe on endurance rides since at least 2007, presented Dave with a digital photo album of his rides (some are seen at the link below).
Informally known among many endurance riders as "The Ambassador of endurance riding", Dave is one of the most erudite, helpful, and selfless riders you can ever hope to share a mile of trail with, or have come to one of your rides, as he'll help you mark trails before the ride and unmark trails after the ride; and he'll stop at any time in the middle of a ride to help a fellow rider in need. He'll even jump your truck in ridecamp if you run the battery down, or help fix a flat, or he'll glue your Easyboots on.
He's most recognizable for his tradition of wearing shorts, no matter the weather. He's usually got a tank top on, though if it's snowing, he'll throw on a windbreaker and maybe a pair of gloves. He was elected to the AERC Hall of Fame in 2009, and was National Mileage Champion in 2010.
Overcoming a serious traumatic brain injury in December of 2012 when coming off a bucking horse, after surgery, a long hospitalization, and rehab, he returned to the endurance saddle (on the same horse that bucked him off) in June of 2013, with a helmet, and he hasn't looked back.
And Dave Rabe still has many more miles to go.
Steve Bradley Photos:
https://picasaweb.google.com/112590388649341553131/DaveRabeBySteveBradley102014
or slide show:
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Idaho Endurance Riders Participate in Horsemanship Clinic
October 12 2014Six endurance riders and a possible recruit attended a 3-day "Foundations and Beyond Horsemanship" clinic by clinician Ted Nicholes of Parma, Idaho. Up to a dozen others audited the clinic. The clinic was held over October 10-12 at the Teeter Ranch, basecamp for many endurance rides in the area.
Participants and their horses spent the first day learning ground work, and the next two days were practice at both ground work and riding exercises. Nicholes also demonstrated round penning on day 3 with an unbroken 2-year-old filly owned by Teeter.
Nicholes' clinics are designed to help the rider make her horse a better, safer, more willing partner. His goal is that everyone leaves with a good bunch of tools (exercises) which they have learned to use well and which increase their safety and their confidence with their horses.
A colt starting clinic is likely to happen at the Teeter ranch in the spring.
For more information on Ted Nicholes, see
http://www.foundationsandbeyondhorsemanship.blogspot.com/
Photos:
https://picasaweb.google.com/112590388649341553131/TedNicholesFoundationsAndBeyondHorsemanshipClinicIdaho1012142014
Endurance Day on Horses In The Morning with Jessica Bishop and Janet Tipton
Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen!
October 14 2014
Endurance Day with Karen Chaton opens with her usual assortment of endurance adventure stories, tells us how to ICE a cell phone before we get the low down on leg protection from The Distance Depot. Our guests this month highlight the variety of equids that can excel at endurance; Jessica Bishop who competes with her mule Speed Racer and Janet Tipton tells us about her mustang Lady Jasmine. Listen in...
http://tracks.endurance.net/2014/09/endurance-day-on-horses-in-morning-with.html
October 14 2014
Endurance Day with Karen Chaton opens with her usual assortment of endurance adventure stories, tells us how to ICE a cell phone before we get the low down on leg protection from The Distance Depot. Our guests this month highlight the variety of equids that can excel at endurance; Jessica Bishop who competes with her mule Speed Racer and Janet Tipton tells us about her mustang Lady Jasmine. Listen in...
http://tracks.endurance.net/2014/09/endurance-day-on-horses-in-morning-with.html
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
AERC Records to Remain Open
October 14 2014
The AERC Board of Directors, after much consideration and enthusiastic input from our members, recently voted to return to an "Open Record" policy with regard to all horse and rider statistics as historically available on the AERC website.
In order to offer a more complete understanding as to how this issue has evolved, it should be noted that there were two main concerns that led to the experimental decision to close AERC's Horse and Rider History records: 1) How to reverse declining membership, and, 2) How to gain new members, primarily through adding value to AERC membership.
Our membership has steadily decreased since 2008. The "Open Records" policy hadn't seemed, historically, to have had a measurable effect in gaining or retaining members. It was suggested that making a part of those records a "membership-only" benefit might help encourage riders to join or renew. During the decision making process that led to closing the records on a trial basis, the Board had received significant member feedback, including complaints from current members that a non-member has almost all of the value of membership without paying dues. Their miles show up online in their history, even riding as a day member. AERC still adds to the lifetime miles of their horses every time they compete. They can still access a number of articles in Endurance News online and they have access to all the educational material AERC provides. They benefit from our trails support, grants, and research. While the records are open as they have been, a non-current member, at first glance, seemingly has almost all of the benefits of a dues paying member with the only disadvantage of paying a day member fee.
Under a completely open records system, some felt the impression could be given that the only advantages to joining are not having to pay a day-member fee and a more complete Endurance News, though, of course, full AERC membership offers much more indeed. Shining a brighter light on the value of membership was part of the reasoning behind the decision to make the Horse History and Rider History limited to members only. All other records such as the ride calendar, ride results, point standings, horses owned/ridden, member location, were to remain open.
However, in the time since the decision was made to close the records, there has been strong opposition voiced on the part of many of our members and non-members regarding the closure. While too numerous to mention here, many substantive examples have been put forth as to why open access to the AERC records on behalf of all interested parties of the general public benefits AERC, its members and prospective new members, as well as aids indirectly in horse welfare and trails preservation efforts. Upon re-examining this issue and the consideration of the associated member feedback, it was voted at the recent AERC Board of Directors teleconference on October 13, 2014, to reinstate open records access.
The Board would like to thank all the members who took the time to respond and give their feedback regarding records access. Member input is critical in assisting the Board as it leads AERC though times of economic uncertainty and declining membership. We have listened and responded. The records will be reopened shortly. The Board is tasked with assuring AERC remains a viable organization in the future, and to do that we must sometimes make decisions that are not popular. This has been a very positive experience in light of the magnitude of member feedback stimulated by this issue.
Other projects currently underway designed to encourage growth and stability for AERC include: hiring a marketing contractor to increase AERC's brand awareness; an improved mentor program; more educational clinics at many levels; more educational videos available on AERC's YouTube channel; an updated website; and a program to recruit new ride managers. We invite you to stay abreast of changes within AERC, now and in the future, through the AERC website. If you have any questions, comments or a desire to get more involved in helping AERC to grow and prosper, please feel free to contact the friendly AERC office staff or any Board member for further information. Thank you, and we hope to see you at an AERC event soon!
Sincerely, AERC Board of Directors
The AERC Board of Directors, after much consideration and enthusiastic input from our members, recently voted to return to an "Open Record" policy with regard to all horse and rider statistics as historically available on the AERC website.
In order to offer a more complete understanding as to how this issue has evolved, it should be noted that there were two main concerns that led to the experimental decision to close AERC's Horse and Rider History records: 1) How to reverse declining membership, and, 2) How to gain new members, primarily through adding value to AERC membership.
Our membership has steadily decreased since 2008. The "Open Records" policy hadn't seemed, historically, to have had a measurable effect in gaining or retaining members. It was suggested that making a part of those records a "membership-only" benefit might help encourage riders to join or renew. During the decision making process that led to closing the records on a trial basis, the Board had received significant member feedback, including complaints from current members that a non-member has almost all of the value of membership without paying dues. Their miles show up online in their history, even riding as a day member. AERC still adds to the lifetime miles of their horses every time they compete. They can still access a number of articles in Endurance News online and they have access to all the educational material AERC provides. They benefit from our trails support, grants, and research. While the records are open as they have been, a non-current member, at first glance, seemingly has almost all of the benefits of a dues paying member with the only disadvantage of paying a day member fee.
Under a completely open records system, some felt the impression could be given that the only advantages to joining are not having to pay a day-member fee and a more complete Endurance News, though, of course, full AERC membership offers much more indeed. Shining a brighter light on the value of membership was part of the reasoning behind the decision to make the Horse History and Rider History limited to members only. All other records such as the ride calendar, ride results, point standings, horses owned/ridden, member location, were to remain open.
However, in the time since the decision was made to close the records, there has been strong opposition voiced on the part of many of our members and non-members regarding the closure. While too numerous to mention here, many substantive examples have been put forth as to why open access to the AERC records on behalf of all interested parties of the general public benefits AERC, its members and prospective new members, as well as aids indirectly in horse welfare and trails preservation efforts. Upon re-examining this issue and the consideration of the associated member feedback, it was voted at the recent AERC Board of Directors teleconference on October 13, 2014, to reinstate open records access.
The Board would like to thank all the members who took the time to respond and give their feedback regarding records access. Member input is critical in assisting the Board as it leads AERC though times of economic uncertainty and declining membership. We have listened and responded. The records will be reopened shortly. The Board is tasked with assuring AERC remains a viable organization in the future, and to do that we must sometimes make decisions that are not popular. This has been a very positive experience in light of the magnitude of member feedback stimulated by this issue.
Other projects currently underway designed to encourage growth and stability for AERC include: hiring a marketing contractor to increase AERC's brand awareness; an improved mentor program; more educational clinics at many levels; more educational videos available on AERC's YouTube channel; an updated website; and a program to recruit new ride managers. We invite you to stay abreast of changes within AERC, now and in the future, through the AERC website. If you have any questions, comments or a desire to get more involved in helping AERC to grow and prosper, please feel free to contact the friendly AERC office staff or any Board member for further information. Thank you, and we hope to see you at an AERC event soon!
Sincerely, AERC Board of Directors
Saturday, October 11, 2014
2014 AHA Distance Horse of the Year Award Nomination Deadline Extended
October 11 2014
Submission deadline for Arabian Horse Association's Distance Horse of the Year has been extended to November 1. This award recognizes the significant accomplishment of an Arabian, Half-Arabian or Anglo-Arabian Horse in the distance sports. Persons who wish to have their horse considered for this award or persons who know of an outstanding horse to be considered for this award must complete the official nomination FORM and submit it to the AHA office by November 1 2014.
Description of the criteria is as follows:
Arabian Handbook description
AWD 107. DISTANCE HORSE OF THE YEAR AWARD (BOD 2/04)
1. Purpose. This award is to recognize the significant accomplishment of an Arabian, Half-Arabian or Anglo-Arabian Horse in the distance sports. As this is a special, significant recognition award there may be years when there is not a recipient.
2. Procedure.
a. The owner of the nominated horse must be a current Competition Card member of AHA in the nomination year. (BOD 2/11)
b. A nominated horse must be registered with the Arabian Horse Association, Canadian Arabian Horse Registry or the Canadian Partbred Arabian Registry.
1) The horse must be living at the time of nomination.
2) The horse to have competed in the year it was nominated.
3) There is no requirement for the horse to have competed in an AHA regional and/or national events.
4) Award is to be based on the horse’s overall distance career. Emphasis is to be placed on the horse’s overall miles and years in competition.
5) Endurance and CTR both to count. (BOD 2/11)
c. Any AHA member can nominate a horse by completing the official nomination form available on the AHA website or the AHA office.
d. A member’s horse may be nominated more than once, but may be selected for the award only once.
e. Nomination deadline is September 1st of each calendar year.
f. The Award Sub-Committee (Awards, AHA Distance Ride Commission and Distance Ride Committee Chairs plus two at-large from the Distance Committee for a total of 5 members) will make the selection at the annual AHA Convention. (BOD 2/11)
g. The owner of the chosen horse agrees to allow AHA to use a picture of the horse and his winning criteria both within AHA publications (magazine, website & brochures) as well as publications outside AHA.
3. Description. A bronze sculpture, designed by Joe Staheli, with a wooden base that includes plates for the engraving of the annual winners was purchased by AHOF and will be displayed in the AHA office. The award for each annual winner will be a suitable award presented to each recipient.
Submission deadline for Arabian Horse Association's Distance Horse of the Year has been extended to November 1. This award recognizes the significant accomplishment of an Arabian, Half-Arabian or Anglo-Arabian Horse in the distance sports. Persons who wish to have their horse considered for this award or persons who know of an outstanding horse to be considered for this award must complete the official nomination FORM and submit it to the AHA office by November 1 2014.
Description of the criteria is as follows:
Arabian Handbook description
AWD 107. DISTANCE HORSE OF THE YEAR AWARD (BOD 2/04)
1. Purpose. This award is to recognize the significant accomplishment of an Arabian, Half-Arabian or Anglo-Arabian Horse in the distance sports. As this is a special, significant recognition award there may be years when there is not a recipient.
2. Procedure.
a. The owner of the nominated horse must be a current Competition Card member of AHA in the nomination year. (BOD 2/11)
b. A nominated horse must be registered with the Arabian Horse Association, Canadian Arabian Horse Registry or the Canadian Partbred Arabian Registry.
1) The horse must be living at the time of nomination.
2) The horse to have competed in the year it was nominated.
3) There is no requirement for the horse to have competed in an AHA regional and/or national events.
4) Award is to be based on the horse’s overall distance career. Emphasis is to be placed on the horse’s overall miles and years in competition.
5) Endurance and CTR both to count. (BOD 2/11)
c. Any AHA member can nominate a horse by completing the official nomination form available on the AHA website or the AHA office.
d. A member’s horse may be nominated more than once, but may be selected for the award only once.
e. Nomination deadline is September 1st of each calendar year.
f. The Award Sub-Committee (Awards, AHA Distance Ride Commission and Distance Ride Committee Chairs plus two at-large from the Distance Committee for a total of 5 members) will make the selection at the annual AHA Convention. (BOD 2/11)
g. The owner of the chosen horse agrees to allow AHA to use a picture of the horse and his winning criteria both within AHA publications (magazine, website & brochures) as well as publications outside AHA.
3. Description. A bronze sculpture, designed by Joe Staheli, with a wooden base that includes plates for the engraving of the annual winners was purchased by AHOF and will be displayed in the AHA office. The award for each annual winner will be a suitable award presented to each recipient.
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
Idaho: First in nationals for equine endurance
Messenger-index.com - Full Article
October 8 2014
The 2014 Arabian Horse Association Distance Nationals was held in Oreana. Emmett resident Flora Gertsch won first place for the Arabian 50-mile National Championship Endurance Ride. She and her horse Finalia took third place for all around. The event was held Saturday, Sept. 27, at Teeter Ranch in Oreana.
An endurance ride can best be described as a cross-country contest of 50 or more miles. It is an equestrian athletic event with the same horse and rider covering a measured course within a specified maximum time. Flora and the horse Belesemo Finalia, covered 50 miles in 4.5 hours...
Read more here:
http://www.messenger-index.com/news/first-in-nationals-for-equine-endurance/article_153d28c8-4e38-11e4-9a26-3f2d12a10e2d.html
October 8 2014
The 2014 Arabian Horse Association Distance Nationals was held in Oreana. Emmett resident Flora Gertsch won first place for the Arabian 50-mile National Championship Endurance Ride. She and her horse Finalia took third place for all around. The event was held Saturday, Sept. 27, at Teeter Ranch in Oreana.
An endurance ride can best be described as a cross-country contest of 50 or more miles. It is an equestrian athletic event with the same horse and rider covering a measured course within a specified maximum time. Flora and the horse Belesemo Finalia, covered 50 miles in 4.5 hours...
Read more here:
http://www.messenger-index.com/news/first-in-nationals-for-equine-endurance/article_153d28c8-4e38-11e4-9a26-3f2d12a10e2d.html
Monday, October 06, 2014
Man vs. Horse: Riders cross finish line together for their animals
DCourier.com - Full Article
10/5/2014 6:02:00 AM
31st Annual Man Against Horse Race
Man vs. Horse: Riders cross finish line together for their animals
Horseback riders Troy Eckard and Dayna Weary were dueling at the front of the pack throughout the Man Against Horse Race on Saturday, but you wouldn't have known it.
Instead of grinding it out until the bitter end, Eckard and Weary decided to trot their horses, OT Rymonigly and Max, respectively, to the finish line together to protect their animals from harm.
They crossed the line in just over 7 hours, becoming the first of about 35 riders in the 50-mile race to do so. Eckard and Weary lost to runner James Bonnett of Phoenix, but earned belt buckle prizes nonetheless.
"We're not ultra runners - it's not all about us and it's not all about the ego," Weary said of she and Eckard's rationale for coming in together. "It's about the relationship with the horse and what these horses give to us..."
Read more here:
http://dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=136913
10/5/2014 6:02:00 AM
31st Annual Man Against Horse Race
Man vs. Horse: Riders cross finish line together for their animals
Horseback riders Troy Eckard and Dayna Weary were dueling at the front of the pack throughout the Man Against Horse Race on Saturday, but you wouldn't have known it.
Instead of grinding it out until the bitter end, Eckard and Weary decided to trot their horses, OT Rymonigly and Max, respectively, to the finish line together to protect their animals from harm.
They crossed the line in just over 7 hours, becoming the first of about 35 riders in the 50-mile race to do so. Eckard and Weary lost to runner James Bonnett of Phoenix, but earned belt buckle prizes nonetheless.
"We're not ultra runners - it's not all about us and it's not all about the ego," Weary said of she and Eckard's rationale for coming in together. "It's about the relationship with the horse and what these horses give to us..."
Read more here:
http://dcourier.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=2&ArticleID=136913
Thursday, October 02, 2014
Now That's Endurance: the 2014 AHA Distance Nationals/Owyhee Canyonlands Pioneer
October 1 2014
Merri Melde-Endurance.net
You can define endurance riding success in many ways: starting a horse, overcoming your fears and getting his first completion (as Lynne White so eloquently described here); completing your first 50 mile ride as a junior; finishing 4 days in a row of LDs when you're an older rider with a painful old injured knee; winning an AHA Distance National Championship; or finishing a dark, wet, cold 100 miler after about 23 hours.
All of that and more transpired over Sept 25-28 in southwest Idaho at the Teeter Ranch. Ride managers Steph Teeter and Regina Rose marked the trails, the AHA people came to run the 2014 Arabian Horse Association Distance Nationals/Owyhee Canyonlands Pioneer CTR/endurance rides. Last year's AHA Distance Endurance and Competitive Trail Ride Championships took place in Illinois. While open to all, this year's rides in Idaho attracted riders from the West, Northwest, and Mountain regions (the USA is a big place, after all, and a long distance to drive for those further east and south).
Cooler weather prevailed - temperatures in the 70's and dropping over the weekend - great for horses. Some rain was predicted for the weekend, but the forecast kept changing, so there was no point worrying about it too soon.
Day 1 you had a choice of a 25 and 50-mile AERC ride, and the first half (40 miles) of the CTR Championship.
14 started and finished the LD, including the 2013 Haggin Cup winners Sue Hedgecock and LZP Julioslastchance, babysitting me and Sue's horse "D" (afterwards known as "Big D"!) on his first endurance ride.
16 started and finished the 50. Christoph Schork continued his winning ways on GE Starlit Way, coming in first place over an hour ahead of his nearest competitor in 4:24, and winning Best Condition, the horse's 10th BC award.
Day 2's 30 miler had 12 starters and finishers with David Brown and Chip, a first time rider, winning in 3:13 and getting Best Condition.
Day 2's 50-miler had 14 starters and finishers, with Christoph and GE Starlit Way repeating their win and Best Condition; they tied for first with Amanda Washington and Truly Majikhal in 5:04.
The second half of the CTR, 30 miles, brought a conclusion to the Arabian Horse Association Competitive Trail Ride on Day 3. Only 4 riders total competed in the CTR Open; only 1 rode in the Purebred Arabian division, and only 2 rode in the Half-Arab/Anglo-Arab Championship. Winner of the Purebred Arabian division with 196.5 points out of 200 was Montana rider Julie Muscutt and Satin Image AZ, a 7-year-old gelding experienced in both CTR and endurance. You could see Julie applying a technique at the mandatory pulse stops of getting her gelding to lower his head, which helped drop his pulse right away. He's a horse that likes to go, and since you have a set pace you must ride in the CTR (finishing 15 minutes either side of the finish time deducts points), between 5 and 7 mph, Julie tries to stay in front on him.
Winner of the Half-Arab/Anglo-Arab CTR Championship with 197 out of 200 points was another Montanan, Suzy Hayes and Sanstormm. The 6-year-old 16.3-hand half-Thoroughbred gelding is by Sanskrit out of Alta Snow, and is quite forward, and can be "intimidating," but he's "a very talented horse."
Suzy's been around the endurance and CTR block a time or two: she started CTR in 1966, and endurance in 1972. Her first endurance ride was the Tevis Cup. Almost 40 years later, she has close to 4000 CTR miles, over 21,000 endurance miles, two slots in the AERC Hall of Fame (her Kootenai Zizzero was 2011 Hall of Fame Equine, and they earned the 1997 Pard'ners Award). Suzy doesn't believe in running horses too fast too soon in endurance, particularly such a young horse who's so big. "The CTR ride was just the perfect way to make one little more step up."
Reserve Half Arab/Anglo-Arabian Champion was Lynn Lee and Londonn's Invader. Suzy Hayes won the Open CTR; Julie Muscutt was second; Lynn Lee was third; and Kathryn Lewandowsky was fourth on Majestic Kid. Only a half a point separated first and second, and a half a point separated second and third! These were some very fit and evenly-matched CTR horses.
Day 3's 25 miler had 11 starters and 10 finishers, with Carol Delisi and DJ Restless Wind winning first place and Best Condition. Ride manager Steph Teeter slipped out on the LD and rode her 23-year-old former World Endurance Championship competitor Nature's Khruschev (Trusty Krusty) with husband John Teeter on Sunny. They turtled, but they didn't tell Krusty that.
Day 3 was also the AHA 50 Mile Championship. 6 started and finished the Arabian purebred division. Winner of the Purebred Championship was Idaho's Flora Gertsch and Belesema Finalia in a ride time of 4:35. Flora started riding the Belesemo Trad mare in 2012; they most recently won the Old Selam 50 at the end of August.
Reserve Champion Purebred went to Colorado's Kerry Redente and 6-year-old AM Great Othello+. Kerry was a busy gal over the weekend. The AHA US Sporthorse Nationals were going on the same weekend in Nampa, Idaho, an hour away. Kerry stopped there first on Thursday and Friday with AM Great Othello+, and rode away with a Top Ten placing in the Purebred Sporthorse Under Saddle Amateur Owner to Ride out of 36 horses. Amanda Washington and Eternel Indian Summer scored a double Best Condition award, in the Purebred Arabian and the open AERC division.
Winner of the Half Arab/Anglo-Arabian Championship was Colorado's Pete Hommertzheim and his 8-year-old mare Classy Investment. "Jessi" and Pete won last year's 100-mile AHA Distance Nationals Championship in Illinois. Elizabeth Dagnall and Roses April Rain were the Reserve Champions; there were 3 starters and 2 finishers in this division.
26 starters were in the open AERC 50 with 22 finishers. Pete and Jessi won the overall ride by a galloping length over Boise's Errol Fife and Joker (yes, he has been called Errol Flynn many times). Another standout finisher in the open 50 on Day 3 was just-turned-12-yr-old Junior Greta Berner, completing her first 50-mile ride ride on the sometimes-naughty, always-cute pony Benjamin. Greta and her Junior sister Clara rode the LD the first day with their mom, who was, at times, she admitted, a nervous wreck. Riding with your kids in endurance is rewarding, but it can be stressful!
Day 4 featured the 100-mile AHA Championship, in addition to a 30 and 50 mile ride. 10 started and completed the 30-mile ride, with Sally Tarbet and Jassen's Legacy Stone winning first place in 3:07, and Best Condition. Carol Delisi finished 3rd; she was one of the 3 riders completing all 4 days of LDs on the same horse. Chris Cane did the same on her eye-catching Paso Fino Phaetana Del Padre, as did Carolyn Roberts on Manhattanincident - the older rider with the wrecked knee, which just goes to show, the definition of "endurance" is different to all people, but can be just as challenging and rewarding!
California's Ann Kratochvil won the 50 on GF Brazil's Envy in 5:58. Envy has won the AERC War Mare award the last 2 years (based on the most overall placing points accrued by the same mare/rider team during one season). She has over 8300 miles; Ann has over 23,000. Best Condition went to second place Lynne Mahoney and WCF Summ Cyte. 8 of 9 starters finished the 50.
Some of the country's best horses and riders showed up for the AHA 100-Mile Championship (well, those from the western half of the US, anyway!). The competitors signed up for the purebred AHA division were 22,000+ mile Joyce Sousa and 21-year-old, 8800+ mile LV Integrity; 2013 Haggin Cup winners Sue Hedgecock and LZP Julioslastchance from Utah; 16,000+ mile Suzanne Ford Huff and SD Expressa (second in last year's 100-mile AERC Championship) from Nevada; Idaho's Layne Simmons and Beauty's Harley; Californian Tom Johnson and AM Lady Liberty Wins; and 2012 Haggin Cup and 2013 Tevis Cup winner Rusty Toth of Colorado riding FV Aul Mystery.
Competing in the Half-Arab/Anglo-Arab division were 29,000+ mile Connie Creech and LS Steele Breeze from Nevada; AERC Hall of Famer Suzy Hayes riding Greenbriar Al Jabal from Montana; Washington's Carla Eigenauer and NEH Annie Oakley; Nevada's 12,000+ mile Beth Kauffmann and Pal-Ara Durango; and AERC's winningest rider Christoph Schork from Utah riding GE CMS Oso Elegant.
8 more open 100-mile riders rounded out the 18 starters, including 2 Juniors from BC, Canada - Katya and Anya Levermann - riding with a trio of Idaho girls, Carrie Johnson, Jodie Lucas, and Nance Worman as their sponsors.
Sadly, after driving all the way from California, LV Integrity was off in his trot-out at the vet in, and did not pass the starting inspection, so the Sousas loaded up Saturday and headed back home. While it dimmed the luster of the event a bit, it didn't diminish Joyce's gratefulness with her horse and the sport. "I'm just thrilled to be here," she said when they arrived. "I know Ritzy doesn't have too many rides left in his career, so I enjoy every one of them." This year's AHA Championship would turn out not to be one, but there will still be others.
Right about starting time, 7 AM, under heavy gray skies and about 65*F, the rain began. What had been weeks of dusty trails became slick clay in places for the first two loops. Rain held off the rest of the day until the next phase of the storm came in that night.
Six riders came in to the first vet check together off the first 15 mile loop: Huff, Hedgecock, Toth, Eigenauer, Hayes, and Tom Johnson. After a 15 minute hold in camp, they headed out on a big loop into the desert.
After 19 more miles, the field was separated into 3 definite groups. Front runners Huff, Eigenauer, Hedgecock, Toth, Tom Johnson, and Hayes were within 3 minutes of each other. The last group of Worman, Carrie Johnson, Lucas and the Levermann juniors were over an hour back already, walking in the last several miles because Johnson's horse was lame. The girls were all in good spirits, though Katya was riding with a bad cold, and mother Katrin was a nervous wreck. Notice this theme with mothers and endurance riding daughters?
After another 19 mile stretch around Wild Horse Butte along the Snake River, the same front runners again arrived within minutes of each other, and Toth's horse was pulled for lameness.
Another 12 miles back into basecamp for Vet check 4 completed the big loop. Three riders pulled Rider Option here: Eigenauer, and open riders Kaci Monroe and Sherrie Calaway.
After the 5th loop of 20 miles, at a total of 85 miles, Huff and Johnson led out on the final 15-mile trail, followed by Hedgecock a minute behind, and Hayes a few minutes after that. Tom Johnson earlier predicted he'd finish the ride in about 10 hours' ride time. And in 8 minutes short of 10 hours, just before dark, Johnson aboard AM Lady Liberty Wins came galloping in two lengths ahead of Sue Hedgecock and LZP Julioslastchance, the Champion and Reserve Champion, respectively, in the AHA Purebred division. Twelve minutes later, Suzanne Ford Huff and SD Expressa crossed the finish line.
37 minutes later, Suzy Hayes and Greenbriar Al Jabal crossed the finish line as the Half-Arab/Anglo-Arab Champions.
Just as Christoph Schork stepped off GE CMS Oso Elegant at the finish line over an hour later as the Reserve Half-Arab/Anglo-Arab Champion, the first drop of rain fell.
And it never stopped. All night. Kauffmann and Creech finished in the rain 2 1/2 hours later, followed by Simmons, and Swiss gal Marina Huber riding Schork's horse RR Jazz Dancer.
Jodie Lucas was pulled at the last vet check - 85 miles - which left Worman and the two Levermann juniors to ride the last 15 miles in the very dark, very wet, and very cold night. Nance Worman is a hero to most of the northwest endurance riders: an "Owyhee Tough Sucker" who has often ridden 50 miles, 50 miles, and 100 miles at our 3-day Fandango rides, with 9500+ AERC miles and an always-cheerful personality even when she's worn out. She's had some extreme endurance rides this year. Caught out on trail in a lightning storm at City of Rocks in September, she said "That was the most frightened I've ever been!"
Schork had said that on the way in on his last loop, he couldn't see his hand in front of his face, and that was before the rain started. Oreana must have gotten half its annual rainfall that night, during which Worman and the Levermann girls continued marching along in the wet, foggy, cold, dark night, where they could only walk over the snot-slick trails. After finishing near 6 AM in more than 12 hours of rain Worman commented (not complained), "I was soooooo cold!"
The girls were bleary-eyed late the next morning (Katya was still sick and had lost her voice; Anya was grinning as usual) but Anya had finished her 4th 100-mile ride, and Katya had finished her second. It would help make their 850-mile drive back home a little less tiring - and a bit shorter than their 100-mile time in the saddle!
Next morning, with basecamp looking like Malaysia during the monsoon season, 3 horses showed for Best Condition. Suzy Hayes and Green Briar Al Jabal won the Half Arabian/Anglo-Arabian BC award, and Suzanne Ford Huff and SD Expressa won the Purebred Arabian, and the AERC Open BC.
Attendance was down at the ride - as it has been in general around the country, and AHA was probably disappointed with the turnout for the championship rides (no juniors participated), though they did provide lovely prizes donated by excellent and supportive sponsors**.
And can I say enough about the volunteers who help put on a big ride like this? Endurance rider Clarissa Hale in particular drove all the way from Redding California, without a horse, just to help all 4 days. Sometimes when you have high stakes rides held simultaneously with local competitions, tensions among those with different endurance goals can flare tempers. However, the AHA people who came for the ride were a fun and helpful presence all week and they slid smoothly into the ride management team: eastern Canadian veterinarian Art King; Devon Smith from the AHA office in Colorado; Rusty Cook, the Region 8 director from New Mexico; and Distance Nationals Commission chairman, ride secretary, and volunteer extraordinaire Eric Reuter from Tennessee. AHA President Cynthia Richardson - whose first endurance ride was in 1996 in the Tevis Cup - dropped in for the 100-mile ride, all day and night, not only watching but helping out by pulsing riders. Head veterinarian Mike Foss and his fellow vets King, Robert Washington, and Dick Root kept the rides rolling smoothly.
And can I say enough about the horses, who carry us over the endurance trails? From the multi-thousand-mile horses to the first-time LD horses, carrying Haggin Cup winners to first-time junior riders, through the wind and rain, 25 miles, 50 miles, or 100 miles, they got us down the trail, through the dark and daylight and dark, helping us accomplish our very disparate goals of winning Championships or completing rides.
Now that's endurance.
Photos and complete results can be seen here:
www.endurance.net/international/USA/2014AHA
**If you get a chance to thank the sponsors, please do so! Without them, these events can't take place: Corporate Sponsors WeatherBeeta and Wintec and Adequan; Regional Sponsors from Region 7, 8, 10 11, 12, 13, and 17; Private Sponsors Platinum, Al-Marah Arabians, Belesemo Arabians, Ms Cynthia Richardson, Distance Depot, Donovan Rubley, EasyCare, FlexSleeve, Global Equine Training Center, Mandolynn Hill Farm, Margo Shallcross, Schneider's Saddlery, Southeast Endurance Riders Association, Texas Arabian Distance Riders Association, Triangle Farms, Troxel, and Troy Nelson DVM.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
After tragic Western States Trail spill, Auburn man recovers to ride in Tevis Cup
Auburnjournal.com - Full Article
Tuesday Sep 30 2014
Local health club helps Schafer overcome broken knee, hip and collarbone
By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor
Daniel Schafer thought he’d never ride again.
In May of 2013, the 70-year-old Auburn resident was involved in a tragic accident along the Western States Trail, tumbling down a steep embankment at the Auburn State Recreation Area while riding his horse.
At the time of the incident, Supervising Park Ranger Scott Liske told the Journal Schafer fell down about 100 feet off the trail near the Ruck-a-Chucky Campground.
“I went off the cliff and when I woke up all I could see was blood,” said Schafer, who was then airlifted by a California Highway Patrol helicopter to Sutter Roseville Medical Center. “I was pretty broken.”
The spill left Schafer with a broken knee, hip and collarbone and about 100 staples in his head and arm. He had plastic surgery on his eye, which needed some 70 stitches..
Read more here:
http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/9/29/14/after-tragic-western-states-trail-spill-auburn-man-recovers-ride-tevis-cup
Tuesday Sep 30 2014
Local health club helps Schafer overcome broken knee, hip and collarbone
By: Matthew Kimel, Journal sports editor
Daniel Schafer thought he’d never ride again.
In May of 2013, the 70-year-old Auburn resident was involved in a tragic accident along the Western States Trail, tumbling down a steep embankment at the Auburn State Recreation Area while riding his horse.
At the time of the incident, Supervising Park Ranger Scott Liske told the Journal Schafer fell down about 100 feet off the trail near the Ruck-a-Chucky Campground.
“I went off the cliff and when I woke up all I could see was blood,” said Schafer, who was then airlifted by a California Highway Patrol helicopter to Sutter Roseville Medical Center. “I was pretty broken.”
The spill left Schafer with a broken knee, hip and collarbone and about 100 staples in his head and arm. He had plastic surgery on his eye, which needed some 70 stitches..
Read more here:
http://www.auburnjournal.com/article/9/29/14/after-tragic-western-states-trail-spill-auburn-man-recovers-ride-tevis-cup
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Popularity of endurance horse riding is growing in WNY
Buffalonews.com - Full Article
By Teresa Sharp
Niagara correspondent
on September 28, 2014
They come from varied backgrounds and ride a range of breeds, but these athletes all have one goal in mind – to test their horsemanship across distances of 15, 30 – and for some – even 100 miles. And to do it on deadline.
They will move as one with their horses across demanding terrain, and in the end, they will know their own and their horses’ capabilities and maybe even their limits, more intimately than they ever had before.
Welcome to the exhilarating world of endurance horse riding, better known out West, but growing in popularity in Western New York.
A small group of local members of an “Endurance Green Bean Team,” or novice group, is preparing for a 30-mile endurance ride Saturday in Allegany State Park, called the “Allegany Shut Up and Ride,” endorsed by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC).
Sue Neidlinger, owner of Shoppe on Main in Newfane, will enter the competition with her 12-year-old pony, Spirit.
She said training for such an event is “very similar to training for a marathon...”
Read more here:
http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/niagara-county/popularity-of-endurance-horse-riding-is-growing-in-wny-20140928
By Teresa Sharp
Niagara correspondent
on September 28, 2014
They come from varied backgrounds and ride a range of breeds, but these athletes all have one goal in mind – to test their horsemanship across distances of 15, 30 – and for some – even 100 miles. And to do it on deadline.
They will move as one with their horses across demanding terrain, and in the end, they will know their own and their horses’ capabilities and maybe even their limits, more intimately than they ever had before.
Welcome to the exhilarating world of endurance horse riding, better known out West, but growing in popularity in Western New York.
A small group of local members of an “Endurance Green Bean Team,” or novice group, is preparing for a 30-mile endurance ride Saturday in Allegany State Park, called the “Allegany Shut Up and Ride,” endorsed by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC).
Sue Neidlinger, owner of Shoppe on Main in Newfane, will enter the competition with her 12-year-old pony, Spirit.
She said training for such an event is “very similar to training for a marathon...”
Read more here:
http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/niagara-county/popularity-of-endurance-horse-riding-is-growing-in-wny-20140928
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Horse ride for Kristina Chesterman
Paradisepost.com - Full Article
By Trevor Warner Assistant Managing Editor
09/23/2014 03:53:04 PM PDT
A year after Kristina Chesterman was killed by a drunk driver, the Chico State University nursing student is leaving her mark on the Ridge and the world. The inaugural Kristina Chesterman Memorial Ride on Sept. 13 at Meadowbrook Ranch last week, and with its success comes the promise of a healthier life for people in Ozu Abam, Nigeria.
"After she graduated, she wanted to spend her first year with Doctors Without Boarders," Dave Chesterman, Kristina's father, said. "After she died one of her teachers (Darcy Lewis) decided to start this project to build a clinic over in Africa in (Kristina's) name."
With the Chesterman's blessings, Lewis contacted JayaMae Gregory, a friend and long-time endurance trail horse rider, and talked to her about organizing a fundraiser...
Read more here:
http://www.paradisepost.com/news/ci_26591570/horse-ride-kristina-chesterman
By Trevor Warner Assistant Managing Editor
09/23/2014 03:53:04 PM PDT
A year after Kristina Chesterman was killed by a drunk driver, the Chico State University nursing student is leaving her mark on the Ridge and the world. The inaugural Kristina Chesterman Memorial Ride on Sept. 13 at Meadowbrook Ranch last week, and with its success comes the promise of a healthier life for people in Ozu Abam, Nigeria.
"After she graduated, she wanted to spend her first year with Doctors Without Boarders," Dave Chesterman, Kristina's father, said. "After she died one of her teachers (Darcy Lewis) decided to start this project to build a clinic over in Africa in (Kristina's) name."
With the Chesterman's blessings, Lewis contacted JayaMae Gregory, a friend and long-time endurance trail horse rider, and talked to her about organizing a fundraiser...
Read more here:
http://www.paradisepost.com/news/ci_26591570/horse-ride-kristina-chesterman
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Constanti and Crandell win Virginia City 100
September 20 2014
Shannon Constanti riding Raffle, and John Crandell riding Cowbboy Bob tied for first place in the 47th Virginia City 100 ride in Virginia City, Nevada on September 20th in a riding time of 13:47. Cowbboy Bob won Best Condition. Judith Ogus, riding Most Adoraable was third in 16:14.
29 riders of approximately 40 riders completed the ride. Fire Mt Destiny, ridden by Gina Hall, became only the 5th horse to ever attain a 1000-mile buckle. Connie Creech, riding LS Shardonney Bey + /, completed her 23rd VC 100. Pat Chappell, riding Dusty Starshine Zarif, finished her 16th VC 100.
For complete results and some photos from Alisanne Steel, see
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2014VirginiaCity100/
Shannon Constanti riding Raffle, and John Crandell riding Cowbboy Bob tied for first place in the 47th Virginia City 100 ride in Virginia City, Nevada on September 20th in a riding time of 13:47. Cowbboy Bob won Best Condition. Judith Ogus, riding Most Adoraable was third in 16:14.
29 riders of approximately 40 riders completed the ride. Fire Mt Destiny, ridden by Gina Hall, became only the 5th horse to ever attain a 1000-mile buckle. Connie Creech, riding LS Shardonney Bey + /, completed her 23rd VC 100. Pat Chappell, riding Dusty Starshine Zarif, finished her 16th VC 100.
For complete results and some photos from Alisanne Steel, see
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2014VirginiaCity100/
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Endurance races to boost Leicester's Hope for Horses
Citizen-times.com - Full Article
Mark Bennett, Citizen-Times correspondent
3:13 p.m. EDT September 17, 2014
With weekend after weekend of 5Ks, 8Ks and 10Ks, the distances covered by runners in Hope for Horses' second annual Endurance Race & Ultra Marathon this Saturday may look like typos: There's a 50K (about 31 miles) and an 80K (nearly 50).
For much of that distance along trails at the Biltmore Estate, two-legged runners will not be alone. Four-legged competitors will be sharing the route — or six-legged, if you add in the horses' riders, who will be taking on 30- and 50-mile courses.
The Biltmore trails are wider than a single-track course, said run manager Peter Ripmaster, proprietor of Black Mountain Running Co., so "there's plenty of space for runners and horseback riders to coexist on the trail.
"Last year I ran the race and didn't have anything close to an issue with the horses. They stay to one side of the path and you hear them coming," Ripmaster said. "Riders always slow the horses down as they come close to the runners and gently go by you." Words of encouragement are customarily exchanged in passing, he said...
Read more here:
http://www.citizen-times.com/story/life/2014/09/17/endurance-races-boost-leicesters-hope-horses/15768663/
Mark Bennett, Citizen-Times correspondent
3:13 p.m. EDT September 17, 2014
With weekend after weekend of 5Ks, 8Ks and 10Ks, the distances covered by runners in Hope for Horses' second annual Endurance Race & Ultra Marathon this Saturday may look like typos: There's a 50K (about 31 miles) and an 80K (nearly 50).
For much of that distance along trails at the Biltmore Estate, two-legged runners will not be alone. Four-legged competitors will be sharing the route — or six-legged, if you add in the horses' riders, who will be taking on 30- and 50-mile courses.
The Biltmore trails are wider than a single-track course, said run manager Peter Ripmaster, proprietor of Black Mountain Running Co., so "there's plenty of space for runners and horseback riders to coexist on the trail.
"Last year I ran the race and didn't have anything close to an issue with the horses. They stay to one side of the path and you hear them coming," Ripmaster said. "Riders always slow the horses down as they come close to the runners and gently go by you." Words of encouragement are customarily exchanged in passing, he said...
Read more here:
http://www.citizen-times.com/story/life/2014/09/17/endurance-races-boost-leicesters-hope-horses/15768663/
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Endurance is Life
Redheadedendurance BlogSeptember 16 2014
by Bird
Ask almost any endurance enthusiast to tell you a ride story and you'll probably be met with a broad grin and a tale that could contain completions, placings, goals met--or things going completely sideways--or both! Whatever the finishing result the story probably also contains excitement, joy, fear, frustration, pain, exhaustion; basically it's safe to assume you'll run through most of the gamut of human emotions out on the AERC trail. Whether you are riding your first LD, a long awaited 50, a bucket list 100, the mental and physical journey will be there. There are undoubtedly levels of difficulty and necessary preparation within those distances that must be acknowledged and respected. At the end of the day though, every person that crosses a start line at one of our beloved endurance rides has started somewhere, paid their dues in some form, packed their everything, kitchen sink, AND hopes into their rig, and if they're lucky, set out down the endurance trail on ride morning on a good friend with a dream in their heart...
Read more here:
http://redheadedendurance.blogspot.com/2014/09/endurance-is-life.html?spref=fb
Louisa woman has ride of a lifetime
Dailyindependent.com - Full Article
Posted: Tuesday, September 16, 2014 5:21 pm
Not many middle-aged women living in northeastern Kentucky would ever consider traveling halfway around the world to go on a 1,000-mile endurance ride on horseback in one of the most remote parts of the world. But Amy Whelan is not like most women.
To Whelan, who lives on a farm near Louisa, spending hours riding a horse across the high plains and mountains of Mongolia was an adventure for which she trained for a year. Her only disappointment is that she broke her collarbone in three places in an accident during the race and was unable to finish the 1,000-kilometer derby on a route that mirrors the postal route established by Genghis Kahn in the 13th century. Despite the disappointment of not finishing the endurance derby, Whelan is quick to tell anyone who is willing to listen that the experience was “awesome” — something that, despite her injuries, she does not at all regret doing.
The derby on tough Mongolian horses bred for endurance required Whelan to employ every skill she has learned in a half century of riding and to push herself to the limit. Needless to say, the other riders in the race were also riding “fanatics” who, like Whelan, came to Mongolia to pit themselves against nature.
The riders did have some modern conveniences not available to those postal riders in the 13th century. They all carried GPS units and electronic trackers to find their way and remain in touch with organizers and are supported by a network of way stations. They also changed horses about every 25 miles...
Read more here:
http://www.dailyindependent.com/opinion/article_76bf2008-3de7-11e4-a1cc-ef402eecbd84.html`
Posted: Tuesday, September 16, 2014 5:21 pm
Not many middle-aged women living in northeastern Kentucky would ever consider traveling halfway around the world to go on a 1,000-mile endurance ride on horseback in one of the most remote parts of the world. But Amy Whelan is not like most women.
To Whelan, who lives on a farm near Louisa, spending hours riding a horse across the high plains and mountains of Mongolia was an adventure for which she trained for a year. Her only disappointment is that she broke her collarbone in three places in an accident during the race and was unable to finish the 1,000-kilometer derby on a route that mirrors the postal route established by Genghis Kahn in the 13th century. Despite the disappointment of not finishing the endurance derby, Whelan is quick to tell anyone who is willing to listen that the experience was “awesome” — something that, despite her injuries, she does not at all regret doing.
The derby on tough Mongolian horses bred for endurance required Whelan to employ every skill she has learned in a half century of riding and to push herself to the limit. Needless to say, the other riders in the race were also riding “fanatics” who, like Whelan, came to Mongolia to pit themselves against nature.
The riders did have some modern conveniences not available to those postal riders in the 13th century. They all carried GPS units and electronic trackers to find their way and remain in touch with organizers and are supported by a network of way stations. They also changed horses about every 25 miles...
Read more here:
http://www.dailyindependent.com/opinion/article_76bf2008-3de7-11e4-a1cc-ef402eecbd84.html`
Monday, September 15, 2014
Canada: Endurance racer thrown from horse and airlifted to hospital
Infotel.ca
September 14, 2014 - 9:55 AM
WEST KELOWNA – A woman taking part in an endurance horse race in the Jackpine Lake west of West Kelowna had to be airlifted to hospital Saturday morning after she was thrown from her horse.
The woman, in her 40’s, suffered upper body injuries and was knocked unconscious. Her horse got spooked and tossed her into a tree, according to a media release from Central Okanagan Search and Rescue.
An emergency room nurse and other racers performed first aid until B.C. Ambulance paramedics and a search and rescue volunteer arrived.
A helicopter was called and the injured woman was airlifted to Kelowna General. There’s no word on her condition.
She was taking part in the 2014 Champion Equestrian Endurance Horse Race at the Telemark Cross Country Ski Club’s trails. The competitors ride courses up to 120 kilometres in length within a 24 hour period.
September 14, 2014 - 9:55 AM
WEST KELOWNA – A woman taking part in an endurance horse race in the Jackpine Lake west of West Kelowna had to be airlifted to hospital Saturday morning after she was thrown from her horse.
The woman, in her 40’s, suffered upper body injuries and was knocked unconscious. Her horse got spooked and tossed her into a tree, according to a media release from Central Okanagan Search and Rescue.
An emergency room nurse and other racers performed first aid until B.C. Ambulance paramedics and a search and rescue volunteer arrived.
A helicopter was called and the injured woman was airlifted to Kelowna General. There’s no word on her condition.
She was taking part in the 2014 Champion Equestrian Endurance Horse Race at the Telemark Cross Country Ski Club’s trails. The competitors ride courses up to 120 kilometres in length within a 24 hour period.
Horse, rider being put to endurance test in West Kelowna, Canada
Kelownadailycourier.ca - Full Article
September 14, 2014
JP Squire
This weekend is the B.C. equestrian endurance championships on the Telemark Cross-Country Ski Club’s trails in West Kelowna.
“Endurance is a long-distance competition against the clock, testing the speed and endurance of a horse, and challenging the rider who must safely manage the horse’s stamina and fitness,” explained championships co-manager Daphne Richard.
“Endurance involves a set course of up to 100 miles (160 kilometres) to be completed within a 24-hour period. Riders want to finish the course as quickly as possible with a sound, healthy horse. Welfare of the horse is paramount. There are multiple veterinary checks along each course at which horses receive a soundness exam to ensure that they are fit to continue..."
Read more here:
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/opinion/columnists/article_230ac836-3af9-11e4-b1de-001a4bcf6878.html
September 14, 2014
JP Squire
This weekend is the B.C. equestrian endurance championships on the Telemark Cross-Country Ski Club’s trails in West Kelowna.
“Endurance is a long-distance competition against the clock, testing the speed and endurance of a horse, and challenging the rider who must safely manage the horse’s stamina and fitness,” explained championships co-manager Daphne Richard.
“Endurance involves a set course of up to 100 miles (160 kilometres) to be completed within a 24-hour period. Riders want to finish the course as quickly as possible with a sound, healthy horse. Welfare of the horse is paramount. There are multiple veterinary checks along each course at which horses receive a soundness exam to ensure that they are fit to continue..."
Read more here:
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/opinion/columnists/article_230ac836-3af9-11e4-b1de-001a4bcf6878.html
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) Update: 248 Colorado Quarantines Since Beginning of Outbreak
Colorado.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 4, 2014
Contacts:
Veterinarians and Livestock Owners: State Veterinarian’s Office, (303) 869-9130
Media: Christi Lightcap, (303) 869-9005, Christi.Lightcap@state.co.us
Vesicular Stomatitis (VS): 248 Colorado Quarantines Since Beginning of Outbreak
Guidelines for Livestock Shows, Fairs, Exhibitions, and Events
BROOMFIELD, Colo. – As of 9/4/2014, the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian’s Office has 208 locations under quarantine after horses and cows tested positive for Vesicular Stomatitis (VS); 40 of the 248 quarantines have now been released.
“The number of quarantined premises is actually going down in some counties as horses are healing and the quarantines are being released. We continue to see new cases so continue to ramp up your fly control. The State Veterinarian’s Office is following up on reports of horse owners who have moved their horses out of a quarantined facility. If requirements of the quarantine are not followed, the Department will investigate, write citations for violations, and institute fines according to the Livestock Health Act in State statute,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.
If you plan to transport your horse to another state, be sure to check with the State Veterinarian's Office in the state of destination as to any special new restrictions for movement of your horse into their state. Some states have instituted new requirements for the import of Colorado horses due to the VS outbreak.
VS can be painful for animals and costly to their owners. The virus typically causes oral blisters and sores that can be painful causing difficulty in eating and drinking. In Colorado, there have been 344 horses and 7 cows that tested positive for VS.
County totals for premises under quarantine are:
· Adams – 10 (1 released)
· Boulder – 61 (10 released)
· Broomfield – 2
· Douglas – 1
· El Paso – 1
· Jefferson – 16
· Larimer – 65
· Morgan - 1
· Weld – 51 (29 released)
For more info, see:
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheadername1=Content-Disposition&blobheadername2=Content-Type&blobheadervalue1=inline%3B+filename%3D%229%2F4%2F2014+Vesicular+Stomatitis+%28VS%29%3A+248+Colorado+Quarantines+Since+Beginning+of+Outbreak.htm%22&blobheadervalue2=text%2Fhtml&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1252030596985&ssbinary=true
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 4, 2014
Contacts:
Veterinarians and Livestock Owners: State Veterinarian’s Office, (303) 869-9130
Media: Christi Lightcap, (303) 869-9005, Christi.Lightcap@state.co.us
Vesicular Stomatitis (VS): 248 Colorado Quarantines Since Beginning of Outbreak
Guidelines for Livestock Shows, Fairs, Exhibitions, and Events
BROOMFIELD, Colo. – As of 9/4/2014, the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian’s Office has 208 locations under quarantine after horses and cows tested positive for Vesicular Stomatitis (VS); 40 of the 248 quarantines have now been released.
“The number of quarantined premises is actually going down in some counties as horses are healing and the quarantines are being released. We continue to see new cases so continue to ramp up your fly control. The State Veterinarian’s Office is following up on reports of horse owners who have moved their horses out of a quarantined facility. If requirements of the quarantine are not followed, the Department will investigate, write citations for violations, and institute fines according to the Livestock Health Act in State statute,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.
If you plan to transport your horse to another state, be sure to check with the State Veterinarian's Office in the state of destination as to any special new restrictions for movement of your horse into their state. Some states have instituted new requirements for the import of Colorado horses due to the VS outbreak.
VS can be painful for animals and costly to their owners. The virus typically causes oral blisters and sores that can be painful causing difficulty in eating and drinking. In Colorado, there have been 344 horses and 7 cows that tested positive for VS.
County totals for premises under quarantine are:
· Adams – 10 (1 released)
· Boulder – 61 (10 released)
· Broomfield – 2
· Douglas – 1
· El Paso – 1
· Jefferson – 16
· Larimer – 65
· Morgan - 1
· Weld – 51 (29 released)
For more info, see:
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheadername1=Content-Disposition&blobheadername2=Content-Type&blobheadervalue1=inline%3B+filename%3D%229%2F4%2F2014+Vesicular+Stomatitis+%28VS%29%3A+248+Colorado+Quarantines+Since+Beginning+of+Outbreak.htm%22&blobheadervalue2=text%2Fhtml&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1252030596985&ssbinary=true
Endurance Day on Horses In The Morning with Meg Sleeper & Jeremy Olson
Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen!
September 9 2014
This month's Endurance Day on Horses In The Morning radio show with Karen Chaton and Glenn the Geek features WEG competitors Meg Sleeper and Jeremy Olson.
The show opens with a whole new way of looking at yogurt thanks to Karen being a little forgetful. Listen in:
http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/hitm-for-09-09-2014-endurance-day-two-weg-stories-meg-sleeper-and-jeremy-olsen/
September 9 2014
This month's Endurance Day on Horses In The Morning radio show with Karen Chaton and Glenn the Geek features WEG competitors Meg Sleeper and Jeremy Olson.
The show opens with a whole new way of looking at yogurt thanks to Karen being a little forgetful. Listen in:
http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/hitm-for-09-09-2014-endurance-day-two-weg-stories-meg-sleeper-and-jeremy-olsen/
Friday, September 05, 2014
AERC's Newest 4000 mile Horse!
Karenshorsetales Blog - Full StoryThunder is living proof that some crooked legged colts can be more than pasture ornaments! He finished up the first day of the Old Selam 50 with a lifetime total of 4035 AERC miles!!
When Thunder was just a few months old he underwent surgery on his left front leg as it was so terribly crooked. He was born straight but by the time he was 6 weeks old the leg pointed west while he faced north. The veterinarians at Vale Vet Clinic calculated the angles and scraped the periosteum to straighten his leg, the same surgery used on the Kentucky Derby winner, Real Quiet. He was also given a large dose of selenium, copper and zinc as he was deficient and that is the main reason the leg went crooked. He then required special and frequent trimming, which I did. Every two weeks I'd go out and whittle on his front hooves to maintain the trim...
Read more here:
http://karenshorsetales.blogspot.com/2014/09/aercs-newest-4000-mile-horse.html
Tuesday, September 02, 2014
Endurance.net's Book of the Month: Suffering in Silence-Exploring the Painful Truth: The Saddle-Fit Link to Physical and Psychological Trauma in Horses
http://www.endurance.net/market/bookstore/
by Jochen Schleese (Sep 15, 2014)
Each year riders, trainers, and horse owners spend fortunes (literally) on veterinary attention, farrier work, pharmaceuticals, supplements, and physical therapies, all in an attempt to keep their horses healthy, sound, and performing their best. They invest time and money in finding their own boots, breeches, helmets, and chaps to ensure what they wear in the saddle is safe, comfortable, flattering, and right for the job at hand.
And yet still many balk at thoroughly understanding and examining the most basic and fundamental means of connection with the horse in most equestrian sports: the saddle.
Master saddler and saddle ergonomist Jochen Schleese says it is time to think intelligently about saddle choice and saddle fit for both horse and rider. In his new book, SUFFERING IN SILENCE: THE SADDLE-FIT LINK TO PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA IN HORSES, Schleese calls on all those involved in caring for and working with horses—riders, trainers, veterinarians, farriers, saddle fitters—to not only educate themselves in terms of the detrimental impact of poor saddle fit, but to also find a way to work cooperatively together toward a better and brighter future for the horse.
We must ask ourselves how much better could we ride and how much better could our horses perform if our saddles: • Fit optimally? • Accommodated each horse’s unique conformation and natural asymmetry? • Were built for the differing anatomy of men and women?
The answers to all these questions and more are in Jochen Schleese’s book SUFFERING IN SILENCE.
Jochen Schleese has been working in the equestrian industry as a master saddler and saddle fitter for over 34 years and studied and built “gender-appropriate saddles” for over 20 of those. He completed both his journeyman’s and master’s certification at Passier and Sohn in Germany. In 1986 he was asked to come to Canada as the Official Saddler for the World Dressage Championships, held for the first time outside of Europe, and in 2005, 2007, and 2009 he held the same position for the World Cup Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In 1990, Jochen developed a three-year certification program for the trade of saddlery together with the Ontario Ministry of Skills Development. He received a US Patent in 1996 for his innovative adjustable AdapTree® saddle tree, which is specifically made for the female anatomy, and he has been featured twice on Discovery Channel (How It’s Made and Harrowsmith Country Life). Jochen teaches his Saddlefit 4 Life® philosophy all over the world in conjunction with the German National Riding School, United States Dressage Federation, Ontario Equestrian Federation, Professional Trainers Verband in Germany, and at veterinary conferences in Brazil.
Friday, August 29, 2014
Vesicular Stomatitis (VS) Update: 184 Colorado Quarantines
Colorado.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2014
Contacts:
Veterinarians and Livestock Owners: State Veterinarian’s Office, (303) 869-9130
Media: Christi Lightcap, (303) 869-9005, Christi.Lightcap@state.co.us
Vesicular Stomatitis (VS): 222 Colorado Quarantines Since Beginning of Outbreak
Guidelines for Livestock Shows, Fairs, Exhibitions, and Events
BROOMFIELD, Colo. –As of 8/27/2014, the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian’s Office has 205 locations under quarantine after horses and cows tested positive for Vesicular Stomatitis (VS); 17 of the 222 total quarantines have now been released.
“The good news is that we have been able to release a number of quarantines and we expect that number to increase over the coming days and weeks. But, livestock owners must remain vigilant in their fly control. There is evidence that fly control as a prevention practice has been effective in disease prevention,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.
VS can be painful for animals and costly to their owners. The virus typically causes oral blisters and sores that can be painful causing difficulty in eating and drinking. In Colorado, there have been 313 horses and 7 cows that tested positive for VS.
County totals are:
· Adams – 10 (1 released)
· Boulder – 67 (6 released)
· Broomfield – 2
· Douglas – 1
· El Paso – 1
· Jefferson – 10
· Larimer – 56
· Weld – 75 (10 released)
More...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2014
Contacts:
Veterinarians and Livestock Owners: State Veterinarian’s Office, (303) 869-9130
Media: Christi Lightcap, (303) 869-9005, Christi.Lightcap@state.co.us
Vesicular Stomatitis (VS): 222 Colorado Quarantines Since Beginning of Outbreak
Guidelines for Livestock Shows, Fairs, Exhibitions, and Events
BROOMFIELD, Colo. –As of 8/27/2014, the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian’s Office has 205 locations under quarantine after horses and cows tested positive for Vesicular Stomatitis (VS); 17 of the 222 total quarantines have now been released.
“The good news is that we have been able to release a number of quarantines and we expect that number to increase over the coming days and weeks. But, livestock owners must remain vigilant in their fly control. There is evidence that fly control as a prevention practice has been effective in disease prevention,” said State Veterinarian, Dr. Keith Roehr.
VS can be painful for animals and costly to their owners. The virus typically causes oral blisters and sores that can be painful causing difficulty in eating and drinking. In Colorado, there have been 313 horses and 7 cows that tested positive for VS.
County totals are:
· Adams – 10 (1 released)
· Boulder – 67 (6 released)
· Broomfield – 2
· Douglas – 1
· El Paso – 1
· Jefferson – 10
· Larimer – 56
· Weld – 75 (10 released)
More...
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
Howell completes 100-mile horse ride
NKCCNews.com
By Community Member | August 25, 2014 11:50 pm
Mary Howell, a New Kent resident, completed a 100-mile endurance horse ride with her rescue horse Gryphon in a trail ride in Auburn, Ca.
Howell was among 190 riders who began the 24-hour journey at Lake Tahoe. After navigating through rocky and treacherous trail, she and Gryphon were among 109 riders to successful complete the annual event.
Howell has amassed more than 7,000 miles over the past 16 years as part of the American Endurance Riding Council (AERC) sanctions and competitions held nationwide. She received a legacy silver belt as a result of completing the Western States Trail Ride and continues to compete in the Old Dominion 100-mile ride that has been held in Northern Virginia since the mid-1970s.
By Community Member | August 25, 2014 11:50 pm
Mary Howell, a New Kent resident, completed a 100-mile endurance horse ride with her rescue horse Gryphon in a trail ride in Auburn, Ca.
Howell was among 190 riders who began the 24-hour journey at Lake Tahoe. After navigating through rocky and treacherous trail, she and Gryphon were among 109 riders to successful complete the annual event.
Howell has amassed more than 7,000 miles over the past 16 years as part of the American Endurance Riding Council (AERC) sanctions and competitions held nationwide. She received a legacy silver belt as a result of completing the Western States Trail Ride and continues to compete in the Old Dominion 100-mile ride that has been held in Northern Virginia since the mid-1970s.
Monday, August 25, 2014
Marion, Levy locals compete in France
Gainesville.com - Full Article
Marathon riders cover 100-mile endurance event
By Carlos E. Medina - Correspondent
Published: Monday, August 25, 2014 at 11:38 a.m.
One of the competitions at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, is a 100-mile horse marathon known as endurance.
The Friday, Aug. 29, event features a contingent of Americans that all call either West Marion or East Levy county home for at least part of the year.
Some team members, including Jeremy and Heather Reynolds and Kelsey Russell, are full-time residents.
“The area has many races for us to qualify with. It has great weather, which allows us to train more than anywhere else in the country,” said Jeremy Reynolds, who along with his wife, Heather, live in Dunnellon...
Read more here:
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20140825/ARTICLES/140829737?Title=Marion-Levy-locals-compete-in-France-&tc=ar
Marathon riders cover 100-mile endurance event
By Carlos E. Medina - Correspondent
Published: Monday, August 25, 2014 at 11:38 a.m.
One of the competitions at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, is a 100-mile horse marathon known as endurance.
The Friday, Aug. 29, event features a contingent of Americans that all call either West Marion or East Levy county home for at least part of the year.
Some team members, including Jeremy and Heather Reynolds and Kelsey Russell, are full-time residents.
“The area has many races for us to qualify with. It has great weather, which allows us to train more than anywhere else in the country,” said Jeremy Reynolds, who along with his wife, Heather, live in Dunnellon...
Read more here:
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20140825/ARTICLES/140829737?Title=Marion-Levy-locals-compete-in-France-&tc=ar
Sunday, August 24, 2014
2014 Tevis - Ride Director's Message
by Chuck Stalley
Dr. Fellers gets the credit for calling it when he said out loud at the preride meeting that "2014 was going to be a great Tevis ride year." The temperature dipped 15 degrees from the highs we were experiencing for the previous 5 days. Thunder showers in Truckee fired off every night for 5 nights previous to ride day- -enough that they seriously hammered down the dust. All the work put into the trail to resurrect it from the American Fire gave us the best footing ever. It was clear to me that twenty five or more riders entered in the ride were coming to take a shot at winning The Cup. We were truly going to have a strong field this year.
As it turned out, a front-running group of sixteen came through the Deadwood vet check one right after another.
This first group was a half hour ahead of last year's time at 50 miles into the ride. At this point, I was greatly appreciative that we had a very experienced Cup Committee overseeing the stops and fifteen experienced Tevis veterinarians to handle this close horse race at the level expected of Tevis.
Every year there are several rides within the ride. I cannot help but root for the foreign riders who have come so far to experience their dream of Tevis. Then there is the group that is going for their first buckle and are determined to get their money's worth by using all the time allowed to get to Auburn. Some of these riders finish with just minutes to spare. They are the riders who go home with coveted legacy buckles. They are the ones with huge smiles and big thank yous whenever I saw them on Sunday. My heart goes out to those who tried and fell short of getting their buckles.
The junior riders are a group who bring a special energy to the ride. They are always fun to see coming through the stops, and as a group, they ride as well as any. Oh, to be in that category again.
The Signature Riders are a little less recognizable as they go through the ride, but they are also members of an elite group of passionate supporters of this event. When I do recognize them, I give them a nod of respect for the financial assistance they have given to make this the best ride ever.
We also had two landmark buckles awarded this year--a decade buckle for Danny Grant and a 2000 mile buckle for Pat Chappel. Their stories sound very familiar to those who have tried Tevis. They have just kept it together both physically and emotionally longer than most-and persevered.
I am proud of the job that the current BOG members have done as well as the former BOG members who laid a strong foundation from which we all move forward. Thank you for all at the awards ceremony who helped recognize the army of volunteers who put forth heroic efforts year after year. These folks come back again and again to help all the riders reach their goals.
I hope to see you at the 2015 Tevis on August 1st,
Chuck Stalley
Tevis Ride Director
Dr. Fellers gets the credit for calling it when he said out loud at the preride meeting that "2014 was going to be a great Tevis ride year." The temperature dipped 15 degrees from the highs we were experiencing for the previous 5 days. Thunder showers in Truckee fired off every night for 5 nights previous to ride day- -enough that they seriously hammered down the dust. All the work put into the trail to resurrect it from the American Fire gave us the best footing ever. It was clear to me that twenty five or more riders entered in the ride were coming to take a shot at winning The Cup. We were truly going to have a strong field this year.
As it turned out, a front-running group of sixteen came through the Deadwood vet check one right after another.
This first group was a half hour ahead of last year's time at 50 miles into the ride. At this point, I was greatly appreciative that we had a very experienced Cup Committee overseeing the stops and fifteen experienced Tevis veterinarians to handle this close horse race at the level expected of Tevis.
Every year there are several rides within the ride. I cannot help but root for the foreign riders who have come so far to experience their dream of Tevis. Then there is the group that is going for their first buckle and are determined to get their money's worth by using all the time allowed to get to Auburn. Some of these riders finish with just minutes to spare. They are the riders who go home with coveted legacy buckles. They are the ones with huge smiles and big thank yous whenever I saw them on Sunday. My heart goes out to those who tried and fell short of getting their buckles.
The junior riders are a group who bring a special energy to the ride. They are always fun to see coming through the stops, and as a group, they ride as well as any. Oh, to be in that category again.
The Signature Riders are a little less recognizable as they go through the ride, but they are also members of an elite group of passionate supporters of this event. When I do recognize them, I give them a nod of respect for the financial assistance they have given to make this the best ride ever.
We also had two landmark buckles awarded this year--a decade buckle for Danny Grant and a 2000 mile buckle for Pat Chappel. Their stories sound very familiar to those who have tried Tevis. They have just kept it together both physically and emotionally longer than most-and persevered.
I am proud of the job that the current BOG members have done as well as the former BOG members who laid a strong foundation from which we all move forward. Thank you for all at the awards ceremony who helped recognize the army of volunteers who put forth heroic efforts year after year. These folks come back again and again to help all the riders reach their goals.
I hope to see you at the 2015 Tevis on August 1st,
Chuck Stalley
Tevis Ride Director
Friday, August 22, 2014
Welcome to the 2014 Tevis - President's Message
by Phil Gardner
A few years ago Marvin Jacinto coined the phrase "this ride ain't for snivelers". Evidently the word got out because the snivelers didn't show up this year. What a great group of competitors we had from 13 countries all around the globe! It showed in the sportsmanship exhibited on the trail and in the number of completions at the finish. We saw several riders receive their buckle after failing to make the finish in previous attempts. The completion rate was 57.5% a record for the current trail. Congratulations to all.
Heather Reynolds from Dunnellon, Florida, riding a 14 year old gelding named French Open (Hadea) was the winner of the Tevis Cup. She was part of a group that had traveled together most of the day. At exactly 9:00 pm Heather, Tennessee Lane from Windsor, Colorado, riding WH Pico's Shazam (Shazam!) and Tom Johnson from Loomis, California, riding AM Lady Liberty Wins (Libby) left the Lower Quarry vet check, six miles from the finish, together. Thirty-two minutes later Heather crossed the finish line, followed in six minutes by Tennessee and in another three minutes by Tom. It was one of the most exciting finishes in recent memory. All the horses looked fantastic and easily passed their vet checks.
This is the second time Heather has received the Tevis Cup, winning it in 2003 riding Master Motion. Her husband Jeremy is no stranger to the Cup either, winning it three times in 2011, 2007 and 2004, quite an impressive record for the family duo.
One hour and eight minutes later Barrak Blakeley from Terrebonne, Oregon, riding MCM Last Dance, a 17 year old gelding, crossed the finish line. The pair was awarded the coveted Haggin Cup at the Sunday awards ceremony. Barrak is the first junior to win the Haggin Cup.* He is no stranger to the ride with four Tevis starts; this is his second Tevis finish. He has paid his dues in both successes and failures on the trail. We are very proud to see one of our junior riders receive this honor.
The Haggin Cup was first awarded to Paige Harper in 1962. In the early days many people thought that endurance riding was just a bunch of crazy people, who didn't care about their horses, running down the trail as fast as they could. To show that this wasn't the case, the Haggin Cup was established. To many the Haggin Cup is considered equally prestigious to the Tevis Cup. At 10:00 am the morning after the ride the veterinarian committee examines the top ten finishers and chooses the horse most fit to continue at that time. Neither speed nor weight carried the day before are factors to be considered, only the fitness of the horse. Wendell Robie put it this way. "Imagine you were in the old west and were attacked by outlaws and had to choose a horse out of the top ten to flee for your life, which one would you choose?" That was the premise of the Haggin Cup in 1962 just as it is in 2014.
The Haggin Cup is a prestigious award on its own. Many riders plan their ride to compete for this cup, not the Tevis Cup. Such a strategy may be completely different than one you would use for going for the Tevis Cup. One plan might be to try to take your time, save your horse and shoot for 9th or 10th place. The Haggin Cup is not a consolation prize for not getting the Tevis Cup; it is a completely different competition. In fifty two years only hand-full of people have managed to win the Tevis and Haggin cups in the same year.
This award for best condition became the standard for endurance riding and was one of the original five principles of AERC. Over time as AERC developed, they decided to add speed and weight carried as part of best condition judging criteria. When the Western States Trail Ride (WSTR) decided to join with AERC and become an AERC sanctioned ride it was granted special dispensation that allowed WSTR to continue to use the original best condition judging format. That is why the Haggin Cup judging is different than any other AERC sanctioned ride.
In closing, I would like to thank the 2014 volunteers, ride director Chuck Stalley, the veterinarians, and Board of Governors. Thanks to your hard work, dedication to the Tevis and labors of love the 2014 Tevis Cup Ride will go down in history as one of the best ever.
* In 1972 Hal Hall won the Haggin Cup when he was 17. The rules in 1972 stated that a junior rider was 16 and younger and had to ride with a sponsor. At 17 years old a rider was considered an adult rider and did not have to ride with a sponsor. So Hal Hall was an adult rider in 1972. Prior to 1972 there was no rule requiring a sponsor for a junior rider nor were junior riders identified on the ride post ride charts. All junior rider records prior to 1972 are unofficial records.
Phil Gardner
President Western States Trail Foundation
A few years ago Marvin Jacinto coined the phrase "this ride ain't for snivelers". Evidently the word got out because the snivelers didn't show up this year. What a great group of competitors we had from 13 countries all around the globe! It showed in the sportsmanship exhibited on the trail and in the number of completions at the finish. We saw several riders receive their buckle after failing to make the finish in previous attempts. The completion rate was 57.5% a record for the current trail. Congratulations to all.
Heather Reynolds from Dunnellon, Florida, riding a 14 year old gelding named French Open (Hadea) was the winner of the Tevis Cup. She was part of a group that had traveled together most of the day. At exactly 9:00 pm Heather, Tennessee Lane from Windsor, Colorado, riding WH Pico's Shazam (Shazam!) and Tom Johnson from Loomis, California, riding AM Lady Liberty Wins (Libby) left the Lower Quarry vet check, six miles from the finish, together. Thirty-two minutes later Heather crossed the finish line, followed in six minutes by Tennessee and in another three minutes by Tom. It was one of the most exciting finishes in recent memory. All the horses looked fantastic and easily passed their vet checks.
This is the second time Heather has received the Tevis Cup, winning it in 2003 riding Master Motion. Her husband Jeremy is no stranger to the Cup either, winning it three times in 2011, 2007 and 2004, quite an impressive record for the family duo.
One hour and eight minutes later Barrak Blakeley from Terrebonne, Oregon, riding MCM Last Dance, a 17 year old gelding, crossed the finish line. The pair was awarded the coveted Haggin Cup at the Sunday awards ceremony. Barrak is the first junior to win the Haggin Cup.* He is no stranger to the ride with four Tevis starts; this is his second Tevis finish. He has paid his dues in both successes and failures on the trail. We are very proud to see one of our junior riders receive this honor.
The Haggin Cup was first awarded to Paige Harper in 1962. In the early days many people thought that endurance riding was just a bunch of crazy people, who didn't care about their horses, running down the trail as fast as they could. To show that this wasn't the case, the Haggin Cup was established. To many the Haggin Cup is considered equally prestigious to the Tevis Cup. At 10:00 am the morning after the ride the veterinarian committee examines the top ten finishers and chooses the horse most fit to continue at that time. Neither speed nor weight carried the day before are factors to be considered, only the fitness of the horse. Wendell Robie put it this way. "Imagine you were in the old west and were attacked by outlaws and had to choose a horse out of the top ten to flee for your life, which one would you choose?" That was the premise of the Haggin Cup in 1962 just as it is in 2014.
The Haggin Cup is a prestigious award on its own. Many riders plan their ride to compete for this cup, not the Tevis Cup. Such a strategy may be completely different than one you would use for going for the Tevis Cup. One plan might be to try to take your time, save your horse and shoot for 9th or 10th place. The Haggin Cup is not a consolation prize for not getting the Tevis Cup; it is a completely different competition. In fifty two years only hand-full of people have managed to win the Tevis and Haggin cups in the same year.
This award for best condition became the standard for endurance riding and was one of the original five principles of AERC. Over time as AERC developed, they decided to add speed and weight carried as part of best condition judging criteria. When the Western States Trail Ride (WSTR) decided to join with AERC and become an AERC sanctioned ride it was granted special dispensation that allowed WSTR to continue to use the original best condition judging format. That is why the Haggin Cup judging is different than any other AERC sanctioned ride.
In closing, I would like to thank the 2014 volunteers, ride director Chuck Stalley, the veterinarians, and Board of Governors. Thanks to your hard work, dedication to the Tevis and labors of love the 2014 Tevis Cup Ride will go down in history as one of the best ever.
* In 1972 Hal Hall won the Haggin Cup when he was 17. The rules in 1972 stated that a junior rider was 16 and younger and had to ride with a sponsor. At 17 years old a rider was considered an adult rider and did not have to ride with a sponsor. So Hal Hall was an adult rider in 1972. Prior to 1972 there was no rule requiring a sponsor for a junior rider nor were junior riders identified on the ride post ride charts. All junior rider records prior to 1972 are unofficial records.
Phil Gardner
President Western States Trail Foundation
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Endurance.net's Book of the Month: Go the Distance: The Complete Resource for Endurance Horses
http://www.endurance.net/market/bookstore/by Nancy Loving
To spend hour after hour on the back of a horse is a dream come true for many riders. To ride for miles—25, 50, or even 100—on a fit horse, is an extremely satisfying experience, whether done in competition or just for pleasure. This thrill does not come easily however; it requires immense dedication from the rider and a lot of hard work from the horse.
No other equestrian sports demand such a continuous training effort as do endurance and competitive distance riding. To reach the highest level of the sports—competing in a 100-mile ride—requires years of careful conditioning. Even a 25-mile ride demands close attention to every nuance of a horse’s being—during the many miles of work beforehand and during the competition itself. It is the horse’s welfare that must come above all else.
This information-packed international bestseller should be on every endurance and competitive trail rider's shelf.
Monday, August 18, 2014
2013 AERC Hall of Fame Equine Remington
By John Parke
The latest equine inductee into the AERC Hall of Fame is my 26-year-old, 13.3-hand Icelandic horse, Remington. 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.
What is endurance in a horse? It can be the ability to perform well in a tough 50 or even 100 mile ride. It can also mean the ability to keep competing through a long season and garner year-end awards. Or it can mean the ability to stay sound enough to pile up ride completions over a long career.
Some of the horses in the Hall of Fame have won ride after ride. Others have rolled up mile after mile. Some have done both.
With Remington it is all about longevity. With two 50-mile rides so far this season, we have now completed endurance rides together for the last 20 years in a row. He has accumulated 11,300 career endurance miles so far. He is a gold level horse in the AERC’s 100-mile program for having completed ten 100-mile rides. He has also completed more than ten multiday Pioneer rides.
Even among all the incredible horses in the Hall of Fame, Remington is unique for the combination of these achievements.
Remington hasn’t been pulled since 2004 when he completed 2,055 miles in one season. He is the highest mileage gaited horse in the history of the sport by far. He participated in the XP 2001, XP 2004 and XP 2011 cross-country rides and has crossed the Continental Divide at South Pass three different times.
Whether you prefer the metaphor of the Energizer bunny or the Timex watch which keeps on ticking, the pony just keeps going.
Most people rightly think of Remington and me as back-of-the-pack finishers. Our only top ten finish when there were more than ten horses entered in a ride came in the first AERC 100 Mile Championship Ride in 1998 after other horses dropped out.
Remington did show an occasional turn of speed, though, years ago when I was pushing for him to be the first Icelandic to win a regional points championship. I think his fastest 50-mile time was 5:44 for a ride out in the desert. We went first middleweight in the Pacific Southwest Region in 1998 and again in 2004. It seemed like we were always competing back then with my fellow middleweight Randy Coleman and his superb Hall of Fame horse Pandora’s Pixy. We also took the regional rider mileage championship in both of those years, and placed second in national mileage in 2004.
We started endurance in 1995 just a few months after I bought Remington as a Christmas present for my wife and children the year before. I was an avid mountain biker at the time but thought that riding the pony would be something my whole family could share. I hadn’t ridden a horse for nearly 40 years since back when I would climb up on the back of one of my grandpa’s farm horses with two or three of my cousins when I was a child.
I thought it was only fair to try to keep Remington fit after I brought him home so I tried to ride him a couple of nights a week after I came home from work. His breeder told me that I should give endurance riding a try if I was going to ride him so much. She had done endurance on Icelandics to promote the breed a decade or so before. I also learned about the prominent role Icelandics played in the Great American Horse Race in 1976.
Endurance looked like the perfect sport for us. I figured I would learn a lot about horseback riding and horse care from other riders. We would have the benefit of supervision from veterinarians and ride managers to provide us a margin of safety while we both learned about covering long distances and tough terrain. We would be exposed to state-of-the-art information on horse care and equipment. We would get out on beautiful trails we might not otherwise have access to.
I entered our first ride after seeing an ad in a freebie magazine from the feed store. I was totally clueless about what to do at the ride, but Remington seemed to buzz right along. At the midway vet check, the vet said his trot didn’t look right. Then a gruff voice behind him said, “I vetted those furry things all the way across the country in the Great American Horse Race. That’s a tolt, not a trot. He’s fine.” (That was the beginning of a very long relationship with Dr. Dave Nicholson.)
I still remember the feeling of accomplishment when we finished. For some reason, completing that first 30-mile ride was one of the most satisfying things I had ever done.
Our next ride was a Terry Woolley Howe extravaganza near San Diego. I was so ignorant at the time that I didn’t even have a blanket for Remington when it started to rain the night before the ride. So I went over to the general store next to camp and bought a red-checkered plastic tablecloth and safety pins to use as a makeshift rain fly. We had such a good time the next day at Terry’s perpetual party that I could not imagine not doing it again. I guess we were hooked.
After a season of limited distance rides, we tried our first 50-milers at the beginning of 1996. We completed our first one but just weren’t adequately prepared to finish our second one. I then met up with Kim and Richard Fuess and received excellent mentoring from them on conditioning and nutrition for longer distances. This made a world of difference for us. We completed another half dozen or so 50s with no problem over the rest of the year.
We completed our first 100 the beginning of the next year. We did our first multiday ride six months later when we drove out to Utah with Richard and his young Arabian stallion Jake. It was obvious by then that Remington was never going to be a threat to finish first. It was equally clear, though, that he possessed that extra degree of toughness and soundness to stay fresh over any distance, especially multidays.
I came to realize that completing those longer distances was as much about me having the brain power and discipline to properly manage the horse over the course for hours and hours and even days as it was about the horse himself. Whether it was the scenery or the mental challenge, all of my favorite ride memories over the many years since then have come from 100-milers or multidays.
Remington’s time with the young stallion Jake at multidays illustrates much about the pony’s character. The same qualities that make him a great babysitter can make him a handful to deal with. The plain truth is that he is cranky and willful. He is supremely confident out on the trail, and everywhere else. He is obsessed with keeping other horses in line. Young, nervous horses love being with him. He has helped dozens of them through rides. Remington is the horse everybody waits for to lead the youngsters over difficult stream crossings or through herds of cattle.
Remington’s bossiness extends to other species besides horses. He relishes pushing cattle around. He has no tolerance for dogs. He enjoys the company of people but does not like being told what to do by them. His willingness to run away (but not very far) from anyone trying to hold his lead rope is legendary.
Remington’s aggressive nature can have its advantages. Perhaps my scariest experience riding him came when we surprised a full-grown black bear at close quarters on the aptly named Upper Oso trail in the national forest near my home. Clearly agitated, the bear faced us from less than ten feet away and started to rock from side to side. All I could think about was what would the bear do to me if I fell while my horse spun to run away. Instead, Remington pinned his ears back, arched his neck and charged. The bear, at least, had the good sense to turn around and run down the mountain.
I suppose Remington even has a protective or gentle side to his personality. The only other person besides me to ride him in an endurance ride was my youngest son, back when my son was 12 years old. My son has special needs but he wanted to try to get through an endurance ride at least once in his life.
Remington carried him as though he was bearing the most precious, most fragile cargo in the world. For once, he stood perfectly still for every mount and dismount. Whenever my son would stretch, Remington would gradually slow and give him time to get comfortable. Remington stayed perfectly balanced underneath him for 50 miles, with no sudden movements.
Tears still well in my eyes when I think of my son’s pride when they crossed the finish line and my gratitude for the priceless gift Remington gave us that day.
Remington’s extreme intelligence and insistence on being the decision maker certainly makes for an interesting ride since I am never sure of what he is going to do. He is nimble and sure-footed. He loves to dash through the rocks and jump over logs and washouts. It is thrilling to ride him while he weaves his way through the trees down a steep winding trail in the mountains at full speed.
He prefers to pick out the trail himself and is an expert at following ribbons. He has an amazing ability to memorize trail and terrain. He never fails to recognize a trail even in country he has traveled through only once or twice and hasn’t seen for years.
Any discussion of Remington’s behavior on the trail invariably turns to his gait, as in what is it? He actually has a flashy four-beat tolt when you make him do it but that is not the two-beat gait I hear on the trail. I assumed for years that his predominant gait was the trot. Endurance riders who rode a lot of miles with me would tell me that it didn’t look exactly like a trot to them. Trilby Pedersen used to call it his “little shuffle.”
So recently I got out all my old ride photos and researched books and articles on gaits. The photos of Remington’s side gait tell all. I cannot find one photo of him showing the classic diagonal stride and even footfall of a trot. Instead, what the photos consistently show is when the hind leg is touching down underneath him, the front leg on the same side is up in front of his chest with the foot hanging down. While the other hind leg is extended behind him, the front leg on that side is in a near vertical position under him instead of reaching out as it would be in a trot.
If I listen carefully, what I hear isn’t really a two-beat gait but a broken four-beat gait instead. I don’t hear the even four-beat “Black and Decker” sound of a proper tolt. I hear a “di-dut, di-dut” instead. Photos show his front feet are clearly touching and taking off before his corresponding hind feet. His hoof marks show a nine-inch overstride. Whatever it is, the gait is very, very smooth to ride at any speed. Methinks my pony dances the foxtrot!
Whatever way he is going, my strange little horse is still going strong. He hasn’t had a step of lameness since he started going barefoot several years ago. He has actually muscled up and become more powerful since I switched to a treeless saddle at about the same time.
I have been riding Remington now for exactly half of my adult life. The pressures of maintaining a busy law practice and caring for a now-adult special needs child never seem to leave me with enough time for riding. Still, we make do. Although my wife is my true love, Remington is definitely my soulmate. When we are riding in the wee hours of the morning, I can feel his muscles moving as though they are my own and I know he can read my thoughts. Sometimes it feels like we are two parts of the same being.
I was filled with pride when Remington was awarded Hall of Fame horse at the AERC national awards banquet this year. It was especially meaningful that the award was presented by our longtime friend Terry Woolley Howe, because she has witnessed our entire endurance riding career. Oddly, I wasn’t proud for my horse, because I already knew who he is and what he has accomplished. No, what I was proud of was my AERC.
I was proud of my AERC because it recognizes the value of keeping our horses sound and healthy over the miles and over the years. I was proud of my AERC for sticking to its guns and staying at the forefront of guarding our horses’ welfare for the 20 years Remington and I have been in the sport. I remain proud of my fellow endurance riders for creating a community centered around a profound respect for what our horses do for us.
Reprinted from the August 2014 issue of Endurance News, official publication of the nonprofit American Endurance Ride Conference, www.aerc.org, 866-271-2372
Lynne Glazer photos
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