All new AERC members are invited to apply for the first-ever Specialized Saddles Rookie Award -- for riders who have not entered any AERC rides of 25 miles or more before 12/1/15. Great prizes for the top 3 in both LD and endurance divisions.
Sign up by May 31, 2016 to be eligible for this High Mileage Award for Rookie AERC members. The award is based on one rider and one or two equines. Equines must be a minimum of 6 years old at the start of the first sanctioned ride. In the event of a tie, the higher number of completions will break the tie. Second tie-breaker will be the higher number of longer ride completions (55 miles and up). Riders with a completion rate of less than 80% at the end of the season will be ineligible for the Rookie Award.
For more information and to register, see
https://aerc.org/Static/RookieAward.pdf
Tuesday, May 03, 2016
Western States Trail to be Captured by "Street-View" Imagery
Trailrunner.com - Full ArticleThe American Trail Running Association is partnering with the Google Maps team to capture 360 degree panoramic “street-view” imagery of the entire Western States Trail using the Street View Trekker backpack.
Our expedition will take place the week before the 2016 Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run on June 25. Led by our Director of Online Marketing, Richard Bolt, and supported by several prominent ATRA corporate members, the expedition will be documented by iRunFar and experienced trail running race photographer Mike Hermsmeyer. iRunFar will be publishing exclusive stories about the Western States Trail as a companion to the Street View images.
Once the street-view imagery has been processed, it will be embedded into this webpage as well as onto selected sponsor websites. Stay tuned for a Go-LIVE announcement online & from our booth at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, Utah, August 3-6.
Follow us on social media feeds & subscribe to our Trail News blog to get updates from the team as they traverse 100 miles of rugged Sierra Nevada mountain trails from Squaw Valley to Auburn, California.
See more at:
http://trailrunner.com/western-states-trekker/#.VxZ6im2m0p8.facebook
Friday, April 22, 2016
Greear takes long, long racing route Story
BHPioneer.com - Full Article
April 21, 2016 11:30 am
By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer
SPEARFISH — “Horse racing” conjures up images of a flat, oval track where the sprinting action ends in about 2 minutes. Spearfish physician Kerry Greear specializes in 25- to 250-mile horse races across all types of terrain; times are measured in hours, and the pace is considerably slower.
Greear sought a challenge in 2003 because she was going to turn 50, and her youngest child was set to graduate from high school two years later.
While in Steamboat Springs, Colo., she saw a book called “The Tevis Cup.” One of the photos in this book about a 100-mile horse race featured a horse-bound woman going practically straight up a rock.
This intrigued Greear, who read the entire book. “This is what I’m going to challenge myself to do,” she recalled.
Greear entered her first event in June 2004 in Montana. She placed eighth in the 50-mile ride...
Read more here:
http://www.bhpioneer.com/local_sports/article_71b0fae6-07d5-11e6-92a5-f3f37bb2e8e4.html
April 21, 2016 11:30 am
By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer
SPEARFISH — “Horse racing” conjures up images of a flat, oval track where the sprinting action ends in about 2 minutes. Spearfish physician Kerry Greear specializes in 25- to 250-mile horse races across all types of terrain; times are measured in hours, and the pace is considerably slower.
Greear sought a challenge in 2003 because she was going to turn 50, and her youngest child was set to graduate from high school two years later.
While in Steamboat Springs, Colo., she saw a book called “The Tevis Cup.” One of the photos in this book about a 100-mile horse race featured a horse-bound woman going practically straight up a rock.
This intrigued Greear, who read the entire book. “This is what I’m going to challenge myself to do,” she recalled.
Greear entered her first event in June 2004 in Montana. She placed eighth in the 50-mile ride...
Read more here:
http://www.bhpioneer.com/local_sports/article_71b0fae6-07d5-11e6-92a5-f3f37bb2e8e4.html
The 2016 Houston Flood Story - Darolyn Butler
April 19 2016 FLOOD STORY
Endurance Friends & Family, (written by Russell Betts as told to him on the phone)
As many of you have heard there was a catastrophic flood in the Houston area. After 42 years of living on Cypress Creek, one feels you sort of know it. The weather had predicted 4 to possibly 9 inches per day, possibly for 3 days. Darolyn always watches the weather carefully as our rainy weather hampers the daily trail ride business. She was aware that Monday and Tuesday could be wet She knows when to initially prepare, tying lawn furniture down, picking up loose buckets, water troughs, etc. Get all vehicles off property and up on higher frontage road. Next get halters on horses, next move horses to high South side of the property. If the water keeps coming up, they even know when they have about 30 min. to get the last vehicle out, before the low spot in the road prevents going out. 45 Trillion gallons of water fell from the sky that nite. Almost all of it 10, to 40 miles west of us on the Cypress Creek Watershed. We only had 10 inches here, which we could normally handle, but couple that with the 15-17 inches back west, and the Flood gates being conservatively open on downstream rivers…. What happened is the fastest rising flood water that Harris County has ever experienced. Thus the 8 human deaths and probably more when all the water goes down. They are still boating in to CT after 4 days. Below is a fairly succinct outline of April 18.
Cypress Trails does have plans for the evacuation of horses. In 2015 there were 2 evacuations which took place, which in the end were not required after all. Evac is discussed with staff on a regular basis.
Mon 18th April.
12 am to 2am - Darolyn had been regularly checking the internet flood gauges and rainfall sites from midnight onwards. Up until 2am everything was still ok with the levels the river was at about 55'. 12 ft. Over normal.
3am - 4" of rain fell here, the river incredibly rose to about 62' at this point, I had to make a quick decision if I was going to move horses or vehicles. I chose horses
3:30 AM The horses were moved out of the Arena Paddock to stalls in the House/Barn, & North pasture closest to the creek, to House/Barn (higher ground). Horses had just been through this terrific storm, and skittish. So Darolyn saddled up and rode into N. pasture to collect the horses. They followed her into the barn like lambs, but when they were being collected with halters, the horses spooked and broke out of the barn. Running into the flood water on the south side, the strong current scattered the herd. Several horses ran into the Arena, got tangled in the cable fencing as the current pushed them into it.
Realize we had walked easily around this arena about 20 min. before catching the horses that lived there. Now it was a struggle to walk in it. These are some of the horses later seen on the TV. Darolyn and an employee, Hoku, swam to the Arena to rescue horses, but they were only just able to swim there. Hoku, sitting on a fence, held the horse, Amber's head above water until the water got a foot higher and she was able to disentangle herself from the fencing she had gotten in. She is fine. Neither of us could buck the current to get back to the Barn/House. They had on T-shirts and gym shorts… 2.5 hours sitting in cold flood water that, as it grew higher was trying to tug our cloths off. Talk about DijaVu. This was almost exactly the same place Darolyn was back in 2001 when she swam in to save a couple of horses left at the house when they were at the TETRA convention.
5 am – to the west, upon the Cypress Creek watershed, 13 to 17"s had fallen. Another 4"s fell , the river now at 65' (nearly 2' above the river bank). My house which is on pilings, was ok, but water was rising in the stalls and tack rooms. The law enforcement arrived with rescue boats, their priority was to rescue people and not horses. Darolyn and Hoku were rescued from the Arena about 8 am, where they had been stuck after swimming there 2.5 hours earlier. The TV pictures of horses stuck in the floods now came from around this time. No horses were tied to any fences or poles but some horses were entangled in cable fences now underwater. (All but one got out.) There was no barbwire as stated in some account.
7 AM There were no horses in the single story barn which can be seen with just its roof above the water in the news coverage. All these horses had evacuated themselves early on. Confusion on this occurred because there is what is call a "barn" under Darolyn's house,
11am - the river now 6' above its banks, volunteers now start to help rescue horses from the south pastures (which was the high ground) of the flooded Cypress Trails. Justin Nelzen, Devan Horn, Mark Jensen and many others contributed to heroic rescues throughout the day as they snagged horses out of the currents and got them to safety. Still a fairly large herd on the edge of the South pasture. Fairly restless, and testing the current they moved around quite a bit.
2: PM Kelly, Matt, and Cody in chest deep water, and Darolyn in a boat, pushed the horses to the west off the property, where Corrie Patrick, Tracy Taylor, and Krista Mohn picked up the 20 plus horses and pushed them through nearby woods to the neighbors. Unfortunately a groupe of 6 or 7 horses broke away from being almost contained at the neighbors ranch and returned to the farm. When they reached their home trails and made their way to the house/barn, two split off for the evacuation area on the frontage road and were caught, two headed toward the barn, and two ended up getting swept into the creek. Almost to safety, Jolly Roger, one of the barn direction horses failed to go in the barn and, he too, was swept in the creek when he got too near the edge. Devan Horn ended up seeing him caught in bank brush and went in the creek and guided him to safety. The other two are two of the missing ones. Btw air boats are barely strong enough to negotiate the worst current. The motor boast had to stay well clear of the current between the arena and the house.
4 PM Later in the day the final 12-14 horses in the house/barn were swum to safety with the aid of a power boat and rider for guiding. All horses were guided to the South pasture edge where the water was shallow enough for them to walk, and then to the access road and a waiting trailer.
The massive amounts of rain in the west water shed (12"-17") contributed to the rapid rise in the river level, as well as water released from the Conroe dam prior to this event, There have only been 2 horses lost to flooding at Cypress Trails back in 2001, 15 yrs ago. No horses were tied up and left in the flood water to drown. This reporting was probably due to the sight of horses tangled in fencing and unable to move.
As of posting there is 1 27 yr old mare that is known to have died, having got trapped in the cable fencing, and 4 other horses are currently being actively searched for. The remainder of the horses were moved to evacuation pastures near the George Bush Airport on Tuesday, and onto friend’s ranches after a brief respite at my neighbor’s ranch.
The dramatic videos of horses lurching in the water was them hitting fence lines that an observer could not see. Brave people were bucking law enforcement to make these rescues. Darolyn was threatened with arrest at least 20 times for any participation in the water. Everything would have gone much smoother, and quicker if the sheriffs had just backed off a bit.
6 PM Apr 18 The river level is still at about 5’ above the banks and access to the ranch house is by boat only. AND there are two ponies on the upper deck of Darolyn's house being fed regularly, along with 5 dogs of Darolyn’s and 3 of friends.
All horses are in safe and comfortable facilities. Any horses requiring doctoring or meds are either at the vets, or in a facility next door to the vet for observation. One horse was hospitalized due to a pastern puncture.
April 20 5 AM The creek went back up another foot and hopefully this will be the end to the crest as at this time, we had only lost one small employee car, and one old farm truck, But no… at around 1 PM the Creek went up to 70 feet, and all the vehicles and 5 trailers drown including the L.Q.
Darolyn wishes to thank everyone for all their help and support, if you watch any of the videos you will understand why. There was a huge crowd of friends and strangers.
Russell Betts for Cypress Trails.
Btw... Will avoid another long story here, but there are really nasty people that are spreading incredible lies and exaggerations... Like “Darolyn was eating doughnuts while her horses drown”, in actuality, she had one as she came off the boat from being rescued from the 2.5 hour sit in the water. That was her meal for the day. They are launching a petition to take her down, based on many falsehoods of the day. If you care too, read the nice stuff on her FB… oh but wait, the “Haters” have even commandeered the FB. They have created 3-4 other FBs in my Cypress Trails name and are plastering the negative stuff. So not even sure you can get up on the right one. Hopefully you have as much information as you need. Call or e me other questions if you like. Thanks in advance for your support, and thanks to everyone that helped on the rescue operation.
Darolyn Butler
Endurance Friends & Family, (written by Russell Betts as told to him on the phone)
As many of you have heard there was a catastrophic flood in the Houston area. After 42 years of living on Cypress Creek, one feels you sort of know it. The weather had predicted 4 to possibly 9 inches per day, possibly for 3 days. Darolyn always watches the weather carefully as our rainy weather hampers the daily trail ride business. She was aware that Monday and Tuesday could be wet She knows when to initially prepare, tying lawn furniture down, picking up loose buckets, water troughs, etc. Get all vehicles off property and up on higher frontage road. Next get halters on horses, next move horses to high South side of the property. If the water keeps coming up, they even know when they have about 30 min. to get the last vehicle out, before the low spot in the road prevents going out. 45 Trillion gallons of water fell from the sky that nite. Almost all of it 10, to 40 miles west of us on the Cypress Creek Watershed. We only had 10 inches here, which we could normally handle, but couple that with the 15-17 inches back west, and the Flood gates being conservatively open on downstream rivers…. What happened is the fastest rising flood water that Harris County has ever experienced. Thus the 8 human deaths and probably more when all the water goes down. They are still boating in to CT after 4 days. Below is a fairly succinct outline of April 18.
Cypress Trails does have plans for the evacuation of horses. In 2015 there were 2 evacuations which took place, which in the end were not required after all. Evac is discussed with staff on a regular basis.
Mon 18th April.
12 am to 2am - Darolyn had been regularly checking the internet flood gauges and rainfall sites from midnight onwards. Up until 2am everything was still ok with the levels the river was at about 55'. 12 ft. Over normal.
3am - 4" of rain fell here, the river incredibly rose to about 62' at this point, I had to make a quick decision if I was going to move horses or vehicles. I chose horses
3:30 AM The horses were moved out of the Arena Paddock to stalls in the House/Barn, & North pasture closest to the creek, to House/Barn (higher ground). Horses had just been through this terrific storm, and skittish. So Darolyn saddled up and rode into N. pasture to collect the horses. They followed her into the barn like lambs, but when they were being collected with halters, the horses spooked and broke out of the barn. Running into the flood water on the south side, the strong current scattered the herd. Several horses ran into the Arena, got tangled in the cable fencing as the current pushed them into it.
Realize we had walked easily around this arena about 20 min. before catching the horses that lived there. Now it was a struggle to walk in it. These are some of the horses later seen on the TV. Darolyn and an employee, Hoku, swam to the Arena to rescue horses, but they were only just able to swim there. Hoku, sitting on a fence, held the horse, Amber's head above water until the water got a foot higher and she was able to disentangle herself from the fencing she had gotten in. She is fine. Neither of us could buck the current to get back to the Barn/House. They had on T-shirts and gym shorts… 2.5 hours sitting in cold flood water that, as it grew higher was trying to tug our cloths off. Talk about DijaVu. This was almost exactly the same place Darolyn was back in 2001 when she swam in to save a couple of horses left at the house when they were at the TETRA convention.
5 am – to the west, upon the Cypress Creek watershed, 13 to 17"s had fallen. Another 4"s fell , the river now at 65' (nearly 2' above the river bank). My house which is on pilings, was ok, but water was rising in the stalls and tack rooms. The law enforcement arrived with rescue boats, their priority was to rescue people and not horses. Darolyn and Hoku were rescued from the Arena about 8 am, where they had been stuck after swimming there 2.5 hours earlier. The TV pictures of horses stuck in the floods now came from around this time. No horses were tied to any fences or poles but some horses were entangled in cable fences now underwater. (All but one got out.) There was no barbwire as stated in some account.
7 AM There were no horses in the single story barn which can be seen with just its roof above the water in the news coverage. All these horses had evacuated themselves early on. Confusion on this occurred because there is what is call a "barn" under Darolyn's house,
11am - the river now 6' above its banks, volunteers now start to help rescue horses from the south pastures (which was the high ground) of the flooded Cypress Trails. Justin Nelzen, Devan Horn, Mark Jensen and many others contributed to heroic rescues throughout the day as they snagged horses out of the currents and got them to safety. Still a fairly large herd on the edge of the South pasture. Fairly restless, and testing the current they moved around quite a bit.
2: PM Kelly, Matt, and Cody in chest deep water, and Darolyn in a boat, pushed the horses to the west off the property, where Corrie Patrick, Tracy Taylor, and Krista Mohn picked up the 20 plus horses and pushed them through nearby woods to the neighbors. Unfortunately a groupe of 6 or 7 horses broke away from being almost contained at the neighbors ranch and returned to the farm. When they reached their home trails and made their way to the house/barn, two split off for the evacuation area on the frontage road and were caught, two headed toward the barn, and two ended up getting swept into the creek. Almost to safety, Jolly Roger, one of the barn direction horses failed to go in the barn and, he too, was swept in the creek when he got too near the edge. Devan Horn ended up seeing him caught in bank brush and went in the creek and guided him to safety. The other two are two of the missing ones. Btw air boats are barely strong enough to negotiate the worst current. The motor boast had to stay well clear of the current between the arena and the house.
4 PM Later in the day the final 12-14 horses in the house/barn were swum to safety with the aid of a power boat and rider for guiding. All horses were guided to the South pasture edge where the water was shallow enough for them to walk, and then to the access road and a waiting trailer.
The massive amounts of rain in the west water shed (12"-17") contributed to the rapid rise in the river level, as well as water released from the Conroe dam prior to this event, There have only been 2 horses lost to flooding at Cypress Trails back in 2001, 15 yrs ago. No horses were tied up and left in the flood water to drown. This reporting was probably due to the sight of horses tangled in fencing and unable to move.
As of posting there is 1 27 yr old mare that is known to have died, having got trapped in the cable fencing, and 4 other horses are currently being actively searched for. The remainder of the horses were moved to evacuation pastures near the George Bush Airport on Tuesday, and onto friend’s ranches after a brief respite at my neighbor’s ranch.
The dramatic videos of horses lurching in the water was them hitting fence lines that an observer could not see. Brave people were bucking law enforcement to make these rescues. Darolyn was threatened with arrest at least 20 times for any participation in the water. Everything would have gone much smoother, and quicker if the sheriffs had just backed off a bit.
6 PM Apr 18 The river level is still at about 5’ above the banks and access to the ranch house is by boat only. AND there are two ponies on the upper deck of Darolyn's house being fed regularly, along with 5 dogs of Darolyn’s and 3 of friends.
All horses are in safe and comfortable facilities. Any horses requiring doctoring or meds are either at the vets, or in a facility next door to the vet for observation. One horse was hospitalized due to a pastern puncture.
April 20 5 AM The creek went back up another foot and hopefully this will be the end to the crest as at this time, we had only lost one small employee car, and one old farm truck, But no… at around 1 PM the Creek went up to 70 feet, and all the vehicles and 5 trailers drown including the L.Q.
Darolyn wishes to thank everyone for all their help and support, if you watch any of the videos you will understand why. There was a huge crowd of friends and strangers.
Russell Betts for Cypress Trails.
Btw... Will avoid another long story here, but there are really nasty people that are spreading incredible lies and exaggerations... Like “Darolyn was eating doughnuts while her horses drown”, in actuality, she had one as she came off the boat from being rescued from the 2.5 hour sit in the water. That was her meal for the day. They are launching a petition to take her down, based on many falsehoods of the day. If you care too, read the nice stuff on her FB… oh but wait, the “Haters” have even commandeered the FB. They have created 3-4 other FBs in my Cypress Trails name and are plastering the negative stuff. So not even sure you can get up on the right one. Hopefully you have as much information as you need. Call or e me other questions if you like. Thanks in advance for your support, and thanks to everyone that helped on the rescue operation.
Darolyn Butler
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
More Than 100 Horses Rescued from Houston Floods
Thehorse.com - Full Article
By Pat Raia
Apr 20, 2016
More than 100 horses were rescued from rising water and another five remain missing after flash floods swept through Harris County Texas.
On April 18, heavy rain began falling causing flash flooding in Harris County, including in Houston. The following day, another 12 inches of rain fell causing evacuations throughout the area. In all 20 inches of rain fell leaving five people dead and 101 horses in need of rescue, including 75 endurance horses from the Cypress Trails Equestrian Center in Humble.
Owner Darolyn Butler said the animals were located around the farm when flooding began. Before long a nearby creek rose 30-feet, she said.
“I actually have a two-page flood plan, but we thought we were going to be okay, so I didn't evacuate the horses,” Butler said. “But the water rose so fast we didn't have time to get the horses out.”
Butler said some of the horses located in the barn beneath her home were standing in belly-deep water when the waters rose. A barn located elsewhere on the same property was empty, but horses caught outdoors when the flooding began had to be rescued by Butler's friends, students, and employees after they became tangled in cable fencing around the arena. Others were swept into the river nearby or into the flooded woods...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/37451/more-than-100-horses-rescued-from-houston-floods
By Pat Raia
Apr 20, 2016
More than 100 horses were rescued from rising water and another five remain missing after flash floods swept through Harris County Texas.
On April 18, heavy rain began falling causing flash flooding in Harris County, including in Houston. The following day, another 12 inches of rain fell causing evacuations throughout the area. In all 20 inches of rain fell leaving five people dead and 101 horses in need of rescue, including 75 endurance horses from the Cypress Trails Equestrian Center in Humble.
Owner Darolyn Butler said the animals were located around the farm when flooding began. Before long a nearby creek rose 30-feet, she said.
“I actually have a two-page flood plan, but we thought we were going to be okay, so I didn't evacuate the horses,” Butler said. “But the water rose so fast we didn't have time to get the horses out.”
Butler said some of the horses located in the barn beneath her home were standing in belly-deep water when the waters rose. A barn located elsewhere on the same property was empty, but horses caught outdoors when the flooding began had to be rescued by Butler's friends, students, and employees after they became tangled in cable fencing around the arena. Others were swept into the river nearby or into the flooded woods...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/37451/more-than-100-horses-rescued-from-houston-floods
DREW - Love At First Ride
by Merri Melde-Endurance.net
April 19 2016
He's already special in that he's one in a thousand equines who have crossed the 3000 mile AERC threshold in their endurance careers.
But for most of those who know him, he's one in a million. For many, it's been love at first ride on Drew, the little gray Arabian endurance horse who has touched so many lives.
Owned by Lisa and Shel Schneider of Agoura, California, Drew has been part of the Schneider clan for 14 years. They bought him from David and Tracy Kaden in Texas in 2002 when he was 10 years old. In his previous life, he had been a Western pleasure show horse.
"We went to see the Kadens and tried 4 or 5 horses," Lisa recalled. "We had trailered out to the desert to ride, and there was this huge train that went by. We had just switched horses, and the one I was now on bolted, and the one Shel was on - which was Drew - just stood there doing nothing.
"He was a little guy, just a sweetheart, took care of himself. He was busy drinking at the water trough when this big loud train went by. So we bought him. They delivered him to us at the Twenty Mule Team [ride in southern California], and Shel rode the 35 on him the next day with our 12-year-old daughter Amy. It was love at first ride."
"I was pretty much a beginning rider then," Shel added. "Lisa had so much confidence in him, that I got on him at 20 Mule Team, and I not only rode him without knowing him really, but Amy and I came in second and third. We didn't ride very slow."
Lisa said, "We knew immediately he was safe enough for Shel to ride. Then we put Amy on him, and she took him to 4H. He did all the English classes, hunter hack, Western pleasure, gymkhana, and trail classes. And she won everything! She was high point pretty much every year she rode him in 4H."
Drew, Amy, and Poni the dog, Andi Smith photo
When Amy turned 16 and could ride by herself without a sponsor, she sometimes rode Drew alone. "We never worried about her," Lisa said, "because, first of all, she had a lot of miles. But we also knew Drew would take care of her. That's such a freeing feeling that he gives you because you don't have to worry about him doing something stupid. You don't have to care about him getting race brain. He doesn't care if other horses pass him. He doesn't care about being left. He just does his own thing, and it's just so easy and so fun. And he can really move out sometimes.
"He just understands who's on his back. If I get on him and we're going out for a longer ride, and I let him get going, he'll crow hop, saying yippee, and haul ass towards home."
Lisa recalled the 25-mile ride that endurance ride photographer Lynne Glazer did on him in the 2014 Cuyama Oaks in California. "Lynne goes flying by us on him. I said 'Lynne, slow down!' and she says 'I'm not in charge!' She was having fun.
"He's always good. He just gets it. He knows his job."
"He's perfect on the trail," Shel confirmed.
The one thing Drew does not like is water. He's a real desert horse. When I talked with Lisa and Shel, Lisa had just come back from a ride on Drew where it hailed. "This never happens in SoCal, and he was NOT happy. He doesn't like water. He'll cross water, but he doesn't like being wet. He acts like a little drowned rat when he gets wet in the rain."
It was muddy water that took Drew down, literally, at Tevis. After a 6-way bypass heart surgery in 2001, Shel decided he wanted to ride Tevis in 2002. He was scheduled to ride another of the Schneiders' horses, but that one came up injured, and Drew was the alternate. Lisa rode with them aboard Barnard De Soi.
Everybody has heard of the infamous bogs in the Granite Chief wilderness. Drew met the bogs and did not like them. And there's no avoiding them. Lisa said, "We had to go into this hock-high bog. So I went first, and Drew took one look at that and leaped up on a rock. He couldn't balance for very long, and he leaped off the side. This was down a very steep hill, and it got very scary. Shel came off him at the top, and landed on a bush, which cushioned him perfectly; he was fine. But Drew kept going down; he was just freaked out.
"He got stuck in a big bush, and Shel had to go downhill to find him. This is at 10,000 feet mind you, in Granite Chief at the high point. I'm freaking out because I'm up on the trail and I can't see either of them; all I can see are these bush tops waving around wildly. And I'm thinking of them falling down the cliff, and Shel just had this bypass surgery a year prior. And I'm thinking, how are we going to get a helicopter in here for one or both of them!"
Shel finally got to Drew and started leading him back up to the trail. "I'm yelling at Shel, and he's now able to talk, but he's trying to walk uphill with a very shaken up Drew, and we're at altitude."
They did make it back on trail, got Drew settled down and Shel back on, and they rode onward. When they got to Deadwood at 56 miles, Drew passed the vet check, but Shel opted to pull. "We're done for the day," he told the vet. Lisa went on to finish Tevis for the second time.
That was Drew's only attempt at a 100-mile ride, but he went on to a stellar record of (currently) 112 starts in 119 finishes, with 3080 endurance miles and 1445 Limited Distance miles.
Susan Garlinghouse on Drew at the 2009 Shine and Shine 25-mile ride near San Jose, California
Along the way, he's given confidence and riding bliss to numerous endurance riders, probably none more so than Susan Garlinghouse, DVM. It's an occurrence that most all of us can relate to.
Lisa recalls, "Susan had had a couple of accidents on another horse involving broken bones. She lost a little confidence, so we said, come ride Drew. She drove 75 miles out here, each way, every weekend for several months, and she'd stay with us or just ride and go home.
"They just clicked. So we switched with her, took her mare, and she rode Drew for about a year. After some Limited Distance rides, she moved up to 50's on him. Now she's finished Tevis 3 times."
Drew has carried a number of "green bean" (new) endurance riders to happy finishes, and at an Endurance 101 clinic he hooked a woman and her little girl. "This woman hadn't done a ride at all," Lisa said. "Her little girl is just hanging out absorbing everything, but she doesn't have a horse. So Shel puts her on Drew. And she's riding around the arena, and this kid is just absolutely hooked.
"So now they're getting her a horse, and her mom's competing, and she's finished her first 50. We attribute it all to Drew!"
Shel chimed in, "He's such a good ambassador. After that, the mom got rid of the mare they had, because she wasn't very nice. She wanted to get something her kid could ride, like Drew."
You don't have to be an endurance rider to fall in love with Drew. The Schneiders live next to a state park where they often encounter inner city kids, or foreign visitors, some of whom - it's hard to believe - have never seen a horse in person.
"Drew is the ambassador," Lisa said. "We've put tons of kids on him. We put a Japanese tourist on him, and oh my God, I thought she was going to faint from happiness. All of her friends took pictures, and she was the only one brave enough to get on him. She'll never forget that.
"Drew gives such a great first impression [of a horse]! And he just stands there batting his long eyelashes looking adorable."
The local church group was having a fundraiser one weekend, and they asked if the Schneiders could bring Drew over for pictures with the kids. Amy rode him over there, and polaroid after polaroid was taken with each of the kids. Lisa said, "There are a lot of refrigerators in the neighborhood with pictures of Drew. Some of the kids didn't want to get off him. He loved it."
The little gray gelding has also carried developmentally disabled children. Lisa recalled one particular one. "This girl was probably 8 or 9 and was so disabled, she didn't speak, had some balance issues, had some pretty severe brain damage. So we put her on Drew. He stood stock still. He knew who was on his back. And she smiled for the first time in her life on Drew. Her mother was just in tears."
Shel has tried to put together a list of how many people have ridden Drew. "I stopped at about 70. And I don't know how many I missed. We started adding it up; it's amazing. Both of Lisa's brothers rode him in the arena, and their kids. Somebody comes over, you put him on Drew. Or at an endurance ride, if we're going to do a pre-ride, Drew's an extra horse for somebody."
That's me on Drew!
That somebody one time was me, at the 2009 AERC National Championship ride in California. I was present to report on the ride for Endurance.net, and I stopped to say hi to the Schneiders. "Want to come with us on a ride?" Lisa asked me. She handed me a helmet (which I still have) and I climbed aboard this perfect little gray horse and went on a pre-ride spin with Lisa and Shel. I don't just automatically enjoy every horse I get on for the first time, but I had a delightful short ride on Drew. I could tell he was a special one. Lisa told me to keep the helmet - and every time I wear it, I'm reminded of Drew.
Drew's the smallest horse in the 5-horse Schneider herd ("14.2, with his shoes on"); he's the oldest, at 24 (on April 21); and he's the King.
Lisa said, "I was once asked, if I could clone any of the horses I've ever had, which horse I would want to clone. And it would be DREW. He has the perfect disposition, and perfect conformation. My only regret is that we got him when he was 10. We wish we would have had him when he was younger."
The Schneiders will be throwing a real birthday party for Drew on April 30, with guests and a cake made with carrots and oats and some apples thrown in. If you're lucky enough to be invited to celebrate this fabulous little horse's life, give him a hug. He'll deserve it because he's one in a million - and he'll love it.
Drew mowing the front lawn, because every older horse should get to do this!
Top photo: Lisa on Drew, Shel on Barnard De Soi in the 2009 AERC National Championship 50 in Greenville, California
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Endurance Canada Announces Three New Awards
Endurance-canada.com - Full Article
April 18, 2016
by: Equine Canada
Endurance Canada is pleased to announce the creation of three new awards, acknowledging the special horses that are the very heart and life of our sport.
The ELITE Award recognizes and honours horses that have demonstrated an outstanding competition record including high distance totals of at least 4,800 km (3000 mi), and completion of several 160 km (100 mi) rides. The award is open to both past and current competitive horses that have met these requirements...
Read more here:
http://www.horse-canada.com/horse-news/endurance-canada-announces-three-new-awards/?utm_source=Enews+April+18%2C+2016&utm_campaign=EnewsApr182016&utm_medium=email
April 18, 2016
by: Equine Canada
Endurance Canada is pleased to announce the creation of three new awards, acknowledging the special horses that are the very heart and life of our sport.
The ELITE Award recognizes and honours horses that have demonstrated an outstanding competition record including high distance totals of at least 4,800 km (3000 mi), and completion of several 160 km (100 mi) rides. The award is open to both past and current competitive horses that have met these requirements...
Read more here:
http://www.horse-canada.com/horse-news/endurance-canada-announces-three-new-awards/?utm_source=Enews+April+18%2C+2016&utm_campaign=EnewsApr182016&utm_medium=email
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Janet Tipton and Lady Jasmine are AERC’s First 5,000 Mile Limited Distance Pair
AUBURN, California – April 12, 2016 – Janet Tipton and her longtime Mustang partner, Lady Jasmine (“Ladybug”), were recognized at the 2016 AERC Annual Convention for reaching 5,000 Limited Distance (LD) miles together, in addition to achieving the National LD Mileage Championship title.
To earn the first-ever 5,000 mile LD award—an embroidered blanket—the pair competed in rides of 25-35 miles in one day. While most of AERC’s high mileage horses are those that compete in 50 mile competitions and up, Janet and Ladybug had to go to double the number of rides of most endurance riders to reach this milestone. In fact, the AERC has recognized 265 5,000-mile endurance horses and now, just one LD 5,000 mile horse, Lady Jasmine.
Theirs is an incredible accomplishment in distance riding and a testament to the hundreds of rides they have successfully completed together, particularly as the next highest LD horse mileage recorded by the AERC is 3,930. But perhaps equally as important as their mileage is the fact that Janet and Lady Jasmine have completed 209 out of 211 rides entered, and Lady Jasmine has never been pulled from a ride.
Don’t let her diminutive size (13.2 hands) and the delicate name, Lady Jasmine or “Ladybug” as she is fondly called, fool you—according to Janet this mare is tough, strong-willed and capable of digging deep. During their almost two decades together Janet and Ladybug have earned titles in many different competitions including winning the title of Open Champion in the Extreme Horseman’s Challenge (a series of six extreme cowboy races). Ladybug has also received the Spirit of the Mustang award once and the Super Horse award twice at the Utah Wild Horse & Burro Festival along with Reserve Grand Champion Overall Youth in the Tri-State Mustang Series.
About the AERC award, Janet says, “I am so thrilled to receive this award. It means so much to me. We have been a team through so many miles and trails. We have met some of the most wonderful people that we will never forget. We have seen some of the most breathtaking sights in our travels and we have done it all together.”
Ladybug was gathered from the Antelope Head Management Area near Ely, Nevada, on December 3, 1998. The following April, Janet and her husband ventured to Logan, Utah, with the goal of adopting a Mustang. Although Janet had her heart set on a Buckskin colt, there was something about the way that this small, very pregnant, 3-year-old roan mare looked at her that changed her mind. So Ladybug came home with Janet and two weeks later presented her with a charming stud colt. Just a few short weeks later, Ladybug was saddled and being ridden.
Janet and Ladybug did their first LD ride together in April of 2004 at Color Country. They went to this ride not knowing anyone, but came away after riding day 1 and day 3 with a whole new family and a love of the trail. They were both hooked on distance riding and they have never looked back.
After almost two decades together, Janet is still as enthusiastic about her mare as the day she brought her home. “Ladybug has continued to amaze and delight us and prove to us and the world that there isn’t anything this little horse can’t do,” says Janet. “Ladybug is a very versatile horse. She rides western and English, she drives, she does reining, mounted drill team, parades, pony rides at adoptions and BLM events, she excels at endurance and has even obtained her mounted Search and Rescue certification—all this from a little 13.2 hand mare!”
When asked what is next for she and Ladybug, Janet explains, “Our plan is to slow down, at least the number of miles we do for a year. Last year Ladybug did 965 miles of LD and a 50 totaling 1,015 miles, as a 19-year-old. We set out the year to get our 5,000 milestone and decided it would be fun to get the National LD Mileage Championship in the same year to really make it memorable. We completed rides in Nevada, Washington, New Mexico, Utah and Idaho.
“Our next goal is to make the AERC Decade Team, we have five more years to go, which will put Ladybug at age 25,” said Janet. The Decade Team award is for riders and horses who have done endurance distance rides (50 or more miles) for at least 10 years.
“I hope to keep her going down the trail so that she can help my granddaughter develop the love for the sport that I have with her,” said Janet.
Happy Trails to Janet and Ladybug as they continue their journey together!
About AERC
In addition to promoting the sport of endurance riding, AERC encourages the use, protection, and development of equestrian trails, especially those with historic significance. Many events, particularly multi-day rides, take place on historic trails, and promote awareness of the importance of trail preservation for future generations as well as fostering an appreciation of our American heritage. AERC’s founding ride, the Western States Trail Ride, or Tevis Cup, covers 100 miles of the famous Western States and Emigrant trails over the Sierra Nevada.
Established in 1972, the American Endurance Ride Conference is headquartered in Auburn, California, “The Endurance Capital of the World.” For more information please visit us at www.aerc.org or call 866-271-AERC.
Contact:
Candace FitzGerald
Dobbin Group LLC
603-738-2788
To earn the first-ever 5,000 mile LD award—an embroidered blanket—the pair competed in rides of 25-35 miles in one day. While most of AERC’s high mileage horses are those that compete in 50 mile competitions and up, Janet and Ladybug had to go to double the number of rides of most endurance riders to reach this milestone. In fact, the AERC has recognized 265 5,000-mile endurance horses and now, just one LD 5,000 mile horse, Lady Jasmine.
Theirs is an incredible accomplishment in distance riding and a testament to the hundreds of rides they have successfully completed together, particularly as the next highest LD horse mileage recorded by the AERC is 3,930. But perhaps equally as important as their mileage is the fact that Janet and Lady Jasmine have completed 209 out of 211 rides entered, and Lady Jasmine has never been pulled from a ride.
Don’t let her diminutive size (13.2 hands) and the delicate name, Lady Jasmine or “Ladybug” as she is fondly called, fool you—according to Janet this mare is tough, strong-willed and capable of digging deep. During their almost two decades together Janet and Ladybug have earned titles in many different competitions including winning the title of Open Champion in the Extreme Horseman’s Challenge (a series of six extreme cowboy races). Ladybug has also received the Spirit of the Mustang award once and the Super Horse award twice at the Utah Wild Horse & Burro Festival along with Reserve Grand Champion Overall Youth in the Tri-State Mustang Series.
About the AERC award, Janet says, “I am so thrilled to receive this award. It means so much to me. We have been a team through so many miles and trails. We have met some of the most wonderful people that we will never forget. We have seen some of the most breathtaking sights in our travels and we have done it all together.”
Ladybug was gathered from the Antelope Head Management Area near Ely, Nevada, on December 3, 1998. The following April, Janet and her husband ventured to Logan, Utah, with the goal of adopting a Mustang. Although Janet had her heart set on a Buckskin colt, there was something about the way that this small, very pregnant, 3-year-old roan mare looked at her that changed her mind. So Ladybug came home with Janet and two weeks later presented her with a charming stud colt. Just a few short weeks later, Ladybug was saddled and being ridden.
Janet and Ladybug did their first LD ride together in April of 2004 at Color Country. They went to this ride not knowing anyone, but came away after riding day 1 and day 3 with a whole new family and a love of the trail. They were both hooked on distance riding and they have never looked back.
After almost two decades together, Janet is still as enthusiastic about her mare as the day she brought her home. “Ladybug has continued to amaze and delight us and prove to us and the world that there isn’t anything this little horse can’t do,” says Janet. “Ladybug is a very versatile horse. She rides western and English, she drives, she does reining, mounted drill team, parades, pony rides at adoptions and BLM events, she excels at endurance and has even obtained her mounted Search and Rescue certification—all this from a little 13.2 hand mare!”
When asked what is next for she and Ladybug, Janet explains, “Our plan is to slow down, at least the number of miles we do for a year. Last year Ladybug did 965 miles of LD and a 50 totaling 1,015 miles, as a 19-year-old. We set out the year to get our 5,000 milestone and decided it would be fun to get the National LD Mileage Championship in the same year to really make it memorable. We completed rides in Nevada, Washington, New Mexico, Utah and Idaho.
“Our next goal is to make the AERC Decade Team, we have five more years to go, which will put Ladybug at age 25,” said Janet. The Decade Team award is for riders and horses who have done endurance distance rides (50 or more miles) for at least 10 years.
“I hope to keep her going down the trail so that she can help my granddaughter develop the love for the sport that I have with her,” said Janet.
Happy Trails to Janet and Ladybug as they continue their journey together!
About AERC
In addition to promoting the sport of endurance riding, AERC encourages the use, protection, and development of equestrian trails, especially those with historic significance. Many events, particularly multi-day rides, take place on historic trails, and promote awareness of the importance of trail preservation for future generations as well as fostering an appreciation of our American heritage. AERC’s founding ride, the Western States Trail Ride, or Tevis Cup, covers 100 miles of the famous Western States and Emigrant trails over the Sierra Nevada.
Established in 1972, the American Endurance Ride Conference is headquartered in Auburn, California, “The Endurance Capital of the World.” For more information please visit us at www.aerc.org or call 866-271-AERC.
Contact:
Candace FitzGerald
Dobbin Group LLC
603-738-2788
Sunday, April 10, 2016
St. Jude Patient Gets His Dream Ride from Retired Arabian Horse
KStoddardphoto.com - Full Article & photosApril 8 2016
Kaitlyn Stoddard
It was just a couple weeks ago when Lizz Hoard, owner of Elizabeth Hoard Photography and my own wedding photographer, called me about 3 year old St. Jude Patient, K'meil. What started out as a business talk between his mom, Leyah, and Lizz turned into a story of her son's current battle with cancer. Essentially, she wanted photos of her child like any other mom, but long story short, "It's not good," Lizz told me.
K'meil has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma a rare cancerous tumor that seems to always affect children based on research at St. Jude. He has just finished his second round of chemo therapy and currently wears a port in his chest. The cancer has metastasized and spread to his bones, and he will soon be going through a bone marrow transplant as well.
K'meil's dream was to have his picture taken with a horse and maybe even ride one. That's when my phone rang. Lizz photographed me back in November in my wedding gown with my horse as a gift for my husband. She asked me if I thought we could use one of the horses, and even if he couldn't ride, the horse could be in the background. At that moment, I was sitting in the passenger seat of a dodge pickup truck pulling a gooseneck trailer with two horses in it headed to Alabama for an endurance race. I looked over at my cousin, Jennifer Whittaker, who owns Mystic Rose Arabians, teaches riding lessons and whose life is literally horses, kids, and more horses and told Lizz, "I think if he wants to ride a horse then he will ride a horse. He could probably have his pick of colors from Jennifer's lesson horses if he wants." And just like that, K'meil's dream of riding a horse was coming true. We scheduled their family shoot/horseback riding around his chemo treatment's at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and set the date for April 5th...
Read more here:
http://www.kstoddardphoto.com/musings/2016/4/5/st-jude-patient-dreams-of-riding-a-horse
Sunday, April 03, 2016
Texas: Priefert to host equine endurance riders
Dailytribune.net - Full Article
April 2, 2016
By LYNDA STRINGER lstringer@tribnow.com
Rodeo and horsemanship is big in Mount Pleasant, but many may have never heard of or seen an equine endurance ride. They’ll have a chance to see the action up close when the Racing Stripes Endurance Ride comes to Priefert Ranch April 9-10.
It’s the world’s fastest growing equine sport combining a nature trail ride with the athleticism of endurance sports.
“Riders will be hauling their trailers from miles around to converge on Priefert Ranch,” according to a release from the sport’s sanctioning body, the American Endurance Ride Conference...
Read more here:
http://www.dailytribune.net/news/priefert-to-host-equine-endurance-riders/article_48f55cee-f86e-11e5-b0db-cf0b43739f4e.html
April 2, 2016
By LYNDA STRINGER lstringer@tribnow.com
Rodeo and horsemanship is big in Mount Pleasant, but many may have never heard of or seen an equine endurance ride. They’ll have a chance to see the action up close when the Racing Stripes Endurance Ride comes to Priefert Ranch April 9-10.
It’s the world’s fastest growing equine sport combining a nature trail ride with the athleticism of endurance sports.
“Riders will be hauling their trailers from miles around to converge on Priefert Ranch,” according to a release from the sport’s sanctioning body, the American Endurance Ride Conference...
Read more here:
http://www.dailytribune.net/news/priefert-to-host-equine-endurance-riders/article_48f55cee-f86e-11e5-b0db-cf0b43739f4e.html
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
The Equine Photographers Podcast with Lynne Glazer
Equinephotographerspodcast.com - Listen Inby Peter DeMott
Jan 31, 2016
Episode 14 : Lynne Glazer – Lynne Glazer Imagery / Endurance Ride Photography and more – PODCAST
Lynne is a California-based equine sport, ranch, portrait, pets and livestock photographer for both personal and commercial clients.
Lynne is a California-based equine sport, ranch, portrait, pets and livestock photographer for both personal and commercial clients.
I’ve known Lynne for many years. She is a talented and very technically particular photographer. What I mean is that she never fudges getting the images right in the camera and on post processing to create the best possible image for her clients.
Because of this she has done all sorts of both personal and commercial photography, but for today’s interview we spend a lot of time discussing her endurance ride photography including covering the internationally known Tevis endurance ride which is a point to point 100 mile trail event which occurs every year in California.
Lynne has been horse crazy as long as she can remember, but she got her first horse at 31 years old. He was an older horse, but she was able to enjoy him for quite a few years.
In 2003 started shooting endurance rides. She also had a desktop technology support business for media companies as a freelancer, so she knew how to run a business before getting into the business of photography. She also had a lot of knowledge about using technology proficiently for her photography business although later in the interview she explains that she hates to blog which she knows would increase her visibility as a photography business.
Now she works with an aerospace engineering company in areas of technology that you and I would not have a clue about. She can work remotely and on the schedule she chooses which is usually at night. It’s just what she likes to do. That also leaves her time during the day for photography and enjoying her horse.
Listen to the podcast:
http://www.equinephotographerspodcast.com/14-lynne-glazer-lynne-glazer-imagery-endurance-ride-photography-podcast/
Wednesday, March 09, 2016
March's Endurance Day on Horses in the Morning with Karen Chaton
Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen in
March 8 2016
On today's AERC Endurance Episode we're all over the map, starting with a GPS tip from Karen then it's a quick stop in Spain for a chat with Andrew Steen about his role in the early development of endurance riding and Gina Hall in Nevada brings it all back to center with a chat about what 'To Finish is to Win' really means. Listen in...
http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/hitm-for-03-08-2016-by-the-aerc-andrew-steen-endurance-early-years-gina-hall-to-finish-is-to-win/
March 8 2016
On today's AERC Endurance Episode we're all over the map, starting with a GPS tip from Karen then it's a quick stop in Spain for a chat with Andrew Steen about his role in the early development of endurance riding and Gina Hall in Nevada brings it all back to center with a chat about what 'To Finish is to Win' really means. Listen in...
http://www.horsesinthemorning.com/hitm-for-03-08-2016-by-the-aerc-andrew-steen-endurance-early-years-gina-hall-to-finish-is-to-win/
Tuesday, March 08, 2016
2015 USTA Endurance Award winner announced
Monica Bretherton photo USTrotting.com - Full Article
Monday, March 07, 2016
by Jessica Schroeder, USTA Outreach & Membership Enrichment Coordinator
Columbus, OH --- Naked Willow, a.k.a. Fiddle, is the 2015 High Mileage Standardbred, an award given by the USTA in conjunction with the American Endurance Ride Conference.
Foaled in 2002 in Surrey, British Columbia, the daughter of Dal Reo Hop Sing never made it to the races but has made a name for herself in the Northwest region in endurance.
“I am giddy with excitement over this award,” said Fiddle’s owner and rider Aarene Storms. “We also enjoy our winter dressage lessons, which add valuable flexibility and communication which serves us well on the endurance trail.”
After years of competing the Storms and Fiddle were featured on the cover of the July 2015 edition of Endurance News, the official publication of the AERC. Aarene wrote the book Endurance 101: a gentle guide to the sport of long-distance riding.
The team completed 515 endurance miles for the 2015 ride season; 465 of those were of standard distance (50-plus miles), while 50 of them were considered LD or limited distance (rides less than 50 miles)...
Read more here:
http://xwebapp.ustrotting.com/absolutenm/templates/article.aspx?articleid=68531&zoneid=63
Saturday, March 05, 2016
Live Concert at Owyhee Tough Sucker
March 5 2015
At the April 2 Owyhee Tough Sucker endurance ride, rumors are that there will be live old time bluegrass music at the ride venue provided by the Pickett Creek Ramblers before and after the ride on the Teeterville Common.
The Teeterville K-9 corps will likely be on hand to provide crowd control due to the expected crush of groupies and wild fans at the concert.
Rumored guest appearance by legendary songwriter, fiddle and guitar player Trapper may materialize.
I'm still trying to grow my fingernail out from the last concert, it was that crazy," one banjo player was heard to lament. "I need my fingernail for picking."
Greatly looking forward to their repeat smash performance, one banjo player said, "I changed my banjo strings for the first time in 17 years in anticipation of our reunion!"
"Horses were heard to neigh in their paddocks while we played," said one guitar player of last year's concert.
"A producer was at our last show and tried to sign us up, tried to video some of our performances right there," declared a fiddle player.
"I thought our band name was Pickett Cricksters," said a bass ukulele player.
"Wait." said a mandolin player. "This isn't the Teeterville Jammers? Have I been showing up with the wrong band?"
Despite a year on the road (as in, driving twice round trip on the 10-mile bumpy-ass crick road to the ride and concert venue last year) the Pickett Crick Ramblers are still full of energy, enthusiasm, laughs, mistakes, and slightly off-key notes, but they play on anyway.
For more information on the historic ride and concert, see
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2016ToughSucker/
Friday, March 04, 2016
Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Endurance Rider?
AERC.orgIf you’re not an endurance rider (yet), it may be difficult to believe that people would do this sport on purpose. It takes a certain dedication and toughness to join the American Endurance Ride Conference and pursue endurance riding (50-100 mile rides) and limited distance riding (25-35 mile rides). We offer a test: do the stories below intrigue you? (You may want to join right away.) If you find them horrifying, maybe this isn't the sport for you. (Or you should just stay away from friends with thermometers.)
by Michael Campbell, AERC President
At the pre-ride check in, the riders were lined up with their horses along a fence line and watching as each rider presented his/her horse to the veterinarians. It’s a relaxed time. The riders chatted with one another and commented on the horses and riders trotting for the vets. One rider, proud of his bay mare, trotted her out on a loose lead line, very loose. They turned at the cone and headed back toward the vet. The mare was feeling good at a vigorous trot with an occasional little canter step.
She felt so good that she wandered away from the rider a bit to the end of her lead and kicked up—not aggressively, just excited—and caught her rider right in the groin. An audible gasp erupted from the crowd and everyone stared open-mouthed at the rider. The male observers cringed. One of the vets started to jog toward what he was sure would be an emergency situation. But no, this was an endurance rider, and he just kept on trotting his horse, who got an A+ for attitude. (The rider caught the kick at the end of the arc in a precariously non-vital part of his anatomy.)
Like all endurance riders, this guy not only volunteered for this but paid hard-earned money for it. A Hollywood stuntman would get a big check for that one.
Endurance riders are not quitters and don’t tolerate such among themselves. One tough woman endurance rider brought a lady friend to try a limited distance ride on a well-seasoned horse. The woman came into her first vet check of the 50 mile ride and asked the timer about her lady friend. The timer explained that the horse was just fine, but her friend had pulled, rider option, after the first loop of the LD because she was just too fatigued.
The rider woman exclaimed, “Oh, no! She’s un-pulling!” and stormed off to find her friend. The friend soon returned, somewhat chagrined, to the timer table, helmet and horse in hand, to complete her second loop. That friend was later so proud of finishing the ride that she went on to complete many more. Even when things get tough, endurance riders don’t quit. They learn how to endure from other riders and their horses.
Endurance riders are not whiners, either. But they can have a sense of humor about whining as they find creative ways to discourage it. At a ride late in the year, the wind was blowing, rain soaked everything, the temperature was dropping and everyone in camp was . . . well, I guess the politically correct way to say it is they were all feeling challenged.
One new rider was hanging around the vet check area and complaining that she just didn’t feel good and maybe she would quit because she might be coming down with something, etc. The vets were checking the horses’ temperatures that day and the new rider’s friend was assisting the vets. The friend got tired of the new rider’s complaining and said, “Let’s see if you have a fever,” and shoved a thermometer on a string into the girl’s mouth. After a couple of minutes, the friend checked the thermometer and said, “Nope, you’re okay, now go!”
Everyone got a chuckle—even the new rider, when it was explained to her later that the thermometer on a string was for the horses’ rectal temperatures. (She later told me she used a whole bottle of mouthwash when she learned the truth.)
One last anecdote. Some years ago we were warming up our horses for a 4:00 a.m. start of a 100 mile ride. The weather was freezing. It was so cold that the lady in the camp next to ours woke to find her contacts had frozen in their container.
As the ride manager took roll and her husband helped, one of the riders commented, “I can’t believe we’re out here riding in this weather.” The manager’s husband responded, “Yep, and I can’t believe I’m out here watching you.”
This is a volunteer organization. Our members pay to do this for fun, a sense of personal accomplishment and because they love spending time with their horses. We have over 5,000 members across the U.S. and Canada. Non-endurance people can’t believe we pay to do this. They have a hard time believing that we actually ride 25, 50 or 100 miles in a day. How many times has someone asked you incredulously, “In one day?”
We have better stories and in our dotage, we’ll have better memories. We’re tough, we don’t quit, we don’t whine, and we laugh. Only 1 in 60,000 citizens of this country can say they do this remarkable sport. We hope you will choose to join in the fun.
More information on endurance riding is available by visiting www.aerc.org or by calling the AERC office at 866-271-2372. By request, the office will send out a free information packet to prospective members.
Contact:
Troy Smith
American Endurance Ride Conference
endurancenews@foothill.net
866-271-2372, 530-823-2260
Monday, February 29, 2016
American Endurance Ride Conference Celebrates Achievements
RENO, Nevada – February 29, 2016 – Keeping endurance riders away from their equines for a weekend isn’t easy, but the annual gathering of the American Endurance Ride Conference gives them an opportunity to celebrate their riding accomplishments, learn more about the sport, and share input for the future of endurance riding.The 2016 AERC convention held in mid-February in Reno, Nevada —“the best convention I have been to,” according to one board member, culminated in the national awards banquet, where longtime ride manager Ann Nicholson was named as the 2015 Hall of Fame person. The newest Hall of Fame horse is LV Integrity, a 22-year-old Arabian gelding (AHR*498744) owned by Joyce Sousa of Hydesville, Calif.,).
Nicholson, along with her husband David, a veterinarian who is also in AERC’s Hall of Fame, puts on a great number of multi-day endurance and limited distance rides throughout the Western United States, and has put on several AERC-sanctioned XP rides that followed the Pony Express trail across the West. Pacific Southwest Regional Director John Parke said Ann “hauls water, makes lunches and dinners, but it’s not just what she does, it’s how she does it.” He added, “She is always smiling, always polite, never says a bad word about anyone.”
Endurance riding is often a family affair, and Ann’s mother, Lavonne Booth, was inducted into the nonprofit organization’s Hall of Fame exactly 20 years before.
The newest Hall of Fame horse, nicknamed Ritz, has completed more than 9,000 miles of endurance competition, including 35 one-day 100s, and has completed the prestigious Tevis Cup ride four times. Ritz has competed overseas and in two national championship rides. Upon accepting the honor presented by her daughter, Jennifer Niehaus, Sousa simply said, “We take such pride in what we do.”
The Pard’ners award, which honors a rider/equine partnership that exemplifies friendship, enthusiasm and sportsmanship, went to local rider Gina Hall and Fire Mt. Destiny, an 18-year-old Arabian cross gelding (AHR*3A325818). They have competed together since 2002, racking up 7,300 endurance miles—124 rides with only two non-completions. Their partnership was rocky at first—“he was really scary,” said Hall—but now Destiny is a trusty companion and an “awesome babysitter” for horses new to endurance.
Also honored were Buck and Donna Shrader of Pennsylvania who have volunteered at Northeast Region rides for decades and recently announced their “retirement” from pulse-taking, timing and other assorted volunteer duties. Riders will no longer anticipate Buck’s call at the start of rides: “Good luck, have fun and be careful!” The volunteer award gives them a great send-off and thank you for their dedication.
Dot Wiggins, who has been involved with endurance riding and trails building and maintenance since the 1970s, is the recipient of the 2015 Ann Parr Trails Preservation Award. In Idaho, Wiggins has worked with the Forest Service, BLM and private land owners to preserve equestrian trails, most notably working from start to finish on the 84-mile Weiser River Trail, one of the few rail trails owned and managed by a nonprofit organization, the Friends of the Weiser River Trail, Inc.
Convention-goers had two full days of seminars ranging from horse health to rider health to online equine myths presented by nationally-renowned speakers, as well as a lively trade show with more than 40 exhibitors.
Special guests at the convention included FEI Endurance Director Manuel Bandeira de Mello of Portugal and Australian veterinarian Brian Sheahan, chair of FEI’s Endurance Technical Committee. The two, along with other United States Equestrian Federation President Chrystine Tauber and USEF Endurance Director Kristen Brett, were there to explain progress made in Region VII countries with regard to horse welfare. Despite setbacks in national, non-FEI competitions, overall there are major gains made with regard to horse welfare, lowing the number of vehicles and grooms on the course, and other requirements stipulated by the FEI.
The AERC Board of Directors confirmed the continuation of AERC’s executive positions, with President Michael Campbell, Vice President Lisa Schneider, Treasurer Mollie Krumlaw-Smith and Secretary Susan Garlinghouse, DVM, re-elected to serve another term.
With membership gains for the first time since the recession began, the conference is seeing a host of new and younger members taking to the trails for 25- to 100-mile AERC-sanctioned rides across the U.S. and Canada. More information on endurance riding is available by visiting www.aerc.org or by calling the AERC office at 866-271-2372. By request, the office will send out a free information packet to prospective members.
Troy Smith
American Endurance Ride Conference
endurancenews@foothill.net
866-271-2372, 530-823-2260
4WD Vehicles* Up For Grabs in Owyhee Tough Sucker
February 27 2016
Oreana, Idaho - A number of top Northwest endurance riders and horses are expected to vie for honors in the 11th annual Owyhee Tough Sucker Endurance Cup
The Idaho
“Riders from southwestern Idaho, and possibly southern Idaho, central Idaho, eastern Idaho, southeastern Idaho, northern Idaho, in addition to maybe-if-we're-lucky some out of staters will battle for honors,” said Teeter, Director General of the Up The Cricksters Equestrian Club.
“For the first time ever, the winner of this glorious endurance
“Apart from this, since the Tough Sucker
Chief Information and Menu Advisor Admiral Rose commented, "We feel that someone needs to up the game of endurance in Owyhee County. Who wouldn't want to be seen around the town of Oreana (population 8, maybe 9), in fact the 7,697 square miles of Owyhee County, in fact the entire country with a shiny new 4WD vehicle, won in an endurance
For more information on the Tough Sucker ride and to sign up, see:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2016ToughSucker/
*Awards are as pictured right here. They are plastic. They are worth not more'n a dollar each. Get Tough, Suckers!
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Owyhee River Challenge - Endurance 101 Clinic and Campout March 19, 2016
Karen Bumgarner is hosting an introductory Endurance clinic in March.
"I am again having the Endurance 101 Clinic out at my ride camp west of Homedale and south of Adrian. (southwest Idaho, Owyhee County) Last year was a half day and we really ran out of time and didn't get to talk about some things people were interested in. This year it's all day. Plus you can ride. Plus you can camp. But you don't have to do either, you don't even have to bring a horse but the options are there. Since we have all day we can be as basic or as advanced as you like. When you register - mark on your form any special requests. I need registrations by March 15 so I can plan but I have $20 Gift Certificates for early registrations. I only have a few left so please get them in to me. The price is $50. IF you want to ride with your own personal mentor, basically a private lesson, it's $25 to be paid to the mentor. But I have to know in advance to make that arrangement. Otherwise I point you down the marked trail and you ride it with your friends or on your won or whatever you choose. :)"
Here is the info:
Endurance 101 Campout
March 19, 2016
If riding is tour passion then perhaps you'd like to try Endurance Ridng!
I will have an Endurance 101 Clinic this year and it will vary from last year’s format. Recognizing that one of the stumbling blocks is camping out with your horse, we’re going to include that this year. Am I nuts? In March? Probably ....
Once registered I’ll contact you with items that you will need and we’ll hope the weather is kind to us! You will need to bring horse water, weed free certified hay, your own food and snacks. We’ll also have potluck that night. So come prepared for a fun time and make new friends! Share goals and stories.
Everyone will be given the DVD containing all the youtube presentations of AERC and Susan Garlinghouse DVM. Everything from ride camp to the finish line is covered. These you can watch in the comfort of your own home. The DVD will also feature book excerpts, ride flyers and more!
We’ll discuss:
*Conditioning
*Feed and Electrolytes
*Pace
*Understanding trail marking
*Trail Bags and what to carry
*Vet check bags and what to send
*Moving up Distance
*Evaluating your horse’s condition
*Trouble Shoooting
Hands on:
*How to pulse your horse
*Vetting your horse through the check
*Evaluating saddle fit on your horse
* Setting goals - And a few other things by request.
After the presentations part of the day we’ll take a break, have some lunch. And there will be a marked trail of 5-10-15 miles that you can ride.
The fee will be $50 for the day. IF you want an experienced endurance rider to ride the loop with you and mentor then please make arrangements in advance and include $25 for their time and knowledge. Or you can just ride it with your friends at no extra charge.
This will all take place south of Adrian, OR at or near the ride camp for the Owyhee River Endurance Ride. The date will be March 19, if we get rained out we’ll have to abandon ship. The discussions and visual can all be done at my house and small barn but I only have room for a couple trailers and the hope of riding the next day. First local ride of the season is April 2, 2016.
Contact Karen Bumgarner; zap6000@gmail.com; 208-440-8413 to request an entry application before March 10th.
info on webpage
"I am again having the Endurance 101 Clinic out at my ride camp west of Homedale and south of Adrian. (southwest Idaho, Owyhee County) Last year was a half day and we really ran out of time and didn't get to talk about some things people were interested in. This year it's all day. Plus you can ride. Plus you can camp. But you don't have to do either, you don't even have to bring a horse but the options are there. Since we have all day we can be as basic or as advanced as you like. When you register - mark on your form any special requests. I need registrations by March 15 so I can plan but I have $20 Gift Certificates for early registrations. I only have a few left so please get them in to me. The price is $50. IF you want to ride with your own personal mentor, basically a private lesson, it's $25 to be paid to the mentor. But I have to know in advance to make that arrangement. Otherwise I point you down the marked trail and you ride it with your friends or on your won or whatever you choose. :)"
Here is the info:
Endurance 101 Campout
March 19, 2016
If riding is tour passion then perhaps you'd like to try Endurance Ridng!
I will have an Endurance 101 Clinic this year and it will vary from last year’s format. Recognizing that one of the stumbling blocks is camping out with your horse, we’re going to include that this year. Am I nuts? In March? Probably ....
Once registered I’ll contact you with items that you will need and we’ll hope the weather is kind to us! You will need to bring horse water, weed free certified hay, your own food and snacks. We’ll also have potluck that night. So come prepared for a fun time and make new friends! Share goals and stories.
Everyone will be given the DVD containing all the youtube presentations of AERC and Susan Garlinghouse DVM. Everything from ride camp to the finish line is covered. These you can watch in the comfort of your own home. The DVD will also feature book excerpts, ride flyers and more!
We’ll discuss:
*Conditioning
*Feed and Electrolytes
*Pace
*Understanding trail marking
*Trail Bags and what to carry
*Vet check bags and what to send
*Moving up Distance
*Evaluating your horse’s condition
*Trouble Shoooting
Hands on:
*How to pulse your horse
*Vetting your horse through the check
*Evaluating saddle fit on your horse
* Setting goals - And a few other things by request.
After the presentations part of the day we’ll take a break, have some lunch. And there will be a marked trail of 5-10-15 miles that you can ride.
The fee will be $50 for the day. IF you want an experienced endurance rider to ride the loop with you and mentor then please make arrangements in advance and include $25 for their time and knowledge. Or you can just ride it with your friends at no extra charge.
This will all take place south of Adrian, OR at or near the ride camp for the Owyhee River Endurance Ride. The date will be March 19, if we get rained out we’ll have to abandon ship. The discussions and visual can all be done at my house and small barn but I only have room for a couple trailers and the hope of riding the next day. First local ride of the season is April 2, 2016.
Contact Karen Bumgarner; zap6000@gmail.com; 208-440-8413 to request an entry application before March 10th.
info on webpage
Examining Horse Deaths Related to Endurance Rides
Thehorse.com - Full ArticleThe best ways a rider can reduce the risk of fatality is to be in tune with their horse, manage him properly through the ride, and voluntarily withdraw when their horse is not performing as expected, Schott said.
By Nancy S. Loving, DVM Feb 28, 2016
“Endurance” is an aptly named riding discipline. The sport requires horse and rider to complete more than 50 to 100 miles of trail in a single day. Depending on the competition type, terrain, and climatic conditions, horses might be actively working anywhere from six to 24 hours. Because of the nature of the sport, dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and heat stress can arise, sometimes leading to fatalities.
To investigate causes of fatality in endurance horses, Olin Balch, DVM, MS, PhD, of North Fork Veterinary Service, in Cascade, Idaho, and Hal Schott II, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVIM, professor of large animal medicine at Michigan State University, reviewed 13 years of endurance ride veterinary reports. Schott presented their findings at the 2015 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 5-9 in Las Vegas...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/articles/37197/examining-horse-deaths-related-to-endurance-rides
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
The Egyptian Arabian Performance Horse Award Program Enrollment Window Closing Soon
February 18 2016 Lexington, KY – (February 18, 2016) The Pyramid Society’s Performance Horse Award Program enrollment period for the 2015 competition year will close on March 1st, 2016. This innovative program is designed to support and promote the versatility of those Straight Egyptian and Egyptian Sired/Bred horses competing throughout North America in a wide range of performance disciplines. This year's program also offers complimentary enrollment with no Pyramid Society membership requirements.
“We are pleased to provide this world-wide visibility for our talented Egyptian Arabian performance horses. Although representing a small percentage of bloodlines throughout the Arabian breed, Egyptian Arabians continually take home a high percentage of top awards in the show ring and in other competitive disciplines,” states Jaleen Hacklander, Chair of the Performance Horse Award Program Committee.
Building on the great success of the 2014 program, the 2015 point system and awards have been expanded and divided into four competitive divisions including Pleasure, Working, Distance & Sport providing even more opportunities to WIN! Respective winners will be recognized through a special spotlight awards ceremony at the 2016 Egyptian Event and will receive custom awards, as well as visibility through international publications, and extensive online promotions.
This program is made possible through the generosity of its Premier Sponsor: Markel Insurance, as well as Supporting Sponsors: Miars Arabians, Hadaya Arabians, Thornewood Farm, Kehilan Arabians, J&J Arabians and Cariswood Farm.
For complete program information and guidelines visit www.RideEgyptians.com; call (859) 231-0771 or email Carol@PyramidSociety.org.
ABOUT THE PYRAMID SOCIETY
The Pyramid Society is the world’s leading international membership organization dedicated to the Egyptian Arabian horse. Founded in 1969, it has maintained its mission to promote and advance these unique bloodlines through educational venues, local and regional activities, international representation and an active online community. The Society’s focus culminates each year at the Egyptian Event, the organization’s signature five-day breed showcase and competition held annually during the first week in June at The Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington, Kentucky USA.
Contact:
Carol Aldridge, Member Services
carol@pyramidsociety.org | (859) 231-0771
Saturday, February 20, 2016
AERC Hall of Fame Inductees
The AERC National Convention awards ceremony concluded with the announcement of the latest inductees into the Hall of Fame:
Hall of Fame Horse: LV Integrity
Hall of Fame Person: Annie Nicholson
In addition the following achievement awards were given:
Pard'ners Award: Gina Hall and Fire Mountain Destiny
Volunteer Award: Buck and Donna Shrader
Ann Parr Trails Award: Dot Wiggins
Congratulations to those who were granted these special awards and to all of those who reached goals worthy of mention during the 2015 season, and to all of those who simply rode and continued the tradition of Endurance Riding in the United States and Canada!
Hall of Fame Horse: LV Integrity
Hall of Fame Person: Annie Nicholson
In addition the following achievement awards were given:
Pard'ners Award: Gina Hall and Fire Mountain Destiny
Volunteer Award: Buck and Donna Shrader
Ann Parr Trails Award: Dot Wiggins
Congratulations to those who were granted these special awards and to all of those who reached goals worthy of mention during the 2015 season, and to all of those who simply rode and continued the tradition of Endurance Riding in the United States and Canada!
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Appaloosa Horse Club to Collaborate with the Arabian Horse Association to Host the First Multi-Breed National Endurance Championship Ride
February 16, 2016
Appaloosa Horse Club to Collaborate with the Arabian Horse Association to Host the First Multi-Breed National Endurance Championship Rides
MOSCOW, IDAHO— The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) has partnered with the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) to host the very first multi-breed National Endurance Championship Rides. This exciting collaborative event will be held September 24, 2016.
The ApHC looks forward to holding the eleventh Appaloosa National Championship Endurance Ride (ANCER) concurrently with the Arabian Horse Association Distance Nationals. This 50-mile ride is sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) and will begin at Frank’s Ranch, 430853 E 220 Rd, Vinita, OK. Registered Appaloosas that are also registered with AHA as half-Arabian may enter both National Championships.
The ApHC is currently seeking sponsorships in support of this year’s ride. The event sponsorship form listing the many perks of sponsoring this year’s event is available at http://www.appaloosa.com/pdfs/2016AncerSponsorshipForm.pdf.
For additional information and the 2016 official ride entry form, visit http://www.appaloosa.com/trail/national-champ.htm or contact the ApHC Trail & Distance Coordinator at (208) 882-5578 ext. 264.
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) was established in 1938 with a mission of honoring the heritage and promoting the future of the Appaloosa horse. The ApHC has since registered more than 700,000 Appaloosas, which are known for their distinctive color, intelligence and even temperament. True to their reputation as an extremely versatile breed, Appaloosas can be found in nearly every discipline including racing, endurance riding and serving as reliable family horses. The international breed registry is headquartered in Moscow, Idaho, the heart of the Palouse region—the Appaloosa breed’s namesake and point of origin.
Media Contact:
Ashleigh Brown, Director of Marketing
Office: (208) 882-5578
Fax: (208) 882-8150
Appaloosa Horse Club to Collaborate with the Arabian Horse Association to Host the First Multi-Breed National Endurance Championship Rides
MOSCOW, IDAHO— The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) has partnered with the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) to host the very first multi-breed National Endurance Championship Rides. This exciting collaborative event will be held September 24, 2016.
The ApHC looks forward to holding the eleventh Appaloosa National Championship Endurance Ride (ANCER) concurrently with the Arabian Horse Association Distance Nationals. This 50-mile ride is sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) and will begin at Frank’s Ranch, 430853 E 220 Rd, Vinita, OK. Registered Appaloosas that are also registered with AHA as half-Arabian may enter both National Championships.
The ApHC is currently seeking sponsorships in support of this year’s ride. The event sponsorship form listing the many perks of sponsoring this year’s event is available at http://www.appaloosa.com/pdfs/2016AncerSponsorshipForm.pdf.
For additional information and the 2016 official ride entry form, visit http://www.appaloosa.com/trail/national-champ.htm or contact the ApHC Trail & Distance Coordinator at (208) 882-5578 ext. 264.
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) was established in 1938 with a mission of honoring the heritage and promoting the future of the Appaloosa horse. The ApHC has since registered more than 700,000 Appaloosas, which are known for their distinctive color, intelligence and even temperament. True to their reputation as an extremely versatile breed, Appaloosas can be found in nearly every discipline including racing, endurance riding and serving as reliable family horses. The international breed registry is headquartered in Moscow, Idaho, the heart of the Palouse region—the Appaloosa breed’s namesake and point of origin.
Media Contact:
Ashleigh Brown, Director of Marketing
Office: (208) 882-5578
Fax: (208) 882-8150
Sunday, February 14, 2016
N.J. couple to spend honeymoon trekking cross country with a horse, donkey and dog
NJ.com - Full Article
By Anthony Medina | For NJ.com
on February 08, 2016
MOUNT LAUREL – Honeymoons tend to be a joyous occasion when newlyweds escape to somewhere for some alone time and relaxation. However, one local couple has decided to forgo the typical vacation in pursuit of an adventure of a lifetime by traveling across the United States by riding on horse and donkey next month.
"It was pretty much my idea," claimed Christian Muniz, a 25-year-old resident of Cinnaminson. "I came across an article on the American Discovery Trail and I said, 'that's what we should do for our actual honeymoon, like do a long distance trail or something.'"
At first his wife Diedra, who is 27 years old, seemed to just brush off the idea since Muniz explained he tends to be the dreamer and she the realist. However, the couple married last spring and didn't take an actual honeymoon after their wedding, so making plans for an adventure led Diedra to begin researching the idea and it developed into a reality. And the idea to ride instead of hike stemmed from her love of horseback riding which she had begun teaching to her husband.
"We've both been lifelong adventurers..." explained Christian. "And with this, we've both figured it was the best time to do it because afterwards we might not have an opportunity to do so..."
Read more here:
http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2016/02/local_couple_preps_to_cross_the_country_on_horse_a.html
By Anthony Medina | For NJ.com
on February 08, 2016
MOUNT LAUREL – Honeymoons tend to be a joyous occasion when newlyweds escape to somewhere for some alone time and relaxation. However, one local couple has decided to forgo the typical vacation in pursuit of an adventure of a lifetime by traveling across the United States by riding on horse and donkey next month.
"It was pretty much my idea," claimed Christian Muniz, a 25-year-old resident of Cinnaminson. "I came across an article on the American Discovery Trail and I said, 'that's what we should do for our actual honeymoon, like do a long distance trail or something.'"
At first his wife Diedra, who is 27 years old, seemed to just brush off the idea since Muniz explained he tends to be the dreamer and she the realist. However, the couple married last spring and didn't take an actual honeymoon after their wedding, so making plans for an adventure led Diedra to begin researching the idea and it developed into a reality. And the idea to ride instead of hike stemmed from her love of horseback riding which she had begun teaching to her husband.
"We've both been lifelong adventurers..." explained Christian. "And with this, we've both figured it was the best time to do it because afterwards we might not have an opportunity to do so..."
Read more here:
http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2016/02/local_couple_preps_to_cross_the_country_on_horse_a.html
Sunday, February 07, 2016
USET Foundation Exceeds Goal - Raising $36.5 Million for the Campaign for Continuing Our Competitive Excellence
USEFNetwork.comELEASE: February 4, 2016
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: Phelps Media Group
Gladstone, NJ. - Feb. 4, 2016 - Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors, and the leadership of Campaign Chairman and USET Foundation Vice President, Jim McNerney, the United States Equestrian
Team Foundation (USET Foundation) has achieved its goal of raising $35 million for the Campaign for Continuing Our Competitive Excellence. With a final total of $36,500,000 raised, the campaign has been a resounding success providing support to expand programs for developing and elite athletes and create new programs that will optimize this country's ability to bring home medals at international championship
McNerney commented, "I would like to salute Bonnie Jenkins, our tireless executive director; Tucker Johnson, our dedicated president; and the generosity of Patti and Bruce Springsteen for a high energy, star spangled, Rockin' Rio Gala finish to the campaign that put us over the top! Equally important was the tireless effort of all the trustees and the energized donors who stepped up when our sport and country needed them!"
The money raised from the campaign has been used to fund High Performance programs in all eight international disciplines, as well as support for the United States Equestrian Teams at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, 2011 Pan American Games, 2012 Olympic and ParalympicGames, 2014 World Equestrian Games, 2015 Pan American Games and the upcoming 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Fundraising "Challenges" established for specific disciplines were instrumental in increasing funding for para-dressage, eventing, dressage and reining, as well as providing for the establishment of the new Human Sport Science and Medicine program.
The iconic facility at Hamilton Farms in Gladstone, where the U.S. equestrian teams once lived and trained under the great coaches Jack LeGoff and Bert DeNemethy, is undergoing renovations and capital improvements as a result of gifts made to the campaign for the Gladstone Fund. This will ensure that this world class facility will continue to be a vital part of this country's
High Performance programs through its use for training sessions, national championships and world championship and Olympic selection trials, as well as offices for the USEF's High Performance staff and the headquarters of the USET Foundation.
The three main goals of the campaign were achieved; first, to increase the annual grant from the USET Foundation to the USEF for High Performance programs. In 2016 the largest grant of $3.5 million will be made, reflecting the strength of the campaign and being able to meet the needs of our teams as they prepare and participate in the Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer. The second goal was to grow the endowment, which increased by 86 percent, and the third was to expand the donor base at the Gold Medal level, which increased by 37 percent.
For more than 50 years, equestrian athletes have represented the United States in international competition, bringing home medals that have clearly established the United States as among the world's equestrian elite. However, dedication, hard work and dreams alone do not bring home medals. The costs of fielding international teams are enormous. Training, coaching and transporting of human and equine athletes around the world in order to compete against the sport's best athletes is a daunting undertaking, requiring a huge commitment of time and money.
The completion of the Campaign for Continuing Our Competitive Excellence will allow the U.S. to maintain this tradition of excellence and to remain competitive with the best in the world.
Friday, February 05, 2016
PNER Convention Notes – "10 Things You Can Do Better" by Susan Garlinghouse, DVM, MS
RedMareRunning Blog - Full Article
February 4 2016
First in my convention-note lineup is a talk given by Dr. Susan Garlinghouse. She is fairly well known in the endurance world for her articles on equine nutrition and other salient topics regarding the health and fitness of our horses.
During this talk she essentially rounded up some of the more interesting things she had found from scientific research, and the practical applications of this recent research. Everything she talked about comes from her reading peer-reviewed research journals (so we don't have to?).
There were several points that are very applicable to Deli and I. I hope making my notes available will be helpful for other riders and horse lovers.
1. How to Feed Feet
There are tons of factors go into growing a good foot – bio-mechanics, genetics, age, breed, metabolic rate, temperature, and moisture (so the season and climate in general matter quite a bit for what a foot needs). Nutrition is a big deal but there is no one thing that is a silver bullet.
The key points from the nutrition standpoint are:
• Feed enough calories – the quality of their feed might not be high enough. In a positive energy balance they will grow foot 50% faster than horses on a restricted diet (not meaning the horse is on a “diet” for weight control, jut that the horse might be working more than the calorie intake received).
• Provide a good amino acid profile – don’t just supplement one amino acid and expect it to make a difference (for example, don’t just add methionine).
• Should you add minerals? If the mineral profile is already adequate, adding more is not going to help (and it might hurt). What’s more important that adding in single minerals is BALANCE. Don’t add a specific mineral unless you have a shown deficiency...
Read more here:
http://redmarerunning.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/pner-convention-notes-10-things-you-can.html?spref=fb
February 4 2016
First in my convention-note lineup is a talk given by Dr. Susan Garlinghouse. She is fairly well known in the endurance world for her articles on equine nutrition and other salient topics regarding the health and fitness of our horses.
During this talk she essentially rounded up some of the more interesting things she had found from scientific research, and the practical applications of this recent research. Everything she talked about comes from her reading peer-reviewed research journals (so we don't have to?).
There were several points that are very applicable to Deli and I. I hope making my notes available will be helpful for other riders and horse lovers.
1. How to Feed Feet
There are tons of factors go into growing a good foot – bio-mechanics, genetics, age, breed, metabolic rate, temperature, and moisture (so the season and climate in general matter quite a bit for what a foot needs). Nutrition is a big deal but there is no one thing that is a silver bullet.
The key points from the nutrition standpoint are:
• Feed enough calories – the quality of their feed might not be high enough. In a positive energy balance they will grow foot 50% faster than horses on a restricted diet (not meaning the horse is on a “diet” for weight control, jut that the horse might be working more than the calorie intake received).
• Provide a good amino acid profile – don’t just supplement one amino acid and expect it to make a difference (for example, don’t just add methionine).
• Should you add minerals? If the mineral profile is already adequate, adding more is not going to help (and it might hurt). What’s more important that adding in single minerals is BALANCE. Don’t add a specific mineral unless you have a shown deficiency...
Read more here:
http://redmarerunning.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/pner-convention-notes-10-things-you-can.html?spref=fb
Wednesday, February 03, 2016
AERC Trade Show Exhibitors
AERC.org
TRADE SHOW EXHIBITORS all signed up and ready to greet you at the AERC Convention in Reno on February 19 & 20:
American Trail Gear, Ann Kratochvil, Arabian Horse Association, Arabian Saddle Company, AthleticEquine.com, Auburn Laboratories, Inc., Blue Pegasos USA, Boz Saddlery/Bozzage Training, Designs by Lin, EasyCare Inc., Farmers Warehouse/LMF Feeds, Ghost Saddles - USA, Hawthorne Products, Hooves N Whiskers Tack, Hough Endurance Tack, Pro Earth Animal Health, Purina Animal Nutrition, Reactor Panel Saddle Company, Renegade Hoof Boots, RevitaVet Therapy Systems, Sage Brushes Studio, Specialized Saddles/Brenda Benkley, Star Milling, Starfire Design Studio, The Distance Depot, Trailwise Saddles, Triple Crown Nutrition, UndeRider, Vettec, Inc., Western States Trail Foundation, XP Rides, Young Living/Solution Sales.
PLUS: AERC Authors, Rose Parade Riders, Deanna Guinasso (rider fitness info), AERC Photographers, NATRC, 2016 AERC National Championships.
SEE YOU IN RENO!
For more information on the Convention, see:
http://aerc.org/
TRADE SHOW EXHIBITORS all signed up and ready to greet you at the AERC Convention in Reno on February 19 & 20:
American Trail Gear, Ann Kratochvil, Arabian Horse Association, Arabian Saddle Company, AthleticEquine.com, Auburn Laboratories, Inc., Blue Pegasos USA, Boz Saddlery/Bozzage Training, Designs by Lin, EasyCare Inc., Farmers Warehouse/LMF Feeds, Ghost Saddles - USA, Hawthorne Products, Hooves N Whiskers Tack, Hough Endurance Tack, Pro Earth Animal Health, Purina Animal Nutrition, Reactor Panel Saddle Company, Renegade Hoof Boots, RevitaVet Therapy Systems, Sage Brushes Studio, Specialized Saddles/Brenda Benkley, Star Milling, Starfire Design Studio, The Distance Depot, Trailwise Saddles, Triple Crown Nutrition, UndeRider, Vettec, Inc., Western States Trail Foundation, XP Rides, Young Living/Solution Sales.
PLUS: AERC Authors, Rose Parade Riders, Deanna Guinasso (rider fitness info), AERC Photographers, NATRC, 2016 AERC National Championships.
SEE YOU IN RENO!
For more information on the Convention, see:
http://aerc.org/
Tuesday, February 02, 2016
Local pastor back in the saddle
Orilliapacket.com - Full Article
By Mehreen Shahid, Orillia Packet & Times
Monday, February 1, 2016
Pastor Len Crow seldom rides for pleasure anymore, but he does ride for purpose. This month, he will saddle up in support of widows and orphans of late Israeli soldiers.
"Tonight, there will be kids going to bed without a dad," Crow said. "And when the principal bread earner, the mom, is trying to put food on the table and pay the bills, things become very hard. So, we're hoping to help in a small way and do what we can do."
This will be Crow's seventh fundraising ride since 1996. He will leave for Israel Feb. 16, with the ride starting Feb. 19 and expected to end four or five days later.
Crow, 62, who preaches at North Country Baptist Church in Severn Township, will travel from the city of Tiberias (located on the coast of Sea of Galilee), south to the Dead Sea...
Read more here:
http://www.orilliapacket.com/2016/02/01/local-pastor-back-in-the-saddle
By Mehreen Shahid, Orillia Packet & Times
Monday, February 1, 2016
Pastor Len Crow seldom rides for pleasure anymore, but he does ride for purpose. This month, he will saddle up in support of widows and orphans of late Israeli soldiers.
"Tonight, there will be kids going to bed without a dad," Crow said. "And when the principal bread earner, the mom, is trying to put food on the table and pay the bills, things become very hard. So, we're hoping to help in a small way and do what we can do."
This will be Crow's seventh fundraising ride since 1996. He will leave for Israel Feb. 16, with the ride starting Feb. 19 and expected to end four or five days later.
Crow, 62, who preaches at North Country Baptist Church in Severn Township, will travel from the city of Tiberias (located on the coast of Sea of Galilee), south to the Dead Sea...
Read more here:
http://www.orilliapacket.com/2016/02/01/local-pastor-back-in-the-saddle
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
AERC Member Jacket -- Order Yours Now!
AERC Member Jacket – $60
You are invited to order a personalized jacket which includes your name, your equine's name and your mileage accomplishments. Members may elect to have their mileage listed as endurance miles, limited distance miles, or a combination of the two which will be listed as "AERC Miles."
Price includes shipping (U.S. addresses only); contact the AERC office for price for other countries. Your choice of black, red, or navy blue. Durable, water-repellent nylon shell with heavyweight fleece lining, rib-knit cuffs and waistband, two slash zippered pockets and interior zippered pocket. (Machine wash, gentle cycle; tumble dry low.) Men's sizes only.
Jacket will be embroidered with AERC logo on the left chest, and up to four lines of embroidery (up to 20 characters each line) on the right chest. Additional lines of embroidery: $3 each. Include your name and your equine(s)' name(s) plus any accomplishment you wish to show the world!
Visit AERC's secure order site: AERC Jacket Order Form (by JotForm) to order your jacket! (Note: they are the same style as the Decade Team jacket.)
You are invited to order a personalized jacket which includes your name, your equine's name and your mileage accomplishments. Members may elect to have their mileage listed as endurance miles, limited distance miles, or a combination of the two which will be listed as "AERC Miles."
Price includes shipping (U.S. addresses only); contact the AERC office for price for other countries. Your choice of black, red, or navy blue. Durable, water-repellent nylon shell with heavyweight fleece lining, rib-knit cuffs and waistband, two slash zippered pockets and interior zippered pocket. (Machine wash, gentle cycle; tumble dry low.) Men's sizes only.
Jacket will be embroidered with AERC logo on the left chest, and up to four lines of embroidery (up to 20 characters each line) on the right chest. Additional lines of embroidery: $3 each. Include your name and your equine(s)' name(s) plus any accomplishment you wish to show the world!
Visit AERC's secure order site: AERC Jacket Order Form (by JotForm) to order your jacket! (Note: they are the same style as the Decade Team jacket.)
Rider Creates A Little Magic With Her Endurance Horse
Winchesterstar.com - Full ArticlePosted: January 26, 2016
By VAL VAN METER
The Winchester Star
BERRYVILLE
Putting 5,000 miles on your car is not something to boast about.
But covering 5,000 miles on horseback is something only a few people can claim, and Clarke County resident Kim Lyttle is among them.
“I’ve done it all,” Lyttle said about equine competitions. “English, Western, dressage, barrel racing.”
But her favorite, for the past decade, has been “me and my horse, having a long trail.”
They’ve managed to win a few top awards, too.
Lyttle, 62, and her Appaloosa gelding, Khan’s Magic Piper, have hit the 50,000-mark on the odometer, tackling mostly 50-mile trail segments in endurance-ride competitions over the past nine years.
In 2006 and 2015, the pair took reserve champion in the National Appaloosa Endurance Ride, a competition specifically for the breed of horse that Lyttle rides...
Read more here:
http://www.winchesterstar.com/article/rider_creates_a_little_magic_with_her_endurance_horse
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Getting Started with Darolyn
Horse-canada.com - Full Article
Chase Endurance | January 19, 2016
At around 12:24 a.m. I heard a knock at my hotel room door. Normally, I wouldn’t be answering my door at that hour, but my roommate for the next two weeks, Jill Sivo, had just arrived from Connecticut, after a series of flight delays. We hadn’t met yet, but had become Facebook friends after learning we would be at Cypress Trails Equestrian Center at the same time. Jill was supposed to have arrived at 5:00 in the afternoon on Monday, but connecting flights can always be a crap shoot. I felt really bad for her since I knew we were going to have a full day of adventures on Tuesday.
Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m. rolled around all too quickly (keeping in mind I am still at PST 6:00 a.m.). Soon after, we started moving we began conversing about what we were in for when we finally met up with Darolyn Butler. Almost every internet search we performed on endurance riding, Darolyn’s name came up. Her ranch was only an eight minute drive from the hotel so we were there before we knew it.
Upon arrival, we had our choice of parking spots and the place was rather deserted, except for the 70 head of horses. Around the corner of the barn we came upon the farrier performing a barefoot trim on one of the Arabians. All of Darolyn’s horses run barefoot, unless it is a particularly rocky course, then she would glue on shoes or use hoof boots...
Read more here:
http://www.horse-canada.com/chase-endurance/getting-started-with-darolyn/
Chase Endurance | January 19, 2016
At around 12:24 a.m. I heard a knock at my hotel room door. Normally, I wouldn’t be answering my door at that hour, but my roommate for the next two weeks, Jill Sivo, had just arrived from Connecticut, after a series of flight delays. We hadn’t met yet, but had become Facebook friends after learning we would be at Cypress Trails Equestrian Center at the same time. Jill was supposed to have arrived at 5:00 in the afternoon on Monday, but connecting flights can always be a crap shoot. I felt really bad for her since I knew we were going to have a full day of adventures on Tuesday.
Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m. rolled around all too quickly (keeping in mind I am still at PST 6:00 a.m.). Soon after, we started moving we began conversing about what we were in for when we finally met up with Darolyn Butler. Almost every internet search we performed on endurance riding, Darolyn’s name came up. Her ranch was only an eight minute drive from the hotel so we were there before we knew it.
Upon arrival, we had our choice of parking spots and the place was rather deserted, except for the 70 head of horses. Around the corner of the barn we came upon the farrier performing a barefoot trim on one of the Arabians. All of Darolyn’s horses run barefoot, unless it is a particularly rocky course, then she would glue on shoes or use hoof boots...
Read more here:
http://www.horse-canada.com/chase-endurance/getting-started-with-darolyn/
Friday, January 22, 2016
Is Clinton Anderson Gunning for the Tevis Cup?
January 22 2016
Thanking his followers and fans for the support he's gotten for his Downunder Horsemanship series on RFD-TV, trainer Clinton Anderson feels he owes his audience "something extremely special."
According to his Downunder Horsemanship blog entry of January 15, 2016, one of 10 possible film projects Anderson is planning, which is "something so adventurous that it's borderline crazy and dangerous", is that he maybe be planning to "Buy an untouched Arabian, train the horse, and then compete in the Tevis Cup, the world’s most grueling endurance ride."
The project won't begin filming until 2017, because he will "need that much time to get in shape and prepare for what I'm about to take on."
To see what the other 9 scenarios might be for Anderson's next training challenge, see:
http://blog.downunderhorsemanship.com/post/2016/01/15/your-support-has-inspired-me.aspx.
Thanking his followers and fans for the support he's gotten for his Downunder Horsemanship series on RFD-TV, trainer Clinton Anderson feels he owes his audience "something extremely special."
According to his Downunder Horsemanship blog entry of January 15, 2016, one of 10 possible film projects Anderson is planning, which is "something so adventurous that it's borderline crazy and dangerous", is that he maybe be planning to "Buy an untouched Arabian, train the horse, and then compete in the Tevis Cup, the world’s most grueling endurance ride."
The project won't begin filming until 2017, because he will "need that much time to get in shape and prepare for what I'm about to take on."
To see what the other 9 scenarios might be for Anderson's next training challenge, see:
http://blog.downunderhorsemanship.com/post/2016/01/15/your-support-has-inspired-me.aspx.
2016 Dates and Location Announced for Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships Presented by Gotham North
USEFNetwork.com
RELEASE: January 21, 2016
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department
Lexington, Ky. - The Organizing Committee of the 2016 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) presented by Gotham North is pleased to announce that the 2016 Championships will take place at the Colorado Horse Park, July 26-31, 2016.
This will be the fourth time the park has hosted the best Junior and Young Rider competitors from North America as they compete for prestigious Team and Individual medals. With unwavering support, Adequan will mark its sixth consecutive year as title sponsor of the event.
NAJYRC is fortunate to have dedicated sponsors supporting this event as the only FEI Championship held annually in North America, including Gotham North, 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.
RELEASE: January 21, 2016
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: USEF Communications Department
Lexington, Ky. - The Organizing Committee of the 2016 Adequan/FEI North American Junior & Young Rider Championships (NAJYRC) presented by Gotham North is pleased to announce that the 2016 Championships will take place at the Colorado Horse Park, July 26-31, 2016.
This will be the fourth time the park has hosted the best Junior and Young Rider competitors from North America as they compete for prestigious Team and Individual medals. With unwavering support, Adequan will mark its sixth consecutive year as title sponsor of the event.
NAJYRC is fortunate to have dedicated sponsors supporting this event as the only FEI Championship held annually in North America, including Gotham North, 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.
Thursday, January 21, 2016
SD EXPRESSA Wins the 2015 Distance Horse of the Year Award
Arabianhorses.org
January 20 2016
SD EXPRESSA was named the winner of the prestigious Distance Horse of the Year award at the 2015 AHA Annual Convention. The beautiful, 12-year-old bay mare is owned and bred by Suzanne Ford Huff.
Over the past six years, SD EXPRESSA has completed 2,230 miles, with all but 50 of those miles completed with Huff.
The mare completed 600 miles in the 2015 competition season and received 10 Best Condition awards in her Endurance career thus far.
Congratulations Suzanne and SD EXPRESSA on your amazing accomplishments and on winning the 2015 Distance Horse
of the Year award. We look forward to what the future holds for the dynamic duo.
If you would like to learn more about the Distance Horse of the Year award visit
www.arabianhorses.org/competition/open-programs/recognition-awards/
January 20 2016
SD EXPRESSA was named the winner of the prestigious Distance Horse of the Year award at the 2015 AHA Annual Convention. The beautiful, 12-year-old bay mare is owned and bred by Suzanne Ford Huff.
Over the past six years, SD EXPRESSA has completed 2,230 miles, with all but 50 of those miles completed with Huff.
The mare completed 600 miles in the 2015 competition season and received 10 Best Condition awards in her Endurance career thus far.
Congratulations Suzanne and SD EXPRESSA on your amazing accomplishments and on winning the 2015 Distance Horse
of the Year award. We look forward to what the future holds for the dynamic duo.
If you would like to learn more about the Distance Horse of the Year award visit
www.arabianhorses.org/competition/open-programs/recognition-awards/
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Julie Suhr, 91, Rides Challenging Miles in Rose Parade
Horsereporter.com - Full ArticleJanuary 9 2016
by Pamela Burton
Julie Suhr is truly a legend in the equestrian world of long-distance riding. Even though the route on 1 January 2016, was five and a half miles and not 100 miles, the effort was herculean for the 91-year-old Suhr. A veteran endurance rider and owner of 22 Tevis Cup Ride buckles (100 miles) and 3 Haggin Cup (Best Condition) Awards, this ride through the streets of Pasadena in the 127th New Year’s Day Rose Bowl Parade may have been one of her proudest moments...
Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/julie-suhr-91-rides-challenging-miles-in-rose-parade/
2016 Darley Awards
Arabianracingcup.com
The Darley Awards were founded by the Arabian Racing Cup in 1987 to honor the best in Arabian horse racing. The Darley Awards present an opportunity for those involved in Arabian racing to come together from across the nation and around the world to celebrate its virtues and award its best. Now held at the world renowned Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, no other event brings as much attention to Arabian racing in the USA as the Darley Awards ceremony.
The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival DARLEY AWARDS, which come under the auspices of the Arabian Racing Cup, is clearly recognized as the highest achievement possible for racing Arabians in the U.S. This event, along with the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards, will once again be held at the fabulous Dolby Theater.
At the press conference, Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Head of International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) Ladies Racing announced "Darley Awards Hollywood 2016."
This glamorous event, sponsored by the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival will be held April 1 through 3 in Hollywood, California. It will partner once again with the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards, which recognizes the outstanding international women of Arabian racing.
According to Sawaya, the Awards will be given glamorous treatment over two evenings. The Darley Awards will be presented on April 1 at the Dolby Theater in Highland Center. On Saturday, April 2, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Darley Award Stakes (PA) will be held at Santa Anita Race Course and Sunday evening, April 3, the Celebration Banquet and annual stallion breeding auction will be held at the host hotel, the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel.
http://arabianracingcup.com/Darleys2016.html
The Darley Awards were founded by the Arabian Racing Cup in 1987 to honor the best in Arabian horse racing. The Darley Awards present an opportunity for those involved in Arabian racing to come together from across the nation and around the world to celebrate its virtues and award its best. Now held at the world renowned Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, no other event brings as much attention to Arabian racing in the USA as the Darley Awards ceremony.
The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival DARLEY AWARDS, which come under the auspices of the Arabian Racing Cup, is clearly recognized as the highest achievement possible for racing Arabians in the U.S. This event, along with the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards, will once again be held at the fabulous Dolby Theater.
At the press conference, Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Head of International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) Ladies Racing announced "Darley Awards Hollywood 2016."
This glamorous event, sponsored by the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival will be held April 1 through 3 in Hollywood, California. It will partner once again with the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards, which recognizes the outstanding international women of Arabian racing.
According to Sawaya, the Awards will be given glamorous treatment over two evenings. The Darley Awards will be presented on April 1 at the Dolby Theater in Highland Center. On Saturday, April 2, the HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Darley Award Stakes (PA) will be held at Santa Anita Race Course and Sunday evening, April 3, the Celebration Banquet and annual stallion breeding auction will be held at the host hotel, the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel.
http://arabianracingcup.com/Darleys2016.html
Friday, January 15, 2016
Book Your Hotel Now for the AERC Convention
We're still about 20% short of our room block at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, and we're asking you to please make your reservations by Sunday, January 17, to ensure that we won't be required to pay fees for our convention space rental.
You can either phone the Grand Sierra (800-648-5080) and say you are with AERC, or reserve online:
https://aws.passkey.com/event/14080113/owner/16854/home
Rooms are $59 on Thursday night ($79 for a Summit room) and $89/$119 on Friday and Saturday. These rates are only guaranteed through Monday, January 18 so time is of the essence!
If you're hesitant about the weather, we understand, but historical highs/low for this weekend is 50/30 -- here's the long-range forecast:
http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/reno-nv/89501/february-weather/329507?monyr=2/1/2016
PLEASE, make your reservations if you are able to do so. Thanks!
More about the convention: http://www.aerc.org/static/Convention.aspx
You can either phone the Grand Sierra (800-648-5080) and say you are with AERC, or reserve online:
https://aws.passkey.com/event/14080113/owner/16854/home
Rooms are $59 on Thursday night ($79 for a Summit room) and $89/$119 on Friday and Saturday. These rates are only guaranteed through Monday, January 18 so time is of the essence!
If you're hesitant about the weather, we understand, but historical highs/low for this weekend is 50/30 -- here's the long-range forecast:
http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/reno-nv/89501/february-weather/329507?monyr=2/1/2016
PLEASE, make your reservations if you are able to do so. Thanks!
More about the convention: http://www.aerc.org/static/Convention.aspx
Thursday, January 14, 2016
January AERC BOD Meeting
January 13 2016
The AERC Board of Directors met in conference call last night. The Executive Director (Kathleen Henkel) reported continued strong growth in membership this year. It was announced that Cheryl Van Deusen was awarded the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award for 2015 by USEF and Kelsy Russell was awarded the Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy for 2015 also by USEF. Candace Fitzgerald's contract as AERC Marketing Professional was renewed. A motion from the Junior Committee lowering the age of a Junior Sponsor from 21 to 18 was passed. The Board had an extended discussion of ride format and measuring strategies. The Board looks forward to seeing everyone at the AERC Convention next month (February 19 and 20) in Reno.
The AERC Board of Directors met in conference call last night. The Executive Director (Kathleen Henkel) reported continued strong growth in membership this year. It was announced that Cheryl Van Deusen was awarded the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award for 2015 by USEF and Kelsy Russell was awarded the Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy for 2015 also by USEF. Candace Fitzgerald's contract as AERC Marketing Professional was renewed. A motion from the Junior Committee lowering the age of a Junior Sponsor from 21 to 18 was passed. The Board had an extended discussion of ride format and measuring strategies. The Board looks forward to seeing everyone at the AERC Convention next month (February 19 and 20) in Reno.
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Equestrians of all levels find horses in Humble, Texas
Chron.com - Full Article
By Lindsay Peyton
January 13, 2016
Equestrians looking for an adventure in Houston don't have to search far.
Just head north to Cypress Trails, a stable in Humble that offers guided trail rides, horse rentals, lessons, boarding and training.
At the helm of the ranch located at 21415 Cypresswood Drive is Darolyn Butler, an entrepreneur who built a successful career around a passion for horses.
"If you're a horse person, we are about the only place you can go," she said.
The ranch caters to all skill levels.
"We get top riders who want to see the country and don't want to go on a pony ride," Butler said.
That's what attracted Lindsay Norris to the ranch in 2001.
"I soon found out they would allow me to ride to my ability, meaning I could walk, trot and canter," she said.
Now Norris heads to the barn four times a week from her home in the Houston Heights.
She also was inspired by Butler to start competing in endurance rides both nationally and internationally.
"Darolyn is determined," Norris said. "She rarely encounters a road block she cannot overcome. She has amazing physical fortitude, sometimes riding 50-plus miles each day for several days. Darolyn has pushed me way out of my comfort zone and has exposed me to an intense horse experience that I really enjoy..."
Read more here:
http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/kingwood/news/article/Equestrians-of-all-levels-find-horses-in-Humble-6755797.php#photo-9243946
By Lindsay Peyton
January 13, 2016
Equestrians looking for an adventure in Houston don't have to search far.
Just head north to Cypress Trails, a stable in Humble that offers guided trail rides, horse rentals, lessons, boarding and training.
At the helm of the ranch located at 21415 Cypresswood Drive is Darolyn Butler, an entrepreneur who built a successful career around a passion for horses.
"If you're a horse person, we are about the only place you can go," she said.
The ranch caters to all skill levels.
"We get top riders who want to see the country and don't want to go on a pony ride," Butler said.
That's what attracted Lindsay Norris to the ranch in 2001.
"I soon found out they would allow me to ride to my ability, meaning I could walk, trot and canter," she said.
Now Norris heads to the barn four times a week from her home in the Houston Heights.
She also was inspired by Butler to start competing in endurance rides both nationally and internationally.
"Darolyn is determined," Norris said. "She rarely encounters a road block she cannot overcome. She has amazing physical fortitude, sometimes riding 50-plus miles each day for several days. Darolyn has pushed me way out of my comfort zone and has exposed me to an intense horse experience that I really enjoy..."
Read more here:
http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/kingwood/news/article/Equestrians-of-all-levels-find-horses-in-Humble-6755797.php#photo-9243946
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Congress Passes Flurry of Bills in December
Horsecouncil.orgSeveral American Horse Council Priorities Win Approval
(Washington, DC)- The 114th Congress, though it started with the partisan gridlock that has become the new normal in Washington, ended the year with a burst of productivity by passing several major pieces of legislation including a tax extender bill, an omnibus appropriations bill, and a five year highway bill. Each of these bills includes provisions favorable to the overall horse industry that have been priorities for the American Horse Council.
In addition, other bills championed by the AHC have seen Congressional action and could be passed with enough industry support in the second session of this Congress which adjourns in December.
“The AHC works on a diverse set of issues that impact the horse industry, often over the course of several years. For this reason it’s not every day that we see several AHC priorities pass Congress in the span of a month,” said AHC president Jay Hickey. “These three bills included tax provisions, guest worker reforms, and trail programs that will benefit the racing, showing, and recreational segments of the industry.”
The Tax Extender bill, called the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015, reinstates three-year-depreciation for all race horses for two more years. It also increases the Section 179 business expense deduction back to $500,000 and makes this provision permanent. The bill restores bonus depreciation for qualifying new property, including assets used in the horse business, such as horses and other equipment, purchased and placed in service during 2015 through 2019. The bill also restores and makes permanent favorable tax treatment for land donated for conservation purposes, particularly land donated by farmers and ranchers, like horse owners and breeders.
“These provisions benefit racing and everyone who is in the horse business. Importantly, horse businesses, breeders, and farms can now make long term plans to take advantage of these tax provisions instead of just hoping Congress will extend them for one year, as has been the case recently,” continued Hickey.
The omnibus appropriations bill that will fund the government until September 30, 2016, also includes important H-2B temporary worker changes. The bill rolls back parts of a burdensome new H-2B rule and will make it easier for horse industry employers to use the program when no American workers can be found.
“Horse industry employers, mainly horse trainers and owners who cannot find American workers to fill semi-skilled jobs at racetracks and horse shows, often have to turn to this program for workers. They do this because they have no choice and this program has gotten progressively more expensive and harder to use. Most H-2B workers in the industry are directly responsible for the care of the horses upon which the entire horse industry is dependent and without them thousands of American horse industry jobs could be lost,” said AHC vice president of government affairs Ben Pendergrass.
“We have been working on fixing the shortcomings of the H-2B program for years, both through the regulatory process, standalone legislation, and the appropriations process with a coalition of other users of the program. There is still work that needs to be done, but this bill will improve the program,” said Pendergrass.
The AHC says the end- of- the- year legislative sprint to the finish line also saw reauthorization of two programs important to recreational riders, the Federal Highway Administration’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
The multi-year national highway bill recently signed by the president known as the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act, or the FAST Act, reauthorizes RTP for the next five years and provides $85 million annually for the program. RTP provides funding directly to the states for recreational trails and trail-related facilities for all recreational trail users and has greatly benefited equestrians.
The omnibus appropriations bill reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for three years with funding of $450 million for FY 2016. The program, which expired on October 1, 2015, provides funds and matching grants to federal, state and local governments for the acquisition of land and water for recreation and the protection of natural resources and helps provide equestrians with increased recreational trail riding opportunities.
“We are very pleased RTP was included in the FAST Act. Every time a multi-year national highway bill is debated there is always an attempt to eliminate this program and this time was no different,” said Pendergrass. “The AHC has advocated for the RTP program since its inception and grassroots support from recreational trail users, including many equestrians, played an important role in making sure RTP was included in bill.”
“This has been a productive legislative session for the AHC and horse industry. In addition to these important legislative victories the AHC also advanced several other important bills. The Prevent All Soring Tactics Act (PAST Act) (S.1121/ H.R.3268) that would end the soring of Tennessee Walking Horses was re-introduced and currently has 232 co-sponsors in the House and 48 in the Senate. Additionally, the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act (H.R. 845/S.1110) that would help improve trails on National Forests has been gaining momentum and has been called ‘the most bi-partisan bill in Congress’,” said Hickey. “We will be working on these bills and other issues that impact the entire horse industry in 2016.”
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