Shotgun Rider repeats as High Mileage Standardbred

March 7, 2022

by Jessica Schroeder, USTA Membership Enrichment and Outreach Coordinator

Columbus, OH — Shotgun Rider, a.k.a. Owyhee Shotgun Rider in endurance circles, is the third repeat High Mileage Standardbred since the USTA started recognizing the award in 2011. Merri Melde, Shotgun Rider’s partner and owner, was recognized this past weekend at the American Endurance Ride Conference convention at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks, Nevada.

“The only changes (since we won the last award) is that I own him now!” exclaimed Melde. “Stephanie (Teeter, his previous owner) quit endurance and horses and generously gave him to me in April…he’s actually the first endurance horse I’ve owned.”

Shotgun Rider, a.k.a. Owyhee Shotgun Rider in endurance circles, is the third repeat High Mileage Standardbred since the USTA started recognizing the award in 2011. Steve Bradley photo.

Merri first started riding in 1998 and became involved competitively in endurance in 1999. According to AERC records, she has logged 9,040 miles in 200 rides, with an additional 360 LD (limited distance) miles.

“What I love about Endurance is the time you put into getting your horse fit and competing,” said Melde. “You can form a real partnership over hundreds or thousands of miles, and Standardbreds seem to really enjoy having a person. Standardbreds who raced have a great foundation under them and have been exposed to a lot so they can be quite steady and trustworthy.”

Shotgun Rider is by Distinguishedbaron out of the Big Towner mare Anatola Hanover. The now 10-year-old gelding earned just $10,319 during two racing seasons at Cal Expo and Running Aces, last racing in the summer of 2015. While he did take a mark of 1:56.2, he has found his groove in endurance, having recorded 1,040 miles at AERC sanctioned rides since 2017. Around the barn, and on her blog, Melde affectionately refers to Shotgun Rider as Hillbillie Willie.

“Steph’s trainer Ted, who broke Shotgun Rider to saddle, gave him the barn name Willie,” explained Melde. “Naturally I stuck Hillbillie on the front. It’s the perfect name for him because he can be a total dork. He’s a fun ride and he loves being out on trails and he loves to explore. He takes me to places I’d never make it on foot.”

The AERC High Mileage Standardbred award is given to the Standardbred that has the most miles ridden during the ride season (Dec. 1 through Nov. 30). All rides are considered, including the limited distance 24-35 mile rides, and standard endurance rides (50-plus miles). Riders must be a member of AERC in order to track horse and rider mileage. For more information on the AERC, visit their website at www.aerc.org.

Since 1996, the Standardbred Equine Program has worked with owners of off-the-track Standardbreds to educate the general public about the many disciplines Standardbreds excel at once they are retired from racing. For more information about the SEP at the USTA, visit LifeAfterRacing.ustrotting.com.

New AERC Hall of Fame Inductees

March 7 2022

Congratulations to new AERC Hall of Fame inductees Melissa and Robert Ribley! They have been actively involved in just about every aspect of the sport for decades and it was totally apropos to honor them while celebrating AERC’s 50th anniversary.

Hall of Fame Equine is Aron Moon+//, owned by Mike Tracy. They are one of AERC’s rare Double Decade teams, meaning they competed together for 20+ years. Congratulations!

Ann Kratochvil and GF Brazil’s Envy were awarded the Pard’ners Award, which is given to honor true partnership between rider and equine.

The Volunteer Service Award recipient was Nick Warhol, an generous, hardworking West Region member who gives so much back to the sport.

The Ann Parr Trails Preservation Award recipient went to Tony Troyer of Illinois who works tirelessly to support trails in the Midwest. (He couldn‘t be at convention—he is volunteering at the Illinois Horse Fair!)

AERC reinstated the Charlie Barieau Photography Award, which was presented to Lynne Glazer — she carries on Charlie’s legacy of excellence in photography and is mentoring new photographers to keep this tradition going.

Thanks to the evening’s outstanding MCs, Drs. Melissa Ribley and Mike Peralez, and showrunner Lisa Schneider, assisted by Susan Garlinghouse DVM.

A wonderful convention with excellent seminar presenters and a wildly fun dance. Thanks to all who attended, and hope to see lots of you next year in Jacksonville, Florida!

New Digital Entry Form for Tevis Cup 2022

Teviscup.org

RIDE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

California was blessed with 17 feet of fresh, wet snow in the Sierras in the month of December, 2021. Excitement does not begin to express how many of us felt as we continue to struggle with the droughts of the past several years. We even considered the possibility that we would not be able to get to the Tevis trails for maintenance and repair if the snowy winter continued into the next several months. We all know how that has turned out—dry, dry, dry January and February.

Should the “snow gods” become re-energized in March, April or May, we want you to know that we have reserved an alternate Ride date of August 13, 2022, should our trail return to a frozen state as we near the late spring. Currently, we feel strongly that July 16, 2022 will be the Ride date for this year’s Tevis.

Typically, the Ride Director’s EBlast goes over what to expect at Tevis: the agenda for Ride Week, traditions, the check in at Robie, the awards banquet on Sunday, etc. I will table those discussions until future Eblasts publish. This year, I am happy to announce that a fabulous new DIGITAL ENTRY FORM for the 2022 Ride. Jean Hixon and Luanne Holmsen (superstars who staff the Tevis office) will maintain and post the rider list as entries are submitted to the website digitally. Our entire organization is committed to starting as many qualified riders on the morning of July 16, 2022, as permits and circumstances allow. If you have any glitches with the website or the entry form, please reach out by email to Jean or Luanne (wstf@teviscup.org). We have backup systems ready to go.

For people who would like to volunteer for one of the critical 800 volunteer positions, please complete a volunteer registration form. Let us know if you are a rider and can take pulses, keep the mashes going for horses in a hurry, or are interested in keeping water flowing to cool out hot horses. We are always looking for experienced horse transport drivers who have a well-maintained rig to help with getting pulled horses to assigned destinations (as determined by veterinarians and ride management). Please send us your information by completing the form online. Our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you, and soon you will be on the team. Become part of the magic of Tevis—it’s just that easy. If you have a special request, please email or call the office. Jean Hixon will route your request to the correct person. Don’t be shy about asking for help or directions, we have had many varied requests and can usually assist with meeting them.

Also, hotels in Auburn fill up early for Tevis weekend. So if you need a reservation, please book lodging early. On behalf of the 29 members of the Western States Board of Governors, the ride committee and the community of Auburn, we look forward to seeing you at the 2022 Tevis Cup Ride!

Chuck Stalley

From Trotter To Trailblazer: The Life Of ‘Westie’

PaulickReport.com - Full Article

by Chris Lomon/Woodbine|02.25.2022

It's a thrill ride Sarah Cuthbertson never expected to have embarked on.

The accomplished equestrian with over a decade of Endurance riding and training under her saddle had never entertained the thought of adopting a Standardbred horse.

West Grey Bay changed all of that.

It was a few years ago when Cuthbertson, who has trained several horses including Standardbreds as well as students, to compete in Endurance races, and Julie Walker, who played a major role in establishing the Racing Under Saddle (a Standardbred trotting race where the horse is ridden, not driven) program in Ontario, found out a particular retired trotter, one with RUS potential, might be available to foster through the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS)...

Read more here:
https://paulickreport.com/horse-care-category/from-trotter-to-trailblazer-the-life-of-westie/

Upcoming Endurance Clinics Around the Country

 

Here's a list of upcoming Endurance 101 clinics all over the country.

For all of you on here who say you want to ride endurance these clinics are a great way to start!

Upcoming Endurance Clinics

March 12-13, 2022 – near Oreana, ID: 2022 Bring Spring AERC Clinic. Learn trail marking, horse safety in public, negotiate trails and water, 7-10 mile loop of 2 track and cow trails. $30 for clinic and clinic DVD and trails to ride, presented by Karen Bumgarner. Full information on Clinic Flyer.

March 18-20, 2022 – Mammoth Cave, KY: 2022 Endurance 101 Clinic, brought to you by the Daniel Boone Distance Riders. Location: Mammoth Cave Horse Camp. Friday: Meet and Greet. Saturday: All day learning with lunch and dinner provided. Sunday: Bringing a horse? 4-8 mile training ride led by an experience rider. Pre-register by 3/16 -- email Tammi and tammimedina@gmail.com. DBDR members: $10, juniors $15, non-DBDR members $30. Click for Clinic Flyer.

April 2, 2022 – Inver Grove Heights, MN: 2022 Endurance 101 Clinic -- Learn the basics of endurance riding with clinicians Peggy Casillas, Taryn Lindbeck and Sheryl O'Brien. This is a non-mounted clinic -- lots of information will be shared, with time for questions. Contact Peggy: peggy@pasillas.net to sign up.

April 23, 2022 – Goshen, OH: 2022 OAATS-Sponsored Endurance Riding 101 Clinic with clinician Maureen Fears, DVM, Karri Bruskotter, DVM, and Mollie Krumlaw-Smith. For info contact Maureen at mfehrs@aol.com or Mollie at mkrumlaw@webcincy.com. Join these knowledgeable veterinarians and riders at The Holistic Horse Farm for this one-day clinic.

May 7-8, 2022 – Rogers, MN: 2022 Minnesota Distance Clinic/Mock Ride with clinicians Rebecca Horizon (rnhorihan@gmail.com) and Sheryl O'Brien (lamvets@gmail.com) at Crow Hassen Park Preserve in Rogers. A great way to be prepared for spring and summer AERC rides!

May 13-15, 2022 – Burdett, NY: 2022 Distance and Endurance Riding Bootcamp, a jam-packed long weekend full of riding and learning. You will spend a minimum of four hours in the saddle every day going through both technical and athletic bootcamp as well as knowledge seminars in order to prepare you for distance sports. This camp is a perfect intro to understanding the logistics, training, and ways to succeed in distance sport with your horse. All riders should be able to canter and control their horses while riding on open trails, in groups and color or in pairs. Teens and adults welcome. Pre-teens by invite or approval only.
Friday: Making camp, then a half-day of practical knowledge and lessons starting at noon. Saturday: full day of practical knowledge, trail rides and lessons. Sunday: introductory endurance ride (for clinic participants only) with award ceremony over late lunch/early supper. Held at Painted Bar Stables in Burdett. For info: Erika, erika@paintedbarstables.com or Jennifer, vandusen@paintedbarstables.com.

May 14, 2022 – Central City, IA: 2022 Iowa Distance Riding Clinic, one-day mounted clinic with Brooke Moeller (guianowriter@gmail.com) and Kristine Jubeck (kjubeck@gmail.com), held at the Matsell Bridge Natural Area.

 

Local Oregon equestrian to participate in endurance race in Patagonia

Wallowa.com - Full Article

By ANN BLOOM For the Wallowa County Chieftain
Feb 22, 2022

If enthusiasm had a scale from 1-10, then Brenda Johnson would be at about a 12. Johnson is preparing for a 10-day endurance horse race, called the Gaucho Derby, that takes place in Argentinian Patagonia, March 3-13. Riders ride for 311 miles, using seven different horses, relying on a map and a GPS tracker, and must finish in 10 days. There are no trails.

The race is a test of horse and rider endurance, navigation and survival skills.

She is in an elite group. There were over 400 applicants and only 35 were chosen to compete.

So why is she doing it? She laughs at the question. “Cuz I’m crazy!” she said...

Read more here:
https://www.wallowa.com/news/local/local-equestrian-to-participate-in-endurance-race-in-patagonia/article_e828cec8-9394-11ec-86e5-e361601e1887.html

Aristaborr+ is AHA Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian Middle Distance High Point Award Winner

February 18 2022

The AERC Middle Distance High Point is an AHA nomination-based annual award given to the Arabian and Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian with the highest AERC points accumulated in the year through 50-99 mile Endurance rides.

Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian Middle Distance High Point Award Winner ARISTABORR+ is the winner of the Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian Middle Distance Highpoint award, earning a total of 317.83 points with owner and rider Kristen Howard.

A 2009 mare, ARISTABORR+ (Bold Finales Legacy X TWIST A BORR), comes from a long line of successful distance horses in Ontario, Canada on her dam's side. Standing only 14.2h, ARISTABORR+ is certified 43.84% Crabbet by the Eastern Crabbet Arabian Horse Society and is as tough as nails. She has 1,432 miles to her credit including Endurance, Limited Distance, Set Speed, and Ride & Tie. Throughout her career, she has completed several multi-day rides, won AHA Region 18 Half-Arabian Endurance Champion three times, won Best Condition and High Vet Score awards, received the AHA Legion of Honor in 2020, and won numerous year end awards in the Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association (OCTRA).

Heather states “ARISTABORR+ constantly challenges and teaches me. She has made me into a better horsewoman, and I am forever grateful. My 'little red engine' never lets me down and has accomplished all goals I have set for her and more. She is now mentoring my daughter and her young horse, an Arabian/Mustang cross, as they start their distance riding journey.”

Zandai Abu Fahd is AHA Middle Distance High Point Winner

February 18 2022

The AERC Middle Distance High Point is an AHA nomination-based annual award given to the Arabian and Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian with the highest AERC points accumulated in the year through 50-99 mile Endurance rides.

Arabian Middle Distance High Point Winner A 2007 purebred gelding, ZANDAI ABU FAHD “Lugnut” (IMPERIAL AL KAMAR x ZANDAI RUBAYANA) finished the year with 613.75 points.

Lug is a front runner who enjoys being the first on the trail, leading to many first place finished. He has conquered the Old Dominion 100 trail twice and has earned the Old Dominion Triple Crown award two years in a row. Lug has accumulated over 1,000 AERC miles within the last five years along with many regional awards. During the AERC 2021 year, he received two Best Condition Awards, placed 1st in the Northeast Region for the Middle Weight Division and 7th overall in the region.

Standing only 14.2 on his best day, he is a mountain climbing machine. His breeding is for beauty and grace in the show ring, but his heart is for the trail. Amie says “Lug has bloomed into my partner and an awesome endurance horse. To this day, no one else has ever thrown a leg over him except me. He loves his job! We couldn’t have made this year so great without Garret, our crew chief and the rest of our team who Lug loves dearly!”

Ozark Kaolina SWA is AHA 100 Mile High Point Winner

February 16 2022

The Arabian Horse Association recognizes the AERC high point earning Arabian and Half-Arabians/Anglo-Arabian in the AERC National 100 Mile year-end standing that meet AHA membership and registration criteria.

100 Mile High Point Winner Congratulations to the 2021 Arabian AERC 100 Mile High Point winner OZARK KAOLENA SWA owned and ridden by Jeanette Mero!

A 2012 mare, OZARK KAOLENA SWA “Lena” (KAOLINO X FMR OZARK EKLIPSE), earned a total of 900 points for completing three 100 mile rides with owner and rider Jeanette Mero. Together they have over 2,000 career endurance miles, 36 completions out of 38 starts, six firsts, seven Best Condition Awards, 34 top ten placings, and 6/7 100 mile completions.

In 2019 Lena won the AERC 100 Mile National Champion Best Condition award while also placing 6th at the 2021 Tevis Cup, where Lena was awarded the 2021 Haggin Cup, or the Tevis Best Condition award.

Jeanette says “Lena and I have forged a partnership which has become the highlight of my endurance career to date. Though I have been lucky enough to own and compete with some highly talented horses - Lena is without a doubt a once in a lifetime horse, and I treasure her as such. She is very sensitive and can be reactive but due to our shared respect for each other we never have "drama" between us - it's all business out there on trail. I hope in the future to be competing on her offspring, and can only hope they are as talented, willing and special as she is.”

Bantam Z is AHA 2021 Distance Horse of the Year

February 17 2022

Congratulations to the 2021 Distance Horse of the Year, BANTAM Z, owned/ridden by Cynthia Mettes!

This seven year old gelding (MW MISTER Z x SERANATA+) competed in five different states with his owner/rider Cynthia. Cynthia and Bantam took home multiple top five and ten placings, while earning the NATRC National Championship title and winning the AHA Region 9 CTR Championship ride.

Cindy says, "I would like to thank Bantam for giving me an unexpected year full of fun and excitement. Finally I would like to thank my husband, Kim, for supporting me in every way with my extreme horse passion. Bantam’s future looks bright and I look forward to many more miles on the trail with him and seeing what lies around the next bend in the trail.”

US Equestrian Releases Updated U.S. FEI Endurance Calendar Policies and Procedures

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Feb 17, 2022, 5:00 PM EST

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian has released an updated version of the U.S. FEI Endurance Calendar Policies and Procedures. This version was approved by the Board of Directors and is effective as of February 16, 2022.

The policies and procedures document outlines the process for application review, approval, and fees for endurance rides wishing to be submitted to the FEI along with late applications and modifications. The aim of these policies and procedures is to produce the most effective U.S. endurance calendar.

Click here to view the U.S. FEI Endurance Calendar Policies and Procedures.

Organizers should read the entire policies and procedures document linked above but below are key notes for organizers:

Standard Process:

- FEI competition applications are due June 1st of the year prior to the competition dates.
- There will be an open review period for the FEI Calendar in June of the year prior to the competition year.
- The FEI Calendar must go through the USEF approval process before being submitted to the FEI.
- The approved FEI Calendar will be provided to the FEI by October 1st of the year prior to the competition year.
- The final approved FEI Calendar will be posted on the FEI website prior to the beginning of the competition year.

Process for Late Applications:

- Late Applications are those submitted after June 1st of the year prior to the competition dates.
- Late applications will only be considered if the application is received at least 20 weeks prior to the competition dates for competitions holding a CEI3* and at least 16 weeks prior to the competition dates for competitions holding a CEI2* or below.
- Late applications must go through the USEF approval process before being submitted to the FEI.
- Late fees to apply.

Process for Additions, Modifications and Cancellations to Existing Competitions:

- Additions, Modifications and Cancellations include the addition of any divisions or days, the upgrade or downgrade of any divisions, any changes to the organizer, location, days or divisions, as well as the cancellation of any divisions or days.
- Existing Competitions are considered any competitions approved by the USEF and posted on the FEI Calendar on the FEI website.
- Additions, Modifications and Cancellations will only be considered if they are received at least 10 weeks prior to the competition dates for those affecting a CEI3* and at least 8 weeks prior to the competition dates for those affecting a CEI2* or below.
- Additions, Modifications and Cancellations to existing competitions must go through the USEF approval process before being submitted to the FEI.
- Late fees to apply.

Questions? Contact Susan Edwards, US Equestrian Director of Endurance, at sedwards@usef.org or 859-225-2059.

For more information see https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-releases-updated-us-fei-endurance

2022 February's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen

Endurance: Cold Weather Wear, Farzad Faryadi and Diane Connolly for Feb 8, 2022

Feb 8, 2022

South East endurance rider Farzad Faryadi did very well in 2021 and is looking forward to a successful 2022. Diane Connolly, Old Dominion ride manager, tells us about the June 2022 AERC National Championship ride and educational seminars they are holding. Listen in...

https://www.horsesinthemorning.com/endurance-cold-weather-wear-farzad-faryadi-and-diane-connolly-for-feb-8-2022/

US Equestrian Welcomes Susan Edwards as Director of Endurance, Art Priesz as Endurance Discipline Management Advisor, and Lisanne Dorion as Endurance Chef d’Equipe

USEF.org

by U.S. Equestrian Communications Department | Feb 3, 2022, 4:21 PM EST Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the hiring of Susan Edwards as Director of Endurance, as well as contractor, Art Priesz, as the first Endurance Discipline Management Advisor. Both Edwards and Priesz started in their roles in January, while Chef d’Equipe Lisanne Dorion will also continue in her role through the 2022 FEI Endurance World Championship, 2023 FEI Endurance World Championship for Juniors & Young Riders, and 2023 Pan American Endurance Championships.

Edwards is a lifelong equestrian, having competed and trained in the hunter/jumper disciplines since childhood. She is an avid equestrian with vast experience in multi-discipline competition environments around the U.S. Prior to joining US Equestrian, Edwards spent more than two decades in staffing and operations roles for major sporting, social, and professional events. In Edwards’ role as Director of Endurance, she will manage the high-performance program, as well as development pathways for the discipline, while supporting the implementation of new endurance competition products to encourage growth in the sport from the grass roots level through to the elite levels of the sport.

“As an employee of US Equestrian, I look forward to joining in leading the discipline of Endurance forward for the next generation of horses and athletes and encouraging the sport to become well-developed and suitable for all levels in the U.S. with a distinct path to grow from grassroots riders to international competitors,” said Edwards. “This will be accomplished through creating new programs, procedures, and events that will equitably develop the sport to reward the athletes, owners, trainers, and organizers.”

Art Priesz will serve as a consultant for the program, advising and assisting in the development of sustainable new pathways for success at both the national and international levels. Priesz has a diverse background having practiced law nationally and internationally in litigation and business advising, and notably has served on both the USET Foundation and USEF Board of Directors. He has also served as Chair of the Endurance High Performance Committee and acted as an advisor to various other committees regarding rules, officials, and selection, and was the former Chef d’Equipe for the team in the early 2000's. Priesz will support Edwards and US Equestrian in developing new pipelines for the program moving forward, a modernized and participant driven selection process. The department will also focus on membership and participation growth to build bridges within the broader community and expansion of competition opportunities from the grassroots levels through international competition. Priesz’s responsibilities will also include recommendations and planning regarding affiliate issues.

Lisanne Dorion, who served as the U.S. Endurance Team’s Chef d’Equipe at both international championships in 2021, has renewed her contract through 2023, and will lead the teams at the FEI Endurance World Championships in Verona, Italy, in October of this year, as well as at the FEI Endurance World Championships for Juniors and Young Riders next year in Castelsagrat, France, in September of 2023 and the FEI Pan American Endurance Championships in Santiago, Chile, in October of 2023.

For more information on USA Endurance, please visit www.usef.org/endurance.

Registration Open for AERC's 50th Anniversary Convention

AERC.org

Registration is now open! Click here for 2022 AERC CONVENTION REGISTRATION! This flyer also includes seminar information and a registration form you can print out. Or just give the office a call to sign up: 866-271-2372.

Special 50th anniversary T-shirts will be available for purchase for convention attendees -- these are $15.50 each and can be picked up with your registration packet at convention. (Special thanks to Anne York!)

AERC's convention is the most fun you can have without your horse! Two days of informative and thought-provoking seminars, shopping galore, seeing old friends and meeting new ones, awards presentations, Hot Topics seminars, plus fun Friday night dance (wear your best 1970s costume!) and the awards banquet on Saturday night.

For more information and to sign up, see:
https://aerc.org/Convention

2022 Tevis Cup Entry Now Available Online!

TevisCup.org

You can now enter the 2022 Tevis Cup online. Get it on your calendar for the 66th Western States Trail Ride and plan your ride season accordingly!

Also check out the new website design at TevisCup.org.

Endurance Horse Podcast: Lori Oleson - Tevis 2021

EnduranceHorsePodcast - Listen

Created by: Christina Hyke
December 28th 2021

Welcome to Episode 54 of Endurance Horse Podcast.

Endurance Rider and author Lori Oleson shares about how she got into horses and her 2021 Tevis completion with her horse, Fargo. This was Lori’s fourth Tevis completion and Fargo’s first 100 ride. Lori and Fargo finished 27th overall in the 2021 Tevis. Lori has a lifelong love for horses and has logged over 14,000 miles in competition.

Lori is the author of:
Endurance Years Gone By

and also author of:
Enduring Memories

Lori's books can be found by shopping for them on Amazon.

Listen to the podcast: https://endurancehorsepodcast.podbean.com/e/lori-oleson-tevis-2021/

Claire Eckard's Young Adult Endurance Riding Book Wins at EQUUS Film & Arts Festival

January 26 2022

Claire Eckard's Young Adult book Gallant: The Call of the Trail was the Young Adult Overall Winner from the EQUUS Film & Arts Festival.

The EQUUS Film & Arts Festival is the world’s premier showcase for domestic and International Equestrian Content feature films, documentaries, shorts, music videos, commercials, training and educational materials, art and literature. The EQUUS Film Festival hosts an annual award event to highlight and reward the diverse and creative efforts of those in indie film, music, and advertising, who artistically pay homage to the horse through media.

Gallant: The Call of the Trail brings the sport of Endurance riding to forefront, telling a tale of an unbreakable bond between human and horse.

It is a gripping journey of a young girl and a foal who are raised together in The Valley of Hearts Delight. Gallant and Gracie have a special bond, rarely seen between a human and a horse. Separated by a bad accident when Gallant is five, each gets a second chance of happiness pursuing the long-distance sport of endurance riding, neither knowing they are leading parallel lives. Will Fate bring them together again? Gallant’s arch nemesis, The Almighty Flash, threatens to destroy all that Gallant has worked for. His misguided ambition and greed, developed at the hands of an abusive owner, has created a darkness in his soul that turns to blind fury when his endurance career is threatened.

Gallant: The Call of the Trail was inspired by Eckard’s dear friend — a 97-year-old author of books about endurance riding and one of the first individuals to help create and shape the sport in the U.S.

“I suggested it would be fun to write a fictional book based on some of her early childhood memories and amazing career in the sport of endurance riding,” said Eckard. “I also wanted to highlight one of her exceptional horses, HCC Gazal, who still holds the record for winner of the Haggin Cup awards, which is the most prestigious award in endurance racing.”

Through this imaginative, powerful, and heartwarming story, Eckard wants to introduce readers to what she deems as “one of the most exciting horse sports in the world,” while sending messages about love, relationships, personal growth, and adventure.

“The book establishes the special bond Gracie and Gallant have while growing up until they are tragically separated,” said Eckard. “I also introduce Flash, who is the horse equivalent of a bad guy, but once the reader understands his story, they end up almost rooting for him.”

Gallant: The Call of the Trail is the first in a 3-book series Eckard is developing. A portion of the proceeds from the Gallant series will benefit the Western States Trail Museum to help fund and support a museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Western States Trail, home of the iconic Western States 100 Mile One Day Ride (the Tevis Cup), and Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run.

Eckard is an animal lover and believes in volunteering to give back to her community — especially to the homeless animals that need to find their forever homes. Her animals often inspire her writing, blending reality and fiction to entertain, teach, enlighten, and share the joy animals bring to our lives. Eckard is an author, poet, songwriter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She lives in Arizona, splitting her time between She lives in Arizona, splitting her time between her home in Yuma, Arizona and her ranch in the mountains of Prescott. Her life is full of four-legged family members - 3 dogs, 11 horses and a miniature mule! Eckard is also the author of the award-winning Bentley and the Magic Sticks! and GERIBO, The Shelter Cat.

Connect with Eckard on Facebook and Instagram and visit her website. ClaireEckardAuthor.com

To set up an interview, reading, signing, or for information regarding Gallant: The Call of the Trail, please contact Karen Tahis Eckard at Karenteckard@gmail.com.

Gallant: The Call of the Trail (ISBN:978-1-6628-2614-6) is published through Mill City Press and is available online with the following retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Mary’s Tack & Feed, Del Mar, CA, Echo Valley Feed, Auburn, CA, Tevis Store, Auburn, CA.

2022 January's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen

Endurance: Horse Market, Winter Riding and Listener Questions for Jan 11, 2022

Aubree Becker of Kentucky Horse Exchange gives some tips on shopping for Endurance horses and Karen answers some listener Endurance questions. Plus, Karen gives some tips on keeping motivated during the winter and some Endurance news. Listen in...

https://www.horsesinthemorning.com/endurance-horse-market-winter-riding-and-listener-questions-for-jan-11-2022/

US Equestrian Announces Endurance Award Winners for 2021

©Becky Pearman Photography

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Jan 11, 2022, 10:00 AM EST

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian congratulates the top endurance athletes from the 2021 competition season. Cheryl Van Deusen (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.) will receive the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award, which is presented annually to the top U.S. senior endurance rider. Charly Dugan (Muncy, Pa.) will receive the Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy as the top U.S. junior or young rider in the sport.

During the 2021 season, Van Deusen rode Nazeefs Flashy Rose, her own 2007 Arabian mare, to third-place finishes at Greenway Gallivant CEI2* 120 in December 2020 and Broxton Bridge CEI2* in January. With her 2012 Arabian gelding, JG General, she won the CEI1* 100 at Horseshoe Bend Boogie in October and was Reserve Champion at the 2021 USEF Endurance National Championship CEI2* 120 in November.

Van Deusen and her 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games partner, Hoover the Mover, placed second at the Greenway Galivant CEI3* 160 in December 2020 and won the CEI3* 140 at Broxton Bridge in January and Celebration 2021 in February. In May, she traveled to Italy with the 2004 Arabian gelding where they completed the test event for the 2022 Longines FEI Endurance World Championships in Verona.

This marks Van Deusen’s fifth consecutive season at the top of the U.S. senior endurance rankings.

Charly Dugan had a busy and successful 2021 season with multiple horses on the road to becoming the top youth endurance rider in the country. With Sally Jellison’s 2014 Half-Arabian mare, Gold N Charm, she won the CEIYJ1* 100 at Celebration 2021 in February. She rode Melody Blittersdorf’s 2010 Arabian gelding, Perseveranze, to a second-place finish at Fun in the Sun CEIYJ2* 120 in March and a win at the Broxton Bridge CEIYJ2* 120 in April.

Dugan had an exceptional year with her own Southern Justice, a 2012 Arabian gelding. Together, the pair finished second in the CEIYJ2* 120 at Broxton Bridge rides in January and April and went on to win the USEF CEIYJ2* National Championship in November. In September, the pair traveled to Ermelo, the Netherlands, where they competed as part of the U.S. Endurance Team that finished in fifth place at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders & Juniors.

The Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award is generously sponsored by Gold Medal Farm and Larry and Valerie Kanavy in memory of Maggy Price. Price was the 1992 FEI Endurance World Championship silver medalist and was instrumental in developing international endurance in the U.S. The Brunjes Junior/Young Rider Trophy is awarded in memory of Kathy Brunjes, a successful endurance athlete and active supporter of the junior/young rider program.

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-announces-endurance-award-winners

Belesemo Arabians Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from Eastern Crabbet Arabian Horse Society

January 5 2021
by Endurance.net

In early 1997, the Eastern Crabbet Arabian Horse Society officers and directors approved the presentation of an annual Lifetime Achievement Award to individuals who best exemplify the ideals as stated in the ECAHS Philosophy through a lifetime of work for and with the Arabian horse.

2021 recipients of this Lifetime Achievement Award are Dirk and Kimberly Johnson of Belesemo Arabians in Caldwell, Idaho, for 40 years of breeding Crabbet Arabians.

"It is with great humbleness and appreciation that Belesemo Arabians received the Eastern Crabbet Arabian Horse Society’s (ECAHS) Lifetime Achievement Award for 2021," Kim Johnson said. "We are honored beyond belief that our breeding program was selected to receive the Award in recognition of almost 40 years of breeding Crabbet Arabians.

"Plans were to fly to the East Coast this summer for the presentation of the award in person at the Crabbet Celebration. However, with the current Covid situation this past year, the committee sent the award to us and we celebrated locally with long time friends/clients Cindy and Tom Lempp from Colorado and Bob and Sue Jerome from Middleton, Idaho.

"Thank you to the selection committee from ECAHS for this great honor. This is most definitely a shared award, as we thank all the wonderful people down through the years that have believed in our horses, and taken them to their national and regional show and endurance titles. Our breeding program would not be what it is today had it not been for you, the talented individuals who chose our horses as your companions, and we owe you a huge debt of gratitude. THANK YOU! You are the true recipients of this honor!"


L to R - Bob and Sue Jerome - Ohadii Arabians, Middleton, Idaho; Dirk and Kim Johnson; Cindy and Tom Lempp, - Sojourn Arabians, Pueblo, Colorado.

Top photo: Third generation 2021 filly, Belesema Omega (Belesemo Ibn Trad age 25 x Belesema Finalia age 25). The last two direct offspring of Belesemo Trad.

Endurance Horse Podcast: God's Country Endurance Ride

EnduranceHorsePodcast - Listen

Created by: Christina Hyke
December 27th 2021

Welcome to Episode 52 of Endurance Horse Podcast. In today’s episode we will hear audio that was sent to us from four riders at the 2021 God’s Country Endurance Ride at Cole Creek in Richland, Missouri. This trail is in the Missouri Ozarks and is a lovely combination of riding through pines, hardwood forests though also has some gravel roads, fields and access to a river to cool your horse. It has been awhile since we have had an all listener audio episode of Endurance Horse Podcast, sit back and gather around the virtual campfire while we listen in to some adventures from God’s Country 2021.

Listen...
https://endurancehorsepodcast.podbean.com/e/god-s-country-2021-riders/

Endurance Horse Podcast: Lynn Atcheson & Banner - Tevis 2021

EnduranceHorsePodcast - Listen

created by: Christina Hyke December 23, 2021

It is always a joy to get to talk with Tevis riders, and especially one that so many of our WARHORSE Endurance family were following on the Tevis 2021 online tracker. Can you imagine being 2 miles from the finish line and having to pull? That is what happened to our next guest, Lynn Atcheson of Washington State. Lynn’s horse, Banner has a distinctive look with his bright coloring and roached mane, I have admired his photos on facebook for sometime and all the beautiful images Lynn shares of him. I was surprised to learn that he is 21 years old! I was cheering for them watching the online tracker provided by Tevis. Their ride took a turn for the worse and the official miles they accomplished that day were just shy of 98. Can you imagine pulling that close to the finish line?

You are invited to listen in while Lynn and I chat about how she got into horses, endurance and her 2021 Tevis ride...

Listen here:
https://endurancehorsepodcast.podbean.com/e/51-lynn-atcheson-and-banner-tevis-2021/

Remembering Greenbriar Al Jabal (Atlas) 2003-2021

On October 19 Suzanne Hayes shared:

It is with an extremely heavy heart that I am posting this. My very much loved Atlas (Greenbriar Al Jabal) fractured his pastern, actually shattered it, playing on a frosty morning last week.

He has been with me since before he was born, my best friend, plus was an exceptional endurance horse, always wondering what adventure the next mile would bring us.

He had 13 consecutive years of competition resulting in 3465 miles, 18 Best Conditions, 16-100 mile completions including 5 Tevis finishes - 4 in the top 10, and an 11th place, 4 Big Horn 100s (all top 5), AHA National Champion 100 mile, plus many other AERC and FEI accomplishments.

I will miss my big white horse very much and hope that you all could experience a horse with our connection at least once in your life, it is a treasure.

New Decade Team: Lindsay Fisher and Monk

December 28 2021

Awarded to the horse and rider team who have accomplished 10 years of completions in AERC rides of 50 miles or longer, Lindsay Fisher and Monk achieved this award in the October Camp Far West 50.

"Our final accomplishment," Lindsay said. "Together, we were the AERC National 100 miler champion, team USA for the World Equestrian Games, USA team for the Presidents Cup in Abu Dhabi, fastest 100 miles in North America, 5 time Top Ten Tevis finisher and Haggin Cup Winner, multiple wins and Best Conditions.

"Monk and I have crossed the finish line of every single AERC ride we’ve tackled (pulled at the finish of one 100 miler). This horse also won many other rides with other riders year after year.

"He carried my 5 year old daughter on her very first trail ride.

"MONK....he will forever be greatness and have his own special place in my heart!"

1966 Flashback: The Cup at the End of the Mountain Trail

Sports Illustrated Vault - Full Story

The horses and their improbable riders gathered at Tahoe City, Calif. for the yearly Tevis Cup race across the winding paths and hazardous streams of the Sierra to Auburn, 100 miles away

Alice Higgins
September 26, 1966

What the Boston Marathon is to the distance runner, the Western States 100-mile, one-day ride for the Tevis Cup is to the endurance horseman. And, like the marathon, the California race over the rugged Sierra from Tahoe City to Auburn attracts some improbable but wonderful people. Among the 92 riders who started this year, there were a couple on their honeymoon, a 12-year-old girl, a 72-year-old man who had put off a hernia operation in order to compete, an Indian ranch hand, some polo players, a woman believed to be a Cherokee princess, an assortment of mothers, secretaries, factory workers and businessmen and a man with a gray vandyke beard who was described as a retired capitalist.

The stallions, mares and geldings entered were just as surprisingly diverse, and included just about everything found in a horse encyclopedia: Arabians, Anglo-Arabians, a Peruvian Paso, quarter horses, Appaloosas, Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, Morgans pure and crossed with all the others, Pintos, buckskins, palominos and even a plain old western mustang...

Read more here:
https://vault.si.com/vault/1966/09/26/the-cup-at-the-end-of-the-mountain-trail?fbclid=IwAR3vrI-p2Gyi4GpBQyhxoHWFo8eqWFfYaavkNHbALxFb9Dafu3zIidpeHyw

2021 December's Horses in the Morning Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com Podcast - Listen

Endurance: Karen Chaton on the Hot Seat for Dec. 14, 2021 by Horseware

Dec 14, 2021

Karen Chaton, usually the host, becomes the guest on this Endurance episode. She was recently interviewed on the Stall and Stable podcast and we wanted to share it with you. Listen in...

https://www.horsesinthemorning.com/endurance-karen-chaton-on-the-hot-seat-for-dec-14-2021-by-horseware/

PL Mercury 02/03/1991 - 12/09/2021

Owned by Dr Claire Godwin
an amazing gelding with 6030 miles, 18 100-mile finishes including the Tevis Cup (his 5th buckle) at 27 years of age.
Becky Pearman photos

Endurance Ride Photographers Guild member Linda Sherrill Wins Professional Photographers of America International Print Competition Awards




by Merri Melde-Endurance.net
December 10 2021 


Linda Sherrill of Justus Photography based in Alamogordo, New Mexico, has been a member of the PPA (Professional Photographers of America) since 2014. PPA is a group of around 25,000 photographers in the US, Mexico, and Canada. 


The organization holds two international print competitions each year. Linda entered three of her images in this year’s September event in Atlanta. Out of 5901 entries, only 1040 received Image Excellence awards, and around 2000 were merited. Two of Linda’s images, ‘Another Day at the Office’ and ‘Spring Branding’ merited, and ‘Ride and Slide’ won an Image Excellence award. “That one was judged by 10 judges, and it was a unanimous IE award,” Linda says. 


“There are 12 different criteria that are their judging points, and those have to be adhered to. For example, you have to see direction of light, and the title that you give it gets judged - the impact that it has on the judges when they open their computer screen and look at it for the first time. 


“The judges only have 60 seconds to judge the images. They know exactly to look for.” 


Linda is two merits short of becoming a ‘Master Photographer’ in the Photographic Open category. To become a Master of Photography, a member needs 26 merits. Thirteen have to be in competition, and the other 13 have to be in service which qualifies as attending education, taking classes such as photography technique, Photoshop, or basics of starting a photo business. It’s a fierce competition to just get into some of the classes.  


“The MP certification proves that you have invested time and money in education, and obviously it’s important to you, and then you also took that and translated it into images that would win in competition.” 


Master Photographers can teach on whatever their expertise is, so Linda will soon be able to teach classes on photographing horses and dogs and the people who love them. 


“PPA does some wonderful things. They’re there to support us. We have an annual national convention, coming up in January in Washington DC, and all of my images will hang in the gallery there, as well as everybody else’s that merited or got an image of excellence award. 


“This year was special, I’ve never done this well in competition in one year before. It just makes your client pictures so much better. Trying to comply with competition rules really ups your game.” 


Just recently, ‘Ride and Slide’ was also nominated for a GIA (Grand Imaging Award) which is the highest award PPA bestows. That judging will take place next month during the PPA Annual convention in DC. 


“PPA is the premiere educational place to go when you want to learn about photography. It’s a very supportive group. The classes teach me how to make my client images better. I can’t tell you how much my career has gotten better by print competition.” 


Linda started photographing Arabian horses at a horse show for a friend in 1992. After that, she was hooked. She started shooting Endurance rides in the midwest in 1996, and is a member of the Endurance Ride Photographers Guild. This is a group of around two dozen professional photographers from around the USA dedicated to documenting AERC Endurance ride events in the USA. 


“Shooting Endurance rides is a lot of fun. I don’t compete anymore, but getting out there with a camera and watching the riders go by is still huge to me, because it’s really about the people - your friends, and the friends that you make.” 


See more on Linda at:
http://www.endurance.net/advertisers/EnduranceRidePhotographersGuild/LindaSherrill.html 


Linda’s website:
www.lindasherrill.com 


The Tevis Cup: A 100-Mile Endurance Ride Like No Other

HorseIllustrated.com - Full Article

By Heather Wallace
December 2, 2021

Preparing for a 100-mile horse ride is no small feat. I’ve trekked across Mongolia as an official for an endurance horse race, but that seems like a warm-up for The Tevis Cup, which spans across the Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California. This is a true test of horse-and-rider athleticism and mental endurance. Recently, I attended my first Tevis, also known as the Western States Trail Ride, as a crew member for a friend’s first attempt.

Held annually during a full moon in late July or early August since 1955, the longest North American trail ride starts at Robie Park in Truckee, Calif., and runs 24 hours over mountains and through canyons to finish at McCann Stadium in Auburn.

The trail winds through canyons and a popular Western States Trail, which travels through a few small towns. For example, the town of Forest Hill, which is a one-hour hold, is lined with volunteers, crew, and the locals all cheering on riders as they pass through the neighborhoods on their journey. The annual event is celebrated, and it is hard work to coordinate 100 miles of public and private lands for this adventure...

Read more at:
https://www.horseillustrated.com/the-tevis-cup-a-100-mile-endurance-ride-like-no-other

Four New Champions Crowned at the 2021 USEF Endurance National Championships

©Becky Pearman Photography

USEF.org

Ehrhardt, S.C. – Four new national champions emerged over the weekend at the 2021 USEF Endurance National Championships for CEIYJI1*, CEI1*, CEIYJ2*, and CEI2* divisions. Horse-and-rider combinations took on the South Carolina terrain at Broxton Bridge under cool and clear conditions on November 12 and 13, 2021.

2021 USEF CEI1* National Championship

Geneva Soule (Frenchtown, N.J.) and Meg Sleeper’s 2011 Arabian mare, Syrocco Madrigal, took the champion title in the CEI1* division. “Maddie” is a seasoned competitor, with 1530 endurance miles completed so far over her six-year career, and her experience helped take Soule to the National Championship win in the rider’s first time out at the event.

“I started competing in FEI rides last year with Meg’s horses, and this was my first National Championship ride,” said Soule. “The atmosphere was so friendly with everyone working toward a common goal: to keep the horses happy and healthy so we could get a completion. The Broxton Bridge trails and hospitality are something I always look forward to when I visit.”

Soule has gotten to know Maddie well as one of her caretakers at home.

“I hadn’t actually ridden Maddie in about two years, but I’ve known her and have helped care for her during that time as the manager of Meg Sleeper’s New Jersey farm, Goodwink Farm,” said Soule. “Maddie is a great mare and is very easy going around the farm. It’s fun seeing her develop as a competitor, and she definitely lets her herdmates know that she’s an accomplished endurance horse!”

The Reserve National Champion title for the CEI1* went to Jose Ortega (Miami, Fla.) and Nazeefs Flashy Rose, a 2007 Arabian mare owned by Cheryl Van Deusen.

2021 CEIYJ1* National Championship

Sydnie Tycer (Natalbany, La.) and Gypsy Brocade, her 2008 Arabian mare, earned the National Champion title in the CEIYJ1* as well as the Best Condition award for the one-star division. Tycer and “Gypsy” have built a bond over seven years together, and that connection helped them to finish strong.

“She has such a big personality and is always willing to please,” said Tycer. “She can be a little overdramatic and feisty at times, but she gets calmer as the race goes on. One of my biggest highlights [from the National Championship] was crossing the finish line. She was extremely forward the entire time and never lost motivation to go.”

Looking ahead, Tycer has ambitions of representing the U.S. in endurance competition on the world stage. “My goal for 2022 is to get all of my qualifications to be on the U.S. Young Rider Team,” she said. “I hope to reach these goals by the end of the year.”

Reserve National Champion honors in the division went to Avery Betz-Conway (Kingsland, Ga.) and RR Soldier, a 2012 Arabian gelding owned by Stephen Rojek.

Charly Dugan (Muncy, Pa.) and her 2012 Arabian gelding, Southern Justice, rode to the win in the CEIYJ2* division. Dugan and “Roo” are capping off an exciting year of competition in which they competed as part of the U.S. Endurance Team at the 2021 FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in Ermelo, The Netherlands, in September.

Roo is a former show horse re-trained for endurance by Dugan’s mom, Sally Jellison. Dugan took over the ride last year in the lead up to the World Championship. Dugan and Jellison were able to ride together for part of the course at Broxton Bridge, which Dugan cites as a highlight of the weekend.

“Roo can be a spook monster, but he’s always well intentioned and he’s very sweet,” said Dugan. “When competing, he puts his big boy pants on and is all business. The first loop is always a struggle, but after that it’s smooth sailing.

“Looking ahead to 2022, I have several goals for Roo,” said Dugan. “They are completing his first 3*, getting most of my rides with him to get my Elite Status, and continuing to spend time in the ring with him to work on equitation.”

2021 USEF CEI2* National Championship

Erin Lemmons (Hico, Texas) and Tuscarora John, her own 2006 Arabian gelding, earned the National Champion title in the CEI2*, finishing the 120km ride with a time of 7:30:15. Lemmons and Tuscarora John have a long history together, having competed at the FEI level since 2016.

The Reserve National Champion title went to Cheryl Van Deusen (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.) and JG General, her own 2012 Arabian gelding.

The Best Condition award for the two-star division went to third-place finishers Kelsey Russell (Williston, Fla.) and Tru Beau Sardi, a 2013 Arabian gelding owned by Cheryl Van Deusen.

For more info, photos and results see:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/four-new-champions-crowned-at-2021-usef

Santa Cruz Intro to Endurance Clinic a Success

by Nick Warhol
November 22 2021

We had a very successful Intro to Endurance clinic this past Saturday in Santa Cruz. It was hosted by the Santa Cruz horseman’s association and the Quicksilver endurance riders.

The turnout was incredible- we sold out! We had 16 horses and 10 auditors. There were a few riders who had done a couple of rides, but most attendees were interested in the sport and had not done a ride. I was a speaker, as was Debbie Boscoe and Jill Kilty Newburn, but the act that stole the show was Julie Suhr. She came and talked to the riders and impressed them very much. She also handed out a copy of her book and handouts to the riders. Thanks Julie!

The facility at Santa Cruz is amazing- indoor lecture area with couches, full kitchen, the works. The picture is Debbie doing her presentation on new riders and the right speed to ride as a beginner. The horse camp is excellent and has pens for all the horses. The weather was absolutely perfect, and the trails were in great shape. The attendees were a great group who were hungry to learn.

The highlight for me was the trail portion. You can lecture all you want, (which we did!) but the proof is in the pudding, or the riding in this case. We split the riders into four groups and paired them with a mentor rider. Me, Debbie, Jill, and Lori Olsen came to help. Each group went out separately with a mentor and we rode a nice six-mile loop that had trails that ranged from perfect to pretty technical and gnarly. The goal was to ride at a pace to show them exactly what it would be like in their first ride. My group was just great! We had a nice fun ride that took about an hour and fifteen minutes, which would equate to about a ten-hour ride time in a 50. Some of the comments on the trail were “I had no idea you trotted so much!” “I have never trotted this much before on a ride.” “it’s tricky to follow the ribbons when you are concentrating on riding!” “This is the hardest my horse has ever worked!” “Your horse is amazing!”

We then had a vet check at the end where the riders really got to see how it worked. All four of my horses were at about 60-64 when we hopped out of the saddles, and after about 10 minutes they were all recovered down to 48 or so. That really clicked with the riders when they saw that the ride they had just done let them get to the check at criteria, and their horse recovered fully after just a few minutes and were not stressed at that time. They now also understood why Sorsha’s pulse was 36. She’s a fit experienced horse, and theirs were not. Our trot outs were great- everything from A+ for attitude, gait, and impulsion, to a “D” since this one poor horse just did not understand that he was supposed to trot in hand! That just takes some training. We also had our only pull- one of my horses was lame on the rear at the finish. It was obvious to the group, and the rider had noticed it on the trail and mentioned it out there. It turns out the horse had scuffed itself in the trailer I believe a couple weeks ago and was not quite over it. It was a good learning experience for everyone.

We had a nice awards presentation that included wine, beer, cheese and goodies, where everyone got a nice gift, and we handed out a horse blanket for our “Horse excellence” award, which is our equivalent to the Best condition award at a ride. We picked out a rider who had a great time, learned a lot, and whose horse looked great all day. The woman who won it was moved to tears- it was pretty cool. I also had one extra blanket to give out, so I picked a rider at random who ended up being Connie Bennet, a long-time rider who was there attending with a guy she is mentoring. She did a cool thing and handed him the blanket. Nice job, Connie!

The only problem I had was not enough time to cover all the things I wanted to cover. The lecture for my clinics is usually a full day, and we crammed it into 5 hours which was tough. People hung around and asked questions like mad. Everyone had a really great time, and I KNOW we are getting a bunch of new endurance riders as a result. That’s the goal, and I love it when a plan comes together.

Thanks to Debbie, Jill, Lori, Lindsay, Laura, Karen Hassan, and especially Julie for helping make it happen.

Meet Endurance Ride Veterinarian Cassee Terry

 

by Elayne Barclay

for PNER - Pacific Northwest Endurance Rides

 

Hopefully everyone takes the time to acknowledge what they have to be grateful for on a regular basis but it is that time of the year when we are especially conscious of our gratitude. As endurance riders we are all grateful for the veterinarians that are willing to be control judges and treatment vets at rides on their days off from their regular (long and stressful) work hours. They endure all kinds of inclement weather at all hours of the day and night to deal with a wide variety of personality types, both human and equine. To honor that gratitude, this member focus features one of these keystone people, Cassee Terry.

Cassee grew up in Central Oregon as the oldest of five kids. Her dad told her that at the age of one she would point out the horses in the neighbor's fields by saying “horsey”. Her interest in equines prompted her dad to get her one of her own, a donkey! Cassee recalls, “Her name was Jenny Donkey and my dad would lead her up and down the driveway with me on her back. I have been blessed to have equines ever since.” She got bucked off when she was around six years old and as a result she remembers, “I became very fearful of horses. My mom had the sense to get me into riding lessons and my dad found a great 16.2 hand polish Arab of all things that was the ultimate kids' horse. That horse's name was Special and he truly was and he gave me the confidence I needed to get back to being comfortable and then daring on horses.”

Cassee's dad acquired horses to use while elk hunting and he joined the Deschutes County Mounted Posse. “I remember the Posse playdays, parades and trail rides as a kid. My dad also took me on multi- day cattle drives and brandings out in Eastern Oregon. What a great way for a girl to grow up!”

Cassee lost her dad, who shared her love of horses, when she only 12 years of age. “My mother knew how important horses were to me and after he passed we kept two, my horse and my dad's horse. Horses were my stress release throughout school and sports. I lost my horses while I was in college, and I didn't get them again until after I was married.”

Cassee always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian, but during the summers when she was an undergraduate she was a king salmon fishing guide in Glennallen, Alaska. It was during her time guiding that she met her future husband, Will. In a it's-a-small-world moment they discovered that they lived within 20 minutes of each other in Oregon! Cassee elaborated on their courtship, “We hunted and fished together thru my years at vet school and were married in the spring of 2006.”

Before applying to vet school she said, “I wanted to stay in Alaska thru a winter so after I graduated from Western Baptist College in Salem in 2000, I guided the summer then lived in Anchorage for the winter where I was a very successful substitute teacher. I landed long term jobs and could have easily stayed on as a teacher. If I would not have gotten into vet school I would have remained a teacher in Alaska, my majors were math and science so I would have stayed in that role. High school was my favorite age, but my first day of substitute teaching was a kindergarten class and that was glorified babysitting and not for me!”

Luckily for us, Cassee got into the one and only veterinary school she applied to: OSU. When asked where she had hoped to work after she graduated, Cassee said, “I wanted to work in New Zealand for my first couple of years. I had been there in high school for a mission trip and I loved it. They didn't seem to want a new grad from the USA though, so nothing ever became of that, so I looked for work in my home region. My first choice was Redmond as it was the clinic I grew up at since I was a kid. It so happened that one of the vets there (one of my high school classmates) was moving to John Day and I was able to take her place at my home clinic. What a blessing to be able to live at home and work in the clinic I knew and loved. I have been at Redmond Vet Clinic ever since and became a partner in 2020 (what a year to start buying a practice!)”

Cassee was asked to be a veterinarian at an endurance ride for the first time during her first year out of vet school by Carol Baldery for Dust Devil in October of 2005. Cassee went on to say, “From then I was hooked, vetting not only local rides but a lot of the rides in the PNER region and even one in Arizona. My girls were born around rides. Tabitha was born two days after Bandit Springs in 2008 and Joslynn was born in December 2009 and made me hold her most of her first year while I vetted horses! Growing up in the ride camp environment Joslynn got the bug and started competing at the age of eight. We were blessed by a couple of great endurance horses, Sue McLain gave us AH Priority Male (Prior) and then Darlene Merlich gave us SAR Tiki Eclipse (Lumpy). Joslynn has been sponsored by so many PNER members and it is such a blessing for me as a mom to trust the horses she is on and the sponsors she goes with.”

Cassee has yet to ride and in an endurance event (must be tricky to manage that when she is always vetting at them), but she hopes to and currently rides an Appendix mare named Roz. “Roz is a retired working ranch horse and is so sweet, she carried a junior thru her first 25 at the Mary and Anna Memorial in 2019! I was so proud of them both. Currently she has a beautiful Monster filly at her side.”

Cassee joined PNER in 2015 and currently is the Chair of the Education Committee. She has supported Joslynn in her role as the Junior Rider Representative for the past three years and will be helping Juniors staff the raffle and do some fundraising at the PNER convention. If you have something to donate or have leads for potential raffle donations, Cassee can pass that info on to a youth contact for follow up.

When asked what PNER means to her she replied, “PNER means family! I have seen this group of people come thru time and time again to help others. My family and I have been the recipient of them so many times. Joslynn has needed a sponsor for every ride and so many people have changed their game plan to allow her to ride along. It is amazing and we are truly blessed.”

PNER is truly blessed to have Cassee and her family as part of our family.

 

 

I am Equestrian Canada”: Nine-year-old Endurance Rider Sets the Pace

Natasha Dombrosky photo

Equestrian.ca - Full Article

17 November 2021
by Kat Irvine

On August 7, 2021, at 4:30am six endurance riders are warming up at the start line of the 160 km “Piles of Miles” endurance ride near Devon, AB., wearing head lamps, flash narrow beams and glowsticks. As the riders vanish into the dark, Natasha Dombrosky, mother of one of the riders, stands on the sidelines with her video camera and calls out, “don’t lose the kid!”

The kid in this case is nine-year-old Paige Dombrosky, from Redwater, AB., riding NightWind’s Indigo Bey (Indi) (Dakotas Keyanti x Bold Strike V), a 19-year-old black Arabian gelding. “She has been interested in horses since she was a baby,” said her mother. “Paige loved sitting on them when she got a little older, because she didn’t have her own pony, rode my 15.3hh paint mare around the yard...”

Read more here:
https://www.equestrian.ca/news/342xLHxXtftkdyfFF/i-am-equestrian-canada-nine-year-old

Celebrating AERC's 50th Anniversary at the 2022 Convenion in Reno

We're celebrating AERC's 50th anniversary!

March 4 and 5, 2022 • Nugget Casino Resort • Sparks, Nevada

AERC's convention is the most fun you can have without your horse! Two days of informative and thought-provoking seminars, shopping galore, seeing old friends and meeting new ones, awards presentations, Hot Topics seminars, plus fun Friday night dance (wear your best 1970s costume!) and the awards banquet on Saturday night.

Convention registration will open around December 1, so check back here or watch Endurance News for the latest information.

A two-day Veterinary Continuing Education course will be held Thursday, March 3, and Friday, March 4. All veterinarians are welcome to attend this CE course. Information will be sent to all AERC-member veterinarians later this fall.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS: Use this exclusive AERC group discount code: GAERC22. You can call to reserve: 800-648-1177 (mention the discount code!) or make your reservation online.

Room rates on weeknights are $103.02 (that includes all taxes and resort fees). On Friday and Saturday night stays, the total cost per night is $137.06. AERC rates apply from Tuesday, March 2-Tuesday, March 8. Be sure to book by the AERC discount deadline of February 4.

More about the Nugget (site of AERC's first Nevada convention in 1978!) here: Nugget Casino Resort website.

YES, THERE IS A FREE SHUTTLE! The Nugget's shuttle bus runs from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. It departs the Reno/Tahoe airport at the bottom of the hour for the hotel, and leaves the hotel for the airport at the top of the hour. (Note: the airport is 2 miles from the hotel).

TRADE SHOW EXHIBITORS: Be a part of AERC's 50th anniversary celebration! Click to find out about exhibiting at the 2022 AERC Convention Trade Show.

AERC CONVENTION SPONSORS are needed to help make our 50th anniversary celebration a grand success! Contact Kyra at the AERC office for information.