Blakeley and LLC Pyros Choice Win the 2022 Tevis Cup

Thehorse.com - Full Article

Gabriela Blakeley and her 13-year-old Arabian gelding won the Western States Trail Ride’s 66th edition.

Posted by Merri Melde | Jul 18, 2022

The Western States Trail Ride, commonly called the Tevis Cup, is the longest-running modern-day endurance ride. The 66th running of the 100-mile event took place on July 16.

Gabriela Blakeley and her 13-year-old Arabian gelding, LLC Pyros Choice, crossed the Tevis Cup finish line in Auburn, California, at 10:24 p.m, completing the race in 17 hours and nine minutes. This was Blakeley’s first Tevis Cup win and eighth completion (her third on “Pyro”). The pair finished second in 2018 and sixth in 2017.

After a tight race over most of the last third of the course, Blakeley pulled away in the final 15 miles to finish 24 minutes ahead of Christoph Schork, a rider from Utah, aboard GE VA Blizzard of Ozz...

Read more here:
https://thehorse.com/1114129/blakeley-and-llc-pyros-choice-win-the-2022-tevis-cup/

Cariboo Gold Rush Endurance Ride tests equestrian’s mettle

Mike Day of 100 Mile House completed 50 miles on each day of the Cariboo Gold Rush Endurance ride, riding his horse Lynna both days. (Monika Paterson photo)

100milefreepress.net - full article

The event took place on the Canada Day long weekend

Patrick Davies
Jul. 14, 2022

Just shy of 40 equestrians and their mounts tested their stamina at the Cariboo Gold Rush Endurance Ride, which was held over the Canada Day long weekend on Ed and Cheryl Monical’s ranch south of Lac La Hache.

The two-day Endurance Riders Association of BC event attracted riders from Montana, Alberta, Vancouver Island, Fort St. John and 100 Mile House. Ride manager Joanne Macaluso said it was great to be hosting the event again after it was cancelled by COVID-19 and last summer’s wildfires.

“We usually hold distance riding events once a year, and our management team has been hosting riders for over a decade in the South Cariboo,” Macaluso said. “The event was excellent. It was very well-received, and people are looking forward to next year. Our group loves to share what the Cariboo has to offer. It’s a beautiful, scenic place...”

Read more at:
https://www.100milefreepress.net/sports/cariboo-gold-rush-endurance-ride-tests-equestrians-mettle/

Back in the saddle: Tevis Cup royalty Hall returns for another ride

Bill Poindexter photo

GoldCountryMedia.com - Full Article

After 8 years on the sideline, Hal Hall returns for another Tevis Cup ride: 'I missed the trail'

Jordan Georgeson
Jul 11, 2022

Hal Hall has nothing left to prove in the world of endurance riding.

The Auburn native has earned 30 buckles in 38 Tevis Cup rides, which complements his three championships and 14 top-10 finishes nicely. Hall earned his last buckle in 2013, which was also the last time he competed in the world-famous endurance ride.

Hall has spent the last eight years crewing for his wife, Ann, who finished ninth last year. This year, Hall will ride again.

“I still have a little burning desire to do this,” he says...

Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/227713/back-in-the-saddle-tevis-cup-royalty-hall-returns-for-another-ride/

66th Running of Oldest-Modern Day Endurance Ride Brings Equestrians From Across the Nation and Overseas to Sierra Nevada

TevisCup.org

At 5:15 am start on the morning of July 16th, 2022, the Western States Trail Ride (Tevis Cup) will officially kick off for its 66th birthday. Endurance equestrians from all over the world and the United States will compete in the 100 miles-24 hour event, named by Time magazine as one of the world’s top ten endurance events. Considered the founding ride for modern day endurance, this trail ride boasts supreme athletic performances from both equine and human participants, as well as team work, life changing stories and a gathering of the endurance community.

The trail begins near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada, just east of Auburn, California, Endurance Capital of the World, where the finish line resides at the Gold County Fairgrounds. Strict veterinary criteria for the safety of the horses and challenging terrain add to the difficulty of this ride, contributing to the prestige of horse and rider teams that finish.

Historically started by area influencer and avid history buff Wendell Robie in the 1950s, this event brings partnerships of horse and rider teams together to test months and even years of rigorous training, to forge new friendships and to face Lady Luck herself in a quest for the coveted silver Tevis Buckle, held by an intrepid few the world over.

The Western States Trail Ride Board of Governors cordially invite you to cover this event either in person or with a provided press release post ride; media passes will be provided to those who inquire with the contact listed below. Alternatively we can submit stories geared toward your publication post ride with sports, humanitarian or inspirational geared themes that arise yearly with the Tevis Cup. Exclusive access to ride photography will be available and advice for locations to observe and meet the rider teams will be provided. We look forward to you joining us!

Contact information is as follows:
Western States Trail Ride
Teviscup.org
PR Chair Jenni Smith, ph. 925.876.4101
Email: jennisbailiwick@gmail.com

Meet Holly Corcoran: A Top U.S. Endurance Rider

PlatinumPerformance.com - Full Article

by Emily Smith, MS,
Platinum Performance®

In 2020, She was the No. 1-Ranked FEI Endurance Rider Worldwide; Her Horse also Topped FEI's List

While Holly Corcoran has a history with horses from before she could walk, riding had to wait until 1998 when the single mother was almost 40 and had the choice between purchasing two horses: a Morgan or an Arabian. She bought FG Pennylane, an 8-year old gray Arabian mare, who holds the special credit of getting Corcoran back in the saddle after years away.

Corcoran became involved in endurance in 2003 and undertook the arduous task of conditioning both herself and her horse, Vvalentino. She entered her first 25-mile ride that summer. “I ‘turtled' that race, which means I finished dead last, but I was smitten,” recalls the Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, resident. This experience propelled her life's journey into the thrilling sport of endurance...

Read more here:
https://www.platinumperformance.com/articles/endurance-horse-competition.html

Two Texans Tie for Wahatoya Cup 100 Win in Colorado

June 29 2022
by Merri Melde-Endurance.net

Texans Erin Lemmons of Waco and Cameron Holzer of Houston tied for first place in the 100-mile Wahatoya Cup Endurance ride in La Veta, Colorado, on June 26. Managed by Tennessee Blouin, the course mainly covers trails on private property on Tennessee's family's land and with the kind permission of neighbors.

Lemmons rode Tuscarora John (TJ), 16yo Arabian gelding by Line Dancer X Fawora by Fawor,and Holzer rode Lily Creek Kong, a 12yo half-Shagya half-Trakehner gelding, to the win.

The two riders smoked the challenging mountain course, (ride camp is in a meadow at 8000 feet) in a ride time of 9 hours 50 minutes. They rode under overcast skies and just finished their final vetting when the rain started falling. After riding close together all day, drawing further away from the field each loop on their phenomenal horses, the two agreed to tie at the finish. Kong received the Best Condition award.

Kong has now completed 12 of 15 AERC 100-milers, including Tevis in 2017 and 2019, and the Big Horn 100 (2nd place) in 2020. He won 1st place and Best Condition in the Broxton Bridge 100 in 2016 and 2018, the Ft Howes 100 in 2017, the FITS 100 in 2019 and 2021, and Hunting for Big Foot 100 in 2020

TJ has completed 3 of 7 100-milers over 9 seasons, including a win and Best Condition at Broxton Bridge 100, and in last year’s Wahatoya Cup.

More stories and photos at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2022WahatoyaCup/

Monika Steller Passes

 

June 27 2022

It is with the deepest of sadness that I announce the passing of Monika Goerth Steller on June 15^th, 2022.  

She was always a champion of kindness, forgiveness and generosity, Monika could dissolve inhibitions of social distance and connect on a basis of pure love.  She sought the most beautiful in all things.  One of her many joys was competing in endurance horse-racing.  She loved being with her horse and the great outdoors.  She felt peace and happiness knowing her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was always with her through trials and tribulations.

A memorial mass / reception will be held July 12^th, at 10am at St Thomas Moore, 8035 S Quebec St, Englewood, CO 80112.  Reception starts immediately after the Celebration of Life at 11am at the Padre Restaurant, which is located in the same building.

Chris Steller

 

 

 

 

Auburn's Tevis Cup Ride is on deck

Shannon Weil (middle) with Wendell Robie at a pre-race briefing in the early days of the Western States Endurance Run in 1979.

GoldCountryMedia.com - Full Article

Bill Poindexter
Jun 24, 2022

While the Western States Endurance Run is the oldest 100-mile ultra-running event in the world, it was conceived by the Tevis Ride.

And with the Western States stepping to the plate June 25 from Olympic Valley to Placer High School, the Tevis Cup Ride is on deck, scheduled for July 16 from Robie Park near Truckee to the Gold Country Fairgrounds.

Each is considered the granddaddy event in its discipline.

Robie and four others – Bill Patrick, Nick Mansfield, Dick Highfill and Pat Sewell – completed the first ride from Tahoe City to Auburn in 22 hours, 45 minutes on Aug. 7, 1955...

Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/227500/auburns-tevis-cup-ride-is-on-deck/

Enter Tevis by July 1 to Avoid Late Fee

TevisCup.org

On the fence? Don't falter! The full moon awaits!

To avoid the $100 late fee, entries must be received on / before July 1st. Do it! Enter at: https://teviscup.org/about.../entering-the-ride/ride-entry/

Also, if you haven’t yet declared your mount for this year, this also needs to be done on / before July 1st - after that date, a $30 fee will be collected. You may use the “Add/Change Equine” form at:
https://teviscup.org/the-ride/add-change-equine/

Road Dog Podcast: Hal Hall Introduces the Western States Trail Museum

Road Dog Podcast - Listen

“We have the Tevis Cup ride and ultimately concluding with the Western States endurance run. The 47 or 48 years of history capsulated right here in a display.”

Hal Hall is a 30 time finisher and 3 time winner of the Tevis Cup. He is also a founding member of the upcoming Western States Trail Museum. Hear all about the museum and the rich history of the trail. Also Hal describes what it takes to be successful at the Tevis Cup.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/road-dog-podcast/id1507975080?i=1000565339746

AERC Unveils New Website

The American Endurance Ride Conference has a brand-new look with a new website and database software program at https://aerc.org/

This is the first database upgrade in over 20 years and we are excited for you to check it out. There is a LOT to explore and we know it will be tricky at first to find things. We're thrilled that Veterinarians and Ride Managers have their own tabs!

If you're a current member, you can log in to register a horse (we have a second way if you don't want to log in, too). Look for the "Hello" box in the middle of the home page to find out how to get your log-in. Your recent log-in should still work!

We know this major update will not be seamless, and some pages will need tweaking. Be patient, let us know what you think, and hope you have fun exploring the all-new AERC.org!

Your AERC Office Crew
866-271-2372

History of Western States Trail to show at Auburn State Theatre

GoldCountryMedia.com - Full Article

by Kate Riordan
June 07, 2022

The Auburn State Theatre will present a special showing of “They Crossed the Mountains: The History of the Western States Trail” on Thursday, June 16.

Doors open at 6 p.m. with “meet-and-greet” special guests (many of whom are in the film), and at 7 p.m., a showing of the film will be followed by a question-and-answer session. The theatre is located at 985 Lincoln Way. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or online at AuburnStateTheatre.org.

The documentary spans the recorded life of the trans-Sierra route from Carson City, Nevada, to Auburn. The Western States Trail is one of only a few east-west Sierra Nevada mountains trail routes that remain largely untouched by development and, for the most part, remain much like what early-day users would have recognized...

Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/227145/history-of-western-states-trail-to-show-at-auburn-state-theatre/

OTT Standardbred Hillbillie Willie Rocks Endurance

Streamhorse.tv - Full Article

June 3, 2022

The Equestrian Vagabond is back to tell us all about her horse - Hillbillie Willie

By Merri Melde

"He’s a lot of horse: tall, lean, forward and fast. Hillbillie Willie is a 10-year-old off-the-track Standardbred turned-Endurance horse living in the Wild West - the desert of Owyhee County, southwest Idaho."

You could say I fell in love with Standardbreds as a tween back in the ’70’s. I discovered Hoofbeats magazine, and in those pages met the fillies Silk Stockings and Handle With Care, and Steady Star when he paced a world record 1:52 mile.

There wasn’t much chance I’d ever meet a Standardbred in south Texas though, and with no harness races ever on the television, my attention eventually drifted toward Thoroughbred racing.

I grew to know Thoroughbreds as a racetrack groom for a decade, and then I discovered my sport in Endurance riding in the late 90’s. I started working for the website Endurance.net, and I cared for and rode my boss Steph Teeter’s herd of Arabians in Endurance for 10 years.

It was early 2016 when, serendipitously, Steph decided on a whim that she’d like to try a Standardbred in Endurance. Through a friend with racing connections, she bought, sight-unseen, a 4-year-old gelding off the track. Steph asked for a short trotter and got a tall pacer. The story we heard was that Shotgun Rider raced at two and three (winning two races) and injured a hind leg. He’d gotten time off to heal, but when they tried bringing him back to racing, he was uninterested...

Read more here:
https://streamhorse.tv/blog/f/ott-standardbred-hillbillie-willie-rocks-endurance

Through a Local’s Lens: Deirdre Griffith

Photo: Stevie Delahunt // @adventuristbarbie

Buckrail.com - Full Article

by Buckrail @ Lindsay
May 27, 2022

JACKSON, Wyo. — Two years in the making, Deirdre Griffith is finally headed to race in the Mongol Derby, a grueling 621-mile (100km) race across the Mongolian steppe.

Griffith will use the race to raise funding for the new Parental Mental Wellness Program she helped create at St. John’s Health.

“I struggled with [postpartum depression] myself, so when I was thinking about this race, I wanted to use it as a platform for something. When I thought about it it was something that seemed like such a simple fix, and it would have a big impact on the community...”

Read more at:
https://buckrail.com/through-a-locals-lens-deirdre-griffith/

AERC Hall of Fame Nominations Due July 18

AERC.org

Be sure to get your AERC Hall of Fame nominations in by July 18 for Hall of Fame people, Hall of Fame equines, Pard'ners Award, Volunteer Service Award, and Ann Parr Trails Preservation Award.

You can find the nomination forms and info here:
https://aerc.org/static/2022nomination.aspx

Standardbred Incentive Program introduced by USTA

HarnessLink.com

20 May 2022

Columbus, OH — The U.S. Trotting Association announced the launch of the Standardbred Incentive Program (SIP) on Thursday to recognize harness racing horses who participate in disciplines other than racing and to provide awards for leading contestants.

Participants (riders and drivers) who take a registered Standardbred to a show or endurance ride can now submit placings via their UTSA MyAccount to accumulate points for year-end awards.

A formula will determine the number of points earned during each event based on the horse’s placing, the number of entries in the class/ride and whether it is a Standardbred-only or open event.

Read more at:
https://harnesslink.com/usa/standardbred-incentive-program-introduced-by-usta/

South Carolina: Spring Ride in the Low Country

Endurance-world.com - Full Article

8th May 2022
Race Report made with the assistance of Cheryl Van Deusen

Lodge, South Carolina, United States of America. Thursday 14, Friday 15 and Saturday 16 April 2022.

The race for the five positions on Team USA for the World Endurance Championships in Verona, Italy this October continued with three days of 160 km in the Low Country of South Carolina. Three days of CEI 1*, 2*, and 3* events were held so that riders may qualify more than one horse, given the few number of CEI events in the USA. Unlike most other countries in the world, most endurance rides are not CEI events. In the USA, there are very few CEI events making it difficult to qualify and increase the star levels of horses and athletes. Dr. Martha Mischeff and Dr. Iciar Tarancon Heras from Spain conducted hyposensitivity testing over the three day event. They were accompanied by Liaison Judge Francois Kerboul. It was a terrific learning opportunity for USA athletes and horses to experience the equipment, learn about the ranges, and see the changes over the distances competed.

The weather was variable with high heat and humidity on day one, followed by glorious weather on day two, and cooler weather with rain on day three. Heather Davis on Shyrocco Rimbaud won the first Day and earned Best Condition as well. Heather Davis is a frequent FEI competitor from Virginia. She commented “I am grateful that the Broxton trails have wonderful footing and are well marked. Because my horse is so steady, he endured the hot, humid 95 degree weather and finished fabulously strong. I couldn’t have asked more of him...”

Read more at:
https://endurance-world.com/spring-ride-in-the-low-country/

2022 May's Horses in the Morning Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com Podcast - Listen

Endurance: 11 Yr Old Biltmore Winner, Endurance Race Volunteering for May 10, 2022

May 10, 2022

We have 11 year old, Mia Moore, who won the Biltmore 100 over the weekend, what an amazing difficult ride. Also, Mia’s sponsor Sarah Marie Arthur and Erin Grogan tells us what it is like volunteer at a 100 mile ride. Plus, Karen’s Endurance Tip: What to pack in your endurance crew bag. Listen in...

https://www.horsesinthemorning.com/endurance-11-yr-old-biltmore-winner-endurance-race-volunteering-for-may-10-2022/

Remembering Jeanette Tolman - 1942-2022

TributeArchive.com

Jeanette Wardell Tolman, 79, died peacefully at home on Friday, April 22, 2022, from a cardiac event. She was born April 29, 1942, in San Diego, CA to Ross and Delsa Wardell. A year later, the family moved back to Otto where she was raised. She graduated from Greybull High School.

While her parents were serving a building mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Australia, she was called to serve a proselyting mission in the same mission. She then attended BYU and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in family development and a master’s in music. She was married and sealed to Wally Tolman on June 22, 1965, in the Idaho Falls Temple. The couple had seven children.

She taught music in Basin, Burlington, Greybull, Ten Sleep, and Peerless (Montana). Jeanette loved to bowl and was a Hall of Fame bowler. She had a life-long love for horses. For many years, she raised and bred Arabians. She will be remembered for the many endurance rides she held, most especially the Big Horn 100 – a ride she helped start over 50 years ago.

Jeanette loved spending time with her family and always enjoyed visits with her children and grandchildren. At family meals, food would keep showing up on the table until people insisted they were full!

She is survived by her husband, Wally, children, Paula (Mike) Riley of Burlington, Patti (Jeff) Zealley of Riverton, UT, Rodney Tolman of Otto, Randy (Marcie) Tolman of Otto, Ricky Tolman of Cody, Ross (Cassidy) Tolman of Laramie, and Robby Tolman (Luke) of Norwich, CT, sister, Beth Holdaway of Hurricane, UT, 15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one sister and four brothers.

A visitation will be held on Jeanette’s birthday, Friday, April 29 from 7 – 8 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Burlington and on Saturday at 10 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Otto Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeanette Tolman please visit our Tribute Store.

Canada's 2021 Endurance Year-End Award Recipients Announced

Equestrian.ca

About the Endurance Awards

The EC Endurance Committee provides a variety of awards programs for the endurance community in order to recognize outstanding athletes, owners, horses, volunteers and more.

Ottawa, ON, May 4, 2022 – The Equestrian Canada (EC) Endurance Committee is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Endurance Year-End Awards. These awards recognize individuals and equines that have put countless hours and tireless effort towards the pursuit of personal excellence in endurance, and the sport’s growth in Canada.

See the winners here:
https://www.equestrian.ca/news/bPorkmia8ovBx5nmh/2021-endurance-year-end-award-recipients

2022 AERC National Championship at Old Dominion in June

AERC.org

2022 AERC National Championships @ Old Dominion:
Orkney Springs, Virginia (Northeast Region)

55 Mile Championship: Thursday, June 9, 2022

100 Mile Championship: Saturday, June 11, 2022

National Championship only for 2022; no open rides.

Qualifications for the National Championship Rides:

All entrants must be current full members of AERC.

All riders must ride in their declared weight division.

55-mile AERC National Championship:

• Horse: 300 AERC lifetime miles (50 miles or more, no LD miles)

• Rider: 300 AERC lifetime miles (50 miles or more, no LD miles)

• 100 AERC miles together as a team (50 miles or more, no LD miles)

100-mile AERC National Championship:

• Horse: 500 AERC lifetime miles (50 miles or more, no LD miles)

• Rider: 500 AERC lifetime miles (50 miles or more, no LD miles)

• One 1-day 100-mile AERC ride together as a team OR a two-day 100 mile ride OR two back-to-back 50 mile rides

Alternate 100-mile AERC National Championship Qualification:

• Horse/Rider, as a team, have completed 1,000 AERC lifetime miles (50 miles or more, no LD miles)

Alternate 50-mile OR 100-mile AERC National Championship Qualification:

• Horse/Rider, as a team, are listed in the overall Top 10 of their AERC Region in the year preceding the AERC National Championship Ride (because of Covid, this option will include both the 2019 and 2020 competition years).

For more information, see:
http://www.odeeo.org/

2022 April's Horses in the Morning Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com - Listen

Endurance: Ride and Tie, South East Region Events for April 12, 2022

Apr 12, 2022

We learn all about Ride and Tie with Rufus Schneider, then Susan Kasemeyer, SE Region Director of the American Endurance Ride Conference, tells us all about the Southeast rides coming up in 2022. Plus, Karen does a training tip on the riding apps she has been using. Listen in...

https://www.horsesinthemorning.com/endurance-ride-and-tie-south-east-region-events-for-april-12-2022/

Clay County woman saddling up for world’s longest horse race in Mongolia

Original.newsbreak.com - Full Story

by Lauren Fox
April 20 2022

Abbi Bell will ride roughly 620 miles through the Mongolian wilderness on the backs of semi-feral horses this August as a contestant in the world’s longest horse race.

“It's raw, it's untouched and it makes you feel so small,” the Clay County resident recounted from her time riding through the Mongolian Steppe in 2019. “You’ll come around a corner, and there’ll be a herd of camels just sitting there eating grass, taking naps… You’ll be galloping and a band of wild horses will come up to you.”

Bell went to Mongolia for the first time in 2019 to participate in the 620 mile Mongol Derby. Inspired by the postal routes made by Genghis Khan, the race takes riders through the remote grasslands of Mongolia, riding semi-feral horses...

Read more here:
https://original.newsbreak.com/@lauren-fox-1592737/2577943859305-clay-county-woman-saddling-up-for-world-s-longest-horse-race-in-mongolia

US Equestrian Announces Five-Point Plan for USA Endurance Program

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Apr 13, 2022, 11:00 AM EST

Lexington, Ky. – Since 2020, the USEF Endurance Sport Committee has worked on building an accessible, sustainable endurance program to bridge the gap between grassroots endurance rides to the FEI level. The committee has released its five-point plan known as Endurance for Tomorrow, which establishes the following five programs:

1. New national endurance zones
2. Annual Zone Qualification Championships
3. A biennial Zone Team Challenge
4. A USEF Endurance National Championship
5. USEF year-end and career awards, achievement programs, and revised ranking programs.

The goal of the USA Endurance program is to develop opportunities for participation at all levels of the sport, an increased number of events across zones, and collaboration with grassroots organizations and individuals. The program aims to promote a cooperative working relationship between US Equestrian and other national, regional, and breed organizations that have developed and supported American endurance riding for decades.

New USA Endurance Zones and Zone Championships

The proposed new National Endurance Zones consist of a northern and southern region within each of the four time zones in the continental U.S.

Zone team events will provide more accessible opportunities for endurance athletes to have team experience. These events will create more opportunities to enjoy the sport and facilitate more riders entering the pathway toward potential future U.S. Endurance Team selection. Additionally, annual Zone Qualification Championships will be a points-based program in which riders can earn points for US Equestrian year-end awards and potential long listing for team selection.

Zone Team Challenge and USEF Endurance National Championship

The Zone Team Challenge is proposed as a biennial event with divisions for Seniors and Young Riders/Junior Riders, at the 160 km and 120 km distances, respectively. Athletes will have the opportunity to represent their Zone on a team with three to five riders.

The newly revised USEF Endurance National Championship will welcome competitors who qualify at a Zone Qualifying Championship or completing an FEI-recognized ride at the same or greater distance.

Both of these proposed championships will also include team competition opportunities at shorter distances to promote inclusivity and grassroots participation.

New Year-End and Achievement Awards

A series of new achievement awards will recognize athletes and horses for their accomplishments in the preceding season and over their careers. The proposed awards include the following:

• Career Horse Mileage Recognition
• Career Rider Mileage Recognition
• Career Horse/Rider Combination Recognition
• International Achievement Recognition
• Top Three National-Ranked Senior Riders
• Top Three National-Ranked Junior Riders
• Endurance Horse of the Year Award
• Endurance Rider of the Year Award
• Endurance Best Condition Season Award
• Endurance Iron Horse Award
• Top Five Endurance Lite Riders
• Top Five National Riders

For more information on US Equestrian Endurance Programs, visit www.usef.org/compete/disciplines/endurance or contact US Equestrian Director of Endurance Susan Edwards at sedwards@usef.org.

Announcing the 2022 Virtual Tevis Cup!

Teviscup.orgVirtually travel along the Tevis Cup (Western States) Trail – Robie Park (Truckee, CA) to Auburn, CA – Your Trails, Your Location.

This year’s Virtual Event starts on Wednesday, April 6 – and will run for 100 days until Sunday, July 17, 2022* – as the riders of the Traditional Tevis Cup are finishing their own physical journeys under the Tevis Moon!

(*natural disasters-permitting)

Once again, there will be both Riding and Non-Riding Divisions so everyone can enjoy the fun.

You can complete the 100-miles in as many smaller excursions as you choose to finish the goal. As you log your completed miles, you will receive updates of where you now are on the historic Western States Trail.

* How to submit your miles
* Our FAQs

Please note – mileage tracking should not start until the trail is “open” at 5:15 am (Pacific) on Wednesday April 6th.

Click to signup

And once again, as in 2021, we will be outsourcing our fulfillment and shipping for this year’s event to ensure that awards get sent out in a timely manner 🙂

To reduce the load on our volunteers, awards will be sent out in batches on a monthly basis...

Find out more at:
https://teviscup.org/virtual-tevis-cup-2022/

2022 Distance Horse National Championships in Gooding, Idaho

Come ride with us at the 2022 Distance Horse National Championships in Gooding, Idaho on September 30-October 2.

The Distance Horse National Championships is the overhead titled event, hosted by AHA, which includes partnered Breed National Championships along with Big South Fork Open Rides. Our partnered breeds are the Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC), Paso Fino Horse Association (PFHA), Performance Shagya-Arabian Registry (PShR), American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA), Akhal-Teke Association of America (ATAA) and the American Saddlebred Horse & Breeders Association (ASHBA.)  

Along with the Breed National Championships we also offer an Open Autumn Sun Pioneer AHA recognized Competitive Trail Ride (CTR) and three Open Autumn Sun Pioneer Limited Distance (LD) & 50 Mile Rides along with an 100 Mile Ride. This year all endurance Open Autumn  Sun Pioneer Rides will be sanctioned by the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) and the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC). The Distance Horse National Championships also offer an LD Challenge which is for the same horse/rider combination entered in all three Open LD Rides; rules and points schedule can be found under the Rider Information tab. All Autumn Sun Pioneer Rides are open to all equine and have not qualification or membership requirements!

Fore more information, see:
https://www.arabianhorses.org/competition/national-events/distance-nationals/?utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=Dispatch_from_the_Arabian_Horse_Association!&utm_medium=email

Oregonian thunders across Patagonia in epic horse race

OPB.org - Read and Listen to full story

By Elizabeth Castillo (OPB)
March 23, 2022 5 a.m.

Brenda Johnson is an avid adventurer. Earlier this month, she spent time thundering through South America’s Patagonia region on horseback. Johnson rode in this year’s Gaucho Derby. The race is billed as the “greatest test of horsemanship and wilderness skills on Earth.”

“I love being out in the woods with the animals and pushing myself and exploring and finding new places,” she said.

Johnson, of Wallowa County, is a live-in ranch hand, backcountry packer, horseshoer and veterinary assistant...

Read and listen here:
https://www.opb.org/article/2022/03/23/oregon-horse-racing-international-gaucho-derby/

2022 March's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast

Horsesinthemmorning.com - Listen

Longevity for Endurance Horses and Endurance Riders, Electrolytes 101, by World Equestrian Center for Mar 8, 2022

Mar 8, 2022

Jeanne Pepper is still competing with her Mustang Tahoe in her 70’s and she shares just a few of her many adventures. Mike Tracy shares how he got started in Endurance riding and tells us about his Hall of Fame horse Aaron Moon+//. Karen’s endurance tip zeros in on Electrolytes and hydration.

Listen:
https://www.horsesinthemorning.com/longevity-for-endurance-horses-and-endurance-riders-electrolytes-101-by-world-equestrian-center-for-mar-8-2022/

Katie Daley and Socks win 2021 American Saddlebred High Mileage EDRA award

by Shelah Wetter
March 14 2022

Katie Daley, a 15 year old from Washington state, wins the 2021 American Saddlebred High Miles Award from the Equine Distance Riding Association on her horse Three Socks.

Katie started taking lessons at Blue Haven Stable in 2016 from myself,Shelah Wetter, and her parents started leasing horses through the summer months in 2017. I sold Katie her first horse, Three Socks, a petite feisty chestnut mare July 2020. I knew it would be a great fit. But little did I know, the ball that had been set in motion.

Socks had a bright start to her career before Katie bought her. Socks had 50 mile starts and a 100% completion rate that still stands. Eleven year old Socks is now trained exclusively by Katie, and with a winter full of hard work, they came into the endurance scene in 2021 ready.

Socks and Katie completed their first 30 mile ride in May 2021 with a group of six other riders from Blue Haven Stables. Katie’s next ride would be one of the PNW hardest rides, the 50 miler at Renegade Rendezvous in the mountains of southern Washington State. That ride boasts more then 8,000 feet of elevation gains, with very steep ascent and descents. It's challenging mentally and physically for both horse and riders. They came through it with flying colors. Among several other 50 mile rides in 2021, they also completed their first multi day—a 50/30. Both Socks and Katie rocked it.

Katie takes impeccable care of Socks, often working her multiple times a day and cross training through the winter when she is stuck in an indoor arena. Socks has come to expect love and (treats) from all, often hanging out with humans loose more like a dog than a horse.

Katie will be attempting her first 75 mile ride to be completed in 18 hours to start her 2022 endurance season. She will also be taking on her first back to back 50/50 mile rides. Katie will be trying to get Socks her CH-SH, which is a champion sport horse designation through the American Saddlebred Registry. Watch out for these two in the years to come!

Katie and I have spent many hundreds of miles and hours training horses together. I'm very proud of her & I look forward to watching this amazing young womans journey with her American Saddlebred mare.


2021 Renegade Rendezvous 50, photo by Dave Honan

Top photo 2021 Crazy Days 50, photo by Apollos Griffin

Arizona: Local horse, rider win 30 mile endurance race

Wickenburgsun.com - Full Article

Mar 09, 2022 4:00 AM
By Jeanie Hankins

A local woman’s spirit of adventure matched up with the spirit of an Arabian horse named Ben to make a winning combination during the Land of the Sun Endurance Ride on Feb. 26 at Boyd Ranch near Wickenburg.

This makeshift team of horse and rider came together as a result of Ben’s owners being tied up. Maureen and Lawrence Serrano of Morristown are long-term competitors in equestrian endurance rides, but as organizers of the local event they did not have time to compete on their home course. Maureen Serrano works hard to keep Ben in shape and hungry for competition, so rather than having Ben sit this one out, she called on friend Cheri Noel to hop aboard for the 30-mile course.

An experienced endurance rider, Noel had not stepped into the saddle for a race since 2009, but when asked if she would like to compete on Ben she was rearing to go...

Read more here:
https://wickenburgsun.com/news/39010/local-horse-rider-win-30-mile-endurance-race/

New U.S. Forest Service Guidance on Use of Equestrian Campsites

HorseCouncil.org

March 5, 2022
Press Release/by Ashley Harkins

(Washington D.C.) At the prompting of the equine community, last month the Forest Service national office circulated a memo to all national forests and national grasslands titled “Recommended Best Practices for Managing Stock Use Sites at Developed Campgrounds.” A copy of that memo can be found here.

The problem of occupied horse camps escalated across the nation during the COVID pandemic when many families and others chose close-to-home vacations in favor of long-distance travel. The Forest Service memo describes well the implications for stock users of this growing problem.

The American Horse Council would like to encourage equine organizations, such as local clubs, state horse councils, and others, to review this memo and, importantly, to use it as a reason to schedule a meeting with personnel at your local national forest to assist you to achieve the following objectives:

1. Ensure the memo was received by the local Forest Service office,
2. Discuss with forest staff the magnitude of the problem locally and the memo’s relevancy and implications, and
3. Come to an agreement on what adjustments in the management of equestrian campsites within Forest Service jurisdiction might be implemented in order to communicate to the public the need to prioritize equestrian campsites for use by parties with stock.

Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA) and its allies have developed a Horse Camp Incident Report form for campsite users to capture and record incidents where parties without stock are occupying Forest Service equestrian campsites. The purpose of the form is to collect data should we need to make the case for new regulations to prevent parties without stock from occupying equestrian campsites. The form may be found here

For more information contact info@horsecouncil.org

And remember:
· Always be courteous to other campground users. It’s likely that any party without stock has occupied an equestrian campsite because regular campsites were already taken or reserved.
· Remember, it’s not illegal for others to camp in an equestrian campsite. Plus, some folks might not know the difference between an equestrian and regular campsites or why their occupancy of an equestrian campsite might force equestrian campers to travel far distances in order to find a legal campsite—if not forced to return home, an outing ruined.
· If you end up speaking with such parties, use these talking points to educate them about the scarcity of legal campsites for equestrian use and what happens when parties without stock occupy equestrian campsites.

About the American Horse Council

As the national association representing all segments of the horse industry in Washington, D.C., the American Horse Council works daily to represent equine interests and opportunities. Organized in 1969, the AHC promotes and protects the industry by communicating with Congress, federal agencies, the media and the industry on behalf of all horse related interests each and every day. The AHC is member supported by individuals and organizations representing virtually every facet of the horse world from owners, breeders, veterinarians, farriers, breed registries and horsemen’s associations to horse shows, race tracks, rodeos, commercial suppliers and state horse councils. Learn more at www.horsecouncil.org

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