Riders in Sisters, Oregon, test endurance

NuggetNews.com - Full ArticleJunior rider Joslynn Terry (front) and her sponsor, Kristen Grace, rode through Sisters forests during an endurance event last weekend. PHOTO BY BILL BARTLETT

By Bill Bartlett
8/16/2022 12:07 PM

Saturday saw 61 equestrians from four states gather at Sisters Cow Camp for a day of endurance riding competition. There was a 50-mile course run by 18, a 30-mile limited-distance route that had 36 riders, and seven riders who came out for a 12-mile introductory course.

Known as the Historic Santiam Cascade Endurance Ride, the Sisters-based group has been around for 58 years, with over 300 members on social media. The ride was AERC sanctioned (American Endurance Ride Conference).

The event took place in spectacular weather, cooler than forecast, with bright, sunny skies and temps just touching 80 by the time most riders finished. Joshua Handler won the 30-mile distance in 4 hours and 31 minutes with a 45-minute hold. Darlene Merlich was first-place finisher in the 50-mile course with a time of 7 hours and 35 minutes and a one-hour hold...

Read more here:
https://nuggetnews.com/Content/Default/Rotator/Article/Riders-in-Sisters-test-endurance/-3/498/32444

2022 June's Horses in the Morning Podcast

Horsesinthemorning.com Podcast - Listen

Jun 14, 2022

Revisit: Karen Chaton chuckles over a list of things only Endurance Riders know, get to know Trilby Pederson, a women who has ridden the equivalent to 1/4 of the way to the moon and Nick Warhol tells the harrowing tale of how his horses were poisoned by common groundsel. Listen in...

https://www.horsesinthemorning.com/revisit-things-endurance-riders-know-trilby-1-4-way-to-the-moon-nick-on-common-groundsel-for-june-14-2022/

Wyoming rider wins worldwide horse race

Trib.com - Full Article with audio

Abigail Landwehr
Aug 7, 2022

By the end of day one of the Mongol Derby, Jackson competitor Deidre Griffith finished last behind 46 riders. Eight days later, she, alongside her partner, were the first to cross the line.

The Mongol Derby is an annual horse race that has, since 2000, aimed to recreate Genghis Khan’s horse messenger system of 1224. It tests endurance of competitors who ride through the Mongolian Steppe. The path stretches over 1,000 km, or around 621 miles, and often lasts over the course of eight to 10 days, making it the longest horse race in the world.

July 23 marked the race’s return after a two year break courtesy of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was the most incredible feeling of accomplishment,” Griffith said when asked about reaching the end. “Two and a half years I’ve spent preparing for this and it all paid off. I would have been happy to finish at all, but to win was beyond belief...”

Read more and listen here:
https://trib.com/news/local/casper/wyoming-rider-wins-worldwide-horse-race/article_f7f0e4b6-14f0-11ed-8406-3f94ba2b879e.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

Meet Moss Rock Endurance: Amanda Johnson

“This just fell into my lap at the right time.”

by Merri Melde-Endurance.net
August 4 2022

It was a most unlikely career pivot.

“I had been doing accounting for 16 years,” Amanda Johnson, of Moss Rock Endurance, said. “But I was always too loud to be an accountant. I was always too in-your-face. I love numbers. I’m such a nerd, but none of us are exciting.”

And then her husband asked if she wanted to move from Black Forest, Colorado, to Penrose. “All of a sudden I had an opportunity to start a business.”

Lisa Douglass, Amanda’s neighbor in Black Forest, had owned Moss Rock Endurance, creating custom tack products for distance and trail riders. “I had bought tack from her for the last 6 years, which is how long I’ve been riding. She’s all I knew. She’s the best tack I’ve ever known, and she retired last year.

“Suddenly I had an opportunity to buy myself a job. And because I haven’t been in horses my whole life like some of these other riders, I knew that if I wanted to get into this, I couldn’t go be a vet. I couldn’t go be a farrier. I couldn’t do anything specialized that requires that knowledge.

“But saddles and tack - something that I believe whole-heartedly in is saddle fit. It’s one of the most important things as a rider to me. And this Beta Biothane (TM) tack, I think, is just bang for your buck. I just love it. It’s all I know because of Lisa. And before she retired, she taught me everything she knew.

“I had never sewn a thing my life. My mom finished laughing when I said ‘I’m going to sew tack!’ And she was like, ‘Yea, good luck.’ And I’m unstoppable now.”

That “in-your-face” quality Amanda describes is really pure enthusiasm and passion for her products and for people and their horses.

“I. Love. It. Horse people are great, because we’re all crazy about the same thing. And you always want to try to make it better. We changed a couple things. We added a lot of things to the lineup. Before, there were no horse head collars. There were no little knickknacks - padded nosebands and things. We added sponge leashes. And I like bling. It makes me extremely happy, so I try to add bling to a lot of things. I try to see what everyone needs and try to fill in those blanks.”

Amanda would not be Moss Rock Endurance without her mom, Sue, who helps with the sewing and creating, and accompanies her daughter and her business to Endurance rides. “Thank God for my mother! I couldn’t do this without my mom! She helps me in every way possible. My mom is my rock. She helps me with everything.

“When I cry over sponge leashes, she picks up the hardware and she makes them for me. She’ll cut pieces for me so that I can sew. She will set me up an assembly line so that I can crank it out and we can get orders in. She’s fantastic.”

Saddle fit is also something Amanda loves, though originally, she had no plans to actually carry and sell saddles.

“After I bought the business from Lisa, Marlene calls me.” Marlene was the original creator of Moss Rock in 2003. “Marlene says, ‘I am so excited you’re going to be doing saddles!’ I said, ‘I’m not doing saddles! I don’t like treeless saddles!’ And Marlene said, ‘Great! I’m sending one! It’ll be to you in 3 days!’ I said, ‘Marlene, no,’ and she hangs up!”

Amanda received the Ghost treeless saddle she didn’t ask for, and she was sold. “I love the Ghost and Cavallin treeless saddles. They changed my world. I now have 34 on order. They’re handmade in Italy in a small shop.

“I stand behind them 100%. There’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all in any world, but man, has it solved some really tough-to-fit saddle problems for me.”

Moss Rock is primarily a business dedicated to designing and making custom Beta Biothane (TM) tack for all sizes and shapes, and it now includes the Ghost treeless saddles. Amanda’s long term plan is to expand the business to not only meet the growing needs of Endurance, Competitive Trail and those who simply enjoy riding trail, but to also encompass those in the sports of Dressage, Hunter Jumper, Grand Prix and Eventing.

Watching Amanda interact with customers-turned-friends with her genuine, unstoppable enthusiasm, despite the hard work it’s obvious she has found her true calling in life.

“This has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I thought I knew what busy was. I was really good at staying busy. This is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I’m exhausted all the time.

“But I love it! I love horse people. This just fell into my lap at the right time.”

Endurance.net is happy to have Moss Rock Endurance as a long-time advertiser!

Track improvements for Tevis Cup endurance ride after two horse deaths

Photo by George Lamson

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

August 3, 2022
Horsetalk.co.nz

An investigation is under way by organisers of the Tevis Cup endurance ride over three serious incidents at the California event, in which two horses died from injuries sustained while falling from the trail.

California’s 100-mile Western States Trail Ride (WSTR), popularly called the Tevis Cup, is organised by the Western States Trail Foundation (WSTF).

Three horses fell off the trail during the 2022 event in mid-July; one died of his injuries while two others required rescue. One died in veterinary care a few days after the ride.

“We are deeply saddened … and very concerned that we had three separate accidents this year. (We) will dedicate time, resources, and money to figuring out what happened in these incidents,” the WSTF Board of Governors said...

Read more here:
https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2022/08/03/track-improvements-tevis-cup-endurance-ride/

WSTF Action Plan

Teviscup.org

July 29, 2022

The Western States Trail Foundation Board of Governors (WSTF BOG) joins the entire endurance community in grieving the accidents that occurred at this year’s Tevis Cup ride.

Three horses fell off the trail: one died of his injuries while two others required rescue. Ultimately one of those also died in veterinary care a few days after the ride.

We are committed to reducing the likelihood of future accidents and improving potential outcomes. To that end, we have identified two key areas on which to focus our time and resources.

• The WSTF BOG will work to improve emergency response with faster and more effective strategies. The horse-rescue teams WSTF contracts with will be on-site, stationed along the course and focused in areas identified as higher risk. We will also stage rescue equipment and provide veterinarian support to all rescue efforts. Our standard helicopter and ambulance infrastructure will continue to be on call.

• We will survey the trail and identify areas that are most in need of repair. Working with our partner, the Western States Endurance Run, and in cooperation with two primary agencies – Auburn State Recreational Area and the US Forest Service, we will review every foot from Last Chance to Francisco’s with the goal to improve the trail bed – widen it, stabilize the base, and remove obstacles as much as possible – specifically for horse safety. The higher risk areas will be prioritized and we’ll attempt to complete them as soon as possible.

As we continue to gather information on this year’s incidents, we realize that additional changes and recommendations/actions may be added to the above items. The Tevis Cup is an iconic ride like no other and – while there is an inherent risk to this trail, as there is to many others – we are committed to minimizing these incidents while at the same time being ready to respond as quickly, appropriately, and effectively as possible. Our goal is the best possible outcome should they occur.

We will keep our community updated as these changes are implemented, and as further actions are identified.

Mitchell's Emma Christopherson conquers Tevis Cup, featuring 100 mountainous miles on horseback in 24 hours

MitchellRepublic.com - Full Story

One girl and one horse conquered the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range on a 100 mile trek in less than 24 hours

Cassie Williams
July 28, 2022 02:06 PM

TRUCKEE, California — A Mitchell native and her horse have conquered what's widely regarded as one of the most prestigious endurance equestrian contests in the world.

Emma Christopherson, 19, and her trusty Arabian steed, Diesel, completed the Tevis Cup on Sunday, July 24, successfully navigating a 100-mile strech of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in under 24 hours.

Beginning in Robie Equestrian Park in Truckee, California, Emma and Deisel were one of 131 teams who took part in the event. With a time of 23 hours and 13 minutes, she was one of 59 competitors to complete the trek in under 24 hours.

By completing the difficult trek through mountainous terrain, Christopherson checked of a memorable trip that was seven years in the making, which stemmed from an invite to go horseback riding after church...

Read more here:
https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/news/local/mitchells-emma-christopherson-conquers-tevis-cup-featuring-100-mountainous-miles-on-horseback-in-24-hours

Auburn woman, 78, earns 25th Tevis belt buckle: 'I'll quit riding ... when it's not fun anymore'

GoldCountryMedia.com - Full Article

Kathie Perry completed the ride for the first time in 1975 and won it in '78

Jordan Georgeson Jul 23, 2022

Auburn woman, 78, earns 25th Tevis belt buckle: 'I'll quit riding ... when it's not fun anymore' Kathie Perry completed the ride for the first time in 1975 and won it in '78 Jordan Georgeson Jul 23, 2022 10:30 AM

At 78 years young, Kathie Perry is still kicking up dust in the sport of endurance riding. The Auburn resident earned her 25th Tevis Cup belt buckle Sunday, finishing 30th. She rides with nothing to prove and embraces the challenge each ride presents.

Perry started endurance riding in 1969, the same year as Woodstock and the moon landing. She was living in the Bay Area when her husband and brother decided to invest in quarter horses and try their hand at the sport. As the two prepared for their first ride in Virginia City, Nevada, Perry decided to give it a go herself.

“Of course, naturally, we had to buy a horse for me,” Perry says. “We went to the Arabian-type horse at the time, but because we lived in the Bay Area, we did not have a lot of space for the horse.”

That brought the Perrys to Auburn in 1972, where Kathie set her sights on the Tevis Cup...

Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/227973/auburn-woman-78-earns-25th-tevis-belt-buckle-ill-quit-riding-when-its-not-fun-anymore/

Crewing for endurance riders requires strategy, feel, planning - but it's rewarding and fun

GoldCountryMedia.com - Full Article

Jordan Georgeson
Jul 21, 2022

To win the Tevis Cup, picking a quality horse is only half the battle. Not only does the rider need a sturdy steed to come out on top in the 100-mile event, a proper crew is needed as well.

Crewing for an endurance rider is much like being a member of a NASCAR pit crew. Crew members have a limited amount of time to get the horse and rider everything they need to get back on the trail.

“There's a lot of strategy to it,” said Kelsey Mayo, who has been crewing at Tevis since 2017...

Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/227897/crewing-for-endurance-riders-requires-strategy-feel-planning-but-its-rewarding-and-fun/

Extraction of horse from canyon is a first for CAL FIRE chief; injury occurred during Tevis Cup

GoldCountryMedia.com - full article and video

Jordan Georgeson
Jul 20, 2022

Matt Furtado of CAL FIRE NEU Nevada, Yuba and Placer said while it's not uncommon to facilitate the rescue of a person falling while in the American River Canyon, it was the first time he has been involved with a horse rescue.

"The horse was a little bit of an anomaly," Furtado said. "But they were able to make that work and secure him well enough for the team to be able to secure the horse prior to the waist and lift him out."

Interim Fire Chief Jed Matcham said his crew received a call around 2 a.m. Sunday, stating a horse and rider competing in the Tevis Cup were in need of assistance following a fall near Foresthill...

Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/227913/extraction-of-horse-from-canyon-is-a-first-for-cal-fire-chief-injury-occurred-during-tevis-cup/

2 horses injured, 1 dies during Tevis Cup Ride on Western State Trail, Cal Fire says

KCRA.com - Full Article

Daniel Macht
Digital Media Manager
July 19 2022

wo horses were injured and one died during the Tevis Cup 100-mile endurance ride from Lake Tahoe to Auburn over the weekend, Cal Fire said.

Dramatic video showed one of the injured animals being hoisted to safety on a giant sling by a helicopter. Advertisement

The Tevis Cup took place Saturday on the Western States Trail in Placer County. The event’s website describes it as the oldest endurance ride of its kind, having been held each year since 1955.

On Monday, Cal Fire’s Nevada-Yuba-Placer unit shared a video on Facebook of rescuers helping a horse that had fallen over the end of the trail during the race...

Read more and see video here:
https://www.kcra.com/article/2-horses-injured-1-dies-during-tevis-cup-ride-on-western-state-trail-cal-fire-says/40657688

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!”