Monday, July 30, 2007

Champions of endurance: Ceremony honors Tevis Cup horses, riders

By: Jenna Nielsen, Journal Staff Writer
Sunday, July 29, 2007

photo: Jeanette Mero of Mariposa holds the reins of her horse Maksymilian as veterinarian Rob Lydon of Menton conducts an examination during Haggin Cup judging Sunday at the Gold Country Fairgrounds. Photo by Philip Wood/Auburn Journal

This year's Tevis Cup made history.

For the first time since the "100 Mile One Day Trail Ride" that starts from Robie Park near Lake Tahoe and ends at Auburn's Gold Country Fairgrounds began in 1955, a paint horse became one of the top-10 finishers.

Pamela Bailie of Pilot Hill and her horse, Skipa Slipa on Ice, finished sixth in the race, arriving in Auburn at 12:05 a.m. Sunday.

"I'm pretty excited," Bailie said Sunday at the awards ceremony for Tevis finishers. "I think it is definitely more rewarding to have the first paint."

Bailie said she took the race one checkpoint at a time, not riding too slow or too fast.

"We just worked our way up," she said. "We had a plan and a time that we wanted to arrive at each checkpoint and we pretty much stuck to it."

John Crandell, 2006's Tevis winner, garnered the 2007 Haggin Cup - which is awarded to one of the top 10 horses that is deemed most healthy - for the second year in row.

Crandell won the cup last year on his horse, Heraldic, and this year on HH Saba Shams.

Crandell arrived in Auburn at 9:45 p.m. Saturday, two minutes behind leader Jeremy Reynolds of Los Gatos.

There was a four-hour time span from the time the first rider finished until the 10th crossed the line at 1:26 a.m.

Reynolds claimed the Tevis Cup but was disqualified from presenting his horse in the Haggin Cup judging after some of his crew members committed traffic violations at the Robinson Flat checkpoint, said Erin Klentos, Tevis ride director.

Reynolds, who arrived in Auburn at 9:43 p.m., was allowed to keep his Tevis win, Klentos said.

"We have rules and we make them very clear to both the rider and the crew," Klentos said. "We want people to understand that even if the crew breaks the rules, it can affect the rider."

Klentos said she did not want to release the specific details about the infractions, but she did say the crew did not obey traffic controls in Robinson Flat, posing a safety threat to other volunteers and other riders. "We still acknowledge the rider," Klentos said. "He did a great job and his horse was excellent. And that is why we chose to allow him to win."

Reynolds didn't offer any specific details either, but he did thank the cup committee.

"I know there are a lot of rumors floating around about what happened," Reynolds said. "I just want to say that the cup committee was very gracious to me. We made a mistake and our crew held us out, but I just want to say thanks to everyone."

The top 10 horses were screened at the fairgrounds Sunday morning and buckles for finishers and the two cups were presented in the afternoon.

Ninety-five riders out of the 185 who started the ride completed it in 24 hours.

That number is not unusual as the completion rate from the past 52 years averages 50 percent, and it doesn't matter if you're a Tevis expert or first-time rider, said Mike Pickett, past president and current treasurer of the Western State Trail Foundation.

"It's a very tough trail," Pickett said. "Even the most prepared riders still run the risk of an unexpected minor injury to their horse."

Horses are pulled out by veterinarians any time at any of the 17 checkpoints - for injuries, lack of hydration and metabolic stability, among other factors.

Three riders received 1,000-mile buckles Sunday and Cassandra Schuler of Petaluma was awarded a 2,000-mile buckle for completing the race 20 times.

"It's a lot of riding," Schuler said. "But I am so grateful to everyone who has ever worked on this ride and those who have crewed for me - which is a lot people. I am hooked on this ride."

The Journal's Jenna Nielsen can be reached at jennan@goldcountrymedia.com or comment at www.auburnjournal.com.

Friday, July 27, 2007

With Tools on Web, Amateurs Reshape Mapmaking


Photo: Christopher Berkey for The New York Times
April Johnson used a G.P.S. device to help create a map used for the Trace Tribute endurance horse ride near Nashville. "


SAN FRANCISCO, July 26 — On the Web, anyone can be a mapmaker.

With the help of simple tools introduced by Internet companies recently, millions of people are trying their hand at cartography, drawing on digital maps and annotating them with text, images, sound and videos.

In the process, they are reshaping the world of mapmaking and collectively creating a new kind of atlas that is likely to be both richer and messier than any other.

They are also turning the Web into a medium where maps will play a more central role in how information is organized and found.

Already there are maps of biodiesel fueling stations in New England, yarn stores in Illinois and hydrofoils around the world. Many maps depict current events, including the detours around a collapsed Bay Area freeway and the path of two whales that swam up the Sacramento River delta in May.

James Lamb of Federal Way, Wash., created an online map to illustrate the spread of graffiti in his town and asked other residents to contribute to it. “Any time you can take data and represent it visually, you can start to recognize patterns and see where you need to put resources,” said Mr. Lamb, whose map now pinpoints, often with photographs, nearly 100 sites that have been vandalized.

Increasingly, people will be able to point their favorite mapping service to a specific location and discover many layers of information about it: its hotels and watering holes, its crime statistics and school rankings, its weather and environmental conditions, the recent news events and the history that have shaped it. A good portion of this information is being contributed by ordinary Web users.

In aggregate, these maps are similar to Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, in that they reflect the collective knowledge of millions of contributors.

“What is happening is the creation of this extremely detailed map of the world that is being created by all the people in the world,” said John V. Hanke, director of Google Maps and Google Earth. “The end result is that there will be a much richer description of the earth.”

This fast-growing GeoWeb, as industry insiders call it, is in part a byproduct of the Internet search wars involving Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and others. In the race to popularize their map services — and dominate the potentially lucrative market for local advertising on maps — these companies have created the tools that are allowing people with minimal technical skills to do what only professional mapmakers were able to do before.

“It is a revolution,” said Matthew H. Edney, director of the History of Cartography Project at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. “Now with all sorts of really very accessible, very straightforward tools, anybody can make maps. They can select data, they can add data, they can communicate it with others. It truly has moved the power of map production into a completely new arena.”

Online maps have provided driving directions and helped Web users find businesses for years. But the Web mapping revolution began in earnest two years ago, when leading Internet companies first allowed programmers to merge their maps with data from outside sources to make “mash-ups.” Since then, for example, more than 50,000 programmers have used Google Maps to create mash-ups for things like apartment rentals in San Francisco and the paths of airplanes in flight.

Yet that is nothing compared with the boom that is now under way. In April, Google unveiled a service called My Maps that makes it easy for users to create customized maps. Since then, users of the service have created more than four million maps of everything from where to find good cheap food in New York to summer festivals in Europe.

More than a million maps have been created with a service from Microsoft called Collections, and 40,000 with tools from Platial, a technology start-up. MotionBased, a Web site owned by Garmin, the navigation device maker, lets users upload data they record on the move with a Global Positioning System receiver. It has amassed more than 1.3 million maps of hikes, runs, mountain bike rides and other adventures.

On the Flickr photo-sharing service owned by Yahoo, users have “geotagged” more than 25 million pictures, providing location data that allows them to be viewed on a map or through 3-D visualization software like Google Earth.

The maps sketched by this new generation of cartographers range from the useful to the fanciful and from the simple to the elaborate. Their accuracy, as with much that is on the Web, cannot be taken for granted.

“Some people are potentially going to do really stupid things with these tools,” said Donald Cooke, chief scientist at Tele Atlas North America, a leading supplier of digital street maps. “But you can also go hiking with your G.P.S. unit, and you can create a more accurate depiction of a trail than on a U.S.G.S. map,” Mr. Cooke said, referring to the United States Geological Survey.

April Johnson, a Web developer from Nashville, has used a G.P.S. device to create dozens of maps, including many of endurance horse races — typically 25-to-50-mile treks through rural trails or parks.

“You can’t buy these maps, because no one has made them,” Ms. Johnson said.

Tevis Cup prize for Guinasso, Big Dog


Photo: TEAMWORK: Deanna Guinasso of Redding rides her 7-year-old Arabian horse Big Dog near Lake Oroville during the tandem’s first 50-mile endurance ride. Guinasso and Big Dog will compete Saturday in the 100-mile Western States Trail Ride from Squaw Valley to Auburn.

By Thom Gabrukiewicz (Contact)
Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Deanna Guinasso's breath is a staccato sing-song: "Hoo, hoo, hoo -- hoo, hoo, hoo -- hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo."

And it's all about the exhale.

"It's a secret -- I shouldn't tell you -- but it's exhale, exhale, exhale," said the 57-year-old Guinasso, a Redding fitness instructor, former competitive body builder and Ms. National Fitness competitor who happens to own the patent on a little piece of exercise equipment marketed as the Suzanne Somers Toning System.

"Don't even think about the inhale, 'cause you have to breath anyway. Think about the exhale and you'll blow away that negative voice that says, 'I can't.' It blows away the toxic buildup."

It even helps her horse, a 7-year-old Arabian named RGR Flashfire -- "I call him 'Big Dog,'" Guinasso said -- stay calm. Focused. Ready to run -- hard.

The pair will depart at 5:15 a.m. Saturday -- among a braying sea of a possible 250 horses -- to challenge the Western States Trail Ride, a 100-mile endurance ride with nearly 19,000 total feet of elevation in climbs and nearly 22,000 feet of descents.

"I know I can do this," said Guinasso, who has run three marathons and twice roller skated 100 miles in competition, from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. "And my horse, he's ready, too. He's going to do the climbs, and I'm going to get off and run the canyons. We're a team; he's my running partner, he's my 100-miler."

The Western States Trail Ride -- known in equestrian circles as the Tevis Cup -- is the oldest modern-day endurance ride, having been contested since 1955. The route follows the same course as the Western States 100 Run that was contested on June 23-24.

The ride was first organized by Wendell Robie, an Auburn businessman and dedicated equestrian, according to the Western States Trail Ride Foundation Web site. People in the 1950s doubted a horse could cover the trail from Lake Tahoe to Auburn in a single day. Wendell and some friends proved otherwise. He continued to hold the ride annually and also organized the Western States Trail Foundation to preserve the 100-mile trail and the ride.

A horse and rider who complete the race in 24 hours -- and is found fit to continue -- wins a silver belt buckle. The rider and horse that complete the course in the fastest time win the Tevis Cup.

And to the rider with the fittest horse -- as determined by examination of the first 10 horses to cross the finish line -- goes the Haggin Cup (first awarded in 1964 to Paige Harper, riding his 6-year-old Arabian gelding, Keno).

"Arabians are the body builders of the horse world," Guinasso said. "Superior genetics, greatly developed lung capacity. I've got my preference and I wanted a good horse, so I got an Arabian -- coming from the body building world, I want to be buff, too."

Despite pushing horse and rider to the limit, Western States Trail Foundation organizers focus not only on the rider's health, but on the health and well-being of the horse. There are several veterinarian checks, as well as mandatory rest stops. If the horse can't continue, your day is done.

"You have 24 hours to Git er done,'" Guinasso said. "I'm ready. I'm ready to do well.

"And my horse, he's ready, more than ready."

For more information on the Tevis Cup, and to keep track of Guinasso and Big Dog's progress in real time, visit www.foothill.net/tevis/index.html. Guinasso's bib number is 83.

Reporter Thom Gabrukiewicz can be reached at 225-8230 or at tgabrukiewicz@redding.com.

JPN: Horse.TV Shining Moon Coverage


Horse.TV has completed their report of the first FEI 160k ride in Japan.
Video images of the 2007 Shining Moon 100 are available at the Japanese Horse.TV website.

Short version - including interviews for the top three riders after the ride.

Long version – 30 minutes Horse.TV regular monthly program (July) including other horse related news in Japan and studio interview with Tamotsu Sasaki, the winner of the Shining Moon ride. In Japanese only. You could still enjoy video images from this program.

Monday, July 23, 2007

APEX Mini-Clinic at AERC National Championship



APEX Mini Clinic

APEX: A Partnership for Endurance Xcellence

AERC National Championship
Aug. 24, 2007
11-1:30 pm

I. APEX Concept: Troy Ball, APEX President
II. Progressive Conditioning: John Crandell III
III. Question and Answer w/ brown bag lunch: John, Stagg, and Troy
IV. Planning and Pacing for a Quality Ride: Stagg Newman

John Crandell, III 2006 US “Triple Crown” winner – the Old Dominion, the Tevis Cup and the National Championship, John is a dedicated international competitor and trainer who develops high performance strategies for the elite endurance athlete.
Stagg Newman Stagg has earned national championships and international gold medals. His horse, Ramegwa Drubin, was the 2003 Hall of Fame inductee; Stagg and his current horse, Jayel Super, have won Old Dominion four times (including 2007); and Stagg recently served as the 2006 president of the AERC.
Troy Ball National championship winner in other disciplines, Troy has completed her first year in endurance with two Best Conditions and a gold medal. She offers her fresh outlook and dedication to advancement as a founding member and president of the APEX team.

APEX Mission Statement
Partnering in training and academic advancement to achieve the highest performance levels in endurance horses, riders, and teams.

www.apex-us.org

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

USEF: FEI/National Passports waived for CEI* and CEI** events

July 17, USEF:

The below Extraordinary rule change proposed by the USEF Endurance Technical Committee was approved. The result is that Endurance will be exempt from needing FEI or National passports for 1* and 2* events.


    CHAPTER 8 - EXHIBITORS, RIDERS, DRIVERS AND HANDLERS

    GR802 Duties. [Chapter 8. Exhibitors, Riders, Drivers and Handlers]

    [Note: This is a revision to a rule change scheduled to take effect
    12/1/07]

    6. U.S. Competitors competing in their own country in an FEI- sanctioned event, not requiring an FEI Passport, must present a valid USA National Passport or a valid FEI Passport. Exception: Endurance Minor Events.

Monday, July 16, 2007

Big Horn 100: New basecamp a success


2007 Ride Report from Teddy Lancaster (Runningbear):

Antelope Butte is the new BH base Camp. Everyone loved it here. No dust, plenty of room and grass AND, LOTS cooler!!!! First loop was a lollipop up to a spot just past Horse Creek and looping back to have the riders doing the first and last 12-13 miles on the same trail. Second loop went up to Jack Creek (19 miles), looped 11 miles) around back to Jack Creek with the last 19 miles the same as the first going backwards. I do not think the ride is much easier, but we did not have the awful heat of the lower camps, and it was great to come back to Antelope Butte for Halfway.
Lyle was great as always, along with 2 other vets. No one seemed to have a problem finding trail.
Frankly, I LOVE this ride and if it stays up here I think it will still remain a "challenge" without the "worry".
All in all, I think the ride was a success and I sure hope it brings more back for nest year and the years to come.
Teddy

See Bighorn 100 website for photos and results

Big Horn 100: New basecamp a success


2007 Ride Report from Teddy Lancaster (Runningbear):

Antelope Butte is the new BH base Camp. Everyone loved it here. No dust, plenty of room and grass AND, LOTS cooler!!!! First loop was a lollipop up to a spot just past Horse Creek and looping back to have the riders doing the first and last 12-13 miles on the same trail. Second loop went up to Jack Creek (19 miles), looped 11 miles) around back to Jack Creek with the last 19 miles the same as the first going backwards. I do not think the ride is much easier, but we did not have the awful heat of the lower camps, and it was great to come back to Antelope Butte for Halfway.
Lyle was great as always, along with 2 other vets. No one seemed to have a problem finding trail.
Frankly, I LOVE this ride and if it stays up here I think it will still remain a "challenge" without the "worry".
All in all, I think the ride was a success and I sure hope it brings more back for nest year and the years to come.
Teddy

See Bighorn 100 website for photos and results

Saturday, July 14, 2007

PanAm: 10 Year Reunion!

A inglesa Dominique Freeman convida a todos os que competiram nos Jogos Mundiais da

Natureza, em 1997, para um jantar dia 18 de Julho (quarta-feira), na Churrascaria GRAN VILLE. O motivo do jantar é reencontar os amigos que participaram do evento e também comemorar seus 10 anos de competição em provas no Brasil. Dominique Freeman representará a Grã Bretanha no Campeonato Pan Americano & Open de Enduro Eqüestre a ser realizado no próximo dia 20 de Julho, na Fazenda Pau D'Alho, em Campinas.
=======
Dominique Freeman invites all those who competed at the 1997 PanAm to a 10 year reunion celibration on Wed (18July, at Churrascaria GRAN VILLE. Reconnect with old friends over dinner and also celebrate the 10 year aniverary of Endurance in Brasil!

Dominique Freeman will represent Great Britainin the open division of the upcoming 2007 Pan Championship Americano & Open de Enduro Eqüestre to be run on 20July at Fazenda Pau D'Alho, em Campina!

EnduranceBrasil.com

Monday, July 09, 2007

AHA to sponsor Endurance National Championship




The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) will be a contributing sponsor of the 2007 AERC National Endurance Championship, to be held in Oreana, Idaho in August.

AHA marketing director Daniel Stevenson said that the organization is interested in broadening their scope to include support of disciplines such as Endurance and Competitive Trail. The Arabian horse breed is by far the best performer in distance events, and some consider this sport to be the ultimate test for the traits that set the Arabian horse apart among other breeds: endurance, heart, strength and soundness.

For more information on the event, see the 2007 AERC National Endurance Championship website.

For more information on AHA see the Arabian Horse Association website.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Ozark Club promotes sport of endurance riding

Ozark Country Endurance Riders sponsor 25-to-30 mile and 50-to-100 mile contests.

by Ann Keyes
For the
News-Leader



Who: Ozark Country Endurance Riders

Mission: Ozark Country Endurance Riders "believes in the integrity of the sport of endurance riding," says a Web link to the equestrian group. OCER strives "to encourage the education of equine enthusiasts, to promote the preservation and use of trails"; the group places the welfare of horses first and foremost.

About: OCER is a regional riding club that covers Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The group sponsors limited distance horse rides from 25 to 30 miles; endurance rides run 50 to 100 miles. All OCER rides are sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference, a group that serves as a national governing body for long distance riding. Rules and guidelines are provided that call for strict veterinary controls, according to American Endurance Ride Conference.

OCER sites the AERC guides as reason for membership: The health and well-being of horses is constantly checked throughout AERC and OCER rides. OCER, with nearly 100 members, also observes trail etiquette and expects members to reflect as much. Thrill of competition, by the adding of points in various areas on rides, is also included in membership with OCER, says group president Kathy Cruthers.

"We don't win a lot of money. No, actually, we don't win any money," says Cruthers with a laugh. "We win some nice awards at the end of the year, and we just enjoy going out and camping with our horses and getting together with friends. We pretty much all know each other and welcome newcomers, too, and before too long they feel like they're one of the family. It's one competition where you may be competing against somebody, but if they need something on a trail, then you're more than happy to help them out."

Cruthers says most horses ridden for endurance are Arabian or part Arabian, but any breed can participate; most members condition their horses by riding several days a week. Membership to OCER is $20 annually for individuals and $25 for families. The group has no formally scheduled meetings; members find out about rides via an occasional newsletter.

Upcoming: Clayton, Okla., is the site for OCER's "Mid-Summer Night's Madness" endurance ride. The nighttime event, scheduled July 28, includes contests for 25- and 50-mile horse rides.

Further ahead: Look for OCER to launch a Web site and increase newsletter mailings, says Cruthers. And OCER has endurance rides scheduled every two weeks from September through December. OCER comes to Missouri in mid-October, Cruthers says; the location is yet to be announced. Thanksgiving weekend OCER rides the Show-Me State in Collins.

Want to join or need to know more? Find a printable membership form at www.aerccentralregion.org/ ocermembershipform07.pdf. Send postal membership inquiry to Belinda Skiles, 1914 Quail Creek Road, Marion, Kan., 66861. Call Cruthers in Fayetteville, Ark., at (479) 443-6595.

Friday, June 15, 2007

Japan: First 160KM Endurance Ride in Japan!

Endurance Riders from the USA and Australia share the trail with 15 riders from Japan in this first 160km ride. Said Hal Hall, "We want to express our gratitude for the invitation to attend and compete in Japan's first International FEI 160km CEI*** Shining Moon endurance ride. This is undoubtedly an exciting moment for the founders of the sport in your country as well as to the organizers and those who will be competing. Given our involvement over the years in assisting with Japan's progression in the sport of long distance endurance riding, we share in your excitement."

We wish the best for the future of the sport in this most unique equestrian environment!

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

USEF: Open Endurance Clinic

This is a reminder that there will be a Clinic in Gladstone June 22, 23 and 24th at the USEF Headquarters. I have attached information regarding the clinic. Please register by Friday, June 15.

Please note the health requirements for bringing horses to Gladstone.

Rooms are available at $69.00 per night at the Courtyard by Marriot located in Basking Ridge, NJ. if reservations are made 5 days in advance. This is an easy drive to the Headquarters. The # is (908) 542 - 0300

Contact (908) 234-1251 for details

Vonita Bowers
United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.
USEF Endurance Director
(908) 326-1154 Direct Dial
(908) 234-9417 Fax
(908) 234-0848 Main Number

FEI Endurance Task Force Appointed

The FEI has appointed the members of the Endurance Task Force who have been asked to undertake a full review of the sport ahead of the disciplines major rule review due in January 2009.

Over fifty applications were received from FEI National Federations for persons to fill the twelve places available. In view of the number of applications and the wide range of skills and experience held by those who had applied, the FEI took the decision to increase the number of members to eighteen. However the original number of Divisions within the task force remain the same at six, each with a serving Chairman.

These Chairmen, together with their two co members, will work on the specific areas of review within their division whilst maintaining full communication with the other Divisional Chairman. Many of the areas of review are linked across all six Divisions and so no one part of the Task Force will be independent of another.

The FEI has established a communications portal which will allow the Task Force Members to directly communicate between each other and to receive comment and feedback directly from individuals from within the sport. Full details will be announced shortly.

A progress report will be issued in October with the full recommendations being finalised in early 2008. These recommendations will then be circulated to all National Federations for comment. The FEI Endurance Technical Committee will then fully consider the review proposals (amended as required following NF feed back) ahead of the establishment of the 2009 rule book.

The Task Force will consult widely to ensure input to the process is open to all those involved with the sport. Throughout the process will be open and transparent with regular updates published on the FEI web site.

The cooperative and unified approach to the review of the discipline, as seen at the World Forum in Paris last March, is indicative of the collective wish of FEI Federations to continue to develop and raise the standards of International Endurance sport around the world.

Details of those appointed can be found through the following link:

Link to list of appointments

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

OD Tribute to Maggie Price

I didn't know Maggie well -- she was in her declining years when I met her for the first time -- which was, not surprisingly, at the OD ride. I was new to endurance at that time and didn't know her history other than she was a staunch supporter of the OD, and on that day was doing what would be (I believe) her final endurance ride. Because her condition was such that she could only ride at a walk, not many were sure she would be able to do it. But, with the help of a corp of supporters and friends, and astride a wonderful mare, she rode, at a walk, the whole OD 25, crossing the Shenandoah River and back, and making it to the finish line with just moments to share. I remember the standing ovation she got at the awards ceremony, and her big smile -- all because she'd completed the OD once again.

For those who remembered Maggie Price's final desire for an OD dove release tribute -- a tribute which has now become an OD tradition for those who were instrumental to the OD ride, and the sport of endurance -- you'll be delighted to know she got her wish. And when I tell you that she got *exactly* what she'd wished for, I'm not kidding.

At the start of the Awards Program on Sunday several entertaining and touching stories about Maggie were shared with the crowd by those who knew her best, including an emotionally choked Stagg Newman -- which ensured there was quite a few moist eyes being dabbed at the end. The crowd was then invited to step outside the big tent to encircle a wicker basket containing 13 snow white doves owned by OD members Lisa and Andy Green. Their 9 year old son, Hunter (who had been first to finish the Friday 30 LD), performed the release.

It was a very moving scene as the beautiful creatures burst from the basket in a flurry of sparking white, and flew upwards in a magnificent spiraling group flight. All eyes turned heavenward as the flock circled wider and wider over the valley, turning and winging and glittering in a loose, yet perfect formation, going every higher until their flight turned into a magical sparkle of dotted white against a brilliant blue sky and the deep forest green mountains.

As the doves reached the height of the mountain crest they abruptly, and quite unexpectedly, converged into a tight formation, looking remarkably like a white arrowhead pointing west. It was so unusual that everyone gasped. Someone called out "they must have seen a hawk", but as everyone searched the sky ... lo and behold -- - a buzzard floated into view over the top of the western mountain range, directly above the doves! As everyone stood in complete amazement, an entire flock of buzzards drifted over the mountain to join the first, offering their own gentle, circular aerial tribute as the doves circled in flickering white just below.

Never in my life have I seen anything so incredibly perfect ... or so unreal. I'm sure that the entire delighted crowd felt, as I did, that Maggie had had a hand in this, and was sitting up there in the heavens, watching, just smiling from ear to ear.

She'd gotten her heart's desire. Buzzards for her OD tribute.

It couldn't have been more perfect.

Way to go, Maggie. Way to go.

Flora Hillman
President, OD

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Selectors for US Endurance Teams 2007-2008

The United States Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the following individuals as Endurance Team Selectors for 2007-2008:

Fred Cluskey; Del Mar, CA

Kathryn Downs; Somerville, ME

Linda Howard; Park City, UT

Tom Johnson; Loomis, CA

Jim Wiseman; Jackson, TN

Alternate Selector:
Susan Kasemeyer; Lenoir City, TN

Pan Am and European Endurance Team Veterinary Panels named:

The United States Equestrian Federation is pleased to announce the Veterinary Panels for the Pan American Endurance Team and for the European Open Endurance Team:

Pan American Endurance Championship, July 19 - 20 Campinas, Brazil

Todd Holbrook DVM; Stillwater, OK

Dwight Hooton DVM; El Paso, TX

Duncan Peters DVM; Lexington, KY

European Open Endurance Championship, September 8, Barroca D' Alva, Portugal

Jim Bryant, Jr. DVM; Monroe, WA

Martha Misheff DVM; Dubai,UAE

Duncan Peters DVM; Lexington, KY

USEF: Open Endurance Clinic

JUNE 22, 23 & 24th

PLACE: The Historic Hamilton Farm, Gladstone, New Jersey.

The Clinic features two and one half days of equestrian instruction and nutritional education. In addition, horses will be evaluated by the USEF Pan American Veterinary Panel. This is a great opportunity to polish your equine skills and knowledge.

This is an OPEN CLINIC. Priority is given to Ranking List Riders who sign up prior to June 10. After that date, riders will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

For more information, see the Clinic Packet or contact:


Vonita Bowers
United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.
USEF Endurance Director
(908) 326-1154 Direct Dial
(908) 234-9417 Fax
(908) 234-0848 Main Number
Help support our Equestrian Teams by making a donation to the United States Equestrian Team Foundation !
Contact (908) 234-1251 for details

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Julie Suhr reaches 30,000 miles!

Julie Suhr crossed the finish line of the 2007 Shine and Shine Only Endurance ride, for her 30,000th mile of Endurance compeition!

"I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, those people who have congratulated me on crossing the 30,000 mile mark. I have had three things going for me—I was blest at birth with good health, I have had tremendous family support and I have had the financial means to play the game. Not everyone has been that fortunate. I hope by way of payback, for all the sport has given me, to show others that the spirit and the desire to ride a good horse does not lessen with age.

In addition, on Saturday when I achieved my goal, I had the best people in the world by my side. Kathie Perry and Sara Spencer, let me drag on them for 50 miles. Alex North, Becky Glaser, Patricia and Mike Soffel cleaned my horse up for the BC judging because I was too beat. And I know that Bob and our daughter, Barbara, were there every footfall because they wanted this ride for me as much as I did.

For those of you wondering if you are past the point of taking up this sport, and to answer Nik's question, I was 40 when I tried my first endurance ride in 1964. I failed miserably and was rightfully pulled at the first vet check. I completed my first ride in 1965. Bob, for whom it took 25 years of marriage to get on a horse, completed his first ride, the Tevis Cup, in 1976 at the age of 58. He thought it would be easier than crewing. He rode his last 50 miler at age 84. And thank you, Nik, for asking how young we were rather than how old we were.

Trilby and Les and Dave Rabe are the riders with many, many more miles than I have. They are the only ones I know that have been more privileged than I. "

Julie

The following is a biography of Julie Suhr written a few years ago by Pamela Burton, published in HorseCity.Com



Rider Profile - Endurance
Julie Suhr
Hometown: Scott's Valley, California
Biography by Pamela Burton

Julie Suhr just turned 76. She lives in Scott's Valley near Santa Cruz, California. For over thirty years, she has ridden in cross county endurance races of 30, 50, and 100 miles each. Starting in 1968, Julie began riding the coveted 100-mile, one-day Tevis Cup race. She has started the race 28 times and finished 22, with three Haggin Cup wins, the award given to the horse among the top ten finishers, which is judged to be in the best condition to continue. Julie says that her ability to still ride long distances is directly attributed to good health, and a supportive husband.

Julie says there are some changes she has noticed from a lifetime of riding, and some things to keep in mind when "riding into your 70's". First, "polish up your sense of humor". The thing that does not change with age is the thrill of a good ride on a good horse". She admits that the confidence she used to take for granted is tempered by the reality of knowing that if she goes off she could break a hip. She knows her reflex actions and balance are nowhere near as sharp and quick as they once were. She feels that if you are going to continue to compete, the selection of endurance prospects is reduced. She now likes to buy a horse keeping the 6 "S's" in mind; Safe, Sane, Short (14.2 or 3 at most), Smooth, Sound and Sure-Footed.

She has noticed some other changes brought on by the years. She is more sensitive to hunger and thirst. Julie says that she rode her first Tevis Ride (over 30 years ago) with "not a single drop of liquid or food." She now carries four water bottles on her saddle. Her most important addition to her riding gear is her survival fanny pack, which she wears around her waist. "This is my security blanket. It goes where I go." In case of a fall off her horse, she will have on her body:

* A space blanket.
* Band-aids.
* A glowstick to fend off wild animals, or to attract attention.
* A knife with an easy-to-open blade.
* A small leatherman tool that has many uses.
* Some waterproof matches.
* A couple of leather thongs for quick repairs.
* Some benadryl in case of attack by killer bees.
* A few Advil in case of pain.
* A short, small pencil with a tiny notepad. She says the point always breaks the first time you put it in your pack, but no problem, you can sharpen it with your knife.
* Lastly, a lipstick, "Because you never know who you are going to run into out there."

Julie also says that her thermostat no longer works as well as it used to. "I am much more apt to be too cold or too hot than in previous years. She likes Polar fleece that zips up the front so that you can get it off and on without removing your helmet, and is easy to tie around your mid-section with just one loop while riding. Julie is sure that "the two discoveries that have meant the most to mankind are not the discovery of fire or the invention of the wheel. They are polar fleece and Velcro." She has also switched from an English to an endurance type saddle that has a deeper seat and a rounded pommel in the front to give her more support.

Julie continues to go to at least one endurance ride a month, and is often accompanied by her husband and trail companion, Bob, who turned 82 this year.

2007 Mt. Carmel XP Results

Monday, April 23, 2007

Marshals ride to rescue horse

by Corey Ross
Wiltshire.co.uk

AN ESCAPED competition horse was rescued safely during a south Wiltshire endurance event, thanks to the efforts of two persistent marshals.

Ted Spires and Reuben Alcock were marshalling the Wiltshire Droves Endurance Event, which started from Salisbury Racecourse, over the Easter weekend when the horse was startled by a car, threw its rider and bolted from the scene of the accident.

[More ...]

Saturday, April 21, 2007

World Games 2010 Foundation Names Discipline Managers for 2010 Event

The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. announced its Discipline Manager selections for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010. The following individuals have been selected after an exhaustive search process, conducted over the last few months:

Driving: Susan Gilliland, Dunellen, FL USA
Endurance: Art Priesz, Ivanhoe, MN USA
Eventing: Jane Atkinson, Stamping Ground, KY USA
Para-Equestrian: Janis Linnan, Clovis, CA USA
Reining: Brad Ettleman, Denver, CO USA
Vaulting: Kersten Klophaus, Wermelskirchen, Germany
Dressage: Glenda McElroy, Glendale, CA USA
Show Jumping: David Distler (Co-Manager) Norwalk, CT USA
Show Jumping: Hugh Kincannon (Co-Manager) Lexington, KY USA

Vitally important to the overall success of the 2010 Games, the Discipline Managers will be responsible for planning, managing and directing the World Championship competitions, any test events leading up to the 2010 WEG, communicating with the High Performance community and related organizations, and overseeing development and administration of the discipline’s budget. The eight managers will work on a contract basis with the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc.

“Selecting the Discipline Managers has taken extensive time and energy because there were so many terrific candidates around the globe to choose from,” stated Rob Hinkle, Chief Operations Officer for the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. “The hard work and diligence by many people has paid off, however. We are thrilled that these individuals have agreed to work with us over the next three and a half years.”

“We are very happy with the choices made by the Organizing Committee,” stated Michael Stone, Secretary General of the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). “It is an extremely tough task to get to this point because there are so many qualified candidates, but we feel this group will serve us well in 2010.”

The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines ever previously been held together at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition.



Media Contact:
Terry Johnson
Office: +1 859-225-2010, ext. 222
Cell: + 1 859-619-4399


For bios and photos, please follow this link

Thursday, March 22, 2007

USEF: Ranking List Trials for 2007

The Endurance International High Performance Committee wishes to announce the following rides as Ranking Trials for 2007 and beyond (Pending Approval of new Procedures for Rider Ranking, Team Selection and Endurance Selection Trials by the USEF Executive Committee).

Points may be earned at the events listed below toward placement on the Endurance Rider Ranking List. Additional events may be added at a later date. This memo is also posted on the USEF Web site.

For more information please see the Press Release on the proposed procedures dated December 6th, 2006 or contact:
Vonita Bowers, Endurance Director vbowers@usef.org
(908) 326-1154 Direct Dial
(908) 234-9417 Fax
(908) 234-0848 Main Number
(903) 563-0732 Cell #


(1. 20 Mule Team, February)

2. FITS CEI3*
Mar. 9-11
Morriston,Fl
Jan Stevens

3. Git-R-Done II CEI3*
Apr. 14
Inyokern, Ca
Carolyn Hock

4. Biltmore Challenge CEI3*
May 5-6
Asheville, NC
Cheryl Newman

5. Ft. Howes CEI3*
June 10
Ashland, MT
Jan Stevens

6. Spirit of Excellence 100 CEI 3*
July 22
Ontario, Canada
Fred Buchanan

7. Arabian Nights CEI3*
Aug. 25
Oreana,ID
John and Steph Teeter

8. USEF National Zones Team Challenge CE13*
Sept. 22
Ashland, MT
Bill and Jan Stevens

In addition, the following National Rides have been added to the list

1. Vermont 100
July 21
West Windsor,VT
John Greenall

2. WSTR 100 "Tevis Cup"
July 28
Truckee, Ca
Bill Pieper

3. Armadillo 100
October 27
Kennard, Tx
Bo and Linda Parrish

4. Git R Done 100
October 27
Inyokern, Ca
Tammy Robinson

5. Carolina 100
November 27
Bethume. SC
J D Fountain

Monday, March 19, 2007

USA: Valley woman wins riding award

by Susie Vasquez
The freedom of an open trail is the best thing about equestrian endurance competitions for both the rider and in many cases, the horse, said Carson Valley resident Suzanne Ford Huff.

"I grew up in Montana and tried showing, but I didn't like being confined to an arena," Huff said. "It's more natural for a horse to be out in nature than an arena. They're happier - at least an Arabian is."


She has a right to that opinion. She's an avid competitor and this year won first place in the American Endurance Ride Conference 100-mile category for the 2006 season, a national award.

Endurance riding is a controlled long-distance race that can take up to 24 hours, the top-level races 100 miles or longer.

Huff said she is goal-oriented and loves the challenge. Fifty-mile competitions are a little too tame, so right now she is concentrating on the 100-mile.

[More ...]

Friday, March 02, 2007

US: Endurance in Arizona

Horse and rider going long way

Kim Goetz
Special for The Republic
Mar. 2, 2007 12:00 AM

Stephanie DuRoss of Queen Creek has covered nearly 5,000 miles of trails on horseback.

An endurance rider for 19 years, DuRoss, 33, and her horse, an Arabian gelding named Hadji, have logged half of those miles on trails all over the country.

"I've had a phenomenal year with him (each of) the last two years," said DuRoss of the gelding she purchased for $1,500 from a rancher six years ago. Little did she know how well this former hunting mount would do as an endurance horse.
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DuRoss and Hadji were recognized for their most recent achievements at the American Endurance Ride Conference in Nevada last week, taking three national and four regional awards.

The horse and rider team was among three in the nation to receive a gold medal for the completion of a series that included five multiday rides that covered 155 to 250 miles each.

"That's pretty huge," DuRoss said. "It takes a good three years to get an endurance horse to do what he is doing now."

DuRoss said she has to take good care of her horse on and off the trail to get so many miles out of him.

A typical training day for the duo consists of a 20-mile ride on sand, hills and rock through the San Tan Mountain Park. In the world of endurance riding, limited distance trails start at 25 miles, DuRoss said.

Although the majority of the horses that compete in endurance are Arabians, all breeds are welcome and most that ride pleasure trails are conditioned enough to compete in limited distances, she said.

"The goal of endurance riding in general is 'to finish is to win,' " said DuRoss. "There are some people that go out there and just ride because they want to be with their horse."

Veterinary checks before, during and after the ride require horses to meet several physical criteria in order to continue on and complete the trail. DuRoss said finishing the trail is one thing, but to finish with your horse in the best condition is a huge accomplishment.

"The welfare of the horse is top priority," said Rusty Toth, ride manager for an upcoming endurance ride at McDowell Regional Park in Scottsdale. "That's where the challenge of the sport comes in. You have to know the fitness level of your horse."

DuRoss said she paces her ride depending on her horse that particular day. At times she will get off and run beside Hadji to save his energy so that he finishes stronger and in good condition.

"Each ride is different," said DuRoss. "I try and take care of him so he can take care of me."

DuRoss and Hadji will compete in a 55-mile endurance ride in Scottsdale. Although there are several endurance rides in Arizona, this will be the first in the Valley in some time.

The Scottsdale McDowell Mountain Endurance Ride will be April 7. It will include 25- and 55-mile rides.

Monday, February 26, 2007

Endurance.Net does the Scottsdale Arabian Show

By Merri Melde


Or, HILL-RIDIN' YOKEL MEETS THE BLUE BLOODS.

Or, AN ENDURANCE HILLBILLY'S INTERPRETATION OF A CLASSY HORSE SHOW.

I've seen a few jumping and dressage shows and 3-day eventing shows on TV, but I've never been to a big horse show like the Scottsdale Arabian Show, first held in 1955, and now one of the largest Arabian shows in the country. I know I'm going to catch flak from show people, but here's my astute analysis of the show world based on my observations.
Now, seeing that I ride Arabian endurance horses, I know a little bit about Arabians. In fact, I've ridden a lot of Arabian endurance horses, many many thousands of miles, in many stages of their training, over varied terrain and in all kinds of weather, Arabians that can go 50 or 100 miles in one day, or 50 miles several days in a row, and I've ridden one or two pretty good ones. Admittedly, I have terrible form, riding with my feet way out in front of me, probably leaning too far forward and hunching over my hands, (dressage teachers cringe when they see me coming anywhere near their arena), but this keeps me in the saddle with green spooky horses, which I've ridden a lot of. So, I know a little about Arabians. Or, I thought I did.

The Whole Story

Ride Over the Rainbow to AHA Regional Championship



Ride Over the Rainbow, a 50 and 100 mile ride in British Columbia, has been awarded the Region 17 Endurance Championships from AHA!

The championships have historically been held in Manitoba at Myna Cryderman’s rides however, I hope that we can alternate throughout Region 17 to afford everyone a chance to compete in a Regional Championship ride without travelling half way across the country! I am very pleased to promote the excellence of OUR wonderful Arabians in this discipline!

The rides will be held on July 1st, 2007 (yes, a Sunday) at our usual base camp near Merritt, BC. Trail includes 8,900’ of vertical gain over 100 miles on logging roads and cow and game trails. Views are of four separate valleys and mountain ranges. Start and finish lines are at base camp with one ‘out’ vet check for the 100 mile ride.

Contact Barbara Holmes-Balmer at (250)768-8206 edress: bahoba2@silk.net or check out Rainbow’s page on the ERABC website page www.erabc.com for information as it becomes available!

Submitted by Barbara Holmes-Balmer
Ride Manager

Sunday, February 25, 2007

AERC Convention 2007


February 23/24
AERC National Convention

Reno, Nevada

AERC (American Endurance Ride Conference) members gathered for the annual convention. NATRC (North American Trail Ride Conference) joined the AERC for a grand gathering of distance riders.

A huge trade show kept shoppers and vendors busy, and two days of presentations, lectures and hands-on clinics provided education and entertainment to convention goers.

The Saturday night banquet and awards ceremony was in a packed room. AERC presented awards to it's top riders and horses in many divisions.

The prestigious Hall of Fame and Pard'ners Awards were presented to:

Maryben Stover - California resident: long-time rider, ridemanager and supporter of junior riders.

Pandora's Pixy - owned by the late Randy Coleman, a mare that has achieved 11,000 lifetime miles in Endurance, and the 'Perfect Ten' award (10,000+ miles, 10 wins, 10 Best Conditions.

John Park and Remington - Pard'ners through 10,000 miles and years of trails and trials.

An assortment of photos can be found at Gallery

Friday, February 23, 2007

Scottsdale, Arizona: Got Endurance?



By Jenny Powers Feb 16, 2007, 13:50
Scottsdale, Arizona

For those of you who crave a bit of challenge in your trail and pleasure riding – why not consider limited distance endurance riding? You will meet great people, have the attention of a team of vets and vet check assistants, experience well marked trails with water for horses and perhaps even an opportunity to be photographed!

The American Endurance Ride Conference sanctions endurance and limited distance rides that meet strict criteria for the welfare of the horse and these rides provide a wealth of information on caring for your horse on the trail and after the ride. Ride meetings are held with the ride manager and head veterinarian to ensure you understand the criteria and routes for the ride.

Most relatively fit horses capable of several hours of trail riding over varied terrain averaging five miles per hour are capable of completing a limited distance ride. Why not see if you’ve got what it takes to conquer the trail and live the AERC motto “to finish is to win?”Limited distance rides are generally 25 miles in length with at least one vet check located near the halfway point of the ride. Horses must pass a pre-ride vet exam prior to starting the ride, meet criteria at the mid-point vet check, and satisfactorily complete a post ride check to earn a completion.

Limited distance rides are open to any breed of equine that is 48 months old or older at the time of the ride. There is no minimum completion time limit and a maximum of six hours is permitted for rides of 25 miles including a hold time at the vet check (generally one hour). To discourage racing, the ride time of the competitor continues until the horse meets a preset heart rate criteria of 60 beats per minute at the finish.

An excellent opportunity to try limited distance endurance riding is at the Scottsdale McDowell Mountain Ride on April 7 at McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Trails for the limited distance ride are within Park boundaries and are well maintained and well marked. In addition to the pre-ride vet check and ride meeting on Friday, April 6, there will be a New Riders meeting to allow those new to the sport to receive an overview and introduction to endurance riding from riders with thousands of miles of endurance experience. This ride is well managed and every effort is being made to ensure the comfort of the horses and riders.

So take advantage of this chance to conquer the challenge of the trail, meet new friends and enjoy a wonderful day in one of our area’s best parks. Riders receive an informative rider packet at registration, lunch on Saturday is provided, participation awards, and an awards dinner at base camp is being catered by area restaurant, L’Amore on Lincoln Drive. Bridle & Bit is sponsoring promotion for the ride and prizes are being sponsored by Farnam. Additional promotion and graphic services are provided by Endurance.Net. Horses Dacor of Dewey, AZ is also providing prizes and will have products and equipment available for sale at base camp. For more information visit www.scottsdale-endurance.net or contact ride manager, Rusty Toth at rusty@endurance.net or 480-473-2141.

Friday, February 16, 2007

EASTERN MOJAVE GROUND ZER0

Gretchen and I set off for the 3-day Eastern Mojave Scenic ride, in the National Mojave Preserve outside of Baker, CA, whose claim to fame appears to be having the world's largest thermometer. Gretchen and I were a bit worried as the temperature started climbing... 68*, 71*... not bad. Then it got to 75*... 78*...

"If it hits 80* let's turn around and go home."

Kidding!

The traffic was awful - thousands of people heading for Vegas for the holiday weekend [Editor: The NBA All Star Game - LA -> Vegas....]. It appeared that thousands of Vegans were also fleeing Las Vegas for the better (?) environs of Los Angeles.

We pulled into ride camp where, by 2 PM, it was looking a little like the crowd at Burning Man: BIG. Lots of trailers, and more coming in. We unloaded the horses and saddled them up for a ride.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

20th Annual Forida Cracker Ride

FLORIDA CRACKER TRAIL: Participants train for 20th annual ride




MAURA POSSLEY
Herald Staff Writer


EAST MANATEE - When Beverly Smith's daughter Megan wrote a speech about her family for school, her mother was intrigued.

She became even more curious when the now 14-year-old began to recite the speech about her surrogate family - her Cracker Trail family, as Megan called it.

"She embraced it," Beverly Smith said of the event, which commemorates the cross-state cattle drives of the 19th century and takes its name from the crack of a cowboy's whip.

For the years Megan rode the Florida Cracker Trail, Beverly Smith stayed home during the weeklong ride spanning 110 miles.

But watching the impact it had on her daughter made her saddle up as well. This year, the 20th annual ride, will be Beverly's eighth.

She serves as secretary for the Florida Cracker Trail Association, and her son Graham has begun riding, too.

"It's a family affair," she said. "You wouldn't think that riding a horse is that great of therapy, but it is."

Atop horses for six days, winding through the Florida landscape, a group of more than 200 riders keep alive the state's ranching history.

From Wyoming to Illinois and Indiana down to Georgia and Tennessee, horse riders head to the Sunshine State for the historic trail ride that begins in Manatee County and snakes through Highlands, St. Lucie, Hardee and Okeechobee counties.

"It's just you," Smith said. "You don't have the telephone calling. You're just so relaxed."

From the youngest of riders to the eldest, true stories and tall tales are passed around fires at night after grueling endurance rides by day.

But the ride is not an easygoing trot, said David Reed, the association's president.

Typically, fewer than half the riders complete six days of eight-hour rides.

"You and your horse both need to be in shape to do this ride," he said.

The trail grows shorter and shorter each year, the expanse of development and urbanization chewing up the pastures and ranches that once ruled this state.

"We're going to try and keep this alive for as long as we can," Reed said. "There's a lot of friendships that have been made on this ride."

Despite the change in scenery, the ride is still a priority and necessity for some, despite the daily grind of life.

"Everyone's always in the car just going, going, going," Smith said. "You come back in such a different mental attitude."

The ride begins with a steak dinner Feb. 17 at Kibler Ranch, 3715 Kibler Ranch Road, in Myakka City, where riders are briefed on guidelines. The night is open to all visitors, who must pay a fee to learn about the ride.

"Ride out," or the official kickoff, begins the following day at 8 a.m. Riders then finish Friday in Fort Pierce, where they celebrate with an awards banquet and live band.

The next day, riders will gather for the Frontier Fest in Fort Pierce, allowing horses to rein over automobiles. The fest runs from noon to 5 p.m. and is free of charge.

Pat's Bar-B-Que Take Out, in Lake Placid, caters the trip, cooking hearty meals along the trail and at the camps each night.

Camps are open to the public to enjoy the nightly music, games, storytelling and ceremonies honoring past trail bosses - the person who oversees the ride.

The Junior Wrangler games feature activities and contacts each night, including the arena night Feb. 21 when younger riders compete on their horses.

The Cracker Trail acts as an incentive for many of the younger riders. Reed said most parents only allow their children to ride if their grades are up to par because they are taken out of school for one week to participate. The incentive pushes them to work harder, he said.

"All these kids are just very well rounded, and they've got good values," Reed said. "It teaches self-sufficiency, self-reliance and teaches these kids to work together."

This will be Reed's daughter Megan's fifth Cracker Trail ride. What the 18-year-old looks forward to, she said, is mounting the horse in the morning and not getting down until night falls.

"You meet cool people," she said. "And you learn a lot about the history of Florida."

Registration is under way, and all interested riders must register by 7:30 a.m. Feb. 18. For those wanting to ride only one or a few days, they must be registered the night before or by 7:30 a.m. the day they ride.

For more information or to register, visit www.crackertrail.org or call Beverly Smith at (941) 831-0359.

Maura Possley, Herald reporter, can be reached at 748-0411, ext. 2640, or at mpossley@Bradenton.com. , secretary, Florida Cracker Trail Association

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Endurance horse race to ride into Springer



February 6
By Todd Wildermuth
for The Raton Range

RATON, New Mexico (STPNS) --
Springer will host a myriad of horse riders and their mounts later this year as they gallop along the Santa Fe Trail competing in a 10-day, 500-mile endurance ride from Santa Fe to Missouri.

The Great Santa Fe Trail Horse Race is scheduled to take place Sept. 3-15, which includes some non-riding “days off,” the New Mexico Sports Authority announced Jan. 30. The event has been in the planning stages for a couple years or more.

The first two days of the race will take riders from Santa Fe to Las Vegas, N.M., and then to Springer, where the town plans to provide a meal — a barbecue has been talked about — and perhaps other accommodations or events. Town officials are still in the process of planning for the race’s stopover.

The race — which features riders using multiple horses during the trek — has already received entries from about 50 teams, from a variety of states, including four entries from New Mexico. A team consists of one or more riders and support people, but the overall winner will be a single rider who rides all 10 riding days, using a variety of horses. Organizers are hoping to get 100 entries.

The riders will complete the specified distance for each day then stop and spend the night at the “race village.” Each rider’s time will be recorded, and accumulated. The rider with the shortest time overall will be declared the winner.

The race village will cover about 30 acres and move each morning as the race progresses. The village will have things such as veterinarian tent, water and hay distribution points, food and merchandise vendors, dining tent, first-aid station, farriers, and trash dumpsters.

The riders and horses are scheduled to come into Springer Sept. 3, Labor Day, after completing the 68-mile journey from Las Vegas along the historic route of the Santa Fe Trail. The next morning, they head to Clayton.

“One of the main objectives of the race is to educate the public not only on the national historic Santa Fe Trail, but also to introduce the sport of endurance riding to thousands,” according to the race website (www.sfthorserace.com).
© 2007 The Raton Range Raton, New Mexico. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from STPNS.

Saturday, February 03, 2007

2010 WEC: Fletcher seeks Horse Park funds



$38.3 million urged for games upgrades
By Gregory A. Hall
ghall@courier-journal.com

The Courier-Journal
Gov. Ernie Fletcher announced yesterday that he will ask the legislature to approve $38.3 million in construction projects at the Kentucky Horse Park, which will play host to an Olympic-style world equestrian championship in 2010.
Some of the proposals are needed specifically for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington in three years, but others would help the park attract other competitions and events beyond the games, said John Nicholson, the park's executive director.
This will make our horse park unquestionably the finest equestrian facility in the world," Fletcher said in Lexington.
The governor's biggest request is $24 million for an outdoor arena with permanent seating and other facilities for 10,000 people. It also would have space for temporary seating to accommodate 20,000 more.
The governor also wants $4 million to add 21,000 square feet of exhibition space to a previously approved indoor arena. The additional money for the arena, for which ground is yet to be broken, also would improve indoor sound.
Those stadium and arena improvements would be paid for through bonding, Fletcher spokeswoman Jodi Whitaker said.
Fletcher also is seeking $10.3 million in state road funds for widening and other road improvements in the park.
The games will take place between Sept. 25 and Oct. 10, 2010, and total attendance is expected to reach 500,000. More than 800 people and more than 900 horses -- representing more than 60 countries -- will compete in the world championships for eight equestrian sports.
State Sen. Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, said he sees the need for the projects but did not commit to supporting them during the current legislative session, when a three-fifths majority would be required in both houses to approve an appropriation.
"The governor makes an excellent case on the need for these improvements," Thayer said, because they are time sensitive. But he said Fletcher "has a challenging sales job ahead of him on this."
One question is whether the projects could wait to be approved in next year's 60-day General Assembly session -- when budget issues are scheduled to be addressed -- in time for the games, Thayer said.
"The dilemma we face is that we are expected to run test events in 2009, and the test events are generally to be conducted in conditions replicating the 2010 games," Nicholson said. "So, it is desirable to have the funding for these projects secured as soon as possible so that we can get the facilities constructed in time."
Last night, Fletcher said the projects are of the magnitude that a governor would call a special session of the legislature, and addressing the projects during this session would be cheaper.
Another complicating factor could be the timing of the request during a gubernatorial campaign. Fletcher, pursuing re-election, is one of three Republicans seeking his party's nomination, while seven Democrats are vying for the job.
One of the Democrats is House Speaker Jody Richards of Bowling Green. Richards could not be reached for comment last night through a spokeswoman.
Fletcher said he hopes that all gubernatorial candidates support the improvements, and that they could share in the credit.
Some of the requests are the result of people planning the Kentucky games -- including Fletcher -- having attended last year's quadrennial event in Aachen, Germany.
Organizers of the Lexington games previously had planned for a temporary, outdoor stadium seating about 20,000 people, Nicholson said.
But from Aachen, Nicholson said it became clear that Kentucky needed to do more than what it had originally promised while bidding for the games in 2005.
"It really pointed out that the bar had been raised and that a proper outdoor stadium is now somewhat of an essential requirement" for venues that stage the World Equestrian Games, Nicholson said.
Fletcher previously said he thought new appropriations beyond what the legislature already approved wouldn't be needed and that any additional improvements could be paid for with the existing budget.
Last night, Fletcher said that a subsequent analysis of the Aachen games by event planners changed that view.
"This was something above what we imagined," he said.
Fletcher said he didn't want to invite a half million people to the Horse Park and not make a positive impression.
The legislature approved $36.5 million in bonds last year for a new indoor arena at the park. Fletcher is seeking $4 million to add 21,000 square feet of exhibition space.
Most equestrian events have trade shows associated with them, Nicholson said, and building the space when the arena is constructed would be cheaper than adding it.
The governor also is seeking $10.3 million for improvements to roads that were part of the Walnut Hall standardbred farm that preceded the park almost 30 years ago.

Pieraz clone to stand at stud in France



February 3, 2007


Pieraz-Cryozootech-Stallion The colt cloned from Valerie Kanavy's two-time World Champion endurance horse Pieraz will stand at stud in France for the first time this season.


Pieraz-Cryozootech-Stallion, who was born in Italy in February 2005, was bred specifically to become a breeding horse. He will stand at Domaine de Castelcerf, near Lyon, from April to September this year for fresh semen, and with chilled and frozen semen at other centres. His service fee is €1500.



Valerie Kanavy's Pieraz was twice world champion with two different riders. In 1994, he won at The Hague with Valerie riding, and again in 1996 at Fort Riley with Danielle Kanavy. He won 12 160km races during his career.

Friday, February 02, 2007

USEF selects Chefs d'Equipe for 2007 International Rides

February 2, 2007

The United States Equestrian Federation has appointed the following individuals as Chef d'Equipe for 2007 International Events:

February 10: Presidents Cup for Young Riders, United Arab Emirates, Bou Thib Endurance Village - Chef d'Equipe is Mark Dial
USA Young Riders:
Heather Stevens
Jennifer Stevens
Ashlee Van Raalte
Britany Dial

February 17: Presidents Cup, United Arab Emirates, Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba - Chef d'Equipe is Grace Ramsey
Meg Sleeper and Susan Summers will be competing for the USA at the 2007 Presidents Cup.

July 20: Pan American Championship, Brazil - Vonita Bowers (USEF Director of Endurance)

September 9: European Championship, Portugal - Vonita Bowers

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Plans under way for endurance ride on Santa Fe Trail


CARL MANNING
Associated Press
LAWRENCE, Kan. - Rob Phillips still remembers his first horse, a paint named Mickey he got more than 50 years ago. It was the start of a lifelong love affair with horses that's led to plans for an endurance race over the Santa Fe Trail.
For the past year, the 62-year-old retired real estate developer and his wife, Beverly, have been putting together The Great Santa Fe Trail Horse Race. It starts Sept. 3 in Santa Fe, N.M. and ends Sept. 15 in Missouri, broken down into 10 rides of about 50 miles a day over 515 miles.
Phillips got the idea after hearing the story of Francis X. Aubry, a trader who in 1848 made a $1,000 bet that he could traverse the trail from Santa Fe to its start in Independence, Mo., in six days. He took five days and 16 hours to cover the 800-mile route that normally took a month and established a record that stands to this day.
"When I heard that story, I thought we've got to do something about the Santa Fe Trail and get the world excited about it again," Phillips said.
Besides that, Phillips wanted to do something productive.
"You've got to have something to do. You can dry the dishes only so many times," he said.
So he came up with the endurance ride which will follow the wide, meandering trail that cuts southwest through 16 Kansas counties. The riders will cover the sweeping landscape of open prairies and rolling plains that greeted travelers heading west with trade goods or in search of a better place to live.
"It will always be near to what we consider the trail. We're in real close proximity and I doubt we'll spend a night on land that wasn't camped on by people in covered wagons," Phillips said.
The trail opened in 1821 when Missouri trader William Becknell became the first to use it to haul goods by mule train to Santa Fe, then part of Mexico.
Although some settlers used the trail, it primarily was a trade route for bringing manufactured goods to Santa Fe and taking silver and other valuables back to Missouri. By 1880, the trail was eclipsed by the railroads and only the wagon ruts remained.
"It set up a new excitement about trading and the expansion in the west," said Rita Napier, University of Kansas history professor. "It represents a reaching out to expand."
Napier said the trail was important because more trade meant more manufacturing but it was especially important to Kansas because it helped shape the state's growth.
"Once the territory was opened, it was a route that towns grabbed onto because there was a certainty of money coming in through trade," Napier said. "The Santa Fe Railroad followed the trail, which resulted in more towns."
With that historic backdrop, Phillips put together what he hopes will be an annual event.
"If you are going to do something, you might as well do it big, and if it's big you can see it," he said.
He expects to have 100 teams with about 500 horses dashing over the landscape. Already, people from 17 states have signed up, paying entry fees ranging from $3,500 to $4,500.
At first there was talk of prize money, but Phillips discarded the idea because he wanted the race to be more about the love of the sport than getting money.
But, he added, winning has its own rewards.
"It's about pride. It's a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment," Phillips said. "Can you imagine? You can say you rode a race on the Santa Fe trail and won."
After a long day in the saddle, riders will be able to rest at the "race village," a 30-acre area resembling a traveling fair, set up in 11 locations, including Elkart, Dodge City, Larned, Lyons, Council Grove, Burlingame and Gardner.
Each morning, it will move to where the riders will be at the end of that day's race. It will include food vendors, a dining tent, merchants, farriers, veterinarians and places for riders to clean up and rest.
Phillips said the race has attracted several sponsors, including the RFD-TV cable-satellite network, the U.S. Postal Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Kansas Lottery.
The Imus Ranch, a New Mexico ranch owned by radio personality Don Imus that helps children with cancer, is the event's designated charity and will get a portion of the entry and sponsor fees.
There also will be a re-enactment of a Pony Express ride, with riders carrying mail from Santa Fe to Independence with 30 stops along the way.
With the original Pony Express, young men rode 75 to 100 miles before handing off the mochila, or mail pouch, to the next rider. This time, it will be six riders alternating in relays over the 800 miles that won't be on the trail but close to it.
"Now we have cell phones and pickup trucks," Phillips said. "Our riders won't be going that far."
ON THE NET
Santa Fe Trail Race: http://www.sfthorserace.com/

George Cardinet Jr., 97; father of state and federal trails systems


By Valerie J. Nelson, Times Staff Writer
January 31, 2007

Outfitted as a Spanish explorer, George H. Cardinet Jr. led a team of re-enactors on a 900-mile horseback ride that snaked north from Mexico through California in 1976. The modern quest closely followed the path that Juan Bautista de Anza had traveled 200 years before.

Cardinet, then in his late 60s, was one of the few riders to complete the journey that brought attention to his most passionate cause: He wanted the route recognized as a national historic trail.

A trail activist since the early 1940s, Cardinet was considered by many to be the father of the California trails system. He was instrumental in developing the state's first long-distance hiking and equestrian trails and in getting legislation passed that established a federal trails system in 1968.

Cardinet, who lived on a ranch in Concord, Calif., died Jan. 19 of unknown causes while visiting a friend in Mexico City, said his son, George H. Cardinet III. He was 97.

"Without George, the national trails system wouldn't have the shape or breadth it does today," said Steve Elkinton, National Trails System program leader for the National Park Service. "George was larger than life, one of those giants on whose shoulders we all stand."

The National Trails System Act recognized an extensive system of scenic and historic trails.

It included the Pacific Crest Trail — even though it was not officially completed until 1993 — only after intense lobbying by Cardinet, said Nancy Dupont.

She is director of the Heritage Trails Fund, a nonprofit she and Cardinet helped found in 1980 to develop and preserve trails.

"He was as comfortable in a dirty old suede vest with sheep's blood on it as he was at a formal gathering in a tux meeting dignitaries," Dupont said. "He could work it either way."

With his strong sense of history, Cardinet was drawn to the Anza Trail, named for the explorer who led the colonizing expedition to San Francisco Bay. Cardinet played a key role in getting the route designated a national historic trail in 1990, said Stanley Bond, superintendent of the trail for the National Park Service.

"George was really good at capturing other people's enthusiasm," said Jeannie Gillen, a founding member of the Anza Trail Foundation. "He would seek out people that were younger than he was and put them to work on his passion."

Born April 8, 1909, in San Francisco, George Hugh Cardinet Jr. grew up in Oakland. His father co-founded Cardinet Candy Co., maker of the U-No bar. The eldest of four children, he succeeded his father as president of the firm, which was sold in the early 1970s.

His affinity for horses dated to the early 1920s, when he would work at a stable in the Sierra Nevada in exchange for taking a horse out for a ride.

In 1934, he married Margaret M. Bowen. They had four children. About 1940, they moved to a ranch on 400 acres in Concord, where he lived until his death.

Since Mt. Diablo State Park was "practically in our backyard," he began developing trails there, his son said.

"He would take off up a hill on horseback with a roll of toilet paper and string it out to mark the various trails, and his friend would follow him with a bulldozer," his son said.

Cardinet is credited with building more than 200 miles of trails in the park and throughout the East Bay.

In the 1940s, he became actively interested in trail building when horses began "falling out of fashion," Dupont said, and he helped found the California State Horsemen's Assn., which worked to preserve trails.

According to an oft-told story, the hard-charging Cardinet built the Heritage Trail Fund by organizing weekend rides in the mountains.

"He would ride them ragged, and those who made it out at the appointed time would be nominated to the board," Elkinton said. "He liked challenging people, but underneath it all he had an extremely kind heart."

In addition to his son, George, Cardinet is survived by two daughters, Maureen Casteel and Michele Tomasulo; a brother; 12 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. His wife died in 1992.

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the George H. Cardinet Jr. Memorial Trails Fund, P.O. Box 612, Clayton, CA. 94517.

Monday, January 29, 2007

The Kahlil Khai 100 Mile Award

The Kahlil Khai 100 Mile Award


Kahlil Khai reached the end of his trail at 5:30 Mountain Time this afternoon. He was 33 years old

International FEI Medication Control Forum



19/01/2007

The FEI is pleased to announce details of an International Forum on Medication Control, hosted by the UAE Equestrian Federation.


The Forum will take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Wednesday 14th February 2007. Location of the Forum is at the Police Headquarters on the outskirts of the City.


It will commence at 12.00 noon and finish at 18.30pm. FEI National Federations are invited to send representatives to the Forum which is open to Riders, Trainers, Owners, Veterinarians and FEI Officials.


Presentations will be given by senior personnel from the FEI Headquarters in Switzerland and the FEI Medication Advisory Group together with a representative from the FEI Central Laboratory in Paris, France.


All expenses/costs in respect of travel, accommodation etc is to the charge of the delegate and is not covered by the organizer. There is no charge for the Forum itself.


Applications must be made by the National Federation of the Delegate direct to:
The UAE Equestrian and Racing FederationP.O.Box 3234Khalidya StreetAbu Dhabi, UAE

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

American Endurance Ride Conference Annual Convention Set for February


Equestrian News Release
The American Endurance Ride Conference, the national governing body for endurance riding in the U.S.A., will hold its 2007 annual convention in Sparks, Nevada. The two-day program of seminars, informational meetings, and a free trade show is set for February 23 and 24 at John Ascuaga’s Nugget.

Leading experts in equine health care and endurance-related fields will be featured at several seminar sessions. Other highlights of AERC's convention will include a trade show featuring vendors from across the country. Regional awards will be presented at an evening reception on February 23, and the convention will culminate with AERC's national awards the evening of February 24.

"We are kicking off the celebration for AERC’s 35th anniversary year at our convention in Sparks," says AERC Executive Director Kathleen Henkel. "From roots in old-time distance rides around the country, our sport has grown into a respected equine discipline. Our convention is always a great venue for recognizing those who have contributed to endurance riding, as well as welcoming newcomers to the sport.”

Friday's seminar speakers include: AERC Hall of Fame member Julie Suhr (Trail Etiquette and Safety for the Endurance Rider); AERC member and humorist Angie McGhee (The Realist’s Guide to Endurance Riding); Hal Schott, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Why Horses Do Not Finish Endurance Rides); Victoria R. Maxwell, DVM (Joint Health for the Performance Horse); Tom Sayvetz, MD, breeder of one of 2006’s top endurance equines, Heraldic (Can Pedigrees Talk? Legacy from the Desert); and veterinarian/farrier Olin Balch, DVM, PhD (Farriery Preferences of Endurance Riders).

Saturday’s sessions include: national endurance team trainers Becky Grand Hart, an AERC Hall of Fame inductee, and Robin Groves (Mind, Body, Spirit: Training to Ride a More Competitive 100), an Ask the Experts panel with top riders John Crandell III, Steve Rojek and Ruth Waltenspiel, another Hall of Fame honoree; Trisha Dowling, DVM, MSc (The Pride Project: Establishing Normal Metabolic Changes in Endurance Horses); another presentation by Angie McGhee (Why Do I Do This and Why Does Everyone Else Seem to Do It So Much Better?), and two-time winner of the prestigious Western States Endurance Ride – Tevis Cup, Erin Klentos (The Three-Year Development Plan for the Endurance Horse).

The trade show will be located in the Nugget Pavilion from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Vendors at the free trade show will display a variety of products for long-distance riders—everything from saddles to jewelry to horse trailers.

Also open to the public is the convention’s annual Friday night concert featuring award-winning cowboy singer Dave Stamey, which begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets will be available at the convention for $10 per person.

Veterinarians can take part in the seven-credit Continuing Education program on Thursday, February 22 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the convention.

Convention registration can be made by phone to the AERC office at 866-271-2372. A complete convention overview and reservation forms are available online at http://www.aerc.org. The reservation line for John Ascuaga's Nugget is 800-648-1177.

For information about AERC's upcoming convention or membership in AERC, visit aerc.org or phone toll-free 866-271-2372.


Equestrian Magazine article

Monday, January 22, 2007

19/01/2007 - FEI World Endurance Forum Update



19/01/2007 - FEI World Endurance Forum Update


The FEI confirms the final details of the FEI World Endurance Forum to be held in Paris on 31 March and 1 April 2007.

FEI Endurance National Federations will be invited to send a delegation of up to three representatives to take part in the Forum which is organized at the start of a full review of the discipline of Endurance.

The Forum is part of a process, supported by the FEI President, H.R.H. Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, to plan the development of the sport over the next five years following its dramatic growth in recent times.

The Forum will have three main phases:·

31 AM - An initial presentation by each of the nine FEI Regional Groups on their own visions of the future·

31 PM - A working session for Delegates from the National Federations separated into Judges, Technical Delegates and Veterinarians·

1 AM - A final session for all delegates who will receive presentations from each of the above three groups on matters raised during their individual sessions

The FEI Regional Groups will also be requested to submit names as candidates for an FEI working group to be established post forum that will, in consultation with National Federations, produce a 5 year plan for Endurance.

Detailed information on Hotels, timings, bookings and reservations can be found on the FEI web site – Endurance. Enquiries can be directed to Ms Emilie Leyvraz at the FEI Endurance Department – e.leyvraz@horsesport.org

USEF Meetings at AERC convention

USEF Endurance Committees to hold meetings during Convention

The USEF High Performance, Technical and Active Athletes Committees will hold meetings on Thursday, Feburary 22, 2007 at John Ascuaga’s Nugget Hotel. Schedule of meetings as follows:

Thursday, February 22
8:00 – 10:00 a.m. International High Performance Committee
10:30 – 12:00 noon Active Athletes Committee
(Lunch Break)
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Technical Committee
3:30-5:00 p.m. Joint Committee Wrap-up (IHP, Technical and Active Athletes)



Welcome Reception following the USEF committee meetings, Thursday, February 22

AERC-International will host a welcome reception on Thursday, February 22, from 4:30-7:00 p.m. The United Stated Equestrian Federation will sponsor this reception, and all AERC members are invited to attend. Come meet your AERC-International committee members, your USEF representatives and reacquaint yourselves with our own Vonita Bowers, newly appointed USEF Endurance Director. This will be a time for relaxation and unwinding prior to a busy Convention schedule, and we look forward to seeing you there. (Location to be announced at the John Ascuaga Nugget hotel and in your registration packets.)


AERC-International committee meeting planned for Convention

The AERC-International committee will conduct a business meeting on Friday, February 23, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Meeting location to be announced in your registration packets and posted at the Convention Registration area. This meeting is open to anyone interested in attending.

Friday, January 19, 2007

Scottsdale Preserve and McDowell Mountain Park Site of New Endurance Ride

America's Bridle and Bit

By Jenny Powers
Jan 12, 2007, 13:36

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With a refreshing spirit of cooperation the McDowell Mountain Regional Park, the City of Scottsdale and the Scottsdale Preserve approved plans to for the first annual Scottsdale McDowell Mountain Endurance Ride. Utilizing the well groomed trails of the Park and the extensive trail system of the Preserve, the ride offers both a 25 mile limited distance ride and a 55 mile endurance ride. The Scottsdale McDowell Mountain 55/25 is an American Endurance Ride Conference sanctioned event and will take place Saturday, April 7, 2007. The 55 mile ride will utilize trails in the Preserve that have not yet been opened to the public. Preserve trail regulations limit the number of entries in the 55 mile ride to 50 horses, but the limited distance ride is contained within the Regional Park and has unlimited entries.

Endurance riding is a sport that has many levels of appeal. For some it is a highly competitive and challenging athletic endeavor. For others it is a recreational activity combining a camping trip with a trail ride. For yet others it involves a search to experience our American heritage, to discover the country as our forefathers once did—from the back of a horse. Because endurance riders recognize the prime importance of finishing the event on a sound and healthy horse, the motto of the association is “To finish is to win.”

If you are curious about the rapidly growing sport of endurance riding, the limited distance ride offers exceptionally good trails, an easy course and AERC veterinary controls, as well as helpful ride management and volunteers. The Ride will host a New Riders meeting on Friday to ensure a rewarding experience for those new to the sport of endurance riding and to address any questions or concerns the riders may have.

An outstanding local Italian restaurant, L’Amore at 3159 E Lincoln Drive (602-381-3159) is catering the post-ride awards dinner. Horses Dacor (www.horsesdacor.com) of Dewey, AZ, whose products include Western and English tack, items for the long distance rider and horse, health supplies and supplements, has generously agreed to become a ride sponsor.

Volunteers are needed for a wide variety of positions throughout the weekend of April 7, 2007. Endurance rides provide opportunities for those knowledgeable about horses and for those who just want to help and enjoy the exciting atmosphere without direct involvement with the horse and rider teams. Endurance riding offers the chance to see top equine athletes take on a challenging long distance course while the riders ensure their horses meet all veterinary criteria to be “fit to continue.” Riders who create exciting races to the finish as well as those who adopt the motto “to finish is to win” will be present. Please help support this event and promote equestrian use of our Park and Preserve.

This is the first time an event has been permitted in the Preserve and the Regional Park is cooperating by providing adequate space for over-night horse camping, which is not usually permitted. Top level endurance riders from throughout the Southwest are expected to participate. Please come out to support this event taking place in our own backyard. Riders, volunteers and spectators are welcome! Please refer to the Web site at www.quacky.co.uk/~elsie/McDowell. If you have any questions, please contact ride manager, Rusty Toth at rusty@endurance.net.

Full Article, Bridle and Bit

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Arizona: Endurance ride comes to town



Equestrians from the Western United States will converge on Wickenburg Friday, Jan. 26 and stay through Sunday, Jan. 28.

The Land of the Sun Endurance Ride is sanctioned by the A.E.R.C. and sponsored by the Wickenburg Horsemen's Association. It has gained a reputation for being one of the finest endurance rides in the Southwest, thanks in part to the many volunteers and sponsors from the Wickenburg area. While the Wickenburg Horsemen's Association does not generate a profit from the event, it does help protect and preserve many of the equestrian trails in the area.

Equestrians will choose between a 25-mile and 50-mile course. In past years, top riders complete the 25-mile course in a little more than two hours and the 50-mile course in about four and a half hours. The top horses are typically Arabians. To ensure the safety of the horses, five veterinarians are stationed at rest stops to evaluate the condition of each horse before they are allowed to continue.

Last year the completion rate was about 75 percent, but this will vary with weather conditions. To win, the horse must not only cross the finish line first, but must also pass a veterinary examination.

In 2006, Morristown resident Maurene Serrano placed first in 25 miles and Wickenburg resident Bob Lowe placed second in the 50-mile race and also received the Best Condition Horse Award. Top finishers receive a buckle sponsored by a local merchant. For many riders, to finish is to win.

For more information about the ride, contact ride manager Nancy Halsey at 684-3415.

Myna Cryderman on Canadian Broadcast TV

MEDIA ADVISORY
www.cbc.ca/countrycanada

“Myna Cryderman”

Ever thought of changing your life completely to pursue a dream? This Sunday, January 21, on Country Canada we’ll introduce you to someone who did just that.

Myna Cryderman is a Manitoban who grew up a city girl, but developed a passion for endurance horse racing the led her to the top of the sport: she’s ranked number one in Canada. Myna shows us what it’s like to ride a hundred miles in a day -- the training and conditioning that horses and riders need to be capable of finishing a race.

Then we’ll take you with us as we follow Myna through the toughest race of all… the Tevis Cup in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. With its dusty trails, steep inclines and treacherous cliffs, competitors are lucky just to finish the race.

Join us for Myna Cryderman’s compelling story this Sunday, Jan. 21 on Country Canada, at 12 Noon on CBC Television.

For more information, contact:

Ryszard Hunka
CBC Country Canada
tel: 204-788-3648
ryszard_hunka@cbc.ca January 17, 2007