Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Pat Raia
June 16 2009
The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) will receive no new funding under a 2010 spending bill proposed by the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA appropriations subcommittee. Chairwoman Rosa L. DeLauro (D-Ct.) announced bill details on June 11.
The NAIS is a nationwide livestock database designed to help federal and state agencies locate and track the movement of animals in the event of disease outbreaks or natural disasters.
The program uses data provided by livestock producers and property owners to assign identification numbers to individual animals and to properties where animals are born or reside. Registry participation is voluntary. But the program has failed to attract substantial support among livestock producers.
"There is overwhelming concern about NAIS registration becoming mandatory. There is also opposition to the whole concept by some (who fear) that they will have to ID their animals to move them through commerce," said Nancy Robinson, vice president of government and industry affairs for the Livestock Marketing Association.
More...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
National Distance Championships Combine and Coincide
For the first time ever, the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) will combine the National Endurance Ride and National Competitive Trail Ride into one week of exciting competition, which will include American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) sanctioned rides, October 27-31 at Lake Carl Blackwell in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Competition begins Tuesday, October 27 with the AHA National Championship 100-Mile Endurance Ride, coupled with three coinciding AERC endurance rides; 100-mile, 50-mile and 25-mile. The AHA National Championship competitive trail ride (CTR) spans two days, October 28-29. The last days of national competition will feature the AHA National 50-Mile Endurance Ride, along with a 50-mile and 25-mile AERC sanctioned ride on October 30. The Ozark Country Endurance Riders (OCER) will host a Halloween special, Witch Way Ride, on October 31 as well.
Also new to the Distance National Championships is the opportunity to win Allocated Sweepstakes prize money. If a horse is competing in the National 100-Mile Endurance Ride or the National Competitive Trail Ride, a horse can earn Allocated Money. Allocated Sweepstakes prize money is in addition to the Sweepstakes Points Program money, which requires annual enrollment prior to the event.
The dates of the National Distance Championships coincide with that of the U.S. Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, about an hour and half away, giving horse lovers in Oklahoma plenty to watch in October. Arabians, Half-Arabians and Anglo-Arabians, known for their versatility and athleticism will be on display at the National Distance Championships and U.S. Nationals for the public to enjoy everything from the grueling 100 mile endurance ride to the glitz and glamour of English pleasure and the excitement of working cow classes.
For more information visit ArabianHorses.org/competitions or call (303) 696-4500.
AHA is a major equine association serving 35,000 members across North America. It registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $3 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes close to 600 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership. For information about Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, call 303-696-4500, e-mail info@ArabianHorses.org or visit ArabianHorses.org
Hilary Nixon
Communications Coordinator
Arabian Horse Association
10805 East Bethany Drive
Aurora, CO 80014
303-696-4580
hilary.nixon@arabianhorses.org
Competition begins Tuesday, October 27 with the AHA National Championship 100-Mile Endurance Ride, coupled with three coinciding AERC endurance rides; 100-mile, 50-mile and 25-mile. The AHA National Championship competitive trail ride (CTR) spans two days, October 28-29. The last days of national competition will feature the AHA National 50-Mile Endurance Ride, along with a 50-mile and 25-mile AERC sanctioned ride on October 30. The Ozark Country Endurance Riders (OCER) will host a Halloween special, Witch Way Ride, on October 31 as well.
Also new to the Distance National Championships is the opportunity to win Allocated Sweepstakes prize money. If a horse is competing in the National 100-Mile Endurance Ride or the National Competitive Trail Ride, a horse can earn Allocated Money. Allocated Sweepstakes prize money is in addition to the Sweepstakes Points Program money, which requires annual enrollment prior to the event.
The dates of the National Distance Championships coincide with that of the U.S. Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, about an hour and half away, giving horse lovers in Oklahoma plenty to watch in October. Arabians, Half-Arabians and Anglo-Arabians, known for their versatility and athleticism will be on display at the National Distance Championships and U.S. Nationals for the public to enjoy everything from the grueling 100 mile endurance ride to the glitz and glamour of English pleasure and the excitement of working cow classes.
For more information visit ArabianHorses.org/competitions or call (303) 696-4500.
AHA is a major equine association serving 35,000 members across North America. It registers and maintains a database of more than one million Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses and administers approximately $3 million in annual prize money. AHA produces championship events, recognizes close to 600 Arabian horse shows and distance rides and provides activities and programs that promote breeding and ownership. For information about Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian horses, call 303-696-4500, e-mail info@ArabianHorses.org or visit ArabianHorses.org
Hilary Nixon
Communications Coordinator
Arabian Horse Association
10805 East Bethany Drive
Aurora, CO 80014
303-696-4580
hilary.nixon@arabianhorses.org
Bishopville equestrian wins race
Theitem.com
By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com
The winners of the prestigious Pyramid Challenge 25-mile endurance ride held earlier this month at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., represent a partnership between Lee and Darlington counties.
Becky Hayden of Bishopville rode Nuke, an 8-year-old Egyptian stallion, owned by Marie and Mark Sobiski of Windward Farm of Darlington, to first place in the record time of 1 hour, 44 minutes.
"A good time for that race is two hours," Marie said. "He crossed the finish line 20 minutes ahead of the next horse."
In addition to winning the first place trophy, Nuke received an authentic Middle Eastern saddle for being the highest placing straight Egyptian horse.
The Sobiskis gave the authentic Moroccan saddle to Hayden.
"The saddle is like a trophy," Hayden said. "I'd really like to show off Arab horses in native costume and customize the saddle a little to use for that."
For now, visitors to Hayden's home have no trouble taking a look at the saddle.
"It's still in my living room," she said. "It's a nice trophy. People just want to come in to look at it."
Nuke became the first straight (full-blooded) Egyptian to win the race since Desert Sword, a gelding owned by David and Martha Lucas of Whitehaven Plantation in Lee County, won in 2002, Mark said.
"He received the ceremonial saddle given by the King of Morocco to the first Egyptian horse to cross the finish line," Mark said. The race is held in conjunction with the Egyptian Event, a celebration of the Egyptian horse.
Hayden and Nuke are no strangers. Hayden has ridden Nuke in all of his seven previous races, Mark said.
"They have finished top five in all of his races and won the Best Conditioned award at the Lee County Lizard Run held at Lee State Park in March 2009," he said. "He was also named the 2008 Institute for the Desert Horse National Top 10 in performance."
Marie said Hayden told them of the Pyramid Challenge and the Moroccan saddle four years ago, when Hayden was working at Whitehaven Plantation in Lee County.
"We were boarding Nuke there and Becky told us she'd love to ride him in endurance races," Marie said. "She believed we could make an endurance horse out of him while other people said he was too small and too wild."
Nuke is the only stallion to win the 25-mile race in its nine-year history, Mark said.
Hayden said she knew Nuke was a special horse. She also acknowledged that riding a stallion is a challenge.
"It's a little hard to keep a stallion's mind on racing," she said. "He knows he can run, but he also knows he can do other things."
Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533.
By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com
The winners of the prestigious Pyramid Challenge 25-mile endurance ride held earlier this month at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky., represent a partnership between Lee and Darlington counties.
Becky Hayden of Bishopville rode Nuke, an 8-year-old Egyptian stallion, owned by Marie and Mark Sobiski of Windward Farm of Darlington, to first place in the record time of 1 hour, 44 minutes.
"A good time for that race is two hours," Marie said. "He crossed the finish line 20 minutes ahead of the next horse."
In addition to winning the first place trophy, Nuke received an authentic Middle Eastern saddle for being the highest placing straight Egyptian horse.
The Sobiskis gave the authentic Moroccan saddle to Hayden.
"The saddle is like a trophy," Hayden said. "I'd really like to show off Arab horses in native costume and customize the saddle a little to use for that."
For now, visitors to Hayden's home have no trouble taking a look at the saddle.
"It's still in my living room," she said. "It's a nice trophy. People just want to come in to look at it."
Nuke became the first straight (full-blooded) Egyptian to win the race since Desert Sword, a gelding owned by David and Martha Lucas of Whitehaven Plantation in Lee County, won in 2002, Mark said.
"He received the ceremonial saddle given by the King of Morocco to the first Egyptian horse to cross the finish line," Mark said. The race is held in conjunction with the Egyptian Event, a celebration of the Egyptian horse.
Hayden and Nuke are no strangers. Hayden has ridden Nuke in all of his seven previous races, Mark said.
"They have finished top five in all of his races and won the Best Conditioned award at the Lee County Lizard Run held at Lee State Park in March 2009," he said. "He was also named the 2008 Institute for the Desert Horse National Top 10 in performance."
Marie said Hayden told them of the Pyramid Challenge and the Moroccan saddle four years ago, when Hayden was working at Whitehaven Plantation in Lee County.
"We were boarding Nuke there and Becky told us she'd love to ride him in endurance races," Marie said. "She believed we could make an endurance horse out of him while other people said he was too small and too wild."
Nuke is the only stallion to win the 25-mile race in its nine-year history, Mark said.
Hayden said she knew Nuke was a special horse. She also acknowledged that riding a stallion is a challenge.
"It's a little hard to keep a stallion's mind on racing," she said. "He knows he can run, but he also knows he can do other things."
Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533.
AHA Registration Discount
Arabian Horse Association
June 17, 2009
Help the Breed. Help Yourself. Register.
A special, short-time offer allows owners of Arabians, Half-Arabians and Anglo-Arabians a discounted rate on registration for horses two years of age and older from July 1, through December 31, 2009. Members with purebred Arabians registered during this period will receive a $100 discount, paying only $250, while members with a Half-Arabian or Anglo-Arabian will receive a $40 discount, paying only $75.
"Registering your Arabians, Half-Arabians and Anglo-Arabians connects them to their breed's legacy—a very long-lasting, full and rich legacy. Every horse has a right to that connection," says Lance Walters, AHA President. "The discounted registration price allows owners to register their older horses and give them a connection to their lineage, raising the horse's value and desirability."
Horses eligible for this short-time discount must be 2 years of age or older and fully parentage-qualified through blood or DNA typing. Applications postmarked July 1 through December 31, 2009, will qualify for the reduced registration fee. For more information, including registration forms, click here or call (303) 696-4500.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Nevada: Local Doctor featured in Documentary
KOLOTV.com - newscast, Arabian Silk documentary
The name of the film is based in part on the horses featured in this documentary. Arabians are the horse of choice when it comes to endurance riding.
Dr. Jerry Zebrack whistles for his ten arab horses to come and visit us. They are the only kind of horses he owns. That's because Dr. Zebrack competes in endurance riding-- 24-hour races that can cover up to 100 miles.
“I think the reason I still do it is I still don't know if I can do the next ride,” says Dr. Zebrack
He's been doing it for the last 27 years which is remarkable in itself when you consider his very first endurance ride.
“It was the worst horriblist, hardest thing I've ever done in my life,” says Dr. Zebrack.
Asked if he’d describe himself as tenacious?
“Oh that's a great word,” replies Dr. Zebrack
Dr. Zebrack's journey, along with his horses, and the event of endurance riding itself grabbed the attention of local documentary film makers Christine Lazzaini.
“The first time I cam down this dirt road I had no idea that it was going to change my life. This is actually the fastest growing equestrian discipline in the world,” says Lazzaini
“I hurt a lot. I'm getting old,” says Dr. Zebrack during the course of the film
Two and a half years later Lazzaini's film "Arabian Silk" is being featured at the Reno Film Festival.
A cardiologist by profession Dr. Zebrack says he never imagined he'd be highlighted in a documentary on endurance riding. He says he's nothing special., and that's the message he hopes the audience take with it after viewing the film.
“I can do that, because I think people can,” says Dr. Zebrack
“Arabian Silk” will be judged Saturday afternoon at KNPB studios.
Lazziani hopes to win the audience choice award, Nevada category Saturday night.
watch video clip KOLOTV.com - newscast, Arabian Silk documentary
The name of the film is based in part on the horses featured in this documentary. Arabians are the horse of choice when it comes to endurance riding.
Dr. Jerry Zebrack whistles for his ten arab horses to come and visit us. They are the only kind of horses he owns. That's because Dr. Zebrack competes in endurance riding-- 24-hour races that can cover up to 100 miles.
“I think the reason I still do it is I still don't know if I can do the next ride,” says Dr. Zebrack
He's been doing it for the last 27 years which is remarkable in itself when you consider his very first endurance ride.
“It was the worst horriblist, hardest thing I've ever done in my life,” says Dr. Zebrack.
Asked if he’d describe himself as tenacious?
“Oh that's a great word,” replies Dr. Zebrack
Dr. Zebrack's journey, along with his horses, and the event of endurance riding itself grabbed the attention of local documentary film makers Christine Lazzaini.
“The first time I cam down this dirt road I had no idea that it was going to change my life. This is actually the fastest growing equestrian discipline in the world,” says Lazzaini
“I hurt a lot. I'm getting old,” says Dr. Zebrack during the course of the film
Two and a half years later Lazzaini's film "Arabian Silk" is being featured at the Reno Film Festival.
A cardiologist by profession Dr. Zebrack says he never imagined he'd be highlighted in a documentary on endurance riding. He says he's nothing special., and that's the message he hopes the audience take with it after viewing the film.
“I can do that, because I think people can,” says Dr. Zebrack
“Arabian Silk” will be judged Saturday afternoon at KNPB studios.
Lazziani hopes to win the audience choice award, Nevada category Saturday night.
watch video clip KOLOTV.com - newscast, Arabian Silk documentary
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Forum: Groups in Tune With Equine Welfare
Bloodhorse.com - Full Article
By Tom LaMarra
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Representatives of various equine breeds and disciplines found out June 16 they have a lot in common when it comes to the welfare and safety of horses.
The "Welfare of the Horse," called the most inclusive program of its kind, was the sole topic for this year's American Horse Council National Issues Forum in Washington, D.C. It offered participants a chance to learn what others are doing as the welfare of horses—or any animal for that matter—comes under closer public scrutiny.
The forum covered everything from horse racing to the carriage horse industry which, in Charleston, S.C., at least, is highly regulated. And the horses, according to Tommy Doyle, are well maintained.
"We're at the forefront of animal welfare," said Doyle, president of the Carriage Operators of North America. "We're out there 365 days a year."
Doyle is a second generation carriage operator whose family has about 40 horses and 90 employees in Charleston, where carriage rides per year number about 250,000. The city has an equine welfare policy that requires regular veterinarian checks and use of microchips, Doyle said.
Horses can't work more than eight hours per day, and their temperatures are taken after every tour. If it's hotter than 98 degrees, the carriage rides are suspended. The horses are turned out every four months.
"The system we have in place is 100% effective," Doyle said.
Doyle indicated that caring for horses is second nature in his family. Still, public perception and potential attacks by animal-rights activists call for a plan and documentation.
Doyle used the breakdowns of Barbaro and Eight Belles as examples of what can happen in the public arena. He said those two incidents were no more indicative of the Thoroughbred industry than the US Airways flight landing in the Hudson River was indicative of the airline industry.
Laura Hayes of the American Endurance Ride Conference said endurance horses must meet certain heart-rate parameters, undergo complete vet exams and soundness checks, and can't compete if it is determined they are lame. The discipline even has a drug-testing program with a zero-tolerance policy, she said.
Equine fatalities are reported voluntarily, but of 40 cases, only one horse owner chose not to participate. All fatalities are investigated, and the results made public, Hayes said.
"The AERC believes in transparency," she said.
More...
By Tom LaMarra
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Representatives of various equine breeds and disciplines found out June 16 they have a lot in common when it comes to the welfare and safety of horses.
The "Welfare of the Horse," called the most inclusive program of its kind, was the sole topic for this year's American Horse Council National Issues Forum in Washington, D.C. It offered participants a chance to learn what others are doing as the welfare of horses—or any animal for that matter—comes under closer public scrutiny.
The forum covered everything from horse racing to the carriage horse industry which, in Charleston, S.C., at least, is highly regulated. And the horses, according to Tommy Doyle, are well maintained.
"We're at the forefront of animal welfare," said Doyle, president of the Carriage Operators of North America. "We're out there 365 days a year."
Doyle is a second generation carriage operator whose family has about 40 horses and 90 employees in Charleston, where carriage rides per year number about 250,000. The city has an equine welfare policy that requires regular veterinarian checks and use of microchips, Doyle said.
Horses can't work more than eight hours per day, and their temperatures are taken after every tour. If it's hotter than 98 degrees, the carriage rides are suspended. The horses are turned out every four months.
"The system we have in place is 100% effective," Doyle said.
Doyle indicated that caring for horses is second nature in his family. Still, public perception and potential attacks by animal-rights activists call for a plan and documentation.
Doyle used the breakdowns of Barbaro and Eight Belles as examples of what can happen in the public arena. He said those two incidents were no more indicative of the Thoroughbred industry than the US Airways flight landing in the Hudson River was indicative of the airline industry.
Laura Hayes of the American Endurance Ride Conference said endurance horses must meet certain heart-rate parameters, undergo complete vet exams and soundness checks, and can't compete if it is determined they are lame. The discipline even has a drug-testing program with a zero-tolerance policy, she said.
Equine fatalities are reported voluntarily, but of 40 cases, only one horse owner chose not to participate. All fatalities are investigated, and the results made public, Hayes said.
"The AERC believes in transparency," she said.
More...
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
New Zealand: Mixed feelings for Dougan over possible sale
Times-age.co.nz
16.06.2009
By Gary Caffell
Eketahuna horseman Shane Dougan has mixed feelings over the possibility of his promising endurance horse Taralea Sheer Illusion being sold.
The grey 9-year-old combined with Dougan to top the national Horse and Rider of the Year endurance riding rankings for 2008-09 with 118 points, 25 points clear of their nearest rivals.
But whether they will continue their association will depend on current negotiations to sell Taralea Sheer Illusion to Arabian interests coming to fruition or, conversely, coming to nothing.
Either way Dougan believes he is on a winner such is the potential he sees in his star charge who he has owned for about three years.
"He's very promising, he could go right to the top," Dougan said of Taralea Sheer Illusion who is himself of Arab descent.
"He's strong and he's athletic, he's got all the qualities you want."
The national endurance championships at Whareama at Easter saw Taralea Sheer Illusion compete over 100km for the first time and his effort to place 10th, and win the heavyweight (rider weighing over 90kg) title at the same time, delighted Dougan.
"For us it was just a matter of completing the course without putting too much stress on the horse and he took everything in his stride," Dougan said.
"He'll get the longer distances no problem, and that's probably where his future lies now."
Dougan's partner Jenny Champion and Freckles were seventh on the national Horse and Rider rankings while in the junior section Wairarapa's Natalie Bickerton and Moroccan Fyre were sixth and Tessa Deuss and AH Starlight Express eighth.
Early next month will see Champion heading to South Africa as part of a six-strong Kiwi contingent who will take part in that country's endurance riding championships. They will ride South African horses over 200km in a race scheduled to start on July 7 and finish on July 9.
Representing her country is nothing new for Champion who has competed internationally in Italy and Australia and she has won the national 160km title with Freckles on two occasions, plus finishing runner-up at Whareama.
16.06.2009
By Gary Caffell
Eketahuna horseman Shane Dougan has mixed feelings over the possibility of his promising endurance horse Taralea Sheer Illusion being sold.
The grey 9-year-old combined with Dougan to top the national Horse and Rider of the Year endurance riding rankings for 2008-09 with 118 points, 25 points clear of their nearest rivals.
But whether they will continue their association will depend on current negotiations to sell Taralea Sheer Illusion to Arabian interests coming to fruition or, conversely, coming to nothing.
Either way Dougan believes he is on a winner such is the potential he sees in his star charge who he has owned for about three years.
"He's very promising, he could go right to the top," Dougan said of Taralea Sheer Illusion who is himself of Arab descent.
"He's strong and he's athletic, he's got all the qualities you want."
The national endurance championships at Whareama at Easter saw Taralea Sheer Illusion compete over 100km for the first time and his effort to place 10th, and win the heavyweight (rider weighing over 90kg) title at the same time, delighted Dougan.
"For us it was just a matter of completing the course without putting too much stress on the horse and he took everything in his stride," Dougan said.
"He'll get the longer distances no problem, and that's probably where his future lies now."
Dougan's partner Jenny Champion and Freckles were seventh on the national Horse and Rider rankings while in the junior section Wairarapa's Natalie Bickerton and Moroccan Fyre were sixth and Tessa Deuss and AH Starlight Express eighth.
Early next month will see Champion heading to South Africa as part of a six-strong Kiwi contingent who will take part in that country's endurance riding championships. They will ride South African horses over 200km in a race scheduled to start on July 7 and finish on July 9.
Representing her country is nothing new for Champion who has competed internationally in Italy and Australia and she has won the national 160km title with Freckles on two occasions, plus finishing runner-up at Whareama.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Great Britain: Hooves win hands down in Man versus Horse race
Walesonline.co.uk - Full Article
Jun 13 2009 WalesOnline
Hooves proved better than feet for completing today's annual Man versus Horse Marathon on soggy ground.
More than 600 competitors raced across the 22-mile course in Llanwrtyd Wells, mid Wales, but it was one of the 49 horses that was first past the finishing line.
Duke's Touch of Fun, ridden by Geoff Allen, from Budeleigh, Worcestershire, completed the marathon in two hours and nine minutes.
The fastest human competitor, who was eight minutes behind, was Mark Cox, a running club member from Salford.
Lindsay Ketteringham, chairman of Green Events which organises the endurance event, said: "It's been a brilliant day, but the rain over the last couple of weeks meant the ground was soft underfoot and the horses were able to get quite a speed up. It was ideal going for the horses.
"There was a fantastic turn-out with over 600 competitors, including over 100 relay teams of three people.
"We had to limit the number of horses because it would get too unsafe."
Mr Ketteringham added: "It seems the event is still growing, we keep thinking the town can't take any more but more turn up!
"There were very long queues at the registration desks with people wanting to enter on the day."
The first race took place in June 1980 after the idea was born during a chat over a pint at the Neuadd Arms Hotel.
The course was changed in 1982 to provide a more even match between the man and the horse resulting year on year in very close finishes - sometimes with the horse winning by only a few seconds.
It took 25 years before a man finally beat a horse. Huw Lobb won in two hours and five minutes, beating the fastest horse by two minutes.
Today's winner was awarded 1,000 guineas.
Jun 13 2009 WalesOnline
Hooves proved better than feet for completing today's annual Man versus Horse Marathon on soggy ground.
More than 600 competitors raced across the 22-mile course in Llanwrtyd Wells, mid Wales, but it was one of the 49 horses that was first past the finishing line.
Duke's Touch of Fun, ridden by Geoff Allen, from Budeleigh, Worcestershire, completed the marathon in two hours and nine minutes.
The fastest human competitor, who was eight minutes behind, was Mark Cox, a running club member from Salford.
Lindsay Ketteringham, chairman of Green Events which organises the endurance event, said: "It's been a brilliant day, but the rain over the last couple of weeks meant the ground was soft underfoot and the horses were able to get quite a speed up. It was ideal going for the horses.
"There was a fantastic turn-out with over 600 competitors, including over 100 relay teams of three people.
"We had to limit the number of horses because it would get too unsafe."
Mr Ketteringham added: "It seems the event is still growing, we keep thinking the town can't take any more but more turn up!
"There were very long queues at the registration desks with people wanting to enter on the day."
The first race took place in June 1980 after the idea was born during a chat over a pint at the Neuadd Arms Hotel.
The course was changed in 1982 to provide a more even match between the man and the horse resulting year on year in very close finishes - sometimes with the horse winning by only a few seconds.
It took 25 years before a man finally beat a horse. Huw Lobb won in two hours and five minutes, beating the fastest horse by two minutes.
Today's winner was awarded 1,000 guineas.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Cleveland woman begins six-month journey on horseback
Whitecountynewstelegraph.com - Full Article
Friday, June 12, 2009
Janice Raddatz of Cleveland is riding the entire Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in one season. Starting at the Mexican border and riding the 2,656 miles of the PCT to the Canadian border in Washington State, her years of horse experience and long-distance riding will be put to the test to conquer the rigors of six months in the saddle. Ralph Raddatz, her husband, is driving the supply truck and trailer. He meets up with Janice every five days, on average.
This is not just about riding. Janice is riding to support the Susan G. Komen breast cancer awareness program. The White County News will be bringing you dispatches from the trail periodically throughout the summer. The following is a snapshot of Janice's world in her own words.
Although Janice is currently more than a month into her trip, we are going to bring you the first installment from the trip's beginning upon arrival at the Mexican border. Below, Janice will mention a second woman who is with her. The rider, Susan Bates, is no longer riding with Janice due to an injury to her horse. She may meet up with Janice at a later time. For now, Janice is riding alone, but this installment takes us back in time to the beginning.
We are on the Mexican border, touching the fence and seeing the monument. I am amazed at all that went into preparing for this trip.
More...
Friday, June 12, 2009
Janice Raddatz of Cleveland is riding the entire Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in one season. Starting at the Mexican border and riding the 2,656 miles of the PCT to the Canadian border in Washington State, her years of horse experience and long-distance riding will be put to the test to conquer the rigors of six months in the saddle. Ralph Raddatz, her husband, is driving the supply truck and trailer. He meets up with Janice every five days, on average.
This is not just about riding. Janice is riding to support the Susan G. Komen breast cancer awareness program. The White County News will be bringing you dispatches from the trail periodically throughout the summer. The following is a snapshot of Janice's world in her own words.
Although Janice is currently more than a month into her trip, we are going to bring you the first installment from the trip's beginning upon arrival at the Mexican border. Below, Janice will mention a second woman who is with her. The rider, Susan Bates, is no longer riding with Janice due to an injury to her horse. She may meet up with Janice at a later time. For now, Janice is riding alone, but this installment takes us back in time to the beginning.
We are on the Mexican border, touching the fence and seeing the monument. I am amazed at all that went into preparing for this trip.
More...
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Rare Canadian horses heading south
Dailygazette.com - Full Article
Thursday, June 11, 2009
ROTTERDAM JUNCTION - One of the rarest horse breeds in the world is traveling through much of the Capital Region this week.
Galopin and Hannah are considered pure-blood Canadian horses, two of about 2,000 left in the world. The threat of the breed's extinction is listed as critical by the American Livestock Breed Conservancy.
Richard Blackburn and his wife, Louise Leroux, are traveling from their hometown of Morin Heights, Quebec, to Texas as a way to generate awareness and showcase the rare breed of horse. Blackburn rides the horses, while Leroux travels behind in their camper.
Their goal is to bring 50 DNA samples to Gus Cothran, the director of the Equine Genetics Research Facility at Texas A&M University. Cothran has been genetically mapping each known horse breed throughout history, Blackburn said, but he has never had DNA from a Canadian horse. Cothran thinks the 50 DNA samples from some of the purest Canadian horses will prove the contribution the Canadian horse made in North America, Blackburn said.
They plan to make a stop in Lexington, Ky., the home of all things horses, where Blackburn plans to leave one of his Canadians at the International Museum of the Horse. Each day at 2 p.m., there is a parade that showcases each horse breed. However, there has never been a Canadian horse in the parade because pure-blooded Canadians are too rare, Blackburn said.
More...
Thursday, June 11, 2009
ROTTERDAM JUNCTION - One of the rarest horse breeds in the world is traveling through much of the Capital Region this week.
Galopin and Hannah are considered pure-blood Canadian horses, two of about 2,000 left in the world. The threat of the breed's extinction is listed as critical by the American Livestock Breed Conservancy.
Richard Blackburn and his wife, Louise Leroux, are traveling from their hometown of Morin Heights, Quebec, to Texas as a way to generate awareness and showcase the rare breed of horse. Blackburn rides the horses, while Leroux travels behind in their camper.
Their goal is to bring 50 DNA samples to Gus Cothran, the director of the Equine Genetics Research Facility at Texas A&M University. Cothran has been genetically mapping each known horse breed throughout history, Blackburn said, but he has never had DNA from a Canadian horse. Cothran thinks the 50 DNA samples from some of the purest Canadian horses will prove the contribution the Canadian horse made in North America, Blackburn said.
They plan to make a stop in Lexington, Ky., the home of all things horses, where Blackburn plans to leave one of his Canadians at the International Museum of the Horse. Each day at 2 p.m., there is a parade that showcases each horse breed. However, there has never been a Canadian horse in the parade because pure-blooded Canadians are too rare, Blackburn said.
More...
Saturday, June 06, 2009
First Foal Sired by Cloned Stallion Born
Thehorse.com
The first foal sired by a cloned stallion is now nearly a month old. The filly, named Pierazade du Vialaret, is the first get of stallion Pieraz-Cryozootech-Stallion, a clone of two-time World Champion endurance horse Pieraz.
The original Pieraz is an Arabian gelding. He was cloned so that his exact genes could be perpetuated. Pieraz-Cryozootech-Stallion was born in February 2005 at the Laboratorio di Tecnologie della Riproduzione-Consorzio per l'Incremento Zootecnico (LTR-CIZ), a research facility on the outskirts of Cremona, Italy.
The new filly was born May 5. She is out of a mare named Dziupla, a foundation broodmare mare owned by Christian Genieys of Elevage du Vialaret, an endurance breeding program in Campagnac, France.
...more
The first foal sired by a cloned stallion is now nearly a month old. The filly, named Pierazade du Vialaret, is the first get of stallion Pieraz-Cryozootech-Stallion, a clone of two-time World Champion endurance horse Pieraz.The original Pieraz is an Arabian gelding. He was cloned so that his exact genes could be perpetuated. Pieraz-Cryozootech-Stallion was born in February 2005 at the Laboratorio di Tecnologie della Riproduzione-Consorzio per l'Incremento Zootecnico (LTR-CIZ), a research facility on the outskirts of Cremona, Italy.
The new filly was born May 5. She is out of a mare named Dziupla, a foundation broodmare mare owned by Christian Genieys of Elevage du Vialaret, an endurance breeding program in Campagnac, France.
...more
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Twenty-Year-Old Horse First to Go 20,000 Endurance Miles
and Is Still Going Strong!
Troy Smith
Tulip, a Morab gelding who will turn 21 on June 21, is endurance riding’s most enduring equine, with 20,805 miles to his credit. He is the first horse in American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) history to surpass the 20,000 mile mark.
Tulip’s name? The rumor, according to Dr. Les Carr, Tulip’s owner, is that a bed of lovely tulips was nearby during Tulip’s birth. The 15.2-hand Tulip, registered as a half-Arabian by the Arabian Horse Association, is by the Morgan stallion Calamity’s Pizzaz, whose sire is from the Kingston line. His dam, Belif, is a granddaughter of Bu-Zahar, a son of Ferzon-Hall of Fame sire of National Champions.
Carr, of Somerset, CA, has amassed 46,460 miles of his own during his 24 years of AERC competitions. Both Carr and Tulip exemplify AERC’s commitment to valuing equine longevity.
Although he has completed four 100-mile rides, Tulip’s specialty is the 50-mile endurance ride, especially when combined into AERC Pioneer Rides, which include at least three consecutive days of 50- to 55-mile rides. And the grey gelding’s not burning up the trail; he and Carr tend to finish towards the back of the pack in most competitions.
“The AERC motto is ‘to finish is to win’,” noted Carr. “However, winning can be accomplished in different ways. One way to win is for the rider to make the decision to ride the same horse over a long period of time and place at the middle or tail end of the ride. This approach has been my choice.”
Carr’s horse philosophy has evolved over the years, and Tulip is his third horse to go over 10,000 miles. Carr credits starting slowly and carrying a lightweight rider—in Tulip’s case, junior Lainey Porter rode Tulip for his first few thousand miles of competition. “I sponsored and accompanied Lainey, who rode Tulip slowly and followed my strategies and lead,” said Carr.
A pace of 5.5 miles per hour is another of Carr’s tenets. By not galloping or cantering, Carr plans to take nine to 10 hours to complete a 50-mile ride. To make that trail time easier on Tulip, Carr spends most of his riding time standing up in the stirrups. He allows Tulip to eat and drink pretty much continually along the trail, and carefully watches both Tulip’s intake and outgo which, Carr says, “provide significant clinical signs as to the condition of Tulip along the endurance trail.”
Carr isn’t willing to take risks with his high-mileage horse. “If Tulip is even slightly off in his gait—even if the judges say Tulip could continue in the ride—Tulip and I load up and go home. Any sign of colic results in my immediately pulling Tulip from the ride and requesting immediate vet treatment,” said Carr. “My operating philosophy is that there is always another endurance ride to do, but not another Tulip.”
Most years, Carr and Tulip would complete around 1,000 miles of competition a year. Their highest mileage year was 2006, when they completed 1,970 miles. Along the way, the pair have picked up numerous awards from AERC, including regional mileage championships and Pioneer Awards, even a couple of national mileage championships when he was ridden by Porter back in the mid-1990s.
At age 74, Carr keeps himself in shape with bodybuilding and weightlifting when he’s not riding. At 5’8”, he keeps his weight at a trim 148 pounds. A practicing clinical psychologist, Carr considers riding “a mystical and spiritual experience.”
A stairway fall back in 1999 looked like it was the end of Carr’s riding, according to his team of doctors. But after a full year of recovery, he’s been back standing in the saddle for miles and miles every month, although his left leg remains slightly weakened. “I’m appreciative of Brent and Cheryl Johnson, who pitched in and rode Tulip for nearly 1,400 miles during my year off,” said Carr.
Carr has no plans to retire Tulip. The pair have already completed 670 miles in the current ride season. But Carr said that he and Tulip will no longer be doing as many five-day Pioneer Rides (250 miles over five days), instead focusing on one-day 50s and the three-day 155-mile Pioneer Rides.
“Life along the endurance trail is unpredictable, in line with our universe that is inherently chaotic and unpredictable,” said Carr. But the septuagenarian, who rides along with his wife, Jill, and her trustworthy mule, Walker, at his side, Carr hopes to ride Tulip as long as possible along the endurance trails.
For more information about AERC or endurance riding, please contact the AERC office, located in Auburn, CA, at (866) 271-2372, email aerc@foothill.net, or visit www.aerc.org.
Troy Smith
Tulip, a Morab gelding who will turn 21 on June 21, is endurance riding’s most enduring equine, with 20,805 miles to his credit. He is the first horse in American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) history to surpass the 20,000 mile mark.
Tulip’s name? The rumor, according to Dr. Les Carr, Tulip’s owner, is that a bed of lovely tulips was nearby during Tulip’s birth. The 15.2-hand Tulip, registered as a half-Arabian by the Arabian Horse Association, is by the Morgan stallion Calamity’s Pizzaz, whose sire is from the Kingston line. His dam, Belif, is a granddaughter of Bu-Zahar, a son of Ferzon-Hall of Fame sire of National Champions.
Carr, of Somerset, CA, has amassed 46,460 miles of his own during his 24 years of AERC competitions. Both Carr and Tulip exemplify AERC’s commitment to valuing equine longevity.
Although he has completed four 100-mile rides, Tulip’s specialty is the 50-mile endurance ride, especially when combined into AERC Pioneer Rides, which include at least three consecutive days of 50- to 55-mile rides. And the grey gelding’s not burning up the trail; he and Carr tend to finish towards the back of the pack in most competitions.
“The AERC motto is ‘to finish is to win’,” noted Carr. “However, winning can be accomplished in different ways. One way to win is for the rider to make the decision to ride the same horse over a long period of time and place at the middle or tail end of the ride. This approach has been my choice.”
Carr’s horse philosophy has evolved over the years, and Tulip is his third horse to go over 10,000 miles. Carr credits starting slowly and carrying a lightweight rider—in Tulip’s case, junior Lainey Porter rode Tulip for his first few thousand miles of competition. “I sponsored and accompanied Lainey, who rode Tulip slowly and followed my strategies and lead,” said Carr.
A pace of 5.5 miles per hour is another of Carr’s tenets. By not galloping or cantering, Carr plans to take nine to 10 hours to complete a 50-mile ride. To make that trail time easier on Tulip, Carr spends most of his riding time standing up in the stirrups. He allows Tulip to eat and drink pretty much continually along the trail, and carefully watches both Tulip’s intake and outgo which, Carr says, “provide significant clinical signs as to the condition of Tulip along the endurance trail.”
Carr isn’t willing to take risks with his high-mileage horse. “If Tulip is even slightly off in his gait—even if the judges say Tulip could continue in the ride—Tulip and I load up and go home. Any sign of colic results in my immediately pulling Tulip from the ride and requesting immediate vet treatment,” said Carr. “My operating philosophy is that there is always another endurance ride to do, but not another Tulip.”
Most years, Carr and Tulip would complete around 1,000 miles of competition a year. Their highest mileage year was 2006, when they completed 1,970 miles. Along the way, the pair have picked up numerous awards from AERC, including regional mileage championships and Pioneer Awards, even a couple of national mileage championships when he was ridden by Porter back in the mid-1990s.
At age 74, Carr keeps himself in shape with bodybuilding and weightlifting when he’s not riding. At 5’8”, he keeps his weight at a trim 148 pounds. A practicing clinical psychologist, Carr considers riding “a mystical and spiritual experience.”
A stairway fall back in 1999 looked like it was the end of Carr’s riding, according to his team of doctors. But after a full year of recovery, he’s been back standing in the saddle for miles and miles every month, although his left leg remains slightly weakened. “I’m appreciative of Brent and Cheryl Johnson, who pitched in and rode Tulip for nearly 1,400 miles during my year off,” said Carr.
Carr has no plans to retire Tulip. The pair have already completed 670 miles in the current ride season. But Carr said that he and Tulip will no longer be doing as many five-day Pioneer Rides (250 miles over five days), instead focusing on one-day 50s and the three-day 155-mile Pioneer Rides.
“Life along the endurance trail is unpredictable, in line with our universe that is inherently chaotic and unpredictable,” said Carr. But the septuagenarian, who rides along with his wife, Jill, and her trustworthy mule, Walker, at his side, Carr hopes to ride Tulip as long as possible along the endurance trails.
For more information about AERC or endurance riding, please contact the AERC office, located in Auburn, CA, at (866) 271-2372, email aerc@foothill.net, or visit www.aerc.org.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Great Britain: Riding - Endurance tests are catching on
THewestmrolandgazette.co.uk
Saturday 30th May 2009
A National Endurance Riding Event at Tebay attracted 110 riders.
Endurance Riding is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, with events ranging from the 100-mile international senior championship to 10-mile pleasure rides.
The Tebay course contained the minimum road work, so riders could enjoy the open space of the fells and bridleways. Competitors came from as far away as Bolton and Newcastle with many local riders also taking part.
Kath McGhee from Ambleside riding Foxghylls Folly completed the 65km course at an average speed of 12.11 minutes with a final heart rate of 48, earning a well-deserved grade 3.
In the 40km course, Annie Rose from Millom and Therry Cooper from Kirkby-in- Furness successfully completed the class on their Clydesdales.
Jackie McClure from Broughton-in-Furness took part in the 25km and 16km pleasure rides.
Ros Denby, ride organiser and chairman of the Cumbria Group of Endurance, said: "it was a great day; competitors achieved excellent results and enjoyed the ride and it was fabulous to welcome many non members to take part in the pleasure rides."
More information can be found at the group website at www.endurancegbcumbria.co.uk or contact the group secretary: Nikki Pearson at Gilson’s Forge, Brocklebank, Wigton, Cumbria CA7 8DL (016974 78203).E-mail: nikki.s.pearson @ btinternet.com.
Saturday 30th May 2009
A National Endurance Riding Event at Tebay attracted 110 riders.
Endurance Riding is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, with events ranging from the 100-mile international senior championship to 10-mile pleasure rides.
The Tebay course contained the minimum road work, so riders could enjoy the open space of the fells and bridleways. Competitors came from as far away as Bolton and Newcastle with many local riders also taking part.
Kath McGhee from Ambleside riding Foxghylls Folly completed the 65km course at an average speed of 12.11 minutes with a final heart rate of 48, earning a well-deserved grade 3.
In the 40km course, Annie Rose from Millom and Therry Cooper from Kirkby-in- Furness successfully completed the class on their Clydesdales.
Jackie McClure from Broughton-in-Furness took part in the 25km and 16km pleasure rides.
Ros Denby, ride organiser and chairman of the Cumbria Group of Endurance, said: "it was a great day; competitors achieved excellent results and enjoyed the ride and it was fabulous to welcome many non members to take part in the pleasure rides."
More information can be found at the group website at www.endurancegbcumbria.co.uk or contact the group secretary: Nikki Pearson at Gilson’s Forge, Brocklebank, Wigton, Cumbria CA7 8DL (016974 78203).E-mail: nikki.s.pearson @ btinternet.com.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Great Britain: News from the EGB Chair of Selectors - Cathy Brown
Endurancegb.co.uk
26th May 2009
A list of the British Team Elite Squad for 2009 has been announced .......... it is as follows
Rachael Atkinson - Vanash
Liz Booth - Istanbul Rio
Becky Broughton-Booker - Java Sunlight
Ros Clapp - Nazeeka
Janice Cockley-Adams - Khadidja du Pont
Dominique Freeman - Roger
Fiona Hamilton - Sharifah
Annie Joppe - Dilmun
Jill Kent - Bitterwell Spirit
Jan Marsh - Morning Line
Catriona Moon - Leila
Nicky Sherry - Shimmering Blue Jasmine
Kirsty Wiscombe - Eskar
Christine Yeoman - L M Midday and L M Taquillero
26th May 2009
A list of the British Team Elite Squad for 2009 has been announced .......... it is as follows
Rachael Atkinson - Vanash
Liz Booth - Istanbul Rio
Becky Broughton-Booker - Java Sunlight
Ros Clapp - Nazeeka
Janice Cockley-Adams - Khadidja du Pont
Dominique Freeman - Roger
Fiona Hamilton - Sharifah
Annie Joppe - Dilmun
Jill Kent - Bitterwell Spirit
Jan Marsh - Morning Line
Catriona Moon - Leila
Nicky Sherry - Shimmering Blue Jasmine
Kirsty Wiscombe - Eskar
Christine Yeoman - L M Midday and L M Taquillero
Australia: Clare saddles up to ride 240km in South Africa
READY TO RIDE: Clare is
looking foward to the
challenge of representing
Australia's Endurance Squad
Inverell.yourguide.com.au
JACINTA DICKINS
29/05/2009
Local schoolteacher and endurance rider Clare Fleming has been chosen to ride for Australia in South Africa.
This follows an invitation from the Australian Endurance Squad to join the team competing in the South African Endurance Championships, held in the first week of July.
The horse riding championships consist of three 80-kilometre rides over three days, a total riding distance of 240kms.
"This is a fantastic opportunity to see another part of the world, and I am very excited about the prospects of riding in Africa," Clare said.
"It will be a great experience to wear the green and gold."
The Australian team arrive at Johannesburg Airport on June 27, and then spend a week getting to know their allocated horse before the ride at Fauresmith on July 7.
This trip is self-funded, although accommodation and horses will be supplied by the host country.
Clare's teammates in the Australian Endurance Team are Jennifer Gilbertson, Mette Sutton and Tami Parnell from New South Wales, Gayle Holmes from Queensland, and Jil Bourton from South Australia. The Team Manager is Graeme Gilbertson. There are also two crew members, Robyn Parnell and Liz Armstrong.
Being accepted into the Australian team was a great achievement for Clare, as she began endurance riding in 2002, following lots of encouragement to do a 40km training ride at Tingha.
Since then, Clare has worked her way up to the top level of competition in endurance.
The Fauresmith International Endurance Ride is considered one of the toughest in the world.
The first ride was in 1965 as a consequence of an argument in the magazine Landbou Weekblad about the breed of horse that had the best endurance ability.
A race settled the issue, with the Arabian breed emerging victorious.
The ride has grown to between 250 and 300 entries each year.
"I believe it will be a great experience and an exciting way to see South Africa, looking between the ears of a horse," Clare states.
Clare was chosen in the team due to her consistent success as an endurance rider.
She placed eighth Lightweight in the NSW 160km State Championships and second Lightweight in the QLD 160km State Championships in 2008.
She was among the 48 per cent that successfully completed the Nanango Tom Quilty, Australia's National/International Endurance Competition.
She placed third Lightweight Endurance Rider and was successful in winning the prestigious Best Condition award.
By the end of last year, Clare ranked fourth in Australia for the Lightweight Point Score.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Australia: Competitors endure Elmhurst tracks
Araratadvertiser.com.au
Dianne Leehane on Shah
Photo: PETER PICKERING
26/05/2009
ELMHURST - Horse riding enthusiasts from across the state converged on Elmhurst on the second weekend of May for an endurance competition.
The event was held in spectacular conditions at the Elmhurst Reserve, with competitors setting out at midnight on Friday for a 160 kilometre ride through the Mt Cole and Pyrenees Ranges.
Riders of all abilities participated in the event, from beginners to seasoned competitors.
The first ten combinations across the line received embroidered woollen rugs, donated by various sponsors.
The fittest horse combination in all four weight divisions were also awarded prizes.
The 160km ride was won by Jennifer Annetts and Jamie Mollema of New South Wales in the time of 10 hours and 45 minutes.
The weekend of riding ended at midnight on Saturday after the conclusion of an 80km endurance ride and a 40km training ride.
The 80km ride proved the most popular attracting a field of 34 riders.
The event was won by Rose Ross of South Australia in a time of five hours and eight minutes.
Organisers said the response to the endurance competition was extremely positive, with many competitors commenting on the great atmosphere and stunning scenery.
They have thanked the property owners who gave up the use of their land and the many volunteers and sponsors who contributed to the success of the event.
Dianne Leehane on Shah
Photo: PETER PICKERING
26/05/2009
ELMHURST - Horse riding enthusiasts from across the state converged on Elmhurst on the second weekend of May for an endurance competition.
The event was held in spectacular conditions at the Elmhurst Reserve, with competitors setting out at midnight on Friday for a 160 kilometre ride through the Mt Cole and Pyrenees Ranges.
Riders of all abilities participated in the event, from beginners to seasoned competitors.
The first ten combinations across the line received embroidered woollen rugs, donated by various sponsors.
The fittest horse combination in all four weight divisions were also awarded prizes.
The 160km ride was won by Jennifer Annetts and Jamie Mollema of New South Wales in the time of 10 hours and 45 minutes.
The weekend of riding ended at midnight on Saturday after the conclusion of an 80km endurance ride and a 40km training ride.
The 80km ride proved the most popular attracting a field of 34 riders.
The event was won by Rose Ross of South Australia in a time of five hours and eight minutes.
Organisers said the response to the endurance competition was extremely positive, with many competitors commenting on the great atmosphere and stunning scenery.
They have thanked the property owners who gave up the use of their land and the many volunteers and sponsors who contributed to the success of the event.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Australia: Treble for Sutton, fourth win for Mills
Mudgee.yourguide.com.au
BY DON MAHONEY
21/05/2009
Local riders came to the fore winning all but one division in the Mudgee Endurance Club's 80 kilometre ride at Cooyal last Sunday.
A massive 130 riders took to the Cooyal course over the weekend with 15 in Saturday's social ride and on Sunday 87 rode in the 80 kilometre ride and 28 in the 40 kilometre training ride.
Middleweight rider Mette Sutton, who will ride in South Africa in July, won the ride for the third consecutive year on "Tuldar The Magician" and also took out the fittest horse award.
Suton said she had to make up ground after being placed 10th at the half way mark.
"In the final leg 'Magic' picked up his pace and rounded up the leaders one by one and was over the line first and still able to pass the fitness tests in great shape.
Garry Bennett continued his recent strong results when he rode "Karabil Yaningi" into second place behind Sutton in the middleweight division.
Gloria Mills won the lightweight division and her mount, "Glendos Sabodie" gave her the double when he was announced the fittest horse in the division.
Mills and 'Sabodie' were also awarded the perpetual trophy for the First Anglo Arab. Mills went into Sunday's ride with three previous wins in the event
The Braithwaite trophy for the first junior was taken out by Ben Hudson and his horse was also the fittest horse in the division, which had six riders.
Other local juniors to finish were Alanna Byrne and Leanne Maynard.
A highlight of the ride was the 2470 kilometres clocked up by the local combination of Bernice King and "Noble Novaar Destiny".
Scott Devonport was the only visiting rider to win a division when he was successful in the heavyweight division.
Club spokesperson Pat Dickinson said that the club was pleased to also have one rider from Perth (Western Australia) and, for the first time a rider from Namibia.
"Unfortunately our visiting international Gawie Viljoen was unlucky on the day when his mount (supplied by Keith, Bev and Mette Sutton) was lame at the end of the first leg and was vetted out," Dickinson said.
"Gawie said that despite the vet out he enjoyed his time at the Cooyal ride.
"The weather was wonderful and we had few problems other than one visiting rider who suffered a fall near check point two, was unconscious for 40 minutes and was taken to hospital.
"The rider was admitted to Mudgee Hospital for overnight observation.
"The club would like to thank Peter Lynch from Botobolar and his crew who assisted after the fall and Keith and Bev Sutton who cared for the rider’s three children and Mette Sutton who ensured the rider was reunited with her children after discharge from hospital."
The Club had many supporters headed by head vet Ray Gooley who reported there no vet outs on heart rate or metabolics, which he said was pleasing.
The Cooyal Progress Association did a great job of preparing the base at the Cooyal Park and on Saturday night catered for more than 100 dinners.
The Cooks Gap and Cooyal fire brigades manned the check points while Hartley Sutton checked the course on a motorcycle prior to the start to ensure all markers were in place.
The next endurance ride in the district is the Gulgong ride on Sunday June 14.
BY DON MAHONEY
21/05/2009
Local riders came to the fore winning all but one division in the Mudgee Endurance Club's 80 kilometre ride at Cooyal last Sunday.
A massive 130 riders took to the Cooyal course over the weekend with 15 in Saturday's social ride and on Sunday 87 rode in the 80 kilometre ride and 28 in the 40 kilometre training ride.
Middleweight rider Mette Sutton, who will ride in South Africa in July, won the ride for the third consecutive year on "Tuldar The Magician" and also took out the fittest horse award.
Suton said she had to make up ground after being placed 10th at the half way mark.
"In the final leg 'Magic' picked up his pace and rounded up the leaders one by one and was over the line first and still able to pass the fitness tests in great shape.
Garry Bennett continued his recent strong results when he rode "Karabil Yaningi" into second place behind Sutton in the middleweight division.
Gloria Mills won the lightweight division and her mount, "Glendos Sabodie" gave her the double when he was announced the fittest horse in the division.
Mills and 'Sabodie' were also awarded the perpetual trophy for the First Anglo Arab. Mills went into Sunday's ride with three previous wins in the event
The Braithwaite trophy for the first junior was taken out by Ben Hudson and his horse was also the fittest horse in the division, which had six riders.
Other local juniors to finish were Alanna Byrne and Leanne Maynard.
A highlight of the ride was the 2470 kilometres clocked up by the local combination of Bernice King and "Noble Novaar Destiny".
Scott Devonport was the only visiting rider to win a division when he was successful in the heavyweight division.
Club spokesperson Pat Dickinson said that the club was pleased to also have one rider from Perth (Western Australia) and, for the first time a rider from Namibia.
"Unfortunately our visiting international Gawie Viljoen was unlucky on the day when his mount (supplied by Keith, Bev and Mette Sutton) was lame at the end of the first leg and was vetted out," Dickinson said.
"Gawie said that despite the vet out he enjoyed his time at the Cooyal ride.
"The weather was wonderful and we had few problems other than one visiting rider who suffered a fall near check point two, was unconscious for 40 minutes and was taken to hospital.
"The rider was admitted to Mudgee Hospital for overnight observation.
"The club would like to thank Peter Lynch from Botobolar and his crew who assisted after the fall and Keith and Bev Sutton who cared for the rider’s three children and Mette Sutton who ensured the rider was reunited with her children after discharge from hospital."
The Club had many supporters headed by head vet Ray Gooley who reported there no vet outs on heart rate or metabolics, which he said was pleasing.
The Cooyal Progress Association did a great job of preparing the base at the Cooyal Park and on Saturday night catered for more than 100 dinners.
The Cooks Gap and Cooyal fire brigades manned the check points while Hartley Sutton checked the course on a motorcycle prior to the start to ensure all markers were in place.
The next endurance ride in the district is the Gulgong ride on Sunday June 14.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Celebrating endurance and recreation
Auburnjournal.com
Photo: Michael Kirby/Auburn Journal
5/16/09
Veteran Tevis Cup endurance rider Potato Richardson signs commemorative posters for visitors during the Endurance Expo held at the new School Park Preserve behind City Hall in Auburn Saturday. Endurance champions signed posters. A film festival featured endurance action movies. And there were clinics, speakers and a family walk as part of the festivities. Twenty-four vendors were on hand offering endurance-related products, services and activities.
More...
Photo: Michael Kirby/Auburn Journal
5/16/09
Veteran Tevis Cup endurance rider Potato Richardson signs commemorative posters for visitors during the Endurance Expo held at the new School Park Preserve behind City Hall in Auburn Saturday. Endurance champions signed posters. A film festival featured endurance action movies. And there were clinics, speakers and a family walk as part of the festivities. Twenty-four vendors were on hand offering endurance-related products, services and activities.
More...
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Mt. Carmel XP Results and Photos
Karen Chaton's blog
Here is a .pdf of the results from all three days of the 2009 Mt. Carmel Pioneer XP ride. Turnout was really good and we were fortunate to have beautiful weather all three days of the ride. A total of 21 riders completed all three days of the ride riding more than one horse and 20 riders completed all three days and 155 miles on the same horse.
Fastest overall time was Crockett Dumas riding OT Dytu RSI and overall Best Condition went to Stephanie Palmer DuRoss riding Hadji Halef Omar. In the pdf of the results the daily BC winners are highlighted in bold.
Karen's photos
[...more]
Here is a .pdf of the results from all three days of the 2009 Mt. Carmel Pioneer XP ride. Turnout was really good and we were fortunate to have beautiful weather all three days of the ride. A total of 21 riders completed all three days of the ride riding more than one horse and 20 riders completed all three days and 155 miles on the same horse.
Fastest overall time was Crockett Dumas riding OT Dytu RSI and overall Best Condition went to Stephanie Palmer DuRoss riding Hadji Halef Omar. In the pdf of the results the daily BC winners are highlighted in bold.
Karen's photos
[...more]
Monday, May 11, 2009
Australia: 80km ride a success
Taree.yourguide.com.au
MICK MCDONALD
22/04/2009
THE Kiwarrak 'no frills' horse endurance ride held recently at Hillville was yet another great success, with 114 riders from all around the State.
Riders came from as far away as the south coast and from the far west to tackle the 80kms ride, while 74 mostly local riders enjoyed the 20km and 40km rides.
By Saturday morning the normal horse paddocks had turned into a city of trucks and horse floats.
Manning Trail Riders Club again turned out in force, this time many of the previous 20km riders had a go at the 40km ride - with great success.
Lake Macquarie Trail riders Club had some members come down from Tamworth, who all say they are now hooked on endurance.
Port Macquarie Pony Club was well represented, with some decorated ponies enjoying the 20km ride sporting pink ribbons.
The 80km ride was won by Terry Wood, a middleweight rider on 'Tallawarra Spy' in 4hrs 34mins.
First heavyweight rider was Peter Strickland riding 'Bara Park Mingara' in 7hrs 36mins.
Carol Layton won the lightweight division riding 'Omani Mr Squiggle' in 5hrs 32mins.
First junior was Alex Jones riding 'A'Landell Rifle' in 7hrs 3mins, closely followed by 14-year-old local rider Shannen Thorsby from Nabiac riding her beloved horse 'Dan' in 7hrs 44mins.
Shannen was attempting her first ever 80km ride. Shannen and 'Dan', could be champions in the making.
With a lot of hard work by a handful of enthusiastic locals and the support of local business and volunteers, the Kiwarrak endurance horse ride is turning out to be another great event.
"To continue this success we need to get bums in saddles, so let's keep up the good work and keep supporting both this great ride and the two other local rides,'' an organiser said.
For more information on endurance horse riding in NSW visit the NSW ERA web site at http://www.nswera.asn.au.
MICK MCDONALD
22/04/2009
THE Kiwarrak 'no frills' horse endurance ride held recently at Hillville was yet another great success, with 114 riders from all around the State.
Riders came from as far away as the south coast and from the far west to tackle the 80kms ride, while 74 mostly local riders enjoyed the 20km and 40km rides.
By Saturday morning the normal horse paddocks had turned into a city of trucks and horse floats.
Manning Trail Riders Club again turned out in force, this time many of the previous 20km riders had a go at the 40km ride - with great success.
Lake Macquarie Trail riders Club had some members come down from Tamworth, who all say they are now hooked on endurance.
Port Macquarie Pony Club was well represented, with some decorated ponies enjoying the 20km ride sporting pink ribbons.
The 80km ride was won by Terry Wood, a middleweight rider on 'Tallawarra Spy' in 4hrs 34mins.
First heavyweight rider was Peter Strickland riding 'Bara Park Mingara' in 7hrs 36mins.
Carol Layton won the lightweight division riding 'Omani Mr Squiggle' in 5hrs 32mins.
First junior was Alex Jones riding 'A'Landell Rifle' in 7hrs 3mins, closely followed by 14-year-old local rider Shannen Thorsby from Nabiac riding her beloved horse 'Dan' in 7hrs 44mins.
Shannen was attempting her first ever 80km ride. Shannen and 'Dan', could be champions in the making.
With a lot of hard work by a handful of enthusiastic locals and the support of local business and volunteers, the Kiwarrak endurance horse ride is turning out to be another great event.
"To continue this success we need to get bums in saddles, so let's keep up the good work and keep supporting both this great ride and the two other local rides,'' an organiser said.
For more information on endurance horse riding in NSW visit the NSW ERA web site at http://www.nswera.asn.au.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Australia: Age shall not weary Sadaqa
Theland.farmonline.com.au
PHIL THOMSON
10/05/2009
WORLD-renowned stallion, Chip Chase Sadaqa, is an old-timer but is still one hell of a stud.
An unnamed Middle Eastern sheik’s offer to buy all Sadaqa’s 128 offspring residing at Queensland stud, Toft Endurance, was refused in recent months.
It came as the ageing, Bathurst-born bay stallion was awarded the 2008 World Arabian Horse Organisation (WAHO) Trophy.
The 32-year-and-two-month-old stallion serviced six mares every month this past season, for a tidy sum of 34 in about 24 weeks.
Punching the numbers into a calculator reveals the horse’s owner, Peter Toft, missed out on at least $5.1 million when he knocked back the Arab leader’s offer but it was probably more like double this amount.
Peter loves training endurance horses more than making quick money.
He does not know when the sun will set on the virility of Sadaqa, who will impregnate one mare a month this winter to stay in shape.
Read the full story in this week's The Land.
PHIL THOMSON
10/05/2009
WORLD-renowned stallion, Chip Chase Sadaqa, is an old-timer but is still one hell of a stud.
An unnamed Middle Eastern sheik’s offer to buy all Sadaqa’s 128 offspring residing at Queensland stud, Toft Endurance, was refused in recent months.
It came as the ageing, Bathurst-born bay stallion was awarded the 2008 World Arabian Horse Organisation (WAHO) Trophy.
The 32-year-and-two-month-old stallion serviced six mares every month this past season, for a tidy sum of 34 in about 24 weeks.
Punching the numbers into a calculator reveals the horse’s owner, Peter Toft, missed out on at least $5.1 million when he knocked back the Arab leader’s offer but it was probably more like double this amount.
Peter loves training endurance horses more than making quick money.
He does not know when the sun will set on the virility of Sadaqa, who will impregnate one mare a month this winter to stay in shape.
Read the full story in this week's The Land.
Friday, May 08, 2009
One-horse, two-person championship
Humboldtbeacon.com
05/07/2009
The 39th edition of the World Championship Ride and Tie will return to Humboldt County. This endurance challenge teaming two humans with a horse will take place for the fourth time in Humboldt County June 20.
First held on the north coast in 1983 in the McKay tract behind Eureka, Humboldt has been a favorite venue for the unique event combining competition, teamwork, and strategy. In 1990 the course was located east of Trinidad and returned again in 2007 then to Humboldt Redwoods State Park near the Avenue of the Giants.
The 2009 event will again be located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park with the race starting and finishing at the Cuneo Creek Horse Camp.
The Championship even will feature two events on race day, one of approximately 18 miles and the other around 38 miles. Ride and Tie competitors start with one team member on horseback, the other on foot. When the horseback team member gets some distance ahead they dismount, tie the horse to a tree and set off down the trail on foot. When the second team member reaches their mount, they untie the horse, climb aboard and ride off to switch again with their partner. All horses must pass pre-race, mid-race, and post race veterinary exams with the safety of the horse being paramount.
To find out more about Ride and Tie, watch a video of the sport, meet competitors, and others interested in forming a team, come to the Joggn Shoppe at 1090 G St. in Arcata on Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. or call Chris Amaral at 839-5624. Refreshments to be served.
05/07/2009
The 39th edition of the World Championship Ride and Tie will return to Humboldt County. This endurance challenge teaming two humans with a horse will take place for the fourth time in Humboldt County June 20.
First held on the north coast in 1983 in the McKay tract behind Eureka, Humboldt has been a favorite venue for the unique event combining competition, teamwork, and strategy. In 1990 the course was located east of Trinidad and returned again in 2007 then to Humboldt Redwoods State Park near the Avenue of the Giants.
The 2009 event will again be located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park with the race starting and finishing at the Cuneo Creek Horse Camp.
The Championship even will feature two events on race day, one of approximately 18 miles and the other around 38 miles. Ride and Tie competitors start with one team member on horseback, the other on foot. When the horseback team member gets some distance ahead they dismount, tie the horse to a tree and set off down the trail on foot. When the second team member reaches their mount, they untie the horse, climb aboard and ride off to switch again with their partner. All horses must pass pre-race, mid-race, and post race veterinary exams with the safety of the horse being paramount.
To find out more about Ride and Tie, watch a video of the sport, meet competitors, and others interested in forming a team, come to the Joggn Shoppe at 1090 G St. in Arcata on Thursday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. or call Chris Amaral at 839-5624. Refreshments to be served.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Around the world on horseback
Parkrecord.com
Kamas endurance rider returns from Malaysia
Alisha Self, Of the Record staff
Posted: 05/05/2009
Over the past decade, Beverly Gray has traveled to Spain, Argentina, the United Arab Emirates and, most recently, Malaysia. No, she's not a U.S. ambassador, international businesswoman or employee of National Geographic. Gray is a U.S. Equestrian Team endurance rider and endurance horse trainer, and her career has led her to places that most people only dream of visiting.
Gray moved to Park City in her early twenties, bought a horse and began to participate in Ride and Tie races, which involve teams of two runners and one horse that alternate running and riding the horse. One person rides the horse a mile or so, then he or she ties it to a tree and takes off running while the other person catches up to the horse, unties it and rides past the teammate, and so on.
The races whetted Gray's appetite for endurance events, and during lulls in the Ride and Tie circuit she entered endurance races to keep her horse in shape. Eventually she got hooked and made endurance racing her full-time passion.
Endurance racing has been around the United States for more than 50 years, but its global popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. "It's become one of the fastest-growing equestrian sports in the world," says Gray.
Endurance races range from 25 to more than 100 miles, and can last from a couple of hours to a few days. The primary focus is on the horses' welfare, and veterinarians are present at checkpoints along the way. "They're very strict with the horse, and you have to meet certain criteria including hydration, pulse, respiration and lameness evaluations," Gray explains.
In her 30 years of competing, Gray has entered 287 races, completed more than 16,900 race miles and captured 82 wins. In 2002, she qualified to compete with the United States Equestrian Team at the World Equestrian Games in Spain, and she joined the team again in 2005 in Dubai.
In addition to competing in exotic locations all over the world, Gray also has had the opportunity to ride historic trails in the U.S. including the original Pony Express Trail and some of the Gold Rush routes.
Gray, who moved from Park City to Kamas four years ago, currently owns four Arabian horses, which are preferred for endurance racing because of their natural stamina. "I've had more than one once-in-a-lifetime horse," she says. "They've helped me achieve a lot of my goals."
Last month, Gray returned from Melaka, Malaysia, where she competed in the second annual Melaka Grand Invitational Endurance Race. Melaka is a historic city located about two hours outside of the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Upon arriving in Melaka, Gray met her partner for the 120-kilometer race (approximately 75 miles), an Anglo Arabian gelding from Singapore named Max. The pair joined a pool of competitors from all around Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.
She also rubbed shoulders with the King of Malaysia, who is an avid endurance racer. "He's very enthusiastic about endurance racing. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with him," she says. "That was the highlight of the trip."
Although Gray and Max were disqualified at the 80-kilometer checkpoint due to the horse's shoe causing some irritation, Gray is grateful for the opportunity to compete and explore the city of Melaka. "Each phase of the race trail meandered through little villages, dense forests of date palms, rubber trees and vegetation of numerous varieties and fragrances," she wrote in a recount of the trip.
Gray says the sport is something she plans to continue for years to come. "It's a sport for all ages, and the whole family can get involved," she says. Gray's husband helps with the training, and her sister, a local photographer, sometimes tags along to document her adventures.
To read more about Gray's accomplishments and to find out about upcoming races, visit www.bevgrayusa.com.
Kamas endurance rider returns from Malaysia
Alisha Self, Of the Record staff
Posted: 05/05/2009
Over the past decade, Beverly Gray has traveled to Spain, Argentina, the United Arab Emirates and, most recently, Malaysia. No, she's not a U.S. ambassador, international businesswoman or employee of National Geographic. Gray is a U.S. Equestrian Team endurance rider and endurance horse trainer, and her career has led her to places that most people only dream of visiting.
Gray moved to Park City in her early twenties, bought a horse and began to participate in Ride and Tie races, which involve teams of two runners and one horse that alternate running and riding the horse. One person rides the horse a mile or so, then he or she ties it to a tree and takes off running while the other person catches up to the horse, unties it and rides past the teammate, and so on.
The races whetted Gray's appetite for endurance events, and during lulls in the Ride and Tie circuit she entered endurance races to keep her horse in shape. Eventually she got hooked and made endurance racing her full-time passion.
Endurance racing has been around the United States for more than 50 years, but its global popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. "It's become one of the fastest-growing equestrian sports in the world," says Gray.
Endurance races range from 25 to more than 100 miles, and can last from a couple of hours to a few days. The primary focus is on the horses' welfare, and veterinarians are present at checkpoints along the way. "They're very strict with the horse, and you have to meet certain criteria including hydration, pulse, respiration and lameness evaluations," Gray explains.
In her 30 years of competing, Gray has entered 287 races, completed more than 16,900 race miles and captured 82 wins. In 2002, she qualified to compete with the United States Equestrian Team at the World Equestrian Games in Spain, and she joined the team again in 2005 in Dubai.
In addition to competing in exotic locations all over the world, Gray also has had the opportunity to ride historic trails in the U.S. including the original Pony Express Trail and some of the Gold Rush routes.
Gray, who moved from Park City to Kamas four years ago, currently owns four Arabian horses, which are preferred for endurance racing because of their natural stamina. "I've had more than one once-in-a-lifetime horse," she says. "They've helped me achieve a lot of my goals."
Last month, Gray returned from Melaka, Malaysia, where she competed in the second annual Melaka Grand Invitational Endurance Race. Melaka is a historic city located about two hours outside of the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Upon arriving in Melaka, Gray met her partner for the 120-kilometer race (approximately 75 miles), an Anglo Arabian gelding from Singapore named Max. The pair joined a pool of competitors from all around Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore.
She also rubbed shoulders with the King of Malaysia, who is an avid endurance racer. "He's very enthusiastic about endurance racing. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with him," she says. "That was the highlight of the trip."
Although Gray and Max were disqualified at the 80-kilometer checkpoint due to the horse's shoe causing some irritation, Gray is grateful for the opportunity to compete and explore the city of Melaka. "Each phase of the race trail meandered through little villages, dense forests of date palms, rubber trees and vegetation of numerous varieties and fragrances," she wrote in a recount of the trip.
Gray says the sport is something she plans to continue for years to come. "It's a sport for all ages, and the whole family can get involved," she says. Gray's husband helps with the training, and her sister, a local photographer, sometimes tags along to document her adventures.
To read more about Gray's accomplishments and to find out about upcoming races, visit www.bevgrayusa.com.
USEF Training Session at Owyhee Fandango
USEF will host a training session for riders May 21 - 24 at the Owyhee Fandango International Endurance event in Oreana, Idaho.
The education session will be held on May 21 from 9AM to 4PM. Topics will include:
The USA Training Program for 2010
Training and Riding for Speed
Riding at the International Level
Evaluation of the 2009 Pam Am Performance
USEF/FEI Rules every rider should know
Veterinary issues - horse presentation
Methods of evaluating your own horse
Friday will be Crew trot-out and practice
Saturday and Sunday - USEF Veterinarian and Chef d'Equipe will be available during the your competition.
Full Info & Registration Packet - Download pdf
The education session will be held on May 21 from 9AM to 4PM. Topics will include:
The USA Training Program for 2010
Training and Riding for Speed
Riding at the International Level
Evaluation of the 2009 Pam Am Performance
USEF/FEI Rules every rider should know
Veterinary issues - horse presentation
Methods of evaluating your own horse
Friday will be Crew trot-out and practice
Saturday and Sunday - USEF Veterinarian and Chef d'Equipe will be available during the your competition.
Full Info & Registration Packet - Download pdf
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Elmer Bandit Sidetracked by Justice System
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Marsha Hayes
April 28 2009
A call to jury duty prevented Mary Anna Wood from competing her 38-year-old half-Arabian gelding, Elmer Bandit in the Rustlers and Renegades Competitive Trail ride in Cherryvale, Kan., this past weekend. Elmer broke the record for lifetime competitive trail mileage last October, at the age of 37.
In addition to the jury duty, Wood voiced some concern over her recent work schedule, which left her with limited time to condition Elmer for the ride.
She's considering competing on a younger horse.
"Elmer is a geriatric horse. Rides are beginning to interfere with his geriatric lifestyle," she said, citing his long and frequent naps.
More...
by: Marsha Hayes
April 28 2009
A call to jury duty prevented Mary Anna Wood from competing her 38-year-old half-Arabian gelding, Elmer Bandit in the Rustlers and Renegades Competitive Trail ride in Cherryvale, Kan., this past weekend. Elmer broke the record for lifetime competitive trail mileage last October, at the age of 37.
In addition to the jury duty, Wood voiced some concern over her recent work schedule, which left her with limited time to condition Elmer for the ride.
She's considering competing on a younger horse.
"Elmer is a geriatric horse. Rides are beginning to interfere with his geriatric lifestyle," she said, citing his long and frequent naps.
More...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Recreational groups join forces to improve trail safety and enjoyment of public land
American Motorcyclist
April 29,2009
A group of national and state trail advocacy organizations representing equestrian, OHV, and bicycle interests recently completed a collaborative effort to develop a new guide called “Sharing Our Trails – A Guide to Trail Safety and Enjoyment." The guide is intended to be used in a variety of ways such as incorporation in trail brochures, magazine articles and trail education programs of all types.
The purpose of the guide is to improve safety and improve trail satisfaction for all trail enthusiasts on multiple-use trails. To quote the document itself: “In many parts of the country trails are open to and shared by equestrians , OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers. Trail sharing can and does work when people respect each other and work cooperatively to keep each other safe.”
Deb Balliet, CEO of The Equestrian Land Conservation Resource stated: “We all recognize that there are techniques and practices that will keep trail enthusiasts safe and improve the quality of our experiences. This guide represents the efforts of a broad range of trail enthusiasts working together to develop an understanding of each other’s needs and develop a guide that specifically tells trail enthusiasts what steps to take when they meet on the trail."
Jack Terrell, senior project coordinator for the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council said: “Understanding other trail enthusiasts’ needs, particularly when it comes to safety, is critical to minimizing conflicts and maximizing the enjoyment of all trail enthusiasts. This guide goes a long way toward promoting that understanding among everyone on the trail."
Daphne Green, deputy director of the California State Parks OHMVR Division stated: “We are proud to work with the organizations involved in this effort to devise programs and initiatives to minimize user conflicts, increase safety, and enhance enjoyment of our public recreation opportunities."
Lori McCullough, executive director of Tread Lightly!, Inc. said: “The Tread Lightly! ethic has always encouraged respect and courtesy between all trail enthusiasts, but conflicts still occur. This joint effort in educating all recreationists on the best practices for sharing trails shows common ground and collaboration can lead to improved trail experiences for all."
Jim Bedwell, director of Recreation, Heritage and Volunteer Services for the U.S. Forest Service stated: “The groups that came together to produce the guide for sharing trails on our public lands are to be commended for their view of “the big picture. Outdoor recreation provides many benefits to people, communities, and the economy. An attitude of sharing increasingly scarce resources and cooperating safely is paramount to sustaining these benefits.”
Tom Ward, California policy director for the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) said: "This set of guidelines was developed after an extraordinary collaboration between equestrians, mountain bikers, hikers and motorized trail users. It includes suggested rules of etiquette, which provide understanding between users, and will create a safe and enjoyable experience for all. IMBA was pleased to be involved in this effort."
Organizations and agencies involved in the development of the guide include the American Endurance Ride Conference, Americans for Responsible Recreational Access, American Motorcyclist Association, American Trails, Back Country Horsemen of America, BlueRibbon Coalition, California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Equestrian Land Conservation Resource, International Mountain Bike Association, Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, Loomis Basin Horsemen’s Association, Motorcycle Industry Council, National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, Off-Road Business Association, Open Beaches- Trails, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, Tread Lightly!, and United States Forest Service.
The guide follows:
SHARING OUR TRAILS - A GUIDE TO TRAIL SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT
Responsible trail enthusiasts, both motorized and non-motorized, have much in common. They have an appreciation for our public lands and want to enjoy what our public lands have to offer.
In many parts of the country trails are open to and shared by equestrians, OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers. Trail sharing can and does work when people respect each other and work cooperatively to keep each other safe.
While it is important for people to respect each other on the trail, it is important to remember that equestrians are dealing not only with other trail enthusiasts’ personalities, they also are working with horses whose temperaments are as individual as our own. Horses’ natural instincts can influence their behaviors and affect the way they react to circumstances encountered on the trail.
For these reasons, it is important that equestrians know their horses well enough that they are confident that they will be able to control their horses when they encounter other trail enthusiasts who are allowed on the trail.
Conversely, OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers must understand that “equestrian only” trails must be respected for the safety of both the horse and rider. These trails offer the opportunity for horsemen to acclimate their horses to basic trail conditions without encountering “unknown threats” that can trigger the horse’s natural instinct of flight.
When young or inexperienced horses encounter new conditions on the trail like OHVs, bicycles, runners and hikers, and even certain scents, the flight response can end with disastrous results for the horse or rider.
When equestrians on well-trained horses and other responsible trail enthusiasts meet each other on the trail the encounters can be enjoyable social exchanges if the groups understand how to work together to keep the encounters safe.
These basic guidelines will help ensure that meeting on the trail will be a safe and enjoyable experience:
Guidelines for all trail enthusiasts:
Common Courtesy
o Respect all trail restrictions and use only trails open to your mode of transportation.
o Be considerate of others on the road or trail.
o When traveling on shared use trails, continually watch for other types of recreationists.
o Slow down when sight lines are poor.
o Keep speeds low around other recreationists.
o Keep noise and dust down.
o Keep your ears open – no ear buds for an IPod or MP3. Listening to headphones or ear buds can make it difficult to hear and communicate with other recreationists. In some areas it is illegal to operate vehicles or bikes with both ears covered.
o Keep pets under control. Some trails require dogs to be leashed. Be familiar with local rules.
Yielding
o Yield the right of way to those passing you from behind or traveling uphill.
o Motorized vehicles yield to mountain bikes, runners, hikers, and horses.
o Mountain bikes yield to runners, hikers and horses.
o Runners and hikers yield to horses.
Guidelines for equestrians on shared trails:
o Be sure you can control your horse and it has been exposed to other trail recreational uses before riding on shared use trails.
o Cooperate with local OHV and bicycle riders to expose your horse to vehicles in a gradual manner in a safe environment.
o Be alert and aware of the presence of other trail enthusiasts. If possible, pull to the side of the trail when you hear oncoming OHVs or bicycles.
o At trailheads or staging areas, park vehicles and secure stock in a manner that provides a safe distance between the horses and passing traffic.
o Be prepared to let other trail enthusiasts know what needs to be done to keep you, the horse, and other trail enthusiasts safe when you meet on the trail.
o Less experienced horses and riders should ride behind more “trail-wise” horses and riders.
o If you are “ponying” a horse, go slow and never take a loose horse on the trail.
Guidelines for OHV riders when encountering horses on the trail:
o Pull to the side of the trail far enough for horses to pass safely as soon as you see horses.
o Pull to the downhill side of the trail if possible since horses tend to perceive unknown threats on the uphill side as predators.
o Shut off your motor as soon as possible and remove your helmet. The horse will be more likely to recognize you as a human.
o Speak to the oncoming rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone.
o Horsemen may pull to the side of the trail a safe distance if they hear an OHV approaching but this does not necessarily mean it is safe for you to ride by. Stop and wait for instructions from the horseman.
o Ask the horseman how he/she would like to proceed.
o The horseman will know his/her horse and how the horse reacts to other trail enthusiasts.
o The horseman may ask you to stay put and ride past you.
o The horseman may ride to the side of the trail and ask you to ride or push past them.
o If you ride by a horse, keep your rpm’s low and steady and your sound as low as possible. Sudden movements or sounds can startle horses.
o Be alert – be aware and on guard for oncoming traffic.
Guidelines for bicyclists when encountering horses on the trail:
o Pull to the side of the trail far enough for horses to pass safely as soon as you see horses.
o Pull to the downhill side of the trail if possible since horses tend to perceive unknown threats on the uphill side as predators.
o Speak to the oncoming rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone. Remove your helmet if it conceals part of your face. The horse will be more likely to recognize you as a human.
o Horsemen may pull to the side of the trail a safe distance if they hear a bicycle approaching but this does not necessarily mean it is safe for you to ride by. Stop and wait for instructions from the horseman.
o Ask the horseman how he/she would like to proceed.
o The horseman will know his/her horse and how the horse reacts to other trail enthusiasts.
o The horseman may ask you to stay put and ride past you.
o The horseman may ride to the side of the trail and ask you to ride or push past them.
o If you ride by a horse, do so at a slow, steady pace and avoid making any sudden movements or sounds that might startle the horse.
o Be alert – be aware and on guard for oncoming traffic.
Guidelines for other non-motorized recreationists when encountering horses on the trail:
o Hikers and trail runners should always stop and step to the side of the trail when they meet horses on the trail.
o Step to the down-hill side of the trail.
o Speak to the rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone.
o Keep pets under control.
April 29,2009
A group of national and state trail advocacy organizations representing equestrian, OHV, and bicycle interests recently completed a collaborative effort to develop a new guide called “Sharing Our Trails – A Guide to Trail Safety and Enjoyment." The guide is intended to be used in a variety of ways such as incorporation in trail brochures, magazine articles and trail education programs of all types.
The purpose of the guide is to improve safety and improve trail satisfaction for all trail enthusiasts on multiple-use trails. To quote the document itself: “In many parts of the country trails are open to and shared by equestrians , OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers. Trail sharing can and does work when people respect each other and work cooperatively to keep each other safe.”
Deb Balliet, CEO of The Equestrian Land Conservation Resource stated: “We all recognize that there are techniques and practices that will keep trail enthusiasts safe and improve the quality of our experiences. This guide represents the efforts of a broad range of trail enthusiasts working together to develop an understanding of each other’s needs and develop a guide that specifically tells trail enthusiasts what steps to take when they meet on the trail."
Jack Terrell, senior project coordinator for the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council said: “Understanding other trail enthusiasts’ needs, particularly when it comes to safety, is critical to minimizing conflicts and maximizing the enjoyment of all trail enthusiasts. This guide goes a long way toward promoting that understanding among everyone on the trail."
Daphne Green, deputy director of the California State Parks OHMVR Division stated: “We are proud to work with the organizations involved in this effort to devise programs and initiatives to minimize user conflicts, increase safety, and enhance enjoyment of our public recreation opportunities."
Lori McCullough, executive director of Tread Lightly!, Inc. said: “The Tread Lightly! ethic has always encouraged respect and courtesy between all trail enthusiasts, but conflicts still occur. This joint effort in educating all recreationists on the best practices for sharing trails shows common ground and collaboration can lead to improved trail experiences for all."
Jim Bedwell, director of Recreation, Heritage and Volunteer Services for the U.S. Forest Service stated: “The groups that came together to produce the guide for sharing trails on our public lands are to be commended for their view of “the big picture. Outdoor recreation provides many benefits to people, communities, and the economy. An attitude of sharing increasingly scarce resources and cooperating safely is paramount to sustaining these benefits.”
Tom Ward, California policy director for the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) said: "This set of guidelines was developed after an extraordinary collaboration between equestrians, mountain bikers, hikers and motorized trail users. It includes suggested rules of etiquette, which provide understanding between users, and will create a safe and enjoyable experience for all. IMBA was pleased to be involved in this effort."
Organizations and agencies involved in the development of the guide include the American Endurance Ride Conference, Americans for Responsible Recreational Access, American Motorcyclist Association, American Trails, Back Country Horsemen of America, BlueRibbon Coalition, California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Equestrian Land Conservation Resource, International Mountain Bike Association, Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, Loomis Basin Horsemen’s Association, Motorcycle Industry Council, National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, Off-Road Business Association, Open Beaches- Trails, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, Tread Lightly!, and United States Forest Service.
The guide follows:
SHARING OUR TRAILS - A GUIDE TO TRAIL SAFETY AND ENJOYMENT
Responsible trail enthusiasts, both motorized and non-motorized, have much in common. They have an appreciation for our public lands and want to enjoy what our public lands have to offer.
In many parts of the country trails are open to and shared by equestrians, OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers. Trail sharing can and does work when people respect each other and work cooperatively to keep each other safe.
While it is important for people to respect each other on the trail, it is important to remember that equestrians are dealing not only with other trail enthusiasts’ personalities, they also are working with horses whose temperaments are as individual as our own. Horses’ natural instincts can influence their behaviors and affect the way they react to circumstances encountered on the trail.
For these reasons, it is important that equestrians know their horses well enough that they are confident that they will be able to control their horses when they encounter other trail enthusiasts who are allowed on the trail.
Conversely, OHV riders, bicycle riders, runners and hikers must understand that “equestrian only” trails must be respected for the safety of both the horse and rider. These trails offer the opportunity for horsemen to acclimate their horses to basic trail conditions without encountering “unknown threats” that can trigger the horse’s natural instinct of flight.
When young or inexperienced horses encounter new conditions on the trail like OHVs, bicycles, runners and hikers, and even certain scents, the flight response can end with disastrous results for the horse or rider.
When equestrians on well-trained horses and other responsible trail enthusiasts meet each other on the trail the encounters can be enjoyable social exchanges if the groups understand how to work together to keep the encounters safe.
These basic guidelines will help ensure that meeting on the trail will be a safe and enjoyable experience:
Guidelines for all trail enthusiasts:
Common Courtesy
o Respect all trail restrictions and use only trails open to your mode of transportation.
o Be considerate of others on the road or trail.
o When traveling on shared use trails, continually watch for other types of recreationists.
o Slow down when sight lines are poor.
o Keep speeds low around other recreationists.
o Keep noise and dust down.
o Keep your ears open – no ear buds for an IPod or MP3. Listening to headphones or ear buds can make it difficult to hear and communicate with other recreationists. In some areas it is illegal to operate vehicles or bikes with both ears covered.
o Keep pets under control. Some trails require dogs to be leashed. Be familiar with local rules.
Yielding
o Yield the right of way to those passing you from behind or traveling uphill.
o Motorized vehicles yield to mountain bikes, runners, hikers, and horses.
o Mountain bikes yield to runners, hikers and horses.
o Runners and hikers yield to horses.
Guidelines for equestrians on shared trails:
o Be sure you can control your horse and it has been exposed to other trail recreational uses before riding on shared use trails.
o Cooperate with local OHV and bicycle riders to expose your horse to vehicles in a gradual manner in a safe environment.
o Be alert and aware of the presence of other trail enthusiasts. If possible, pull to the side of the trail when you hear oncoming OHVs or bicycles.
o At trailheads or staging areas, park vehicles and secure stock in a manner that provides a safe distance between the horses and passing traffic.
o Be prepared to let other trail enthusiasts know what needs to be done to keep you, the horse, and other trail enthusiasts safe when you meet on the trail.
o Less experienced horses and riders should ride behind more “trail-wise” horses and riders.
o If you are “ponying” a horse, go slow and never take a loose horse on the trail.
Guidelines for OHV riders when encountering horses on the trail:
o Pull to the side of the trail far enough for horses to pass safely as soon as you see horses.
o Pull to the downhill side of the trail if possible since horses tend to perceive unknown threats on the uphill side as predators.
o Shut off your motor as soon as possible and remove your helmet. The horse will be more likely to recognize you as a human.
o Speak to the oncoming rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone.
o Horsemen may pull to the side of the trail a safe distance if they hear an OHV approaching but this does not necessarily mean it is safe for you to ride by. Stop and wait for instructions from the horseman.
o Ask the horseman how he/she would like to proceed.
o The horseman will know his/her horse and how the horse reacts to other trail enthusiasts.
o The horseman may ask you to stay put and ride past you.
o The horseman may ride to the side of the trail and ask you to ride or push past them.
o If you ride by a horse, keep your rpm’s low and steady and your sound as low as possible. Sudden movements or sounds can startle horses.
o Be alert – be aware and on guard for oncoming traffic.
Guidelines for bicyclists when encountering horses on the trail:
o Pull to the side of the trail far enough for horses to pass safely as soon as you see horses.
o Pull to the downhill side of the trail if possible since horses tend to perceive unknown threats on the uphill side as predators.
o Speak to the oncoming rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone. Remove your helmet if it conceals part of your face. The horse will be more likely to recognize you as a human.
o Horsemen may pull to the side of the trail a safe distance if they hear a bicycle approaching but this does not necessarily mean it is safe for you to ride by. Stop and wait for instructions from the horseman.
o Ask the horseman how he/she would like to proceed.
o The horseman will know his/her horse and how the horse reacts to other trail enthusiasts.
o The horseman may ask you to stay put and ride past you.
o The horseman may ride to the side of the trail and ask you to ride or push past them.
o If you ride by a horse, do so at a slow, steady pace and avoid making any sudden movements or sounds that might startle the horse.
o Be alert – be aware and on guard for oncoming traffic.
Guidelines for other non-motorized recreationists when encountering horses on the trail:
o Hikers and trail runners should always stop and step to the side of the trail when they meet horses on the trail.
o Step to the down-hill side of the trail.
o Speak to the rider and horse in a friendly, relaxed tone.
o Keep pets under control.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Hoofcare Clinic in Idaho at Owyhee Fandango
A two hour clinic on 'Hoofcare and Application of New Hoof Protections on the Market' will be presented by Global Endurance Training Center at the Owyhee Fandango Ride in Oreana, Idaho.
The clinic will be held on Friday May 22, from 9am - 11am. The clinic is open to everyone, and will include live demonstrations and discussions of the various products on the market which are used in Endurance competitions for both the shod and the barefoot or booted horse.
There will be several product giveaways during the clinic to those in attendance.
Vettec, a major supplier of hoof care products, will be hosting a Wine and Cheese Social Friday evening after the veterinary examination of Saturday's competition horses.
The Owyhee Fandango International is a three day Endurance event being held May 23, 24, 25 in southwest Idaho. The event will offer 25, 50 and 75 mile distances each day, with the premier 100 mile event scheduled for the second day. The 50, 75 and 100 mile distances are dual sanctioned as AERC events, and also as FEI CEI*, CEI** and CEI*** events.
The 100 mile event will also be the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Region IV Championship.
Completion of all three days at the 50/55 mile distance will qualify riders for AERC Pioneer Award points.
More information can be found at www.endurance.net/Fandango/
Owyhee Fandango Sponsors include
(Primary Sponsors)
* Arabian Saddle Company (Rubicon Saddle)
* Endurance.Net
(Supporting Sponsors)
* Aromesse - Health for Horses
* Belesemo Arabians
* Easycare Inc
* Elete Electrolyte Water
* Equiflex USA
* Fleeceworks
* Horse Quencher
* Global Endurance Training Center
* Kerrits
* USANA
* VETTEC Hoof Care
* VESPA - All Natural Amino Acid Supplement
The clinic will be held on Friday May 22, from 9am - 11am. The clinic is open to everyone, and will include live demonstrations and discussions of the various products on the market which are used in Endurance competitions for both the shod and the barefoot or booted horse.
There will be several product giveaways during the clinic to those in attendance.
Vettec, a major supplier of hoof care products, will be hosting a Wine and Cheese Social Friday evening after the veterinary examination of Saturday's competition horses.
The Owyhee Fandango International is a three day Endurance event being held May 23, 24, 25 in southwest Idaho. The event will offer 25, 50 and 75 mile distances each day, with the premier 100 mile event scheduled for the second day. The 50, 75 and 100 mile distances are dual sanctioned as AERC events, and also as FEI CEI*, CEI** and CEI*** events.
The 100 mile event will also be the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Region IV Championship.
Completion of all three days at the 50/55 mile distance will qualify riders for AERC Pioneer Award points.
More information can be found at www.endurance.net/Fandango/
Owyhee Fandango Sponsors include
(Primary Sponsors)
* Arabian Saddle Company (Rubicon Saddle)
* Endurance.Net
(Supporting Sponsors)
* Aromesse - Health for Horses
* Belesemo Arabians
* Easycare Inc
* Elete Electrolyte Water
* Equiflex USA
* Fleeceworks
* Horse Quencher
* Global Endurance Training Center
* Kerrits
* USANA
* VETTEC Hoof Care
* VESPA - All Natural Amino Acid Supplement
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
USEF: FEI Novice Qualifying period extended
FEI Extends the Transitional Procedures for Novice Qualifying ONLY
The FEI has extended the period in which riders and horses may
become Novice Qualified. The Transitional Procedures, which were
in effect for 2007 and 2008 have been extended until September 30
2009. Through September 30 of 2009 the following is required to
become eligible to enter a CEI 1* (80km) Endurance Competition:
National (Novice) Qualification
Riders and Horses who have already successfully completed at
least 3 National events within 2007 and 2008 and up to the 30th
September 2009 at distances up to and including 90km (for the
USA, all AERC Competitions of any distance at any speed) (not
subject to time restrictions) will not need to re qualify prior
to competing within FEI competitions. NFs when entering such
riders and horses into FEI competitions must satisfy themselves
that such is the case (art 816.1)
Article 816.1.1.1 and 816.1.1.2 of the FEI Rules for Endurance
Events, 7th edition will not be in effect until October 1, 2009
Vonita Bowers
Director of Endurance and Reining Activities
The United States Equestrian Federation
The FEI has extended the period in which riders and horses may
become Novice Qualified. The Transitional Procedures, which were
in effect for 2007 and 2008 have been extended until September 30
2009. Through September 30 of 2009 the following is required to
become eligible to enter a CEI 1* (80km) Endurance Competition:
National (Novice) Qualification
Riders and Horses who have already successfully completed at
least 3 National events within 2007 and 2008 and up to the 30th
September 2009 at distances up to and including 90km (for the
USA, all AERC Competitions of any distance at any speed) (not
subject to time restrictions) will not need to re qualify prior
to competing within FEI competitions. NFs when entering such
riders and horses into FEI competitions must satisfy themselves
that such is the case (art 816.1)
Article 816.1.1.1 and 816.1.1.2 of the FEI Rules for Endurance
Events, 7th edition will not be in effect until October 1, 2009
Vonita Bowers
Director of Endurance and Reining Activities
The United States Equestrian Federation
2009 Tom Quilty Gala Fundraising Dinner
The Victorian Tom Quilty Gold Cup Committee are holding a gala dinner to raise funds for the 2009 Tom Quilty Endurance ride scheduled for September at Tonimbuk, Victoria.
Event Director, Lissy Verity assures everyone who comes along a great night of dining and entertainment with guest speaker Meg Wade, a live band and a host of items up for auction. "It’s an important event on our calendar not only to raise funds to help run the event but to also showcase a little of what the area has to offer," she says.
Date: Saturday 11 July, 2009, 7.00 p.m. ‘til midnight.
Venue: Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham (Mel Ref 215 H5)
Cost: $90.00 per person (includes 2 course meal plus beer and wine)
For more information or to purchase tickets contact Sue Cousins Ph (03) 56292530
Event Director, Lissy Verity assures everyone who comes along a great night of dining and entertainment with guest speaker Meg Wade, a live band and a host of items up for auction. "It’s an important event on our calendar not only to raise funds to help run the event but to also showcase a little of what the area has to offer," she says.
Date: Saturday 11 July, 2009, 7.00 p.m. ‘til midnight.
Venue: Cardinia Cultural Centre, Lakeside Boulevard, Pakenham (Mel Ref 215 H5)
Cost: $90.00 per person (includes 2 course meal plus beer and wine)
For more information or to purchase tickets contact Sue Cousins Ph (03) 56292530
Monday, April 13, 2009
Karen's Musings & Endurance Ride Stuff
This ride has been going on since 1975 and is quite possibly the oldest ride in the Mountain Region of AERC. I had a fantastic time and the weather was really nice during the entire event. My horses also did very well though Bo started to develop scratches on his three feet that have white hair - not bad and not enough to make him lame but it is something I need to watch with him.
We finished 17th today out of 37 on the 50. Got up to 76 degrees and was beautiful, we had a really nice ride. I took lots of photos and will post them as soon as I can. Dave Rabe and I drove about 120 miles and are staying at a place in the middle of nowhere that has a rodeo grounds before making the even longer trip home tomorrow.
It is always a joy to get to see Marian, Stacy, Kelly and their family at this ride. Nice people! Also got to see and visit with the Duck and Annie plus a lot of riders who are all looking good. It’s so good to get to see people that you only see a couple of times a year when ride season starts going again.
Linda Fisher’s granddaughter riding the pony in the LD was priceless! Check endurance.net for more photos from Steve Bradley. He hasn’t uploaded them all to smugmug yet but when he does I’ll post the link. I have so many photos to share of the trail - this ride gets it’s name deservedly so - what awesome colors and scenery we get to ride through!
This ride is a difficult one for the horses. Lots of motorcycle woops plus plenty of hardpacked and rocky trails. Deep sand too. Bo learned how to go over the trippy-rocks gracefully and between this and the NASTR ride last weekend is a pro at the motorcycle woops!
I had an overall perfect ride. Especially where my hoof boots are concerned - all of the glue-ons I used stayed on 100% but it is the strap ons that really blow me away. I am totally impressed with how well they worked and how clean they came off of Chief. I can see why there is such a following for these boots and why so may others are joining in. There have been a lot of improvements in them even since I started using them.
Will write more after I get caught up and can process my photos. So far the trip home is going well. Bo rested for four hours before I hauled him 120 miles and is going to get to rest overnght before going the rest of the way tomorrow.
I am rethinking taking Bo on High Desert next weekend. I don’t want to do too much with him and he has done two days here plus a day at NASTR a week ago, which was a difficult ride. He is so strong now that I just worry about doing too much on him. I may still ride Chief a day at the ride next weekend. I don’t know I’m just thinking aloud. Hmmmmmm…..
[...more]
This ride has been going on since 1975 and is quite possibly the oldest ride in the Mountain Region of AERC. I had a fantastic time and the weather was really nice during the entire event. My horses also did very well though Bo started to develop scratches on his three feet that have white hair - not bad and not enough to make him lame but it is something I need to watch with him.
We finished 17th today out of 37 on the 50. Got up to 76 degrees and was beautiful, we had a really nice ride. I took lots of photos and will post them as soon as I can. Dave Rabe and I drove about 120 miles and are staying at a place in the middle of nowhere that has a rodeo grounds before making the even longer trip home tomorrow.
It is always a joy to get to see Marian, Stacy, Kelly and their family at this ride. Nice people! Also got to see and visit with the Duck and Annie plus a lot of riders who are all looking good. It’s so good to get to see people that you only see a couple of times a year when ride season starts going again.
Linda Fisher’s granddaughter riding the pony in the LD was priceless! Check endurance.net for more photos from Steve Bradley. He hasn’t uploaded them all to smugmug yet but when he does I’ll post the link. I have so many photos to share of the trail - this ride gets it’s name deservedly so - what awesome colors and scenery we get to ride through!
This ride is a difficult one for the horses. Lots of motorcycle woops plus plenty of hardpacked and rocky trails. Deep sand too. Bo learned how to go over the trippy-rocks gracefully and between this and the NASTR ride last weekend is a pro at the motorcycle woops!
I had an overall perfect ride. Especially where my hoof boots are concerned - all of the glue-ons I used stayed on 100% but it is the strap ons that really blow me away. I am totally impressed with how well they worked and how clean they came off of Chief. I can see why there is such a following for these boots and why so may others are joining in. There have been a lot of improvements in them even since I started using them.
Will write more after I get caught up and can process my photos. So far the trip home is going well. Bo rested for four hours before I hauled him 120 miles and is going to get to rest overnght before going the rest of the way tomorrow.
I am rethinking taking Bo on High Desert next weekend. I don’t want to do too much with him and he has done two days here plus a day at NASTR a week ago, which was a difficult ride. He is so strong now that I just worry about doing too much on him. I may still ride Chief a day at the ride next weekend. I don’t know I’m just thinking aloud. Hmmmmmm…..
[...more]
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Day 1 at Color Country
EnduranceRideStuff.com
Karen Chaton
April 10
The weather has been holding out for us and has been really just perfect. I finished around 4:30 this afternoon on Bo. He did pretty well today and I rode most of the day with Kerry and Dave. Kerry had me work with Bo and get him to walk (versus jig) — he was doing really well and now I need to keep with it and not allow him to get away with jigging. He has a really nice walk, Kerry said she’s gps’d it at 5.5. That is as fast as Chief can walk! I remember how fast he has walked with me on previous rides so I knew he had a really fast walk, I just never knew until today that he could go as fast as 5 mph. He is a rein-swinger, when he gets going in that super fast marching type walk the reins and his neck swing back and forth. I think he needed to get that rhythym going and I had been holding him up. So today was a pretty good day.
[...more]
Karen Chaton
April 10
The weather has been holding out for us and has been really just perfect. I finished around 4:30 this afternoon on Bo. He did pretty well today and I rode most of the day with Kerry and Dave. Kerry had me work with Bo and get him to walk (versus jig) — he was doing really well and now I need to keep with it and not allow him to get away with jigging. He has a really nice walk, Kerry said she’s gps’d it at 5.5. That is as fast as Chief can walk! I remember how fast he has walked with me on previous rides so I knew he had a really fast walk, I just never knew until today that he could go as fast as 5 mph. He is a rein-swinger, when he gets going in that super fast marching type walk the reins and his neck swing back and forth. I think he needed to get that rhythym going and I had been holding him up. So today was a pretty good day.[...more]
Hoof Boots at the Git R Done endurance event
From The Horse's Mouth
Garrett Ford
April 10
I went over to the Git R Done endurance event to help some riders install Easyboot Glue On hoof boots.
Tennessee Mahoney and I spent some time installing glue on boots to Pearl's front and back feet. Pearl has some awesome barefoot feet and isn't new to hoof boots. Tennessee and Pearl have been one of the leading barefoot/booted endurance teams over the last couple years. Depending on the footing Pearl goes with or without boots and has received Best Condition totally barefoot on more than one occasion.
Tennessee worked Pearl in the round pen after we installed boots and I had the opportunity to see her move around. She's one of those horses who moves effortlessly and has no wasted energy. Nice, nice horse.
[...more]
Garrett Ford
April 10
I went over to the Git R Done endurance event to help some riders install Easyboot Glue On hoof boots.
Tennessee Mahoney and I spent some time installing glue on boots to Pearl's front and back feet. Pearl has some awesome barefoot feet and isn't new to hoof boots. Tennessee and Pearl have been one of the leading barefoot/booted endurance teams over the last couple years. Depending on the footing Pearl goes with or without boots and has received Best Condition totally barefoot on more than one occasion.
Tennessee worked Pearl in the round pen after we installed boots and I had the opportunity to see her move around. She's one of those horses who moves effortlessly and has no wasted energy. Nice, nice horse.
[...more]
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
EasyCare Hoof Boot Demos in April and May
From The Horse's Mouth
April
EasyCare will be doing a hoof boot demo at the Color Country Pioneer and the Git R Done endurance events this coming weekend.
Garrett Ford of EasyCare will be at the Git R Done (April 11) endurance event in Inyokern, California. Christoph Schork of Global Endurance will be attending the Color Country Pioneer event (April 11-14).
The Git R Done demo will be held Thursday late afternoon and will show how to prep and glue four Easyboot Glue-On boots. Garrett will also show how to properly size the new boot range with the EasyCare “Fit Kit”. Christoph will demo boots, glue-on techniques and help with any fitting questions.
May
Christoph Schork will be hosting a Hoofcare Clinic on May 22 at the Owyhee Fandango ride in Oreana, Idaho. The clinic which is titled Hoofcare and Application of New Hoof Protections on the Market, will be held Friday morning, 9am - 11am.
More info on EasyCare's new boot line can be found at www.hoofbootnews.com
April
EasyCare will be doing a hoof boot demo at the Color Country Pioneer and the Git R Done endurance events this coming weekend.
Garrett Ford of EasyCare will be at the Git R Done (April 11) endurance event in Inyokern, California. Christoph Schork of Global Endurance will be attending the Color Country Pioneer event (April 11-14).
The Git R Done demo will be held Thursday late afternoon and will show how to prep and glue four Easyboot Glue-On boots. Garrett will also show how to properly size the new boot range with the EasyCare “Fit Kit”. Christoph will demo boots, glue-on techniques and help with any fitting questions.
May
Christoph Schork will be hosting a Hoofcare Clinic on May 22 at the Owyhee Fandango ride in Oreana, Idaho. The clinic which is titled Hoofcare and Application of New Hoof Protections on the Market, will be held Friday morning, 9am - 11am.
More info on EasyCare's new boot line can be found at www.hoofbootnews.com
Monday, April 06, 2009
Tack shop owner shares love of riding
Oregon Mail Tribune
photo: Candace Kahn is the owner of Action Rider Tack an internet and soon to be retail site for equestrian supplies. Bob Pennell / Mail Tribune photoBob Pennell
By Greg Stiles
Mail Tribune
Editor's note: This is one in a weekly series of profiles on locally owned and operated businesses in Southern Oregon.
What do you do and how long have you been doing it? I sell tack for the endurance and trail rider. I have been doing that since 2004.
[Action Rider Tack
Owner: Candy Kahn
Web site: www.actionridertack.com]
How long have you lived in the Rogue Valley? I've been here for nine years. We moved here from San Diego. I'm originally from Long Island, N.Y.
What inspired you to go into this line of work? Back in 2003, I took my horses barefoot and thought that was best for them. At the time there was no one in the valley doing a barefoot trim. So I had to learn to trim myself. I took classes and became a certified barefoot trimmer. In 2004, EasyCare came out with the Boa Horse Boots and this enabled me to better compete in endurance riding. I convinced them to let me sell their boots. My interest is in selling products that enhance the horse's comfort and performance.
What decision or action would you change if you could do it again? I would probably have moved into Medford earlier. I started at my ranch in Jacksonville. People didn't find me, and it makes it easier for deliveries, shipments — because we ship worldwide — and employees. It's more accessible now and people come and take a look.
What's the toughest business decision you've made? When I had to lay someone off because of the economic downturn. That was very difficult. Horse people usually spend money on their horses but they do cut back on spending, and we have seen that.
Who are your competitors? My competitors are actually not in this area. They're other businesses that sell endurance and trail tack, and that's mostly on the Internet. I don't compete with Big R, Horse Blanket, Western or Gid-De-Up Barkins Boutique in Phoenix. They're more English, hunter jumper and dressage. Our products are more unique to endurance and trail riders. We specialize in treeless saddles.
What are your goals? I want to continue to be a healthy company so we can continue to help horses and riders find a better partnership. I go to nine to 11 trade shows every year in Ohio, California, Massachusetts and Arizona. I go to Spoga Horse, an international trade fair for equestrian sports show, in Cologne, Germany. It's the largest trade show in Europe. I go there to see if there are more products to bring into the U.S. Right now, I import treeless saddles from Italy and Germany. The treeless and boot industry has grown and there are other distributors in foreign countries. There's enough business in the U.S., but if I can help someone in foreign country, I'm there.
What training or education did you need? I'm a horse-massage therapist, a certified barefoot trimmer and I've been riding since the 1970s. I've competed in endurance and trail riding since the 1970s. I've learned from clinicians and read and researched.
What's your advice for budding entrepreneurs? Know what direction you want to go in. What's really important is to have a plan and stick to that plan. It's so easy to get wrapped up and take on more than you can handle. I was really careful when I started; the core of my business started out with the boots. I built it slowly over the past five years.
[...more]
photo: Candace Kahn is the owner of Action Rider Tack an internet and soon to be retail site for equestrian supplies. Bob Pennell / Mail Tribune photoBob PennellBy Greg Stiles
Mail Tribune
Editor's note: This is one in a weekly series of profiles on locally owned and operated businesses in Southern Oregon.
What do you do and how long have you been doing it? I sell tack for the endurance and trail rider. I have been doing that since 2004.
[Action Rider Tack
Owner: Candy Kahn
Web site: www.actionridertack.com]
How long have you lived in the Rogue Valley? I've been here for nine years. We moved here from San Diego. I'm originally from Long Island, N.Y.
What inspired you to go into this line of work? Back in 2003, I took my horses barefoot and thought that was best for them. At the time there was no one in the valley doing a barefoot trim. So I had to learn to trim myself. I took classes and became a certified barefoot trimmer. In 2004, EasyCare came out with the Boa Horse Boots and this enabled me to better compete in endurance riding. I convinced them to let me sell their boots. My interest is in selling products that enhance the horse's comfort and performance.
What decision or action would you change if you could do it again? I would probably have moved into Medford earlier. I started at my ranch in Jacksonville. People didn't find me, and it makes it easier for deliveries, shipments — because we ship worldwide — and employees. It's more accessible now and people come and take a look.
What's the toughest business decision you've made? When I had to lay someone off because of the economic downturn. That was very difficult. Horse people usually spend money on their horses but they do cut back on spending, and we have seen that.
Who are your competitors? My competitors are actually not in this area. They're other businesses that sell endurance and trail tack, and that's mostly on the Internet. I don't compete with Big R, Horse Blanket, Western or Gid-De-Up Barkins Boutique in Phoenix. They're more English, hunter jumper and dressage. Our products are more unique to endurance and trail riders. We specialize in treeless saddles.
What are your goals? I want to continue to be a healthy company so we can continue to help horses and riders find a better partnership. I go to nine to 11 trade shows every year in Ohio, California, Massachusetts and Arizona. I go to Spoga Horse, an international trade fair for equestrian sports show, in Cologne, Germany. It's the largest trade show in Europe. I go there to see if there are more products to bring into the U.S. Right now, I import treeless saddles from Italy and Germany. The treeless and boot industry has grown and there are other distributors in foreign countries. There's enough business in the U.S., but if I can help someone in foreign country, I'm there.
What training or education did you need? I'm a horse-massage therapist, a certified barefoot trimmer and I've been riding since the 1970s. I've competed in endurance and trail riding since the 1970s. I've learned from clinicians and read and researched.
What's your advice for budding entrepreneurs? Know what direction you want to go in. What's really important is to have a plan and stick to that plan. It's so easy to get wrapped up and take on more than you can handle. I was really careful when I started; the core of my business started out with the boots. I built it slowly over the past five years.
[...more]
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Cathy Rohm: A thing for the ponies
SF Gate - San Francisco Chronicle
Sam Whiting
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Cathy Rohm is a legal assistant who likes to get out and ride. Thirty or 40 miles will do for Rohm, who is 59 and lives in Greenwood (El Dorado County).
Why: Endurance riding involves beautiful trails where, for the most part, there's no one else but you and your horse for miles and miles and miles. If you're a horse lover, there is absolutely no better way to "become one" with your horse.
Greatest accomplishment: Winning the Tevis Cup (100-Miles-One-Day Trail Ride) in 2005. It's the world's oldest and toughest endurance ride, going from Tahoe to Auburn. We start at 5:15 a.m., and the first rider comes into Auburn around midnight, or a bit before.
Gear you can't live without: My purebred Arabian gelding, Sicily 1A. He'll be 16 on Tevis day, Aug. 1. They take good care of themselves and are catlike when negotiating the narrow, steep trails on which we ride.
Where you train: The single-track trails of the American River Canyon, sometimes trailering to Foresthill, Michigan Bluff or Auburn for a ride home.
Time you get up in the morning: 5:30 a.m.
Best time to train: Whenever you have at least two hours to dedicate to riding, and this includes time grooming and tacking your horse.
Most annoying thing people assume about athletes in your sport: That we're somehow "cruel" to our horses, riding them for hours at a stretch. With mandatory, thorough vet checks at even the shortest rides, the horses are extremely well monitored, and we spend tons of money on supplements and feed.
Advice you'd give a rookie: Get a mentor and begin with limited-distance rides, which are 25 to 30 miles, and move up in distance (50s and 100s) only when you and your horse are ready.
[...more]
Sam Whiting
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Cathy Rohm is a legal assistant who likes to get out and ride. Thirty or 40 miles will do for Rohm, who is 59 and lives in Greenwood (El Dorado County).Why: Endurance riding involves beautiful trails where, for the most part, there's no one else but you and your horse for miles and miles and miles. If you're a horse lover, there is absolutely no better way to "become one" with your horse.
Greatest accomplishment: Winning the Tevis Cup (100-Miles-One-Day Trail Ride) in 2005. It's the world's oldest and toughest endurance ride, going from Tahoe to Auburn. We start at 5:15 a.m., and the first rider comes into Auburn around midnight, or a bit before.
Gear you can't live without: My purebred Arabian gelding, Sicily 1A. He'll be 16 on Tevis day, Aug. 1. They take good care of themselves and are catlike when negotiating the narrow, steep trails on which we ride.
Where you train: The single-track trails of the American River Canyon, sometimes trailering to Foresthill, Michigan Bluff or Auburn for a ride home.
Time you get up in the morning: 5:30 a.m.
Best time to train: Whenever you have at least two hours to dedicate to riding, and this includes time grooming and tacking your horse.
Most annoying thing people assume about athletes in your sport: That we're somehow "cruel" to our horses, riding them for hours at a stretch. With mandatory, thorough vet checks at even the shortest rides, the horses are extremely well monitored, and we spend tons of money on supplements and feed.
Advice you'd give a rookie: Get a mentor and begin with limited-distance rides, which are 25 to 30 miles, and move up in distance (50s and 100s) only when you and your horse are ready.
[...more]
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Saddle Pads and Saddle Fitting - A review of Thinline Pads
Cordia Pearson
Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter
www.saddlefitter.com
When ThinLIne asked me to test their product, I did so with no preconceived notions.
For three weeks, I rode two of our Morgan stallions, both with correctly fitted saddles. One day with the ThinLine, the next without. Every time the ThinLine was on board, my boys’ gaits swung more, their backs were consistently up and my aids were more thoughts than actions.
These are some of the conditions that can be addressed with ThinLine pads:
Young horses: With their growth so unpredictable, we protect a developing back while keeping the young horse’s saddle balanced with the Cotton Comfort and Sheepskin Comfort pads (using the appropriate shims.) No more changing the flocking of the saddle every few months. No more unbalanced saddles (low in front) driving the points into the growing horse’s back. And it saves money!
Rehab horses:
Pictured here is one of my favorite 2008 rehab story, an Eventing Thoroughbred. When I first me Navarre, he was in a gorgeous saddle sadly two tree sizes too small. He had severe muscle wastage under the saddle points and his back was very sore to palpation. We got him fitted with the correct width of saddle and added the ThinLIne Sheepskin Half Pad. Two days later, he was at Trott Brook, our largest Event in MN. He placed fifth in a large field with Sieren Peterson on board. But even more gratifying, a month later when I rechecked him and his new saddle, Navarre’s back was not only healed, but turning into a gorgeous field of new muscle. Photo by Schock Photograpy.
New riders or riders in the process of losing weight: In both cases, with the use of the ThinLine pad, 95% of recoil is diverted from the horse’s back. I try to get all my school horses outfitted with the 202 ThinLine pad for just this reason.
Riders with back problems: The Ultra ThinLIne offers the rider same recoil removing qualities as the ThinLine does for the horse.
Saddles on round horses: Lateral stability is everything in the horse’s back growth and the rider’s security. Even with appropriately shaped trees, give the round backed horses and ThinLine pad and girth and the saddle stops rolling.
ThinLine Pads are a gift to horses, riders and saddle fitters!
Society of Master Saddlers Qualified Saddle Fitter
www.saddlefitter.com
When ThinLIne asked me to test their product, I did so with no preconceived notions.
For three weeks, I rode two of our Morgan stallions, both with correctly fitted saddles. One day with the ThinLine, the next without. Every time the ThinLine was on board, my boys’ gaits swung more, their backs were consistently up and my aids were more thoughts than actions. These are some of the conditions that can be addressed with ThinLine pads:
Young horses: With their growth so unpredictable, we protect a developing back while keeping the young horse’s saddle balanced with the Cotton Comfort and Sheepskin Comfort pads (using the appropriate shims.) No more changing the flocking of the saddle every few months. No more unbalanced saddles (low in front) driving the points into the growing horse’s back. And it saves money!Rehab horses:
Pictured here is one of my favorite 2008 rehab story, an Eventing Thoroughbred. When I first me Navarre, he was in a gorgeous saddle sadly two tree sizes too small. He had severe muscle wastage under the saddle points and his back was very sore to palpation. We got him fitted with the correct width of saddle and added the ThinLIne Sheepskin Half Pad. Two days later, he was at Trott Brook, our largest Event in MN. He placed fifth in a large field with Sieren Peterson on board. But even more gratifying, a month later when I rechecked him and his new saddle, Navarre’s back was not only healed, but turning into a gorgeous field of new muscle. Photo by Schock Photograpy.New riders or riders in the process of losing weight: In both cases, with the use of the ThinLine pad, 95% of recoil is diverted from the horse’s back. I try to get all my school horses outfitted with the 202 ThinLine pad for just this reason.Riders with back problems: The Ultra ThinLIne offers the rider same recoil removing qualities as the ThinLine does for the horse.
Saddles on round horses: Lateral stability is everything in the horse’s back growth and the rider’s security. Even with appropriately shaped trees, give the round backed horses and ThinLine pad and girth and the saddle stops rolling.
ThinLine Pads are a gift to horses, riders and saddle fitters!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Top Riders Win with Easyboot Gloves and Glue-Ons
EquestrianMag.com
Equestrian News Release
Impressive results continue to roll in for Easyboot hoof boot products in endurance competitions around the world.
Australia. Carol Layton and Sqiggle finished first in the lightweight division and won Best Condition at the Kiwarrak endurance ride March 21. "Many in the peanut gallery at the workout for all the division horses were heard to say that they felt that Sqiggle had the best movement of the lot," said Carol. Carol and Sqiggle used Easyboot Gloves during the event.
USA. Heather Reynolds and her mare “Gem” won their 5th consecutive event with first place finishes all three days at the Cuyama Oaks Pioneer. Gem also received overall Best Condition for the event. Gem recently was 1st place and Best Condition at the Twenty Mule Team 65 and the Shine and Shine Only 50. Heather and Gem have been racing in both the Easyboot Glue-On and Easyboot Glove.
“The boots have worked out really great.” said Heather. “Twenty Mule Team was a really sandy ride. We took the boots off right afterwards and there wasn’t any sand in the boots. We were really amazed.” Heather has an impressive American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) record of over 14,000 miles.
Chris Martin’s horse, Monk, finished the Twenty Mule Team Ride 4th in Easyboot Glue-On’s with Lindsay Graham of Napa, CA up. Dave Rabe finished a respectable 12th on his Arab gelding, Tigger.
Vettec Adhere is used to apply Easyboot Glue-Ons. Easyboot Gloves and Glue-Ons were just released in January.
EasyCare, Inc. has been a leader in the hoof boot industry for years, beginning with the invention of the Easyboot back in the early 70's. Since then, the need for boots has grown tremendously as more and more horse owners see the healthy advantages of pulling shoes and switching to natural hoof care.
[...more]
Equestrian News Release
Impressive results continue to roll in for Easyboot hoof boot products in endurance competitions around the world.
Australia. Carol Layton and Sqiggle finished first in the lightweight division and won Best Condition at the Kiwarrak endurance ride March 21. "Many in the peanut gallery at the workout for all the division horses were heard to say that they felt that Sqiggle had the best movement of the lot," said Carol. Carol and Sqiggle used Easyboot Gloves during the event.
USA. Heather Reynolds and her mare “Gem” won their 5th consecutive event with first place finishes all three days at the Cuyama Oaks Pioneer. Gem also received overall Best Condition for the event. Gem recently was 1st place and Best Condition at the Twenty Mule Team 65 and the Shine and Shine Only 50. Heather and Gem have been racing in both the Easyboot Glue-On and Easyboot Glove.
“The boots have worked out really great.” said Heather. “Twenty Mule Team was a really sandy ride. We took the boots off right afterwards and there wasn’t any sand in the boots. We were really amazed.” Heather has an impressive American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) record of over 14,000 miles.
Chris Martin’s horse, Monk, finished the Twenty Mule Team Ride 4th in Easyboot Glue-On’s with Lindsay Graham of Napa, CA up. Dave Rabe finished a respectable 12th on his Arab gelding, Tigger.
Vettec Adhere is used to apply Easyboot Glue-Ons. Easyboot Gloves and Glue-Ons were just released in January.
EasyCare, Inc. has been a leader in the hoof boot industry for years, beginning with the invention of the Easyboot back in the early 70's. Since then, the need for boots has grown tremendously as more and more horse owners see the healthy advantages of pulling shoes and switching to natural hoof care.
[...more]
Thursday, March 26, 2009
VVMarchMaddness TrackLogs Look Like A Horse!!
Flora Hillman's 525 Mile Very Virtual Track Logs are taking on the outline of a horse. I wonder what that might imply? 5 Days are left in the race with 5448 Total miles logged by 64 Very Virtual Riders!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
New Zealand: Sophie a natural in the saddle
Moruya.yourguide.com.au
BY JOSH GIDNEY
25/03/2009
Benandarah endurance rider Sophie Counsell has plenty of good form on her side as she prepares for the NSW State Enduro Championships in the Boyne and Benendarah State Forests on July 19.
For more local news and photos grab a copy of the Bay Post or Moruya Examiner.
The 15-year-old St Peter’s Anglican College student was the fourth-placed junior rider in the pointscore for the 2008 Enduro Series and first of all the South Coast riders.
She was the first placed junior rider with the best managed horse at the South Coast Championships at Nowra, where she and her horse covered 100km.
Endurance rides involve minimum distances of 80km over difficult bushy terrain such as goat trails and fire trails.
Counsell will compete in the NSW State Championships at Oberon next weekend
As her successes show, Counsell is a natural on a horse, and recently completed her three trick riding course under instructor Heath Harris, who trained riders for films such as the Man From Snowy River and Phar Lap.
In this she has learnt to preform such manoeuvres such as riding while hanging under the horse.
BY JOSH GIDNEY
25/03/2009
Benandarah endurance rider Sophie Counsell has plenty of good form on her side as she prepares for the NSW State Enduro Championships in the Boyne and Benendarah State Forests on July 19.
For more local news and photos grab a copy of the Bay Post or Moruya Examiner.
The 15-year-old St Peter’s Anglican College student was the fourth-placed junior rider in the pointscore for the 2008 Enduro Series and first of all the South Coast riders.
She was the first placed junior rider with the best managed horse at the South Coast Championships at Nowra, where she and her horse covered 100km.
Endurance rides involve minimum distances of 80km over difficult bushy terrain such as goat trails and fire trails.
Counsell will compete in the NSW State Championships at Oberon next weekend
As her successes show, Counsell is a natural on a horse, and recently completed her three trick riding course under instructor Heath Harris, who trained riders for films such as the Man From Snowy River and Phar Lap.
In this she has learnt to preform such manoeuvres such as riding while hanging under the horse.
Trail Riding Club looking for volunteers for national champs
Times-age.co.nz
25.03.2009
The Wairarapa Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding Club are looking for volunteer workers to help with the running of the national championships at Whareama over Easter weekend.
A late decision to host the event after other North Island clubs declined has left the Wairarapa club little time to find the number of people required to assist with organisation.
But spokesperson Jenny Champion is hoping a committee meeting at the Masterton Cosmopolitan Club starting at 7.30pm next Tuesday evening will solve their problems in that respect.
"We are inviting anybody who can help out to come along and we'd like to think we'll get enough support to do the trick," she said.
"There are all sorts of jobs to be done over the three days so we won't be turning anybody down."
Champion is expecting about 150 riders from all over the country to participate in the national championships which will see competitions held over distances of 160km, 120km, 104km, 80km and 40km between April 10 and 12.
And she herself will be centre stage as she looks to defend the 160km title she won at Kurow last year and, before that, at Hawerden in 2006.
On both occasions Champion, from Eketahuna was aboard her now 14-year-old mare Freckles and the partnership will continue at Whareama.
While "more than happy" with Freckles' current fitness and mindset Champion is, however, aware that a hat-trick of national titles won't happen unless she is 100 per cent on the day, and even then the expected high quality of the opposition could see her relegated to a minor placing.
"You can taken nothing for granted over 160kms, everything can be fine when you start off and then turn to custard" she said.
"It's very much down to the day, you can never be too confident".
Champion does believe though that the Whareama course, which will mainly be flat in nature and will involve up to seven different farming properties, will suit Freckles because she is small in size and therefore light on her feet. "She handles the hills OK but the flat is more her go," she said.
Start time for the 160km event is 1am and the participants will be guided through the darkness by fluorescent markers and they will also be aided by the wearing by head lamps.
Champion is not the only Wairarapa rider expected to fare prominently over the 160kms with her partner Shane Dougan, Sheree Brown and Deirdre Bartlett all having good prospects as well.
25.03.2009
The Wairarapa Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding Club are looking for volunteer workers to help with the running of the national championships at Whareama over Easter weekend.
A late decision to host the event after other North Island clubs declined has left the Wairarapa club little time to find the number of people required to assist with organisation.
But spokesperson Jenny Champion is hoping a committee meeting at the Masterton Cosmopolitan Club starting at 7.30pm next Tuesday evening will solve their problems in that respect.
"We are inviting anybody who can help out to come along and we'd like to think we'll get enough support to do the trick," she said.
"There are all sorts of jobs to be done over the three days so we won't be turning anybody down."
Champion is expecting about 150 riders from all over the country to participate in the national championships which will see competitions held over distances of 160km, 120km, 104km, 80km and 40km between April 10 and 12.
And she herself will be centre stage as she looks to defend the 160km title she won at Kurow last year and, before that, at Hawerden in 2006.
On both occasions Champion, from Eketahuna was aboard her now 14-year-old mare Freckles and the partnership will continue at Whareama.
While "more than happy" with Freckles' current fitness and mindset Champion is, however, aware that a hat-trick of national titles won't happen unless she is 100 per cent on the day, and even then the expected high quality of the opposition could see her relegated to a minor placing.
"You can taken nothing for granted over 160kms, everything can be fine when you start off and then turn to custard" she said.
"It's very much down to the day, you can never be too confident".
Champion does believe though that the Whareama course, which will mainly be flat in nature and will involve up to seven different farming properties, will suit Freckles because she is small in size and therefore light on her feet. "She handles the hills OK but the flat is more her go," she said.
Start time for the 160km event is 1am and the participants will be guided through the darkness by fluorescent markers and they will also be aided by the wearing by head lamps.
Champion is not the only Wairarapa rider expected to fare prominently over the 160kms with her partner Shane Dougan, Sheree Brown and Deirdre Bartlett all having good prospects as well.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Great Britain: The Pony Club Endurance Enjoys Fantastic Launch
Horsemart.co.uk
23 March 2009
The Pony Club launched Endurance riding, as an official Pony Club discipline, on March 22nd in Milton Keynes Campbell Park courtesy of the Milton Keynes Parks Trust. The Park, along with some lovely weather, proved a perfect setting with its mix open countryside and special features; although the concrete cows proved slightly less popular with some of the equines in attendance!
The competition had a full entry of over 50 competitors, with Pony Club Members taking part in four, 10, 23, 27 and 37km Endurance rides running throughout the day. The launch was kindly run and hosted by the local Whaddon Chase Pony Club Branch, who ran a seamless competition with some special touches that included a very artistic cake to celebrate both The Pony Clubs 80th Anniversary and the Endurance launch.
Pony Club Endurance is generously supported by new sponsor Carr & Day & Martin and Nicola Slater, Technical Advisor for Carr & Day & Martin, was on hand throughout the day supplying riders with goody bags and the winners with some very smart polo shirts too!
Cherry Michell, Chairman of The Pony Club, was delighted with the launch and commented that “Coming here today has only cemented my feeling that Endurance being a part of The Pony Club is the right decision. We have riders and ponies of all abilities, having a brilliant time and getting out in the countryside, which can only be a good thing”.
It is planned that Pony Club Endurance events will be run around the country in 2009, culminating in the Pony Club Endurance Championship on September 20th at The College EC, Bedfordshire.
For further details about Pony Club Endurance, or Pony Club Tests, activities and Membership see the website www.pcuk.org or contact 02476 698300
23 March 2009
The Pony Club launched Endurance riding, as an official Pony Club discipline, on March 22nd in Milton Keynes Campbell Park courtesy of the Milton Keynes Parks Trust. The Park, along with some lovely weather, proved a perfect setting with its mix open countryside and special features; although the concrete cows proved slightly less popular with some of the equines in attendance!
The competition had a full entry of over 50 competitors, with Pony Club Members taking part in four, 10, 23, 27 and 37km Endurance rides running throughout the day. The launch was kindly run and hosted by the local Whaddon Chase Pony Club Branch, who ran a seamless competition with some special touches that included a very artistic cake to celebrate both The Pony Clubs 80th Anniversary and the Endurance launch.
Pony Club Endurance is generously supported by new sponsor Carr & Day & Martin and Nicola Slater, Technical Advisor for Carr & Day & Martin, was on hand throughout the day supplying riders with goody bags and the winners with some very smart polo shirts too!
Cherry Michell, Chairman of The Pony Club, was delighted with the launch and commented that “Coming here today has only cemented my feeling that Endurance being a part of The Pony Club is the right decision. We have riders and ponies of all abilities, having a brilliant time and getting out in the countryside, which can only be a good thing”.
It is planned that Pony Club Endurance events will be run around the country in 2009, culminating in the Pony Club Endurance Championship on September 20th at The College EC, Bedfordshire.
For further details about Pony Club Endurance, or Pony Club Tests, activities and Membership see the website www.pcuk.org or contact 02476 698300
Friday, March 20, 2009
ApHC Names "Horse of the Year" Recipients for Trail and Distance Equestrian News Release MOSCOW, Idaho—The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) Trail and Dist
Equestrianmag.com
Equestrian News Release
MOSCOW, Idaho—The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) Trail and Distance Department is proud to announce the 2008 recipients of the “Horse of the Year” awards. Congratulations to Fourmile’s Kuna and RR Roman Scooter.
To earn the prestigious “Horse of the Year” awards for Trail and Distance, eligible ApHC-registered Appaloosas must complete a minimum of 350 miles in ApHC-approved competitive or endurance trail rides.
Fourmile’s Kuna earned the 2008 Year-end High-mileage Endurance Appaloosa Award and the 2008 Year-end High-mileage Appaloosa of the Year Award. He competed in 10 competitive and endurance trail rides for a total 770 miles after earning double miles, which are awarded to “Best Condition” and “High-point” winners. The 1995 gelding also earned a 350-mile bronze medallion for 2008. Fourmile’s Kuna is proudly owned by Lisa Delp of Westminister, Md.
RR Roman Scooter was honored with the 2008 Year-end High-mileage Competitive Trail Ride Appaloosa Award. The 2001 stallion earned the award by competing in 15 competitive trail rides, and completed 495 miles. He also earned a 350-mile bronze medallion and the 2008 1,000-mile award, which is awarded to an Appaloosa for each 1,000 miles that it completes. RR Roman Scooter is proudly owned by Barbara Gardner of Oakfield, Wis.
These awards will be presented to the Appaloosas’ owners at the 2008 Year-end Open/Non-pro Banquet held in conjunction with the 62nd National Appaloosa Show/2009 World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show in Jackson, Miss., June 22-July 4, 2009.
To learn more about the ApHC Trail and Distance Program, please call (208) 882-5578 ext. 221; trailrides@appaloosa.com or visit http://www.appaloosa.com.
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) was established in 1938, with a mission of preserving, promoting and enhancing the Appaloosa breed. The ApHC has since registered more than 670,000 Appaloosas, which are known for their distinctive color, intelligence and even temperament. True to their reputation as an extremely versatile breed, Appaloosas can be found in nearly every discipline including racing, endurance riding and serving as reliable family horses. The International breed registry is headquartered in Moscow, Idaho, the heart of the Palouse region—the Appaloosa breed’s namesake and point of origin.
[...more]
Equestrian News Release
MOSCOW, Idaho—The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) Trail and Distance Department is proud to announce the 2008 recipients of the “Horse of the Year” awards. Congratulations to Fourmile’s Kuna and RR Roman Scooter.
To earn the prestigious “Horse of the Year” awards for Trail and Distance, eligible ApHC-registered Appaloosas must complete a minimum of 350 miles in ApHC-approved competitive or endurance trail rides.
Fourmile’s Kuna earned the 2008 Year-end High-mileage Endurance Appaloosa Award and the 2008 Year-end High-mileage Appaloosa of the Year Award. He competed in 10 competitive and endurance trail rides for a total 770 miles after earning double miles, which are awarded to “Best Condition” and “High-point” winners. The 1995 gelding also earned a 350-mile bronze medallion for 2008. Fourmile’s Kuna is proudly owned by Lisa Delp of Westminister, Md.
RR Roman Scooter was honored with the 2008 Year-end High-mileage Competitive Trail Ride Appaloosa Award. The 2001 stallion earned the award by competing in 15 competitive trail rides, and completed 495 miles. He also earned a 350-mile bronze medallion and the 2008 1,000-mile award, which is awarded to an Appaloosa for each 1,000 miles that it completes. RR Roman Scooter is proudly owned by Barbara Gardner of Oakfield, Wis.
These awards will be presented to the Appaloosas’ owners at the 2008 Year-end Open/Non-pro Banquet held in conjunction with the 62nd National Appaloosa Show/2009 World Championship Appaloosa Youth Show in Jackson, Miss., June 22-July 4, 2009.
To learn more about the ApHC Trail and Distance Program, please call (208) 882-5578 ext. 221; trailrides@appaloosa.com or visit http://www.appaloosa.com.
The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) was established in 1938, with a mission of preserving, promoting and enhancing the Appaloosa breed. The ApHC has since registered more than 670,000 Appaloosas, which are known for their distinctive color, intelligence and even temperament. True to their reputation as an extremely versatile breed, Appaloosas can be found in nearly every discipline including racing, endurance riding and serving as reliable family horses. The International breed registry is headquartered in Moscow, Idaho, the heart of the Palouse region—the Appaloosa breed’s namesake and point of origin.
[...more]
Monday, March 16, 2009
Pan American Championship: Entry deadline extended
Memorandum
To: Endurance Athletes
From: USEF Endurance Department
Date: 3/16/2009
Re:Extension of the Application Period for the Pan American Endurance Championship Team
Extended deadline for applications for the Pan Am Endurance Team is March 20th, 2009
Athletes wishing to apply for the Pan American Endurance Team now have until Thursday, March 19. Athletes who have already applied can nominate additional horses on or before March 20. All applications and horse nominations must be faxed or hand delivered on or before March 20, 2009, and must include an application fee of $50 per rider, and a nomination fee of $50 per horse. Applications that are not in hand by 5:00pm Eastern Time on March 20, 2009 cannot be accepted. A copy of the Pan American Endurance Team Selection procedures including the application can be found on the USEF website www.usef.org, or may be obtained by calling or emailing Vonita Bowers, Endurance Director, vbowers@usef.org (859) 825-6001
To: Endurance Athletes
From: USEF Endurance Department
Date: 3/16/2009
Re:Extension of the Application Period for the Pan American Endurance Championship Team
Extended deadline for applications for the Pan Am Endurance Team is March 20th, 2009
Athletes wishing to apply for the Pan American Endurance Team now have until Thursday, March 19. Athletes who have already applied can nominate additional horses on or before March 20. All applications and horse nominations must be faxed or hand delivered on or before March 20, 2009, and must include an application fee of $50 per rider, and a nomination fee of $50 per horse. Applications that are not in hand by 5:00pm Eastern Time on March 20, 2009 cannot be accepted. A copy of the Pan American Endurance Team Selection procedures including the application can be found on the USEF website www.usef.org, or may be obtained by calling or emailing Vonita Bowers, Endurance Director, vbowers@usef.org (859) 825-6001
Friday, March 13, 2009
France CEN and FEI Star Qualification developments
Portail Endurance - Original posting in French
(the following is a translation from French to English using Google translation tools:)
Some words to keep you informed of developments in the transitional post-meeting held in the FFE and Deauville in early March.
The meeting organized by Dominique Faye in the presence of Ian Williams, at the FFE has achieved equivalency between CEN 2008 and IEC 2009. To be more clear, and knowing that the riders' skills are acquired in life, we obtained that:
- The qualifications in 2008, for CEN over distances ranging from 90 km to 109 km speed free, are now equivalent to the qualifications of the course said "novice" as defined in Regulation transitoire2009. This equivalence can participate in organized CEI1 * this year.
However this provision is very little English: indeed, when they qualify Amateur or Pro 1 GP (90 km free speed) the French riders have participated in at least three tests at imposed speed, one of them is an ordeal Amateur or Pro 1 (90 km speed required). However, these conditions alone are already sufficient for a CEI1 *, as the transitional 2009.
- The skills practiced in 2008 on CEN to a distance of 110 km or more, free speed, become equivalent to a qualification test on a CEI1 * Transitional Regulation 2009 and to participate in competitions CEI2 * this year.
In summary a qualification on a CEN2 * or * CEN3, acquired in 2007 or 2008, will participate in a CEI2 * in 2009.
In Deauville, on 9 and 10 March, ahead of the 40 representatives of Nations Group 1 and 2 of the FEI, in the presence of Alex McLin, Secretary General of the FEI and David Holmes, Director of Sports of the FEI, I held a conference on the challenges of the new FEI rules and the transitional 2009. I highlighted the difficulties created by the application of transitional rules for particular qualifications.
Some points in this transitional place indeed at odds with many European countries, especially those who manage their tour officially endurance within the federation through a system of progressive qualifications.
If the recognition and the level of equivalence of CEN 2008 and IEC 2009 have reached a consensus, as was the case during the previous meeting in the FFE, it has not been the same for the recognition of equivalence tests CEI2 * 119 km of 2008 with tests CEI2 * 2009. If one refers to the settlement therefore transitional as it exists, it is necessary for horses qualified CEI2 * two years to qualify at the same level in 2009.
It should be noted that apart from France and brilliant Dominique Faye, and apart from Belgium and the clear and powerful of its secretary general, no representative of the countries concerned by the negative effects of regulation on transitional 'career development of horses and riders during qualifying, took part in the debate.
The presidents of the two groups eventually joined forces to request that the complaint stated by the speakers, and tacitly approved by all, can find a favorable outcome, but fails to the credibility of the FEI. David Holmes is then intervened to explain that it was difficult to change the rules at this stage. The President of the Group 2 spokesman groups involved, concluded by proposing to put this issue on the agenda of the next FEI office provided at the end of March to find a solution, in the interest.
I hope this brought to your knowledge have the merit to shed light on the current situation and you will wait in the stillness of the findings of the FEI office at the end of this month.
(the following is a translation from French to English using Google translation tools:)
Some words to keep you informed of developments in the transitional post-meeting held in the FFE and Deauville in early March.
The meeting organized by Dominique Faye in the presence of Ian Williams, at the FFE has achieved equivalency between CEN 2008 and IEC 2009. To be more clear, and knowing that the riders' skills are acquired in life, we obtained that:
- The qualifications in 2008, for CEN over distances ranging from 90 km to 109 km speed free, are now equivalent to the qualifications of the course said "novice" as defined in Regulation transitoire2009. This equivalence can participate in organized CEI1 * this year.
However this provision is very little English: indeed, when they qualify Amateur or Pro 1 GP (90 km free speed) the French riders have participated in at least three tests at imposed speed, one of them is an ordeal Amateur or Pro 1 (90 km speed required). However, these conditions alone are already sufficient for a CEI1 *, as the transitional 2009.
- The skills practiced in 2008 on CEN to a distance of 110 km or more, free speed, become equivalent to a qualification test on a CEI1 * Transitional Regulation 2009 and to participate in competitions CEI2 * this year.
In summary a qualification on a CEN2 * or * CEN3, acquired in 2007 or 2008, will participate in a CEI2 * in 2009.
In Deauville, on 9 and 10 March, ahead of the 40 representatives of Nations Group 1 and 2 of the FEI, in the presence of Alex McLin, Secretary General of the FEI and David Holmes, Director of Sports of the FEI, I held a conference on the challenges of the new FEI rules and the transitional 2009. I highlighted the difficulties created by the application of transitional rules for particular qualifications.
Some points in this transitional place indeed at odds with many European countries, especially those who manage their tour officially endurance within the federation through a system of progressive qualifications.
If the recognition and the level of equivalence of CEN 2008 and IEC 2009 have reached a consensus, as was the case during the previous meeting in the FFE, it has not been the same for the recognition of equivalence tests CEI2 * 119 km of 2008 with tests CEI2 * 2009. If one refers to the settlement therefore transitional as it exists, it is necessary for horses qualified CEI2 * two years to qualify at the same level in 2009.
It should be noted that apart from France and brilliant Dominique Faye, and apart from Belgium and the clear and powerful of its secretary general, no representative of the countries concerned by the negative effects of regulation on transitional 'career development of horses and riders during qualifying, took part in the debate.
The presidents of the two groups eventually joined forces to request that the complaint stated by the speakers, and tacitly approved by all, can find a favorable outcome, but fails to the credibility of the FEI. David Holmes is then intervened to explain that it was difficult to change the rules at this stage. The President of the Group 2 spokesman groups involved, concluded by proposing to put this issue on the agenda of the next FEI office provided at the end of March to find a solution, in the interest.
I hope this brought to your knowledge have the merit to shed light on the current situation and you will wait in the stillness of the findings of the FEI office at the end of this month.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
New push for rare Shagya horse breed
March 13, 2009
by Donna Coss
Shagya Registry Website
photo: Becky Osborne on Sunami (Bold Bravo x Shoni x *Shandor) . ASAV newsletter
A new breeding promotion for the Shagya Arabian horse breed in the US is aiming to increase awareness in the breed.
The American Shagya Arabian Verband is giving owners the chance to breed their mares for a stud fee of $200. There are only about 150 of the breed in the US, and 1500 in the world.
A famous descendent of the Shagya is the "stallion of the century", Ramzes, who was by a thoroughbred sire and from a Shagya mare. He began the "R" line prominent in dressage and grand prix jumping family lines. ASAV has a registry book that records the Anglo-Shagya cross.
The Arabian-based Shagya breed has been around for more then 200 years, with a certain type being bred for and ruthless culling to set its traits. Breeders say the Shagya's temperament and mind are second to none.
In Europe Shagya blood it is highly prized, and many Shagya stallions can be found in the warmblood studbooks. It is one of the recognised breeds used in Trakehner breeding. "They can add refinement without loss of bone and substance and superior horses in the first generation. They are not supposed to resemble purebred Arabians, although nothing, but Arabian, is allowed in the studbook. Instead the old horse masters selected for superior riding qualities and temperament," the ASAV says.
"The modified Baroque conformation crosses well with all breeds and improves hip and shouder angles, legs and feet and a soft back that is easy to sit. Typically one can expect taller foals with more bone and substance."
The goal of an ideal cavalry horse was the orginal purpose for the breed's existence. This has been accomplished and resulted in a potent and desirable animal. The breed has been discovered by the endurance people and many purebreds and cross-breds are competing at the FEI level and have won international races.
One cross that is producing division winners in the hunter ring is the Shagya stallion crossed with Thoroughbred mares. The foals are tall, with improved conformation, better feet and legs, and all of the flight reaction of the Throughbred is replaced with a lovely prospect, perfect for jumping, combined training and many other disciplines.
www.shagyaregistry.com
by Donna Coss
Shagya Registry Website
photo: Becky Osborne on Sunami (Bold Bravo x Shoni x *Shandor) . ASAV newsletterA new breeding promotion for the Shagya Arabian horse breed in the US is aiming to increase awareness in the breed.
The American Shagya Arabian Verband is giving owners the chance to breed their mares for a stud fee of $200. There are only about 150 of the breed in the US, and 1500 in the world.
A famous descendent of the Shagya is the "stallion of the century", Ramzes, who was by a thoroughbred sire and from a Shagya mare. He began the "R" line prominent in dressage and grand prix jumping family lines. ASAV has a registry book that records the Anglo-Shagya cross.
The Arabian-based Shagya breed has been around for more then 200 years, with a certain type being bred for and ruthless culling to set its traits. Breeders say the Shagya's temperament and mind are second to none.
In Europe Shagya blood it is highly prized, and many Shagya stallions can be found in the warmblood studbooks. It is one of the recognised breeds used in Trakehner breeding. "They can add refinement without loss of bone and substance and superior horses in the first generation. They are not supposed to resemble purebred Arabians, although nothing, but Arabian, is allowed in the studbook. Instead the old horse masters selected for superior riding qualities and temperament," the ASAV says.
"The modified Baroque conformation crosses well with all breeds and improves hip and shouder angles, legs and feet and a soft back that is easy to sit. Typically one can expect taller foals with more bone and substance."
The goal of an ideal cavalry horse was the orginal purpose for the breed's existence. This has been accomplished and resulted in a potent and desirable animal. The breed has been discovered by the endurance people and many purebreds and cross-breds are competing at the FEI level and have won international races.
One cross that is producing division winners in the hunter ring is the Shagya stallion crossed with Thoroughbred mares. The foals are tall, with improved conformation, better feet and legs, and all of the flight reaction of the Throughbred is replaced with a lovely prospect, perfect for jumping, combined training and many other disciplines.
www.shagyaregistry.com
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