Endurance Tracks

Teamwork Key for the 2009 Old Dominion Endurance Rides

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:50:00 +0000

By Beth Liechti Johnson (eljohnson707@gmail.com)

Teamwork proved key to the successful running of the 35th Old Dominion Endurance Rides, held this June in the Appalachian Mountains along the Virginia/West Virginia state line. Throughout the ride, teamwork made the difference: between horses, riders and crew, between ride management, veterinarians and farriers, and between radio operators, drag riders and emergency rescue personnel.

By June 12, 158 horse and rider teams had arrived at base camp outside Orkney Springs, a quaint little town located at the foot of Great North Mountain, part of the George Washington National Forest. Of the 33 100-mile teams who started on the humid morning of June 13, 24 completed. Of 69 55-mile teams who started, 56 completed. And the 25-mile limited distance ride had 43 starters and 40 finishers, a 93 percent completion rate.

Since its evolution from the U.S. Calvary Mounted Service Cup, the Old Dominion (OD) endurance ride stands out as a true test of teamwork between horse and rider on a spectacular, but undeniably difficult trail. In addition to the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) and Eastern Competitive Trail Ride Association (ECTRA) sanctioning, the 55- and 100-mile distances of this year's event also served as the Arabian Horse Association Region 15 Championship.

By June, the spring rains had pelted the Virginia landscape for several weeks, so trails were muddy and footing was slippery. The rain held off most of ride day, and ominous clouds rolled across the sky, bringing cool breezes and keeping temperatures in the low 80s. The air was thick with humidity that made pulsing down tough.

Trailmaster Gus Politis, assisted by several OD members, marked this year's trail. Old Dominion Endurance Rides, Inc., board member John Marsh said the 100-milers faced three major climbs: a 1500' climb to the top of Great North Mountain at mile 6, a 1600' climb to the top of Devil's Hole 40 miles into the ride, and a 1000' climb up Little Sluice Mountain 70 miles into the ride.

Marsh noted that the majority of trail consisted of rolling, forested terrain over a combination of trail and Forest Service roads with frequent elevation changes of 300 to 400 feet. Riders enjoyed the display of mountain laurel in full bloom, along with ample streams for drinking and plenty of grass on trail for horses.

Veterinary checks at five locations revealed scene after scene of the incredible synchronization between riders and crews, as well as ride management, station heads, timers, volunteers, vets, farriers, and traffic control.

Shortly after 9:30 p.m., OD member Claire Godwin, DVM, on her 10-year-old Arabian gelding EH Ahmose was first to finish the 100 miler in 12 hours and 17 minutes. "Ahmose is a cantering horse, which held him in good stead on this ride," said Dr. Godwin, who was thrilled with her first 100-mile win on a horse who had never before done a 100.

Dr. Godwin added, "The trail was challenging, but doable - a blast. The miles melted away since the scenery was so gorgeous." The Godwin family epitomized teamwork: daughter Katie crewed for her mom and husband Pete assisted with trail marking and filling water tanks at key points along the trail.

Stagg Newman and Ruth Anne Everett rode with Godwin most of the day, with teamwork and sportsmanship going hand-in-hoof. All three watched each others' horses for problems and Newman even lent Dr. Godwin an hoof boot when Ahmose lost a shoe.

Everett's Anglo-Arab Razz crossed the finish second and earned the best condition award. Katherine Shank on WindDancer-Bey was top finisher in the 100-mile Calvary Division, which precludes receiving any outside assistance. Shank also received the Old Dominion Trophy for the team that demonstrates optimum performance based on the horse's post-ride recovery and condition.

In the 55-miler, Bonni Hannah finished first on Rezus Respite. Kara Lee Thomas finished second on AF Big Bucks. And junior Hunter Green was third on Gotcha Covered PW. Veterinarian Meg Sleeper's horse Syrocco Gabriel received best condition.

As with most endurance rides, not everything went as planned. Two situations demonstrated the sound leadership, solid teamwork, and invincible spirit of OD ride management, who handled each situation with urgency, care and professionalism.

Around 5:00 p.m., one 55-mile team was unaccounted for - an unwelcome discovery considering that night was approaching and the mountainous terrain had intermittent cell phone coverage.

OD ride management initiated a search and rescue operation with the Shenandoah County Emergency Response Team, Orkney Springs Volunteer Fire Department, volunteer radio operators and drag riders. For six hours, drag riders, motorcycle riders and ATVs combed the marked trails and side trails.

Just before midnight, drag rider Lynn Golemon located the missing horse and rider unharmed, at the Bucktail vet check in West Virginia. Golemon was driving her rig back from the Big 92 vet check when she heard the rider whistling to attract her attention.

The rider had missed the sign indicating a left turn for the 55-milers leaving the second vet check, instead continuing straight on the 100-mile trail and eventually arriving at Bucktail. Since all of the 100-milers had long since passed through, the check was closed, but fortunately the rider remained in place until help arrived.

In another incident, one of the 100-mile horses quit in a remote location between the 82-mile gate-and-go and the 94-mile veterinary check. Drag riders Karen McMullen and Jamie Bladen discovered the horse and rider about 3:30 a.m. The horse was exhibiting dehydration symptoms, so they administered field first aid using a squirt bottle to get water into the horse, and offered moral support to the rider.

McMullen used her multi-use radio service (MURS) radio to contact base camp, guide emergency vehicles to the site, and confer with the treatment vet. Extraction maps developed by John Marsh proved invaluable in pinpointing the rider's probable location and head drag rider Zoe Sollenberger hiked in to assist.

As daylight approached, OD members cleared the narrow trail with chainsaws so a rig could reach the horse. Treatment vet Lynne Johnson, DVM, checked the horse before releasing it for the ride back to base camp around 7:00 a.m.

Co-ride manager Nancy Smart said, "The safe extraction of this horse showed how important drag riders are, how critical radio operations are, and how lucky we were that John Marsh developed extraction maps of the entire course."

AERC Vice President Laura Hayes, who rode the OD 100 in 2008 and volunteered this year remarked, "The magnitude of coordination to put on a continuous 100 mile ride is incredible, and the Old Dominion club does it with class. Kudos to a great group of dedicated endurance riders."

OD Vice President and co-Ride Manager Joe Selden said, "The tremendous success of this year's OD was due to the terrific team effort from all involved." That teamwork started with the ride management and involved a variety of participants, including the Shenandoah County Emergency Response team, members of the Northern Virginia Trail Riders motorcycle club, who checked all of the trails ahead of the riders to ensure markers remained in place, the volunteer fire department, who prepared several excellent meals as well as assisting with the search for the lost 55-mile rider, head vet Nick Kohut, DVM, who led a top-notch team of 13 veterinarians, and 10 amateur radio operators, who ensured ride management had radio communications with station heads, vets, and drag riders, and finally Henry Mulbauer, who timed the finishers until the wee hours of the morning as he has every year since the inception of the OD ride.

Zoe Sollenberger led an indomitable team of 18 Old Dominion Drag (ODD) Riders, many who are wilderness first aid trained and amateur radio licensed, and three who are search and rescue trained. The ODD Riders proved, once again, that drag riders are the unsung heroes of endurance. OD board members Mary Howell and Bonnie Snodgrass coordinated more than 30 volunteers serving as timers, vet scribes and pulse and respiration (P&R) takers.

Finally, all OD participants owe a big thanks to OD board member Gus Politis, who single-handedly built the quarter-mile gravel road, now called Politis Boulevard, that runs the length of base camp, greatly reducing the chance of trucks and trailers getting stuck. Politis coordinated the movement of several hundred dump truck loads to the site, spreading the gravel between loads - a gargantuan effort by a dedicated man that greatly improved this critical aspect of the Old Dominion.

Old Dominion Endurance Rides Inc. (www.olddominionrides.org), is a 501C(3) nonprofit organization formed in 1973 to promote and support the sport of endurance riding through competition, training, education and trails preservation. The club is located in Virginia, but membership comes from all over the country. The OD currently hosts three endurance rides annually - No Frills, Old Dominion, and Ft. Valley - as well as Ride and Tie competitions in conjunction with the endurance rides.

House Funding Bill Excludes Animal Identification System

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:29:00 +0000

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.

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National Distance Championships Combine and Coincide

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 04:21:00 +0000

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

Bishopville equestrian wins race

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:58:00 +0000

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.

AHA Registration Discount

noreply@blogger.com (Endurance.Net) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:24:00 +0000

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.

Nevada: Local Doctor featured in Documentary

noreply@blogger.com (Endurance.Net) — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:35:00 +0000

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

Forum: Groups in Tune With Equine Welfare

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:12:00 +0000

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.

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New Zealand: Mixed feelings for Dougan over possible sale

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:45:00 +0000

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.

Great Britain: Hooves win hands down in Man versus Horse race

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 02:28:00 +0000

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.

Cleveland woman begins six-month journey on horseback

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:41:00 +0000

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.

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Rare Canadian horses heading south

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:59:00 +0000

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.

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First Foal Sired by Cloned Stallion Born

noreply@blogger.com (Endurance.Net) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 20:50:00 +0000

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.

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Twenty-Year-Old Horse First to Go 20,000 Endurance Miles

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Teeter) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:38:00 +0000

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.

Great Britain: Riding - Endurance tests are catching on

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Sun, 31 May 2009 14:42:00 +0000

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.

Great Britain: News from the EGB Chair of Selectors - Cathy Brown

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Fri, 29 May 2009 22:25:00 +0000

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

Australia: Clare saddles up to ride 240km in South Africa

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Fri, 29 May 2009 22:11:00 +0000

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.

Australia: Competitors endure Elmhurst tracks

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Thu, 28 May 2009 19:52:00 +0000

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.

Australia: Treble for Sutton, fourth win for Mills

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:26:00 +0000

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.

Celebrating endurance and recreation

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Sun, 17 May 2009 14:06:00 +0000

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...

Mt. Carmel XP Results and Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Endurance.Net) — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:04:00 +0000

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]

Australia: 80km ride a success

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Mon, 11 May 2009 18:53:00 +0000

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.

Australia: Age shall not weary Sadaqa

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Sun, 10 May 2009 14:13:00 +0000

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.

One-horse, two-person championship

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:48:00 +0000

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.

Around the world on horseback

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:15:00 +0000

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.

USEF Training Session at Owyhee Fandango

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Teeter) — Wed, 06 May 2009 19:25:00 +0000

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