Endurance Tracks

Southeast Endurance Riders Association

noreply@blogger.com (Endurance.Net) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:26:00 +0000

From The Horse's Mouth
Southeast Endurance Riders Association Newsletter
November 2007

Downloadable PDF file

Man vs. Horse 2008: Horse bests man again in 50-mile Mingus race

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:05:00 +0000

PVTrib.cm - Full Article

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

By Heidi Dahms-Foster, Editorial Manager

Endurance rider Kim Abbott has a history on Mingus Mountain, and she added another chapter Saturday with a win in the Annual 50-mile Man Against Horse Race.

Abbott galloped her Arabian horse, Sea Spot Run, across the finish line with an exhultant yell and a high-five for husband Greg Rose, also an endurance rider.

"Eight years ago today, I won this!" she said.

Abbott finished the grueling 50-mile loop course in 7 hours, 27 minutes, besting last year's winner, Dana Weary, by just three minutes.

Paul Bonnett of Scottsdale was just 20 minutes behind at 7 hours, 57 minutes.

"I was catching up on the mountain," he said, "But I couldn't catch the horse on the flats."

The runner has won the race in the past - most notably Dennis Poolheco, who scorched the course six straight times between 2001 and 2006.

More...

Black and Smooth travel 260 miles in endurance ride

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 02:11:00 +0000

Omakchronicle.com

Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008

Kim Black, Tonasket, finished all five days of the Owyhee Canyon lands Endurance Ride Sept. 24-28 in southern Idaho.

Out of four horses that participated in all five days of the ride, Black and her horse, Smooth, finished second. The duo covered the 260-mile course in 31 hours, 37 minutes.

The winner was about 50 minutes faster. Third- and fourth-place finished about an hour later.

The ride drew about 30 riders each day, with many opting to just compete for that day. On the last day only 15 horses started.

Canadian riders took four first places out of the five days, but none of the Canadian teams tried for all five days.

Riders had the choice to enter day by day in either the 30-mile limited distance course or the 50- to 55-mile endurance course.

Riders also had the choice as to whether they wanted to travel slowly and enjoy the canyon land views or move along to try for one of the top 10 finishing positions, reported Black.

?There are time limits for each distance, which include the mandatory veterinary exams to assure every horse is fit to continue,? she said.

Black and Smooth had top 10 finishes on three days - sixth, fifth and seventh.

Black attributed her and Smooth?s success to careful management during the ride as well as to their veterinarian (who also is the horse?s chiropractor) and the horse?s farrier.

?Both are very supportive in helping Smooth reach optimum performance,? Black said.

National Championship Endurance Ride

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:31:00 +0000

Appaloosablogspot.com

Posted by Steve ? October 6th, 2008

Photo and report by Gerry Lukacik, Sooner ApHC

Here?s a picture from the National Championship Endurance Ride, held this past weekend in Oklahoma. This is your winning horse and rider, Kat Carter & THESPUROFTHEMOMENT. The picture was taken on the first 17 mile loop.

Not only were they first Appaloosa across the line, and the Best Conditioned Appaloosa, they were also the first over the line for the entire (all breeds) Indian Territory Ride! They came in second in the overall scoring for best conditioned for the entire ride. Not a bad showing for the breed!

Other Appaloosa results: 2nd place - Shilo Vanhart riding WAPS BLACKCHERRY, owned by Jeff Hartman; 3rd - Karen Gerken riding DKG PRINCE ARISTO; 4th - Lucie Hess riding COKE STRAW LAHAAM. Congratulations to all!

Carol Johnson, Sooner ApHC President also has tons of pictures, that I haven?t seen yet. The Indian Territory Ride had hired a professional photographer, and Marsha Hayes, who is doing an article for the Appaloosa Journal, was out on horseback, on the trail, taking pictures, as well.

Man Against Horse turns 25

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:51:00 +0000

Dcourier.com - Full Article

By Doug Cook, The Daily Courier

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Thrilling, yet risky, the uniquely popular Man vs. Horse Race reaches a considerable milestone on Saturday, Oct. 4, with its 25th running at the base of Mingus Mountain.

The event's main 50-mile endurance race goes from 6:30 a.m. to about 5 p.m., with an open-to-the-public awards banquet and barbecue dinner to follow at 5:30.

For race director and longtime Prescott resident Ron Barrett, 57, the competition that typically attracts 300 competitors from around the United States owns an intriguing history.

More...

Patriot's Day Ride: 50-mile equestrian ride has increase in riders

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:34:00 +0000

Plumasnews.com - Full Article

9/24/08
Shannon Morrow
Sports Editor

A good number of horse trailers rolled into Indian Valley a couple weeks ago for the Patriots' Day 50-mile, multi-day equestrian ride Sept. 13-14.

Not to be confused with the Patriots' Day 100-mile ride in May, the multi-day ride featured a 50-mile ride on both Saturday and Sunday.

A total of 110 riders took part in Saturday's 50-mile ride, and Sunday's ride had 78 participants. There were also seven junior riders under the age of 16.

Even though last year's event had to be cancelled due to the Moonlight Fire, this year's ride fetched twice as many entries than previous years.

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Never too old for a challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Endurance.Net) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:17:00 +0000

Original Article

A LEADING businessman came out of sporting retirement at the age of 84 to become the oldest man in the UK to compete in a gruelling endurance horse race.

Derek Francis, who owns the Francis? chain of furniture shops in Worcester Road, Malvern Link, rode Imperial Prince 40 miles over two days to take home a prestigious grade one rating.

Mr Francis, who was national champion at the sport in his younger days, was swayed by an urge to find out whether he was still up to the considerable task.

He said: ?I have been playing with the idea for age because it?s a wrench to give up a major sport. Endurance racing is a hard game. You are pushing yourself and your horse to the parameters of what is possible.?

The venue for Mr Francis? comeback was the Sherwood Ride in Nottinghamshire, where he found himself pitted against dozens of younger riders at the weekend.

Endurance riding involves maintaining an average speed while ensuring the horse?s heartbeat is kept below 64 beats per minute.

Frankie Turley, Imperial Prince?s trainer and part of Mr Francis? three-person support crew, said: ?Mentally and physically it?s very demanding. Most teenagers wouldn?t be able to walk after getting off their horses.?

The list of injuries suffered by Mr Francis over the years is testament to this fact. He has had concussion 12 to 15 times but said he was lucky not to have broken any bones.

Being back in the saddle, however, has not managed to quell Mr Francis? thirst for adventure.

He now intends to enter the lowest level of major competition in March, consisting of 10 rides of 25 miles each.

WEG 2010: Organizers release competition schedule

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:28:00 +0000

Kentucky.com - Full Article

GAMES WILL BEGIN WITH TRADITIONAL NOTE: VAULTING

Herald-Leader Staff Report

The competition schedule for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games was released Monday by the World Games 2010 Foundation.

Competition director Kate Jackson said the schedule would provide "an exciting variety of top sport on each of the 16 days of the Games.

"I am particularly happy that we are able, for the first time, to include para-equestrian as an integral part of the World Equestrian Games," Jackson said.

The Games will begin with opening ceremonies on Sept. 25, 2010. Competition will take place in eight equestrian disciplines, and a world champion will be selected in each. Organizers say the Games will attract more than 800 athletes who will have at least 900 horses

The first weekend will include vaulting and endurance. Vaulting will continue into week one, along with dressage and eventing.

In week two, competition will take place in jumping, para-dressage, driving and reining.

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Australia: Horse council argues against EI vaccination

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 15:05:00 +0000

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

September 20, 2008

The Australia Horse Industry Council (AHIC) says it does not support ongoing vaccination against equine flu - a position it will take into next week's summit to discuss strategies to manage the risk of future outbreaks.

Its position will pit it against racing interests which have expressed a desire for an ongoing vaccination programme.

"To continue to vaccinate against EI, when it currently does not exist in Australia, can compromise future efforts to eradicate the disease, should it enter Australia," said AHIC president Dr Barry Smyth.

He said the AHIC did not support ongoing vaccination against EI for "certain sectors of the horse industry".

More...

WEG 2010: The Hand on the Reins

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:56:00 +0000

Bizlex.com - Full Article

WEG 2010 Foundation's chair John Long discusses preparations

September 19, 2008

by Tom Martin

Since former World Games 2010 Foundation CEO Jack Kelly resigned for personal reasons in July, John Long, chair of the Foundation's Board of Directors, has become both a public face and guiding force behind the planning efforts for the 16-day event that is now two years away. Long, who serves as CEO for the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), recently returned from the 2008 Olympics in Hong Kong, where he participated in leading the U.S. Equestrian Team. Back in Kentucky, the Shelbyville resident and former chief operating officer of Churchill Downs is setting his sights on preparing Lexington to welcome its global equestrian audience in 2010.

He recently discussed those preparations with Business Lexington editor-in-chief Tom Martin. The complete interview is available by clicking on the podcast below.

TM: With Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games now just two years away, what's been accomplished since it was announced that the event was coming to Lexington and what challenges remain ahead?

JL: A lot has been accomplished. I think if you look at the Horse Park and if you've driven out there recently, you can see that it is a giant construction zone ? with the new indoor arena and the outdoor stadium literally gone, and driving on dirt roads and cones everywhere to make sure that you don't go off the road. So you can see, one of the big changes over the last years has happened at the Horse Park. Now many of those changes would have happened anyway. But they've been accelerated and made even more important as a result of the Games coming in 2010.

I think organizationally much has been accomplished. We've got a first-class management team. We've got some of the best consultants in the world that are used to working in big game environments: everything from security, traffic, parking to planning. We have a hospitality consultant that we brought onboard a couple of months ago who is just finishing up work in Beijing. We've identified the consultant that will be working with us on the opening and closing ceremonies. He did the Pan Am Games in Rio this past year, and he's also just coming back from Beijing, will be doing the Olympics in Vancouver in 2010. So we've really, I think, been able to round out the organization with a very sophisticated and experienced batch of consultants, and then our cracker-jack management team within. I think we're really, really well prepared to enter into this last two years.

TM: How do the improvements of the Horse Park inform the future and what might be happening there?

JL: The United States Equestrian Federation itself does not host or operate any kind of competitions. Rather it is the national governing body of the sport which licenses many of the competitions which occur in the country. So when we look at the Horse Park, we see all kinds of opportunities which did not exist before, as a result of the construction of this new indoor stadium, predominantly. The Horse Park has not been able to be competitive with places like Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Albuquerque for many of the breed and Western shows that occur over the winter months, simply because the Horse Park hasn't had a temperature-controlled facility to host them. So with this new arena ... it will be able to bid and compete for those competitions that they have not been able to chase before. The outdoor arena to have 6,500 or so permanent seats ? expandable, which we will be doing for the Games, to in excess of 30,000 ? will be another great opportunity to bring events that either were too small or too large to the Horse Park during the summer months.

And maybe the biggest thing of all to the horse lover and to the competitor is the quality of the footing that has been put into both the Walnut Arena, one of the current training arenas where there are competitions that are held, and that will be going into the new outdoor. It is state of the art. It's as good as anything that the Olympics have seen, and that kind of footing will be here at the Horse Park as well. So all of those things, with the possibility of new restaurants and new hospitality, new entry, new signage, it's going to look like a brand-new Horse Park ... at this time a year from now.

TM: Another big element that will have to be constructed during this time is the endurance course. Tell us about that.

More...

Topekan learns about history, hardships on 15-day trek along Santa Fe Trail

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:16:00 +0000

CJonline.com - Full Story

Published Monday, September 15, 2008

Topekan Becky McDowell recently participated in the Great Santa Fe Trail Endurance Ride, a 515-mile, 15-day horse race along a portion of the Santa Fe Trail stretching from New Mexico to Kansas. The race finished Saturday. The following are excerpts from McDowell's daily journal entries.

Day 1

The first night at Wagon Mound, N.M., there was the biggest lightning storm. My tent flooded, and when I was running to my truck, I dropped my cell phone. So much for an AT&T phone.

Our first day was riding through some ranches from Wagon Mound to Roy. Several ranches had different wildlife ranging from Przwalski wild horses and to Zebras.

The next section of the ride was through some canyons, then we crossed the Canadian River, which was up to my horse's belly because of the rain.

I ended up third and lost by five minutes due to my errors, not my horse's, One Eye.

Day 2

The second day I rode Prizzy...

More...

Hot for trotting

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:15:00 +0000

Sacbee.com - Video and Full Article

Teams of three - two runners, one horse - compete for glory in the endurance sport called ride and tie
By Sam McManis - smcmanis@sacbee.com

Published 12:00 am PDT Thursday, September 11, 2008

COOL ? Lore has it that ride and tie, an obscure three-way equine-human endurance sport, has a lawless, unpredictable, Wild West ethos. Anything can happen, they tell us city slickers, when two runners and a horse traverse rough terrain for a near-marathon distance.

But, heck, last Saturday's The Coolest Run and Ride and Tie at Olmstead Trail in this baja-Auburn burg seems downright tame and civilized.

Until the start, that is.

Off the teams ? one runner on foot, the other on horseback ? go in a cloud of dust. The rules and objectives are simple. Two humans trade off running and riding, tying the horse to trees, fences, bushes, anything handy, so the partner can untie, mount and take off. First team to cross together wins.

But when that initial dust cloud clears, not even a half-mile down the path, the first incident in this wild and woolly, not to mention wildly entertaining, event comes to pass.

More...

Riding the Santa Fe Trail

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:30:00 +0000

Dodgeglobe.com - Full Article

By CHERISE FORNO
Daily Globe
Posted Sep 08, 2008 @ 11:40 AM

DODGE CITY ? Riders traveled from as far as Australia to participate in this year's Great Santa Fe Trail Horse Race Endurance Ride, which covers 515 miles of the historic trail.

"It's a really nice thing, and it's interesting to watch them," said Jan Stevens, director of the Dodge City Center and Visitors Bureau.

The endurance ride is completed over a 14-day period, 10 of which are riding days. This year's ride began Aug. 31 in Wagon Mound, N.M. In order to complete the race in 10 days, participants ride approximately 50 miles a day.

The participants raced down the Arkansas River bed into Dodge City Roundup Arena Saturday afternoon and spent the night at the fairgrounds. Sunday, they spent the day resting and preparing for their next ride.

Nineteen riders began the ride, but not all of them signed up for the full race. Approximately 10 riders remain to complete the final few days of the course.

Charlie Gauci came from Sydney, Australia, to ride in the race this year. He found out about the race from other endurance riders online and spent a year planning for the trip.

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ThinLine and Back On Track Join Forces to Develop the Contender II Saddle Pad

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Teeter) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 20:26:00 +0000

ThinLine and Back On Track Join Forces to�
Develop the Contender II Saddle Pad

Wellington, FL-Two of the leading manufacturers of equine back care products joined forces to develop what is now being touted as the "ultimate saddle pad." A joint effort of ThinLine� and Back on Track� has resulted in the Contender II Saddle Pad which is undeniably the most technically advanced saddle pad available in the world. The new saddle pad delivers therapeutic thermal heat from the Back on Track fabric combined with the renowned shock absorbing properties made famous by ThinLine. The technologically advanced Contender II Saddle Pad from ThinLine and Back On Track is available for Dressage and Jumping.

Top jumper and dressage riders who tested the Contender II Saddle Pad were overwhelmed by the pad?s performance. "I love the fit and stability that ThinLine brings to this pad," said former US Team rider, Betsy Steiner. "The rider?s impact is diffused across the horse?s back while the Back on Track fabric increases the blood flow and reduces inflammation during the ride. It is a powerful combination. I also notice that my horses supple more quickly and they show improved freedom of movement in the back and shoulder s with this perfect marriage of technology," she added.

Four-time Olympic jumper rider, Ann Kursinski also gave the saddle pad high praise. "The combination is simple and eliminates fitting challenges," said Kursinski, "Incorporating the Back on Track fabric with the ThinLine shock absorber in a single pad is better for horse and rider. The Back on Track fabric keeps my horses back soft and relaxed and the ThinLine pad is great for concussion," Kursinski added. She went on to praise the pad?s fit and stability on the horse and summed up it saying, "This pad allows my horses to use their backs properly and be more elastic because it makes the horses more comfortable."

Olympic medalist Michelle Gibson agrees, "I've started using this saddle pad on 95% of my horses. I like it because the ThinLine pad is thinner than a fleece pad, allowing you to be closer to the horse. Combined with the benefits of Back on Track, this saddle pad is excellent."

ThinLine is very well known for their lightweight shock absorbing saddle pads. The Ultra ThinLine is a popular item and the same technology is utilized in the Contender II saddle pad. Many top riders have ridden in the traditional Ultra ThinLine for years to absorb shock, distribute weight and stabilize the saddle by using a wonderful no-slip impact technology. The shock absorption is designed to help horses and riders reduce back pain.

In addition top riders in a number of disciplines depend on Back on Track products to maintain their horses in the best condition possible. Back on Track products are made from a one-of-a-kind fabric that blends ceramic powder into polyester threads. The result is the horse's body heat is reflected back in the form of a soothing thermal infrared ray that increases circulation. For horses, Back on Track manufactures a number of products including stable blankets, hock boots, saddle pads, and leg wraps. Each product has the ability to help reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and stiffness. Back on Track products are recommended for both the treatment and prevention of stress related injuries.

Elaine Lockhead, President of ThinLine, has been using a ThinLine pad over her Back on Track saddle pad for sometime with her own horses. That?s what inspired her to develop the Contender II , which combines these two products in one pad. Lockhead commented, "With both products in place, my horses have the best of everything I can provide them with. Now, I can have a single pad where my ThinLine is always in the right place on my favorite Back on Track pad. In conjunction, the two products provide the perfect amount of heat, stability and shock absorbsion under the saddle. The ThinLine will ventilate the excess heat trapped by the saddle and leave only the best therapeutic warming."

"Word has spread quickly and the demand for the Contender II pad in Europe has been exciting," says Lockhead." We are even offering a reduced international shipping fee on this pad, so more horses and riders can take advantage of all this pad has to offer," she added.
For riders who want to put this technologically advanced pad to the test for both themselves and their horses, the Contender II pad can be found in stores or online at www.thinlineinc.com or www.backontrackproducts.com

Elmer Bandit, 37, Completes Another Ride, On Track for Record

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:38:00 +0000

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Marsha Hayes
September 02 2008, Article # 12615

Elmer Bandit, the 37-year-old Half-Arabian gelding nearing a lifetime competitive mileage record, boosted his mileage to 20,480 over Labor Day weekend after completing the Nebraska National Forest event.

"Elmer loved trotting over the rock-free trails," reported his owner and rider, Mary Anna Wood of Independence, Mo. Elmer placed fourth in the open lightweight division and Wood garnered first place horsemanship honors.

Continued...

Fourteen-day endurance competition will take Topekan along the path of pioneers who rode the Santa Fe Trail

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:34:00 +0000

Cjonline.com - Full Article

Published Tuesday, August 26, 2008

When she heard about a horse ride more than 500 miles along one of the most historic trails in the United States, Becky McDowell thought "why not?"

"I've got the horses, and I've got the time," McDowell said. "I have a hard time getting a job anywhere.

"I don't know how to do anything. But I know how to ride horses."

Starting Sunday, McDowell will take part in the Great Santa Fe Trail endurance ride, a 14-day, 515-mile horse race along a section of the Santa Fe Trail.

This is the second year for the race, which starts in Mountain Wagon, N.M. The course takes riders along the Santa Fe Trail with stops in various cities along the way. The 515-mile course is broken into 10 rides of about 50 miles a day, with two-day stops in Clayton, N.M., Dodge City, Lyons and Council Grove, where the race finishes.

The race awards two winners ? one who rides the same horse the entire 515 miles and another who uses more than one horse.

McDowell, who qualified 17th in a preliminary ride, is taking two horses, the appropriately named One Eye (really, he only has one eye) and Prizzy. While One Eye will be her primary mount, Prizzy will be coming along in case One Eye needs a break.

Race officials monitor the health of the horses and can force a rider to quit if the horse's heart rate is too high.

For McDowell, a Hutchinson native who has lived in Topeka since she was a child, the race is a chance to see some great countryside.

"We start high in the mountains," McDowell said. "I'll be able to experience a little bit of what the pioneers went through, a little. Not near as much because they had a lot of hardships. We'll have tents, and some people will have campers."

While the chance to see some historic sights along a piece of history is one aspect of the race, McDowell said most of the competitors have one thing in common.

"We all have one love," she said. "We love horses, and we love riding."

37yo Horse Elmer Bandit Finishes Second at CTR

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:27:00 +0000

Thehorse.com

by: Marsha Hayes
August 18 2008, Article # 12530

Elmer Bandit, 37-year-old half-Arabian gelding, completed the Spotted Rump Ride Competitive Trail Event at Greensfelder Equestrian Park near St. Louis, Mo., Aug. 16 to boost his lifetime mileage to 20,420. Saddlebred Wing Tempo holds the current mileage record with 20,710 miles.

Elmer finished second in the Open Lightweight Division. Weight divisions are based on the weight the horse carries over the 60-mile, two-day event. Owner Mary Anna Wood of Independence, Mo., consistently weighs in (with tack) at around 150 lbs, well below the 189 lb limit for the Lightweight Division.

More...

Thistle Down endurance run pulls nearly 100 riders to Frazee

noreply@blogger.com (Endurance.Net) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:26:00 +0000

Frazee-Vergas Forum

Endurance race features 50 miles of trails

by Dale Fett

The sound of diesel trucks and the whinny of horses filled the air on Friday afternoon as riders rolled in for the second running of the Thistle Down Run endurance ride.

photo: Along with hosting the ride, Teresa Fett rode the 25 miler both days which had 20 entries. She finished with a 4th place on Saturday and a 3rd on Sunday. Photo by Henry Gruber, St. Cloud

The endurance ride was hosted by Dale and Teresa Fett. The Aug. 16-17 event drew 96 entries over the two days, with riders coming from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Warm and dry weather made for great camping and riding thanks to the generosity of landowners, Ron Kertscher, Les and Pat Kertscher, Vinton and Joyce Vogler, and camp host, Ben Piche.

The check-in crew of Donna Fett, Orlyn Hanson, Robin Holmer, and Clio Jepson kept order to the events and Joyce Vogler used her great culinary skills to keep them fed. "Thanks to this great bunch of people," Dale Fett said.

photo: rlyn Hanson, Frazee, (left) was the official timer for the run. Dale Fett kept an eye on everything as ride manager and race organizer. Photo by Gale Kaas

Arabs in the top three of the Minnesota point standings with three more events to go for the season.

Tom Gower of Madison, Wis. was a double winner with first place finishes in the Saturday 50 miler and the Sunday 25 miler.

Sunday's 8-mile novice class had 12 participants with a few local riders doing very well. Diane Bellefeuille of Detroit Lakes took home 2nd, Gale Kaas of Frazee at 3rd, Clio Jepson of Frazee brought home 5th place, and Alisa Wendt of Frazee had a completion. "It was great to see these local people test their skills and to learn the condition of their horses," Fett said.

A potluck supper was held Saturday night and featured a cowboy dress-up contest and a campfire. Most riders hit the bed by 10 p.m. as they had to be up early for a 6 a.m. start.

The Thistle Down Run is considered one of the premier rides in Minnesota, so if local riders want to try this sport, "this would be your opportunity," Fett said.

Complete endurance ride rules and info can be found at www.mndra.com.

"Volunteers are always welcome and we can find a spot to use your talent," he added. For more info contact Teresa or Dale Fett at 218-334-5711 or fettbros@loretel.net.

Full Story

American Endurance Ride Conference National Championships 2008 Preview

noreply@blogger.com (Endurance.Net) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:02:00 +0000

Release: August 19 2008

By Genie Stewart-Spears

Southern Indiana and the Daniel Boone Distance Riders (DBDR) Association, on October 16 and 18, are offering American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) members a ride of a lifetime by hosting the National Championships on trails in the Clark State Forest. Recently the DBDR bridged an AERC/Clark State Forest partnership through trail funding. The oldest state forest in Indiana, Clark State Forest is comprised of 24,000 acres of wooded forestland, with headquarters in the town of Henryville, just 25 miles north of Louisville, KY.

Endurance rides have been held in the Clark State Forest for 15 years. With its varied terrain, from flat ridge tops and hills (referred to as "knobs" in this region), to low-lying creeks and valleys, neither you nor your horse will get bored in either the 50- or 100-mile championship. For the most part, the trails are wide enough for two horses abreast or to pass safely. The trails will be golden with the fall foliage and the views are breathtaking. Why would you want to miss such a spectacular ride?

Making It Possible
Feeling the money crunch with high fuel and food costs? Be creative in finding ways to make it to the AERC National Championships. Instead of a summer vacation, make the nationals your destination this fall. Base camp will open the Friday prior, and there are a number of nearby day trips you can take with family and friends to Louisville or Lexington.

If you normally travel alone, buddy up with a friend or two to save on expenses. Riders who buddy up can have a "money pot," where each person traveling together puts in, say, $100 or $200 or more, depending on the travel distance, to be used for fuel, oil, or any minor repairs (tire blow-out, for instance) on the road. When the trip is over, what is left is divided up and given back to the participating parties.

A Family Affair
Do you have a junior rider who would like to enter the championship? Meghan Delp and her mother Lisa drove from Maryland to preview the trails during the Top of the Rock Ride in late May. "I liked the pretty views, and although it wasn't always an easy trail because of some of the steep switchbacks, it wasn?t scary," said 14-year-old Meghan, who completed the 50-mile course in ninth place overall and first junior. "I really want to come and ride in the National Championship because the trails are enjoyable," she added.

Meghan's mother Lisa stated, "I would strongly encourage parents to bring their children to compete with them in the rides. What a wonderful way to spend time with your children! Think of the strength you are building in your children to be able to do this sport. They learn how to discipline themselves and it gives them confidence. And, when they fail to complete, although disappointing, it also teaches your child how to deal with problems, work on fixing them and move forward."

What to Expect at Base Camp
Base camp is on veteran endurance rider Bill Wilson's farm, with plenty of parking for rigs and grassy space for pens. While the twisty, narrow road to base camp may make a few pucker up, you'll quickly forget the less than a mile of road when you hit the trails.

Ride managers Amy Whelan and Cindy Young are working diligently to make this a classy event. Young said, "We're still lining up vendors and sponsors. Horse Lovers Outlet/Distance Depot with Kristen Lacy will be one of the vendors, as will Running Bear Farms with Teddy Lancaster. I am working with a local business, Metzger's Country Store, to have a truck on site with supplies such as hay, feed, shavings and other things riders might need."

Specialized Saddles (50-mile) and Native Spirit Saddlery (100-mile) have committed to donating saddles to the first-place winners.

Besides nice completion awards, each participant who enters the ride will receive a grooming bag, T-shirt and portrait. (I?ll be serving as ride and portrait photographer. Reminder: wear appropriate attire to the vet-in for your portrait session.)

For the 100-mile entrants, there will be a pasta dinner the evening before their event, and coffee, juice, fruit and doughnuts the morning of the start. Lunch and snacks will be available during the day for them, too. The awards brunch will be Friday mid-morning. (All meals subject to change.)

The 50-mile entrants will be treated to a pizza party the evening prior to their event and also be offered coffee, juice, fruit and doughnuts the next morning. There will be snacks during the ride and an awards banquet Saturday evening. (All meals subject to change.)

"I'm sure we'll have some sort of raffle drawing/prize giveaways," added Young. "And, the two events will wrap up with a great party and band on Saturday night.

What to Expect on the Trail
Tom Gower of Wisconsin, who recently won best condition on JG Saqr in May?s Biltmore 100, has competed over these trails and plans to enter both the 100-miler and 50-miler. "The course," said Gower, "has a little bit of everything: single track, dirt roads, a small amount of pavement (at least if we use the traditional course), rolling hills, flat sections for moving out, and some short steep climbs and descents. This is definitely not a course where the rider just sits back and asks his/her equine partner to canter an eight- or nine-hour 100 miles.

"It is a technical but fun trail and, at times, your equine partner will appreciate you hopping off and getting up the hill on your own on some of the short but steep hills!" said Gower.

"The course is technical," stated past AERC President Stagg Newman, "and smart riding takes advantage of a horse?s strengths. A climbing horse should use the hills to its advantage while galloping-type horses should use the flatter sections. Riders will need to keep reserves for the steeper hilly sections."

Because some of the trails have a base of white rock, Jan Worthington says she pads her horses. Although Worthington and a few riders recommend padding the horse?s feet or using hoof boots, especially for the 100-mile distance, Gower said, ?Overall the course has good footing, with little rock. I have never used pads at Chicken Chase [spring ride] or Spook Run [fall ride]. I would not consider it a concussive ride.

"I have ridden this ride in rain, and that adds another fun challenge and requires riders to make smart horsemanship decisions about the trade-offs of risks versus gains," said Gower.

"There are many stream crossings," he continued, "and ride management does an excellent job making sure water tanks are at strategic locations and that they are full."

Speculating on the winning time for the 100, Gower said, "I suspect the winner will do the championship course in around 10 hours, but there are places where walking will be required.

"This is a great venue because of the great trails and because ride management is also all down-to-earth, easygoing endurance riders who will do everything in their powers to make you feel welcome and help you have a good time," said Gower.

A Word from the Ride Manager
Ride manager Cindy Young stated, ?The National Championship is in a good central location this year, allowing riders from several adjoining states the opportunity to come because it?s close. I hope others traveling longer distances can buddy up to come.

"These are some of the most beautiful trails in this area, and challenging as well. I sometimes forget how fortunate I am to have these trails to train on a regular basis," said Young. "We?re all looking forward to putting on a great competition, and I hope people make the plans to come!"

For more information about AERC?s 2008 National Championship rides, visit http://www.dbdr.info/NC%20Home.htm or phone the AERC office at (866) 271-2372.

Karlstad couple behind new breed of horses

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 21:42:00 +0000

Grandforksherald - Full Article

An AP Member Exchange Feature By MATT BEWLEY Agweek
The Associated Press - Saturday, August 16, 2008

KARLSTAD, Minn.

Leaning on the fence rail, you look him over and just scratch your head. It's like seeing one of those little Arabians, all decked out in his Sunday best.

"Well, someone must have crossed one of those hotbloods with some kind of a pinto," you tell yourself. "Or maybe a paint?"

His head comes up and his ears lock on to you. He's no paint. He's too sleek and almost pony-size. He ambles over to you, but doesn't sniff your hand for treats. He's just saying hello. You study the dished face and large nostrils set in a small muzzle. He's got to be Arabian, but you've never seen any Arabian that looks like this.

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Mike Cottendon passes

noreply@blogger.com (Endurance.Net) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:12:00 +0000

Mike Cottenden, long-time partner of Nancy Beacon and wonderful friend to
Endurance, was killed on Sunday morning on his way home from work when a
driver went through a stop sign and hit his car. After all that they have
been through recently one cannot believe that this has happened - that this
is even possible. This will be such a difficult time for Nancy - we know all
of our prayers and our thoughts will be with her in the days ahead. Just
last week she was dancing the night away at the Rocky Mountain Challenge -
how sad that this joy has now been taken from her.

Mike started riding horses with Nancy in the early 80's. Mike went on to do close to 5000 miles, did over 12 100's, including Old Dominion, on at least 6 different horses, and was one of the first Canadians to complete an FEI ride in 1986.

Mike was not only was a master trail maker, but also applied his skills in constructing wonderful bridges and walkways for many rides in Grey County. He made a great bridge for last year's Ontario Championship. He made a series of bridges and walkways up a steep incline hill east of Pretty River Valley Provincial park that was a marvel of engineering.

Mike on his ATV monitored the horse rides with military precision, and many a person, rider or pit crew, were extremely happy to see Mike to get them out of a big mess when they ventured off the beaten path. I am sure no one will forget his "treats" along the trail.

Mike as a communicator, wowed all at ride wrap up time and Nancy's attempt to tone down his "observations" usually was met with an increase in elaboration. We should all cherish his last performance in 2007.

Mike on both sides of the border was known for his "Redneck" celebrations when his military comrades would gather for games, frivolity and good brew. He was referred to in the House of Commons as a true character and inspirational leader!

Mike will be missed

Wendy MacCoubrey

Ovando's Hayes wins equestrian event

noreply@blogger.com (Endurance.Net) — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:30:00 +0000

By the Missoulian

Suzanne Hayes of Ovando turned in the fastest overall time last weekend at the Pink Flamingo Classic Endurance Ride, which is an annual equestrian event held south of Cascade.

Hayes was one of more than 120 riders from around Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Montana, California and Canada that attended the two-day competition.

Hayes won the award for the overall fastest ride of the two 50-mile rides, finishing fourth on the first day and first on the following day.

Hayes has logged nearly 18,000 endurance miles and began riding when she was 11 years old with her mother. She has not missed an endurance riding season in 43 years and has also been a member of the U.S. Endurance team in international competitions abroad. Her horse, Tezero's Gold, has nearly 4,000 miles in competition and has completed in 12 100-mile rides.

Stalley sisters successfully ride 100 miles in Wyoming

mer@TheEquestrianVagabond.com (Merri) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:43:00 +0000

Appeal-democrat.com - Full Article

July 24, 2008 11:21:00 PM

Sisters Alyssa and Jennifer Stalley of Williams recently returned from Wyoming, where they participated in the Bighorn 100, a horseback endurance ride.

It was a replacement ride or sorts in that the Stalleys were scheduled to participate in the 54th annual Tevis Cup, a 100-mile ride from Truckee to Auburn on the same day. But because of all of the recent wildfires in Northern California, the air quality was poor and event organizers canceled the Tevis Cup.

The Stalleys rode in the 100-mile Wyoming event and their father, Chuck, rode in the 50-miler.

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Pioneer farming alive and well in Fallon

noreply@blogger.com (Endurance.Net) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:31:00 +0000

By Jamie Winkler ? Fallon Star Press ? July 18, 2008

Bill Adams and Kathy Davis run a unique, old-fashioned farm which is definitely a step back in time as they use their mules and antique equipment to run it. Modern farm equipment is not allowed.
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"When I was a boy, I grew up doing this stuff," said Adams, which explains his desire for keeping farming simple.

Davis and Adams met at Bishop Mule Days in Bishop, CA a few years back and they realized they had a lot in common. Davis was a racehorse trainer and endurance rider.

After they got to know each other, Davis moved to Fallon to help out on Adams' farm and she took to the mules right away. "Kathy just jumped on the wagon and it looked like she was born to do this," Adams said.

Davis, originally from California, grew up with a love for horses. Her parents couldn't afford one, so she bought a "dingbat Arab" with the money she earned from her first job. Soon after, she became certified to train racehorses.

Endurance riding came next. Davis has eight national championships in long distance riding and rode a tough section of the Pony Express route (Top Gun Speedway to Sand Mountain) this year. She is used to riding 25-30 miles at a clip.

...[More]

Frazee, MN: Endurance Riding

noreply@blogger.com (Steph Teeter) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:00:00 +0000

The Frazee Forum

Maplewood State Park will host an endurance and competitive trail riding clinic Saturday, July 19.

The event will begin at 10 a.m., finishing by 4 p.m. A light lunch will be served, according to organizers. The cost is $25 for the event.

Persons curious about the fastest-growing equine sport in America are urged to attend and learn about the activity. Moreover, they can get questions answered that may even spur greater interest.

Topics to be covered include:
? the various distance riding organizations;

? the difference between endurance and competitive trail riding;

? tack, equipment and clothing;

? what to expect at your first ride;

? vet check procedures;

? feeding the endurance horse;

? choosing a good endurance or competitive trail horse;

? shoeing options for the distance riding horse;

? an explanation of the paperwork;

? conditioning your horse (where to start and what to do);

? a mock vet check.

There will also be Q and A concerning the "ins and outs" of endurance and competitive trail riding.

If it rains, the clinic will be held in the new shelter built this spring, otherwise it will be staged in the day rider area of the horse camp.

Participants may also decide to make the trip to camp in the park. In any case, a Minnesota State Park sticker is required. After the clinic, a ride will follow for those who wish to take part. A Minnesota Horse Trail Pass is required.

Reservations for camping can be obtained through the Minnesota State Park reservation system. Info: Charlotte Thompson, 28953 15th Ave. N, Hawley, MN 56549, 701-526-3734.

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