MW: AHA Distance Nationals

4/26/2013

The 2013 AHA Distance Nationals will be held at Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish and Wildlife Area (JEPC) near Chandlerville, IL. The 100 mile Championship ride will be Thursday, October 24; the 50 mile Championship ride will be Saturday, October 26; the 2-day 70 mile Championship Competitive ride will be Sunday and Monday, October 27-28. Open rides will also be offered. For more information and updates about the ride, please monitor this Event and www.ahdra.org (under "Rides").

As of 11:15 on 4/25 there are 12 RESERVABLE sites left at the campground! There are 51 sites totoal, with only 36 RESERVABLE. There are **15 NON-RESERVABLE** Electrics sites. There is also LOTS of overflow camping. There will be room for EVERYONE, though not everyone will have electric. Go to AHA or AHDRA's websites for entry and ride information. There is a Facebook Event - do a search for 2013 AHA Distance Nationals (does not show up under AHDRA's Events yet).

W: Gold Country

4/26/2013

The Gold Country Endurance Ride is July 6, 2013 at the Dru Barner Equestrian Campground in the beautiful El Dorado National Forest, California.

We offer a 30 mile and a 50 mile ride and for the first time we will recognize placing and award a BC to the LD horse who finishes in the top ten in the best condition. We received many requests last year but we had already made the decision to offer a Horse Excellence award.

The entry fee for both rides is $90 but we offer a $15 discount to those who register early and we offer a 50% discount for juniors and ride managers. We will have great awards and as those of you who have attended the ride know, the VERY best food!!! Fresh Salmon, Salads from top restaurants and Michel Bloch will be making fresh strawberry crepes for dessert!

Stay for the long weekend and enjoy the 4th of July with friends. Visit www.gcer.org for more information and a ride application. See you there!

W: NASTR

The Nevada All-State Trail Riders, Inc. (NASTR) is a non-profit corporation organized in 1968 for the purpose of preserving historical trails in Nevada by sponsoring and promoting horse back riding on these trails.

NASTR is pleased to present our 30- 50- and 75-mile rides, over Memorial Day weekend, Sunday, May 26, 2013 in Dayton, Nevada.

Both the 75- and 50-mile rides are AHA Region 3 Local Rides.

Base camp for the ride remains unchanged, at the Dayton Rodeo Grounds .

In our continuing effort to encourage ridership, JUNIORS RIDE HALF PRICE!  All entries postmarked by May 20 may avoid the $15 late fee.

Due to problems with dogs in past years, all dogs must be on a leash or within your rig at all times.  Loose dogs may result in rider disqualification.

Please call me with questions,
Karon Dutcher, NASTR Ride Manager
karondutcher@gmail.com
775-883-9043

W: Run for the Gold

Run for the Gold Endurance ride: June 1 2013 near Maariposa, California

The 25 and 50 mile rides will be on mountain trails, fire and abandoned logging roads that cross streams and seasonal creeks, across private ranches and the U.S. Forest. You will ride through the beautiful scenic splendor of California's Southern High Sierra with views of Yosemite's snow capped peaks.

Please help us keep this gorgeous mountain ride going.  If we don't get enough entries this year, it most likely will be gone forever.  It's an excellent Tevis training ride, and has been rerouted so it is not as difficult as it has been in the past.  Please don't hesitate to give me a call if you have any questions. 

Jane Smith
209-966-4003
http://aerc.org/Calendar/2013MariposaRFTG.pdf

MT: Hoof Clinic in Colorado

4/24/2013

Coming up soon: Hoof Care Clinic in Ft. Collins, Colorado on May 11/12.

Global Endurance Training Center and Remuda Run is teaming up for a two day Hoof Care Clinic. Christoph Schork will be teaching this clinic, which is geared towards the intermediate to advanced hoof trimmer.

We will be looking at pathologies and exploring anatomy and how it relates to trimming. Hoof protection will also be shown and discussed. Clinic is almost full, only 4 more spots available. Details to be found under

http://remudarun.com/hoofclinic/

NW: Come and join us for the Owyhee Fandango in Oreana, Idaho!

Come and join us for the Owyhee Fandango in Oreana, Idaho! 

May 24, 25, 26 - it's a 3-Day Pioneer ride, and a 80 and 100 mile elevator on Sunday, May 26.

The trails will be easy/moderate this year - we'll stay in the lower elevations with good footing.

If you're wanting to qualify for the National Championship this would be a good 100 miler to do it on. It's not too difficult and there's plenty of daylight this time of year. 

You'll even have a full moon! It's a pretty time of year in the Owyhees - the creeks are running full and there's still snow on the mountains. 

We're not taking you to Celebration Park across the river this year - you'll turn around at the petroglyphs. The first 2 vet checks will be at the Sierra del Rio Ranch, then back to base camp at Teeter Ranch at 60 miles. Two 20 mile loops out of base camp will complete the 100 mile course. 

We're offering a 60 -> 80 mile elevator, and an 80 -> 100 mile elevator this year. If you choose to elevate to the longer distance, you will get mileage and completion points only. 

Meals will be home-cooked by Wynne and Melissa. (their enchiladas are legendary...)

For more info and trail maps: http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2013Fandango/

Come and join us for the Adequan AERC National Championship!

We Want You at City of Rocks!

Come and join us for the Adequan AERC National Championship!

September 20-22, 2013 near Almo, Idaho

Here's how:

1. Volunteer! We need timers, pulse takers, gate openers, ribbon taker-downers, meal serving helpers, camp fire tenders, hot spring temperature testers... all those critical jobs that make a big event possible.

The competitions are Friday (50 miles) and Sunday (100 miles) so Saturday is open for trail riding for those of you that might want to come help and ride a little too. We'll feed you and pay your camp fee and generally keep you happy!

Or if you really want to ride the course, you can do so if you:

1. Qualify for the National Championship as a competitor.

2. Ride as a 'Ready and Willing Junior Sponsor'.

3. Ride Drag.

http://www.endurance.net/AERCNC2013/qualify.html  for more details!

NW: Buckskin Challenge is On!

The Buckskin Challenge 25 & 50 & Trail Ride will be held June 8, 2013

Come and see if you are ready for the Tevis in July!

We have spent many hours revising trail to find a balance between enjoyable and challenging.

The ride trails wind through the hills and mountains east of Pocatello, Idaho. Base camp is only 4 miles from the I-15 freeway. Pavement until you enter base camp.

✓ We have plenty of horse water and limited people water.

✓ Dinner the night before is included in your entry fee. Non-rider meals will cost $10.

✓ The ride is on private ground so dogs MUST BE LEASHED AY ALL TIMES.

✓ Plenty of room for large rigs.

Ride Management:

Chris & Kara Yost
8435 N. Parks Rd.
Pocatello, ID 83201
chrisyost44@gmail.com or 208-251-7337

For more details and entry options, see our website at:
www.buckskinchallenge.com

The Buckskin Challenge Sponsored by Team Endurance

NW: Flashback Ride Cancelled

4/18/13

The Flashback Ride (Northwest Region) set for June 8 & 9 in Oregon, has been cancelled.

W: American River Classic Cancelled

4/18/13

The American River Classic 25/50 on April 27 near Auburn, California, has been cancelled due to rider cancellations and the uncertainty of Auburn parking facilities. The ride managers are planning for the 2014 edition of the West Region ride.

NW: Hoof Clinic at Mustang Mountain Ranch

Dear Fellow Endurance Riders:
 
    Mustang Mountain Ranch announces our first clinic of the year ~ Yahoo!
 June 22, 2013 in Yacolt, Washington
 
 This is a clinic for those contemplating transitioning their Equine partner to barefoot and for those who have already transitioned and want to learn and take control of the trimming and booting processes.  This will be a low stress activity as we know from our own experience how tiring and awkward hoof care can be until you build technique and stamina.  There will be lots of breaks as we will work on one component of the hoof at a time such as heels, quarters, break-over etc. and have discussion and critique between.
 
     We intend to give you the confidence to begin the barefoot journey of maintaining your horse’s hoofs and properly choosing and fitting hoof boots.  We will cover the transition process to include optimum feeding and horse keeping for healthy hoofs.  If there is sufficient interest, we will offer on-going follow-up support to monitor progress and provide coaching to build confidence and advanced skills.
 
     Boot selection and fitting can be very frustrating.  We will help you select the best type of boot for your intended purpose whether it is easy going trail riding to extreme multi-day endurance competition.  If you already have boots, bring them along and we will verify fit.
 
     A complete set of tools will be available for your use.  You can of course bring and use your own as long as the rasp, your most important tool, is sharp.  All tools and a wide selection of hoof boots will be available for purchase at competitive prices.
 
Warmest Regards,
 
Theresa Kays-Tillotson
Cell:  253-508-0963
 
For further information:
Mustang Mountain Ranch
Owned by Chuck and Annette Cowan
www.mustangmtranch.com

W: Tevis Educational Ride & Fun Ride

4/14/2013
 
For the first time we are combining the Educational Ride with the Fun Ride, on June 1st & 2nd, 2013.
 
Included in the entry fee for both the Educational and Fun Ride is a delicious BBQ and live entertainment around a campfire on Saturday night. There will also be seven informative talks planned for the weekend. They include booting, nutrition, conditioning, pacing, care for the horse that needs help on the trail and at the vet check, and more. 
 
All proceeds go directly back into the preservation of the Western States Trail.  Check out more information here: a href="http://teviscup.org/images/docs/latest/fun_ride_flyer.pdf.  All forms are available on the Tevis home page.

CT: Okmulgee Cougar Prowl Location Change

4/9/13

This is just a shout out that the new trails at Dripping Springs State Park will not be ready in time for the Okmulgee Cougar Prowl so I am changing the location to Prague Lake, which is about 45 min East of the original site.  Mary Mosshammer has graciously agreed to be the assistant ride manager, and we could really use some help for vet sec and PR takers!

The ride is still May 11th.  Please do not pre enter, but email us closer to ride time to let us know you are coming!

Here is the directions to Prague Lake.  It is not far off I-40.

In Prague, take us hwy 62 3 miles.  Turn north onto S3520 Rd and go 2 miles.  Turn east on E 1030 Rd ang go one mile.  The gate to the equestrian campground is on the norht side of the road just before E 1030 Rd curves south.

More updates later....but wanted everyone to know Cougar Prowl is STILL ON!!

Louise Burton

CT: Ozark Trail 100

Just like riding with Wendel Robie

4/9/13

Don't you wish you could have been around when they first started doing the Tevis ride? Imagine what it would have been like to ride that 100 rugged miles without all the hoopla and crowded trail of todays Tevis? Just you and a few brave fool hardy individuals testing yourself and your mount against a tough trail..Wouldn't that be cool?

Well you can either invent a time machine and go back 50 some years in time to meet up with those early pioneers....or.... three weeks from now you can ride the Ozark Trail 100 on April 27 from Steelville to Black, Missouri.

This is the only other point to point ride in the country. It is tough, technical and has really pretty scenery. Right now only 8 people are entered. Go buy yourself a pair of Big Girl panties and come ride.

Paul N. Sidio

MT: Colorado Mountain Mettle

April 8 2013

A glimpse of the Colorado Mountain Mettle 100, 75, 50, and 30 mile trails you'll be riding over on June 21 and 22 near Littleon, Colorado can be seen in this collection of photos by Stephanie Wind:

https://picasaweb.google.com/112590388649341553131/ColoradoMountainMettleTrailsStephanieWind

SE: Biltmore Challenge

From Cheryl Newman --

Folks,

Just a reminder that April 9 postmark is the deadline for the application without late fee for the 4 May 2013 Biltmore Challenge 50/75/100. We still have openings in the ride. If you have not already entered, now is the time. (http://www.biltmoreendurance.com/)

This year we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Biltmore Challenge started and managed by Anne Ayala for many years. Moreover, Anne was the "trail master" who created many of the equestrian trails on the Biltmore Estate. As many of you now Anne passed away just after Christmas last year.

To honor Anne and the 20th Anniversary we are featuring special prizes and recognition, particularly for riders who have participated for 10 or more years.

Improved trails including more elimination of the gravel road used by cars into and out of camp
A new beautiful first loop for the 50 mile riders that has not been used before in endurance competition
Re-opening of the downstream trails on Biltmore Farms that had been lost before the National Championship

And the customary features of the Biltmore ride

The beautiful Biltmore Estate, gardens, winery, and walks in the spring
AERC, SERA, FEI, and AHA events
Excellent internationally recognized vets
Well marked trails including the beautiful West Side trails with views of the House, mountains, vineyards ...
Excellent management
Great food

We hope to welcome you to our 20th Anniversary celebration.

Cheryl Newman, Ride Manager

MT: Colorado Mountain Mettle

4/4/2013

The Colorado Mountain Mettle Endurance Ride is only 11 weeks away! This year it is to be held on June 21 and 22 near Littleton, Colorado.

We are hosting a 100, 75, and 30 mile rides on Friday and a 50 and 30 mile ride Saturday. The trail has been modified and on Friday will go basically West from the Sharptail Ridge Open Space near Littleton to the Buffalo Creek Recreation Area which is between the towns of Pine Junction and Woodland Park. Saturday's ride will start at Sharptail, use the Indian Creek system, and return to Sharptail for the finish. All the information can be found on The Ride's website:
http://www.mountainmettle.com/

Marking the route will begin on Monday, June17, and clean up needs to be completed by Monday, June 24, at the end of the day. The entire course is non-motorized and on multi use trails. Rider volunteers are needed to not only mark/unmark trail, but to be safety riders (following the last competitors to the finish line), and to direct traffic at important intersections. Most of the sections of trail are 12-18 miles long.

We will need horse trailers and drivers to shuttle the marking team between vet stops and to shuttle competitors & horses from the vet checks back to Sharptail. The majority of this work will be needed Friday, 9:00 am-2:00 pm.

We will need shuttle trailers for the 100 and 75 mile riders to bring horse/rider teams back from their finish at Buffalo Creek to Sharptail Friday aternoon and evening -Saturday morning 6:00 am.( The 100's have until 5:00 am to finish.)

Other volunteer opportunities include: Helping at a vet check as timers, scribes, pulse takers, people care (food/water for vets, riders, etc...). We also need people to help keep water in the tanks for horses and someone to attach glow sticks to clothes pins so they can be hung for the late 100 mile riders. Of course, there is always set up and clean up at the vet checks as well.

Other things that would be helpful: are pickups with campers or shells at the vet checks so the vets and volunteers could get some rest in between riders. We also need stackable water tanks and sponge tubs and 5-7 gallon water jugs for refilling tanks. A large water (300 gallon) tank for delivering the intial water is also on our wish list.

Mounted Patrol Members will have additional patrol opportunities and information through Team Cowboy. Thank you in for considering Colorado Mountain Mettle Endurance Ride in your summer's planning!

For more information and entry forms, see:
http://www.mountainmettle.com/

SW: Prescott Chaparral Endurance Ride

Welcome to the third year of the Prescott Chaparral Ride. The ride is being hosted by the L Bell Ranch in Skull Valley, Az. The dates for this year's ride will be April 13,14, and 15th. This year's ride is a pioneer ride, with 155 miles in endurance riding (50/55/50) and 85 miles in limited distance rides (30/30/25). Vet checks will be in camp for day one and out of camp on days 2,3. Lunch will be provided for riders. Lunches will be available for crew members at a small fee. Having vet checks out of camp will allow us access to a multitude of wonderful trails. Our goal is to provide safe, enjoyable trails with lots of water for the horses. We are making every effort to have as little repeat trails as possible over the three days of riding. Daily riding fees will be $100.

For each day there will be only one vet check for both the 50's and limited distance riders and lunches and horse hay will be provided at the out vet checks. Dinner will be provided at the end of day one for the riders. Crew and families may purchase the meals for a small fee.

New for 2013 Day one will be a dual sanctioned AHA/AERC ride. This was set up by Effee Conner, many thanks to her for all her hard work getting this organized. Also we will hold a 12 mile fun ride. Participants will ride the first loop of the limited distance through Sycamore Creek. Cost is $50 and completion awards and lunch will be provided. This is a great way to have some fun and learn about endurance.

The meal plan for 2013 is now officially changed. One meal per day is included in the entry fee. A on-site caterer is now going to be available. Breakfast will available for purchase from 6 to 8 am. Hot meals will be available from noon until 7 pm. The out vet checks on day 2,3, riders will be responsible to pack there own lunches and place their lunch and crew bags in the appropriate trailer.

Base camp is located at the L-Bell ranch. The ranch is located 4.5 miles west of Iron Springs Road on Ferguson Valley Road, in Skull Valley, Arizona. Skull Valley is located about 18 miles southwest of Prescott, Arizona. The ranch is family owned for several generations and currently managed by the owners Mark Finn and Leslie Cronquist. This private cattle ranch is a unique setting for our event. Please browse our website and make plans to join us to ride in the Prescott National Forest this April.

For more information, see
http://www.prescottchaparral.com/

Many thanks in advance,
Michael and Julia