W: Mariposa Run For the Gold

http://www.aerc.org/Calendar/2014RunForTheGold.pdf

The Mariposa “Run for the Gold” Endurance Ride is back by popular demand and dedicated to the memory of Richard Theodore who passed away August 27, 2010. “Rich” was born in Oakland, CA on October 30, 1935 and moved to Mariposa in 1977 after riding the Mariposa “Run for the Gold” Endurance Ride in 1976. His family was responsible for the ride being held from 1998 until 2008.

Rich loved riding his horses and was active with the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), the Western States
Trail Foundation (TEVIS), the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Posse, Mariposa Pioneer Wagon Train, Mariposa County 4-H, Mariposa Mountain Riders, California State Horsemen’s Association, and the North American Trail Ride Conference
(NATRC).

The Rich Theodore Memorial Mariposa “Run for the Gold” 25 or 50 mile Endurance Ride is set for May 31, 2014, in the AERC West Region of California and will be hosted by the Mariposa Mountain Riders. There is also a 15 Mile FUN Ride
for those who want to experience endurance riding at a beginner’s level. This is a picturesque ride that consists of trails and fire break roads along ranches and U.S. Forestry land heavy with growths of pine, cedar, oak trees and Manzanita in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of Mariposa County. It has many panoramic views, some into Yosemite National Park. The trails have been rerouted and will not be as difficult as in the past. Elevations vary from 3800 feet to 5000 feet.

Base Camp opens for overnight camping on Thursday, May 29th for an additional $5.00 camp fee. Ride Entry fees include
overnight camping from Friday May 30st to Sunday June 1st and will be on the Circle 9 Ranch, a historic working ranch in
Jerseydale, about 10 miles northeast of the town of Mariposa.

Join us Friday at 6 pm for a “Bring Your Own Meat BBQ” with all the other meal trimmings and desert provided by the
Mariposa Mountain Riders for a $5.00 donation. Raffle tickets will also be sold Friday by the Mariposa Mountain Riders,
and all raffle prize winners will be announced at that night’s dinner. Bring your own chair and join us around the campfire for horse stories, cowboy poetry, and friendly folklore.

An awards banquet will be held on Saturday, June 1st. This function will close out the 25/50 Mile Endurance Ride with an
awards presentation which will include 1st in each category, Top Ten, and Best Overall Condition. All competitors completing the 25 or 50 Mile Ride will receive a commemorative award and, of course, a delicious BBQ Chicken dinner.
Additional awards banquet tickets can be purchased for $15.00 each. All entrants that finish the FUN Ride with receive a
certificate of completion. After the awards presentation, join us for more fun around the campfire.

This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend for the love of endurance riding, horses, and Rich
Theodore. For further information on the ride or entry forms, please go to the AERC website ride calendar at:
www.aerc.org/ or
contact:

Jane Smith, Ride Manager
Home Phone: 209-966-4003

or
Becky Hackworth, Ride Secretary
bechack@yahoo.com
Cell Phone: 599-760-6036

More:
http://www.aerc.org/Calendar/2014RunForTheGold.pdf