THIS WEEK'S CURRENT NEWS
brought to you by
The ultimate in equine comfort
MORE NEWS...
Utah horseman concludes 6,000-mile ride through 25 states to spotlight the wild horse crisis
Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch
UtahNewsDispatch.com - Full Article
Jake Harvath returns home from his ‘Year of the Mustang’ ride. He and his 3 horses may set a new record — all to help mustangs find their place in a human world
By: Katie McKellar - Monday December 16, 2024
Slow and steady, 25-year-old Jake Harvath rode his trusty white mare, Bella, down Highway 189 toward Charleston, Utah with his other two mustangs, Denver and Eddy, in tow.
Motorists roared by in the comfort of their modern modes of transport, but the trio clip-clopped along unphased, not even by the loudest semitrailers. They were on their last leg of what’s been a 14-month, 6,000-mile journey across the country. Just three more miles along a highway was nothing compared to what they’d already overcome.
They dipped down side streets and neighborhoods wherever they could along their route to avoid the busy highway, but got help from a police escort along Main Street in Heber City, where traffic was most hectic for three horses and one cowboy.
After passing through 25 states — from Utah to the coastline in New Jersey and back — braving busy roads, navigating remote backcountry trails, trudging through blizzards, even taking a harrowing swim across the Delaware River, and at times knocking on doors to ask for safe places to sleep and eat, Jake and his horses’ ride was almost at an end...
Read the rest here:
https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2024/12/16/utah-horseman-jake-harvath-6000-mile-ride-25-states-spotlight-wild-horse-crisis/
US Equestrian Congratulates Active FEI Endurance Elite Athletes
USEF.org
by Isabelle Whiteside/US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Dec 16, 2024, 3:00 PM
Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian congratulates select US Endurance athletes on their FEI Endurance Elite Athletes status. Special recognition is extended to the athletes that have achieved the FEI Endurance Elite Athlete status during 2024.
An Elite Endurance Athlete is defined as someone who, in their lifetime of competing within FEI Endurance, has reached the following milestones for 1*/2*/3* level of competition.
Bronze Level - 10 completions within the applicable * level
Silver Level - 20 completions within the applicable * level
Gold Level is - 30 completions within the applicable * level
The following athletes have been awarded the FEI Endurance Elite Athlete status.
Senior Athletes
Karen Binns-Dicamillo - 2* & 3* Bronze
Melody Blittersdorf - 1*, 2*, & 3* Bronze
Holly Corcoran - 2* Bronze & 3* Silver
Jessica Dicamillo - 1*, 2*, & 3* Bronze
Heather Reynolds - 3* Bronze; 1* & 2* Silver (achieved 1* Silver status in 2024)
Jeremy Reynolds - 1* Bronze; 2* and 3* Silver
Stephen Rojek - 1* & 2* Bronze; 3* Gold
Kelsey Russell - 1* & 3* Silver; 2* Gold (achieved 3* Silver status in 2024)
Meg Sleeper - 3* Bronze
Cheryl Van Deusen - 1* Silver; 2* & 3* Gold
Young Rider/Junior Athletes
Avery Betz-Conway - 2* Bronze
Annamaria Clarke – 2* Bronze (achieved 2* Bronze status in 2024)
Uma Kraskin - 2* Bronze (achieved 2* Bronze status in 2024)
More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-congratulates-active-fei-endurance
2024 Carolina photos by Becky Pearman
2024 Carolina Endurance ride photos in South Carolina by Becky Pearman:
https://beckypearman.smugmug.com/Other/Endurance-2024/Carolina-JDs
Malaysia: Koe’s Endurance Dream Comes True
FEI.org - full story
14 December 2024
Words by Stacey Stearns
The Malaysian helped his country to a famous FEI World Championship medal...
The smile said it all when Mohd “Koe” Bulkhari Rozali of Malaysia crossed the finish line on Bushra Albidayer to make history at the FEI Endurance World Championship in Monpazier (FRA) in September.
It was the culmination of years of hard work, training, and dedication as an equestrian athlete representing his country.
Koe helped his country to a famous achievement as they won the Team bronze medal, finishing behind champions France and China but ahead of the likes of UAE, Bahrain and Spain.
“Competing at the World Championship was an unforgettable experience. Securing the Team bronze for Malaysia felt like a dream come true … it was a huge moment of pride for all of us, not just for me, but for the entire Malaysian Endurance community,” Koe said...
Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/malaysia-mohd-koe-bulkhari-rozali
Myanmar: Long-distance equestrian race to be held in Bagan
GNLM.com
December 14 2024
A long-distance equestrian competition will be held on 30 December 2024 at Tuyin Valley, near the base of Tuyin Mountain in the Bagan ancient cultural zone, NyaungU Township, Mandalay Region, organized by the Myanmar Equestrian Federation in preparation for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. The event will feature three categories: FEI 1* Endurance Qualification Round 4 (100 kilometres), FEI 1* Endurance Qualification (85 kilometres), and FEI 1* Endurance Qualification (45 kilometres), with awards presented for all. An international referee and a veterinarian from the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) will oversee the event, alongside an Endurance VET Update Programme for local veterinarians...
Read more here:
https://www.gnlm.com.mm/long-distance-equestrian-race-to-be-held-in-bagan/
Australia: Two sets of horseback riders head south on epic adventures in the name of charity and awareness
AboutRegional.com.au - Full Story
10 December 2024 | Edwina Mason
There are a million reasons to head off the beaten track and go bush and right now two sets of horse riders are coursing their way through southern NSW in the name of charity.
It was a slightly sticky welcome to the Southern Tablelands for one couple, Steph Toms and Daniel Grubb, who with their two ex-racehorses are walking the National Trail – 5330 kilometres of Australia’s eastern seaboard – for youth mental health awareness, under the banner Freedom off the Track.
Staying overnight at Roslyn, near Crookwell, the simple task of leading one of the horses, Future, to water became a lesson learned and a story the whole district will talk about over the Christmas table...
Read more here:
https://aboutregional.com.au/two-sets-of-horseback-riders-head-south-on-epic-adventures-in-the-name-of-charity-and-awareness/466854/
On horseback journey from Oklahoma-Kansas line, 'America's Amputee' stops in East Texas
News-Journal.com - Full Story
'What more can you do than start moving and moving your feet?'
Jordan Green
Dec 4, 2024 Updated Dec 7, 2024
MINEOLA — Most horsepower along the highways these days is created in a steel engine block, where fuel and fire fuse and combust to let drivers race from one place to another.
But in his months-long trek along the highways and byways of Oklahoma and East Texas, Sean Herren has relied on the kind of horse power that needs alfalfa, sweet feed, a saddle and some tender, loving care. Since leaving his home in northern Oklahoma in October, he’s ridden his trusty steed, Odyssey, with the horse’s sister, Storm, carrying supplies at his side.
The two Tennessee Walker horses are fittingly named. An odyssey is a long, arduous journey. And while a storm could refer to the weather, it better represents any number of painful challenges a human must endure.
Herren knows what it’s like to be on a long journey somewhere, and he’s spent his life fighting an uncommon battle: the results of a childhood electrocution that left him with half an arm...
Read more here:
https://www.news-journal.com/news/local/on-horseback-journey-from-oklahoma-kansas-line-americas-amputee-stops-in-east-texas/article_842f0816-b1ea-11ef-9dcb-fb1f0cf8b975.html
Patagonia is Calling: The Gaucho Derby Academy is Coming Up
Equestrianists.com
The Gaucho Derby Academy is back.. The 2025 event is taking place from 22-29 January and there are still a few spots up for grabs on this epic adventure.
The Gaucho Derby Academy provides a week-long crash course in how to ride like a gaucho, hosted by the expert international Gaucho Derby team and our best gaucho pals. Think nights out camping under the stars with your horse in the middle of nowhere, swapping horse tales round the campfire over a malbec with the gauchos.
You will ride some of the valiant gaucho steeds who carry our riders across the Derby course, get familiar with the tack we use on the Derby, and receive detailed training sessions on everything you could possibly need to know to tackle the Derby, from reading a GPS to wilderness survival.
In short, it’s the perfect way to dip your toe into the Derby world before deciding to go for the real deal. Or maybe you just want the opportunity to meet and learn from the legendary gauchos of Argentina while also having the adventure of a lifetime in the wild.
Did we mention the wild horse round up, and the daily asados?
Cost: USD$5,500
Dates: 22-29 January 2025
For more information see:
https://equestrianists.com/guides/gaucho-derby-academy/
How to Prevent Gastric Ulcers in Horses
November 22, 2024
Posted by Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc
One expert describes the best way to manage horses with a history of squamous and glandular ulcers and how to prevent recurrence.
Rather than repeatedly treating horses for equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) and spending a lot of money on medication, veterinarians and horse owners should focus on preventing the condition using better management practices. This was a key message from Ben Sykes, BVMS, MS, MBA, Dipl. ACVIM, PhD, FHEA, a veterinarian and gastrointestinal disease researcher based in New South Wales, Australia, during his presentation at the 2024 National Alliance of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Sept. 25-28 in Saratoga, New York.
“Anytime we discuss EGUS it’s important to appreciate that squamous and glandular disease are two completely different diseases,” said Sykes. A horse may have only one type of ulcer, or if they’re particularly unlucky, they can have both simultaneously.” Squamous ulcers occur in the upper third of the stomach while glandular ulcers form in the lower region.
Sykes highlighted three factors that remain crucial when preventing squamous disease:...
Read the rest here:
https://thehorse.com/1132826/how-to-prevent-gastric-ulcers-in-horses/?lid=c2loouo8ynld&uuid=01920a90ee67001521f7ea3361540507d009a0750086e
Chile's Martin Playing the Long Game in Endurance
FEI.org - Full Story
20 September 2024
Words by Stacey Stearn
We catch up with the Pan American champion...
“Endurance riding is a sport where a victory is the result of long-term teamwork,” says Pan American champion Martin Garcia Lazo of Chile. He and his family own and operate the San Ignacio Stud Farm with horses and cattle in the country’s southern region.
The elegant stables are situated on an expansive property with large pastures, shade trees, and trails. The family imported Arabian broodmares from Argentina, France, and the United States in 2008 to start their Endurance breeding operation. The family is playing the long game in the sport, and understands the discipline involved in success.
“What I love most about this sport is the camaraderie, the deep connection with the horse, and the satisfaction of a job well done at the end of each ride,” the 29-year-old said...
Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/martin-garcia-lazo-playing-long-game-endurance
Dave Rabe’s Cheys Cocamoe Joe is AHA’s 2024 Distance Horse of the Year
By Nina Bomar
Longtime endurance rider, PS Regional director, and friend to many, Marci Schmidt Cunningham, took it upon herself to nominate Dave Rabe and Cocamoe Joe for the Arabian Horse Association “Distance Horse of the Year Award”. It is no surprise that he and his horse emerged victorious!
This special award belongs to a deserving team that will appreciate and enjoy it for many years. It’s a great honor and tribute to Dave, a talented and enduring horseman, and his horse “Cocamoe Joe,” who knows how to get things done!
Dave's happiness soared when he found out, and immediately shared the news with Cocamoe Joe. I can say with certainty that their pride in receiving such an honorable recognition shines brightly.
Please enjoy the nomination letter I’ve shared below, which Marci passionately wrote and submitted to AHA. Thank you, Marci, for doing a great thing for our most accomplished endurance rider in AERC history and his perfect 10+ horse, Cocamoe Joe.
“Cheys Cocamoe Joe started his endurance career in 2011 during the Twenty Eleven Pony Express ride from St Joe MO to Virginia City NV over eight weeks. He was part of Australian Charlie Gauci’s string of horses that he brought to the ride. At the end of the ride, Charlie gave him to Dave Rabe because no one wanted to buy him since he had a reputation for being unruly. As of 2024 Dave Rabe has been riding AERC sanctioned endurance rides for close to 40 years and has over 78,000 miles. However, this write up is not about Dave Rabe, but Cheys Cocamoe Joe and what he has accomplished in his fourteen seasons of endurance, most notably his “Perfect 10” award.
“The AERC “Perfect 10” award is one of the most coveted awards that AERC offers and the most difficult to achieve. In 2023, Cheys Cocamoe Joe became a “Perfect 10” which means that he has competed for at least 10 years, with 10,000 miles, 10 first place finishes, and 10 best condition awards. Only ten equines have achieved this AERC award since its inception in 1997. There are thousands of horses that have competed in AERC endurance rides over the years but only a minute fraction has become “Perfect 10” recipients. It is hard to imagine riding a horse 10 plus years for 10,000 miles with 10 first place finishes and 10 best condition awards, and Cheys Cocamoe Joe is one of only ten horses with this accomplishment.
“Dave admires him for both his strength and determination. They often disagree on their speed and pacing, but Dave has done a great job conserving him and keeping him sound and healthy. Cheys Cocamoe Joe is always ready for the next ride, even after achieving the Perfect 10 award. One of their most memorable rides was the 2016 Shamrock ride where they were first place and Cheys Cocamoe Joe received Best Condition with a perfect vet score of 800 points.
“Out of 230 endurance ride starts, Cheys Cocamoe Joe has 222 completions, 15 first places, and 14 Best Condition awards over his career to date. He has completed 4 one hundred-mile rides, including the Tevis Cup in 2018 when Charlie Gauci flew back to the states from Australia to compete. Dave had promised Charlie that he could ride him in the Tevis Cup. Cheys Cocamoe Joe was ‘Top 5’ in the 2015, 2021, and 2024 AHA Region 2 Fifty Mile Endurance Championship Rides.
“From 2015 through 2023* Cheys Cocamoe Joe has placed in the year-end AERC West Region Middleweight division standings. He was first place in every year except for 2018 and 2019 where he placed second and third, respectively. In 2015, 2022, and 2023 he placed first overall in the West Region, one of the largest and most competitive AERC regions. Regional Points are based on horse/rider teams in each region earning the most weight division and overall points. In 2023 Dave and Cheys Cocamoe Joe received the AERC National Senior Mileage Championship Award completing 1,275 miles, besting the second-place horse by 305 miles.
“Cheys Cocamoe Joe turned nineteen in 2024 and is still competing in endurance with 11,500 miles to date, 410 of those miles are in 2024. With a 14-year career and still going strong, Cheys Cocamoe Joe will be competing for many years with Dave Rabe’s guidance and is a worthy recipient of the 2024 AHA Distance Horse of the Year Award.”
*There were no year-end awards in 2020 due to Covid.
2024 October's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast
HorseRadioNetwork.com - Listen
by Ashley Winch | Oct 8, 2024
Revisit: Today we look back at some great tips we got over the years. First, Victoria Beelik discusses the most important things to do to plan now for an emergency with your animals. Then Karen explains what tailing in an endurance ride is and how to do it safely. Finally, Karen discusses ride strategy to make sure you and your horse complete your ride. Listen in...
https://www.horseradionetwork.com/2024/10/endurance-revisit-emergencies-tailing-and-ride-strategy-for-october-8-2024-horses-in-the-morning/
Bahrain's Shaikh Nasser wins FEI honour for achievements
18 November 2024
ENDURANCE HORSERACING – THE International Equestrian Federation (FEI) honoured His Majesty King Hamad’s humanitarian work and youth affairs representative and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his global accomplishments as the only Arab rider to achieve his various distinctions in international endurance horseracing.
This came during the FEI General Assembly 2024, held in Abu Dhabi, the UAE.
The recognition marks Shaikh Nasser’s consecutive victories in the FEI Endurance World Championships, including his latest win in September in Monpazier, France, over a 160km course, to go with his win in the 2022 championship held in Bou Thib, the UAE...
Read more here:
https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1337574
Vonita Kay Bowers 1954-2024
Hornnailhaggardfh.com
Vonita Kay Bowers was born on February 25, 1954 to Gordon and Mary Cooper Tipping. She passed away on November 23, 2024, at the age of 70.
Vonita had a deep passion for horseback riding and was a dedicated equestrian. With 9,960 competition miles, she competed across North America as an Endurance rider for almost 40 years.
Vonita is preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Mary Lois Tipping; loving husband, Dr. Michael L. Bowers; sisters, Geneva Murl Tipping, Janice Tipping Griffith; brothers, Jack Tipping, Donald Tipping; friend and companion, Joe Herron. Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Aaron Bowers and wife, Britney, Matt Bowers and wife, Amanda; grandchildren, Haley Bowers, Piper Bowers, Lailah Bowers, Abigail Bowers, Michael R. Bowers; beloved nephew, Bill Bowers and wife, Stephanie; brother, Anthony Tipping; numerous nieces and nephews, friends, and extended family; as well as friend and companion, Russell Broussard.
The family would like to thank Chambers Hospice for their dedication and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Prevent Cancer Foundation. https://preventcancer.org/donate/
A visitation will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 5-7 PM in the chapel of Horn-Nail-Haggard Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at 10 AM in the chapel of Horn-Nail-Haggard Funeral Home. Interment will take place in Hughes Springs Cemetery.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Vonita Kay Bowers please visit our Sympathy Store.
NW Endurance Rider Barb McGann Releases New Ebook
November 23 2024
All The Great Horses (And How They Enriched My Life Through The Years) is a new ebook release from Idaho Endurance rider Barb McGann. It joins the Endurance.net bookshelf as a keeper!
Seen through the eyes of a horse-crazy young 9-year-old girl, and now, a mature horse-crazy adult with a lifetime of equine wisdom, McGann shares with readers stories of some of the most memorable horses and riding adventures throughout her lifetime. From her first Quarter horse/Morgan mare Lil to her last horses Katie and Ellie, she recounts the accomplishments and personalities of these special horses that touched her heart and set the course(s) of her life.
As a young girl, McGann and her mom ran a riding stable in the red rock canyons of Utah, and besides the memorable horses they owned, taking German soldiers stationed at White Sands, NM, provided endless miles and memories and, in some cases, entertainment for both McGann and the German Dudes.
Once McGann discovered Endurance riding in the 1970s, the horse adventures took off in a whole new direction. Riding Arabians, Saddlebreds, Standardbreds, Quarter horses, and a Tennessee Walker over the decades, McGann’s escapades in and out of the saddle will surprise and delight anyone who has ever had - or wanted - a horse of their own.
Get it on Amazon here:
https://www.amazon.com/ALL-GREAT-HORSES-ENRICHED-THROUGH-ebook/dp/B0DNRVB3WW/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vyCW7KuXTWqEWag3g5kmeg.Wi8l0A9-3yVnBOEeFoBLGLqHXTihBhnPMJXmn8bMU78&dib_tag=se&qid=1732465236&refinements=p_27%3ABARB+MCGANN&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&text=BARB+MCGANN
See the rest of Endurance.net’s bookshelf here:
http://www.endurance.net/Books/
Applications Now Open for 2025 USEF Endurance Competition and U.S. FEI Endurance Officials Grants
USEF.org
by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Nov 14, 2024, 8:00 AM
Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is now accepting applications for the Endurance Competition Grant and U.S. FEI Endurance Officials Grant. These grants are intended to support FEI Endurance competitions in the U.S. to maintain a healthy calendar of competitions, as well as to support U.S. FEI endurance officials and maintain a healthy number of officials that are licensed in the U.S. Applications for both grants are due by February 1, 2025.
Competition Grant:
• Application deadline is February 1st, 2025
• Financial support for U.S. FEI Licensed Endurance competitions for 2025
• Competitions must be licensed by USEF and sanctioned by the FEI
• Grant amounts will be communicated by March 1, 2025
• More information can be found on the application
U.S. FEI Endurance Officials Grant:
Application deadline is February 1st, 2025
Financial support for U.S. FEI endurance officials for both maintenance requirements and promotion, education, and experience
Applicants must be:
• in good standing with the USEF and the FEI; and
• an active FEI official working toward their current license(s) maintenance requirements; or
• seeking FEI Endurance license or promotion
Grant amounts will be communicated by March 1, 2025
More information can be found on the application
Completed applications for both grants must be submitted to Nicole Zerbee, USEF Director of Endurance, by Feb. 1, 2025.
Questions? Contact Nicole Zerbee, Director of Endurance, at nzerbee@usef.org or 859-225-6952.
Tom Bowling Passes Away
On 11/17/24, AERC lost a family member who fought a tough battle with Parkinson’s after a stroke several years ago.
For those who knew Tom Bowling, past AERC director for many years, 2000 mile XP rider, founder of Pioneer rides in 1982 as ride manager of historic 200 mile multi day Capitol to Capitol ride, Western States 50 and original manager of Camp Far West Endurance Rides, Nevada Endurance Driving Association founding member and member and friend of Nevada All State Trail Riders. Beloved friend to many, he changed the lives of many for the better.
Husband to Nadine for over 53 years and father to Wendy, Holly, Shawn Bowling, Tiffany and grandpa to Kaitlyn, Shelby, Brett, Nick, Jack, Ryder Bowling, Levi and great grandpa to Kaitlyn’s three boys and Shelby’s three girls and father in law to Aaron, Shane, Lisa, and Matt and a mentor to many.
He is missed dearly and for any who’d like to remember him you are welcome to attend a celebration of his life on Friday December 13 at 1pm in Newcastle, California.
2024 September's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast
HorseRadioNetwork.com - Listen
Poop Week and Endurance: Dung Beetles and The Alchemy of Horses for September 10, 2024 by Poseidon Animal Health – HORSES IN THE MORNING
by Ashley Winch | Sep 10, 2024
We start the show with Poop Week, by Poseidon Animal Health, and a discussion on the importance of Dung Beetles. Then we transition to Endurance with author and Endurance Rider Donna Snyder Smith and her new book “The Alchemy of Horses: A Journey of Self-Healing”. Listen in...
https://www.horseradionetwork.com/2024/09/poop-week-and-endurance-dung-beetles-and-the-alchemy-of-horses-for-september-10-2024-by-poseidon-animal-health-horses-in-the-morning/