[RC] A Change of Topic- PS 100 Mile Riders - KimFue
Just to change the topic I thought I would share with Ridecamp how the PS 100 Mile Horse Recognition Program is going.
First, this is not an AERC award program but something that was started in the PS. The recognition program is really based on some ideas that were thrown around on this list as well as the AERC list. It's purpose is to encourage riders to make 100 mile rides their goal AND recognize horses in the PS region that compete at the 100 mile level. This award differs from the AERC 100 mile award because it recognizes 100 mile accomplishments over the horse's entire career not just the 100 mile rides a does in one season.
As I am putting together the year end stats for this award I am please to let you know that we have 6 horse/rider teams that have registered for the program that have not ever done a 100 mile ride before. Most of these teams will be trying the PS 20 Mule Team 100 as their first 100.
There are 4 horses enrolled in this program that have completed 8 or more 100 mile rides over their careers and these horses are still out there competing and their riders are planning on entering them in more 100s. Most of these horses never made the listing for the National 100 mile award but their accomplishments deserve recognition. Awards will be presented at the upcoming PS rides.
Registration in the program is growing by word of mouth. It's a great way to encourage participation in the 100 mile distance and it also recognizes horses that are successful 100 mile horses over the span of their career that never quite make the radar in terms of National awards.
The first horse that will be presented with an award is Heigh Ho owned and ridden by Jonathon Bowman. Heigh Ho reached the Gold Level at the Swanton Pacific ride in August. The Gold Level signifies that the horse has completed 5 100 miles rides and has 3,000 endurance miles. There will be more awards presented and I will announce those horses and their owners once I confirm their standing with the official AERC record.
If you are a PS region member and would like information on this program please contact me privately at kimfue at aol.com. I will e mail you the registration material for this program.
