The Biltmore Equestrian Center, located on the grounds of George Vanderbilt’s historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, will host the fifteenth annual Biltmore Challenge Endurance Ride on May 3, 2008. Two distances will be offered: 50 miles and 100 miles. All riders will be entered in the AERC Open category.  AHA has recognized the 100-mile ride as the 2008 Region 12 AHA Championship Endurance Race.  The 50-mile ride is an AHA local ride.  If entered in the AHA event (separate entry required), sweepstakes points can be accumulated for sweepstakes-nominated Arabian and Half-Arabian entries.  USEF has recognized the 100-mile Biltmore Challenge as a Ranking Trial.   Furthermore, since we have a USEF Ground Jury on site, riders can try for a COC (Certificate of Competence) for FEI purposes.

Team Competitions !  The Biltmore Challenge will also host team competitions, open to all riders within the 100-mile and 50-mile AERC competitions.  Form your own team of four riders, with time for the top three finishers on each team counting towards awards.  The list of entered riders for the 50 and the list of entered riders for the 100 make good places to start this planning.  This is a good opportunity to practice team riding....   Check out how strategy and opportunities change in this environment! 

General Conditions:  Built in 1895, the Estate trails promise a challenging ride along the French Broad River and over rolling hills and low mountains.  Pads are often used but are not necessary. We recommend that all horses be shod. Breast collars/cruppers may be helpful.  Each loop will circle back to a central vetting area adjacent to the main camping area.  Weather is somewhat unpredictable in early May, but it is usually humid with temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s.

New this year:  Length of Stay Passes.  As part of the need for security on the Estate, and to provide a more official mode of access for attendees to the Estate grounds, named tickets will be issued to riders and to one named crew member as part of the ride entry fees.  These tickets will be used for access at the main gate.   Tickets will be issued upon payment of complete entry fees or April 8, whichever is later.   On the Estate, including at the ride site, colored wristbands will be required to be worn as visible proof of permission.
Additional tickets may be purchased for each additional named crew members for $25 each. 
Note:  children 16 and under are free, but must still have individual, named tickets, and wear the wristbands.