Overview:
Note: for 2026 AERC Young Rider Championship, go here
In the six weeks prior to the ride, only 1/2 inch of rain fell. Contrast that with prior years when being flooded out was a likelihood. Trails were dry to the point of concussive. Drought and fire warnings were all over western North Carolina (and beyond). While the area desperately needed (and still needs) rain, we still handed out ponchos, as well as commemorative welcome napkins, plus VetLine electrolytes as welcome gifts. Because, we did not want it to rain on us. Thankfully, no rain fell. Friday was lovely riding weather, good for riders, horses, and crew. Saturday was generally good for horses and riders, but the crew got cold (temperatures went into the 30s that night).
Thanks to Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Equestrian Center (particularly Stephanie LaPlante), course designer Stagg Newman, and our team of pre-riding volunteers, trails were practically free from briars, well-marked, de-treed where trees had fallen over the winter months, repaired from the floods, re-routed as needed to avoid new farm fencing, and other routine maintenance.
Over the two days, 197 riders took to the trails. For the first time since 2019, the ride hosted Federation Equestrian International (FEI) competitions at the 1* (100 km), 2* (120 km) and 3* (160 km) levels. Riders came from the USA, Canada, Ecuador, Republic of South Africa, and Finland to participate. The ride was one of the last qualifiers for the World Championship later in 2026.
Perhaps more remarkable was the participation of juniors, their sponsors, and young riders. Combined, they counted for nearly a quarter of the rider starts, and compiled very respectable completion rates: 71% for juniors) and 80% for Young Riders.
Each starting rider was eligible for a $30 (30th anniversary) diesel rebate, which was distributed in the week following the ride. And, more special, each rider received, courtesy of Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Equestrian Center and Becky Pearman Photography, a photo (paper at ride site, free download at home) of themselves on their horse with the Biltmore House in the background. That made for a super-special anniversary for everyone!
| The event kicked off with a high performance clinic organized by Stagg Newman featuring World Champion rider Valerie Kanavy, multiple national champion riders Meg Sleeper and Holly Corcoran, Nicole Zerbee the endurance contact at United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and Mike Tomlinson, past AERC president and who is a repository of everything you ever wanted to know about FEI -- from a down-to-earth viewpoint. Questions were many and varied, with perhaps the most interest generated by what can be done to get costs to a manageable level -- for organizers and participants. |
Holly Corcoran, Mike Tomlinson, Valerie Kanavy and Meg Sleeper were some of the clinicians |
Friday AERC 25-Mile Results:
The limited distance ride, 25 miles on Friday, started 48 riders, of whom 10 were non-AERC members, and by inference, newer to the sport. The riders did a good job as reflected in the 73% completion rate. Completion awards were Biltmore-endurance logoed T-shirts sponsored by Biltmore Equestrian Center.
Eduardo Fernandes won on Pepe Ortega's RB Basequally in a ride time of 2:47. Twelve minutes later, Mark Reader's Jim Dandy to the Rehsque pulsed in, getting second. Third place went to Michelle Brinton on her RB Bamer, a few minutes later.
First to finish received a bucket of Equilytes electrolytes donated by Vetline Equine. Top ten awards were Biltmore Challenge labeled bottles of wine from Biltmore Winery donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center.
Nine horses stood for Best Conditioned, which was won by Sue Gates on Mich Ultra, receiving gift basket donated by Equestrian Wellness. High vet score also went to Mich Ultra, receiving a gift certificate for a 10-pound bucket of Platinum Performance donated by Platinum. |
Eduardo Fernandes won the 25 on Pepe Ortega's RB Basequally |
Three juniors entered the ride and two completed. First junior was Lily Rajala on DancingintheMoonlyte in 3:18. They won a portrait from on-trail done by Becky Pearman. Second junior was Karin Morrison-Gysling on Millie Turner's Prancin Suze in 3:20.
Middle of the pack award was a full year equestrian pass to the Biltmore Estate, entitling the winner to access to the grounds and trails of the Estate for a year; donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. That was won by Cierra Tabony on Rafiki in 4:01..
Back of the pack was Dawn Smith on Docs Lil Peppy LW4 in a ride time of 5:31:01. She won an etched metal horse-themed serving tray. |
Lily Rajala (on the right) was first junior, sponsored by mom Heidi Perreault |
The results summary for the Friday 25-mile ride is here. BC scores for the 25 are here.
Friday 25-Mile Team Results:
Six teams formed for the 25-mile team competition, with all (!) completing the requisite 3 out of 5. The times of the fastest three riders out of the five counted. While the primary sponsor of the team awards was Colton Groome Financial Management, Country Aire Farm and Riding Warehouse rounded things out, and with buttons supplied by the Newmans.
Hoof Hearted took the blue, with Eduardo Fernandes, Michelle Brinton, John Hancock, Michelle Hancock, and Tracy Benedict posting a combined time of 9:05. They won a combo-pack of stethoscope, thermometer, and sponge donated by Country Aire Farm and buttons. Team Flying Through the Finish Line came in second, comprised of Heidi Perrault, Lily Rajala, Meg Sleeper, Kim Black, and Marbie Kollath. Their combined time of 10:32:01 won them lead lines donated by Colton Groome and the buttons. The third place team, Prancin Thru the Sun to the Shade, had a combined best-three time of 10:40:01 posted by Millie Turner, Karin Morrison-Gysling, Jill Gregorieff, Elizabeth Farina, and Deanne Prusak, winning Anywhere Belt Bags from Riding Warehouse and their buttons. Well worth mentioning are other team names: 24 Carrot Gold, Ride Sista Ride, Tri-State Terrapins.
Friday 25-mile team results are here.
Friday AERC 55-Mile Results:
The 55-mile ride on Friday started 18 riders, with 16 finishing for an 89% completion rate, which is outstanding. Completion awards were Biltmore-endurance logoed T-shirts sponsored by Biltmore Equestrian Center.
Eone Willemse on Marcia Weilbach's DCM Madiba won and got Best Conditioned in the Friday 55 |
Eone Willemse on Marcia Weilbach's DCM Madiba won the ride in a ride time of 6:56:18. Amy Stone came in second on SR Zanes Tranquility in 7:21:19 edging third place Cristel Bayol-Wyatt on Khepera El Ausir (7:21:21). First to finish won a matted and framed photo print of Nancy MacDonald's outstanding super moon over the French Broad River (from 'Big Rock'). Second won a saddle pad donated by Hyperi Saddles. Top ten awards were Biltmore Challenge labeled bottles of wine from Biltmore Winery donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center.
Seven horses stood for Best Conditioned, which was won by Eone Willemse on DCM Madiba, receiving a gift basket donated by Dapper Darlings. High vet score went to Jaime Blees' Ireland's Khaleesi (ride time of 7:55:59), receiving a gift certificate for a 10-pound bucket of Platinum Performance donated by Platinum.
Two juniors entered the ride and one completed. First junior was Zoey Jarman on Here's the Deal in 9:16:44. They won a portrait from on-trail done by Becky Pearman.
Middle of the pack award was a full year equestrian pass to the Biltmore Estate, entitling the winner to access to the grounds and trails of the Estate for a year; donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. That was won by Tom Gower on MHF Babe in 8:37:05..
Back of the pack was Jay Williams on Phaetonn in a ride time of 9:26:49. He won a full-color horse-themed serving tray. |
The results summary for the Friday 55-mile ride is here. BC scores for the Friday 55 are here.
Friday 55-Mile Team Results:
Three teams formed for the Friday 55-mile team competition, with all (!) completing the requisite 3 out of 5. The times of the fastest three riders out of the five counted. The primary sponsor of the team awards was Colton Groome Financial Management, but Riding Warehouse rounded things out, with buttons supplied by the Newmans.
Swamp Ninjas took the blue, with Eone Willemse, Tom Gower, Jennifer Sapira, and Sherry Aune posting a combined time of 24:10:29. They won large, low tub trugs donated by Colton Groome and buttons. Team The Mane Attraction came in second, comprised of Cristel Bayol-Wyatt, April Johnson, Zoey Jarman and Jay Williams. Their combined best-three time of 25:30:15 won them combined hoof pick / brushes donated by Riding Warehouse and the buttons. The third place team, Mountain Mammas and Claude, had a combined best-three time of 25:56:35 posted by Claude Brewer, Charlesey Charlton McAllister, Kelly Burns, and JulieAnne Holland, winning lead lines donated by Colton Groome and their buttons.
Friday 55-mile team results are here.
Friday AERC 65-Mile Results:
The 65-mile ride on Friday, started 16 riders, with 13 finishing for a respectable 81% completion rate. Completion awards were Biltmore-endurance logoed T-shirts sponsored by Biltmore Equestrian Center.
evelyn Baig on GJR Obsidian won the 65 mile ride. And owns the first three horses to complete! |
Evelyn Baig actually had three horses in the ride. She and her GJR Obsidian won the ride in a ride time of 8:10:09. Sarah Arthur came in second on Evelyn's Solome BF just a second back; tying with Mia Moore on Evelyn's Maggies Nchanged Pipi. First to finish won a synthetic saddle donated by Hyperi Saddles. Second won a saddle pad donated by Hyperi Saddles. Top ten awards were Biltmore Challenge labeled bottles of wine from Biltmore Winery donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center.
Five horses stood for Best Conditioned, which was won by Sarah Arthur on Solome BF, receiving gift basket donated by Biltmore Grown; plus (drum roll) a pair of RidUp stirrups donated by The Endurance Boutique. High vet score went to Uma Kraskin's FHF Art tobe Fun (ride time of 9:11:33), receiving a gift certificate for a 10-pound bucket of Platinum Performance donated by Platinum.
Two juniors entered the ride and both completed. First junior was Sean Gaedtke on Cheryl van Deusen's KTE Fools Money in 11:56:00. They won a portrait from on-trail done by Becky Pearman. Two Young Riders entered and both completed. First YR was Mia Moore in 8:10:10. They also won a portrait from on-trail done by Becky Pearman.
Middle of the pack award was a full year equestrian pass to the Biltmore Estate, entitling the winner to access to the grounds and trails of the Estate for a year; donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. That was won by Uma Kraskin on FHF Art tobe Fun in 9:11:33.
Back of the pack was Skylar Brown (also the second junior) in a ride time of 11:56:07. She won a tote bag, donated by Biltmore Hospitality, containing a picnic blanket with the Biltmore House on it; Biltmore Monopoly (how appropriate!); and some Biltmore Grown goodies. |
Skylar Brown, second junior, on MC What's the Big Dill came in Back of the Pack in the 65 |
The results summary for the Friday 65-mile ride is here. BC scores for the 65 are here.
Friday FEI CEI 1* and CEI 1* YJ 100 km / 65-Mile Results:
Three riders entered the Friday FEI CEI 1* 100 km senior division ride with two completing. Another three entered the 1* YJ event with two completing.
Nathalie Weemaels (ECU) and her Belladone de Piboul won handily in 9:11:35 in the senior division. Second was Pepe Ortega (USA) on his Madjule (Shakira) in a time of 11:56:01. For FEI first to finish, Nathalie won a bucket of Equilytes donated by Vetline Equine. In the CEI 1* YJ (Young Rider / Junior Rider), Uma Kraskin on her FHF Art tobe Fun (ride time of 9:11:33), winning a bucket of Equilytes donated by Vetline Equine. Second in the 1* YJ was Sean Gaedtke on KTE Fools Money in 11:56.
Of the CEI 1* and 1* YJ completing horses, only Nathalie's and Uma's stood for best conditioned (BC), so each got BC in its event. For FEI BC, Nathalie won a set of 4 horse-themed desert plates; and Uma won a gift certificate. |
Nathalie on Belladone de Piboul was first in the CEI 1* ride |
Uma Kraskin, a Young Rider who also completed the 100 on the following day, completed middle of the pack in the 65, and won the CEI 1* YJ on her FHF Art tobe Fun. |
Full Friday FEI CEI 1* 100 km senior rider results are here. The Friday FEI CEI 1* 100 km young rider / junior rider (YJ) results are here.
Friday 65-Mile Team Results:
Three teams formed for the Friday 65-mile team competition, with all (!) completing the requisite 3 out of 5. The times of the fastest three riders out of the five counted. The primary sponsor of the team awards was Colton Groome Financial Management, but Riding Warehouse rounded things out, with buttons supplied by the Newmans.
Scotty's Angels grabbed first place team, with a best-three combined time of 24:30:29. They were Evelyn Baig, Sarah Arthur, Mia Moore, Scott Carroll, and Alicia Mansuetti; winning Leather Therapy bottles donated by Riding Warehouse and their buttons. Second place team was Vroom Vroom, consisting of Jesseanne Norton, Amy Kerrigan, Mykayla Corgnell, and Skylar Brown with a best-three time of 29:44:32. Second place got leather-crowned breakaway Weaver halters from Colton Groome; and their buttons. Rose Between the Thorns, comprised of Uma Kraskin, Sean Gaedtke, and Pepe Ortega, got third place team, with a combined time of 33:03:04. Third place team got rope halters donated by Colton Groome; and their buttons.
Friday 65-mile team results are here.
Intro Riders:
Twenty horses and riders went out on the 10-mile course set for Intro riders, and they all seem to have completed -- and completed well and had fun!
Megan Savory-Davis who was crewing for someone in the endurance event, took a quick snapshot of three riders about to leave ... Morgan Norman, Cassandra Norman, and Sandra Peery Norman.
Intro riders and horses are here. |
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Saturday AERC 30-Mile Results:
Forty-six horses and riders started the 30-mile ride with 36 completing, for a 78% completion rate. Completion awards were Biltmore-endurance logoed T-shirts sponsored by Biltmore Equestrian Center.
Iwona Miller won the 30 on Levi |
Non-AERC-member Iwona Miller won on Levi in a time of 3:06:01, edging Anna Vidal on Well Played FF who pulsed at 3:06:02, and Jennifer Whitbeck on Ada Be So Vague who pulsed at 3:06:03. Iwona won a pair of condiment plates, hand potted with a raised horse-themed border. Top ten awards were Biltmore Challenge labeled bottles of wine from Biltmore Winery donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. Two of the top ten were juniors, so the wine went to parents and the youth were offered books about the Biltmore House.
Eight horses stood for Best Conditioned, which was won by Jennifer Whitbeck on Ada Be So Vague, receiving a gift basket donated by Equestrian Wellness. High vet score went to Camaya Hagan's Sandy (ride time of 3:57), receiving a gift certificate for a 10-pound bucket of Platinum Performance donated by Platinum.
The 30-mile ride had a bumper crop of Juniors: seven! All of whom completed!!! Camaya Hogan and Herper Kellner were back-to-back in the top ten, with Camaya's horse pulsing one minute faster than Harper's, so Camaya got the framed photo from Becky Pearman, but Harper got a foldered photo, too. Truly well done. |
Camaya Hogan on Sandy got first junior |
One minute behind Camaya, Harper Kellner on Stoker got second junior |
Middle of the pack award was a full year equestrian pass to the Biltmore Estate, entitling the winner to access to the grounds and trails of the Estate for a year; donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. That was won by Annie Whelan on Maggie Houston's Carolina Crownn in a ride time of 4:23.
Back of the pack was Kelly Burns on Chucky Battuta in a ride time of 5:55. She won a tote bag, donated by Biltmore Hospitality, containing a picnic blanket with the Biltmore House on it; Biltmore Monopoly (how appropriate!); and some Biltmore Grown goodies.
The results summary for the Saturday 30-mile ride is here. BC scores for the 30 are here.
Saturday 30-Mile Team Results:
Eight teams formed for the Saturday 30-mile team competition, with seven completing the requisite 3 out of 5. The times of the fastest three riders out of the five counted. The primary sponsor of the team awards was Colton Groome Financial Management, but Riding Warehouse rounded things out, with buttons supplied by the Newmans.
Go Fast took the blue, with Iwona Miller, Anna Vidal, Kimberly Thrasher, Joey Saltz and Annie Whelan posting a combined time of 9:21:03. They won rope halters donated by Colton Groome and buttons. Team Blazing Saddles came in second, comprised of Jennifer Whitbeck, Michelle Brinton, TJ Vore, Elle Parsley, and Barbara Hubler. Their combined best-three time of 11:00:03 won them lead lines donated by Colton Groome and buttons. The third place team, Ride & Tiers (the RATS), had a combined best-three time of 12:14:56 posted by Carrie Barris, Christapher Lang, Megan Lapkoff, and Angie Lindberg, winning grooming mitts donated by Colton Groome and their buttons. Well worth mentioning are other team names: Ezee Riders, Ladies of Luxury, Mason Valley Ranch, Midnight Runners, and Tarheel Terrapins.
Saturday 30-mile team results are here.
Saturday AERC 55-Mile Results:
The 55-mile ride on Saturday started 19 riders, with 15 finishing for an 79% completion rate, which is decent. Completion awards were Biltmore-endurance logoed T-shirts sponsored by Biltmore Equestrian Center.
Repeating her win of Friday, Eone Willemse on Marcia Weilbach's DCM Burning Ghost won the ride in a ride time of 6:14:12 (about 30 minutes faster than her time on Friday). Susy Willets came in second on Baja in 7:59:50. Third place went to Verena Stock on King Ali Jet (8:02:24). First to finish won a matted and framed photo print of Nancy MacDonald's outstanding moon over the mountains. Second won a saddle pad donated by Hyperi Saddles. Top ten awards were Biltmore Challenge labeled bottles of wine from Biltmore Winery donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center.
Eight horses stood for Best Conditioned, which was won by Eone Willemse on DCM Burning Ghost, receiving a gift basket donated by Dapper Darlings. High vet score went to Hannah Harris who rode Angie McGhee's Aul Sandys Havana (ride time of 8:12:07), receiving a gift certificate for a 10-pound bucket of Platinum Performance donated by Platinum. |
Eone Willemse on Marcia Weilbach's DCM Burning Ghost won and got Best Conditioned |
Three juniors entered the ride and all completed. First junior was Hannah Harris on Aul Sandys Havana in 8:12:07. They won a portrait from on-trail done by Becky Pearman.
Middle of the pack award was a full year equestrian pass to the Biltmore Estate, entitling the winner to access to the grounds and trails of the Estate for a year; donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. That was won by Mattie Compton on MHF Royal in 8:18:09.
Back of the pack was Lisa Bykowski on CR Mjstro in a ride time of 10:25:45. She won a tote bag, donated by Biltmore Hospitality, containing a picnic blanket with the Biltmore House on it; Biltmore Monopoly (how appropriate!); and some Biltmore Grown goodies. |
Hannah Harris on Angie McGhee's Aul Sandys Havana was first junior |
The results summary for the Saturday 55-mile ride is here. BC scores for the Saturday 55 are here.
Saturday 55-Mile Team Results:
Two teams formed for the Saturday 55-mile team competition, with one completing the requisite 3 out of 5. The times of the fastest three riders out of the five counted. The primary sponsor of the team awards was Colton Groome Financial Management, but Riding Warehouse rounded things out, with buttons supplied by the Newmans.
The Hillbilly Homies took it all! Melina Efthimiadis, Tricia Watson, Mattie Compton, and Joe Stump had a best-three combined time of 24:54:27. They won large low tubtrugs donated by Colton Groome; and their buttons. Other team name: Derby Dolls.
Saturday 55-mile team results are here.
Saturday AERC 75-Mile Results:
Note: for 2026 AERC Young Rider Championship, go here
Ten horses and riders started the 75-mile ride with 9 completing, for a 90% completion rate (amazing). Completion awards were Biltmore-endurance logoed T-shirts sponsored by Biltmore Equestrian Center.
Jeremy Reynolds won the 75 on Rhett OKS |
Jeremy Reynolds won on Rhett OKS in a time of 9:00:35; well ahead of second place rider Nina Barnett on her Rushcreek Edward who finished in 9:11:58. Third saw a tie between Tracy Benedict on Evanessence and Deborah Ong on Mocca in 9:47:24. Jeremy won a hand-drawn and colored pottery platter with the ride logo done by Marbie Kollath. Nina won a saddle pad donated by Hyperi Saddles. Top ten awards were Biltmore Challenge labeled bottles of wine from Biltmore Winery donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center.
Four horses stood for Best Conditioned, which was won by Jeremy Reynolds on Rhett OKS, receiving RidUp stirrups donated by The Endurance Boutique (you should have seen his face light up!). Rhett OKS also got vet score, receiving a gift certificate for a 10-pound bucket of Platinum Performance donated by Platinum.
No juniors started the open 75-mile ride.
Middle of the pack award was a full year equestrian pass to the Biltmore Estate, entitling the winner to access to the grounds and trails of the Estate for a year; donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. That was won by Farzad Faryadi on AK Magnums Porsche in a ride time of 10:14:22.
Back of the pack was Clarke Martin on Cheryl van Deusen's Tru Beau Sardi in a ride time of 14:30:19. She won a tote bag, donated by Biltmore Hospitality, containing a picnic blanket with the Biltmore House on it; Biltmore Monopoly (how appropriate!); and some Biltmore Grown goodies. |
The results summary for the Saturday 75-mile ride is here. BC scores for the Saturday 75 are here.
Saturday FEI CEI 2* and 2* YJ 120 km / 75-Mile Results:
Three riders entered the Saturday FEI CEI 2* 120 km senior division ride with all completing. Another four entered the 2* YJ event with three completing.
Veteran of many Biltmore rides, Steve Rojek, won the senior division on his Rushcreek Gentleman in a ride time of 14:10:10. Second was Cheryl van Deusen on her TTT Sister Samantha in a ride time of 14:30:18, followed immediately by Clarke Martin on Cheryl van Deusen's Tru Beau Sardi (14:30:19). For FEI first to finish, Steve won a pottery mug from Magnum Pottery.
In the CEI 2* YJ (Young Rider / Junior Rider), Avery Betz on Djets Mojo in a ride time of 9:11:58 won their own pottery mug from Magnum Pottery. Second and third 2* YJ riders were Meghan Wert on Muzsique and Aubrey Muthard on Meg Sleeper's Syrocco Kalypso .... they were one second apart at 10:11:51 and 10:11:52.
Of the CEI 2* completing horses, none stood for Best Conditioned. For the CEI 2* YJ, Avery and Aubrey showed their horses, with Avery's winning BC. For FEI BC, Avery won a bale bag donated by Country Aire Farm.
Full Saturday FEI CEI 2* 120 km senior rider results are here. The Friday FEI CEI 2* 120 km young rider / junior rider (YJ) results are here.
Saturday 75-Mile Team Results:
Three teams formed across the 75-mile riders, and all three completed the requisite three out of five team members to come up with a sum of the best three time. The primary sponsor of the team awards was Colton Groome Financial Management, but Riding Warehouse rounded things out, with buttons supplied by the Newmans.
The fastest team was Hoof Hearted Again, with Avery Betz, Tracy Benedict, Deborah Ong, Farzad Faryadi, and Ansley Conway posting a best-three time of 28:25:46. They won large, high tubtrugs donated by Colton Groome, and their buttons. Second place team was Old Enough To Know Better, comprised of Jeremy Reynolds, Nina Barnett, Steve Rojek, Clarke Martin and Susan Wilson, with a time of 32:01:43, winning 8 quart buckets donated by Riding Warehouse. Third place team was the New Team with Aubrey Muthard, Mia Moore, Cheryl van Deusen, and Madison Johnston with a best-three ride time of 37:59:28.
Saturday 75-mile team results are here. NOTE: these teams are hybrids between the AERC open 75 milers (adults) and the YRs in the Championship. Ride Manager decision to allow hybrids.
Saturday AERC 100-Mile Results:
Fourteen horses started the 100-mile competition with ten completing for a respectible 71% completion rate. Completion awards were Biltmore-endurance logoed T-shirts sponsored by Biltmore Equestrian Center.
Meg Sleeper edged Tom Rajala to win the 100 on her Syrocco Serenade |
Tom Rajala came in second on Hheartbreaker |
| First to finish was Meg Sleeper on her Syrocco Serenade in a ride time of 13:59:20, five seconds ahead of Tom Rajala on Hheartbreaker. About 25 minutes later, AnnaMaria Clarke, Kelsey Russell, and Annie Wang came in together (3 seconds apart) on Ole Gold, Authentic Gold, and Tarbes Gold. Two hours later, Alayna and Steven Hay rode in on Ivan Groznyi and Muzhikk (16:36:49 and 16:36:52). Soloing in with a ride time of 17:19:54 was Joni Burden on Glorys Sweet Memory3. The final two finishers had a ride time of 19:21:13 (and 14): Uma Kraskin on Steve Rojek's TA Sight Line and Stephanie Richter on Mel Blittersdorf's Forward Motion CH. Top awards were first to finish: a hand-drawn and colored pottery platter with the ride logo done by Marbie Kollath and won by Meg Sleeper; and second: a saddle pad donated by Hyperi Saddles and won by Tom Rajala. Top ten awards were Biltmore Challenge labeled bottles of wine from Biltmore Winery donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center (or books for the two young riders). |
Five horses stood for Best Conditioned, which was won by Kelsey Russell on Authentic Gold, receiving RidUp stirrups donated by The Endurance Boutique. Authentic Gold also got vet score, receiving a gift certificate for a 10-pound bucket of Platinum Performance donated by Platinum.
Middle of the pack award was a full year equestrian pass to the Biltmore Estate, entitling the winner to access to the grounds and trails of the Estate for a year; donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. That was won by Alayna Hay on Ivan Groznyi in a ride time of 16:36:49.
Back of the pack was Stephanie Richter on Forward Motion CH in 19:21:14. She won a tote bag, donated by Biltmore Hospitality, containing a picnic blanket with the Biltmore House on it; Biltmore Monopoly (how appropriate!); and some Biltmore Grown goodies.
The results summary for the Saturday 100-mile ride is here. BC scores for the Saturday 100 are here.
Saturday FEI CEI 3* 160 km / 100-Mile Results:
The CEI 3* YJ was cancelled since both young riders chose to ride as adults. Thus, seven of the 100-mile riders entered in the Saturday 100-mile ride were in the FEI CEI 3* 160 km senior division with six completing.
Another veteran of many Biltmore rides, Meg Sleeper, won the senior division on her Syrocco Serenade in a ride time of 13:39:20. She was followed closely by Tom Rajala on Hheartbreaker in 13:59:25. For FEI first to finish, Meg won two pottery mugs from Magnum Pottery.
For the CEI 3*, four horses stood for BC, with Meg Sleeper's Syrocco Serenade winning. For FEI BC, Meg won a gift certificate.
Full Saturday FEI CEI 3* 160 km senior rider results are here. The FEI BC scores are the first four here.
Saturday 100-Mile AHA Region 12 Championship Results:
The Biltmore Challenge hosted the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Region XII 100-Mile Championship for 2026. A total of 10 horse / riders out of the 14 starters both qualified and entered the event: six full Arabs, and four HalfArabs. Entry requirements included that, the rider and owner must be 2026 ‘Competition’ members of AHA and the horse must be AHA registered. Furthermore, as a Regional Championship ride, the horse must have a minimum of 100 lifetime miles of which 50 miles may be from an AHA Regional or National Competitive Trail Ride, but any other miles must be Endurance miles (not Limited Distance).
Meg Sleeper on her 'Sera' won best Arab |
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Kelsey Russell on Valerie Kanavy's Authentic Gold won best half Arab |
| The AHA Region XII champion Arab was Syrocco Serenade, ridden by owner Meg Sleeper, in a ride time of 13:59:20. Reserve champion Arab was Tom Rajala on Hheartbreaker (13:59:25). Full Arab Best Conditioned was won by Meg Sleeper and "Sera". Full Arab Champion won a grand garland and (very) fancy ribbon; Reserve Champion won an elegant garland and a fancy ribbon; the other three horses in the top five won ribbons. Best Conditioned won a bas-relief horse tile done by Nan Jacobsohn. |
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The AHA Region XII champion Half Arab was Valerie Kanavy's Authentic Gold, ridden by Kelsey Russell, in a ride time of 14:25:38. Reserve champion HalfArab was Valerie Kanavy's Tarbes Gold ridden by Annie Wang, in a ride time of 14:25:39. Best Conditioned HalfArab was won by Authentic Gold. Half Arab Champion won a grand garland and (very) fancy ribbon; Reserve Champion won an elegant garland and a fancy ribbon. No other half-Arabs finished. Best Conditioned won a $50 gift card donated by The Endurance Boutique plus a Magnum Pottery mug. |
The AHA Region XII 100-Mile Arab Championship results are here. The AHA Region XII 100-Mile Half-Arab Championship results are here.
Saturday 100-Mile Team Results:
Three teams formed across the 100-mile riders, and all three completed the requisite three out of five team members to come up with a sum of the best three time. The primary sponsor of the team awards was Colton Groome Financial Management, but The Endurance Boutique and Riding Warehouse rounded things out, with buttons supplied by the Newmans.
The Big MAKK team had it 'iced' -- Meg Sleeper, the winner, plus to round out the team three horses finishing 25 minutes behind the two leaders, Annie Wang, Kelsey Russell, and AnnaMaria Clarke. |
The fastest team was Big MAAK, with a best-three combined ride time of 42:50:35. The prizes of $50 gift certificates from The Endurance Boutique (and commemorative buttons) were won by Meg Sleeper, AnnaMaria Clarke, Kelsey Russell, and Annie Wang. The next team was AL & VA (Alabama and Virginia) consisting of Alayna Hay, Steven Hay, Joni Burden, Anne Liddell, and Ann Wicks, with a best-three combined time of 50:33:35. They won buckets of horse treats from Riding Warehouse (and their buttons). The final team, the United Nations, had Tom Rajala, Uma Kraskin, Stephanie Richter, Sophia Donovan and Heather Reynolds posting a best-three time of 52:41:52, and winning large high tubtrugs donated by Colton Groome, and the buttons.
Saturday 100-mile team results are here.
Lost and Found:
One pop-up tent;
4 camp chairs;
multiple water bottles.
A Ro-Flex fencing section.
A metal framed stirrup missing the bar to anchor it to the stirrup leather.
A pair of grey-with-black work gloves.
A single, black, velcro-closure, ankle boot.
A sponge in a green mesh bag.
A blue-grey cable knit hat with pom-pom.
A grey with white and some blue rope headstall with firm green noseband upper.
A lunge whip (red).
Then something that looks likely to go around a horse's head and attach to some other things -- photo included. |
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