May 2018 Results
Ride photos and portraits are available at http://www.beckypearman.smugmug.com.
After a number of years slogging through mud at the Biltmore Challenge, and looking at the 25th running in 2018, the ride manager wanted some insurance that the weather would not have copious rain. And every year that rain ponchos had been provided as welcome gifts it had not rained. So, this year, rain ponchos were the welcome gifts from Biltmore Equestrian Center. Plus some 25th anniversary-commemorative napkins from the ride manager.
And it worked.
Thanks to Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Equestrian Center, trailmaster 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, re-routed as needed to avoid new farm fencing (including four new culverts), and other routine maintenance.
Bill Cecil, CEO for the Biltmore Estate, did the formal greeting on Friday. And thank you gifts were provided to folks present who had been at the ride ten or more years as part of the 25th anniversary celebration.
Friday, the weather was hot, dry, sunny, with high temperatures in the mid-80s. After a month of temperatures in the 60s, this was welcomed by riders and crew even though the horses were wondering about the ping pong between their training temperatures and the ride temperatures. Saturday on the other hand was lightly overcast and humid, humid, humid, until a late afternoon shower came through and helped get some of the moisture out of the air, and refreshed the competitors still on trail.
Over the two days, 278 riders took to the trails.
Somehow folks found parking (many thanks to stewards Jack Weber, John Proudman, Tim Clark, Claudia Harper and Norma House for making that all as seamless as possible!). Because we not only had the competitors horses, but also pre-ride horses, plus a few others that were with stablemates for either companionship or simple trans-shipment to their ultimate destinations. I hope everyone met and enjoyed at least one set of new riders and horses during their stay. We, of course, used the 'overflow' campgrounds this year, but the amenities in the overflow actually were better than the main camp.
A selection of follow-ups:
1. Two ridesr went to the hospital and were released. They had broken collar bones, and one added several broken ribs plus a bruised lung (if I translated the medical jargon correctly).
2. One horse was referred out with a likely joint capsule puncture, and seems to be doing well post-surgery, and returned home later in the week. Other horses treated at the ride site are recovered.
Results have been submitted to AERC and FEI and are on-line.
3. Refunds if applicable:
Please look for any general refund around the end of May. The process: post-ride Cheryl assembles the data for refunds (two days of work). These were sent to BEC on Wednesday night, 10 May. BEC checks them over for bloopers (which have been known to happen). After checking it goes to Biltmore Estate accounting for further checking then check issuance, then Post Office. If you are getting a snail mail refund, please bug Cheryl if you don't have it by end of May.
4. thanks for your understanding about parking:
This year we continued to work at enforcing 'rational' parking (mind you, I am not sure such a thing exists) as outlined after 2016. And I think in general it helped. We demanded no extended or prolonged saving of places, and I think everyone appreciated that. Folks coming with their travel-trailer (living quarters only), taking up horse trailer spaces were moved to overflow.
Mickey Short on Luna's Legacy |
About a quarter of the 70 starters in the Friday limited distance ride were not AERC members, so likely to be relatively inexperienced. Many thanks to veteran Joe Schoech who conducted the new rider briefing so that these folks felt welcomed and could identify at least one friend on trail! 55 of the starters completed, for a 77.5% completion rate. Completion awards were Biltmore-logoed etched 25th anniversary glasses sponsored by Biltmore Equestrian Center and Ken Wilson Ford. Mick Short got the win on his Luna's Legacy, in a time of 2:48:29. Mark Reader followed closely on his Bar Dancer. Carrie Baris followed five minutes later on Tye. First to finish won a fleece seat saver from Distance Depot. Second won an insulated lunch tote plus matching water bottle from Shadowtree. And third place won a miniature flex-bucket ideal for a chihuahua drinking bowl. Top ten awards were 25th anniversary commemorative labeled bottles of wine from Biltmore Winery and Biltmore Equestrian Center. Eleventh place was Joe Schoech (time of 3:08:01) on Kamakazi Bay B who won a flake bag. Eight horses stood for Best Conditioned, which was won by Mark Reader on Bar Dancer receiving an embroidered dress fleece cooler. They also won high vet score, receiving a hand-forged horseshoe-embedded-in-a-heart trivet crafted by Mountain Farriers. The BC score was 642. Only one junior entered the ride, and, unfortunately, did not complete. Middle of the pack award was a full year equestrian pass to the Biltmore Estate, entitling the winner to access to the grounds, house, and trails of the Estate for a year; donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. That was won by Greg Hoit on Leeward Light in a time of 4:10. |
Back of the pack was Erin Lowe-Pagliaro in a ride time of 5:10:05. She won a book donated by Connie Creech on endurance history, 'Endurance .... Years Gone By' by Lori Oleson, telling stories of some of the icons in the sport.
The results summary for the Friday 25-mile ride is here. BC scores for the 25 are here.
Six teams nominated for the 25-mile team competition, with three completing the requisite 3 out of 4. The times of the fastest three riders out of three or four counted. While the primary sponsor of the team awards was Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear, other prizes were donated by the Newmans.
Mountain Momas, comprised of Charlesey McCallister, Carrie Baris, Amanda Kennedy, and Marie Umbarger won with a combined ride time of 9:33. They received commemorative buttons and 5 gallon buckets. An unnamed team came in second, with Jaime Wedel, MJ Clark, Guy Donohue, and Greg Hoit posting a combined time of 13:02, and winning buttons and lead lines. The third place team was Smooth Sailin', having Erin Lowe-Pagliaro, Whitney Wright, Ashley Oliver and Tracy Benedict participating. Their best-three combined ride time was 14:13. They won sample-size Pyranha bug sprays and buttons.
Friday 25-mile team results are here.
56 horses started the 50-mile ride, with 44 completing, for a 78.5% completion rate. Completion awards were Biltmore-logoed etched 25th anniversary glasses sponsored by Biltmore Equestrian Center and Ken Wilson Ford.
Jeremy Reynolds on Anydaynow |
In a dramatic race off at the end, Jeremy Reynolds raced Barbara Hershberger's Anydaynow from behind to edge Tina Corcoran's Romeo, with ride times of 5:04:14 and 5:04:15, respectively. Definitely a photo finish. First to finish won a matted and framed photo print of Nancy MacDonald's outstanding mountains at sunset. Second won a pair of shipping boots. Fifteen minutes back, Alisija Zabavska finished on her Dixieland Dude to get third, a pottery mug from Magnum Pottery in Weaverville. Top ten awards were 25th anniversary commemorative labeled bottles of wine from Biltmore Winery and Biltmore Equestrian Center. Eleventh place went to Claude Brewer on Rushcreek Edward in a ride time of 7:16:23, winning a teeter horse. Three horses stood for Best Conditioned, which was won by Tina Cochran's Romeo, with a score of 702.5. The won an embroidered dress fleece cooler. High Vet Score was won by Yvette Vinton's Demi Peril, who had finished tenth in 7:07:21, receiving a hand-forged horseshoe-embedded-in-a-heart trivet crafted by Mountain Farriers. Top Junior was Maddie Rogers on her Morgan, KF Barans Melody, in a ride time of 9:31:58. They won an 8x10 framed photo of the pair taken Becky Pearman. |
Maddie Rogers on KF Barans Melody |
Middle of the pack award was a full year equestrian pass to the Biltmore Estate, entitling the winner to access to the grounds, house, and trails of the Estate for a year; donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. That was won by Alice Root on Dakota's Traveler in a time of 8:10:53.
Back of the pack was Robin Burris in a ride time of 9:59:55. She won sponge with turtle donated by Mary Coleman of Country Aire Farm.
The results summary for the Friday 50-mile ride is here. BC scores for the 50 are here.
Friday FEI CEI 1* 80 km / 50-Mile Results:
Four horses and riders started the FEI CEI 1* senior division ride, and all completed. No one entered the Young Rider CEI 1* division. Jeremy Reynolds won the division on Barbara Hershberger's Anydaynow in 5:04:14. Second was Roxi Welling on her SLF L'il Bit Loco, in a ride time of 6:05:39. Further back, Cheryl van Deusen and Jose Ortega finished in 9:53:34 and 9:53:35. For the FEI 1* win, Jeremy got a purple headstall donated by Distance Depot. All competitors were from the United States.
Jeremy Reynolds and Anydaynow won FEI BC, getting a gift certificate from Platinum Performance.
Full Friday FEI CEI 1* 80 km senior rider results are here. The Friday FEI CEI 1* 80 km young rider / junior rider (YJ) had no entries.
Four teams nominated for the 50-mile team competition, with all teams completing the requisite 3 out of 4. The times of the fastest three riders out of three or four counted. While the primary sponsor of the team awards was Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear, other prizes were donated by the Newmans.
The Foot Fetish team won the day -- with Karen Neuenschwander, Jeremy Reynolds, Teresa Johnston, and Roxi Welling having a best three combined time of 18:03:25, winning buttons from Running Bear, plus 5 gallon buckets. Trail Mix was second -- Kelly Caudle, Tina Murphy, Crystal Bayol-Wyatt, and Katie Dold posting 23:43:48, and winning buttons and lead lines. The third place team was The French Broads, comprised of Cheri Swerbinsky, Jane Larrimore, Anita Rees, and Erika Noble all finishing and providing a best three combined time of 25:02:26. They won large sponges and buttons. The final team was an ad hoc combination of two pairs -- Maddie Rogers, Gail Thompson, Lela Nielsen and Caroline Guy, all of whom completed, but with a slower combined top-three time of 27:53:01.
Friday 50-mile team results are here.
Saturday AERC 30-Mile Results:
51 riders and horses took to the trail Saturday morning in the 30-mile competition. 38 completed, for a 74.5% completion rate.Completion awards were Biltmore-logoed etched 25th anniversary glasses sponsored by Biltmore Equestrian Center and Ken Wilson Ford. Joe Schoech had once again done the new rider briefing the evening before, so riders were assured of at least one friendly, experienced face on trail. Much to management's dilemma, three riders tied for first: Jill Gregorieff on Domino's Wildflower, Marie Umbarger on Faiz Zaha,and Emily Van Ness on Aurora, in a time of 3:29. Somehow they split the awards for the first three places: a pair of wooden spirit horses made by Ann Kratochvil, a carry pouch donated by ShadowTree, and a mini-bucket. Top ten awards were 25th anniversary commemorative labeled bottles of wine from Biltmore Winery and Biltmore Equestrian Center. Eleventh place was won by Joe Schoech, getting a flake bag for his 4:15 completion on Kamaal's Good Friday. Seven horses stood for Best Conditioned, which was won by Angela Kemerer on Shae receiving an embroidered dress fleece cooler. Two tied for high vet score: Angela Kemerer and Laura Hebard, receiving hand-forged horseshoe-embedded-in-a-heart trivets crafted by Mountain Farriers. The BC score was 683.
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Three riders tied for first after riding together Jill Gregorieff, Marie Umbarger, Emily Van Ness |
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Jill Gregorieff on Domino's Wildflower |
Marie Umbarger on Faiz Zaha |
Emily Van Ness on Aurora |
Four juniors entered with two completing. Laura Goodrich won first place junior on Rodney Mann's Joe Joe, in a time of 5:34, winning an 8x10 framed photograph by Becky Pearman. Second place junior was Thea Smith on Elusive Dreym in 5:38. Middle of the pack award is a full year equestrian pass to the Biltmore Estate, entitling the winner to access to the grounds, house, and trails of the Estate for a year; donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. That was won by Heather Aloor on her Napoleon HCV in a ride time of 5:01. Back of the pack was another tie, between sisters this time, Catherine Jensen and Margaret Jensen. They won a set of Tuff Rider socks. Their ride time was 6:09. The results summary for the Saturday 30-mile ride is here. BC scores for the 30 are here. |
Laura Goodrich on Joe Joe |
Four teams nominated for the 30-mile team competition, with all teams completing the requisite 3 out of 4. The times of the fastest three riders out of three or four counted. While the primary sponsor of the team awards was Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear, other prizes were donated by the Newmans.
The High Flying Lady Centaurs won in a combined ride time of 10:46, handily outstripping all others. So, Jill Gregorieff, Emily Van Ness, Aggie Orzechowski, and Heather Wilkerson each received 5 gallon water buckets and buttons. The next closest team had a time of 14:12:02, posted by the Mountain Mamas: Rachel Pelkey, Charlesey McCallister, Amanda Kennedy and Marie Umbarger, winning lead lines and buttons. The third place team was Cookies and Cream -- Sandra Norman, Kathy Peery, Mary Whitt, and Alexis Thursday -- with a combined time of 16:41:05, winning hoof picks and buttons. The fourth place team had a truly neat name: Chicky Chicky Quack Quack. No speculations on who is which element on that team!
Saturday 30-mile team results are here.
Saturday AERC 55-Mile Results:
34 riders started the 55-mile ride on Saturday, with 26 finishing, for a 76.5% completion rate. Completion awards were Biltmore-logoed etched 25th anniversary glasses sponsored by Biltmore Equestrian Center and Ken Wilson Ford.
Amy Gantt on Calypso Aleluia Flite |
Again, we had a tie for the win between Amy Gantt on Calypso Aleluia Flite and Heidi Perreault Rajala on Hheartbreaker, in a ride time of 6:47:33. Between them they split the top two awards: a matted and framed photo print of Nancy MacDonald's outstanding super moon on the French Broad at big rock photo on one hand and, donated by Cindy Young, a pair of custom-made wild side tights. Third place went to Tom Gower on HK Xpress Avenue in a ride time of 7:16:58, winning a pottery mug from Magnum pottery. Top ten awards were 25th anniversary commemorative labeled bottles of wine from Biltmore Winery and Biltmore Equestrian Center. Eleventh place was won by Joe Schoech, getting a flake bag for his 4:15 completion on Kamaal's Good Friday. Seven horses stood for Best Conditioned, which was won by Heidi Rajala, receiving an embroidered dress fleece cooler. High vet score was won by Tom Gower and Xpress, receiving a hand-forged horseshoe-embedded-in-a-heart trivet crafted by Mountain Farriers. The BC score was 739.5. Four Juniors started the ride, and all completed. Madeline Isaacs won top junior winning an 8x10 framed photo by Becky Pearman for her 7:29:25 finish on Shasta. Amber Ray, Reine Pagliaro, and Aubrey Williams all also finished. Middle of the pack award is a full year equestrian pass to the Biltmore Estate, entitling the winner to access to the grounds, house, and trails of the Estate for a year; donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. That was won by Taryn Lorey on Moons Cygnature, in a time of 8:33:52. |
Heidi Rajala on Hheartbreaker |
Madeline Isaacs on Shasta
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In what seemed to be a bit of a pattern, back of the pack was another tie, between Alison Bailey and Holly Schenk riding two Rushcreek horses. Between them, they won the planned turtle award, of a turtle / sponge combination, plus another wild card award (unrecorded). Their ride time was 9:54:15.
The results summary for the Saturday 55-mile ride is here. BC scores for the 55 are here.
Saturday FEI CEI 1* 90 km / 55-Mile Results:
Reine Pagliaro was the sole entry in the Saturday FEI CEI 1* rides -- and rode Young Rider / Junior Rider, and she completed on MK Clark's Gaila Whisper in a ride time of 8:55:57. She also stood for FEI BC, and won that, too, with a BC score of 570.1 (note this score was based vs the winner of the AERC ride; if taken normalized for the FEI ride, it would have been 698.4). Reine is from the United States. The Saturday FEI CEI 1* 90 km senior rider had no entries. Full Saturday FEI CEI 1* 80 km young rider / junior rider (YJ) results are here. |
Reine Pagliaro on Gaila Whisper
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Saturday 55-Mile Team Results:
Four teams formed for the 55-mile team competition, with all teams completing the requisite 3 out of 4. The times of the fastest three riders out of three or four counted. While the primary sponsor of the team awards was Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear, other prizes were donated by the Newmans.
Three teams finished the requisite three riders. First place team was "Hurry Up, Thomas" comprised of Karen Isaacs, Madeline Isaacs, Thomas Isaacs, and Tracy Benedict. Their combination time was 22:27:36, and the won 5-gallon water buckets and buttons. Second place team was Team Lily, with Heidi Perrault Rajala, Dan Hallman, Reine Pagliaro, and Dan Kyburz riding to a best-three combination time of 23:12:49, and winning hoof picks hand-crafted by Mountain Farrier, and buttons. The third finishing team were the Clinton FFAs (Future Farmers of America) team with Ashley Phillips, Sammy Cooper, Maggie Jeffers, and Amber Ray competing, with a best-three time of 26:47:54. They won buttons and large sponges.
Saturday 55-mile team results are here.
Saturday AERC 75-Mile Results:
24 horses and riders started the 75 mile ride, with 17 completing for a 70.8% completion rate.
Erin Lemmons-Innes on Ogee |
Erin Lemmons-Innes on Ogee finished first with a commanding lead. Her ride time was 8:18:43. The next rider, Alisija Zabavska on MSA Silver Gazal finished with a ride time of 8:43:41, followed closely by the junior she was sponsoring, Sydnie Tycer on Gypsy Brocade at 8:43:42. For first place, Erin won a pottery platter crafted by Marbie Kollath with Biltmore Challenge running horses. Second place for Alysia was a gift certificate for a pair of Wild Side riding tights donated by Cindy Young. Third place, won by Sydnie, was a stylish black beta headstall donated by Distance Depot. Top ten awards were 25th anniversary commemorative labeled bottles of wine from Biltmore Winery and Biltmore Equestrian Center. Eleventh place was won by Spencer McCleery, on Steve Rojek's Roadrunner, getting a gift certificate from Platinum Performance. The ride time for eleventh was 11:06:40. Five horses stood for Best Conditioned, won by Alisija Zabavska on MSA Silver Gazal, with a score of 689.5. They won an embroidered dress fleece cooler. High vet score was won by Hanna Weightman on Holly Corcoran's Authentika (ride time of 10:51:15) -- getting a hand-forged horseshoe-embedded-in-a-heart trivet crafted by Mountain Farriers. Three juniors started the ride with two completing. Sydnie Tycer won on Gypsy Brocade in a ride time of 8:43:42. The other finisher was Kimberly Loutzenheiser on Christo Dinkelman's DCL Pretty Penny in 13:48:45. Middle of the pack award is a full year equestrian pass to the Biltmore Estate, entitling the winner to access to the grounds, house, and trails of the Estate for a year; donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. Hanna Weightman on Holly Corcoran's Authentika won that award. |
Sydnie Tycer on Gypsy Brocade |
Back of the pack was won by Vance Stine on Laissez Fare in a ride time of 13:49:19. The turtle was a multi-colored yard turtle on a bicycle type of thing with spinning kaleidoscopic wheels....
The results summary for the Saturday 75-mile ride is here. BC scores for the 75 are here.
Saturday FEI CEI 2* 120 km / 75-Mile Results:
The senior rider FEI CEI 2* event had ten starters and seven finishers. The Young Rider / Junior Rider FEI CEI 2* event had five starters and three finishers. So the majority of the 75 mile starters were also riding in the FEI division. We had riders from the United States, Lithuania, and Canada. Perhaps as notable, one rider came from California, and two Young Riders /Junior Riders came from Saskatchewan. Erin Lemmons-Innes won the FEI CEI 2* (adult) division on Ogee (8:18:43), winning a lovely headstall and reins donated by Amanda Taylor of Taylored Tack. FEI 2* Best Conditioned was won by Alisija Zabavska on MSA Silver Gazal, getting a gift certificate for Platinum Performance. The FEI CEI 2* YJ division was won by Alex Shampoe on Geraldine MHF in a ride time of 9:59:05. She won a pair of Sports Medicine Boots. And she also won Best Conditioned in that division (score 611.5), receiving a gift certificate for Platinum Performance. Full Saturday FEI CEI 2* 120 km senior rider results are here. Full Saturday FEI CEI 2* 120 km young rider / junior rider (YJ) results are here. |
Alex Shampoe on Geraldine MHF
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Saturday 75-Mile Team Results:
Five teams assembled for the 75 mile ride, with three completing the requisite 3 out of 4 members. The times of the fastest three riders out of three or four counted. While the primary sponsor of the team awards was Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear, other prizes were donated by Riding Warehouse and Mountain Farrier.
The winning team among the three qualified teams was the West Young / Junior Riders. Their best three out of four combined time was 28:45:53, and the team members, Sydnie Tycer, Alex Shampoe, Jessica Zwann, and Lexi Vollman won rump rugs donated by Riding Warehouse and buttons from Running Bear. Second place team was Just Guys Being Dudes, with Steve Rojek, Spencer McCleery, Daryl Downs and Steven Hay posting a team time of 32:37:17, and winning hand-tied rope halters and lead lines donated by Cleo Conk of Five Penny Tack. Third place team in the 75 was the East Young / Junior Riders, with a combination ride time of 38:28:45, posted by riders Michael Bishop, Kim Loutzenheiser, Brooks Prater, and Hanna Weightman. They won hand-crafted horsehead hoofpicks donated by Mountain Farrier and $10 gift cards from Riding Warehouse.
Saturday 75-mile team results are here.
Saturday 75-Mile Young and Junior Rider Team Results:
The Biltmore Challenge was happy to host the 2018 Young Rider Endurance Team Challenge. Eight young riders and junior riders found horses to compete in the 75-mile event. This was no easy feat since practically all eligible 75 mile horses had seemingly been used either in the 75 or 100 at Biltmore as a selection ride for the WEG, or at the WEG pre-ride the week prior. Many thanks to the persistent riders, chefs, and interested people who made this possible. And special thanks to Mary Farris who found the donor who provided for the polo shirts for the event. And to Peggy Primicerio for gathering the biographies.
In addition to the 25th anniversay napkins and rain ponchos, the 75-mile Young / Junior Riders got buckets donated by Adequan.
Here are bullet point biographies for the team members.
East: Chef Peggy L Primicerio
Michael Bishop from Raleigh, NC
- He is 20 years old attending North Carolina State University as a full-time student looking to receive my Bachelors of Business Administration.
- Michael has learned how to ride in 2011 and began FEI competitions the beginning of the 2012 season. Since then he has been to NAETC and two NAJYRC’s receiving best condition in 2013.
- When not riding he enjoys most anything outdoors such as hunting, fishing, and keeping a half acre garden with my grandfather.
- Michael hopes to begin working in his family’s construction/commercial real estate business in some capacity, while continuing to compete in endurance for many years to come.
Brooks Prater from Rock Hill, SC
- Brooks is 19 years old and has been riding horses since she was 6 years old.
- She started riding endurance a few years ago and has since started riding in FEI competitions with multiple top ten completions on multiple incredible horses.
- Brooks is working with her young horses, hopefully to bring them to FEI level competition and enjoys shaping young project horses to do well in endurance competition.
- When not riding or training, Brooks enjoys spending time with family and friends, Netflix and reading.
- Brooks' horse, Silver Lined is a 7-year-old 3/4 Arabian, 1/4 Saddlebred cross who truly embodies the phrase "small but mighty" and has been her project horse for 3 years now. He has a big personality and is opinionated, but is a very personable and a fun horse to work with.
- Brooks attends school at Clemson University as a pre-veterinary major and feels it necessary to thank her family for going out of their way to allow her to keep riding through college and for their unwavering support.
Kim Loutzenheiser from LaGrange, GA
- She a junior, 14 years-old
- Kimberly began riding lessons at age seven with Marvin Brangman and was introduced to endurance when she turned 12
- She started FEI at first opportunity thanks to Christo Dinkelmann and his horses last January and has already completed 600 endurance miles.
- This is her second young rider championship; she is very honored to participate on the SE team.
- She plans to continue to develop and train her sights on making the international Young Rider team next year.
- Kimberly also enjoys church youth group, baking, arts & crafts, and high school track & field
Hanna Weightman from Shamong, NJ
- Hanna is 19 years old and loves to ride
- She started riding endurance a few years ago and seriously picked up riding in FEI competitions in 2015, with the horses of Meg Sleeper
- She completed at the YR 2* in 2014 with team and individual silver
- At NATEC, she won gold for another 2* team
- She had continued with multiple top ten completions on multiple incredible horses from Val Kanavy, Mary Farris, and Holly Corcoran.
- She is a freshman in college majoring in Business
- President of the equestrian club at the college
West: Chef Trisha Dowling
Jessica Zwann from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan;
- She is 15 years-old and has been riding endurance since 2012.
- After a few years of riding 25’s and 50’s, Jessica moved up to FEI competition with her homebred mare, ZF Nadia.
- They did their first 1* at the Canadian Nationals in 2016 where they were team gold medalists with fellow Saskatchewanian and Young Rider, Lexi Vollman.
- In 2017, Jessica completed five 2* races, with three of them on Nadia, one on Alex North’s horse Pantin at 20 Mule Team and one on Cheryl Van Deusen’s Zeefas Mastrpiece Gem at the Broxton Bridge Plantation ride. This ride was the North American Young Rider team challenge and they were part of the silver medal winning international team.
- In addition to endurance riding, Jessica does Equestrian Vaulting with the Prairie Lily Vaulting club. She is doing all the training of Jax, a 5-year-old Warmblood gelding to be a canter horse.
- Jessica’s other sport is wrestling on her high school team
Lexi Vollman from Regina, Saskatchewan;
- She is 18 years old; been riding Endurance with 12 years along with her Mom, but has been on the back of a horse since she was four, trail rides and horse shows with her ponies.
- Lexi completed her first FEI 1* spring 2016. August of 2016 she and her horse “AJ Splash of Pizzaz” won the Junior 50-mile Canadian Championship held in Spruce Woods, Manitoba.
- Lexi is currently riding to get her qualifications for the Canadian Team for WEG and also hopes to represent Canada at the YR World Endurance Championships next year in Italy.
- Lexi’s horse, Splash, is an 11-year-old Pintabian and she’s owned him for the last 5 years. When her mom says he can be a jerk, Lexi’s response is “but he’s my jerk and I LOVE him!”
- When not riding, Lexi’s passions are animals and music, playing a variety of instruments including piano, guitar, violin, cello and ukulele.
- Academically she plans to pursue university studies in zoology
Alex Shampoe, from Colorado Springs, CO
- She is 16-years-old and has been riding for ten years
- In 2018 Alex has ridden two AREC 50s; tied for first place at both, riding Gwen Hall’s TA Ballet Dancer
- Her first FEI was a two-star 80-mile ride in which she won first place on Monk owned by Chris Martin
- Alex goal is to represent the USA at the US YR Championship for 2019
- Alex is self-motivated and must manage her time to complete her academics which are self-directed and all online
- When asked about her hobbies: Horses are her Life, intends to travel the world while on horseback
Sydnie Tycer, from Natalbany, LA
- She is 10-years-old; first riding lesson at six and caught the horse fever
- Sydnie did some showing, but discovered it wasn’t enough time on the back of her horse, tried endurance and found her passion on her own horse, Gypsy Brocade
- Gypsy and Sydnie did 355 miles of rides in 2017
- AERC rides 2018: Shanghai 55 miles, came in third and they also completed 75 miles at FITs coming in second
- Sydnie is an A/B honor roll student, she’s a cheerleader and plays on the volley ball team for her school
- She aspires to be a large and small animal veterinarian
- Sydnie’s role model and sponsor is Alisija Zabavska
Back row: Lexi Vollman, Jessica Zwann, Michael Bishop; Front row,:Alex Shampoe, Hanna Weightman, and Sydnie Tycer |
With teams assembled, the competition was on. Of the Young Rider / Junior Riders, Sydnie Tycer on Gypsy Brocade had the fastest time, winning a pair of ice boots donated by Bonni Hannah. When the dust settled, the West had beaten the East handily -- by about 10 hours in combined riding time. But the team spirit was high all around.
For first place YJ team, the West riders got Adequan starter kits -- the seven-dose vial sets each. The East team, for second, got embroidered breakaway halters and $10 gift cards from Riding Warehouse.
Congratulations!
Saturday 75-mile young and junior rider team results are here.
Saturday AERC 100-Mile Results:
In addition to the 25th anniversay napkins and rain ponchos, the 100-milers got buckets donated by Adequan as welcome gifts.
Forty-three horses started the 100 mile ride with seventeen completing, for a 40% completion rate. The heat and humidity affected the completions, but the fact that this was a US selection ride for the WEG influenced the completions as some riders were informed at check points that the selectors had 'seen enough' so they retired. FEI horses in particular were impacted this way.
Marvin Brangman on MM Godiva Chokalat |
Marvin Brangman on Lori Shifflett's MM Godiva Chokalat won the ride in a ride time of 11:09:11. Stella Harbison followed shortly thereafter on Lori Shifflett's Magical Mikada at 11:09:30. Third across the line was Tom MacGuinnes on Mary Farris' Mirage SR in a ride time of 11:53:10. For the win, Marvin got a pottery platter crafted by Marbie Kollath with Biltmore Challenge running horses. Stella got a gift certificate from Cindy Young for a pair of Wild Side Tights, custom made. And for third place, Tom got a red and blue headstall donated by Distance Depot. Top ten awards were 25th anniversary commemorative labeled bottles of wine from Biltmore Winery and Biltmore Equestrian Center. Eleventh place received a gift certificate from Platinum Performance, and was won by Susan Wilson on LA Casper. The ride time for eleventh was 15:01:51. Two horses stood for Best Conditioned, won by Holly Corcoran on Poetel, with a score of 738.5. They won an embroidered dress fleece cooler. High vet score was also won by Holly -- getting a hand-forged horseshoe-embedded-in-a-heart trivet crafted by Mountain Farriers. No juniors started the ride. Windsor Mundy, the sole Young Rider to start the ride, retired. Middle of the pack award is a full year equestrian pass to the Biltmore Estate, entitling the winner to access to the grounds, house, and trails of the Estate for a year; donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. By agreement of all involved, Clare Summers on LR Georgie Girl won that award. |
The hundred mile turtle was won by Monica Rawson on her Mysts of Avalon, in a ride time of 17:40:10, winning a sponge with a turtle mounting it donated by Mary Coleman of Country Aire Farm.
The results summary for the Saturday 100-mile ride is here. BC scores for the 100 are here.
Saturday FEI CEI 3* 160 km / 100-Mile Results:
Competitors assembled from Bermuda, Australia, Ireland, and the United States to compete in the FEI CEI 3* event.
From furthest away: Stella Harbison from Australia |
14 riders started the (adult) FEI CEI 3* ride, with 5 completing; 1 rider started the FEI CEI 3* YJ ride, and did not complete. A key element of competition in this World Equestrian Game (WEG) year is the need for competitors to gain what is called a Certificate of Competency (better known as a CoC), which means that a horse completes a 160 km course with that rider at a pace at or better than 14 km / hour. After studying the Biltmore trails, and doing some analysis of recent results, trail master Stagg Newman concluded that a CoC is possible at Biltmore -- potentially more achievable at Biltmore than some nominally easier places. The first five finishers in the 100 mile ride were FEI riders; of these, the first two finishers got CoCs. For FEI first to finish, Marvin Brangman (Bermuda) got onyx horsehead bookends. Stella Harbison (Australia) finished seconds behind Marvin. Further back, Tom MacGuinnes (Ireland) came; later still Holly Corcoran (United States), with Heather Reynolds (United States) the final FEI completion in the 3*. Holly Corcoran on Poete got FEI Best Conditioned, and received a gift certificate from Platinum Performance.
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Full Saturday FEI CEI 3* 160 km senior rider results are here. Full Saturday FEI CEI 3* 160 km young rider / junior rider (YJ) results are here.
Saturday 100-Mile Team Results:
Cindy Young, Sudi Lenhart, Jane Lee, three of the four on the 3 Motherbuckers and a Spare team.. Congratulations! |
Everyone in the 100 mile event was on a team -- of their choosing, or a random selection by Cheryl. The best team was a self-selected quad, all of whom finished. Of the other teams, NONE of them finished the requisite three out of four. But, this was not just a war of attrition -- after all the winning team finished ALL of its riders -- they clearly chose themselves carefully, and rode a good, well-paced ride. Team 3 Motherbuckers and a Spare was awesome, and amazingly energetic at the awards. Team members Susan Wilson, Cindy Young, Sudi Lenhart, and Jane Lee had a best-three combined time of 45:05:33. They won hand-made bridle headstalls and reins done by Amanda Taylor of Taylored Tack and overall financed by Boys, Arnold and Company. A very happy dance indeed! Plus $25 gift cards from Riding Warehouse (I think). Saturday 100-mile team results are here.
3 Motherbuckers and a Spare (Winning 100 Mile Team) Celebrates (Nancy MacDonald photo)
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Susan Wilson on LA Casper |
The Eastern Crabbet Arabian Horse Society sponsored a "Best Crabbet" horse award in each distance. ECAHS offered both Young Rider / Junior (YJ) and Senior divisions for this award. The horse must have been Crabbet-certified as having at least 25% Crabbet blood by April 27. For those owning Arabians and HalfArabians, this can provide some insight into the somewhat-arcane aspects of our horses' breeding. The awards are strikingly beautiful black/gray/gold neckribbons.
No Young Riders / Junior Riders entered.
Two horses in the 25-mile ride on Friday entered, with Marie Umbarger on her Hakam Ayin winning. The other rider did not complete.
The Friday 50 had no candidates for the ECAHS award, nor did the Saturday 30 nor the Saturday 55.
The 75-mile on Saturday had one senior entrant (no YJ), with Daryl Downs on Jeanne Duffie's Kkois Satin N Lace winning.
The 100-mile on Sunday had four entrants, two completing, two not completing. The winning combination was Clarke Martin on Stagg Newman's Syrocco Tanka, bred by Meg Sleeper.
The American Morgan Horse Association donated an award to be presented to the Best Morgan at the event. Across the various distances, we started 7 Morgans this year, the vast majority in the 25 mile ride. The best Morgan was won by Maddie Rogers on KF Baran's Melody in the 50.
Recognize any of this? And other items (sponges, the odd bucket, ... )
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