So: What happened in 2025?
in a word: Helene. The camping field got stricken with about 6 inches of silt. In late October, it was planted with winter wheat to stabilize it. The crop is doing fine, but the ground is not stable enough for trailers until a degree of 'turf' is in place. Biltmore Equestrian Center plans on planting fescue in early March; then crabgrass in late May; and more fescue in mid-August. By September, we anticipate a degree of turf will make the campground and trot out area adequately stable.
Incidentally, for those of you who have been here before, the water from the French Broad River reached up to the roof of the 'event barn' and ripped it off, and left a tree that had floated down river on top. All fencing along the River was stripped away. Trailers that were 'up' by the event tent (thought to be above the 100 year flood level) were washed down River and overturned in various drainages or swept to Tennessee. The outdoor arena (night lights and night time trot outs) was destroyed. Much basic clean up has been done, but the re-building is going to take awhile.
Friday, May 1, 2026: 25, 50 mile rides
Saturday, May 2, 2026: 30, 55, 75, 100 mile rides
The 75 mile ride will also offer FEI 2* and 2*YJ divisions; the 100 mile ride will also offer FEI 3*. These FEI divisions are the only ones with any jurisdiction from USEF (United States Equestrian Federation). None of the other rides / distances have any association with USEF.
Come early! Camp opens noon Wednesday April 29.
We will have a link to entries for the rides.
In 2026, the Biltmore Equestrian Center, located on the grounds of George Vanderbilt’s historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, will host the thirtieth annual Biltmore Challenge Endurance Rides on:
Friday May 1, 2026: 25, 50 mile rides
Saturday May 2, 2026: 30, 55, 75 and 100 mile rides.
All riders are AERC Open
The 75 mile ride will have as option, an FEI 2* and 2*YJ; and the 100 mile ride will have as an option an FEI 3*. These FEI events are the only ones with any jurisdiction from USEF (United States Equestrian Federation). None of the other rides / distances have any association with USEF. For more informaton on the FEI divisions, weight requirements and equine age requirements, see FEI Definite Schedule which will be here.
In addition, we hope the Eastern Crabbett Arabian Horse Society (ECAHS) will support (lovely!) neck ribbons in each ride for the best Crabbett-certified Arabian finishing. Certification is a nominal fee, and only needs to be done once for a horse. So get 'er done!
Team Competitions ! We hope to get a sponsor for team compeitions this year at the Biltmore Challenge. These are open to all riders on both days with no additional entry fees. At least two full teams within the same distance are required to have team competition awards. Form your own team of four riders, with time for the top three finishers on each team counting towards awards. This is a good opportunity to practice team riding.... Check out how strategy and opportunities change in this environment!
Ride with GPS: We hope to have RideWithGPS maps for this ride. Get the app on your mobile, download ride maps to your phone, and have trail directions for you as you ride along.
General Conditions: Built in 1895, the Estate trails promise a challenging ride along the French Broad River and over rolling hills and low mountains. We recommend that all horses have hoof protection, and in the 50, 75 and 100 mile distances, think about padding. Breast collars/cruppers may be helpful. Each loop will circle back to a central vetting area adjacent to the main camping area.
Please beware that the trails go through farming areas, with farm animals: goats, sheep, cattle and PIGS.
Weather is somewhat unpredictable in very early May, but it is usually humid with temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s.
Controlled Entry to Biltmore Estate. 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, names are provided for a list used by the front gate guards for initial entry (the "Gate List"). Subsequent re-entry will be via wristbands available at the ride site. Entry for one named crew member is covered as part of the ride entry fees. For 75 and 100-mile riders, two (2) named crew members are covered in the ride entry fees. On the Estate, including at the ride site, colored wristbands will be required to be worn as visible proof of permission. Each 25, 30, 50 and 55 mile ride-day of entry fees covers one crew length of stay. So riding two days gets two crew.
Note: children 16 and under are free, but must still have their names on the "Gate List" and wear the wristbands.
The following are to be confirmed:
Farrier:
Mountain Farrier Service, Jeff Pauley owner, will be the ride farrier. They will be on the grounds during the rides until 6-7 pm Saturday. To make an appointment in advance, please call Jeff at 828 712 2343.
Human Body Therapy:
Nancy MacDonald plans to be the human massage therapist on the grounds. Nancy is a certified neuromuscular therapist, licensed massage and bodywork therapist, nationally certified therapeutic massage and bodywork therapist. To make an appointment with Nancy, call her at 828 225 5022 or email her at nanmacd@gmail.com.
Horse Body Therapy:
Lauren Lukert plans to be the equine body worker. She will be on the grounds starting Wednesday. Note: she will be crewing Saturday, so plan accordingly. To make an appointment with Lauren, call her at 828 779 3276 or email her at equinetherapeuticbodyworks@gmail.com.
Ride Information Summary will be here.
Note: Most photographs for the web site have been generously contributed by Genie Stewart-Spears and Becky Pearman
==>>> Federal (US Government) law requires us to create safe and respectful sporting environments, free of abuse and harassment. With that in mind we are particularly aware of our vulnerable population of young people. Please work with us on this. The USA Center for SafeSport has resources and training (see https://safesport.org/resources) that all adults should take in an ideal world.
