May 2017 Results
Ride photos and portraits are available at http://www.beckypearman.smugmug.com.
A bit of mud here and there |
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Under the lights -- all 100s completed after dark, and many 75s |
Even with imperfect weather, we get some beauty |
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A week before the ride, trail master, Stagg Newman, was very pleased with the markings on the trails and the conditions on the trails. Even after a good rain early in ride week, things were looking good. And, in fact, they were, as attested by the experiences of the hundreds of riders who were indeed challenged by the trails. What made them challenging this year, more than in the last few years, was that Thursday night into the wee small hours of Friday morning, rather than the half-inch of rain predicted, the ride site and trails got socked with about three inches of rain, making for some slick going in places. Heads-up riding was absolutely required to bring horses through sound. Conditions for Friday were no better, as another drenching rain came through Friday evening.
Despite the soggy conditions underfoot, we did have some periods of sun, and riders' and crews' spirits were high. This is ENDURANCE, after all!
Both days were chilly -- with a highs in the 50s degrees Fahrenheit -- good for horses, cold for crew.
At the ride cut-off date, 330 rider-starts were in the system. However, the weather plus the normal perils of ordinary life for humans and horses drove that down to 281 rider-starts over the two days of riding. Welcome gifts were plastic wine glasses / juice glasses made possible through the Biltmore Equestrian Center and Cavalor feeds.
Somehow folks found parking (many thanks to stewards Jack Weber, John Proudman, Tim Clark, Claudia Harper and Susan van Sittert for making that all as seamless as possible!). Because we not only had the competitors horses, but also pre-ride horses and safety 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 used more of the 'overflow' campgrounds this year -- and those camping there were thankful because they at least did not need to be towed out when the main campground turned to mush.
A selection of follow-ups:
1. One rider went to the hospital and was released. She has a broken shoulder blade with her arm immobilized and got a concussion, but is recovering.
2. One horse treated at the ride site was referred out, and seemed to be recovering, but took a turn for the worse on Monday, and had to be euthanized. Other horses treated at the ride site are recovered.
Results have been submitted to AERC and FEI. Others have been submitted or are in process.
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 Thursday night, 9 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. Key learnings about parking:
This year we worked 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 (see above, I suspect they were happy not to have to be tractored out).
Mark Reader on Bar Dancer |
Forty-six horses started the Friday 25-mile ride, with thirty-five completing, for an 76% completion rate. This is 10% off the prior two years, which had excellent weather and footing. Clearly, we do not control it. Completion awards were Biltmore-logoed buckets sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds and Ken Wilson Ford. Mark Reader finished first on his gelding Bar Dancer, in a ride time of 2:31. That was five minutes ahead of Scott Carroll on Maestro El Dakar, in 2:36. They were well ahead of the third place finisher (in 3:19), Condreana Mann on her mare, Diva. As first to finish, Mark won a pair of ice boots for his horse. Top ten in the 25 were awarded a bottle of either Biltmore White Blend or Red Blend wine donated by the Biltmore Winery and Biltmore Equestrian Center. Eleventh place was Megan Grant on SAS Rodeo Drive in a ride time of 3:33:01, winning a hoof pick. Eight horses stood for Best Conditioned. Rod Johnston won that on Donkey Mac, receiving an embroidered dress fleece cooler (just edging out Scott Carroll). High Vet Score was won by Charlesey Charlton-McCallister on Tye, winning a gift certificate donated by Running Bear. Rod and Donkey Mac's best conditioned score was 713. Top Junior in the 25 mile was Stephanie Sheppard on Tsunami Storm, in a time of 3:33. They won an 5 x 7 photo portrait from the ride donated by Becky Pearman. Second Junior was Hope Dyches on Anid Al Matrah in a time of 4:01. |
Savannah Sheppard, first Junior, on Tsunami Storm |
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 Stephanie Wombles in a time of 4:03.
Back of the pack was a 'teeter horse', won by Nancy Rockett on Luna in a time of 5:09.
The results summary for the Friday 25-mile ride is here. BC scores for the 25 are here.
Five teams participated in the Friday 25-mile team competition. 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 Mountain Farrier Service / Jeff Pauley and the Newmans.
Team results as announced after the ride on Friday had the first two 25-mile team positions reversed due to a math error. The prizes will not be re-distributed. Teams included the Deuces are Wild, the Pokey Ponies, the Shoal Creek Farm team, The Boys, and Wild Wings.
Wild Wings, with Melissa Hamilton, Rod Johnston, and Teresa Johnston won first place with a combined ride time of 10:25. They took home hand-forged hoof picks donated by Mountain Farriery and pin-on buttons commemorating their achievement donated by Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear. Pokey Ponies came in second with a combined fastest three time of 12:45:01, so members Judy Clark, Abdullah Dashti, Kim Williams and Aubrey Williams took home lead lines plus a $10 gift certificate each from Riding Warehouse and pin-on buttons donated by Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear. Third place team was Shoal Creek's Kyle Farmer, Olivia Farmer, and Kathleen Frederick with a combined time of 15:24:06. They took home sweat scrapers and pin-on buttons donated by Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear.
Friday 25-mile team results are here.
Annie Whelan on Susan Kain's MNX Sahidinn Tyib, aka Tyler
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Friday's 50-mile ride had 84 horses and riders start, with 62 finishing for a 74% completion rate. Completion awards were Biltmore-logoed buckets sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds and Ken Wilson Ford. In an outstanding win, Annie Whelan on Susan Kain's MNX Shaidinn Tyib, much better known as Tyler, completed in a ride time of 5:08:01. Susan couldn't ride due to a broken wrist but had done all the conditioning -- a heavyweight rider. And anybody who knows Annie knows she is tiny (weighing in with tack at 118 pounds at BC). Tyler looked awesome. They won a large framed print of a Nancy MacDonald photo taken a five years ago -- of the French Broad River on the night of the super moon during the 100-mile ride. (Nancy is the person who does human body-work at the ride). You can almost 'feel' the texture. Three-quarters of an hour later, Tina Cochran on Romeo and Morgan Watson on Aabsolut Bling SF finished in 5:55:27 and 5:55:28 respectively. Top ten in the 55 were awarded a bottle of either Biltmore White Blend or Red Blend wine donated by the Biltmore Winery and Biltmore Equestrian Center. Eleventh place, in a ride time of 7:15:26 was Nicki Meuten on FYF Calamity Jane, winning a lead line. Six horses stood for Best Conditioned, which was (amazingly, considering her weight disadvantage) won by Annie Whelan on Tyler! The BC score was 682. Tyler received an embroidered dress fleece cooler. High Vet Score was also won by Annie on Tyler, receiving a gift certificate from Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear. |
Samantha Cooper, First Junior, on Morgan Watson's My Lords Elizabeth |
Top Junior rider was Samantha Cooper on My Lords Elizabeth in a ride time of 9:07:20. They won an 5 x 7 photo portrait from the ride donated by Becky Pearman. Second Junior was Katie Bishop on Mirage SR in a ride time of 10:02:00.
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 Amelia Young on Magic Khan in a ride time of 8:12:47.
Four horses and riders got completion only because they went off course and made up trail rather than re-doing the part they missed.
Back of the pack was a autographed copy of Angie McGhee's book, "Lighter Side of Endurance Riding", with many home truths, won by Lauren Saunby on Maggie Mae in a ride time of 10:16:28.
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:
Bob Gielen on his MoreBangforYourBuck |
Abbey K Moore on Jesse Jarrett's CE 50 Shades |
Friday's senior division FEI CEI 1* ride attracted eighteen riders, twelve of whom completed. The division was won by Bob Gielen on his MoreBangforYourBuck in a ride time of 6:27:28. Bob won a rump rug and $10 gift certificate, both donated by Riding Warehouse. Note: one rider completed AERC not FEI when he realized after his FEI finishing examination that his horse had sprung a shoe, and got it put back on straight and trotted sound for AERC completion. Entries for the senior 1* came from the United States, Canada, Norway, and Brazil.
Bob and "Bang" stood for Best Conditioned, and won it in the FEI senior division, getting a gift certificate for Platinum Performance donated by Platinum.
The Young Rider / Junior Rider FEI CEI 1* ride on Friday attracted two riders, one of whom completed. Abbey K Moore on Jesse Jarrett's CE 50 Shades won that division in a ride time of 6:37:35. She won seat saver pad donated by Distance Depot. Riders were both from the United States.
No one in the YJ division stood for Best Conditioned.
Full Friday FEI CEI 1* 80 km senior rider results are here. Full Friday FEI CEI 1* 80 km young rider / junior rider (YJ) results are here.
By the Friday awards, only about half the teams had gotten into the system (the team names had overflowed onto a second sheet that was not aligned until post-processing of the results), and this was not realized until about a week post-ride. So, as it turns out, the actual winning teams on Friday are totally different from those announced during the awards ceremony. No one will be asked to return their awards, but similar awards will go out to the 'true' winners. With apologies to all.
Team names once again take a serious highlight: Distance Divas, Sassy Lasses, Bushwhackers, CHS FFA Ladeezz (Clinton, TN, High School Future Farmers of America, for those of us who need the translation), Gurley's Girls, Spike, Three Arabs and a Mule, Sunmoon Ranch / Reynolds, Sunshine Ladies!, The French Broads, Golden Girls, and Wild Bunch.
The first place team was the "Wild Bunch" consisting of Diane Rowley, Sudi Lenhart, Susan Wilson and Meta Sadlon. Their combined best-three ride time was 22:23:50. Their combined time won (will win) them buttons donated by Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear, and lead lines donated by the Newmans and $10 gift certificates donated by Riding Warehouse. Second place in the team standings were the "Golden Girls" team, comprised of Wendy MacCoubrey, Kelsey Russell, and Luisa Haguiara Porto Alegre, finishing in a best-three time of 23:51:46. This team won (will win) hand-forged horse-headded, horseshoe-handled hoof picks donated by Mountain Farrier Service / Jeff Pauley. "The French Broads" were the third place team with a best-three ride time of 26:04:30 turned in by Anita Rees, Patsy Gowen, Claude Brewer, and Taryn Lorey winning (eventually) small LED flashlights donated by the Newmans. (Note: at ride, the placings were Sunshine Ladies, SunMoon Ranch/Reynolds, then Three Horses and a Mule -- they got the buttons donated by Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear plus similar awards).
Friday 50-mile team correct results are here.
Saturday AERC 30-Mile Results:
Forty-five horses started the Saturday 30-mile ride, with thirty-three completing, for an 73% completion rate.Completion awards were Biltmore-logoed buckets sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds and Ken Wilson Ford. Michelle Short finished first on Bleu, in a ride time of 3:24. That was a minute ahead of Mickey Short on Luna's Legacy in 3:25:15. Annalyse Warner on Klassiks Kalliope came in third in 3:27:00. Interestingly, Saturday's limited distance finishers were considerably more clustered than Friday's. As first to finish, Michelle won a pair of ice boots for her horse. For second place, Mickey won a $10 gift certificate to Riding Warehouse. Top ten in the 30 were awarded a bottle of either Biltmore White Blend or Red Blend wine donated by the Biltmore Winery and Biltmore Equestrian Center. Tenth and eleventh were technically a tie, with eleventh place prize going to Morgan Watson (who Rodney Mann as tenth place was to conjure with). Morgan's time was 4:20:00, and she won horseshoe bridle hook. Five horses stood for Best Conditioned. Melissa Hamilton won that on Indabah, receiving an embroidered dress fleece cooler. High Vet Score was won by Alaina Slivinsky on Aurora, winning a gift certificate donated by Running Bear. Melissa's best conditioned score was 705.25. Top Junior in the 30 mile was Annalyse Warner, in a time of 3:27. They won an 5 x 7 photo portrait from the ride donated by Becky Pearman. Second Junior Maggie Jeffers on Jack on the Rocks in a ride time of 4:19. And a third junior, Abigail McGrath competed in a ride time of 5:13 on Holland. |
Michelle Short on Bleu |
Annalyse Warner on Klassiks Kalliope |
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 Linda Molesworth in a ride time of 4:59.
Back of the pack was a 'teeter horse', won by Mike Bostic on Lightening in a ride time of 6:14.
The results summary for the Saturday 30-mile ride is here. BC scores for the 30 are here.
Four teams participated in the Saturday 30-mile team competition. 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 Mountain Farrier Service / Jeff Pauley and the Newmans.
First-place team was the Lady Centaurs, comprised of Jill Gregorieff, Linda Molesworth, Alaina Slivinski, and Agnieszka Orzechowska , with a best-three-of-four combined ride time of 13:17. Prizes for first place 30-mile team were pairs of Stay-Sound Wraps, donated by Third Day Hay; and pin-on buttons commemorating their achievement donated by Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear. Team A, with Abdullah Dashti, Kimberly Williams, Meredith Evans, and Lily Bisson, won second place with a best-three ride time of 13:19:00 (how close is that?), winning hand-forged hoof picks donated by Mountain Farriery and pin-on buttons commemorating their achievement donated by Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear. Team Chance (Dean Jackson, Don Lorey, Nancy Sluys, and Patsy Gowen) placed third among teams with a best-three time of 16:47, winning pin-on buttons donated by Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear, and sweat scrapers. Honorable mention should go to the fourth-place team, Painted Bar Stables, who had a true-life saga and endurance adventure simply getting to the ride from the mid-upstate New York area -- including a truck break-down, an unexpected and fortunately benign overnight en route, then a 5 am Friday arrival (they were to ride Friday), then a postponement to Saturday to start, and a decent completion of a team!!! Their riders were Erika Eckstrom, Lorraine Pierce, Jennifer van Dusen, and Danielle Winterton with a best-three time of 17:47.
Saturday 30-mile team results are here.
Saturday AERC 55-Mile Results:
Betsey Knight on Rain E Nite |
Forty-eight horses started the Saturday 55-mile ride, with thirty-three completing, for a 69% completion rate. The trails had taken a toll from the horses on Friday, despite having a good bit of 'fresh' trail to traverse. Some of the trails were getting deep patches in the tall grass areas that are prone to flooding after heavy rains. Some were re-routed around for later in the ride, but not all could be avoided. Completion awards were Biltmore-logoed buckets sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds and Ken Wilson Ford. Betsey Knight, returning to Biltmore after years of re-hab after a serious riding accident, won! Her ride time was 6:35:19 on her horse Rain E Nite. They won a matted and framed photo of a stunning mountain sunset taken and donated by Nancy MacDonald (who also does the people body-work at the ride). Second place finisher was Tina Cochran on Fancy, in a ride time of 6:35:20 (looks like a race-off to me!), who won a $10 gift certificate to Riding Warehouse. Vickie Stine, Vance Stine, and Leigh Ann Pauley all tied for third in a ride time of 6:40:27. Top ten in the 55 were awarded a bottle of either Biltmore White Blend or Red Blend wine donated by the Biltmore Winery and Biltmore Equestrian Center. Eleventh place prize went to Elise Rogers on CA Jubeylation in a ride time of 7:37:12 -- a brass running horse sculpture. Five horses stood for Best Conditioned. Karen Isaacs won that on FYF Sport, receiving an embroidered dress fleece cooler. Karen also got High Vet Score, winning a gift certificate donated by Running Bear. Karen's best conditioned score was an outstanding 748.1. Top Junior in the 55 mile was Madeline Isaacs on Shasta, in a time of 6:49:37. They won an 5 x 7 photo portrait from the ride donated by Becky Pearman. Second Junior was Holly Monroe on Chosen Ballast (better known as Apache) in a ride time of 8:57:28. |
First Junior, Madeline Isaacs, on Shasta |
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 Marianne Williams on Bella in a ride time of 8:01:53.
Back of the pack award was a SnugPak pommel, won by Caroline Guy on Grey Hawk in a ride time of 9:32:56.
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:
Saturday's senior division FEI CEI 1* ride attracted four riders, all of whom completed. Riders represented the United States, Canada, and Germany. The division was won by Leah Jansen van Doorn in a ride time of 7:21:09 on Satarra. She won a rump rug and a $10 gift certificate donated by Riding Warehouse. No one showed for FEI BC among the senior division. The Young Rider / Junior Rider FEI CEI 1* ride on Friday attracted one rider, who did not complete. That was Clarke Martin on Meg Sleeper's Syrocco Sonido. Note, they did complete AERC -- the horse refused to trot out twice (thus failing FEI), but third time it worked. (United States). Full Saturday FEI CEI 1* 90 km senior rider results are here. Full Saturday FEI CEI 1* 90 km young rider / junior rider (YJ) results are here. |
Leah Jansen van Doorn on Satarra |
Saturday 55-Mile Team Results:
Six teams assembled for Saturday's 55-mile team competition. 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 Mountain Farrier Service / Jeff Pauley and the Newmans. We had Team Two, 50 is the New 55, Distance Divas, Babes on Bays, the Wild BushWhackers, and an unnamed team competing. Only two teams completed the requisite minimum of three riders, the Team Two and 50 is the New 55. Of these, Team Two, consisting of Jessica Chambless, Robert Chambless, Tina Cochran, and Robin Owens accumulated a best-three ride time of 22:31:30 edging out 50 is the New 55 by 1 minute 30 seconds (wow!). Vickie Stine, Vance Stine, Louise Burton, and Bruce Burton took it in good part. First prize was 5-gallon buckets; and pin-on buttons commemorating the achievement donated by Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear. Second place won hand-forged hoof picks donated by Mountain Farriery and pin-on buttons commemorating their achievement donated by Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear. Saturday 55-mile team results are here. |
Team 50 is the New 55 Members Celebrating: Vance Stine, Vic Stine, Louise Burton, Bruce Burton |
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Choice Snacks at Burton Crew Site 1 |
Choice Snacks at Burton Crew Site 2 |
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Saturday AERC 75-Mile Results:
Erin Champion on the stallion Kongtiki |
Thirty-five horses started the Saturday 75-mile ride, with twenty-one completing, for a 60% completion rate. The trails had taken a toll from the horses on Friday, despite having a good bit of 'fresh' trail to traverse. Some of the trails were getting deep patches in the tall grass areas that are prone to flooding after heavy rains. Some were re-routed around for later in the ride, but not all could be avoided. Completion awards were Biltmore-logoed buckets sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds and Ken Wilson Ford. Erin Champion on the stallion Kongtiki won in a ride time of 9:35:29. They won a hand-thrown platter of the Biltmore-endurance logo in full color created and donated by Marbie Kollath (who was in the competition). Second place finisher was Danielle Crouse on the stallion Flash Goldon, in a ride time of 10:04:43, winning a $10 gift certificate to Riding Warehouse. She was followed closely by her mother, Valerie Kanavy on Wendy MacCoubrey's Play It Louder in a ride time of 10:04:51. Top ten in the 75 were awarded a bottle of either Biltmore White Blend or Red Blend wine donated by the Biltmore Winery and Biltmore Equestrian Center. Eleventh place prize went to Peggy Thompson on Keep on Rollin B in a ride time of 12:10:49. They won a pair of Stay Sound Wraps donated by Third Day Hay. Seven horses stood for Best Conditioned, which turned out to time right after completion. Wendy MacCoubrey on Black Barts Lolita got that (ride time of 29:48:48), receiving an embroidered dress fleece cooler. Wendy also got High Vet Score, winning a gift certificate donated by Running Bear. Wendy's best conditioned score was 649.7. One Junior competed in and completed the 75-mile ride: Kimberly Loutzenheiser on Zanthus Fury had a ride time of 12:48:39. They won an 5 x 7 photo portrait from the ride donated 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, house, and trails of the Estate for a year; donated by Biltmore Equestrian Center. That was won by Peggy Thompson on Keep on Rollin B in a ride time of 12:10:49. Back of the pack award was a pair of ice boots, won by Susanne Neset (from Norway) riding Yvette Vinton's Ebony's Easter Lily in a ride time of 14:23:05. |
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:
Following recent custom, the bulk of the 75-mile riders were doing the FEI 2* ride. Riders were assembled from the United States, Canada, Norway, Israel, Bermuda and Ireland to contend. Twenty-one senior (aka, adult) riders took the field with twelve completing, for a 57% completion rate. The division was won by Erin Champion, riding KongTiki, in a ride time of 9:35:29. They won a rump rug and a $10 gift certificate, both donated by Riding Warehouse. In this division, the Best Condition was awarded to Wendy MacCoubrey on Black Barts Lolita (ride time of 11:18:48). They won a gift certificate donated by Platinum for Platinum Performance. Their best condition score was 649.7. Note, two horses were not given FEI completion, but upon re-present at their maximum time passed AERC completion. Eight horses and riders entered the YJ division with five completing for a 62% completion rate. This division was won by Eilish Connor on Lisa Green's LR Amana Tabi in a ride time of 10:20:14. They won a black headstall donated by Distance Depot. Entries came from the United States and Canada. In the YJ division, Best Condition was won by Stephanie McLeod on Fernando Paiz Larrave's Style N Attitude (ride time of 11:18:50). They won a gift certificate for Platinum Performance donated by Platinum. Their best condition score was 648.1. |
Eilish Connor, winner of the YJ division, on Lisa Green's LR Amana Tabi |
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.
Saturday 75-Mile Team Results:
Four teams assembled for Saturday's 75-mile team competition. 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 Mountain Farrier Service / Jeff Pauley and the Newmans.
Teams were Molasses in January, Team Bee, Team Three, and Team Harkabi / Reynolds competing. Only one team completed the requisite minimum of three riders: Molasses in January. Thus, Nancy Zukewich, Catherine Nooyen, Suzanne Neset and Yvonne Kuder won the 'blue' in a best-three ride time of 43:08:39.
First prize was 5-gallon buckets; and pin-on buttons commemorating the achievement donated by Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear.
Saturday 75-mile team results are here.
Saturday AERC 100-Mile Results:
Bonni Hannah on her FinderZKeepers, "Z" |
Twenty-two horses started the Saturday 100-mile ride, with twelve completing, for a 55% completion rate. The trails had taken a toll from the horses on Friday, despite having a good bit of 'fresh' trail to traverse. Some of the trails were getting deep patches in the tall grass areas that are prone to flooding after heavy rains. Some were re-routed around for later in the ride, but not all could be avoided. Completion awards were Biltmore-logoed buckets sponsored by Blue Seal Feeds and Ken Wilson Ford. Bonni Hannah, one of the ride's volunteer coordinators, took time out from managing her volunteers and rode the 100-mile ride -- and won, in a ride time of 13:30:49 on her gelding FinderZKeepers! They won a hand-thrown platter of the Biltmore-endurance logo in full color created and donated by Marbie Kollath (who rode the 75). Second place finisher was Kelsey Russell on Dude Free Gold, in a ride time of 15:22:04, winning a $10 gift certificate to Riding Warehouse. She was followed closely by Hirofumi Ono on Wendy MacCoubrey's AM Mysterious Mopsa in a ride time of 15:22:09. Top ten in the 100 were awarded a bottle of either Biltmore White Blend or Red Blend wine donated by the Biltmore Winery and Biltmore Equestrian Center. Eleventh place prize went to tenth place finisher (things were a bit confused by finish line pulls) Joni Burden on RA Cash the Check -- ride time of 19:37:56 -- getting a pair of Stay Sound Wraps donated by Third Day Hay. Two horses stood for AERC Best Conditioned, which turned out to time right after completion. Bonni Hannah on FinderZKeepers won that with a score of 741 (pretty cool after a tough 100!). Kelsey Russell on Dude Free Gold got High Vet Score, winning a gift certificate donated by Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear. No Juniors competed in the 100. 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 Jane Waterman Moss on Streak Afire TTF in a ride time of 16:29:28. Back of the pack award was a pair of ice boots, won by Cheryl van Deusen on her mare, Spotless Summer Magic in a ride time of 20:02:06. |
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:
l Kelsey Russell on Valerie Kanavy's Dude Free Gold |
Riders for the FEI CEI 3* 160 km / 100-mile ride were assembled from the United States, Canada, Japan, Ireland, and under the FEI flag but from Kuwait to contend. Eight riders started, and five completed for a 62% completion rate, with Kelsey Russell on Valerie Kanavy's Dude Free Gold winning in a ride time of 14:07:30. They received a truly beautiful black-backed Navaho-patterned overlay headstall and reins donated by Amanda Taylor of Taylored Tack. In this division, Best Conditioned was won by Kelsey Russell on Dude Free Gold, with a score of 643.75. Full Saturday FEI CEI 3* 160 km senior rider results are here. No Young Riders entered, so the event was cancelled on the FEI calendar . |
AHA Region XII 100-Mile Championship Results:
Bonni Hannah on AHA R XII Grand Champion Arab FinderZKeepers |
Henry Smith on AHA R XII Reserve Champion Arab Raapsody in Blue |
Jane Waterman Moss on AHA R XII Grand Champion Half Arab Streak Afire TTF |
Cheryl van Deusen on AHA R XII Reserve Champion Half Arab Spotless Summer Magic |
The Biltmore Challenge hosted the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Region XII 100-Mile Championship for 2017. The rain took its toll, and a total of 5 horse / riders out of the 22 starters both qualified and entered the event: three full Arabs, and two HalfArabs. Entry requirements included that, the rider and owner must be 2017 ‘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).
The AHA Region XII champion Arab was FinderZKeepers, ridden by owner Bonni Hannah, in a ride time of 13:30:49. Reserve champion Arab was Raapsody in Blue owned by Leslie Smith and ridden by her husband, Henry Smith, in a ride time of 16:29:24. Henry was celebrating his 60th birthday by riding his first 100-mile endurance race. Way to go!
The AHA Region XII champion Half Arab was Streak Afire TTF, ridden by owner Jane Waterman Moss, in a ride time of 16:29:28. Reserve champion HalfArab was Spotless Summer Magic owned and ridden by Cheryl van Deusen, in a ride time of 20:02:06.
Saturday 100-Mile Team Results:
Three teams aligned for the Saturday 100-mile ride. 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 Mountain Farrier Service / Jeff Pauley and the Newmans.
Teams were Blue Riders, North-South Looking for East-West, and Team Four (aka, Team MK). Only one team completed the requisite minimum of three riders: Team Four (aka, Team MK) which had MK Clark, Hannah Crenshaw, Ahmed Al Ruwaished, and Bonni Hannah, having a best-three time of 46:36:03.
First prize was bamboo wood carving boards shaped in the shape of North Carolina; and pin-on buttons commemorating the achievement donated by Teddy Lancaster of Running Bear.
Saturday 100-mile team results are here.
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 28. 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 one in the 25-mile ride on Friday entered. The Friday 50 had seven senior riders and one YJ rider enter. Diane Rowley on her Docs Andy won the senior division, and the YJ did not finish. In the 30-mile on Saturday, one senior member entered (no YJ), and she finished: Patsy Gowen on her PW September Hero +/. The 55-mile on Saturday had two senior and two YJ entrants, with Stephanie Beall on Melody Messer's FP Ashab Roque winning the senior divisionand Hanna Weightman on Meg Sleeper's Syrocco Madrigal winning the YJ division. The 75-mile on Saturday had two senior entrants (no YJ), with Marbie Kollath on Stagg Newman's Syrocco Tanka winning. The 100-mile on Sunday had two entrants, one of whom chose to not start, and the other retired mid-course. |
Marbie Kollath with Syrocco Tanka, winners of the 75-mile ECAHS Arab award. |
The American Morgan Horse Association donated an award to be presented to the Best Morgan at the event. That was won by Joe Stump's Bucksnorts Flying Alex, in the Friday 50-mile ride. They completed in a ride time of 9:11:12. Congratulations!
Unclaimed items found on site:
Multiple collapsible red-with-armrest camp chairs.
Multiple buckets
Multiple sponges
Please contact Cheryl Newman if any of the found items is yours, or are missing unlisted items, thanks.
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