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Reno woman first to complete Nevada State Parks Passport Challenge entirely on horseback
2News.com - Full Article
2 News Nevada Digital Team
Apr 21, 2025 Updated Apr 21, 2025
It's one thing to visit 15 state parks in Nevada. It's another thing entirely to accomplish the feat while on horseback - but one Nevadan is doing just that.
On Saturday, May 3, Samantha Szesciorka will ride into Mormon Station State Park in Genoa atop her horse Sage and make history as the first person to visit the 15 Nevada State Parks required for the Nevada State Parks Passport Challenge on horseback.,,
Read more here:
https://www.2news.com/news/local/reno-woman-first-to-complete-nevada-state-parks-passport-challenge-entirely-on-horseback/article_ce919ca6-a4ae-47c0-b9ca-25f6ea00f349.html
2025 Still Prineville photos by Jala Neufeld
2025 Still Prineville Endurance ride photos in Oregon by Jala Neufeld,
Dktajay Photography:
https://dktajay.smugmug.com/Anything-Horses/Endurance/2025-Ride-Photos/Still-Prineville-2025
2025 Still Prineville photos by Andrea Hurn
2025 Still Prineville Endurance ride photos in Oregon by Andrea
Hurn:
https://amhphotography.instaproofs.com/gallery/#events
2025 April's Horses in the Morning Endurance Podcast
HorseRadioNetwork - Listen
Endurance: Canadian FEI Rides, Arabian Horse Assoc. Distance Horse Nationals, for April 8, 2025
by Ashley Winch | Apr 8, 2025
We learn about the Arabian Horse Association’s Distance Horse Nationals and the new FEI ride happening in Canada later this year. Listen in...
https://www.horseradionetwork.com/2025/04/endurance-canadian-fei-rides-arabian-horse-assoc-distance-horse-nationals-for-april-8-2025/
2025 Spin Around the Rim photos - Jessica Jones
2025 Spin Around the Rim Endurance ride photos in Tennessee by Jessica
Jones, Unbridled Imagery:
https://www.unbridledimagery.com/sytist/events/endurance-races/2025-spin-around-the-rim/
Faster, Higher, Further: How Julie Curchod is Excelling in Jumping and Endurance
FEI.org - Full Story
05 May 2025
Words by Stacey Stearns
Photos courtesy of Julie and Véronique Curchod
The promising Swiss athlete is gaining recognition in both disciplines...
Julie Curchod is redefining what it means to be a young equestrian athlete, balancing the precision of Jumping with the stamina of Endurance at the FEI level.
The 17-year-old Swiss athlete (the central athlete in the main image) is making a name for herself in both disciplines and full of confidence. With a strong equestrian background, and full of energy and enthusiasm, young Julie seems destined for big things.
The two disciplines differ, but Julie sees this as an advantage. Jumping’s technical aspects have helped her progress quickly in Endurance, while Endurance training has deepened her understanding of equine fitness and recovery.
She said: “It’s interesting to compare the similarities and differences between them.
“In Jumping, I want to go as far as I can – we’ll see what the future holds. In Endurance, I want to compete in more championships, improve our results, and have fun...”
Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/faster-higher-further-how-julie-curchod-excelling-jumping-and-endurance
Mary Margaret Koefod 1953-2025
NevadaDailyMail.com - Full Article
Saturday, May 3, 2025
Mary Margaret Koefod age 71, Milo, MO passed away April 25, 2025. She was born October 20, 1953 in Hanover, New Hampshire to David Lomas and Marion Irene (Iverson) Koefod. Mary grew up and went to High School and College in Minnesota. She had a Bachelor’s degree in Geology. She worked full time for a ranch in Minnesota working cattle, horses and sheep, while maintaining her own horse farm.
Mary started endurance racing horses in 1981. In 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987 Mary won the American Race of Champions and was the one to beat on her beloved horse, Dana’s Northlite + also known as Diamond. In 1987 she went on to win a gold medal for the Unites States Endurance/ Olympic Team. Also in 1987 Mary rode, what was proclaimed as the toughest 100 miles in the world and was the first person to ride with no crew for help and made 3rd only minutes away from first place. In 1988 Mary rode the same horse again, only this time winning the solo division and overall race, with no crew. In the late 80’s Mary was contacted by Brown’s Saddle Company in Neveda, MO and was offered a job, due to her accomplishments in horse racing, to come all expenses paid, and help design and test ride the Ortho-flex Saddles. She worked in the stirrup department there as well. Mary rode her horses from Milo to Neveda to and from work at Brown’s keeping herself and horses in tip top shape.
Mary raised and trained many horses on her farm in Milo. She was well known for her Palomino horses that descended from “Dana’s Northlite +”. Mary also loved and rescued animals, including cats and Mustangs. She especially loved her cats, in what seemed like, more than life itself. She rescued countless numbers of cats over the years and volunteered for “Vernon County People for Pets” and local veterinarians in Vernon County.
Mary was proceeded in death by her parents, Mary never had children, but she was a cherished mentor and guiding light for others, including Wendy Justice in the art riding and training horses as well as lessons on life. Mary provided guidance and wisdom without judgement to her mentees giving them the tools to think on their own. She passed down hard work ethics and how to be humble as well as the legacy of her cherished horses. She was highly respected by many of her friends and neighbors.
A Celebration of Life Brunch will be held from 11:00-2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Enchanted Prairie Farm, 17557 Stockade Road, Nevada, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to honor Mary’s love for animals can be made to the Nevada Animal Shelter in c/o Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.
You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com
How Consistency Leads to Success for Estonia’s Katriin Kalle
FEI.org - Full Story
08 April 2025
Words by Stacey Stearns
Photos courtesy of Katriin Kalle
We speak to a young athlete who is making a big impression in Endurance...
Katriin Kalle of Estonia is the definition of consistency. Recognised by her national federation for four consecutive years and having completed five FEI Championships with her horse, Mister Tondi, she is proof that dedication leads to success.
The 20-year-old is moving up through the age groups – and raising her standards with every step.
As a result, there has been a steady flow of accolades. Her outstanding performances saw her named Estonia’s best Endurance Pony rider in 2019, best Junior rider in 2021 and 2022, and best Young Rider in 2023.
“This recognition is based on season standings and reflects a rider’s consistency,” she said. “In Endurance, I always focus on the motto: ‘To finish is to win.’ Ensuring a happy and healthy horse is more important than winning...”
Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/how-consistency-leads-success-estonias-katriin-kalle
Racing with Minis in New Zealand
The race traverses 100 km in the country's beautiful Far North through forests, farmland and along 90 Mile Beach. (Born to Run Adventure Racing photo)
Horse-canada.com - Full Story
By: Kim Izzo | April 30, 2025
Miniature horse lovers and owners took part in a 100-km charity race in New Zealand to advocate for animal welfare.
Known as the Great Northern Gallop 2025, the race involves humans leading miniature horses along various terrain including forestry, farmland and beach over four days. Put on by the non-profit Born to Run Adventure Racing Charitable Trust, the race is held once per year, but the organization hosts other races and events to raise awareness and funds for miniature horses throughout the year. Participants can race with their own mini horse or rent one from the group’s own herd.
As noted on the Born to Run website, “despite their adorable appearance, miniature horses often find themselves without purpose and unfortunately endure less-than-ideal living conditions.”
Minis often have health issues such as laminitis, founder, morbid obesity, or suffer from neglect. The group wanted to create a positive platform that would benefit the minis and enhance their quality of life...
Read more here:
https://horse-canada.com/horse-news/racing-with-minis-in-new-zealand/?vgo_ee=MTPDE97EjfAvrCIL7d0XYjr39%2FMhZIfftdZ94lFcaGsLxvCIx61L%3AQjXHiG0GTmwzqy9biwEsjLcaotcGhMbu
2025 Eagle Canyon Day 2 photos - Steve Bradley
2025 Eagle Canyon Endurance ride Day 2 photos in Idaho by Steve
Bradley:
https://stevesphoto.smugmug.com/2025-Endurance-Rides/Eagle-Canyon-up
2025 Eagle Canyon Day 1 photos - Merri Melde
2025 Eagle Canyon Endurance ride Day 1 photos in Idaho by
Merri Melde, The Equestrian Vagabond:
https://www.theequestrianvagabond.com/Clients-Endurance
2025 American River Classic photos - William Gore
2025 American River Classic photos in California by William Gore:
https://williamgorephotography.smugmug.com/2025-Endurance-Rides/American-River-Classic-50-2025-50th-Anniversary
New Zealand: National horse endurance riders to race through Marlborough vineyards
ThePress.co.nz - Full Article
Andy Brew
April 23, 2025
Nearly 100 horses and their riders will race over hundreds of kilometres around Renwick’s vineyards this Anzac weekend in the equestrian endurance national championships.
Competitors from across the country will join riders from Marlborough as they trot, canter and gallop their way along courses of up to 160km long in the 2025 Radincon Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) Endurance & CTR National Championships.
ESNZ’s Dr Danni Mulrennan said horse endurance was the “marathon version” of equestrian competitions with competitors setting off about 1am and not finishing until as late as 6pm the same day.
“They will do 40km, then they’ll come in, they’ll take their saddles off, and vets will monitor the horse’s heart rate and then hose them down,” she said...
Read more here:
https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360663107/national-horse-endurance-riders-race-through-marlborough-vineyards
UAE: 2024-2025 endurance racing season attracts 444 riders
A total of 444 riders, both men and women, participated in the two endurance qualifier races held on Saturday at the Butheeb International Endurance Village in Abu Dhabi, marking the conclusion of the 2024-2025 endurance racing season.
by ANI
Apr 19, 2025
Abu Dhabi [UAE], April 19 (ANI/ WAM): A total of 444 riders, both men and women, participated in the two endurance qualifier races held on Saturday at the Butheeb International Endurance Village in Abu Dhabi, marking the conclusion of the 2024-2025 endurance racing season.
The first race, covering a distance of 80 km over three phases, saw the participation of 175 riders, out of which 120 completed the race, while 55 were eliminated due to their horses failing to pass the veterinary checkpoints.
The second race, spanning 40 km, featured 269 riders, with 236 successfully completing the course, while 33 were unable to finish...
Read more here:
https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/2024-2025-endurance-racing-season-attracts-444-riders/
American River Classic celebrates 50th anniversary Saturday
GoldCountryMedia.com - Full Article
Jordan Georgeson
Apr 18, 2025
The American River Classic will host its 50th ride this weekend, as 70 riders will make the 50-mile round trip that starts and ends in Cool. It's the oldest 50-mile ride worldwide that is sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference.
American River Classic Ride Manager Joby Souza says the event was actually crucial to the establishment of the AERC and that it would not have taken shape without the endurance ride.
“It’s historic. It’s been going on for 50 years now. Originally, it used to go right along the American River along the Pioneer Express trail,” said Souza. “This ride is the only other ride left that allows riders to use the last few miles of the Western States Trail right during daylight. That makes it a little bit more special.”
The course has gone through several changes over the years, with the original ride starting at Cal Expo and ending in Auburn, but the objective of winning the coveted Auburn Cup remains the same...
Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/324900/american-river-classic-celebrates-50th-anniversary-saturday/
US Equestrian Purchases ATRM Semi-Automatic Timing System for U.S.-Based FEI Endurance Events
by US Equestrian Communications Department | Apr 17, 2025, 3:02 PM
Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian is excited to announce the purchase of the ATRM Semi-Automatic Timing System for FEI Endurance Events located in the United States.
The system provides FEI Endurance Athletes with the following features:
• Countdowns for departure times and time left to cross the vet pulse/exam line.
• Printed stickers after each vet exam, which display a combination’s next departure time, the next loop’s distance, and additional vet exam data.
• Each athlete will receive their full vet card after the event is completed.
• Automatically calculates data, providing accurate time stamps for arrivals and departures of combinations, as well as relevant time limits.
The ATRM Semi-Automatic Timing System provides officials with tablets to be utilized during the first vet inspection and vet exam processes for ease of capturing data. Officially approved by the FEI in 2013, ATRM has over two decades of experience researching and implementing automatic timekeeping systems in endurance sport.
Looking ahead, US Equestrian anticipates adding VDS Racing GPS units later this spring to be used in conjunction with the timing system to help enhance the safety of athletes and horses. VDS Racing began offering GPS services to the endurance community in 2021, after spending over 15 years focused primarily on motor sports.
For any questions or for more information, please contact Nicole Zerbee at nzerbee@usef.org.
More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-purchases-atrm-semi-automatic
2025 Hunt Country Hustle photos - Becky Pearman
2025 Hunt Country Hustle photos in South Carolina by Becky Pearman:
https://beckypearman.smugmug.com/Other/Endurance-2025/Hunt-Country-Hustle
The Trail to the Trail: Preparing for the 100-mile Tevis Ride
TevisCup.org
With spring around the corner, endurance season is kicking into high gear, and it’s time to plan your rides. Is Tevis on your list for this year? Or in the future?
If you are wondering how to prepare for Tevis, think about the trail that will take you and your equine partner to Tevis. Just as the Tevis trail takes you to the finish in Auburn and the coveted Tevis buckle, the Trail to the Trail is what we call the path to take you to the Tevis start. This year, we offer two new opportunities for riders and their mounts to prepare for this historic endurance ride.
In 2025, instead of the Tevis Educational Ride, the Western States Trail Foundation will host two events, a clinic and night ride in late April for those who wish to tip their toes in the water (or just be sure they’ve covered all bases) and a two-day training ride on the Tevis trail in June for those ready to jump in...
Read the rest here
Western States Trail Foundation (WSTF) Acquires Robie Equestrian Park
Teviscup.org
April 9 2025
Western States Trail Foundation (WSTF) Acquires Robie Equestrian Park to Secure Consistent Start for the Tevis Cup 100-Mile Ride
The Western States Trail Foundation (WSTF) is proud to announce the acquisition of Robie Equestrian Park, a landmark move that will ensure a consistent and permanent starting point for the foundation’s key event: the iconic Tevis Cup 100-Mile Ride.
Robie Equestrian Park is a 160-acre horse camp and outdoor sport staging area previously owned by the Wendell & Inez Robie Foundation. The park is named in memory of Wendell Robie, who founded the 100-mile Western States Trail Ride – or ‘Tevis Cup’ – in 1955.
Preserving the History of the West
Located east of Truckee, CA, Robie Equestrian Park marks the start of the historic Western States Trail. In addition to the Tevis Cup, the Western States Trail also hosts several ultramarathons including the foundational 100-mile Western States Run, which originated out of the equestrian event.
The trail follows a rugged route from the base of the Sierra Nevada near Lake Tahoe along an immigrant trail that ends in Auburn. It traverses the scenic mountain peaks and valleys of the Sierra foothills and crosses several tributaries to the American River on its way. The Western States Trail Foundation has pledged to preserve the rich history of this trail, hallowed by the Washoe and Maidu tribes and traveled by explorers, settlers, and gold-seekers. Securing the Future of Endurance Riding
The Tevis Cup is universally regarded as one of the most demanding endurance rides in the world, testing the stamina, skill and perseverance of both horse and rider.
More at https://teviscup.org/robie-park-purchase/