Canada: Endurance riders benefit from funds

BCLocalNews.com - Full article

By Bobbi-Sue Menard - Kelowna Capital News

Published: June 27, 2009 12:00 PM

Endurance riding has a devoted group of athletes in the Central Okanagan coming together under the auspices of the Endurance Riders of BC to raise money for the long term. Endurance riding events are held across North America and transporting both people and horses is an expensive proposition.

With major world championships coming to North America for the first time in 2010, the local group has established The Equine Endurance Trust and is hoping to raise enough funds to build up members' competition experience to qualify for the International finals.

Elroy Karius and Gail Jewell have been involved in endurance riding for years. Karius is well aware of how the costs add up. With upcoming events in Ontario, Idaho and Indiana, the gas, hotel and food bills are high.

Add the entry fees which must cover the operation of events with a full complement of onsite veterinarians and race officials and the costs jump ever higher.

"We can't do as many events in Western Canada because there just isn't the money available to stage the events," explained Karius. "One of the areas we are hoping to raise funds for is to bring more events to Western Canada."

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