The Belgian Squad for the WEG in Kentucky

Photos, from top to bottom: Dominique Evrard, Pietro di Geronimon, Karin Boulanger, Maritza Pereira

Endurance-belgium.com

After the good performance of the Belgian Juniors at Kreuth in Germany at the European Championship (Belgium took Team Silver and Bronze Individual), it is now time to focus on the riders and horses who will travel to USA.

Belgium is a small country with quite few endurance riders (500 competing at various levels from 30km to 160km). In terms of international riders, there are maybe 30 to 40, depending on the year and the horses they have to compete. Last year, we had only two FEI rides in Belgium, the major one at Mont Le Soie and the 'WorldCup for Veterans' in Mirwart which takes place End October. But it is easy in Belgium to cross the border and head to the neighboring countries, France, Germany, UK.

France is our preferred destination as we can find many high-level rides at less than 500 km from our place. And always a very good level of participation and well-organized rides.

The Belgian Chef d'Equipe could this year make his choice among six couples. The federation saved money to send four horses/riders/crew per discipline. Of course, like everywhere showjumping, dressage and military are the most favored discipline. Endurance receives nevertheless a good treatment in Belgium (we can say that's because the discipline brings often medals to the country).

Pierre Arnould proposed the following list to the federation. He was assisted by the endurance team veterinarian and also by the 'all discipline' team veterinarian. The list of four couples and one reserve was accepted by the federation.

They are :
- Pietro di Geronimo with Mengalli
- Karin Boulanger with Poespass
- Maritza Pereira with Lima du Barthas
- Dominique Evrard with Alicia d'Havenne
Reserve will be Michel Lequarre and LI Korum. Nevertheless the endurance commission entered a special request to the federation in order to get, like other disciplines, a fifth horse traveling to Kentucky. The decision has not yet been taken.

One can remember the fuss around the Belgian team last year at the time of the selection for the European Championship at Assisi, Italy. The Belgian rider, Kristel Vandenabeel entered an appeal at the court against the Belgian federation, because she was not making part of the selection. A first express decision of a regional court asked the Belgian federation to change his decision, but an appeal from the court of Liege revoked the initial decision of the court. Will we see the same scenario this year?

All European horses will fly from the Wallonian airport of Liege, well located in the middle of Europe and equipped with all necessary infrastructure for shipping horses abroad.

Stay tuned, we will try to shoot some photos when the horse will embark on their jumbo's...

Endurance medical armbands considered after fatal fall

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Charlotte White, H&H deputy news editor
7 August, 2010

Suggestions that endurance riders should wear eventing-style medical armbands are being considered by the FEI and Endurance GB (EGB) after the death of a Japanese rider following a fall at Euston Park.

Mitsuko Masui, 73, was competing in the CEI*** 160km ride at the Norfolk venue on 11 July when she was found on the ground by British rider Kirsty Wiscombe (report, 22 July).

The rider was taken to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge by air ambulance, where she died the next day. Her death seems to have been due to a medical condition rather than a riding accident.

Ms Masui's death has prompted Euston Park president James MacEwan to urge EGB and the FEI to adopt medical cards for competitors.

"Endurance has just as high a risk assessment as eventing because of the vast distances in the saddle involved," he said...

Read more here:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/300740.html

Great Britain: David Yeoman joins re-jigged WEG endurance team

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news

5 August, 2010

A substitution has been made on the British endurance team heading to Kentucky this September for the World Equestrian Games (WEG).

The in-form David Yeoman and his ride Haszar have been picked from the bank of reserves to replace Alice Beet after her horse, Laouenne De Kerpont, went lame.

The original line-up was announced on 7 July.

"Although with rest it is a small problem, I am not prepared to travel Laouenne if I have any doubts in my mind. If I go I was planning to have a crack at it!" said Alice...

Read more here:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/article.php?aid=300726

2010 WEG: Final Stages of Preparation for the Australian Endurance Team

AERA.asn.au

Heading for Kentucky

August 4 2010

Flights are booked, we are still not 100% sure when the horses fly out, currently it is the 29th August , which is not far away. The Team is now almost organised, Norbet and Acheron had their final preparation ride of 90km this last week which they won in fine style in 4:53hrs.

The final team is

Norbet Radny and West Coast Acheron

Grooms Jane Radny ,Dr Narelle Cribb

Crew Rebecca Radny, Harry O’Brien, Ian Symington

Matthew Sample and Tarrengower Crecendo

Reserve: Brookleigh Ricardo

Grooms; Paul Brown, Jessica Landridge

Crew : Barbara Timms

Penny Toft and Don
Grooms: Anne Hall, Alexandra Toft
Crew: Helen Toft, Jackie Byrnes, Peter Toft

Chef D’ Equipe, Dr Trish Mackay Annetts, Assistant: Denise Trollope
Team Veterinarian: Dr Robyn Mather
Crew Manager: Chris Gates
Farrier: Mark Peel

Matthew and Crecendo will be competing at the Murrumba 100km ride on 8th August as the final work out and Penny and Don will be going out to Charleville the 21st August for their final run.

The flights for the horses has been a bit distressing as the original flight bookings were cancelled without warning when the carrier suspended all services to Australia and New Zealand. Currently the horses are booked on the 29th August, this has also incurred extra cost to the competitors.

Dr Narelle Cribb, Paul brown and Peter Toft are scheduled to travel with the horses. This too may change!

More information when this becomes available

Barb Timms

Kentucky Horse Park to have better cell phone service during WEG

Kentucky.com - Full Article

August 5 2010

By Linda B. Blackford - lblackford@herald-leader.com

AT&T will expand its cell phone and wireless Internet service at the Kentucky Horse Park during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the company said Wednesday as it was declared an official sponsor of the Games.

AT&T also will provide a global positioning system that allows spectators to track the whereabouts of horses during the Games' endurance event, which will be run on a 100-mile course largely made up of private horse farms.

"We will be doing this GPS tracking for the first time," said Emmett Ross, the discipline manager for endurance who designed the course.
Ross describes endurance as "80 Kentucky Derbies at one-third the speed in one day." Ross said the tracking system is especially valuable because spectators will not be allowed on private land to watch the race...

Read more here:
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/08/05/1376522/kentucky-horse-park-to-have-better.html

2010 WEG: GPS tracking for WEG endurance horses

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

August 5, 2010

Horses in the endurance competition at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky next month will each be tracked on the 160km course by GPS.

The GPS service should mean support crew and spectators will know exactly where a horse and rider is on the course, how the team is doing, and average speeds during the ride.

The tracking service is being provided by AT&T, which is leasing Foundation Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Cards for the endurance event. This is the first time in the history of the Games where endurance athletes will be tracked using GPS throughout the 160km competition.

"With GPS tracking devices for the endurance competition, we are changing the way this sport is followed," said Emmett Ross, Discipline Manager for the Endurance World Championship...

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/08/040.shtml

Australia: Endurance Team for WEG announced

Aera.asn.au

Penny Toft and Don (Queensland)
Successful competitors at the World Endurance Championships in Malaysia in 2008. Penny is a previous winner of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Don is a 14 year old unregistered gelding and as a combination they have many successful 160km competitive completions over the previous five years and will be well suited to the Kentucky course.

Matthew Sample and Brookleigh Ricardo (Queensland)
A competitive duo, several wins and second placing in major FEI rides during the last five years. This will be Matthew and Ricardo’s second attempt at World Championship level, being unsuccessful in Malaysia two years ago. A dual Quilty winner in 2009 and winner of the Heavyweight division in the 2008 Quilty, Matthew is determined to do well in Kentucky. Brookleigh Ricardo is a 12 year old unregistered gelding and is now reaching his prime as an endurance horse and should do well in Kentucky.

Matthew Sample and Tarrangower Crescendo (Queensland)
The horse is owned and ridden by Matthew and is also qualified to compete in Kentucky. Crescendo is a 14 year old Arabian gelding, with a distinctive white face and strawberry roan in colour, dual Quilty winner in 2009 and winner of the Queensland State Championships in 2010.

Norbert Radny and West Coast Acharon (Western Australia)
A very successful combination in their home state of Western Australia, and now taking on the world at Kentucky. Acky, as he is commonly known, is an 11 year old Arabian stallion with many endurance wins as well as being successful on the show circuit both in hand and under saddle when shown and ridden by his other owner, Jane Radny. Acky, together with Jane, Norbert and their daughter Rebecca travelled to the Queensland State Championships to competently complete their qualifications for Kentucky.

New Zealand: Groom policy explained in 2009, says governing body

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

August 4, 2010

by Robin Marshall

Kiwi endurance riders in contention for representative honours were told in 2009 that they might not get their first-choice groom if selected, Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) says.

Chief executive Jim Ellis was commenting after the withdrawal of the second of five endurance riders selected to represent New Zealand at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky late in September.

The latest withdrawal, that of Jenny Champion and her mount Freckles, means chances of team honours at the Games are difficult, as there could be no discard time. Susan Reid withdrew from the team on July 13.

The withdrawals centred around both riders failing to see their first-choice grooms selected.

Ellis said officials from ESNZ's High Performance programme had talked with Champion over the past three weeks in a bid to resolve the dispute...

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/08/034.shtml

Enduroonlinemagazine.com - May/June 2010

Current Issue

Great Britain: Christine forms part of 'exceptionally good team'

Thisisplymouth.co.uk - Full Article

July 23 2010

Senior endurance rider Christine Yeoman will contest her second World Equestrian Games after Endurance GB team selectors confirmed her place on the squad heading to Kentucky in September.

"I am really proud to be part of what I believe is an exceptionally good team.

"There is a very strong chance of bringing back a medal this time," said the Shepton-Mallet rider who competed at the last WEG in Aachen and twice at European Championships...

Read more here:
Senior endurance rider Christine Yeoman will contest her second World Equestrian Games after Endurance GB team selectors confirmed her place on the squad heading to Kentucky in September.

"I am really proud to be part of what I believe is an exceptionally good team.

"There is a very strong chance of bringing back a medal this time," said the Shepton-Mallet rider who competed at the last WEG in Aachen and twice at European Championships.

2010 WEG: Endurance Canada Announces WEG Squad and Alternate Riders

Horse-canada.com

July 30, 2010

Ottawa, ON - The Endurance Canada International Committee is pleased to announce the squad and alternates who will represent Canada at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) to be held in Lexington, KY September 25–October 10, 2010.

Endurance Canada WEG Squad

Rider - Home Town - Horse

Elroy Karius - Kelowna, BC - Apache Eclypse

Gail Jewell - Kelowna, BC - NL Temptation

Robert Gielen - Norton, NB - F.C. Galaxy

Ruth Sturley - Owen Sound, ON - RBF Super Sport

Yvette Vinton - Morriston, FL - Teese

Alternates

Gail Jewell - Kelowna, BC - Diamond Reo

Terre O’Brennan - Delta, BC - Koszaar

Carol Steiner - Vanessa, ON - Jumpin’ Jax

Kathy Irvine - Blackfoot, AB - Nightwind’s Savanah

Trisha Dowling - Saskatoon, SK - ZF Mocha

Gail Jewell - Kelowna, BC - A Salisbury Rose

Leanna Marchant - Calgary, AB - Samsons Fire

“On behalf of Endurance Canada International, I am extremely pleased to announce the list of ranked riders and alternates for the upcoming World Equestrian Games in Kentucky,” said Myna Cryderman, chair of Endurance Canada International Subcommittee. “I know how hard all the contenders for these positions have worked for their opportunity to represent Canada at these Games. I congratulate all of riders for their efforts.”

Members of the squad and alternates will arrive in Lexington on September 18th, giving them time to focus prior to the competition on September 26. The 160 km race, which will wind through the beautiful bluegrass countryside, will consist of five compulsory veterinary checks and hold times where the horses will be carefully monitored. The riders must complete the course in less than 12 hrs 20 min, but it is anticipated that the winning times will be much faster, but the final time is always dependent on weather conditions.

“I’ve had a wonderful opportunity this year to attend numerous FEI CEI 3* 160 km competitions in both the US and Canada to observe our elite athletes compete with top riders in North America who were building their resumes and fine-tuning their conditioning — all in preparation for the WEG,” Kay Melvin, Chef d’équipe of the Canadian Endurance Team. “I sincerely congratulate the members of our squad, and I look forward to being with them and the rest of the team officials and crew in Kentucky doing what we do best, which is working as a Team going for a spot on the podium.”

The official first veterinary inspection will occur on September 25, and following the inspection, the official Team and Individual competitors will be announced.

New Zealand: Second blow for NZ endurance team as groom row escalates

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

August 1, 2010

by Robin Marshall

By any standards, it looked to be an unbeatable team. A two-time national champion horse and rider, with an elite coach and former world champion as top groom, and a New Zealand World Games representative as second groom.

But not in the eyes of New Zealand endurance selectors.

The country's hopes of regaining its footing on the world endurance riding stage have faltered with the withdrawal of two-time national champion Jenny Champion from the country's World Equestrian Games endurance team.

The withdrawal of the Eketahuna-based rider follows the defection of 2010 national champion Sue Reid from the team two weeks ago. With two riders gone from the squad of five, it means that the three remaining riders must all complete the event for New Zealand to be in with a chance of success. Previously, one rider was to compete as an individual and the other four as a team.

Endurance is a sport with training and consistency at its heart. But New Zealand team riders have been told who will be grooming for them at the World Games...

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/08/007.shtml

WEG: Horse and rider pushed to the limits

BCLocalNews.com
By Mike Simmons - Kelowna Capital News
Published: July 30, 2010 11:00 PM

[More ...]
It costs $20,000 US to send a horse overseas by FedEx.

But local endurance horseback riders Gail Jewell and Elroy Karius have dodged that cost this year, as the World Equestrian Games visit North America for the first time.

Jewell and Karius both qualified for the Canadian team during nationals held July 1 in New Lowell, Ont.

The 100-mile race was completed in sections. The pair would ride out in a 12 to 20 mile loop from camp, return and hold with the race timer still running, and then go out again.

“Technically, you have 24 hours to complete a 100-mile race,” said Jewell.

At the level the pair are currently riding at, the distance usually takes anywhere from eight to 12 hours.

Her goal was to come in under 12 hours and 18 minutes, in order to qualify the horse she was riding as an alternate for the World Equestrian Games.

She was successful.

Jewell said she is the only one on the team that has qualified several horses as backup.

Karius and his horse Apache both qualified as the number one horse and rider in Canada.

...full story at http://www.bclocalnews.com/sports/99651139.html

2010 WEG: WEG: Kentucky State Vet's Office Safeguards Equine Athletes at Games

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Press Release
July 28 2010, Article # 16706

The Kentucky state veterinarian's office has the yeoman's responsibility to regulate and manage the importation of an estimated 800 horses representing 62 countries that are scheduled to participate in the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Sept. 25-Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park near Lexington.

"The World Equestrian Games are far greater in size and scope than anything the state veterinarian's office has managed before," Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. "However, the staff of the state veterinarian's office has vast experience in equine health and works several large-scale and high-profile events every year. These equine athletes couldn't be in better hands."

"The state veterinarian's office is committed to providing a healthy environment for the horses that will come to Kentucky to compete in the Games," State Veterinarian Robert Stout, DVM, said.

Five equine inspectors currently conduct inspections at the horse park, averaging 130 inspection hours per week, said E.S. Rusty Ford, DVM, equine programs magager for the Kentucky State Veterinarian. The Office of the State Veterinarian (OSV) is working to ensure that the horse park's resident equines meet the health requirements of the equestrian sport's governing body, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).

On Sept. 16, the largest airlift of horses to a single event in history will begin arriving in the U.S. Three-quarters of the horses will land at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. The horses will spend their first 42 hours in Kentucky in stalls inside the barns at the recently constructed Northern Kentucky Temporary Quarantine.

Other horses will be quarantined at the Miami Animal Import Center and Los Angeles International Airport. Horses from North America will be transported to the horse park by truck.

Any imported horse presenting evidence or suspicion of illness will be held in quarantine and not permitted to travel to the horse park until the concern is resolved.

Prior to entering the park, all horses will be required to pass a KDA inspection and have their health status verified in order to be admitted to the stable area. All horses on the park grounds will be continuously monitored and evaluated daily by KDA, FEI, and World Equestrian Games personnel.

Planning and preparation to make Kentucky a viable option began long before Kentucky was selected to host the 2010 Games.

"There was work that had to be done before Kentucky could even bid for the Games," Ford said. "When you're allowing horses from all over world to be imported to Kentucky, you have to mitigate all potential risks. And we're confident that we've done that." The OSV's goals are to provide a safe and healthy environment for the horses coming to the Games and prepare to detect early, respond to and resolve any potential disease threat.

"With so many horses coming from all over the world, we have spent considerable time and resources to better familiarize ourselves with and understand a much broader spectrum of equine disease than what we have dealt with on a day-to-day basis our entire careers," Ford said. "We are confident that, with the preparations we have done, and with our daily presence and readiness during the World Equestrian Games, there will be no safer place than the Kentucky Horse Park to host an event of this magnitude."

An agency of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Office of the State Veterinarian is responsible for preparing for, detecting and responding to potential illnesses and mitigating risk of disease transmission.

"We look forward to welcoming competitors and visitors from around the world to the World Equestrian Games this fall," Commissioner Farmer said.

Mongolia: Mongol Derby set for Second Running

www.horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

July 29, 2010

The second running of the 1000-kilometre relay horse race known as the Mongol Derby will begin in little more than a week.

The event on the Mongolian steppe is scheduled to begin on August 7.

Competitors must complete the race within 10 days, changing their native horses at specially set-up stations at intervals of no more than 40km.

Its promoters say the derby celebrates the horseback messenger system used by the warrior Genghis Khan.

The derby is organised by a British company, The Adventurists, in collaboration with the Mongolia-based Tengri Group.

The race, billed as an event of rider endurance, involves about 1000 horses...

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/07/182.shtml

Great Britain: Death of Endurance Rider Mitsuko Masui from Japan

Endurancegb.co.uk

27th July 2010

It is with regret that I have to inform you that Mitsuko Masui from Japan, who was taking part at Euston Park on 11th July, has sadly died at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge.

It is with regret that I have to inform you that Mitsuko Masui from Japan, who was taking part at Euston Park on 11th July, has sadly died at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. Subsequent to this the Norfolk Coroner has opened an inquest which has been adjourned subject to a full inquiry. The inquiry will be held at a date yet to be set, when the cause of death is to be established. Mitsuko Masui represented Japan at the 2006 World Equestrian Games, Aachen Germany when she was in her late 60's and was an inspiration to riders worldwide for competing at such an advanced level at this age.

Jo Claridge. Chairman - Endurance GB

Australia: Shahzada 400 Km Endurance Ride 30th Anniversary/The Ride of Your Life

Photo by Kiron Power

Aera.asn.au

To celebrate the anniversary we are hoping to attract a record number of entries – at least 100 in the main ride so start planning now!!!!!!!

All endurance riders from across Australia are invited to the historic village of St Albans, just north west of Sydney, for the 30th 400km Shahzada marathon endurance ride from August 23-27, 2010, eight weeks after the Quilty in Manilla and five weeks prior to the NSW State Championships for all those contemplating The Big Three. Camping is available from 14/8 at the ride base as well as accommodation at many local venues….check out the Shahzada website www.shahzadaresults.org/10entry.htmThe marathon event is run over five days on local roads and tracks – McKechnies, Woomera Path, Shepherds Gully, Johnny’s Hill, The Steps and Prestons – a great deal of work has been done on the course over the last few years under the guidance of Allan Caslick and Brad Jones - track clearing days will be announced soon…..if you can come and help please contact Brad. These improved tracks with the elimination of many tarred road verges and the wonderful help and advice from the veterinary panel during the ride over the last few years headed up by Kym Hagon, has established a very good completion rate – everyone who completes receives a highly coveted Shahzada buckle. So inspired, Kym will be riding the marathon this year!!!

In addition to the 400km event – “the ride of your life”, there will be a 120 km Training Ride (Mini Marathon) over three days (experience the passion and wonderful riding tracks of the Macdonald Valley without the pressure). Come for the fun and the challenge – be part of the excitement – apart from the riding, the social committee will ensure that it is a week to remember.

Enquiries: Sue Todd (02) 6379 7218 or email suetodd@activ8.net.au
Additional Shahzada information is available on www.shahzadaresults.org. where you can see daily updates during the week of the ride. reserve your number if you are a regular and read some of the stories from past rides to get you motivated……there is no other ride like this one!!!!!

New Zealand: Endurance rider withdraws from World Equestrian Games

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China: Playing horse whisperer

China.org.cn - Full Article

China Daily, July 22, 2010

Equestrian endurance racing is a sport that tests the mental and physical limits of both rider and horse. Alexis Hooi gets a taste of this deep in the heart of Xinjiang.

Packs of horses break through the morning mist on the horizon, as local grooms nearby slap on saddles and tighten bridles on their prized geldings and mares. The rising sun lights up the deep-blue sky above and slowly dissipates the dew on the surrounding yurts, decorated with ethnic Mongolian tapestry. I am in Bayanbulak, one of the country's largest and most beautiful grasslands in the Beyinguoleng Mongolian autonomous prefecture of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. But my heart pounds louder than the horses running about me and enjoying the breathtaking scenery is the last thing on my mind.

Instead, I am focused on making it through the 2nd Bayanbulak Swan Lake Equestrian Endurance Race being held in Xinjiang's Hejing county.

When the local authorities organized the area's first equestrian endurance race last year, at least six horses out of the more than 100 that took part dropped dead from exhaustion.

Riders had to cover more than 150 km in less than a day on local Mongolian horses famous for their strength and stamina.

But this year, competition organizers promise a different approach: The race goes global and has to adhere to international competition standards as set out by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports or FEI, the worldwide governing body for the sport.

This means the welfare of the horses in the race will be given top priority...

Read more here:
http://www.china.org.cn/china/2010-07/22/content_20552971.htm

Easyboot Horse Wins The Haggin Cup at the 2010 Tevis

Easycare Press Release:
Tuesday July 27, 2010
Auburn, California


Garrett Ford rode The Fury to an impressive eighth place finish at the 2010 edition of the Tevis 100 mile race on July 24. He was accompanied by his wife, Lisa Ford, who rode Cyclone to the ninth place finsh. The Fury and Cyclone were two of 34 horses who were competing in the Tevis race as part of the Ride Tevis for Free contest sponsored by EasyCare.

The Fury also won the coveted Haggin Cup. The Haggin Cup award is intended to recognize exceptional sportsmanship and horsemanship as demonstrated by the superior condition of the contestant’s horse during and at the completion of the ride. In other endurance events, the award tends to be based almost solely on the “best condition” judging held after the Ride and focuses on the criteria of “fit to go on."

"I think of The Fury as the horse of a lifetime," said Ford. "He is eight years old and I knew when I rode him for the first time last year that there was something special about this horse. When we got into the Foresthill vet check at 75 miles, he still had so much to give. As we set out on the last leg of the race, I decided to unleash The Fury!"

John Crandell III, who took first place at the event, rode the last six miles from Lower Quarry to the Auburn Fairgrounds in 64 minutes. Garrett and Lisa Ford traveled the same distance in 47 minutes, jumping from 16th and 17th respectively to 8th and 9th place.

Haggin Cup judging observations of contestants and their mounts are made throughout the ride, beginning with the initial check-in and subsequent veterinary checks by members of the veterinary examining and Cup Committees. Findings are documented by the veterinarians and made available to Cup Committee members.

Fury's Haggin Cup win is of particular note because he is the first barefoot horse in the 54 years of the race to win the award. Garrett trains and competes The Fury in Easyboot Gloves and uses Easyboot Glue-Ons for only a few races: the 2010 edition of Tevis was one of them. 21 of the horses competing in the EasyCare Ride Tevis for Free contest went on to cross the finish line in Auburn - including the last place horses, Cira and Sonny ridden by Kathie Ford and Kathy Sherman. Six of those horses finished in the top 20 positions.

Also worthy of note is the 62% completion rate of the horses competing in the Ride Tevis for Free Contest: the overall race had 182 horses start and 93 horses complete - a completion rate of 51%.

It was a red letter day for Easyboots and for the natural hoof care movement at large.