Equestrians Encouraged To Ride In The Great Lakes Distance Derby

Oakland Press Article

First Quarter of 2014 Leader Board

January 1 - April 30, 2014

TEAM 113 - MIRACLE MARE

I have been riding since before I can remember, I conditioned endurance horses for my friend's mom and started racing the summer before my senior year of high school. After college I had a short USAF career, got married and had kids. I didn't give up my horse, but I did give up competing and a lot of ride time. November 2011 I bought my endurance mare and have been training and conditioning her to start racing. Last year we started with LDs and this year we plan to move up to 50 milers.

This year is my mare's first big year of racing. Last spring she had a stifle injury that almost crippled her and she recovered miraculously in months to compete and place in the top 5 in 2 LDs. Taking part in the Michigan Distance Derby will keep me accountable in training and conditioning and it will be fun to see where we sit with others in the state as far as conditioning.

TEAM 112 - GLDD - HORSE CRAZY

ILLINOIS - Riding since I was a small child. Did 4-H, queening, and a little Barrel Racing. Have always loved trail riding and have become addicted to endurance riding.

I joined the Michigan Distance Derby's Great Lakes Extension to have some fun with some friendly competition. I am hoping it will motivate me to ride even more. My goal for this year is to do my first 100 mile endurance ride and then go and attempt the Tevis cup.

TEAM 111 - GLDD - DASCHER

MINNESOTA - I have been riding since I was a child, this will be my 4th year in Endurance. I have ridden a season each of Novice CTR, LD and Endurance. My favorite riding style is Western just because thats how I grew up. In the past my family and I have participated in the 4-H Horse Program, Barrel Racing and fun small town playdays.

The Great Lakes Extension of the Michigan Distance Derby is a fun way for me to keep track of all my riding miles, and to see what others are doing.

My goal is to have a healthy, happy horse at the end of the season.

TEAM 110 - GLDD - BLING RIDERS

INDIANA - I was born a cowgirl; been on the farm around horses since birth. Anything horse at we do it! Pulling our draft horses; Racing our thoroughbreds; Contesting our QH, or just a good ol' family fun filled trail ride!

I have decided to join the Michigan Distance Derby's Great Lakes Extension to push myself to find time to ride more and meet more horse enthusiastic people!

TEAM 109 - GLDD - BIG RED

WISCONSIN - I showed American Saddlebreds from 10 years old until 19 years old. I began competitng in endurance in 1989 and have continued. 

I joined the Michigan Distance Derby's Great Lakes Extension because I like to keep track of my conditioning miles anyway and this just gives me more incentive.

TEAM 108 - GLDD - ERIN'S AWESOME APPIES

ONTARIO, CANADA - Raised on a small farm in southwestern Ontario where my parents bred and showed Appaloosas, I started riding Western, then took Dressage lessons briefly before continuing my riding education in Western and Hunt Seat disciplines on the Appaloosa and local saddle club scene. In my early 20’s, I kept horses in my life by driving draft horses on Mackinac Island for five summers. 

In 2011, I purchased my first horse, a solid buckskin Appaloosa named Rockets Roman Star or "Jetta". Together we showed on the Ontario Appaloosa circuit in 2011/12, winning International APHC titles in Hunter in Hand and Hunter Under Saddle, as well as a top-ten placings in halter, trail and Hunter Under Saddle at the 2012 All American Buckskin Horse Congress.

I look forward to tracking our miles in 2014 as we begin to train for Western Dressage competitions and enjoy laid-back time on the trails in Ontario.