2010 US WEG Endurance Team
One of the kick-off events for the World Equestrian Games is endurance. Here are the top American horses and riders representing the United States in endurance riding in 2010. Be sure to get to know how WEG endurance works as well.
US Endurance Team Riders
Ellen Rapp and Berjo Smokey
At just 28-years-old, newcomer Ellen Rapp is already making a name for herself. In February 2010 she represented the US in the Abu Dhabi Al Wathba President’s Cup, in which she finished 41st out of 106. She competed her WEG horse Berjo Smokey, a 15-year-old Arabain gelding, throughout 2009, earning a second place in the Kentucky Cup Endurance Ride.
Heather Reynolds and Ssamiam
Heather Reynolds burst onto the endurance scene back in 1999 with a win in the prestigious Haggin Cup in California. In the years throughout, she has won multiple international endurance events and frequently came home with Best Condition Award as well. Recently she and her 9-year-old Arabian Ssamiam won the 100 mile ride at the Git R Done II competition in January.
Margaret Sleeper and Syrocco Harmony
Margaret Sleeper, commonly known as Meg, started at an early age, riding in her first competitive trail ride at the age of 13. She started endurance riding just a few years later, riding her first 100-miler in 1989. Meg has several international gold medals under her belt as a member of the winning US endurance teams at the 1009 North American Endurance Challenge and 2001 Pan American Endurance Challenge. She will be riding Syrocco Harmony, an 8-year-old Arabian she raised and trained herself. Meg is a veterinary cardiologist at the University of Pennsylvania.
Janice Worthington and Golden Lightning
At 70 years of age with over 27,000 miles in the saddle, Janice Worthington is one of the most accomplished endurance riders in the US. She was a member of the 1988 gold medal US World Endurance Champions team. She and her current partner, 10-year-old Arabian gelding Golden Lightning, won the CEI2* at Fort Howes in June 2009. They finished third at last year’s Kentucky Cup as well as in the Texas Blue Bonnet Classic.
US Endurance Individual Rider
Lindsay Graham and Monk
Lindsay Graham grew up riding in the hunter/jumper world, and was first exposed to endurance riding as a crew member for her mother. When she had to retire her jumping horse around the same time her mother was out of commission, she decided to keep her mom’s horse going – and got hooked on endurance. Lindsay and Monk, an 8-year-old Arabian gelding, because competing together in early 2009. Winning the 2009 American Endurance Ride Conference 100 Mile National Championship Ride and getting the Best Condition Awards. They also took a first and two second places in the WEG qualifying rides. Lindsey is an equine veterinarian in Napa Valley, CA.
US Endurance Team Alternate
Deborah Reich and DJB Juniper
Deborah Reich grew up with horses, gaining interest in distance riding until she competed in her first endurance event in 2005. she has 18 top ten placings, and completed her fastest 100-mile in a fast 8 hours and 17 minutes. Deborah and 8-year-old Arabian mare DJB Juniper was second at the CEI3* at the Biltmore Challenge.
And there you have it, the riders of the 2010 World Equestrian Games US Eventing Team. Best wishes to all of them, and most especially their wonderful horses!
