Three Palms Arabians - News: Three Palms Arabians Meets Goal

Three Palms Arabians Competition Results

Three Palms Arabians Meets Goal

As the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) season comes to a close for 2007, Three Palms Arabians reflects back upon their participation in the southeastern division rides.

Last November, Region 12 of the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) presented a challenge to all endurance riders in the region. Join AHA and affiliate with a local Region 12 club, ride in six rides in six different states and receive special prizes.

The Bronze Level - complete a ride in three different Region 12 states and receive a Region XII logo embroidered polo shirt.
The Silver Level - complete a ride in four different Region 12 states and receive a jacket with the Region XII logo.
The Gold Level - complete a ride in five different Region 12 states and receive a fly sheet with the Region XII logo.
The Platinum Level - complete a ride in six different Region 12 states and receive a rain sheet with the Region XII logo.

Three Palms Arabians, already a member of AHA, accepted this challenge. At the conclusion of the season, Gunnar Palm and his two endurance contenders, Citadel Batal (*Simeon Shai x Matrabbs Melody) and JF Ibn Serenada (*Ibn Safinaz x Ansata Serenada), had competed in thirteen rides, in six states and traveled over 6500 miles. Very few Region 12 members will reach the Platinum Level. At this writing only three have met the ultimate challenge. The benefits of this program reach far beyond tangible items or increased membership. It acknowledges the fact that the Arabian Horse Association is starting to recognize this sport.

Overall, it was a season filled with thrills and spills; almost victories and the agony of defeat. Along the way, both horses and riders experienced injuries which cost the team that elusive first place. In some instances, it even cost a completion. But with all things considered the record for the season was good; ten top tens, four of which were second place finishes.

For the second consecutive year, Gunnar Palm served as the ride manager for the Pyramid Challenge which is sponsored by the Pyramid Society, an organization that promotes the breeding of Egyptian Arabian horses. As a breeder of straight Egyptian Arabian horses, it was no coincidence that Gunnar also participated in this ride with a horse Three Palms Arabians had bred. Gunnar and Batal finished sixth in the competition but were the fourth straight Egyptian to finish. The team placed first in the heavy weight division.

Three Palms Arabians is in the process of planning their strategy to improve the 2007 record. The 2008 endurance season will bring a new set of challenges. Region 12 is developing another incentive program to entice riders in the region. When the challenge is made, the Three Palms Arabians endurance team will rise to the call.

If you are interested in learning more about endurance riding visit the American Endurance Ride Conference website at www.aerc.org or Three Palms Arabians at www.threepalmsarabians.com.