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AHA Teams Up with Biltmore Challenge for 2005 Championship

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) will host its 50 and 100 mile 2005 National Championship Endurance Rides in conjunction with the Biltmore Challenge. The rides will take place on May 7 at the historic Biltmore Estate Equestrian Center in Asheville, North Carolina. AERC 100-mile and 50-mile divisions are offered, with the 100-mile ride also sanctioned as an International ride by CEI***. All AHA riders must be cross-entered in the Biltmore Challenge.

Space is limited, and entries will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested competitors should secure a space by contacting the ride manager Anne Ayala at 828-274-5121 or e-mailing kenayala@charter.net.

Awards for the AHA ride include champion and reserve trophies, top ten plaques and ribbons; blankets, coolers from Turtle Neck by Paint Rock Designs, and completion buckles. International Arabian Breeders Sweepstakes prize money will be paid to the top ten 100-mile ride winners comprising both Arabian and Half-Arabian/Anglo-Arabian horses that are eligible to win Sweepstakes prize money. The payout will be $5,000 (champion) $2,500 (reserve) and $525 to each of the remaining top ten.

In addition to any points won for competing in the AHA Championships, riders may submit points earned from the AERC open rides for Horse and/or Amateur Achievement Awards.

To compete in the 100 mile AHA championship, a horse must have successfully completed a minimum 300 lifetime miles of which 100 miles must consist of a one-day or multi-day 100 mile endurance ride or two consecutive rides of 50 miles or greater over two consecutive days. To compete in the 50-mile championship, horses must have successfully completed a minimum of 200 lifetime miles. Qualifying mileage must be from AHA, AERC or FEI recognized/sanctioned endurance events. Both rider and owner must be AHA members, and the horse must be registered with AHA, CAHA or CPAR. For complete information on qualifications, eligibility or an entry form, go to www.ArabianHorses.org/competitions and click on National Events.

The Biltmore Estate Equestrian Center is located on the grounds of George Vanderbilt’s historic estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Built in 1895, it offers 100 miles of riding trails on 8,000 acres and is situated next to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The state trails promise a challenging ride along the French Broad River and over rolling hills and low mountains. Each loop will circle back to a central vetting area adjacent to the main camping area.