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Endurance Competition Returns to Biltmore Following Hurricane Helene
USEF.org - Full Article
“We were under more than 20 feet of water in some locations,” said Elizabeth McLean, Director of Equestrian Activities at Biltmore, when discussing the impact of the deadliest hurricane in North Carolina history.
by Debbie Elliot | Sep 2, 2025, 9:30 AM
On September 27, 2024, wind and flooding from Hurricane Helene devastated the western Appalachian area of North Carolina, including the town of Asheville, which is home to Biltmore, a majestic house and historic property dating back to 1895. Several rivers in the region overflowed and the subsequent destruction led Helene to become the costliest natural disaster in North Carolina history.
The 8,000-acre Biltmore estate hosts two endurance rides each year: a spring ride in May and a fall ride in September. While the spring event had to be cancelled earlier this year due to ongoing recovery efforts, the Biltmore Fall Endurance Ride to Benefit Hope for Horses will take place around the estate’s stunning trail system on September 20-21. The event features a number of different classes: 30-mile Limited Distance, 50-mile, 65-mile, and 75-mile Endurance Rides, plus FEI divisions (2* Open, 1* Open and Junior/Young Rider). Biltmore's bi-annual endurance rides follow the Biltmore trails; photo by Becky Pearman
“Our primary facility and a lot of our pastures are right alongside the French Broad River in Asheville, so we had significant flooding after Helene, worse than I've ever seen, and certainly worse than the area had seen in over a hundred years,” said Elizabeth McLean, Director of the Biltmore Equestrian CenterActivities at Biltmore. “We were under more than 20 feet of water in some locations.”
There was heavy rainfall throughout the week before the brunt of Helene hit the area, then the hurricane pummeled western North Carolina, ultimately leading to 108 deaths across the state.
Fortunately, no lives were lost at Biltmore despite the property suffering significant damage...
Read more here:
https://www.usef.org/media/equestrian-weekly/endurance-competition-returns-to-biltmore
Dale Horst 1945 - 2025
Obits.dallasnews.com
Dale Horst Obituary
Dale Richard Horst was born September 20, 1945 in Ontario Canada and passed away peacefully at home in Pilot Point on August 6, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He will be deeply missed by his loving companion, Roberta Corbett, and his children, Delinah Horst (Jason Hubbard) and Nicole Hammond. His beloved granddaughter, Cree Horst Hubbard, was a shining light in his life, and she will always be reminded of the wonderful grandfather she had.
Dale is survived by his siblings, Gloria King, Mary Lou Snyder, Myrna & Bob Schlegel, and Steve & Sandra Horst. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews: Eric, Bradley, Dan, Monica, Maria, Tammy, Barry, Steve, Kim, Kirby, Kari, Krystal, Seth, Roxanne, and Karl. He was predeceased by his parents, Myrtle and Elam Horst, as well as his brothers-in-law, Rev. Ed King and James Snyder.
Dale touched the lives of all who knew him. He was known for his gentle spirit, kind heart, and unwavering generosity. He carried himself with quiet strength and had a special way of making others feel valued. Loyal and hardworking, Dale formed lasting bonds with his colleagues and employees, earning deep respect in both his professional and personal life.
A lifelong animal lover, Dale had a profound connection with the animals around him-especially his beloved horse, Ramsey, and his faithful dog, Wylie. His compassion extended to every creature in his care. His warm personality and infectious sense of humor brought joy to those around him and made the world a little brighter.
For the first 40 years of his life, Dale was a successful entrepreneur in the produce industry in Ontario, Canada. After selling his business, he moved to Texas, where he embraced a new chapter as the partner and operator of White Oaks Ranch near Pilot Point. As Ranch Manager, he shared his deep love for the land and animals with friends and staff alike, inspiring others to find joy and purpose in their connection to nature.
An accomplished endurance rider, Dale earned numerous trophies in Canada and proudly held a national championship in cross-country riding. After moving to Texas, he continued his passion for the sport, immersing himself in the American endurance riding community and spending countless hours with his horses.
In honor of Dale's enduring love for horses and the sport of endurance riding, donations can be made to the American Endurance Ride Conference at https://aerc.org/compete/donations.
A celebration of Dale's life will be held in mid-October at White Oaks Ranch. He will be forever remembered for the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the legacy he leaves behind.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Dallas Morning News on Aug. 17, 2025.
Karen Anne Fredrickson, 1946-2025
LostCoastOutpost.com
August 13 2025
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Karen Anne Fredrickson (née Moore), age 79, who left us peacefully at her home in Iaqua on August 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Karen was born on April 13, 1946, in Eureka at St. Joseph Hospital to Charles and Edra Moore. She grew up in Freshwater, attending Freshwater Elementary School, and spent her summers at the family ranch in Iaqua — a place central to the rest of her life. The ranch shaped her love of ranching, animals, community, and the land itself.
She graduated from Eureka Senior High School in 1964 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences in 1968. Her experience in college would continue to influence Karen’s life, blending community and agriculture.
Karen began her professional journey with the Department of Food and Agriculture in Lebanon County, Oregon, and broke new ground as Oregon’s first female Brand Inspector. From there she worked for Oregon State University Agricultural Extension, serving as the 4-H Director for Benton County, Oregon. In 1982, she returned to Humboldt County, serving the community with Redwood Community Action Agency and later the Area 1 Agency on Aging.
Continuing her path of community service Karen was a key member of the Humboldt County Probation Office. From 1988 to 2003, Karen served as a probation officer, supervisor and director. Karen made a lasting impact in the department serving as founding supervisor for the Humboldt County Drug Court, leading the Intensive Supervision Unit, and ultimately serving as Division Director of Adult Probation. Compassion and commitment defined her professional career. Her dedication earned her the Pat Mitchell Award from the Eureka Police Officers Association along with the admiration and respect of the law enforcement community.
Karen married her beloved husband, Duane Fredrickson, and together they built a life of love, hard work, and shared passions. She was the proud mother of Shaun and Kylie Brenneman, Adrienne and Thomas Ross, Melissa Grace, and Jason and Emily Fredrickson. She adored her grandchildren — Meghann and Michael Weldon, Kaitlin and Kevin Marshall, McKenna and Andrew Miyashiro, Samuel Ross, Austin Grace, and Wyatt Grace — and her great-grandchildren, Elias and Agatha Miyashiro.
Karen is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen and Roddy Gordon, and her brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Dina Moore. She also leaves behind a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom she cherished deeply. She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Edra Moore. Her dear friends remained an important part of her life through the years.
Karen was a lifelong athlete competing in many endurance related sports from marathons to ride and ties, ultimately culminating in equine endurance rides. Karen was a lifelong member of Redwood Empire Endurance Riders and the American Endurance Ride Conference. Blending her love of horses and distance racing, she found her passion in endurance riding. Her endurance riding career was nothing short of remarkable. She completed the legendary 2,000-mile Pony Express Trail XP Ride three times in full and once in part (1,250 miles), riding from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Virginia City, Nevada. She logged countless 250-mile, multi-day rides across the western United States, amassing an extraordinary 18,155 sanctioned AERC miles between 2000 and 2018. During her two-decade racing career she gathered more than just miles, she collected a vast group of life-long friends.
Astride her beloved horse, Murphy (MRR Pyro), Karen achieved the coveted “Perfect 10” Award in 2011 — ten years, 10,000 miles, 10 first-place finishes, and 10 best condition awards — an honor held by only a select few in the sport’s history. That same year, they received the rare Pard’ners Award, recognizing the deep partnership between horse and rider. In 2014, Murphy was inducted into the American Endurance Riders Hall of Fame, and by 2015, they had completed 15,000 race miles together.
Karen’s passions extended far beyond endurance riding. She was a gifted gardener who inspired many to grow and nurture the land. Together with Duane, she owned and operated a successful cattle ranch in Iaqua. Their work together went beyond raising a thriving cattle herd, they strove to restore and improve the land. Working closely with Natural Resources Conservation Service, Karen and Duane endeavored to promote stewardship and conservation of the land they loved. Their shared efforts earned them the Buckeye Conservancy Stewardship Award.
In keeping with her trend of community service, she was a lifelong member of the Humboldt ranching community. Karen served as Secretary of the Humboldt/Del Norte Cattlemen’s Association from 1999–2000, was a member of the Farm Bureau, and the Buckeye Conservancy. At home, she was surrounded by the dogs she loved, her constant companions over the years.
Karen had a generous heart, a strong will, and an easy smile that made everyone feel welcome. She taught by example — showing others the value of hard work, loyalty, and living life of courage and joy.
A celebration of Karen’s life will be held at 1:00 PM, Sunday, September 21, 2025 at The Wharfinger Building, 1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA 95501. Friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Humboldt and the Humboldt/Del Norte Cattlemen Scholarship Fund in her memory.
• Hospice of Humboldt, 3327 Timber Fall Ct., Eureka, CA 95503
• Humboldt/Del Norte Cattlemen Scholarship Fund, 5630 S Broadway, Eureka, CA 95503
Karen will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend. We imagine her now riding through the mountains she loved so much, wind in her hair, astride Murphy, with Cat at her side.
The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Humboldt County and the University of San Francisco Cancer Center for their compassionate care during her final days.
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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Karen Fredrickson’s loved ones to Lost Coast Outpost
3 local riders to represent USA at World Endurance Championships
GoldCountryMedia.com - Full Article
Jordan Georgeson article and photo
Aug 09, 2025
A trio of local endurance riders will represent the United States at the 2025 FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in September in Romania, an event that will test riders and horses over a grueling 75-mile course.
Vanessa Erickson of Lincoln and Lila Reeder and Jax Beloberk of Loomis were three of the five riders selected to represent the US in this event. All three earned their spots through a demanding qualification process that required four long-distance races of 60 and 75 miles.
It’s an achievement made even more remarkable by its rarity, as all three ride at Crater Hill Equestrian in Newcastle under coach Samantha Ellis...
Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/326674/3-local-riders-to-represent-usa-at-world-endurance-championships/