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From Rescue To Ribbons: Erna Valdivia Makes Tevis Cup History With ‘Lovie’
Chronofhorse.com - Full Article
PUBLISHED August 13, 2024
WORDS BY Christina Keim
Vera Valdivia-Abdallah, founder and director of a major Arabian horse rescue, has helped hundreds of animals recover from dire circumstances. When she learned about a herd of 53 Arabians in Oregon in need of help late in 2020, she mobilized immediately to bring the animals to her Love This Horse Equine Rescue, located about 100 miles north of Los Angeles.
The story of the Oregon horses was one she had heard a version of many times before in her nearly 15 years of equine rescue work: The horses’ owner had passed away, his family had no idea what to do with the animals—many of which had never been handled—and in desperation, they contacted a horse trader to “come and get them.”
“Other than a few older horses who were broke to ride, he never even halter-trained them,” Valdivia-Abdallah said. “The horse trader basically rounded them up and dispersed them to different auctions.”
Because they were mostly unhandled, the majority of the Oregon herd was at risk of being sold to dealers shipping to slaughter. Valdivia-Abdallah began attending regional auctions, looking for them specifically...
Read the rest here:
https://www.chronofhorse.com/article/from-rescue-to-ribbons-erna-valdivia-makes-tevis-cup-history-with-lovie/
Barbara Louise Sanches 1941-2024
Legacy.com
Barbara Louise Sanches passed away peacefully at home on July 25, 2024 at the young age of 82.
Barbara was born in San Francisco, California and to her friends was called "Barb". She was a survivor of many things in her life and was a strong and passionate woman about the things she believed in. Her greatest accomplishments in life she would say were her love for her family, and her many cherished horses. She loved her endurance and horse-riding family and love of the sport, especially when she was able to ride side by side with her husband Ron of 47 years. Barbara and her exceptional Arabian horse Calculator VA ++, "aka "Tor" rode as a team member on the Pacific South Endurance Squad, the North American Endurance Squad and many other 100-mile endurance rides over her 20-year career as an endurance rider. In her professional career, Barbara gave so much of herself to others in her lifetime having worked in local non-profit organizations such as MS Community Services, Sun Street Centers and Freedom House. Barbara was respected by everyone she encountered, always providing support, lending an ear or giving them the tough love they needed to hear.
Barbara is survived by her adoring husband Ronald C. Sanches, her Daughter, Aimee Warren, Son in Law David Warren, granddaughter, Karlee Warren, grandson Travis Warren, Sister in Laws, Carol Culy (Michael) of Clovis, Ca and Janice (Jack) Allen of Elk Grove, Ca and of course Winnie, the Grand kitty.
The family wishes to thank the loving caregivers that she had, Tiffany Velasquez and Brittany Loura whose loving care and joyful natures enriched her life daily and allowed her to stay in her home. She is now riding with Tor again in the sky.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
US Equestrian Announces Team for 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors
USEF.org
Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athlete-and-horse combinations that will represent the U.S. at the 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors. The competition will take place on Sept. 5-8, 2024, in Monpazier, France. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Lisanne Dorion and team vet Dr. Olivia Rudolphi with team leader Nicole Zerbee.
The following athletes will represent the U.S. Endurance Team and are listed in alphabetical order.
• Holly Corcoran (Stroudsburg, Pa.) and Lorienn (Syndicat x Lothlorienn), her own 2012 Arabian mare
• Jessica DiCamillo (Angel Fire, N.M.) and I Remember September (Ramses Majestic x Victoria Stone), her own 2009 half-Arabian gelding
• Jeremy Reynolds (Dunnellon, Fla.) and Treasured Moments (DA Adios +/ x Hidden Treasure, a 2010 Arabian mare owned by Heather and Jeremy Reynolds
• Alex Shampoe (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Promissin Gold (ZT Raashaqa x Hals Metourmaline), a 2013 Arabian mare owned by Valerie Kanavy
• Cheryl Van Deusen (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.) and JG General (Kings Ransomm x TF Narissa), her own 2012 Arabian gelding
The following combinations are alternates for the U.S. Endurance Team and listed in ranked order:
• Cheryl Van Deusen (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.) and Madjule (Madjani x MV Bonnie Z), a 2015 Arabian mare owned by Jose Ortega
• Alex Shampoe (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Southern Justice, a 2012 Arabian gelding owned by Dessia Miller and Valerie Kanavy
• Karen Binns-Dicamillo (Las Cruces N.M.) and RGS Azrak Bandos (Aranas HF x Once Upona Tyme), her own 2011 Arabian gelding
• Meg Sleeper (Frenchtown, N.J.) and Sapphire N Gold (Belesemo Magic x CAL Flaming Emit), her own 2012 Arabian mare
• Kelsey Russell (Williston, Fla.) and Juno Im Gold (Flash Goldon x LM Parys), a 2015 Half-Arabian gelding owned by Valerie Kanavy
• Heidi Perreault (Hillsborough, N.C.) and Favailas Marechal (Ultimatum Mirbel x Formosa My Pride), a 2015 Arabian gelding owned by Marilyn Lemoine Pesce and Denis Pesce
• Holly Corcoran (Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania) and Poete (Bandjo De Falgas x Poetikka), her own 2007 Arabian gelding
Competition Information
The 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship will begin on Thursday, Sept. 5, with the opening ceremony in the city center of Monpazier, followed by the first vet inspection on Friday, Sept. 6. The CEI3* 160km ride will take place on Saturday, Sept. 7, beginning at 5:30 a.m. (Sept. 6 at 11:30 p.m. ET) and awards will be presented on Sunday, Sept. 8.
More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-announces-team-for-2024-fei
Australia: Tribute for Ron Males 1931-2024
AHSA.asn.au
Ronald Philip OAM
“Ron”
Aged 92 years
18/10/1931 – 3/6/2024
Passed away peacefully at home.
Nothing could probably better sum up the legacy left by Ron Males than this quote.
Ron, together with wife Val, founded Ralvon Stud in 1954. A stud whose hoofprints have left an indelible print in the Arabian community worldwide.
It’s hard to know where to begin, and as I write this, on a personal level, the stories, memories and tears come flooding through my mind and down my cheeks – as I’m sure they do for many.
Ron forged so many new pathways for Arabian lovers, breeders and owners – Ralvon mares and stallions became the cornerstone of many breeding programmes, both in Australia and worldwide.
In 1966, Ron, together with wife Val, were instrumental in planning and organising the first Tom Quilty 100 mile Endurance ride, and then, he was also instrumental in the foundation of the Australian Endurance Riders Association in 1967.
Ron, during his endurance career, claimed 21 Qulity buckles – he was the first to gain his 1000 mile buckle (10 completions) without a single vet out – a record in itself.
In 1969, a chestnut colt was born on Ron’s birthday – this colt. Ralvon Pilgrim, (Rikham x Trix Silver), in 1977 went on to become the first International Arabian Champion Stallion when taken to the UK to be shown. Prior to his World Championship win, he had amassed an outstanding show record in Australia. His progeny today span the globe.
A roll call of Ralvon winners, both here and overseas springs to mind – Ralvon Elijah, Ralvon Nazarene, Ralvon Job, Ralvon Siver Jubilee, Ralvon Royal Jubilee – and the list goes on.
Always prepared to take a risk, Ron (and Val) were instrumental in importing new bloodlines to Australia with the US Egyptian stallion, The Puritan and the Polish stallion, Milex.
Ron, again, forged a new pathway for Australian Arabians with his relationship with Sheik Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the UAE with the export of the first endurance horses, among them the stallion, Palexis (Milex x Promissa). Others have since followed with Australian endurance horses now being recognised as some of the best in the world.
Aside from his vast contributions to the Australian and worldwide Arabian industry was a man who will also be remembered for many other attributes.
Ron was a friend to many, a mentor to more. Always prepared to listen and never judgemental. His family meant the world to him. His friendship circle was diverse and widespread. He had a dry and wicked sense of humour, and at times could also be a ‘bit of a larrikin’ as those of us privileged to travel to interstate Quilties with him can attest.
He was also a wonderful storyteller.
He was a consummate horseman – the like of which is rarely seen, and a breeder, together with wife Val, of excellence.
He will be very sadly missed, and I’m sure all in the Arabian community send heartfelt condolences to Val, and his children, Kerry, Phillip and Peter, together with their partners, and Ron’s extended family of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
I am proud to have been able to call him a friend of over 40 years standing, and I know that there are so many in our Arabian community who share that honour as well – his passing marks the loss of an Arabian icon.
RIP Ron.
Helen Rutland
Chair
AHSA
https://www.ahsa.asn.au/