THIS WEEK'S FEATURED STORIES
brought to you by
Your complete source for the Trail Horse
Congratulations to Dave Rabe and White Cloud10 for being awarded the 2024 AERC Pard'ners Award
*thanks to Connie Creech, who shared with us her nomination of Dave Rabe and White Cloud10 for this prestigious award!
The dynamic duo did indeed receive the Pard'ners Award at the 2025 AERC Convention*
Nomination of Dave Rabe and White Cloud10 for the AERC Pard’ners Award
Dave and White Cloud personify the Pard’ners Awards’ abiding goal of the AERC motto “To Finish is to Win”. Their partnership developed over many years overcoming past abuse with trust and friendship. White Clouds long duration of soundness, his desire and willingness to travel over hill and dale along with Dave’s personal care and management, allowed him to reach significant mileage and award achievements.
Their shared partnership riding through six AERC Regions over fifteen seasons, included (10) one hundred-mile in one day rides, numerous pioneer rides, (224) completions from (232) starts in a total of 11,925 AERC miles. The pair won National Mileage Champions two times, out of four times placing. They won the National Pioneer Award in 2010, also placing third in 2009. In the West Region Dave and White Cloud along with his pasture mates Rushcreek Okay, Ravenwood Moshan, Midnight Melody Marie and Chey’s Cocamoe Joe were Regional Mileage Champions (total annual mileage one or two horses) for ten years. White Cloud also placed in the West Region Middleweight Division seven separate times, winning first place four times.
Dave found Cloud (his name at the time) at a nearby horse rescue ranch in 2007. The owner told Dave the non-registered gelding was dropped off as a dangerous, explosive, un-rideable and unwanted horse. Dave could tell right off he had some Arabian breeding with excellent conformation and smooth gaits. He decided to try him out to see what his problems were and was able to get him loaded in the trailer. Dave trailered him over to his friend Connie’s place and worked him in her round pen. Both were impressed with his gliding efficient movement and his presence. He was able to saddle him up with no problem. However, when he tried to mount the action began. The horse was not going to allow him to mount and immediately started bucking before Dave could even get a leg over him. Dave still thought he was worth the gamble, even though he may have been abused and frightened and was very defensive. He would probably make a good endurance horse, if he could work him through his problems.
So, their journey together started. He had his Veterinarian Susan, check him over and she aged him by his teeth as a seven year old. There were dark rain clouds rolling in that day which gave Dave the idea to change his name from Cloud, and since he didn’t like dark clouds, to White Cloud. The name fit perfectly and was like an omen to Dave. Dave worked and conditioned White Cloud through the winter and spring and they did their first ride together at the Washoe Valley 50 in May of 2008. Still difficult to mount, at the Fort Schellbourne XP ride in June, Dave’s good friend Kerry, also an excellent horse trainer worked with White Cloud. Kerry is the only person other than Dave to ride White Cloud in his long career.
In 2011 White Cloud sustained a hind leg suspensory ligament injury. This brought out another demon afflicting White Cloud about trusting to have his hind legs picked up and handled. With great care and rehab White Cloud fully recovered and healed from the injury, while overcoming this fear from his past. Another setback for them was in 2013 when Dave tried to mount White Cloud as he was walking out from the start of the Death Valley ride. Old gremlins from the past revealed themselves when White Cloud exploded and Dave landed on his head, giving him a severe head injury which put Dave in the hospital for over a month. From that day forward Dave’s cowboy image was humbled to wear a safety equestrian helmet.
White Cloud passed at the assumed age of 23 years, in March of 2023 due to internal cancer tumors. He will forever have a special place in Dave’s heart, a bond that brought them through some of their life struggles. There is no doubt that if not for Dave finding White Cloud at the horse rescue ranch, he was able to save his life and give him a chance to excel at endurance riding becoming his lifetime partner.
Respectfully Submitted,
Connie Creech
AERC #172
Nomination of Dave Rabe and White Cloud10 for the AERC Pard’ners Award
Dave and White Cloud personify the Pard’ners Awards’ abiding goal of the AERC motto “To Finish is to Win”. Their partnership developed over many years overcoming past abuse with trust and friendship. White Clouds long duration of soundness, his desire and willingness to travel over hill and dale along with Dave’s personal care and management, allowed him to reach significant mileage and award achievements.
Their shared partnership riding through six AERC Regions over fifteen seasons, included (10) one hundred-mile in one day rides, numerous pioneer rides, (224) completions from (232) starts in a total of 11,925 AERC miles. The pair won National Mileage Champions two times, out of four times placing. They won the National Pioneer Award in 2010, also placing third in 2009. In the West Region Dave and White Cloud along with his pasture mates Rushcreek Okay, Ravenwood Moshan, Midnight Melody Marie and Chey’s Cocamoe Joe were Regional Mileage Champions (total annual mileage one or two horses) for ten years. White Cloud also placed in the West Region Middleweight Division seven separate times, winning first place four times.
Dave found Cloud (his name at the time) at a nearby horse rescue ranch in 2007. The owner told Dave the non-registered gelding was dropped off as a dangerous, explosive, un-rideable and unwanted horse. Dave could tell right off he had some Arabian breeding with excellent conformation and smooth gaits. He decided to try him out to see what his problems were and was able to get him loaded in the trailer. Dave trailered him over to his friend Connie’s place and worked him in her round pen. Both were impressed with his gliding efficient movement and his presence. He was able to saddle him up with no problem. However, when he tried to mount the action began. The horse was not going to allow him to mount and immediately started bucking before Dave could even get a leg over him. Dave still thought he was worth the gamble, even though he may have been abused and frightened and was very defensive. He would probably make a good endurance horse, if he could work him through his problems.
So, their journey together started. He had his Veterinarian Susan, check him over and she aged him by his teeth as a seven year old. There were dark rain clouds rolling in that day which gave Dave the idea to change his name from Cloud, and since he didn’t like dark clouds, to White Cloud. The name fit perfectly and was like an omen to Dave. Dave worked and conditioned White Cloud through the winter and spring and they did their first ride together at the Washoe Valley 50 in May of 2008. Still difficult to mount, at the Fort Schellbourne XP ride in June, Dave’s good friend Kerry, also an excellent horse trainer worked with White Cloud. Kerry is the only person other than Dave to ride White Cloud in his long career.
In 2011 White Cloud sustained a hind leg suspensory ligament injury. This brought out another demon afflicting White Cloud about trusting to have his hind legs picked up and handled. With great care and rehab White Cloud fully recovered and healed from the injury, while overcoming this fear from his past. Another setback for them was in 2013 when Dave tried to mount White Cloud as he was walking out from the start of the Death Valley ride. Old gremlins from the past revealed themselves when White Cloud exploded and Dave landed on his head, giving him a severe head injury which put Dave in the hospital for over a month. From that day forward Dave’s cowboy image was humbled to wear a safety equestrian helmet.
White Cloud passed at the assumed age of 23 years, in March of 2023 due to internal cancer tumors. He will forever have a special place in Dave’s heart, a bond that brought them through some of their life struggles. There is no doubt that if not for Dave finding White Cloud at the horse rescue ranch, he was able to save his life and give him a chance to excel at endurance riding becoming his lifetime partner.
Respectfully Submitted,
Connie Creech
AERC #172
New AERC Hall of Famers announced at AERC Convention
AERC welcomed a new group into the Hall of Fame class, and presented additional awards, at National Awards banquet of the 2025 AERC Convention in Reno, Nevada on March 8.
Hall of Fame Person: Lisa Schneider
Hall of Fame Equine: Trinity, owned and ridden by Gunnar Frank
Pard’ners Award recipients: Dave Rabe and White Cloud
Ann Parr Trails Preservation Award recipient: Nicole Wertz
Charlie Barieau Photography Excellence Award: Merri Melde
Greg Kimler of Echo Valley Ranch in Auburn was presented the Dru Barner award from the Western States Trail Foundation, for those who contribute to and uphold the goals of the Western States Foundation, and have helped maintain the integrity and dignity of the Tevis Cup.
Kathy Lea Arnold 1957-2025
Legacy.com
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Bryant Funeral Home - Worland on Mar. 6, 2025.
Kathy Lea Arnold
May 9, 1957- March 4, 2025
Kathy Lea Arnold, 67, of Basin passed away in Green River Wyoming, on March 4, 2025. She and Bud are together in Heaven now, probably chasing cows.
Kathy was born May 9, 1957, in Iowa to Lloyd and Alta Morstad. She married Bud Arnold on September 4, 1988, and they spent their lives doing what they loved-- farming, ranching, and riding. Kathy loved all animals but most of all her horses. She was an avid horsewoman; an accomplished endurance rider competing across the country. She was very involved in Endurance including the Big Horn 100. In their younger days she and Bud enjoyed team roping.
Survivors include sister Suzanne Morstad of Basin; sister-in-law Barb Arnold VanMatre of Green River; beloved companion Chancy; a herd of horses; and many friends including the special ones who helped her during the final days.
She was predeceased by her husband of 36 years, Bud Arnold.
Services will be held at 12 o'clock noon Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Mountain View Assembly Church (501 2nd Street Ten Sleep, Wyoming). Burial will be in the Ten Sleep Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathy, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2025 Fursan Cup - Alex Shampoe
by Alex Shampoe
A week ago, I returned from one of my favorite trips to date—an experience that left me with incredible memories, lifelong friendships, and a deeper appreciation for endurance riding. I had the privilege of riding two amazing horses, reconnecting with friends from around the world—Jordan, Australia, Germany, and beyond—and making new friendships that will last a lifetime.
The People Who Made This Trip Special
Let me start with my team. Maya Janbey from Namibia, was experiencing Saudi Arabia for the first time. She speaks perfect English, German, and Afrikaans, and we instantly clicked. We rode together in the 120K and spent the day together after I was pulled from the 160K. Then there was Anne Wegner from Germany, whom I met last year when we rode for the same stable. Anne was invaluable in helping us navigate the venue and giving us confidence. I’m so grateful for both of them, and I can’t wait to see where our paths cross again.
We stayed with Faisal, the owner and leader of our team, in a massive house where many of our crew members also lived. A good bit of them spoke some English, and a few were nearly fluent. They made us feel so welcome and safe from the moment we arrived. One evening, after a long day at the venue, a small group took us to the Old Town walk of AlUla. We enjoyed traditional Arabic food and explored the beautifully lit cave walkways and charming shops. The main stage, set against towering rocks illuminated with Arabic script, was breathtaking. It was a night I’ll never forget.
The 2★ (120K) Race – Riding Helfik
My 2★ horse was Helfik De Kermat, a stunning 8-year-old grey gelding. He had already completed two 100K races and one 120K earlier this season, so I knew he was ready. This was the biggest race of his career so far, and I was so excited to ride him. The day before the race, he warmed up beautifully—calm and responsive, even when other horses around him were getting worked up. I felt confident heading into race day. The vet check was stressful, with many horses feeling the energy of the event. Helfik was a little excited trotting back to the vet but settled quickly. We were ready.
Race morning was pure chaos—but in the best way. Our stable had 13 horses at the start line. Six were aiming for top-10 finishes, while the rest of us focused on completion. We walked to the start area as a group and joined a massive pack of nearly 200 horses moving in a giant circle. The horses in the middle were canter/galloping, the next layer trotting, and those of us on the outside walking. Helfik, in his biggest start ever, walked as calmly as he could.
Once we launched down the chute, it was hectic trying to find our place among the other teams, but we quickly settled into a rhythm. The first loop flew by—rolling hills, solid footing, and a short stretch of deep sand before hitting the runway into the vet check. Helfik was incredible. He pulsed down fast and passed the vet check with ease. During the hold, he was a little nervous, so I walked him while he ate.
Loop Two
The second loop was the toughest. It started with rolling hills and patches of deep sand before reaching the base of a long, sandy climb. There was a water stop, volunteers handed out cool water to help keep our horses refreshed. The climb itself felt endless, but I was grateful Helfik was a fast walker! At the top, another water stop gave us a quick break before we faced a steep, sandy descent. Seeing my pen-pal friend Talia at the crew area lifted my spirits—she helped keep Helfik happily munching and walking while I took a much-needed food break.
Loop Three
I think of this loop in thirds: the first part had great footing and rolling hills, then we hit deep sand, though thankfully not too steep, before finishing on solid ground. Helfik cruised through like a pro—eating, walking, and staying strong.
Final Loop
The last loop was my favorite. The scenery was breathtaking as we rode between towering rocks that echoed with the sounds of riders' voices. Helfik, the fastest walker in our group, led much of this stretch. We passed our incredible crew at an out crew point before navigating rolling sand hills that led to the final stretch—the runway to the finish.
Every single one of our seven horses completed the race, and our stable had an outstanding 12/13 completion rate—especially impressive considering only 50% of the total starters finished! The team was thrilled, and I couldn’t have been prouder of Helfik. He never lost his appetite, pulsed down quickly every time, and was strong and willing throughout the entire race.
The 3★ (160K) Race
The next day, I started the 160K race but was pulled for lameness after the first loop. Though disappointed, I was relieved that my horse, Ghiornu D’Olmarellu, was okay and will race again soon. Ghiornu, a smooth-moving 9-year-old gelding, made the early morning ride alongside Anne feel magical as we watched the sunrise over the desert.
Even though I didn’t get to finish, I spent the rest of the day crewing with my Saudi teammates. They did their best to lift my spirits—singing in the car, sharing snacks, and helping me learn a little Arabic while I taught them some English. Just making an effort to speak someone else’s language meant so much to them, and their excitement when we understood an Arabic word was contagious.
I also got to spend extra time with both my horses—walking them, letting them roll, and just soaking in the privilege of being there.
The venue was amazing. The area was so thoughtfully layed out from where the stables were to the catering tent, where the opening ceremonies with the stands for spectators was. They had a special crew parking area close to the vet holds so your crew could be as fast as possible getting out to help you. Every loop there was at least 2/3 places with water troughs for the horses to drink with volenteers to hand us cool water for the horses. There was at least 2 crew pionts on Every loop a for the horses to drink and of course out crew to support us.
This trip reminded me why I love endurance riding so much. It’s not just about the races—it’s about the people, the horses, the connections, and the moments that make it all worthwhile. I left AlUla with a heart full of gratitude, new friendships, and even more passion for this incredible sport.