Team 103 - Artful Path

I'm Beth Ridenour from Lawrence, KS. I grew up in the Flint hills with Quarter Horses, not knowing there were other breeds! Now in my 50th decade, I never thought I would have my own horse, but my friends supported and enabled me and now I own my adorable mare, Logen.  Logen is seven years and we are going to grow old together.

I have many folks to thank. I want to acknowledge my friends in the Midwest Mustang and Burro Saddle Club. Logen and I ride for Mary Lou, our angel here on Earth, and for my Dad, a WWII veteran, and one tough, cool cowboy who didn't know it. 

"So often, we focus on what the horse is doing, and miss the fact that the horse's mind will affect what he does and how he does it. If we give attention to the horse - how he is feeling in the moment, where his thought is and offer him the help he is looking for - many of the things we thought were problems will be cleared up."  -Harry Whitney

Team 102 - Grace

Team Grace from Michigan is made up of an 8 year old Fjord Quarter Cross named Idunn Grace (pronounced E dun) and rider Heather Grace. Occasionally our Australian Shepard, Wilson joins us on trail too.

We are grateful for every day we get to spend hanging out, doing ground work or in the saddle!

2012 was our first year together as this is my first horse so we tracked our progress together through FaceBook & hours on our calendar. This year we are excited to track miles now with this Derby & are wishing all fellow riders a safe, mutually respectful & joyful 2013 with your equine partners!

Team 101 - Three Appys

Hi, my name is Kelly. I live in southeast Nebraska. Got my first horse when I was 5 years old, that was it. I don't know what I would do without a horse in my life. I share an acreage with my husband, 3 appaloosas, 4 boxers and some barn cats. I have two grown kids and two grand kids. Hoping the grand kids will love horses like their grandma. 

My main ride is an 18 year old gelding named Buster. I have a 4 year old gelding named Twister that needs the miles. My husband enjoys riding with me when he has time. Hope to do a lot of trail riding this year. So hope to see you on the trails!

Team 100 - Twisted J Arena

I have a roping arena just southwest of Nebraska City and spend most of my time in the roping pen, but go on the occasional trail ride with my family and friends too. Thought this would be a neat way to track my hours spent in the saddle.

Team 99 - ~HorseWithWings~

Hello all my fellow horse lovers! I will be camping out on my 4 year old AQHA mare "Fly" this year. I rescued her as a colt, nursed her back to health, and have since formed a very special bond with her. My 7 year old rat terrier, Napoleon, will also be joining us in our journey. Looking forward to many miles in the saddle this year!

Team 98 - BITS

My name is Kelly Wood and I live in the beautiful Pacific NW w/husband, son, 45 alpacas and my two dream horses, Sissy (silver dapple SaddlebredxArab mare) and Tazz (black Arab mare). Sissy is an awesome trail horse, goes anywhere and is a joy to ride. Tazz is just starting out w/about 7 short rides so far, but doing great on the trail. Unfortunately, between farm chores, a full time outside job and starting up a home business it's been hard to find time to ride.

So, in order to motivate myself, I'm joining the Distance Derby as Team BITS (Back In The Saddle). My goal is lots of conditioning trail miles with my mares and good friends and entering at least one LD ride before the end of this year.

Team 97 - Miller

Hi my name is Jay and I would like to do this derby to see how many miles I actually ride my horses in a year!

Team 96 - Seefus

My name is Pam Seefus.  I give western riding lessons at Seefus Riding Stable and own 7 lesson horses and 2 mini's. Trail riding is my favorite past time.

Team 95 - Owen

My name is Kristine Brickey and I live in Michigan. This is my first year participating in the Distance Derby. My resolution is to ride…a LOT! I have had my 8 year old (as of May 4th) gelding since I pulled him from his momma. I take full blame for all that he does.

Amazing changes have happened since last April, when I attended a Peter Campbell clinic in Chelsea, Michigan. I am anxious to continue progressing with my horse partner, and know that joining the Distance Derby will give me one more motivator to continue riding!

Team 102 - Grace

Team Grace from Michigan is made up of an 8 year old Fjord Quarter Cross named Idunn Grace (pronounced E dun) and rider Heather Grace. Occasionally our Australian Shepard, Wilson joins us on trail too.

We are grateful for every day we get to spend hanging out, doing ground work or in the saddle!

2012 was our first year together as this is my first horse so we tracked our progress together through FaceBook & hours on our calendar. This year we are excited to track miles now with this Derby & are wishing all fellow riders a safe, mutually respectful & joyful 2013 with your equine partners!

Team 94 - S 'n K

My name is Kally and I live in Independence, MO. 

I heard about the Derby through Juanita while I lived in Omaha and boarded with her.  I am excited to enter Savannah (my half mustang) and I in this year's competition.  If you are in the area; let me know!  Looking forward to riding "with" all of you, swapping stories, and meeting some of you as well.  

Cheers for the new year.

Team 93 - Maxed Out

Hi, I'm Logan Bucher; 21 years old. I enjoy trail riding or even just riding the back fields and roads. 

My companion is a 10 year old black and white paint I call Maxine, but mostly Max for short. She loves to last minute check my riding skills by throwing a surprise or two along the way, but always leaves me smiling. 

I'm located in southeast corner of Nebraska,by a lil town called Stella.