Life After Racing / Endurance
Endurance
The USTA has partnered with the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) to promote the use of Standardbreds in endurance riding. The amount of training miles put into a Standardbred in preparation for racing gives them a solid base for endurance.
For more information on the AERC, visit their website.
Riders that are new to the world of endurance can learn more as a Green Bean.
Join other Standardbred endurance riders in the ‘Team Standardbred Distance Riders' Facebook group.
Riders must be a member of AERC in order to track horse and rider mileage.
High Mileage Standardbred Award Winners
The USTA has presented the High Mileage Standardbred Award since 2011. The award is given to the Standardbred that has the most miles ridden during the current ride season (December 1 through November 30). Horse must be registered with the USTA or Standardbred Canada. All completed rides are considered, including the limited distance 24-35 mile rides, and standard endurance rides (50+ miles).
Riders must be a member of AERC in order to track horse and rider mileage.
| Year | Rider | Registered Name (Competition Name) | YOF | Owner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Liam Geddes | Oreanthi | 2017 | Matthew Geddes |
| 2025 | Merri Melde | Shotgun Rider (Owyhee Shotgun Rider) | 2012 | Merri Melde |
| 2024 | Merri Melde | Shotgun Rider (Owyhee Shotgun Rider) | 2012 | Merri Melde |
| 2023 | Larry Gray | Baubletina (Baubles) | 2009 | Winning Key (Lessee: Larry Gray) |
| 2022 | Lindsay Toms | Good Bet | 2009 | Lindsay Toms |
| 2021 | Merri Melde | Shotgun Rider (Owyhee Shotgun Rider) | 2012 | Merri Melde |
| 2020 | Anita Rees | Jailhouse Waylon (a.k.a. Bubba) | 2014 | Anita Rees |
| 2019 | Bruce Weary | Solar Partner (a.k.a. Trooper) | 2008 | Bruce Weary |
| 2018 | Bruce Weary | Solar Partner (a.k.a. Trooper) | 2008 | Bruce Weary |
| 2017 | Merri Melde | Shotgun Rider (Owyhee Shotgun Rider) | 2012 | Stephanie Teeter |
| 2016 | Jen Moore | Sidney Rain | 2000 | Jen Moore |
| 2015 | Aarene Storms | Naked Willow | 2002 | Aarene Storms |
| 2014 | Heather Wimer | Pureform Bunny | 2005 | Heather Wimer |
| 2013 | Heather Wimer | Pureform Bunny | 2005 | Heather Wimer |
| 2012 | Nancy Salazar | Steady's Bad Boy | 2005 | Nancy Salazar |
| 2011 | Patricia Clark | East Meets West | 2005 | Patricia Clark |