Life After Racing > 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
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