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Linda Riley and Sir Century’s Road To Stardom |
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Endurance horse racing is as much a sport about the horse as it is the rider. In endurance riding, the winner of a long distance ride is not only based on a pre-determined speed, but also the condition that the horse is in at the end of the race. Competitive endurance trail rides are races against the clock to see who can finish closest to a predetermined time. Soundness, condition, manners, or route are other criteria considered. Endurance rides are races to see who can finish first while remaining sound and healthy. One of the top names in the sport of endurance horse riding today is Linda Riley. Linda is representing Canada and Alberta in the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. Linda has won many competitions in endurance riding; however, this year is the first year that endurance riding is part of the equestrian games. There is more to be said about Linda Riley than the fact she is a qualifying participant in the 2006 equestrian games. Linda is a 58 year old proud grandmother of four; her youngest grandchild is only two months old. Linda is, and has always been proud of her small town roots. She grew up in the small prairie town of Consort, Alberta and currently lives just north of Leslieville, Alberta. Linda has been an active endurance rider since 1983, which was when she completed her first seventeen-mile competitive race. Linda says “I inherited my love of horses from my father, Carl Korker. [Linda has had many years of endurance riding under her belt, but it was not until she was teamed up with her purebred Arabian horse Sir Century that she really began to be noticed.] Sir Century is a twelve year old purebred Arabian. Linda purchased Sir Century at an auction in 2000 from an owner who couldn’t handle the horse’s personality. Though Sir Century came with attitude and a reputation, he also spooks easily. Linda however, felt an instant spark with Century, a bond which has helped them both become participants in the 2006 Equestrian Games. Linda admits that Century still has a lot of learning to do, but with practices 3-4 times a week, Century will be at the top of his game come Germany. Traveling to Germany is not only a huge honor for Linda, but also a huge expense. It will cost approximately $20,000 to send Linda and Sir Century to Germany for the games. The Alberta Equestrian Federation is very proud of their accomplishments and would hate them to miss the competition because of finances. Those who wish to contribute support for our World Equestrian team from Alberta should do so by contacting the Alberta Equestrian Federation. We are all rooting for Linda and Century and know that they will do a great job representing Alberta and Canada in the 2006 World Equestrian Games. By: Jaclyn Roth |
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| Copyright: Alberta Equestrian Federation | |
| 5/13/2008 : 10:54:50 PM | |