ENDURANCE RIDERS OF ALBERTA - MEMORIAL AWARDS
The Endurance Riders of Alberta is proud to present our Annual Memorial Awards, honoring the dedication and contributions of individuals who have significantly impacted the sport of endurance riding within our province. These awards serve as a testament to their enduring legacy, recognizing their passion, participation, and commitment to the sport.
The Endurance Riders of Alberta has a rich history, fostering a community of riders dedicated to the principles of endurance riding and camaraderie. Since its inception, the club has provided a supportive environment for riders of all levels, encouraging growth, learning, and the sharing of experiences. The Memorial Awards celebrate and honour those who have played a pivotal role in shaping this vibrant community.
The ERA thrives on the participation of its members. Those honoured through the Memorial Awards exemplified the spirit of involvement – whether through organizing events, mentoring fellow riders, or promoting the sport within the community. Their contributions have helped cultivate a culture of support and excellent that continues to inspire current and future riders. Their efforts have not only advanced their own skills but have also raised the standard for all future participants, fostering a deeper appreciation for endurance riding in Alberta.
Mavis Holroyd Memorial Award
This award is presented to an ERA member who demonstrates willingness to provide members support, both on and off the trail, introduces new members to the club, promotes the sport outside of the club, may ride shorter distances with new riders so they learn the rules of the trail and club, and offers advise on care o the horse, to complete with a sound horse.
Mavis Holroyd was a passionate endurance rider who loved the competition, the strategy, the horses, and the camaraderie. She was particularly attracted to endurance racing due to horse welfare being a critical element in the competition. She was a fierce advocate for bitless bridles, treeless saddles, and barefoot horses; she had a wealth of knowledge on these topics and more. Mavis started endurance riding in 1988, shortly after the club started. During her 26 years with the club she completed 2927 race miles. Her horses Snowy, Roo, Sky, and Benji were a constant source of pride and joy.
Mavis believed endurance racing was a sport for many types of horses, and all ages of riders. She started her sons riding at the ages of three and six and Scott did his first 50 mile ride at age nine. Mavis loved nothing more than introducing new people to the sport. She would cheerfully entice you in, encouraging you to do longer and longer distances. It is for these reasons and more that we award the Mavis Holroyd Mentorship award to those who bring new riders to this sport and who coach and encourage them to care for their horses in the best way possible.
Darlene Key Memorial Family Award
This award is presented to a family who enjoys endurance together; riders, crew, support and/or encouragement.
Darlene Key was introduced to Endurance Riding in 1987 by Ron and Joan Spiker. Darlene’s passions for horses always lead to trying new equestrian events. She loved the idea of being immersed in the breathtaking natural landscape, from mountains to rivers, valleys, and forests. At her first ride Darlene knew she was hooked. The intensity of the training and the vast array of new trails she would get to ride were very captivating to Darlene.
Any spare time between Endurance rides consist of finding the ideal feed combination for a competing horse, and conditioning routines for both the horse and the rider. As an equestrian athletic event that includes any breed of horse, Darlene was persistent in establishing which horse was best suited for her and this new equestrian event she had chosen. This is where Darlene excelled, she enjoyed the concept of knowing what pace a horse should be traveling at, riding for the conditions of the trail and environment, as well as ensuring the horse is conditioned accordingly. The rewards were always proportional to the effort invested. One of her favorite things about the endurance riding community is that nearly everyone is obsessed with learning. Everyone wanted to know more about how best to care for their horses. Darlene always stated that she was fortunate because endurance riders are a generous lot, always willing to share their knowledge with anyone wanting to listen.
Darlene swiftly realized that Endurance rides were an environment that was welcoming to the entire family. In 1988, Darlene was enthusiastic about including the next generations of riders and preparing horses that were ready to strive for completion. By the time the 1990 ride season had started there were 3 generations of Keys traveling down the endurance trails. Darlene enjoyed gathering the many endurance miles as a family unit and when the younger generations were able, they to became a part of this wonderful Endurance sport that had grown to become an important part of her family’s existence. It was a bonding experience for her entire family while providing an opportunity to practice a fascinating sport together. Like so many other sports, riding is something children can learn easily and well, but -as Darlene always expressed - success requires practice, dedication and conditioning.
Each ride delivered a new and exciting experience for the family. Darlene enjoyed the challenges of the different (sometimes difficult) terrain. Producing an opportunity to bond as a family in an atmosphere of fun, adventure, challenge and mutual trust. One of the greatest joys of riding as a family was the harmonious interaction with your equine partner and the environment that you compete within. Venturing onto the many trails with the essentials, your horses and companions brought home what was important in life. An endurance ride will give you a wonderful sense of achievement and the satisfaction of overcoming a challenge. The whole endurance community formed a larger connection- An Endurance Family.
This trophy is a true dedication of who Darlene Key really was. Her love for horses, riding the trails or finding new trails, her sense of adventure, and her strong love for her family was all wrapped together within the sport of Endurance Riding. Darlene’s passion for this sport lives on every time a family travels down the endurance trails together, receives support and encouragement at the vet checks, and every time riders swap stories at the end of a ride.
“Continue to create those memories that are timeless treasures of the heart!”
Ron Janzen Memorial Sportsmanship Award
This award is presented to an ERA member who exemplifies all the qualities of a good sportsman, traits which were exhibited by Ron Janzen.
Elaine Delbeke Memorial Partners Award
This award is presented to a rider who has built a partnership with their equine. Their care for their equine's well being, both on and off the trail, displays a definite bond is present.