The Texas Arabian Distance Riders Association again hosted the seventh annual running of the Texas Bluebonnet Classic at the scenic LBJ National Grasslands near Decatur, TX. El Nino stayed away resulting in perfect 70° temperatures combined with a good breeze and sun shine for a perfect day for an endurance ride.

Ride Manager Eddie Spurgeon sent the four 100 milers out for the first loop at 5:30. The ride would be full of first as it was the first 100 for three of the horses and one of the riders. Shelley Bridges who is no stranger to 100’rds was first across the line with a time of 12:11 for first time hundred horse Windswift Barak. Second across the line was Gail Fiebelman riding Topaz in her first hundred with a time of 15:13. Bruce Burton in his and his horse’s first hundred were third also finishing in a time of 15:13. Windswift Barak was awarded an embroidered wool cooler for his high BC score of 687 by Head Veterinarian Dennis Seymour.

The 50 mile event had 53 starters which made for one of the largest starting fields for a Central Region ride. The front runners sent a fast pace in what would be a record setting time. Featherweight Lynn Zeigler riding a Bab Terah which she borrowed from sister Jan Wright was first across the line with a 3:48 time. Lynn’s Junior daughter Hillary was only seconds behind riding Bab Sheeba to wrap up a one two finish for the Zeigler clan. Middleweight Darolyn Butler riding Conquistador was third in what would normally have been a winning time of 4:01. The top ten was rounded out by Luara Stoicesce/Bab Razzmatazz, Jim Wiseman/Cyrano, Dolly Miller/GS Silverado, first Heavyweight GeorgeMcGraw/Forward Motion, Paul Bryan/Shaik Al Paso, Michael Campbell/Solesta Seraya and Kathy Crothers/Rebel Travler. Shaik Al Paso was awarded Best Condition for his 730 score along with receiving acknowledgement for his high Vet score of 460 from ride Vet Cory Soltau.

The 25 mile Limited Distance event was well run with 43 finishers from a field of 47. Jake ridden by Heavyweight Bob Wennerstrom was first to reach criteria with a time of 2:14. Jake was also awarded BC for his score of 775.