Loma De Blanca George McGraw (georgem@ctinc.com) Thu, 20 Mar 1997 11:35:48 -0600 Article about recent ride in Texas. Loma De Blanca Bandera, TX March 1997 Endurance riding in Texas has an exciting new concept this year. Three races have banded together to co-host the South Texas Triple Crown endurance ride series. Each ride is a separate event with special recognition awards to all horse and rider combination who successfully complete all three rides. The first jewel in the triple crown was held at the Loma De Blanca ranch near Bandera, Texas on Saturday, March 1st. Ride managers Carolyn Hosmer and Mary Manuel laid out challenging trails combining land on the Loma De Blanca ranch and the adjoining Bandera State Natural Park. In the 75 mile ride lightweight Chris Lewis riding Azab Azeze, was first across the line in a time of 11:55. Second place finisher was Baskmen's Pecan ridden by Mike Maul. This was Mike and Baskmen's Pecans first 75 mile ride together. Mike Jaffe on Lok-Wyn Khantalib and Linda Laack riding Klassic Capri rounded out the finishers. Azab Azeze was awarded Best Condition with a score of 688. Thirty horses took to the trails for the 50 mile event in what would turn out to be a very warm day, with temperatures reaching the high 70's by afternoon. Bobbie Barber and Kash proved why they were the 1996 Central Region Featherweight Champions with a first place time of 6:31. Jan Wright and Bab Terrah were not far behind with a 6:31 time, coming in second in their bid to repeat as the Regional Middleweight Champions. Second year riders Bridget Cavanaugh and Tracy Webb-Hoskins recorded their first top tens of the season with fourth and fifth placing with a time of 7:07. Bab Terrah was awarded Best Condition by Head Veterinarian Gail Conway with a combined score of 700.5. The 25 mile limited distance ride was well attended with 51 riders. Kocha Khalibre, ridden by middleweight Cordiella Gardner, was first to meet criteria in a time of 2:34. Jennifer Abshire, riding Buttercup, was the first junior to reach criteria. Kocha Khalibre was also awarded Best Condition for the ride. The Montell Cliff-Hanger in Montell March 22nd and the Dry Creek Cattle Call April 19th in Gonzales TX are the remaining jewels in the triple series.