Columbus, OH – The 2023 American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) High Mileage Standardbred, presented by the U.S. Trotting Association, is Baubletina. The 15-year-old mare is fresh into her third career, courtesy of long-time endurance enthusiast Larry Gray from Pennsylvania.

Baubletine, the 2023 AERC High Mileage Standardbred, with Larry Gray. Noelle Snyder photo.

“I actually started endurance as a teenager, it was a family sport for us,” said Gray. “While I took many years off, I was excited to jump back in after 20 years.”

Gray has a lifetime lease on Baubletina from breeder Winning Key Farms and took her home in April of 2022. She completed her first 50-mile ride in November of 2022.

“’Baubles’ has flourished in her new career and absolutely loves the trail,” continued Gray. “The off-the-track mentality and conditioning gives her a competitive edge. I cannot say enough good things about Winning Keys (who have been) supportive in every way.”

For the 2023 ride season, Baubletina and Gray went to seven rides and accumulated 200 competition miles. They placed first in two of those rides, and both times were also awarded the “Best Condition” score.

“As with the majority of us in endurance, we really don’t ride to win, we ride to get BCs,” explained Gray. “We were fortunate that both of our wins were accompanied with BCs. Our first BC, we were the only horse/rider to finish. It was a very tough and challenging 50 and attrition of pulls; we took our time, coming in only 30 minutes before cutoff after a very challenging day.

“Her second BC was the highlight of our year; it was the last ride of the season and the first ride that was flawless for us both. I can assure you there is no better feeling to an endurance rider than to hear from the head vet ‘Your horse looks amazing’ at the end of a ride.”

Baubletina, a daughter by Camluck out of the Albatross mare My Patina, earned $15,355 on the track from 2011-2013. She then had four foals, three of which made it to the races earning $86,137. Transitioning Baubletina to her third career was not hard, but Gray encourages patience when taking a Standardbred off-the-track.

“The biggest thing is to take your time,” said Gray. “Off-the-track Standardbreds are perfect candidates (for endurance) in my opinion as their race training gives them a distinct advantage. And don’t overlook the average racer or retired broodmare…you may be surprised what they have to offer, Baubles is proof of that.”

The AERC High Mileage Standardbred Award is given to the Standardbred that has the most miles ridden during the ride season (Dec. 1 through Nov. 30). All rides are considered, including the limited distance 24-35 mile rides, and standard endurance rides (50-plus miles). Riders must be a member of AERC in order to track horse and rider mileage. For more information on the AERC, visit their website at www.aerc.org.

Since 1996, the Standardbred Equine Program has worked with owners of off-the-track Standardbreds to educate the general public about the many disciplines Standardbreds excel at once they are retired from racing. For more information about the SEP at the USTA, visit LifeAfterRacing.ustrotting.com.