Columbus, OH — Standardbreds are built to outlast long days and nights racing on the track, but one Standardbred has reigned supreme on the endurance trail once again. (Owyhee) Shotgun Rider has been named the 2024 American Endurance Ride Conference High Mileage Standardbred for the third time with owner and rider Merri Melde. The duo also earned the title for the 2017 and 2021 ride seasons.
The award is given to the Standardbred, registered with either the USTA or Standardbred Canada, that has the most miles ridden during the ride season (Dec. 1 through Nov. 30). All completed rides are considered, including the limited distance 24-35 mile rides, and standard 50-plus mile endurance rides. During the 2024 season, Melde and Owyhee Shotgun Rider finished out with a total of 305 miles.
By Distinguishedbaron and out of Anatola Hanover, Shotgun Rider made 21 starts since first stepping onto the track in 2014. The pacing-bred gelding finished out his racing career with a lifetime mark of 1:56.2 as a 3-year-old. From there, the trails opened for Melde and “Hillbilly Willie” (as Shotgun Rider is affectionately known as) and the rest was history.
Along with riding, Melde was the recipient of the Charlie Barieau Photography Excellence Award this year; an award that was presented by the AERC at their convention in Reno, Nev. Melde and Willie were also honored by the Southwest Idaho Trail & Distance Riders, Inc. for their accomplishments in 2024.
Melde also writes a blog about her and Willie’s adventures, which can be found here: https://theequestrianvagabond.blogspot.com/.
Finishing just behind Melde and Shotgun Rider were Jessica Holt and Chaptiama with 255 miles ridden. A New York bred gelding by Chapter Seven and out of a Credit Winner dam, Chaptiama had a total of 41 starts and earned $570,690 on the track with his last race in 2022.
Currently living in Kentucky, “Chappy” and Holt have ridden in several AERC recognized endurance races since starting their partnership in 2023 and plan to begin their season at the ‘Spin Around the Rim’ ride in Tennessee at the beginning of May.
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, or send e-mail inquiries to sep@ustrotting.com.