by Jessica Schroeder, USTA Outreach & Membership Enrichment Coordinator

Columbus, OH — Sidney Rain is the 2016 High Mileage Standardbred, based on sanctioned American Endurance Ride Conference rides.

Owned and ridden by Jen Moore of LaCrosse, Wis., this 17-year-old gelding is by Work Force out of the Southern Crown mare Southern Frolic. The pair have been together for four years, after Moore got him from the American Standardbred Adoption Program.

Bob Zimmerman photo

Sidney Rain is the 2016 High Mileage Standardbred, based on sanctioned American Endurance Ride Conference rides.

Sidney Rain never made it to the races, attempting one qualifier at The Meadows in 2002.

“The only way to get a lope or canter is out on the trails,” said Moore. “It is so smooth.”

The pair completed 440 miles on the trail last year. The AERC High Mileage Standardbred award is given to the Standardbred that has the most miles ridden during the riding 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, or send e-mail inquiries to sep@ustrotting.com.