Annual Club Banquet

The club holds an annual award banquet to connect with each other and announce award winners. 

The 2023 Banquet was held at the Longhouse restaurant in Gilroy, CA, on Saturday Feb 10th, 2024. The turnout was excellent, with about 35 people in attendance. It was held during the day as a lunch, rather than the traditional dinner format. People seemed to like the new time. Some highlights are listed below!

• The new Board of Directors was announced:

  • President: Rachel Miura

  • Vice President: Magda Bartilsson

  • Treasurer: Nick Warhol

  • Secretary: Elaine Elbizri

  • BOD Member: Jerry Wittenauer

  • BOD Member: Barbara Harpster

  • BOD Member: Brian Reeves

2023 Award Winners:

Eleanor Norton Award

Rachel Miura

Elaine Elbizri presented the award to Rachel, citing all the work and contributions Rachel has made to the club in the past year. She took over membership, took the lead in the web site re-design, volunteered at the Fall Classic ride, taken on the role as president, and much more.

Hall of fame Horse

Forever Dawn GA (Donnie)

Brian presented the award to Nick Warhol, owner and rider of Donnie. Donnie has quite a record. 6400 lifetime miles, finished 13 of 16 one-day 100 mile completions, 4 for 5 at Tevis, Decade Team winner with Nick with 14 years of competition, he and Nick won the AERC Pardners award in 2019.

Hall of Fame Rider (Person)

Jill Kilty-Newburn

Nick presented Jill with the HOF person award. Jill is a real rider with over 6,000 miles in 28 years, 30 top tens, 5 first place, 4 BC, ridden in 11 one day 100s. She also has never missed a year of riding in 28 years! She is also a major contributor to the club- past president, ride manager of the Fall Classic, hosts club rides and events.

Horse of the Year

Theodore the Wonder Horse, Lord of the Mountains

Nick presented Rachel Miura with the award for the horse with the longest name ever, commonly known as Theo, or Theodore when he’s in trouble. He has a great year with 355 miles, 5 starts and 5 finishes, 4 in the top ten, and one BC in a 55 mile ride with the worst weather and trail conditions this author has ever seen in 33 years of endurance. Theo also started and finished his first two ever one-day 100-mile rides: the Twenty Mule Team and the Tevis Cup, a very special accomplishment indeed!