Dave Rabe is a familiar sight at many of the endurance events in the western states. And he should be: Dave has collected more than 46,000 competition miles, including a staggering 55 100-mile events. He also has managed to bring three horses over the 5,000-mile mark.
He is best known for participation at multi-day events such as the XP rides. Dave clears trail, marks trail, competes on the day of the event and will either take down the trail marker ribbons or load up his horses and drive to the next event to start all over again. He does many of the miles on foot, running next to the horse or tailing the horse along the wilderness trails. Dave is also known for his riding attire. Rain, snow, summer or winter, Dave can be seen riding his horse in a pair of jean shorts and a tank top. It’s his own unique brand.
In 2009 Dave completed 3,080 miles in 56 rides. – and all of them in Easyboot Gloves and Easyboot Glue-Ons. The nominations submitted to AERC were prolific but their comments were consistent. Dave can ride just about any horse, especially those that others give up on; he can pick various lost tack and equipment up of the ground without even leaving the saddle; and he will never pass up the opportunity to help another rider out, no matter where he is placing in the event.
Dave has been an Easyboot user since the mid-90’s and has been instrumental in helping EasyCare test and develop various boot designs. What better way to challenge the product than with a rider who consistently racks up between 2,000 and 4,000 miles annually?
When he accepted his award in February at the annual AERC convention in Reno, NV, he said, “I suppose I really like a horse that bucks and runs away with me. That’s why people give me their horses.” He went on to say, “I like to ride point to point because before you know it, you’re crossing state lines.”
Please join EasyCare in congratulating Dave. We think there is no-one more deserving of AERC’s ultimate award.
