The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) is proud to name DA Al Capone+// (Ebony Masterpiece x Rabaska) owned by Cheryl Van Deusen of New Smyrna Beach, FL, as its 2007 Distance Horse of the Year. “Alvin” is an 11-year-old purebred Arabian gelding that was chosen for his excellence in endurance. Alvin’s most recent accomplishment was his selection as one of four horses to represent the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Team at the European Endurance Championships in Portugal.

As the winner of the Distance Horse of the Year Award, DA Al Capone+//’s name will be engraved on a perpetual trophy donated by the Arabian Horse Owners Foundation and designed by Joe Staheli. Van Deusen will receive an engraved plaque.

“I bred Alvin, and he enjoyed life as a show horse earning Region 12 Top Five honors in AAOTR (Adult Amateur Owner to Ride) Hunter Pleasure and reserve championships in working hunter and jumper, but it was not until we found distance that he excelled,” said Van Deusen. “He now competes at FEI 100-mile level rides with his best 100-mile time at 9:01 hours. His best 50-mile ride was done in 3:56.”

It has been quite the road to success for Alvin. He has logged 4,000 competitive miles in both endurance and competitive trail (CTR), with outstanding performances in each discipline. He has approximately 2,500 endurance miles from 50- and 100-mile competitions.

This is not the first time Alvin has been recognized for his achievements. He finished Top Ten at the 2003 AHA National CTR, was grand champion at the Florida three-day 100-mile CTR, and collected two AHA reserve championships from Regions 12 and 8. Alvin racked up four Top Fives in Regions 12, 15 and 16 and, “wears his South East Distance Riding Association (SEDRA) High-Point Arabian cooler proudly,” said Van Deusen.

Alvin shines just as brightly in endurance events. He has won a total of nine best conditions in his career. For 2007 he is currently the number one horse in the Southeast American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) region and has won five of seven 50-mile rides. He earned a 2005 AHA National Top Ten and earned champion, reserve and multiple top five regional titles for 50- and 100-mile distances at regional rides.

Alvin is an excellent example of an Arabian distance horse that seems to have no limit. Congratulations to DA Al Capone+//.

For more information on AHA distance programs, visit www.ArabianHorses.org/Distance.