PrintAnd this year he hopes that will include a trip to Kentucky for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
At the end of 2009, Steve Rojek had accumulated more than 42,000 miles in distance riding competitions, 19,000 of those miles at endurance rides. That’s the equivalent of twice around the world, and indeed he’s competed in Ireland, France, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Germany, Argentina, Uruguay and just about anywhere there is a ride in North America.
For 2009, he received the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award, sponsored by Gold Medal Farm’s Larry and Valerie Kanavy and given annually to the rider who earns the most points at designated FEI endurance competitions. Price, who passed away in 2007, helped bring U.S. endurance into the international spotlight.
The award had special meaning for Rojek, who logged almost 2,000 miles in 2009, since he and Price were longtime friends. With their spouses, they traveled to exotic places like China, Tibet, Morocco, India, Ladakh, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico.
“Our last trip was to Turkmenistan, where we helped organize their first endurance ride,” recalled Rojek. “Maggy exemplified endurance riding with class and flair, and it is a real honor to accept this award.”
Last year, Rojek won the Ocala CEI*** (Fla.) and had top-10 finishes at the Williston CEI** (Fla.), the Morriston CEI*** (Fla.) and the Chester CEI*** (Ga.).
“We have the best of both worlds,” said Rojek, who lives with his wife Dinah in South Woodstock, Vt., and Kingsland, Ga., and competes year-round.
Their Smoke Rise Farm consists of a restored historic house in one of the most active trail networks in Vermont. The Rojeks have helped expand that trail network, with more than 600 acres of developed trails on their farm. Having the Green Mountain Horse Association nearby initially attracted them to the area.
Steve enjoys a morning tea break in a gazebo overlooking the Connecticut River Valley. The horses stand quietly tied to trees while the Rojeks take the time to enjoy their surroundings.
In Georgia, with the Saint Mary River running past their farm, kayaking out to a secluded inlet for breakfast or inviting guests onto their pontoon boat for a sunset dinner is common practice. Nearby Cumberland Island is also a destination for picnics on the beach.
Smoke Rise Farm was the base camp for the Vermont 100-Mile Endurance Ride and Run for 20 years, with special touches such as a pianist playing “Chariots of Fire” and fireworks at the 4 a.m. start. The event moved five years ago to a nearby field, but Steve continues to support the event.
Steve has a number of enterprises in Lebanon, N.H.: two pet stores and the Lebanon Heath Food Store (famous for its Lunch-all-Day Café and herbs, supplements and homeopathic remedies). He also owns Slypner Gear, which sells equipment to distance and trail riders. Steve tests the equipment and is a wealth of knowledge on new products.
“Riding is my passion, which makes me want to explore and use any and every aid available to me. One example would be thermography (digital infrared thermal imaging), which allows me to evaluate the horse’s body as he is developing or competing and be able to back off or treat areas before the horse suffers an injury. We also use a high-speed treadmill, a free flow horse exerciser and continuous flow cold water boots,” he said.
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