Elections - 2025

PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT 

Darlene Merlich for President | Siri Olson for Vice President

We are excited to announce our joint candidacy to lead Pacific Northwest Endurance Rides (PNER) as President and Vice President. Together, we bring more than 40 years  of combined experience as riders, volunteers, ride managers, and advocates for the  endurance community. While we are proud to be close friends, what truly connects us is our shared commitment to endurance, horses, mentorship, juniors, and the long-term health of this sport we love.

Darlene’s Journey in Endurance Riding
I began my endurance riding journey in the 80’s when my mom took up the sport. I was one of those kids hanging out in camp, playing in the water tanks, building forts in the woods, with the other ride camp kids. Because there was no such thing as a Mary & Anna Memorial Youth Rider Fund in those days, I didn’t get to compete. My family had a humble set up, in our old Ford truck, complete with stock racks that my dad fabricated out of dexion, a refurbished two horse trailer, open air(!) and a big canvas tent. I got married young, and embarked on my adulthood, giving up my bred-in horse habit for 11 years while my kids were born and raised. I began riding again in 1995, when I met Joyce Kellenberger, and she invited me to go and ride her horses alongside her. That reignited a passion for horses and endurance that I’ve never turned my back on again. Within short order, I was racking up miles, from the limited distances, to the long distances, by catch-riding for folks who wanted those important early miles put on their horses. I did this so I could afford to pay the gas and entries to bring my daughter into the sport. I’ve managed rides for over 20 years, with resounding success.  I’ve volunteered at rides, I’ve photographed rides! I’ve sponsored many young people and I’ve been sponsored by young people! This sport will always be a part of my identity and my soul.

Siri’s Journey in Endurance Riding
I began my endurance riding journey in 2000, primarily participating in Limited Distance (LD) events. At the time, LDs were what I could manage — both physically and financially — but they also turned out to be the perfect gateway into a sport that quickly became a lifelong passion. My first ride was Stookey Stampede on Saavy, my first Arabian, whom I had rescued with the help of dear friends. After that I was hooked and traveled to rides in a 1974 Ford pickup pulling a 1972 straight-load 2-horse trailer and camping in a tent, in all kinds of weather.

In those early years, I spent a lot of time volunteering — checking pulses, working as an in/out timer, helping at vet checks, and yes, even holding horses at the porta-potties. For a couple of rides, I even loaded up 2-year-old Zach (now almost 28 years old) with me and we headed to rides to volunteer. I genuinely loved every minute of it. Seeing events from every angle taught me so much and deepened my appreciation for the sport and its community.

I officially joined PNER around 2001, likely at my first convention, where I immediately felt welcomed by a vibrant and supportive group of riders and volunteers.

Now, more than two decades later, I jump at every opportunity to mentor new riders. I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned — from riding non-traditional endurance horses to managing electrolytes, hoof care, saddle fit, and more. I also love sponsoring juniors whenever I can. The Mary & Anna Youth Fund has been instrumental in making it possible for junior riders to stay involved in the sport and helping families afford this incredible experience.

Darlene’s Contributions to PNER
I’ve considered PNER to be a family for nearly three decades. The relationships I’ve built through this organization have sustained me through some of the happiest — and some of the hardest — times in my life. Since around 1999, when I was first elected to the PNER Board of Directors as a Rider Representative for Washington State, I’ve remained actively involved in the organization in one form or another.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Vice President, President, and a member of multiple committees. I’ve been part of the Convention Committee, and at one point, coordinated a tradeshow that brought in nearly 30 vendors — a major effort that helped grow our convention and community presence. I’ve also been the one behind the scenes, literally — digging around in banquet halls to find extra tables and chairs when we had more attendees than expected. And yes, I’m one of the last to leave after the awards and the dancing, usually staying until the cows — or the DJ — go home!

Beyond logistics and leadership, I’ve worked to bring educational opportunities to our members. I organized the first-ever “Leg Labs,” where members could participate hands-on to learn about equine lower limb anatomy. I also helped launch the first veterinary continuing education (CE) sessions offered at the PNER Convention, further bridging the gap between riders and the veterinary community.

All of this is to say: I’m still here. I’m still riding. I’m still passionate about and deeply invested in PNER. This community has given me so much, and it’s an honor to continue giving back — through service, mentorship, and showing up whenever and however I’m needed.

Siri’s Contributions to PNER
Over the years, I’ve contributed in several ways to PNER. I served as the Raffle Coordinator for several years, during which I restructured the entire process, significantly increased revenue, and ensured the system was well-documented and easy to hand off to future volunteers. This wasn’t just about raising funds — it was about creating a sustainable system for the next person to follow to continue to benefit PNER.

I also served on the Convention Committee, coordinating with vendors and managing booth logistics — often in conjunction with my raffle responsibilities. In both roles, I worked closely with other volunteers and board members to help create a smooth, engaging, and successful member experience.

I take pride in stepping up where needed and leaving things better than I found them. I’m very much a behind-the-scenes person — someone who will jump in to solve problems or help out, whether I planned to or not. Whether it's assisting with ride logistics, helping a fellow member, or handling unexpected tasks during an event, I do what needs to be done and I will always lend a hand wherever I can, with kindness.

I’ve also been involved in mentoring newer riders, sharing my experiences — both the successes and the mistakes — to help others navigate the sport. I'm passionate about supporting juniors, and I sponsor juniors every chance I get. Helping the next generation of endurance riders feel included, prepared, and empowered is a cause I care deeply about.

Professionally, I’ve worked in public service for over 25 years and currently serve as the Deputy Director of Washington State Ferries, where I manage over $2 billion in public funds. I hold an MBA, and my leadership style emphasizes team collaboration, practical problem-solving, and active engagement. These skills translate directly to my work with PNER — especially in roles where finances are involved, where transparency, accountability, and sound decision-making are essential.

Alignment with PNER’s Objectives
We strongly believe in and support the objectives of PNER. As President and Vice President, we will work hard to advance them in the following ways:

●        Promoting Endurance Events in the Pacific Northwest: We will continue to support and promote rides throughout our region, including Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Western Montana, and British Columbia, ensuring our events remain accessible, fun, and well-run.

●        Supporting Horse Welfare Through Scientific Data: We are committed to helping PNER record and share valuable data on horse condition and performance. As part of that, we will ensure better communication and scheduling around the availability of the blood machine — including clearly publishing when and where it will be at rides, so riders and vets can plan ahead and benefit from this important tool.

●        Encouraging the Recreational Use of Trails: We are passionate about protecting and encouraging the responsible use of public trails. Our sport depends on access to these lands, and we will advocate for sustainable use and rider education to preserve them for future generations.

●        Sharing Trail History: The history of our trails and rides is part of what makes PNER unique. We support efforts to collect, preserve, and share the rich historical stories of the Pacific Northwest’s endurance community. We believe this history should be a more visible and celebrated part of PNER communications and outreach.

●        Collaborating with Public Agencies: Both of us bring experience working with state and federal agencies, and we understand the complexities involved in those relationships. We will apply that knowledge to strengthen PNER’s connections with land managers and regulatory bodies, and help maintain access to trails and resources.

Vision for PNER’s Future
As we look ahead, our focus will be on strengthening the foundation of PNER to better support our members, ride managers, and the long-term health of our sport. We will prioritize:

●        Effective Communication & Transparency
We are committed to clear, consistent communication. Board meetings will be structured with published agendas and dedicated time for member input. Every member should feel informed and heard.

●        Supporting Ride Managers
Ride managers are the backbone of endurance riding. We will work to provide better tools, clearer communication, and streamlined support to help make organizing rides more manageable and sustainable. We want to know how we can support you!

●        Recruiting and Welcoming New Members
Our future depends on growing our membership. We will actively work to welcome newcomers, promote the sport, and create clear pathways for people of all backgrounds and experience levels to get involved.

●        Supporting Riders at Every Level
Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned competitor, we believe all riders deserve access to resources, mentorship, and a welcoming community. We'll continue to foster an environment where riders feel supported, encouraged, and valued.

●        Improved Blood Machine Access & Scheduling
We will ensure better planning and transparency around the use of the blood machine — publishing a clear schedule so riders and ride managers can plan ahead. Horse welfare is central to our mission, and this resource must be accessible and well-utilized.

●        Website Updates & Modernization
We will update and modernize the PNER website to make it more user-friendly, informative, and reflective of the professionalism of our organization. A strong digital presence is essential for both current members and those looking to learn more about our sport.

Why We’re Running
We’ve been part of the endurance riding community for over 40 years combined — as riders, volunteers, mentors, junior sponsors, fundraisers, and organizers. Through these experiences, we’ve gained a deep understanding of the needs of riders, ride managers, horses, volunteers, and event organizers alike. Our personal and professional backgrounds have equipped us with the skills to mentor and work with people, solve problems, and lead with integrity, transparency, and collaboration.

If elected, we will work to listen to our members, to our ride managers, in order to foster a strong and engaged community, while always prioritizing education of the sport and the health and well-being of our horses. It would be an honor to serve our PNER family and help guide PNER toward a vibrant and sustainable future.

Thank you for your support.

– Darlene Merlich (PNER #2614)
– Siri Olson (PNER #3354)

CORPORATE FINANCIAL REVIEWER (3 positions)

Lisa Cohen Lisa Cohen is a PNER member living in Central Oregon who has served on the finance committee for four years. She has served on more than a dozen Boards, and as Executive Director for a number of nonprofits.  She also serves on the PNER Welfare Committee. Her endurance partner is Storming Liberty.
Simone Mauhl My name is Simone Mauhl. I am from Germany and moved to the U.S. in 2003, settling in Idaho. I fell in love with endurance riding around 2006 and have enjoyed this sport ever since. Last year, I started volunteering on the PNER finance committee and would be happy to continue for another term.
Tally Wren Hi, my name is Tally Wren, and I currently serve on the Financial Advisory Committee for PNER. I bring financial expertise to the position, having been the comptroller for a handful of nonprofits in California and I worked as the financial advisor for a law office in California for 25 years.  I live in Central Oregon and have been riding horses since I could walk, the better part of 68 years. I have been involved with the endurance community for the last 20 years.  I would like to see PNER grow and continue to thrive, and I believe that maintaining financial stability and fiscal responsibility is important to its future success.

JUNIOR RIDER REPRESENTATIVE (only juniors to vote)

Clara Shumway Hi, my name is Clara Shumway and I’m 13 years old. I did my first endurance ride on my horse, Max, when I was 8. Max and I have over 1,300 miles together, and I’ve finished three 100-mile rides with my friend Roriana Lengtat. My favorite part about endurance riding is the feeling of satisfaction from accomplishing something hard, and of course spending time with my horse. I would like to be junior representative because I think it’s a great opportunity to learn more about PNER, to represent junior riders and be a bigger part of an organization that means a lot to me.

Roriana Lengtat My name is Roriana Lengtat. I have been riding endurance for 5 years. I started endurance on my mustang Rowdy when I was 9 years old. Two years ago, I introduced my 7-year-old Arab into the sport as well. I have over 2,000 miles of endurance, many of them on Rowdy.  I absolutely love riding both endurance rides and training rides with my friend Clara Shumway. I want to be junior representative because I would love to give back to PNER because they have given so much to me as a junior.

Why we want to be co-representatives for juniors* 
We believe that having co-representatives is both a benefit for the juniors and the PNER organization. With a co-representative, we can both attend the meetings and discuss the topics presented together. With our similar junior experiences, we can brainstorm together and bounce thoughts off each other. Since the representative position is for two years, we will both get the opportunity to grow in our understanding of PNER during our final years as junior riders. We both get to learn what it means to volunteer for an organization like PNER and will be able to carry that knowledge forward into our years as young riders and beyond.

Your Juniors,
Clara and Roriana

*Junior co-representatives will have a single vote on the board.