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2024 Tevis Cup by Kristen Grace
by Kristen Grace
Part 1
I have three amazing topics to cover for Tevis 2024: Joslynn Terry and Monster, me and Bobbi Walker’s Chancie and most surprising of all - EMDR therapy worked PERFECT to resolve my terror of the drop offs in the canyons! So much to cover so I’ll post them separately but will definitely start with Jos and Monster.
Of all the horse and rider pairs that I’ve known, 14 yo Joslynn and 19 yo Monster are as perfect together as anything I’ve ever seen. Joslynn seems to just THINK what she wants him to do and he does it with glee. Joslynn rode her first 100 on him as well as a whole lot of other rides, so the two of them have a lot of miles together already.
Signing up a Junior to ride my stallion through the toughest 100 on earth was nothing I took lightly, but I had 100% confidence in Monster (he is super cratty and had already done this trail 2 and 3/4s times - got pulled at Chicken Hawk once) and Joslynn is an amazing horsewoman and takes all instructions with ability and a smile...
Read the rest here
2024 Tevis Cup by Chelsea Arnold
by Chelsea Arnold
I knew Gus would be ready to tackle the big Tevis trail again this year, and I was itching for another buckle, so we made plans in January and plotted the best series of rides to set him up for success. All we needed was the weather to cooperate. After the last time I rode Gus in 103 degree heat at Tevis, I promised him we wouldn't do it again if it got too hot.
Well, the weather leading up to Tevis was horrific, up to 111 at our house. It cooled off just in time for Tevis, but with humidity and upper 90's, it was still going to be a very hot day. Yikes... Gus hates the heat... But we were committed, so we armed ourselves with all of the tools we know work for this horse, a better electrolyte protocol and set off for Robie Park to start the 68th running of the Tevis cup. He was clipped, his tail washed and braided so it would stay clean and he hitched a ride to Robie Park with Jay and Reyna Mero...
2024 Bandit Springs Endurance ride photos in Oregon by Jala Neufeld,
DKTAJAY Photography:
2024 Roger Taylor Memorial Endurance ride photos in New Mexico by
Linda Sherrill, Justus Photography:
By Merri Melde-Endurance.net
Jeanette (Jay) Mero, of Mariposa, California, riding Ozark Kaolina SWA (Lena), won the 2024 Tevis Cup in a ride time of 14 hours 50 minutes. It was Jay’s 6th Tevis finish and Lena’s 5th finish. The duo won the Haggin Cup (Best Condition) in 2021.
Fourteen minutes later Jay’s daughter Reyna finished in second place aboard Chndakas Eklipse SWA (Clippie). It was the fifth Tevis finish for Reyna and the third for Clippie.
The Tevis Cup is still underway; competitors have until 5:15 AM July 21 to finish.
To be continued...
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2024TevisCup/
July 16 2024
Willie is a traveling Houdini this year. He's been to three rides that are new to him, first Mary & Anna Memorial ride in Oregon then sleeping Giant in Montana and now Bandit Springs in Oregon.
We were ready for a hard hot ride, though we knew it would be 10 to 20° cooler up in the Ochoco Mountains between John Day and Prineville than it would be at home.
We decided we'd do a 50 on day one, and play day two by ear.
The drive to ride camp was hot for the horses in the trailer, though as long as we were moving it wasn't too bad. We tried the trick of adding a couple of bags of ice to the shavings in the trailer; that's supposed to keep them cooler. Does it work? I don't really know. I can't see how it would help when the trailer is moving and all the hot air circulating through it, although when the trailer is stopped, it might actually help with cooling a little bit.
We did have a bit of excitement on the way. On highway 26 in Oregon, we saw smoke from a new fire to the north, called the Cow Valley fire and it was starting to come over a distant ridge. It looked big and bad. We had also passed two other fires on the way, one which had closed a road we were going to take. But this one look pretty serious. And by the time we got to ride camp a couple hours later, the highway was closed. (And by Saturday, the fire had raced East along the highway, heading for Vale, where they were put under evacuation orders after the fire grew to 120,000 acres with no containment; we would have to take a different route home.)
Then about two hours from ride camp, we had a flat on the trailer. Fortunately we had just pulled over in a pullout to let traffic go by us before we entered the narrow wind-y canyon that goes to John Day, and we happened to notice the flat so we were able to fix it there on the side of the road and not be caught in the canyon with that! We got it changed pretty quickly, didn't have to unload the horses. As we were finishing up, a truck pulled up behind us, and the person sat in there for quite a while, and then he finally strolled out of his truck while yapping on his phone, and finally walked up to us and said, you girls need any help? Oh, thanks, we've got it. But when Regina asked him if he could do the last tightening on the nuts, he launched into a story about how he'd been out riding his ATV and blah blah blah, so he didn't really want to help anyway. But that's okay, we got it.
Anyway, on to ride camp. Willie was traveling with his BFF DWA Barack and his BFrenemyF DWA Papillon. The plan was to ride Willie and Barack together on the 50 on day one. We tried that a couple of years ago and it was a bit difficult, but we thought we'd try it again. Barack would be happy and Willie would be in heaven….
Read more here:
2024 Santiam Cascade Endurance ride photos in Oregon by Jala Neufeld,
DKTAJAY Photography:
Read the rest here
2024 Bandit Springs photos by Jala Neufeld
https://dktajay.smugmug.com/event/Bandit-Springs-2024
2024 Roger Taylor Memorial photos by Linda Sherrill
https://www.lindasherrill.com/proofing/roger-taylor-memorial-endurance-ride-2024
The Meros: Mother-Daughter Duo Claim Top Spots in 2024 Tevis Cup
Jordan Georgeson
Jul 21, 2024 12:11 AM
In her sixth successful ride, Jeanette Mero can finally claim the most coveted title in endurance riding: the Tevis Cup.
The Mariposa native completed her 100-mile journey to Auburn's McCann Stadium at 10:05 p.m. Saturday night to win the 68th Tevis Cup, finishing with a time of 17 hours and five minutes. Mero has been a consistent top-10 finisher at Tevis for several years and won the Haggin Cup in 2021, but a first-place finish eluded her until Saturday.
"I honestly gave up thinking it would happen, and I was happy enough with winning a different cup. I'm kind of still in awe," Mero said, noting she was still nervous as she crossed the finish line in Auburn. "At that point, you're still praying that the horse is good, and you gotta get through the vet check to win. This was 20 years of hard work and there's nothing like this. The Tevis Cup is the biggest win in our sport. It's just amazing."
Mero said the difference this year was that everything went right for her and her horse, Lena, a 12-year-old Arabian that now boasts four Tevis finishes of her own...
Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/310631/jeanette-mero-wins-tevis-cup-daugher-reyna-finishes-second-wins-haggin-cup/
Mother, daughter finish 1-2 in Tevis Cup
July 20 2024
US Equestrian Announces Team for 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors
USEF.org
Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athlete-and-horse combinations that will represent the U.S. at the 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors. The competition will take place on Sept. 5-8, 2024, in Monpazier, France. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Lisanne Dorion and team vet Dr. Olivia Rudolphi with team leader Nicole Zerbee.
The following athletes will represent the U.S. Endurance Team and are listed in alphabetical order...
See more here
Hillbillie Willie's Bandit Springs - 2024
By Merri Melde
https://theequestrianvagabond.blogspot.com/2024/07/hillbillie-willies-bandit-springs.html
The Making of a Tevis Horse: An Exclusive Interview with Layne and Atlas
TheSweatyEquestrian.com - Full Article
July 11 2024
by Tamara Baysinger
As the clock to Tevis 2024 ticks down, anticipation in the endurance world is ticking up. Around the globe, bucket-listers and veterans alike are caught up in the dream.
Here at Sweaty Equestrian headquarters, my days are abuzz with preparations, from getting chili in the freezer, to sunscreen in my saddlebags, to my nerves under control. Amid the hustle, I set aside time to focus on the epicenter of it all: the horse.
What does it take to get a good prospect to the starting line of the famous (infamous?) Western States 100 Mile Trail Ride?
I sat down with Atlas and his owner, Layne Lewis, to ask...
Read more here:
https://thesweatyequestrian.com/the-making-of-a-tevis-horse-an-interview-with-layne-and-atlas/
New Zealand: Sights set on World Equestrian Games
ODT.co.nz - Full Article
10 July 2024
By Alice Scott
Nenthorn Valley farmer Susie Latta has unfinished business representing New Zealand in endurance riding, and she’s set herself a goal to get it done.
She feels she owes it to herself, her supportive community, her son Cody and late son Dion.
Mrs Latta got into endurance riding more than 30 years ago. "I had a young horse that was too green for eventing. It just needed something where it could run and that’s when I discovered endurance..."
Read more here:
https://www.odt.co.nz/rural-life/rural-life-other/sights-set-world-equestrian-games
With Tevis Cup approaching, Auburn proclaims July 13 as Arabian Horse Day
Traci Newell
Jul 09, 2024
In anticipation of the Western States Trail Ride approaching July 20, Auburn Mayor Rachel Radell-Harris proclaimed July 13 Arabian Horse Day in Auburn.
“Arabian horses are truly remarkable,” Radell-Harris said at a city council meeting Monday night. “They have made a lasting impact on many equestrian activities and continue to be admired for their versatility and lively nature. They have a rich history, unique traits and a lasting legacy.”
The proclamation highlighted the Arabian horses’ endurance and suitability for long-distance trail competitions. They have played a significant role in the Western States Trail Ride, commonly referred to as the Tevis Cup Ride, which concludes each year in Auburn...
Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/310441/with-tevis-cup-approaching-auburn-proclaims-july-13-as-arabian-horse-day/
Slovakia’s Endurance Superhero
FEI.org - Full Story
08 July 2024
Words by Stacey Stearns
Champion Dominika Malikova Kleinova explains the appeal of her chosen discipline...
A bay mare named Molta easily cantered over the finish line, winning the gold medal at the 2023 FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses in Padise, Estonia. Molta is owned and ridden by Dominika Malikova Kleinova of Slovakia, an Endurance superhero among us.
Dominika rides and trains the 12 horses in her stables, starting and training her own young horses. She also has a career outside horses and is raising her three-year-old son with her husband. Dominika, 33, extolls the virtues of hard work and perseverance in making her Endurance dreams a reality.
“Last year we achieved a result that was always just my dream,” she said. “We achieved it with our dedicated work in a little stable without any golden facilities. I hope it gives hope to anybody out there who needs to keep a strong will...”
Read the rest here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/slovakia-dominika-malikova-kleinova-profile-2024
The Pony Express (Re)Rides Again!
Horse-canada.com - Full Article
This annual event follows the famous trail between Missouri and California on the same 10-day schedule as navigated by the original riders.
By: Kim Izzo | June 26, 2024
The Pony Express is entrenched in the lore of the American West, yet it only existed for 18 months between 1860-1861. The horses and riders who travelled the mail route from Missouri to California – some 1,800 miles in ten days or less – remain the stuff of legends. But the Pony Express was cut short by the arrival of the telegram machine which connected the states more efficiently in order to spread news, especially during the Civil War era.
Today, there is a group of passionate horsemen and women, called re-riders, who mount up and reenact the same route through the original eight states...
Read more here:
https://horse-canada.com/horse-news/the-pony-express-rerides-again/
Australia: Quilty coming back in 2026
NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article
06/07/24
Erle Levey
The premier event on the Australian endurance horse-riding calendar is to return to Queensland in 2026.
Stirlings Crossing Equestrian Club at Imbil will again host the Tom Quilty Gold Cup – the third time in seven years – which serves as further recognition of the sport’s growth in the Gympie region.
The event will be held in South Australia in October this year, and Tasmania in 2025.
It is hosted on a rotational basis among the Australian states with Stirlings Crossing having previously stepped up in 2023 when Victoria was unable to host the event.
Stirlings Crossing also hosted the 2019 Tom Quilty as Queensland’s preferred venue at that time...
Read more here:
https://noosatoday.com.au/news/06-07-2024/quilty-coming-back/
John Hall 1940-2024
John Hall 1940-2024
MariposaGazette.com
July 4 2024
John William Hall was born on Aug. 2, 1940 in Caraway, Ark. and passed on May 11, 2024 in Fresno, Calif., after a year of declining health.
John was born to Laverne and George Hall and moved to California with his parents at a young age. He was raised in Richmond and Berkeley, where he graduated from Berkeley High School.
He and his wife, Beth, moved to the Oakland hills after marrying in 1973, where they enjoyed riding their horses and raising their family.
John participated in many long distance horse rides, including Tevis, with his trusted horses, Payote and Sal.
John retired in 1994 to Mariposa after 30 years as a union carpenter. He built their beautiful log home in Mariposa with the help of family and friends.
After retiring, John enjoyed trap shooting, bowling, horseback riding, motorcycle riding, riding the trails in his jeep and supporting many local foundations.
He was an animal lover with his many dogs, cats and horses throughout the years. John was always one to be ready with a joke and a smile. He never met a stranger and loved his family immensely!
John cherished the times he was able to travel with Beth and his family during their many cruises to Alaska, Eastern Coast of the U.S. and the Panama Canal; as well as the trips to Tennessee, Wyoming, Hawaii and Arizona throughout the years.
John was preceded in death by his parents, George and Laverne Hall and a brother, Marshall Hall ( Jackie Hall).
John is survived by his loving wife, Beth Hall; his daughter, Dana Jasmine (Paul Jasmine); his son, Jason Hall (Shannon Henry); his grandchildren, Natalie Jasmine (David Schenker) and Kevin Jasmine (Phoenix Jasmine) and his brother, Robert Hall (Maureen Hall).
There will be a memorial service for John on Nov. 2 in Mariposa. If you would like information, please email jnbhall@sti.net for future place and time.
2024 Santiam Cascade photos by Jala Neufeld
https://dktajay.smugmug.com/event/Santiam-Cascade
Canada: P.E.I. horse riders' group hopes to use more of Confederation Trail
CBC.ca - Full Article
Some cyclists have lingering concerns about damage caused by equestrians
Laura Meader · CBC News · Posted: Jul 03, 2024
Horses are back on designated sections of the Confederation Trail, and riders are hoping they'll eventually have access to even more of the Prince Edward Island-wide system.
Dr. Sylvia Hall Andrews is a veterinarian and an avid trail rider who spends summers in the province, and is also the secretary of P.E.I. Trail Riders.
She said trail riding with horses is an accepted activity in other parts of Canada, so it makes sense to expand the options for it here on the Island.
"We would like to see an expansion of trail access over time.... The government is well aware our goal is to slowly increase the accessibility," said Hall Andrews.
"We feel that horses are safe on the trail, belong on the trail..."
Read more here:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-horses-confederation-trail-access-tourism-1.7252022
2024 Tevis Cup Preview
July 2 2024
By Merri Melde-Endurance.net
With 17 days remaining until the 68th running of the Tevis Cup, 147 riders are pre-entered to take on the 100 miles from Tahoe to Auburn on July 20.
These include previous Tevis winners Gabriela Blakeley and LLC Pyros Choice (2022), Sanoma Blakeley (2019), Karen Donley (2016), Hal Hall (1974, 1977, 1990), Jeremy Reynolds (2004, 2007, 2011, 2021), and Heather Reynolds (2003, 2014, 2018).
Previous Haggin Cup winners include Hal Hall (1972, 1978, 2002), Heather Reynolds (1999, 2003), Jeremy Reynolds (2004, 2011, 2017), Michele Rowe (2005), Melissa Ribley (2009), Jay Mero and Ozark Kaolena SWA (Lena) (2021), Christoph Schork (2022), and MM Cody the mustang (2018).
Gabriela Blakeley and Heather Reynolds will be going for their 10th Tevis buckle, Robert Ribley will be going for his 20th buckle, and Hal Hall will be riding for his 33rd buckle!...
Read the rest here