The Tevis Cup

An inside look at the most prestigious event in endurance riding.

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In California's Sierra Nevada Mountains near Lake Tahoe, riders from all over the world have gathered for fifty years to test their own and their horses' stamina and courage in the Western States Trail Foundation's famous Tevis Cup 100 Miles In One Day Endurance Ride. The granddaddy of endurance riding, the Tevis Cup is widely considered throughout the equestrian world to be the ultimate test of a horse-and-rider team's fitness and determination. Entrants come from almost every state and many foreign countries, each with his or her own motivation for undertaking the event. Most hope simply to finish within the twenty-four-hour time limit. (Only half of those who start realize their dream--in the motto of the event, "To finish is to win.") A few come in search of victory, because to win the coveted Tevis Cup is one of the highest accomplishments in all of equestrian sport. The Tevis Cup, the first complete history of this event, features a fascinating cast of characters, among whom are: * Wendell Robie, the founder of the ride. His vision created a competitive trail ride across the Sierras, and his enthusiasm and energy made the vision come true; * Betty Veal and Dru Barner, whose organizational skills helped turn Robie's dream into a reality; * Dr. Richard Barsaleau, the veterinarian who established procedures and standards that ensured the welfare of participating horses; * Donna Fitzgerald and Witezarif, the only rider-and-horse team to win the Tevis Cup six times, and other notable multiple winners, including Hal Hall, Marcia Smith, and Becky Hart; * Gordy Ainsleigh, who finished the route three times: twice on horseback and once on foot--the latter givingrise to the demanding cross-country Western States Run; and * Chris Knoch and Matthew Mackay-Smith's thrilling 1995 "Fred by a Head" duel of sportmanship. In addition to chronicling the races themselves, author Marnye Langer presents a panoramic view of the history and geology of the region, as well as the fascinating lives of Lloyd Tevis, the nineteenth-century adventurer and entrepreneur for whom the competition is named, and James Ben Ali Haggin, sportsman, businessman, and Tevis's brother-in-law, who lent his name for the prize for the best-conditioned horse. As Langer describes the event, the Tevis Cup is more than a ride; it is a journey. Every rider who completes the ride with a sound, fit horse in the allotted time joins a very special fraternity, an accomplishment that is both of the moment and remembered forever. In that spirit, The Tevis Cup will appeal to anyone who is enthralled by horses, history, and the challenge and beauty of the American outdoors.