One of the most important endurance races is the Tevis Cup Ride in California which this year starts on August 1st.
From the Tevis Cup website:
“The Western States Trail Ride, popularly called the Tevis Cup Ride, is the oldest modern day endurance ride, having been held annually since 1955. As such, it has been the inspiration and model for the most challenging endurance rides worldwide.
“The ride was first organized by Wendell Robie, an Auburn businessman and devoted rider of the Sierra high country. Many people in the 50s doubted that any modern-day horse could cover the rugged trail from Lake Tahoe to Auburn in a single day. Wendell and a few of his friends proved them wrong in August of 1955. He continued to hold the ride annually thereafter and organized the Western States Trail Foundation to preserve the 100 mile trail and the Ride.
“The Ride is sanctioned by AERC, the American Endurance Ride Conference.
“Each rider who completes the 100 mile course from Tahoe to Auburn within the 24 hour limit and whose mount is judged “fit to continue” is awarded the coveted silver Completion Award Buckle.
“The Tevis Cup trophy is awarded to the person who completes the 100-Mile One-Day course in the shortest amount of time and whose horse is in sound condition and “fit to continue.”
Click HERE to see a larger version of the map.
Horses (or you can use a mule) must be at least 6 years old and there are strict medication guidelines. All horses are subject to saliva, urine, and blood tests at any time. At 13 places on the trail there are check points where a rider can get water, food, or medical help and there are several mandatory vet inspection stops to make sure the horse is healthy and not having any significant problems.
Riders have 24 hours to complete the course or they must stop. Winning times depend heavily on the weather and trail conditions but are something like 14-16 hours. The 2008 race had to canceled due to California wildfires in the area but the 2007 winner (his second win) was Jeremy Reynolds.
One of my good friends Deborah Cooper has done this race and called it extremely tough. As you can imagine riders who do this are highly competitive. Although you can use any breed, the winners have all been Arabian horses with their legendary speed and endurance.
You can get more information at the Tevis Cup website.