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Images by Merri Melde
Tevis Cup photos by Merri Melde, The Equestrian Vagabond
RIDE STORIES
Kristen Grace || Chelsea Arnold
2024 Tevis Cup!
Coming up July 20!
Congratulations to
Tevis Cup Winners
Dr. Jeanette (Jay) Mero, DVM riding Ozark Kaolina
SWA (Lena)
and
Haggin Cup Winners
Reyna Mero riding Chndakas Eklipse SWA (Clippie)
Lynne Glazer photos
Race-bred Arabians Finish 1-2, with 4 in the Top 10 of the 2024 Tevis Cup
Crissy Wilson Tadlock photo
ArabianRacing.org
It was a very special Tevis Cup this year for Race-bred Arabians and the Mero family! Join us in congratulating Jay Mero on winning the coveted 100-mile race on her mare Ozark Kaolena SWA, as well as her daughter, Reyna Mero, for her second-place finish on Chndakas Eklipse SWA. The next day, Chndakas Eklipse SWA was awarded the Haggin Cup as the top-10 finisher with a horse in "most superior physical condition." Though that’s not the only family tie! Both mares are three-quarter sisters, as they share the dam FMR Ozark Eklipse and are by sires by Dormane—"Lena" by Kaolino and "Clippie" by Chndaka.
Lena raced an impressive 19 times from 2015 to 2017 with a 2-0-1 record and earnings of $13,151 across Texas, Colorado, California, and Delaware. Clippie raced 6 times at Delaware Park, though never hit the board.
We were lucky enough to catch up with Jay about her Tevis Cup and the two Race-bred mares that brought them home. “Lena was a rockstar from the get-go," she said. "There was nothing to make in Lena. All I needed to do was condition her for what needed to happen. She is so polite, but yet very hot!” This isn’t Lena’s first Tevis. In fact, she’s completed the race four times, winning the Haggin Cup in 2021, the same year Race-bred Arabian Treasured Moments won the first of her two Tevises.
You might think that Lena and Clippie are similar, but Jay tells us, “They’re two very different creatures.” Clippie is a bit more calm and less of a leader on the trail, but in the last couple of years the mare has come out of her shell and even led through portions of the day.
"Any 100-(mile race) is a series of problem solving,” Jay says, “though the day started out weirdly perfect.” A veteran of the race, she had yet to experience a race going so smoothly, so they went with it, going faster than they typically would with the mare’s best interest at the forefront. Though they were doing so well, Jay and Reyna never had to pull their tack, adding, “They never lost their motors.”
Of course Jay was proud of her accomplishment, but in speaking to her, we could hear her beaming through the phone about how Reyna handled Clippie’s recovery, “I didn’t tell her how long to stay at Franciscos. Clippie was passed to go, but she knew she had to stay a while longer and went when she was ready.”
When asked what sets Race-bred Arabians apart, Jay tells us it’s their mind and heart. In fact, she nearly gave up the dream to win Tevis, as the competition has become so fierce and the horses are pushed so hard, “A win is never worth bringing in a horse looking like it worked too hard,” Jay says, “When I would ask her if she could keep that pace up, it was always like, 'Sure! I got this!'” And that was apparent in Clippie’s performance as well, as she and Reyna took home this year’s Haggin Cup!
So many congratulations to the Mero family and we can’t wait to continue following their journeys!
Ozark Kaolena SWA’s maiden victory on the track:
https://fb.watch/tTaLK8T_Ax/
All in the Family: Mother-Daughter Duo Claim Tevis and Haggin Cup
ThePlaidHorse.com - Full Article
July 30 2024
By MERRI MELDE
The 68th running of the iconic Tevis Cup, known as one of the toughest 100-mile endurance rides in the world, was held July 21st, 2024. 139 horses and riders started from Robie Park above Lake Tahoe at 5:15 AM and climbed over the Sierra Nevada Mountains with the goal of reaching Auburn, California, in a 24-hour time limit.
In this year’s historic finish, a mother-daughter team of Jeannette and Reyna Mero from Mariposa, California, crossed the finish line in first and second places. Mother Jeannette, 56, finished at 10:05 PM aboard her partner in the endeavor, 12-year-old Arabian mare Ozark Kaolena SWA (Lena). Fourteen minutes later, daughter Reyna, 22, trotted under the finish banner in second place riding the 11-year-old Arabian mare Chndakas Eklipse SWA (Clippie).
Additionally, Sunday afternoon Reyna received the coveted Haggin Cup, awarded to the rider whose horse is judged to be in the most superior physical condition of the first ten horses to cross the finish line. Jeanette and Lena won the Haggin Cup in 2021.
With over 14,000 feet of elevation gain and 20,000 feet of elevation loss, rocks underfoot, bogs, dust, a river crossing, and guaranteed heat, particularly while traversing two deep canyons, the Tevis trail unrelentingly challenges the mental and physical abilities of horses and riders...
Read more here:
https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2024/07/30/all-in-the-family-mother-daughter-duo-claim-tevis-and-haggin-cup/
Local California teen competes in grueling equestrian race on rescued horse
FoxLA.com - Full Story and video
By Christina Gonzalez
Updated July 30, 2024
Teen competes in grueling race on rescued horse
Erna Valdivia just became the first African American teenage girl to compete in the Tevis Cup, a one-day, 100-mile race across the Sierra Nevada, and she did it on a horse her mother rescued.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - "I still can't believe it" Erna Valdivia giggled as she shook her head. The 17-year-old recently became the first African American teenage girl to compete in one of the most prestigious and difficult endurance horse rides in the world: The Tevis Cup — 100 miles across the Sierra Nevada in one day.
"It's physically and emotionally exhausting, but she is the best" said Valdivia, as she pats "Love Story," the horse rescued by her mother, who runs the Love This Horse Equine Rescue in Mojave. The white mare was on her way to slaughter when they took her in. Initially so scared, no one could get near her, she formed a special bond with Erna, who started riding her...
Read more and see video here:
https://www.foxla.com/news/local-teen-competes-grueling-equestrian-race-rescued-horse
Mother, daughter finish 1-2 in Tevis Cup
GoldCountryMedia.com - Full Article
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/
Two Horses Fatally Injured at 2024 Tevis Cup Endurance Ride in Northern California
By Amanda Williams
Published on July 23, 2024
Tragedy struck at the 2024 Tevis Cup in Northern California this Saturday, as two horses met with fatal accidents during the demanding 100-mile endurance ride. The Western States Trail Foundation announced the loss of the horses, Laylas Knightly Getaway, ridden by Max Merlich, and MV Im Hot N Bothered, known as "Phoenix," under rider Caroline DeBourbon.
According to FOX40, Laylas Knightly Getaway fell in the Swinging Bridge Canyon near Devil’s Thumb after covering a distance of more than 50 miles. On another treacherous part of the trail known as the California Loop, which stands about 25 miles from the finish line, Phoenix suffered a similar fate. The perilous nature of these trails, having claimed equine lives before, seems to have repeated its grim pattern...
Read more here
The Western States Trail Foundation must acknowledge the unfortunate loss of two horses during the 2024 Tevis Cup ride.
Max Merlich lost his horse Laylas Knightly Getaway (“Layla”) in the Swinging Bridge Canyon near Devil’s Thumb, more than 50 miles into the ride.
Caroline DeBourbon lost her mount (owned by Melissa Montgomery) MV Im Hot N Bothered (“Phoenix”) on the California Loop close to the Cal 2 water stop, more than 75 miles from the start. Both horses tragically fell off the trail in precipitous locations after reacting violently to issues on the ground and with tack.
Specially trained large animal rescue teams on call for the event were dispatched to both locations as rapidly as possible. The teams were accompanied by emergency veterinarians. Neither horse was recoverable and both were euthanized in place in accordance with their owner’s wishes.
Riders and owners of the horses have expressed their gratitude for the quick response and help they received from the Tevis emergency teams and the WSTF Board of Governors strongly echoes that sentiment.
While no responsibility for the incidents has been placed on the event or the trail itself by those involved, WSTF will absolutely conduct a full review to determine if any action can be taken to help mitigate tragic outcomes. However, it must be acknowledged the historic Western States Trail includes very precipitous sections which cannot be fully mitigated and – combined with unfortunate equine reactions – have the potential to result in tragedy.
WSTF will share findings and any recommendations with the public in the next few weeks. Specific suggestions for improvements or items for consideration can be sent to WSTF at WSTF@TevisCup.org.
In the meantime, the Endurance family needs to come together. Placing blame publicly is detrimental to both the sport and this event. Please join us extending our deepest condolences to everyone whose lives have been touched by these two beautiful animals. They will be missed.
The Meros: Mother-Daughter Duo Claim Top Spots in 2024 Tevis Cup
By Merri Melde-Endurance.net
July 20 2024
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...
Meet Echo and Jessica: How these Echo Valley mannequins became international icons
Echo Valley mannequins
are international icons
Jordan Georgeson
Jul 19, 2024
If you’ve ever stepped into Auburn’s Echo Valley Ranch, you’ve likely seen two mannequins in front of the store of a horse and a woman. Believe it or not, the equine and his handler not only have names but have become international icons with people traveling from around the world to take their picture with the two.
Their names are Hi Ho Echo and Jessica, and in the last decade, they have become the unofficial mascots of the Tevis Cup, the 100-mile horse ride from Truckee to Auburn. Every year, Tevis Cup riders flock to Echo Valley for their official ride shirt and get their photos taken with Echo and Jessica. It’s gotten to the point where it’s not just a fun excursion for the Tevis Cup riders but a tradition that is part of the pre-ride process.
“This all started about 10 years ago when we just started taking pictures with all the riders and posting their stories to Facebook,” said longtime Echo Valley employee Connie Watson. “Now, every rider all over the world knows that as soon as they hit Auburn to come here to meet Echo and get their picture taken. It's really cool, because they can be from out of state, out of country or right here in Auburn. It doesn’t matter, but they all come in to do it...”
Read the rest here
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/
2024 Tevis Cup Preview
July 2 2024By 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!
Nine juniors will compete. The mustang Favor the Bold, the mustang MM Woodrow, the Arabian LLC Pyros Choise, and the Arabian cross Lily Creek Kong will be going for their 5th Tevis finish (a Robie Cup); the Arabian Count on Tessie Flyin, and the Arabian One Sun are going for their 6th Tevis Cup. The Tennessee Walker John Henry will be going for his 6th finish, which would be a record for gaited horses. The mustang MM Cody is going for his 8th Tevis finish.
There are riders from 5 foreign countries (Spain, Italy, Mexico, Australia, and Ecuador), and 21 states will compete.
More information on the ride is at:
https://teviscup.org/
2023 Tevis Cup: Jeremy Reynolds claims title, Haley Moquin wins Haggin Cup
GoldCountryMedia.com - Full Article
Jeremy Reynolds and Treasured Moments capture their second Tevis Cup in 3 years, and it's the fifth title overall for Reyunolds
Jordan Georgeson
Jul 31, 2023 8:08 PM
Jeremy Reynolds claimed his fifth Tevis Cup title Saturday night, crossing the finish line at Auburn’s McCann Stadium at 8:29 p.m., 15 hours and 14 minutes after starting at Soda Springs on the back of his bay Arabian, Treasured Moments (Treasure).
It was the second win for the duo, which won the 100-mile, one-day ride in 2021.
"It feels great. I love this horse," Reynolds said after sharing a moment with his trusted steed at the finish line. “There were four previous winners in this year’s field, but three of them were recent winners, so I knew it was gonna be kind of tougher and a little bit more competitive this year...”
Read more here:
https://goldcountrymedia.com/news/294932/tevis-cup-jeremy-reynolds-claims-title-haley-moquin-wins-haggin-cup/
Jeremy Reynolds and Treasured Moments Repeat Tevis Cup Win; Haley Moquin and Im Hot N Bothered Win Haggin Cup
Monday July 31 2023by Endurance.net
Jeremy Reynolds and his Arabian mare, Treasured Moments, repeated their 2021 Tevis Cup performance in winning this year’s renewal. The pair finished 8 minutes ahead of last year’s winners, Gabriela Blakeley and LLC Pyros Choice.
Haley Moquin and Im Hot N Bothered, aka Freaky, finished in 6th place,56 minutes behind the winner and earned the next morning’s Haggin Cup.
One thousand mile buckles were earned by Lisa Schneider (riding FV Amazing Farwah) and Kassandra DiMaggio (riding WT Bezarif).
Hal Hall got his 32nd buckle! He rode Direct to for his second finish.
All four Junior riders who started the ride finished: Tierney Beloberk in 23rd place, riding Highh Treason; Vanessa Erickson in 42nd place riding Riyaaz Dezjon; Lila Reeder in 43rd place riding BES Belle Pepper; and Kinley Thunehorst in 59th place riding Danney Joe’s Prime Time Lady.
Three equines earned their 5th buckle, the Robie Cup award: Count on Tessie Flyin ridden by Kristine Hartman; Ever Ready ridden by Melissa Ribley; One Sun ridden by Andy Mayo