AROU the now
Arabians, Again, Dominate
TEVIS
the 2017
A field of 174 horses started the ride at 5:15 a.m. from camp at Soda Springs, Calif., a new starting point due to exceptional rain and snowfall near Squaw Valley Ski Resort where horses traditionally cross Emigrant Pass. The popular ski resort remained open past the 4th of July this year, and their snow pack set records. The excessive snow prompted ride volunteer and local historian, David Allen to observe, “No wonder the Donners had problems.” Ride Director Chuck Stalley devised alternate routes well in advance to circumvent the problems caused by the lingering snow. Veteran rider Terryl Reed assessed the new section of the trail, which added Duncan Canyon, as “harder than the original, but better,” a conclusion shared by winner Lane. Ninety-two riders completed within the 24 hours allowed for a 52.8 percent completion rate. Extremely hot weather days before the ride subsided, and ride day saw temperatures mercifully drop by 15 degrees. The ride drew entries from eight countries as well as multiple states. Lisa Bykowski, riding the oldest competitor — 26-year-old gray gelding PI Mercury (Merc) finished 74th before returning home to Columbia,
Below: Jeremy Reynolds and Treasured Moments receive the 2017 Haggin Cup, marking Reynolds’ third Haggin win. Reynolds also won the Tevis Cup in 2004 (tie), 2007, and 2011.
Md. Much of the ride’s drama occurred late into the full-moon night as horses accepted the challenge to beat the clock and win the coveted belt buckle. Sixty of the 92 finishers timed in after 4 a.m. and 31 of those crossed the finish line with less than 30 minutes left on the event clock. The six Junior Riders at the 2017 Tevis had a 100 percent completion rate, especially welcome after last year when no Junior Rider completed. This 62nd Tevis allowed Erin Glassman, of Hutchison, Kan., the opportunity to complete her first 100 mile event and her first Tevis. She crossed the finish line at 5:05 a.m. in 91st place on her 13-year-old bay HalfArabian mare, PS Arikaree Bask (Rio). “The whole event had an electricity to it. It was intense,” she said. Was Glassman ever worried about those time cut-offs? “I did worry a little, but I just kept putting one foot in front of the other, and I thought of those who rode before me, in years past.” Glassman felt her best moments were those seeing Rio come out of the vet checks with good scores. “The finish was emotional for me. Rio and I trained and have done 50s, Issue 5. 2017
arabian horse
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