Although the event I will relate was just a 24 hour thing, it was one of considerable significance to me. I had heard of the Tevis Cup Endurance Race a number of years before and was very much intrigued by the idea. Imagine, a 100 mile ride from the foothills above Sacramento to Lake Tahoe, over a big block of the High Sierras. One horse, one rider and 24 hours to make the trek. I had long dreamed of taking it with a mule, maybe the first person to do that. Just like on the Iditarod, there are check points along the route and veterinarians examine each horse before it can go on and can force them to be rested, withdrawn or get treatment. Most have been conditioned very well, however. The entrants take it seriously to say the least.
Linda Tellington was one of the founders of the event and now a VIP. Another Northern California Elite member high in finance and real estate etc. was Wendell Robie, who was also an avid horse lover and fan of the endurance idea... My uncle was at least slightly acquaintd with him as Doctor Dan Morgan now fancied himself part of the elite, too. He was doing very well as a trauma surgeon sought by many, They got at very cross purposes a few years later but I am sure it was not over horses or this event. Anyway, need some back story, I had been dreaming of taking a mule on the ride, maybe the first to do so and was so intrigued by the idea. At the time almost desperate to get away from the Verde Valley, I had written Ms Tellington and asked about a job. She actually telegraphed me and said if I could get to her place, which I think was on the eastern side of the Sierras, she would take me on a trial basis. But about that same time the near-sure fact I would be going to NAU emerged and I never acted on the invitation. I have often wished I had although I am reasonably sure I made the best decision.
So meanwhile, Uncle offered to take Dad and me up to where the race started as they assembled, to observe, take photos or network. I am sure it was a Saturday and quite likely August 10. I am not sure what vehicle we used, probably Uncle's SUV. I do wish I had kept a record of this day especially. Recalling a month later, I gave no details at all. I am thankful that I at least have photographs. I did see Mr Tellington but she was in the middle of everything and I did not get to speak to her. Not that I could have said anything important by now! I didn''t particularly want to speak to Mr Robie but I think Uncle did; I am not sure about Dad. The riders got to Tahoe early to midday the next day and we did not go up for that but I read about it in the newspaper and later Western Horseman. .
Pictures!! I cannot identify most of the people but note a wide variety of tack was used on the horses and evryone was orderly, excited but very calm and controlled This was not an amatuer hour event! First picture: The lady with the long braid near the horse's head I think is Ms Tellington. In the 2nd note the officer's version of the McClellan saddle--light gear was an advantage! In the 3rd shot, the very tall guy was the senior veterinarian and the small man to his left I think was Mr Robie. I do not believe he was riding but he may have. It was cool to be there, anyway.
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