Endurance Riding

Robert Burns, in 1785, said, “The best laid plans of mice and men, often go awry.” By the time I had made it to the Pacific Crest Endurance Ride near Ashland, Oregon on the evening of June 16th, I think I was on Plan Q. Everything had changed – from who was watching the baby […]

One of my students, 15-year-old Jenna Asnault, finished her first 50-mile endurance ride back in November at the Gold Rush Shuffle. Last month, she wrote a beautiful testament of her ride and her experience trying out different equestrian disciplines. Her story is both inspiring and wonder-filled. Reading it brought tears to my eyes…   Passing […]

The following is a guest blog post written by one of my students: July 11, 2015, the day of my first LD.  I was up before the alarm had even gone off and ready to go as soon as my feet hit the ground.  I could barely contain my excitement and I could feel myself shaking […]

The following is a guest blog post written by one of my students:   I had my first of many endurance rides on June 27, 2015. It was supposed to be at Lake Almanor, but ended up at Camp Far West where the Gold Rush Shuffle is held. This was actually the 3rd endurance ride […]

I have a story to tell. But, even as I write, I am terrified to tell it. I have shared bits and pieces of my past on this blog, but mostly from the perspective that I have “overcome” a painful past and been “healed.” What I haven’t shared is that my personal struggle isn’t over […]

We are less than a month away from Tevis and my mind is filled with all kinds of thoughts. At night, I dream of crossing the finish line on my gallant mare, Asali, a horse I now know can do 100 miles. I put together invitations for my crew to attend a pre-Tevis dinner and […]

There is something about crossing the finish line just as the sun is setting. Being blinded by the vibrant orange and red filling the sky, and then squinting as your eyes adjust to the dusk. Galloping across the field, just a 1/2 mile from your destination, the chill of night caressing your cheeks…. Just as […]

Lake Sonoma By Jakob Gregory My mom and I went to Lake Sonoma for an endurance ride. We rode thirty miles. The ride started at 8:30 in the morning. It was cold, so we wore our jackets. At the start of the ride, our horses were crazy. They just wanted to run! Asali, my mom’s […]

This was my third consecutive year at the Cache Creek Ridge Ride. It was Jakob’s second. Although Jakob wanted to ride the 50 this year, I wanted a relaxing, casual ride. So I signed us up for the 25-mile limited distance and was looking forward to an easy ride. Jakob and I had anything but […]

Lake Sonoma: Our final endurance ride of the 2012 season. One month ago, Jake and I almost didn’t make it to the coveted Lake Sonoma ride. But, we conquered the odds, and made it to ride camp just before dark! Lake Sonoma turned out to be one of my favorite rides this year. The weather was perfect, […]