Terryl Reed, 530-852-2111, 530-346-8583 or
Kathie Perry, 916-663-3869

The Tevis Educational Ride was a huge success and I want to THANK all of you that participated; especially the volunteers that helped. I believe our success was built upon those of you that came to the ride eager to learn and the volunteers that dedicated their valuable time to helping fellow horseman learn more about how our sport works.

Everyone I talked to commented on how much they learned and how helpful all the volunteers were.

Below is a quick synopsis about how the ride went for those of you thinking about joining us next year.

Check-In flowed smoothly for participants under the direction of WSTF Secretary Joanne Young. Participants then with guidance from management chose the group they wanted to ride in. Front groups moved at a quicker pace and back groups took more time to cover the trail. Groups were smaller this year (6 to 8) with three well qualified Leaders to guide the participants down the trail teaching as they rode. Melisa Ripley DVM (Tevis BC Winner last year), Rick Stewart DVM (seasoned Endurance Veterinarian) and Jen Dewey DVM (new to the area but not the sport) took over the ride Vet-Check-In sharing with participants what they were looking for (heart rate, gut sounds, capillary refill, skin tenting, jugular refill, attitude, soundness, etc.) and the whys of doing it. After a warm welcome and introduction by our President Jerry Scribner our speakers shared a wealth of information from backs and saddle fit to conditioning, vet check efficiency, and what the vets are looking for. A brief break was taken to check horses and then participants met in their groups with their Leaders. Leaders got a chance to introduce themselves to their participants, brief them on what to expect on the next day’s ride and encourage them to ask all the questions they could think of. On Saturday morning the color coded groups left promptly every 10 minutes starting at 7 a.m. lead by a Group Leader with the second Leader in the middle and the third Leader taking up the rear. Waiting at the first stop was a large group of volunteers including the veterinarians Melisa Ribley, Rick Stewart, Langdon Fielding, Gary Magdesian and his group of Vet Students from UC Davis. The groups came into the stops in good shape, well spaced, stayed in their groups, moving through the pulse lines and into the vet check efficiently. There was plenty of water and feed at all stops thanks to Greg Kimler who owns Echo Valley Feed. This year we passed through Francisco’s up to White Oak (A previous one hour Tevis vet check.) instead of crossing the river because of high water. At White Oak, the one hour lunch stop, the groups stayed together as were asked to do and when it was time for the groups to leave they were saddled and ready on time for departure. (Vet Check Efficiency was one of the topics covered at the talks.) The Todd Valley stop “A Gate and Go” ran well also. Part of the vets from White Oak moved to the Todd Valley vet check well before the first group reached there. Rider groups entered the stop, presented their horses when ready, and moved on down the trail towards a successful finish. Once in camp participants were on their own to cool their horse out and re-present to the Vets for their final 30 minute check out. The ride culminated with a round robin meeting where riders, volunteers, and vets were able to ask questions, get answers, and discuss the ride.

We had 45 entrants, 17 Leaders, 5 Veterinarians, many Davis Vet students, 1 Farrier, and a whole lot of volunteers. 36 entrants finished = 81% completion, 16 leaders finished = 94%, all Volunteers completed the weekend = 100%. Congratulations too all.

The girls (Khristin & Brittani) from Texas said they were coming back again next year as did several of the other riders. There was a group of three riders that came to the ride together that thought they were well prepared, their horses were in good shape and that the day would be an easy ride. Luckily they changed from the first group (at Kathy’s strong suggestion) to one that would take a little longer to finish. I thought they looked a pretty tired coming back into the Mill Site. They admitted they were. Afterwards they came to me and thanked me for Kathy’s recommendation and said they were going to become advocates for our Tevis Educational Ride. They said they were going to encourage everyone they know and meet, wanting to ride endurance to come to our ride and learn from the best.

That is you Volunteers. Hats off and a big Thank You to All of You.

Sincerely, Terryl A Reed

A NOTE AND COMMENT ABOUT OUR RIDE
Hi Terry,

Thanks to you and Kathy for all your hard work in putting on the Educational ride. Also much thanks to all of your vets, cooks, volunteers, and especially Greg for hauling the water. Our group was very thankful for it at Francisco's and after making the climb back up to Foresthill. I also really enjoyed listening to the talks from Melissa, Debby, Lori and it was a special treat to hear Sharon Saare. We all learned allot from their knowledge and experience.

From where I was, leading the last group with my great partners, Shannon and Steve Hallmark, everything seemed to run super smoothly. We had one horse in our group that lost some easyboots and was a little uptight being in the pack, but he lined out well coming into White Oaks. He and his rider had completed only one 50 miler this year, so they were both very inexperienced. Unfortunately, they were pulled at Todds Valley for lameness. I think they both learned allot though. The girls from Texas were a little intimidated by the trail, but of course they had never seen anything like it. Both of their lease horses made them feel safe. We were a little slower because of the time it took our 12 horses to water, than what was scheduled for us, but I think we still finished up close to the time Kathy figured out for our group.

I thought the changes from last year, having (3) leaders, color coded groups, designated spots at the vet checks and the 10 minute interval timing to start all worked really well. I really liked making the loop back through Todds Valley. It was a good alternative and a good choice.

I will not be able to attend the upcoming board meeting on July 17th. I will be available after the ride if you decide to hold your meeting there. Thanks again and congratulations on running a successful event. Can't wait to hear about your trip to Australia.

Connie