![](https://teviscup.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_0876a-scaled.jpg)
The
TEVIS CUP
100 Miles – One Day – Trail Ride
Western States Trail Foundation
Our mission is to Stage the Annual Tevis Cup Ride, Preserve and promote the Western States Trail, and sponsor equine endurance studies
Photo: Lucy Chaplin Trumbull
Tevis Cup
July 20, 2024
2024
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)
![](https://teviscup.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Jay_2024-768x1024.jpg)
![](https://teviscup.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Reyna_2024-1024x1024.jpg)
![](https://teviscup.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/max-layla_caroline-phoenix.jpg)
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.
What’s New?
Tevis 2023 Featured in OUTSIDE MAGAZINE
Last year Outside Magazine photographer Damien Maloney came to witness the 2023 Tevis Cup and took some amazing pictures. Those images were featured in the July/August 2024 issue of Outside Magazine.
2024 Ride – GPS Tracks
As always – following the ribbons is the gold standard as the route could have been changed for whatever reason. But if something doesnʻt feel right, check the track as well. This year we are offering the track for the Ride in three formats. Please select whichever best fits your needs: Basic .GPX Track: This…
Ride Packet Errata
Our apologies but eagle eyed readers have spotted some errors in the rider packets that were emailed to riders last week. Please check out the updated rider packet. Errors were as follows and were limited to Part 1 of the packet: Page 1, item 5; Page 19, item 2: Entering Robie Park: Crews, please do…
Pre-Ride 2024 Edition
Last minute updates on the ride, as well as information about Food! The Trail! Ed Ride riders! Photographers! Shopping! Trail History!
“Tevis – The Places We Ride”
For those of you who would like to know the history behind the trail – a free e-book is now available: Tevis: The Places We Ride.
Pen 1 Assignments
Please remember it is the horse that is assigned to Pen 1, not the rider, so if you change your mount, you will no longer be eligible.
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Your Donations Matter!
All donations — no matter how small — go towards preserving the Western States Trail, staging the Tevis Cup Ride, and Endurance Horse Welfare Studies.
Official Ride Photographers
Check out the fantastic images captured by professional photographers during The Ride.
For more photographs taken by volunteers on course check out our Flickr TEVIS Feed.