When most people think of Tevis, its the iconic Cougar Rock photographs they picture.
Going up Cougar Rock is a rush!
As a rider, you have the choice of going over the rock (see video from 2007), or taking the narrow by-pass trail. Of course, going over is the traditional route, so should be taken to experience the full flavor of the Tevis Cup.
Cougar Rock is a large volcanic outcropping that has been successfully traveled over by thousands of horses. At Cougar Rock the horse needs confident direction by the rider. Most problems occur when the rider allows the horse to stop and think about it. Stay forward and light in the saddle and keep contact – but not restrictive – on his mouth, and most importantly – keep your horse moving forward to the top! If the lines are too long at the base of Cougar Rock or you would simply rather not, there is a narrow bypass trail to the right.
Some horses are confused by the lack of obvious trail to follow, so rely on trust and encouragement from the rider, as well as past-training (to go where they are pointed, regardless as to how dubious it looks) to safely negotiate this iconic landmark.
Definitely check this link out!
On June 19th to 24th 2016, the American Trail Running Association partnered with the Google Maps team to capture 360 degree panoramic “street-view” imagery of the entire Western States Trail using the Street View Trekker backpack:
Cougar Rock