We are devastated to have to share that two horses have died as a result of injuries sustained during the 2022 Tevis Cup ride.
Susie Kramer and A Ali Aseel (Steel), Rider Team #4.
Midmorning on Saturday, July 16, Susie Kramer and A Ali Aseel (“Steel”) were among the leaders competing in the 66th Annual Tevis Cup Ride. The pair was navigating the trail of the first steep canyon which runs between Last Chance and the Swinging Bridge. Steel fell from the trail and suffered catastrophic injuries.
Another rider alerted a radio operator stationed at the Swinging Bridge, who communicated the incident to Net Control. Emergency response was deployed from both Last Chance and Devils Thumb checkpoints down into the canyon, and search and rescue led by a veterinarian responded to the scene. Unfortunately – due to the remote and difficult location of the incident – it took some time for help to reach Susie and Steel. Once on scene, veterinarians confirmed that Steel had expired from his injuries.
Susie and Steel had come from Arizona to compete in this year’s Tevis Cup. They wore the #4 – their finish placing in the 2021 Tevis Ride. Together, they were a fit, experienced, tough, and competitive team.
Steel – a handsome 12-year-old grey Arabian gelding – had completed 2,360 miles of endurance competitions beginning in 2016. He was five for five in finishing 100-mile competitions coming into this year’s event.
This accident and the loss of Steel has been traumatic and emotional for Susie, her family, her crew, and the entire endurance community.
WSTF will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident during the coming weeks.
Please respect the privacy of the parties involved as they mourn the loss of a dear friend and partner. A hiatus of discussion on social media would be appreciated.
Carrie Ellinwood and Jamboree FOA, Rider Team #124.
At approximately 10 pm on Saturday, July 16, Carrie Ellinwood and her horse Jamboree had completed about 72 miles of the 100-mile distance of the 66th annual Tevis Cup Ride. Near Cal 1 on the California Loop, Jamboree spooked and fell from the trail.
Sweep Riders of the Sierra’s (SOS) came upon the pair and radioed in the emergency to Net Control. Rescuers were dispatched to the scene and – as a first step – Carrie was evacuated to an awaiting ambulance and taken to the hospital. She was examined and released.
Due to the difficulty of the terrain, a large animal rescue team was called to the site along with the VERT (Veterinary Emergency Rescue Team) from UC Davis to attempt to extract Jamboree. This endeavor had to wait until daylight on Sunday morning. Ultimately, they decided to airlift Jamboree. A helicopter operated by the Butte County Sheriff’s Department was able to get him to a safe location in Foresthill.
He was attended to by veterinarians and transported by horse trailer to UC Davis Veterinary Hospital for further examination and care.
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that the Tevis family reports that Jamboree unexpectedly succumbed to his injuries on Friday morning, July 22, 2022.
Jamboree and Carrie began their endurance career in 2013 and accomplished nearly 1000 endurance miles together. Jamboree was a beautiful, 17-year-old grey Arabian gelding.
WSTF will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident during the coming weeks.
Please respect the privacy of the parties involved as they mourn the loss of a dear friend and partner. A hiatus of discussion on social media would be appreciated.