It’s T-Time!

Ride Date: July 29th, 2023

Enter the ride (and if you haven’t already – declare your equine!) on or before
Wednesday, July 12th to avoid the $100 ($35) late fee.

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President’s Message 

It’s a tremendous relief when the clock says 5:15 and the sound of the hoofbeats of some of the best equine athletes on the planet fills the brisk morning air. The mountains have called and you have answered.

Finally, T day.

It’s been heck of a year to get to this moment. Snow, fire, rain, swollen river – check, check – we worked, we adapted, we kind of threw the budget away. When it would have been practical and understandable to say, “No, the mountains have defeated us this year,” our retort was, “Not yet.” Why not?

Because we know great horses and people who are going for a buckle; a Haggin or Tevis win; a decade team 1000-mile recognition; a Robie Cup five-year medallion for beloved horses; a lifetime experience. That’s why.

And so, we watched the snow melt; we cut trees and moved boulders on many weekends; we repaired fire damage to a permanent trough or two; we donated the big bucks to hire more crews; we applied for grants; we trotted along alternate sections that had potential; we drew maps; we convinced land managers and land owners; and we said please and thank you many times, with sincerity. What we did not do was quit. Just do it. There are no guarantees in life, but as of right now, the Ride is on, the trail is Tevis-worthy, and barring another unexpected and unanticipated natural disaster, we will ride.

Let’s help each other have fun and stay safe. Pack those tail ribbons for stallions and potential kickers, pack that white shirt so other riders can see you in the dark, and pack your sportsmanship and determination. Share any concerns with the vets, be patient with your crew, eat and drink often, stay in forward motion, and, most importantly, always remember that the horses’ welfare comes first and that this day is a true privilege.

On behalf of the Board of Governors, the veterinarians, the volunteers, the trail crew, the permitting agencies, the personal crews, the vendors, the photographers, the unsung heroes, and your fellow riders, I wish every one of you an incomparable journey to Auburn. Ride a horse; really ride. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Barbara White
President, Western States Trail Foundation

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Ride Director’s Message

The start of the ride heads south on Soda Springs Road and will be a controlled start for the first two miles until the paved road turns to a dirt road. This is the official “timed start” line, and all riders will be held there until 5:15 am when the trail will officially open. Riders will have their number recorded by the timers and must pass that line by 5:30 am at the latest to be officially started in the 67th Annual Tevis Ride.

Riders will ride to Lyon Ridge and Cougar Rock heading to the first vet check at Red Star Ridge. After Red Star, riders will travel down the road to Robinson Flat. You may be up to one hour faster into Robinson for the 1st one hour vet check, but you will need that time later as the trail is longer after Francisco’s due to high water levels in the American River. We will reroute you so that you stay on the north side of the river and cross on the Highway 49 Bridge to reconnect with the trail at No Hands Bridge for the familiar ride up to the Overlook finish in Auburn.

Lots of time and energy has gone into seeing that this Tevis Ride is as special and memorable as any past ride and look forward to seeing you in Soda Springs. Your rider packets will be posted online in a couple weeks; rule books, passes, checkpoint cards, will be mailed out about July 21 to riders with addresses in CA, OR, WA, NV and ID. All other riders will pick up their materials in the Tevis office in Auburn the week in advance of the ride.

Keep training! We will be ready for you on July 29th!

Chuck Stalley
Ride Director, Western States Trail Ride (aka Tevis Cup)

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Tevis Cup and Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV)

Background

VSV is a vector-borne disease that is common in Mexico down to northern South America. Typical symptoms are blister-like lesions around the mouth, including the tongue, oral mucosa and lips, ears, coronary bands, ventral abdomen, including the teats and sheath. The disease is rarely fatal and is more of a two-week annoyance. Humans can catch the virus from horses and typically display flu-like symptoms.

Outbreaks in the summer and fall typically occur in the United States every 2-10 years with 12 outbreaks in the last 20 years. The regions most frequently affected are the southwestern, Rocky Mountain and midwest states. This year, in 2023, VSV showed up in six southern California counties. One small southern county in Texas also has a confirmed case of VSV.

It’s important to note that the closest case to the Tevis trail is over 400 miles away.

Tevis VSV Plan

All horses shipping into California must have a current certificate of veterinary inspection (health certificate) within 30 days of entry.

In addition, any horse coming in from a VSV affected state (specifically Texas) other than California must have a current veterinarian-signed health certificate that includes this specific VSV statement: “I have examined all the animals identified on this certificate within seven (7) days of shipment date and found them to be free from signs of Vesicular Stomatitis (VS). During the last fourteen (14) days, these animals have not been exposed to VS nor located on a VS confirmed or a VS suspected premises.”

Horses coming from affected counties in California – Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and San Diego counties – must have a current health certificate within 3 days before entering Soda Springs. This means that when you arrive at Soda Springs your horse’s health certificate must be dated on either July 25, 26 or 27. The same VSV statement must be written on these health certificates, as well. Horses from the affected California counties staying at the Fairgrounds during the run-up to the ride must obtain a health certificate before moving up to Soda Springs.

A veterinarian will inspect all horses for signs of VSV upon check-in at Soda Springs.

Horses coming from unaffected California counties do not need a health certificate but will be inspected as described. The Tevis Veterinary team will keep you up to date as needed.

If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact me directly at 626-446-8911.

Mike Peralez, DVM
Tevis Head Veterinarian

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Vendors:

DB Roofing Solutions
Hought Tack
Bemer Systems
American Trail Gear
Untamed Tack
Leaf Guard
Masterson Method
Kelseys Clipping
Book Booth
Endurance Capital of the World
Beyond Cool CBD

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Thanks for Being a Signature Rider!

We are sending out a great big thank you to the folks that have signed up in our Signature Rider program this year. You all are so appreciated!

Now for all of you who are reading this, you still have time to sign up or change your regular entry to a Signature Rider one. You will not be disappointed! Not only are you helping to sustain us this year but you will receive a fantastic goodie bag as well as a tax donation receipt for $800. You just can’t beat that! So don’t waste time, sign up NOW!!!!

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