Interesting this blog stuff. On another blog, bootsandsaddles4mel.blogspot, Mel describes his Tevis ride experience this year. Then "On the Bit" another blogger commented and asked "Now this might be a stupid question, but what makes that race special compared to the others?. Now do I respond to her directly on Mel's blog or should I go to "On the Bit's" blog to respond?
I don't know so I will respond on my blog "TevisPost.blogspot" The answer to On the bits question is; Once you ride the Tevis, no matter if you finish or not, you will be hooked! Of course there are a few exception but not many. I first saw a Tevis Buckle in 1972 and my mentor Paige Harper offered to help me get "one of those" He helped me buy my first endurance horses a appaloosa who was not a endurance horse and Paige and I rode together several times a week. He introduced me to Dru Barner and Wendell Robie and I was immediately hooked on the sport of Endurance. Paige and I rode together till he got his 1000 Mile Buckle. If you research the Tevis records you can see that Paige won the Tevis Cup in 1962 and the Haggin Cup the first year it was awarded in 1964 and he won it again in 1968 on a stallion named Raskela owned by Betty and Ralph Devers who were the timers for Tevis and many other rides for years and years. Paige passed away during the AERC Convention in 1978 he received his 1000 mile buckle in 1977. I give Paige credit for me receiving my 2000 Mile buckle this year 2009. So to answer the question why Tevis? It's the challenge to me.

Make money working for a better Tevis

Wow! This is the first time that I know of that the BOD of Tevis has offered to pay someone to help put on the ride. Of course there has always been a office manager who processed the ride applications and such but over the years nearly everything has been done by volunteers. I recall many a night years ago when we would gather at Heart Federal to assemble ride packages etc. So here is a listing copied from the Tevis website for a paid position. Considering the fact that I have been around Tevis since 1972 perhaps I should consider this position for myself. Over the past 30 plus years I have shared the spirit of Tevis worldwide for sure and this would be a good excuse to do more of it and perhaps make a few bucks at the same time. I can see it now a booth at the super "Salon de Cheval" the big horse expo that is in Paris every December. Ten days long and a blast, of course Paris is always a blast. For any of you that want more information on Tevis visit my site, www.PotatoRichardson.com as well as www.Teviscup.org of course.

Anyway take a look at the messsage below and pass the word around.

The Western States Trail Foundation is seeking a Relationship Manager who will be the point of contact for all fund-raising efforts for the WSTF. The Western States 100-Mile-One-Day Ride (Tevis Cup) has a worldwide reputation as being the first and most challenging of all equine endurance rides. In the past, funding has come from Ride entries, individual donations, grants, ride sponsorships and local advertising. In addition to past sources, local, state and federal grant opportunities and large or corporate sponsors are potential funding sources. The Relationship Manager will be responsible for identifying funding opportunities, soliciting funding and/or developing programs or deliverables to accomplish fund-raising, and work with the Ride organizers to implement long-term fund-raising programs. The manager will be responsible for fostering continuing positive relationships with sponsors and donors.
This will be a contractual relationship with a firm or individual as an independent contractor. Compensation will be a monthly base plus commission. Initially the work will be less than full time with the expectation that a successful fund-raising program could lead to a full-time relationship and commensurate compensation. The successful applicant will be self-motivated, have exceptional interpersonal skills, and demonstrable experience in marketing, sales, fund-raising, grant writing, promotions or similar work. Knowledge of the endurance and equestrian world would be extremely helpful. The Foundation is located in Auburn, California, and successful candidates will be expected to be located in near proximity.
Applications will be accepted until December 1, 2009, or until the contract has been let.
CONTACT: Tom Johnson, treasure WSTF, email at trjllc@zetabroadband.com.

Tevis Christmas 2009

Every year the BOD of Tevis (AKA Western States Trail Foundation 100 Mile one Day Ride), have a Christmas party. If you live anywhere near Auburn, California you should by all means attend this party.

Time to visit with your trail buddies:

WESTERN STATES TRAIL FOUNDATION ANNUAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATION!!
December 12, 2009, 5:30-11:30 p.m., Elks Lodge, 195 Pine Street, Auburn, CA.

Cost: $35 per person, hors d'oeuvers, buffet dinner, and dessert.
No host bar. Great prizes being raffled including a TEVIS Entry.
Contact: Kathie Perry, 916-663-3869.