Sanoma's Road to
Tevis & Tack Essentials

At the start of every summer, there is a group of endurance riders meticulously preparing for one of the toughest rides of the year: the Tevis Cup. Tasked with 100 miles in one day, these riders' journeys with their loyal steeds typically start years in advance, and their preparations continue up until the minute the ride starts. If you have your sights set on Tevis, or are simply curious about what it takes to complete a ride like this, read on for RW-sponsored rider Sanoma Blakely's tips on completing Tevis. Sanoma will also address the essential products that help her get to the finish line of this extensive ride. Finishing 100 miles in twenty-four hours requires a lot of prep work; as a former winner of this prestigious race, she knows what it takes to make it!

Getting to Tevis starts in a different place for every rider, but the end destination is the same: Robie Equestrian Park in Truckee, California. Like the ride itself, this road can be bumpy with many hills along the way. While everyone's journey to Tevis is different, here are some universal tips I keep in mind to help my horse and me get to the finish!

Choose a Tevis Horse

This is arguably the most crucial step since it is impossible to compete in Tevis without a horse. For many riders, their Tevis mount is picked out several years prior.​ If you're unsure what to look for when searching for the horse that will carry you across the Sierra Mountains, read my advice on how to choose an endurance horse. Choosing a prospect capable of long distances and tough days on the trail will take you far!

Get Your Horse Ready

Once you've picked a horse to ride at Tevis, prepare them both physically and mentally. Riding the Tevis route is very stressful, and having a solid horse to take you across rivers, bridge crossings, and technical trails is helpful. It's a good idea to make sure your horse is okay with being sandwiched between other horses on narrow trails. Since your horse will need fuel over the tough course, it is also critical they eat and drink well.

Condition Your Horse and Yourself

Once your horse is prepped for the technical trails and has bonded with you as their rider, ensure they are physically fit for the challenge. Tevis is by no means an easy ride, but it's possible to receive a shiny Tevis buckle with plenty of conditioning! There is definitely no shortage of hills on the ride, so include hill work as you properly condition your mount. Prepare yourself and your horse for the heat, as California is hot in the middle of summer; body clipping your horse can really help them on the ride. Furthermore, your horse should be willing to drink on the trail to keep themselves healthy during extreme heat.

Hoof Protection and Functional Tack

The Tevis trail is rocky and technical, and adequate hoof protection that your horse is comfortable with is absolutely necessary. I personally like to use the EasyCare EasyBoot Glue-Ons for hoof protection during Tevis. Tevis is the last place you want a tack malfunction to occur, so double and triple-check all of your equipment before you start!

Feeding a Tevis Horse

Every horse is unique, and each rider should feed according to their horse's nutritional needs. I have noticed a fair amount of pulls at the early vet checks for tying up. Even if your horse is not prone to tying up, the extra stress at Tevis can increase their chances of ty-up; feeding accordingly could be helpful in preventing this. A low-sugar diet works well for our endurance horses, as well as feeding additional electrolytes leading up to the race. A carefully managed diet will help your horse!

Take Care of Yourself

Tevis takes its toll on the horses, but it also takes its toll on the riders. Remember to drink plenty of water and electrolytes. It's easy to take care of your horse and make sure they are drinking, but it's harder to remember to do it yourself—the same goes for eating. Prepare yourself for the heat and a long day in the saddle so you can be better prepared to take care of your hard-working steed.

Find Yourself a Crew

Gather up your friends and talk them into crewing for you; having a good crew is very important! I enjoy a crew that I am comfortable being around even when I am tired or stressed. Having someone to support you physically and mentally when things get tough is a prime quality. Take care of yourself on the trail, and choose a trustworthy team to help get you across the finish line.

There are so many products needed to get ready for Tevis, and there are even more needed on race day. Here are a few of my Tevis essentials:

Hoof Protection

The Tevis trail is extremely rocky, and the EasyCare Glue-On Hoof Boots offer great hoof protection along with plenty of grip and traction for riding on asphalt and granite rocks. Out of all the things to worry about at Tevis, I never worry about my horse's feet with glue-ons. They don't rub and don't come off (if applied correctly). There is no other hoof protection I would trust as much as EasyCare at Tevis!

Saddlebags

Even though I hardly ever ride with a saddlebag, Tevis is the one ride where I need the extra storage. A pommel bag allows me to keep my eyes forward while still getting out what I need. Between the extra storage for human hydration, equine electrolytes, chapstick, and "in case of emergency" supplies, a saddlebag makes me feel like I have everything I need.

Horse Cooling System

In a race where cooling your horse down is so important for their recovery, having a reliable sponge at Tevis is vital. Sponging reduces sweat while increasing your horse's ability to more effectively cool themselves down. If you can sponge without dismounting, courtesy of a sponge leash, even better!

We hope you enjoyed going down the trail with Sanoma on her journey to Tevis and received good insight on how you can gear up for your next ride with your endurance companion—whether it's Tevis or not! Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer service team at 1 (800) 620-9145 or info@ridingwarehouse.com for assistance. We invite you to shop Sanoma's favorite products below, and finish this article with a solid piece of her advice regarding Tevis:

"Whether you've just added Tevis to your bucket list, you're trying Tevis for the first time, or you have a wall filled with Tevis buckles, every year is unique with its own challenges and rewards. A bit of personal advice: Even if you do everything 'just right,' things can still go wrong. It might not hurt to wrap your horse in bubble wrap... since horses seem to have plans of their own! Take a deep breath, enjoy the journey, and soak up the experience. Finally, have a good time!"

Shop Sanoma's Favorite Products for Tevis: