@crazyness525 Akhal Tekes are better then Arabians ..They are tough and relentless and nothing stops them. After 700 miles the Arabs slowing down but the Akhal Tekes are only just starting to warm up. I can tell by your comment you have never rode an Akhal Teke? I used to think he same as you by the way and I do like Arabs, I find them to flighty for me though.
Will just say this, Ashgabat to Moscow is 2500 miles, thats the endurance capitol of the world dude! takes 83 days and 235 miles of desert to cross in between.
This is the pre-historic version of the Grand National run at Aintree. Since this time rocks have been replaced by modern fences and a water jump, and has been greatly reduced to just 4 miles plus lol
I have done some pretty rough riding but you guys are crazy bonkers mad. How ya gonna get down from their, they not Pegasus lol
Enough Arab bashing. Scatterbrained? I wonder what people did to make it that way. I've seen a lot of dumb acting quarter-horses and cracked out thoroughbreds, but honestly I attribute a lot of that to the people that made them that way. Akhal Tekes? I love them too. aren't they an Arabian based desert breed?
@beccalecca1971 No Akhal Tekes are not Arabian horses, Although some blood lines have been mixed for sure. They Originate in North Iran and the Caspian Sea area and Turkmenistan. I have one called Zack they are totally different to Arabs personality is completely different too, lot less flighty, more laid back, but very athletic and have much more stamina then an Arab, and can carry a lot more weight over further distances. There are plenty of part Arab x Tekes about crossed to improve the Arab
It's so sad to see all those shod horses slipping all over the place. =( Reminds me of when I use to shoe my TB and we'd slip around just crossing the street. Eek! I'd really like to see some booted horses go up cougar rock to see how well they grip. I have no doubt that my horse could scale that rock bare, but since Tevis requires protection I assume boots would be the next best thing for grip.
@emr2e there was at least one booted horse that is in the video clip. There were several others on the ride, not sure if they all went over Cougar Rock though.
I don't think I could ask any more of my horse than was necessary to officially complete the Tevis. If this is optional, I'd opt out of it... it's one more chance for a potentially catastrophic injury.... why risk it?
Intense! I wish riders would set their saddle a little more forward and get up over the pomel for this- most are leaning forward but not actually getting off the horse's back, or getting thier weight forward. While I would love to do the Tevis someday I can't imagine risking my horse's soundness for a cool picture.
Amazing! I did competitive endurance withy my mare long before I knew her pedigree in it. Loved it and will do it again! There is also another amazing mare out there by the name of Nonsuch that was in the same broodmare band that does VERY well! Isis was by Al Hossar out of Bravada, both by Hossny, and she had a gelding brother with pages worth of endurance titles...
@crazyness525 Arabs? Booo. I have an Akhal-Teke, and she eats Arabs up, give her enough room and she'll outrun most anything.:) And she doesn't act like she's on crack all the time either. Arabs are ok, I guess.
@Thereisonlythetruth The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Show us your video of your "wonder horse" climbing cougar rock. Put your money where your mouth is.
@2bejou I never said anything about her ability to climb cougar rock. I said given enough room, she can outrun any Arab. And that Arabs are scatterbrains, I know, I've had one, and know several. Maybe try actually reading what I posted before you comment on it. If it's not an Akhal-Teke, it's just another horse.
@lyro2 well now that i look at it, a year later, i'm not much of a arabian person. haa. i'm defff throroughbred person just because that's all i ride now. . but akhal tekes are defff good endurance horses too. i just think that stuff is all crazyy--like endurance--i'ma jumper & cross-country rider. . so yeahh.
@crazyness525 Tekes fair better in the really harsh endurance races they are just not as know due to there being far far far less of them in the world :(
How on earth do the organisers get away with allowing riders to tackle cougar rock without helmuts? Asking for a lawsuit I reckon!. Not to mention crazy stupid!!
well there is reliability forms and such to fill out before you enter the ride. And, you should know that as soon as you even think about doing the Tevis, you are putting yourself and your horse in danger. Im doing it this year!!! YAY
With the right horse and the right training, but most of the riders and horses look like ME and my HORSE! I plan on doing it on my now 3yo Saddlebred in the next 5 years - before I am 50. Yipee!
Do you have to qualify to go to the tevis? If you do what do you have to do? Is there like entry fees to go? Sorry I sound dumb but I show but have a horse thats good at trail riding too, we trail ride, its so exhilerating. If you go around Cougar Rock is it farther then just going over it?
you do NOT want to do this ride! I know someone who has only done it once and you have to have a special horse to do this ride in particular! There is an area that has a shear drop on one side and you have about 2 feet of trail, and you are right next to a straight up cliff, so no you don't want to try this ride!
When I was young my horse and I would ride through the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, going up, down, over and through everything. I'll try it some day. Not The Tevis Cup per se', but endurance in general. It's better to give it a shot and say "I tried, but it didn't work out." Than to say, "I wish I would have tried." Don't you think? Maybe after years of practice and relationship building with that special horse, I could give Tevis a shot...but who knows.
oh I don't mean don't try endurance riding, I love it! the fresh open air, beautiful sights and long trails, I'm just saying don't do this ride, it takes a special horse to do tevis out of 200 riders only about 90 finish because the vets at the vet checks are soooo strict in tevis and the dangerous trail
ot was a pert of the pony express route and also some of the trails were used by early settlers coming west in wagon trains. I can't fathom how they were able to get their herds and wagons in some of these places but I guess if there is a will there is a way
my horse was pulled in 07 cause the Vet thought he saw something on my mares right hind. I got back to where I was staying and lunged her in circles and she wasn't off. Part of Tevis being so tough is the Vets really really tough judging. I did the Swanton 100 and it was all straight Ups and downs.Tevis is switch backs, thats easier.
last year was the final run for the Swanton Pacific. The Mc Crary family hosted this ride for like 20 years or more. I heard maybe they might do it every other year instead of every year, but dunno
they have a nice side pass trail to go around it. I ended up using this in 2007 as there was a line of 6-7 riders ahead of me and one horse kept slipping down, and refusing to go up it.
Is that what her name is? Melissa? I found her photo while googling Cougar Rock. Her and that horse are incredible. They zoomed up that rock better than anyone else there. He's a beautiful horse too.
Great vid! Love that chestnut (1:05) who just canters up like its nothing! Some of those horses/riders make it look so easy! I don't ride, and heights scare me LOL but if I ever got the chance to do this ride I would love to give Cougar Rock a shot - if my horse is willing than so am I;) I love reading about the Tevis each year - it looks like such a fun ride to enter, the trail looks awesome, beautiful country, gorgeous Arabs, can't get much better than that!
Cudo's to all the competitors! And as for the people afoot who make this possible, you guys are truly some of the most giving and caring people there are! The cheering on as well as all the many other behind-the-scene tasks you guys do are very much appreciated by all of us! We couldn't say "we did it" without you!!!! Thanks forever!!!!!!
Seems like they shouldn't allow so many people so close to an area where horses have to face a formidable challenge - it could just make the intimidation factor worse for some I'd think. Don't they have rules as to distance people can watch as in 3-Day Events??
This looks amazing. I love endurance riding. Maybe one day I can take my Thoroughbred to this. (And not climb the rock. xP) I noticed that most of the horses are Arabians. Very lovely.
my friend is on the Buckskin Paso that motors over this rock. I took the bypass :>) To qualify for Tevis entry you must have 300 Endurance miles of 50 mile or more,no LD's miles(25-30) I recomend alot of single track trail,mountanous trail and night riding for condtioning /training for this ride
I'd guarantee that none of these horse are sorefooted. It's just that it's tricky placing the hooves correctly on the jagged rock. This rock is about 24-25 miles into the ride. You don't need to go over it (I never willo) as there is a bypass around it now.
Thanks so much for posting this video! I have a friend who plans to ride this in 2009, so she is in training now. I have NO doubt that her Walking Horse will take her to the finish line. I just worry about her! ;) I plan to help her out and be her groom, so I had to see what the infamous rocks entails, too!
But seriously, this video really helped her understand what she's going up against, and now she's more excited than ever! So thank you for the motivation!
Wow! What a climb! I can assure you I'll never do that to my horse but I don't want to knock those who do in any way! These horses are all well trained athletes at the top of their game and lesser horses couldn't do Cougar Rock.
Thanks for the footage though as living in Australia I've heard of the Tevis but just couldn't imagine "the rock" so thanks for showing me.
to save there horses back? why on earth wouldn't you get off their backs on a hill? These horses have to carry you miles and miles to prevent injury get off their backs. When I did distance riding I had the chance to see the result of riders not getting off their horses backs. Ever since I was little I always did going up hills, a couple of people who I rode with didn't and in the end they had a horse with a sore back that couldn't compete the rest of the season.
I think I misunderstood your comment, Yes, it is important to get your weight up off the horse's loins as they climb. This hill is so steep though, and the lounging of the horse throws the riders back down sometimes. Very few riders can remain up long enough to negotiate this rock. It's nice to see when it's done right though.
Cougar Rock is the most famous part of the Tevis ride. There is a photographer standing right there and many of these riders wouldn't miss that climb for anything. Not to mention it is very dangerous to lead a horse on terrain like this. The horse wouldn't be able to get up under themselves and move out like they need to with a slow moving human in front of them. The rider would likely get run over or left behind. . .
Have you guys ever looked at a distance horse not undersaddle? their backs aren't always in the greatest of shape.. For me I did dressage work to even it out so my horse had a strong topline to prevent back problems.
how would you like to piggy back someone up a hill and have them not lean forward with you?
I have 2 horses in my stable who i ride endurance with, non of thier backs looks like you describe, one of them as a strait back, ans his muscels is higher then his spine. my other horse is not like that, he have always had a problem working his back, and the best way to do so is dressage and climb hills, I use mostly dressage, and we can do all movements in dressage.
I did distance as well and made sure I did dressage work on the side. Dressage dressage dressage in order to keep a strong top line and hind end. A lot of distance riders like yourself do not do dressage work therefor there horses backs are in poor condition
like myself? my horse and I can do all movements in dressage, I do not know the name ofta the movements in english, but i can assure you than my horse is one of the most muscled endurance horse you will se, my trainer thought he was a quarter horse if she just had looked at his as!
thats OK, if you whant you can look at my video of my mare, she is just 3 years old and it is the sixth time she is ridden, do you think she will be a good endurence horse? on the other video is the first time we canter!
It doesn't require dressage to keep a horse's back in good form, but good position of horse and rider. There are many ways to achieve that, dressage is your way, not the only way.
to save there horses back? why on earth wouldn't you get off their backs on a hill? These horses have to carry you miles and miles to prevent injury get off their backs. When I did distance riding I had the chance to see the result of riders not getting off their horses backs. Ever since I was little I always did going up hills, a couple of people who I rode with didn't and in the end they had a horse with a sore back that couldn't compete the rest of the season
It's been my observation that sore backs on horses are usually the result of either poor fitting saddle, inadequate pad and/or unbalanced and heavy riding, not due to staying in the saddle. I know horses near 20 of age, ridden for 15 years in endurance, always, "ridden" and still with good strong backs. I have 2 of them.
That doesn't look enjoyable to me! I hate to see me horses stumbling, although I do baby my horses lol But still, looks dangurous. That bay looked like he was having a little trouble (3:52) but that buckskin did great!!! (4:21)
This brought back great memories and made me sweat just watching it. Reminds me of sitting on the crest before the approach, watching riders get in trouble and hoping it wouldn't freak my horse. ( They watch too!)
I am sorry I was not clear. Tevis starts are done in groups, and cougar rock is near the beginning. I was wondering which starting group you were showing.
Quite a few of these riders are wearing helmets! Todays head protection is light weight, comfortable and almost unnoticable. Of course there will always be plenty of people who would rather dent their head than mess up their hair!
omg! look at the horses leg at 7:39 ;(
[ I love endurance♥]
MyBigHorseLove 1 week ago
@crazyness525 Akhal Tekes are better then Arabians ..They are tough and relentless and nothing stops them. After 700 miles the Arabs slowing down but the Akhal Tekes are only just starting to warm up. I can tell by your comment you have never rode an Akhal Teke? I used to think he same as you by the way and I do like Arabs, I find them to flighty for me though.
MrNativeDancer 1 month ago
Will just say this, Ashgabat to Moscow is 2500 miles, thats the endurance capitol of the world dude! takes 83 days and 235 miles of desert to cross in between.
MrNativeDancer 1 month ago
This is the pre-historic version of the Grand National run at Aintree. Since this time rocks have been replaced by modern fences and a water jump, and has been greatly reduced to just 4 miles plus lol
I have done some pretty rough riding but you guys are crazy bonkers mad. How ya gonna get down from their, they not Pegasus lol
MrNativeDancer 1 month ago
i would tuck tail and run away. and i've been on some crazy rides.
KnightHawke01 1 month ago
Is this a Bloopers video?~? WHERE is the horsemanship?!? Scary stuff. :0
np1225 3 months ago
Enough Arab bashing. Scatterbrained? I wonder what people did to make it that way. I've seen a lot of dumb acting quarter-horses and cracked out thoroughbreds, but honestly I attribute a lot of that to the people that made them that way. Akhal Tekes? I love them too. aren't they an Arabian based desert breed?
beccalecca1971 3 months ago
@beccalecca1971 No Akhal Tekes are not Arabian horses, Although some blood lines have been mixed for sure. They Originate in North Iran and the Caspian Sea area and Turkmenistan. I have one called Zack they are totally different to Arabs personality is completely different too, lot less flighty, more laid back, but very athletic and have much more stamina then an Arab, and can carry a lot more weight over further distances. There are plenty of part Arab x Tekes about crossed to improve the Arab
MrNativeDancer 1 month ago
Some of those riders are way too fat. Try doing some endurancing yourselves heifers.
caidyc 3 months ago
that appy did the best job getting up that hill cept maybe that first horse
lakota123max 7 months ago
wow that one horse sure hurt his hind ankle ...wonder what he broke
lakota123max 7 months ago
@lakota123max luckily, nothing was broken, just had a very minor cut.
shermanjktv 6 months ago
HOLY CRAP!? WHY ISN'T SHE WEARING A HELMET!? 8:02
britarthc 11 months ago
wow,looks brutal!..i would have taken the bypass trail!
britarthc 11 months ago
The one at 1:05 owned it
Fivaldii 11 months ago 3
Horse at 2:34 lost it's back left shoe halfway up in it's scramble
DeadlySoulCaster 1 year ago 2
It's so sad to see all those shod horses slipping all over the place. =( Reminds me of when I use to shoe my TB and we'd slip around just crossing the street. Eek! I'd really like to see some booted horses go up cougar rock to see how well they grip. I have no doubt that my horse could scale that rock bare, but since Tevis requires protection I assume boots would be the next best thing for grip.
emr2e 1 year ago
@emr2e there were some booted horse in this video clip (:>)
shermanjktv 6 months ago
@emr2e there was at least one booted horse that is in the video clip. There were several others on the ride, not sure if they all went over Cougar Rock though.
shermanjktv 6 months ago
I don't think I could ask any more of my horse than was necessary to officially complete the Tevis. If this is optional, I'd opt out of it... it's one more chance for a potentially catastrophic injury.... why risk it?
Canterhard 1 year ago 2
@Canterhard i totally agree !
lakota123max 7 months ago
notice all the horses tripping have shoes on. Come on people, easy boots for shale rock so you don't risk killing yourself.
laceyf53 1 year ago
WHEW! Cougar Rock is scary!
flyinsquirrel48 1 year ago
I miss my little arab mare R.I.P
I remember our first endurance ride together ^-^
Shawnshawna 1 year ago
@Shawnshawna awe
purefreedom1995 1 year ago
@purefreedom1995
Yea she was my life
Shawnshawna 1 year ago
@Shawnshawna I am sure she was, and you guys probably had great times together!
purefreedom1995 1 year ago
@purefreedom1995
Yes we had many good times =)
She was my first and forever favorite
Together we went to our first endurance ride, parade, trail ride, ponied young ones and she taught me to ride
Shawnshawna 1 year ago
Intense! I wish riders would set their saddle a little more forward and get up over the pomel for this- most are leaning forward but not actually getting off the horse's back, or getting thier weight forward. While I would love to do the Tevis someday I can't imagine risking my horse's soundness for a cool picture.
savvydanee 1 year ago 2
it's not dangerous for horse when you climb the rocks?
cavallerizzaamo 1 year ago
fuck that. thats a get off and walk up job right there.
deathbymusikk 1 year ago 14
@deathbymusikk lmao
foxtrottermeg 7 months ago
Iwas shown at 4:21 the bucksin Paso Fino that just FLEW up
mangoiguanamargetts 1 year ago
That's pretty cool. I'd love to do endurance someday, but I don't have a suitable horse for it at the moment.
VictorsChick4ever 2 years ago
any horse can do it at a low enough level :) i started on an 11.2 fat 17yo british spotted pony
AnnehPants 1 year ago
Amazing! I did competitive endurance withy my mare long before I knew her pedigree in it. Loved it and will do it again! There is also another amazing mare out there by the name of Nonsuch that was in the same broodmare band that does VERY well! Isis was by Al Hossar out of Bravada, both by Hossny, and she had a gelding brother with pages worth of endurance titles...
beccalecca1971 2 years ago
I would walk my horse up that. That's scary.
spartaeus 2 years ago 2
YAY!!! Mot of those horses are arabians :) Arabians are the best horses for endurance, or actually anything but especially endurance. :)<3
crazyness525 2 years ago 8
@crazyness525 They pwn at endurance!
purefreedom1995 1 year ago
@crazyness525 Arabs? Booo. I have an Akhal-Teke, and she eats Arabs up, give her enough room and she'll outrun most anything.:) And she doesn't act like she's on crack all the time either. Arabs are ok, I guess.
Thereisonlythetruth 1 year ago
@Thereisonlythetruth The proof of the pudding is in the eating. Show us your video of your "wonder horse" climbing cougar rock. Put your money where your mouth is.
2bejou 7 months ago
@2bejou I never said anything about her ability to climb cougar rock. I said given enough room, she can outrun any Arab. And that Arabs are scatterbrains, I know, I've had one, and know several. Maybe try actually reading what I posted before you comment on it. If it's not an Akhal-Teke, it's just another horse.
Thereisonlythetruth 7 months ago
@crazyness525 UMMMM Akhal tekes give arabs a run for their money :D
lyro2 1 year ago
@lyro2 well now that i look at it, a year later, i'm not much of a arabian person. haa. i'm defff throroughbred person just because that's all i ride now. . but akhal tekes are defff good endurance horses too. i just think that stuff is all crazyy--like endurance--i'ma jumper & cross-country rider. . so yeahh.
crazyness525 9 months ago
@crazyness525 Tekes fair better in the really harsh endurance races they are just not as know due to there being far far far less of them in the world :(
lyro2 4 months ago
How on earth do the organisers get away with allowing riders to tackle cougar rock without helmuts? Asking for a lawsuit I reckon!. Not to mention crazy stupid!!
shannmc01 2 years ago
well there is reliability forms and such to fill out before you enter the ride. And, you should know that as soon as you even think about doing the Tevis, you are putting yourself and your horse in danger. Im doing it this year!!! YAY
Jahlad007 2 years ago
With the right horse and the right training, but most of the riders and horses look like ME and my HORSE! I plan on doing it on my now 3yo Saddlebred in the next 5 years - before I am 50. Yipee!
saddllp 2 years ago 2
Oh this probably sounds stupid too but do you have to be over a certain age to be able to go?
yeillyfruit 2 years ago
Do you have to qualify to go to the tevis? If you do what do you have to do? Is there like entry fees to go? Sorry I sound dumb but I show but have a horse thats good at trail riding too, we trail ride, its so exhilerating. If you go around Cougar Rock is it farther then just going over it?
yeillyfruit 2 years ago
the bypass trail is right next to Cougar rock, it isn't any faster or slower
ponytales2001 2 years ago
9:10-9:16 GO APPYS!! :) God, this looks like a kick! I would love to try endurance!
michell2003 3 years ago
you do NOT want to do this ride! I know someone who has only done it once and you have to have a special horse to do this ride in particular! There is an area that has a shear drop on one side and you have about 2 feet of trail, and you are right next to a straight up cliff, so no you don't want to try this ride!
meandhorses 2 years ago
When I was young my horse and I would ride through the Cascade Mountains in Washington State, going up, down, over and through everything. I'll try it some day. Not The Tevis Cup per se', but endurance in general. It's better to give it a shot and say "I tried, but it didn't work out." Than to say, "I wish I would have tried." Don't you think? Maybe after years of practice and relationship building with that special horse, I could give Tevis a shot...but who knows.
michell2003 2 years ago 2
oh I don't mean don't try endurance riding, I love it! the fresh open air, beautiful sights and long trails, I'm just saying don't do this ride, it takes a special horse to do tevis out of 200 riders only about 90 finish because the vets at the vet checks are soooo strict in tevis and the dangerous trail
meandhorses 2 years ago 2
The trail does look pretty intimidating. Didn't it use to be a pony express route or something like that?
michell2003 2 years ago 2
dunno lol never rode it, but my moms best friend has
meandhorses 2 years ago
ot was a pert of the pony express route and also some of the trails were used by early settlers coming west in wagon trains. I can't fathom how they were able to get their herds and wagons in some of these places but I guess if there is a will there is a way
ponytales2001 2 years ago
my horse was pulled in 07 cause the Vet thought he saw something on my mares right hind. I got back to where I was staying and lunged her in circles and she wasn't off. Part of Tevis being so tough is the Vets really really tough judging. I did the Swanton 100 and it was all straight Ups and downs.Tevis is switch backs, thats easier.
ponytales2001 2 years ago
Dang! That's crazy. Up's and Downs, I could inagine how that would be pretty tough. Swanton...I'm gonna have to look that up. :)
michell2003 2 years ago
last year was the final run for the Swanton Pacific. The Mc Crary family hosted this ride for like 20 years or more. I heard maybe they might do it every other year instead of every year, but dunno
ponytales2001 2 years ago
mgd!!!
chixxkasso 3 years ago
lol endurance is SOOO fun! No way I could ever do cougar rock...wouldn't risk my horses legs!
Ntrlhrsgrl 3 years ago
they have a nice side pass trail to go around it. I ended up using this in 2007 as there was a line of 6-7 riders ahead of me and one horse kept slipping down, and refusing to go up it.
ponytales2001 2 years ago
WTG Melissa & Cabo @ 4:22
what a "speed demon"
ponytales2001 3 years ago
Is that what her name is? Melissa? I found her photo while googling Cougar Rock. Her and that horse are incredible. They zoomed up that rock better than anyone else there. He's a beautiful horse too.
LarissaJo 2 years ago 2
yeah, she will be back again this year with Cabo for their 2nd. Buckle
Cabo's registered name is
Tomarias Juan
ponytales2001 2 years ago
the horse at 7:35-7:52 had something go wrong with his LH, hopefully just a rock.
EquineJunkie88 3 years ago
Great vid! Love that chestnut (1:05) who just canters up like its nothing! Some of those horses/riders make it look so easy! I don't ride, and heights scare me LOL but if I ever got the chance to do this ride I would love to give Cougar Rock a shot - if my horse is willing than so am I;) I love reading about the Tevis each year - it looks like such a fun ride to enter, the trail looks awesome, beautiful country, gorgeous Arabs, can't get much better than that!
witezluv 3 years ago
phew the end there started looking really intense...
kichigaikikyokagome 3 years ago
i got a plan to win this ride on a blm mustang and show people what they can do.
southernhighlander22 3 years ago
HELLZ YES!!!! Go for it!
michell2003 3 years ago
@southernhighlander22 Good luck with that. As good as mustangs may be Arabians are made for endurance.
purefreedom1995 1 year ago
Cudo's to all the competitors! And as for the people afoot who make this possible, you guys are truly some of the most giving and caring people there are! The cheering on as well as all the many other behind-the-scene tasks you guys do are very much appreciated by all of us! We couldn't say "we did it" without you!!!! Thanks forever!!!!!!
trottnout 3 years ago
Seems like they shouldn't allow so many people so close to an area where horses have to face a formidable challenge - it could just make the intimidation factor worse for some I'd think. Don't they have rules as to distance people can watch as in 3-Day Events??
hackneyhorse 3 years ago
you can go around the rock, but the riders ride on it to get the picture... :P
Ntrlhrsgrl 3 years ago
I love how one of the people's is telling all the riders how to get up safely. I think that is really nice of her.
Guineapigsrockmysock 3 years ago
This doesn't look to easy lol
Guineapigsrockmysock 3 years ago
This looks amazing. I love endurance riding. Maybe one day I can take my Thoroughbred to this. (And not climb the rock. xP) I noticed that most of the horses are Arabians. Very lovely.
TBjumperxxx 3 years ago
my friend is on the Buckskin Paso that motors over this rock. I took the bypass :>) To qualify for Tevis entry you must have 300 Endurance miles of 50 mile or more,no LD's miles(25-30) I recomend alot of single track trail,mountanous trail and night riding for condtioning /training for this ride
ponytales2001 3 years ago
I'd guarantee that none of these horse are sorefooted. It's just that it's tricky placing the hooves correctly on the jagged rock. This rock is about 24-25 miles into the ride. You don't need to go over it (I never willo) as there is a bypass around it now.
Kathy
MySubmarineIsYellow 3 years ago
Short question: What do you have to do to qualify for the Tevis Cup?
lemonlovinggirl 3 years ago
Where a helmet the horse would feel bad if you got hurt.
Wowweefilms 3 years ago
Thanks so much for posting this video! I have a friend who plans to ride this in 2009, so she is in training now. I have NO doubt that her Walking Horse will take her to the finish line. I just worry about her! ;) I plan to help her out and be her groom, so I had to see what the infamous rocks entails, too!
But seriously, this video really helped her understand what she's going up against, and now she's more excited than ever! So thank you for the motivation!
katphoti 3 years ago
Wow! What a climb! I can assure you I'll never do that to my horse but I don't want to knock those who do in any way! These horses are all well trained athletes at the top of their game and lesser horses couldn't do Cougar Rock.
Thanks for the footage though as living in Australia I've heard of the Tevis but just couldn't imagine "the rock" so thanks for showing me.
shannmc01 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
how fucking stupid sick great why to get killed or breack a leg
milliesos 4 years ago
spell much?
ariemay 3 years ago
wow the majority of these riders are not getting off their horses backs!! poor ponies..
Eclipsesfury 4 years ago
they are trained for this, and the hole track looks abit like this, so why should they?
boon3r 4 years ago
to save there horses back? why on earth wouldn't you get off their backs on a hill? These horses have to carry you miles and miles to prevent injury get off their backs. When I did distance riding I had the chance to see the result of riders not getting off their horses backs. Ever since I was little I always did going up hills, a couple of people who I rode with didn't and in the end they had a horse with a sore back that couldn't compete the rest of the season.
Eclipsesfury 4 years ago
I think I misunderstood your comment, Yes, it is important to get your weight up off the horse's loins as they climb. This hill is so steep though, and the lounging of the horse throws the riders back down sometimes. Very few riders can remain up long enough to negotiate this rock. It's nice to see when it's done right though.
Cheers
MySubmarineIsYellow 3 years ago 2
Cougar Rock is the most famous part of the Tevis ride. There is a photographer standing right there and many of these riders wouldn't miss that climb for anything. Not to mention it is very dangerous to lead a horse on terrain like this. The horse wouldn't be able to get up under themselves and move out like they need to with a slow moving human in front of them. The rider would likely get run over or left behind. . .
EquineWoman 4 years ago
Have you guys ever looked at a distance horse not undersaddle? their backs aren't always in the greatest of shape.. For me I did dressage work to even it out so my horse had a strong topline to prevent back problems.
how would you like to piggy back someone up a hill and have them not lean forward with you?
Eclipsesfury 4 years ago
I have 2 horses in my stable who i ride endurance with, non of thier backs looks like you describe, one of them as a strait back, ans his muscels is higher then his spine. my other horse is not like that, he have always had a problem working his back, and the best way to do so is dressage and climb hills, I use mostly dressage, and we can do all movements in dressage.
boon3r 4 years ago
I did distance as well and made sure I did dressage work on the side. Dressage dressage dressage in order to keep a strong top line and hind end. A lot of distance riders like yourself do not do dressage work therefor there horses backs are in poor condition
Eclipsesfury 4 years ago
like myself? my horse and I can do all movements in dressage, I do not know the name ofta the movements in english, but i can assure you than my horse is one of the most muscled endurance horse you will se, my trainer thought he was a quarter horse if she just had looked at his as!
boon3r 4 years ago
OOPS my bad thats a typo.. I ment to say a lot of distance riders UNLIKE yourself do not to dressage. Sorry about that.
Eclipsesfury 4 years ago
thats OK, if you whant you can look at my video of my mare, she is just 3 years old and it is the sixth time she is ridden, do you think she will be a good endurence horse? on the other video is the first time we canter!
boon3r 4 years ago
It doesn't require dressage to keep a horse's back in good form, but good position of horse and rider. There are many ways to achieve that, dressage is your way, not the only way.
Cheers!
MySubmarineIsYellow 3 years ago
to save there horses back? why on earth wouldn't you get off their backs on a hill? These horses have to carry you miles and miles to prevent injury get off their backs. When I did distance riding I had the chance to see the result of riders not getting off their horses backs. Ever since I was little I always did going up hills, a couple of people who I rode with didn't and in the end they had a horse with a sore back that couldn't compete the rest of the season
Eclipsesfury 4 years ago
It's been my observation that sore backs on horses are usually the result of either poor fitting saddle, inadequate pad and/or unbalanced and heavy riding, not due to staying in the saddle. I know horses near 20 of age, ridden for 15 years in endurance, always, "ridden" and still with good strong backs. I have 2 of them.
MySubmarineIsYellow 3 years ago
I want to ride Tevis someday - thanks for posting this so people like myself can see what parts of the trail are like.
starfroggie 4 years ago
..i wouldnt bring my horses on this! i would be scared they would get hurt or i would get seriuosly hurt...kudos to those brave horses and riders!
horsechick890 4 years ago
That doesn't look enjoyable to me! I hate to see me horses stumbling, although I do baby my horses lol But still, looks dangurous. That bay looked like he was having a little trouble (3:52) but that buckskin did great!!! (4:21)
Giusep00 4 years ago
Jakers. Just. Wow. Damn. I can't imagine having my horse spinning around so high up.
Kudos to the riders and especially their horsies!
kaisenji 4 years ago
why is it that only arabians are used for this?
alyssaloveanselmi494 4 years ago
Because arabs recover the faster and they'r strenght lasts longer':)
Polyps89 4 years ago 2
As I watch this it becomes very clear why some horses don't finish the whole 100 miles.
PommeFrit 4 years ago
Wow! Look at all those good horses and brave riders! Like they say: "To finish is to win!" :-)
juanaterrazas 4 years ago
I'm a Tevis and My family here in california does not ride horse but my Great grandfather did
pepsidragon24 4 years ago
What do you mean you ar a Tevis? Are you related to Will Tevis?
Potato
PommeFrit 4 years ago
This brought back great memories and made me sweat just watching it. Reminds me of sitting on the crest before the approach, watching riders get in trouble and hoping it wouldn't freak my horse. ( They watch too!)
Chawse8 4 years ago
I love how that one buckskin just zipped up there smooth as silk.
merlinsmomtwh 4 years ago
I didn't see a buckskin what time was it at>
Polpolker 4 years ago
I am sorry I was not clear. Tevis starts are done in groups, and cougar rock is near the beginning. I was wondering which starting group you were showing.
bjjohns 4 years ago
The video shows all the riders that choose to go over the rock. It's not mandatory, other riders took the bypass trail.
fshalot 4 years ago
Which group was this?
bjjohns 4 years ago
For more info, see Wikipedia
enDOTwikipediaDOTorg/wiki/Tevis_Cup
fshalot 4 years ago
Quite a few of these riders are wearing helmets! Todays head protection is light weight, comfortable and almost unnoticable. Of course there will always be plenty of people who would rather dent their head than mess up their hair!
moviebrain456 4 years ago
Agreed. Smarter folks are wearing helmets. No way I would go on this w/o one.
kaisenji 4 years ago 2
(again, without typos) If ever there is a time when helmets should be required....lol...
tracerace66 4 years ago
If ever there i a time when helmets should be rewuired........ll....where were the helmets?
tracerace66 4 years ago
Holy crap. A 10 ft mild-grade hill on a trail ride is enough for me please!
welkin007 4 years ago
Okay............that was enough for me! LOLOL Call me chicken. HA!
sindyCA 4 years ago
AWESOME!
azequine 4 years ago
Wow!!!
pixiehorse 4 years ago