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TEVIS
2005 |
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Ninth at Tevis 04 |
| My
experience at Tevis 2004 in 500 words or less: My wonderful Arabian mare, SMR Fifi d'Or (Cougars
Gold x Juenfille de Cailana) and I were ninth into
Auburn just after midnight on August 1st. We had a
wonderful ride, spending most of the day with our
training partners, Pam Bailie and her American Paint
Horse, Murphy, and Becky Spencer (eventual winner) on
her Arabian gelding, Oritos Sonny. |
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Me
on my Arabian
mare, SMR Fifi d'Or |
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Becky
Spencer |
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for this delightful little mare at this year's ride.
Note how alert she is at last year's -- as a matter
of fact, she nearly unseated me on our victory lap when
she spooked at white lines on the track! She'll be
available for autographs at Robie Park and again in
Auburn following the ride. To all of you out there
who are going to do Tevis either this year or in the
future, I have one bit of advice: Take good care
of your horse, and your horse will give his heart for
you. Happy Trails, and we'll see you in Auburn!!!
Cathy Rohm-Richardson and Fifi. ® |
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three of us rode the entire ride as though it were one
long training ride. At each vet check, all three
horses vetted through like the true champions they are.
My main goals on this, my fourth Tevis start, were (1)
to finish, (2) have my horse look like a million bucks
at the end, and (3) get off the dreaded California
Street Loop before dark!! Fifi and I did manage to
outrace the dark, having it fall upon us at Francisco's,
the 86-mile mark. The river crossing was without a
doubt the most harrowing experience of the entire ride.
Swimming is not Fifi's longsuit, and we nearly fell
victim to the high and swift American River.
I came so close to coming off as she fought for purchase
on the slippery, rocky river bed that I could almost see
us being snatched out of the water somewhere around
Antioch. I held on tight, she fought the current,
found her footing, and it was clear sailing into Auburn. |
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Sharing
the Tevis Cup, Oritos Sonny and CV Eli (also the Haggin
Cup Winner) have a victory shooter. |
| Story by
Cathy Rohm |
| June 20,
2005 |
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