Tevis Cup - race or ride?

I first covered the Western States Endurance Ride in 2000 and really had no idea of what the event was about or why on earth anyone would ride 100 miles in the heat of the summer across a trail as gnarly as the Western States.I also remember asking a participant a question and referring to the event as a "race." I was not so subtly reminded that Tevis Cup is a "ride," and that awkward exchange pops into my head every July when the event rolls around.Isn't the Tevis Cup trophy awarded to the rider and horse who cross the finish line at the Auburn Dam Overlook first? Isn't there a clock running from the starting gun at Robie Park? Don't these factors make it a sporting competition - dare I say, a race?In 2004, I was at No Hands Bridge when Jeremy Reynolds galloped across in the dark with a very slim lead over Becky Spencer. I expected a thrilling scene at the finish line as these two riders battled for the lead over the final couple of miles. In a gracious act by both riders, Spencer and Reynolds agreed to cross the finish line hand-in-hand, signifying a tie. I can certainly appreciate the respect and care taken for the horses and understand that Tevis will never be an all-out gallop to the finish, a la the Kentucky Derby.But I have to admit, I was disappointed last year to not have a lone champion after 100 miles and 18 hours on the trail.The Tevis Cup organizers apparently had similar feelings. They changed the rule for this year's event, disallowing ties.I spent some time this week picking the brains of some Tevis Cup veterans and folks who are intimately familiar with the event, in an effort to confirm or deny the race theory.Loomis resident Marcia Smith has had her name etched in the Tevis Cup three times. She was unable to ride this year, but Smith said the competitive aspect of the race is unique."Some people do Tevis to finish, some do Tevis to race," Smith said. "When I have a horse that's competitive, I do Tevis to race. It depends on what your individual goals are out there. There are people out there that are competitive and want to race."Most of the riders set goals for the race and try to manage their time between checkpoints as best they can, meaning the other competitors are somewhat irrelevant."I try to ignore entirely the other riders," said Chuck Mather, who helped organize this year's ride and has five Tevis finishes to his name. "My strategy is purely competitive within myself. I know what I want to accomplish."Wendell Robie, the founder of the ride, was the first to cross the finish line in the first four years of the event beginning in 1955, though the Lloyd Tevis Cup was not awarded until 1959. Robie also won a Haggin Cup, as his horse was recognized as the healthiest equine in the top 10 at the finish line in 1965.While there's clearly a competitive aspect to the Tevis Cup, the health of the horses is a priority. The dedicated veterinarians are extremely cautious with the animals and the Tevis Cup rules clearly state that irresponsible horsemanship is not tolerated. The "race" aspect of the event is unique in that there are so many variables involved. But that's what makes Tevis Cup so interesting.I think Mather summed up the feelings of hundreds of riders, especially the ones from this area, as to why they hold the Tevis in such high regard."I just love that trail. It's my sanctuary in the world," said Mather, who also finished the Western States Endurance Run in the 1980s. "When I got involved in horses in the early 1990s that trail kind of became my home. I love horses, I love being on the trail, I suppose I love to compete - you put it all together and there it is, the Tevis Cup Ride." qqqTodd Mordhorst's column runs Sundays. To reach him use the contact information at the top of page D1.