Jenni Smith and Stella, Tevis 2013

The start (5:15 AM) was dark and dusty, per the usual. Jenn and I were in Pen 1 (you have to qualify based on strong performances the 18 months prior) and we went out behind perhaps 30-40 riders. We were able to pass a few horses on our way to Squaw, but that was where we really were able to move up. The mares trotted up 95% of the climb to Watson's Monument. It was really impressive, they were like wind up toys. I asked a couple of hikers at the top of the monument how many horses has gone by and they said four or five. So we were in the top ten at that point. 

Granite Chief - a spectacularly beautiful but treacherous portion of the ride - was smooth and simple. Czoe led through the bogs and rocks along the tiny snaking trail as if she was channeling a mountain goat, Stella in her wake.  Three other riders drafted us most of the way through this section. The mares drank well at each water stop and we got through the first vet check at Red Star - a risky spot for Czoe who is more susceptible to cold and will start to shiver if she has to stand too long in it - without a hitch. We left there jut before 9:00 AM as the fifth and sixth horses. 

The mares were eager out of Red Star and we traveled fast into Robinson Flat (six miles further). Jenn was concerned about getting in ahead of the schedule we'd given our crew. We ended up only arriving about 10 minutes early (just after 9:30), but half of our crew and the majority of our equipment had been held up on the road in. We managed to cobble things together until they arrived and the vet check went smoothly. 

- See more at: Tevis 2013 - The Story