Dawn bleached shadows off the Sierra's granite bones as horses in the Tevis Cup Ride trotted from the forest and into Squaw Valley. Once on an open cat road, they cantered, tails raised, manes flying, muscles rippling in sleek haunches, and romped uphill to High Camp.
Many wilderness miles away to the west awaited a finish line, in the foothill town of Auburn.
At 5:15 a.m. last Saturday, the 50th running of this planet's toughest and oldest endurance horse ride began at Robie Park, in mountains near Truckee. The event drew 244 top riders and horses from all over the United States, and even from the United Arab Emirates and Japan. In keeping with the tradition of this prestigious but tough event, slightly more than half would make it to the finish.
Read more: A Race that Endures
