EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. — Horse-and-rider teams once again crossed the Sierra Nevada on Saturday as the 70th annual Tevis Cup challenged competitors to complete one of the world’s most demanding one-day equestrian endurance rides.
Known officially as the Western States Trail Ride, the Tevis Cup covers approximately 100 miles from the Lake Tahoe region to Auburn, traversing much of El Dorado County before descending into Placer County. Established in 1955, the event has earned an international reputation as the premier test of endurance horsemanship and has become one of Northern California’s signature outdoor sporting traditions.
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The 2026 edition marked the ride’s 70th anniversary, drawing riders from across the United States and abroad to tackle rugged mountain trails, high-elevation granite terrain and the steep canyons leading toward the American River. Throughout the day, competitors navigated challenging landmarks familiar to endurance riders, including sections of the historic Western States Trail that have served travelers for generations.
For El Dorado County residents, the Tevis Cup is more than a sporting event. The annual ride brings hundreds of riders, veterinarians, volunteers, support crews and spectators into communities along the route, generating activity for local businesses while showcasing the county’s backcountry landscape.
Mandatory veterinary inspections remained central to the event. Horses were evaluated repeatedly throughout the ride to ensure they were fit to continue, with veterinary officials empowered to remove any horse showing signs of fatigue or distress. The emphasis on equine welfare has long distinguished the Tevis Cup from many other endurance competitions.
“The Tevis Cup is the original modern endurance ride: One rider, one horse, 100 miles, in one day,” the Western States Trail Foundation states in describing the event’s enduring legacy.
The anniversary ride also highlighted the importance of preserving the historic Western States Trail, portions of which pass through the Eldorado National Forest and some of the Sierra’s most environmentally sensitive terrain. Organizers say stewardship of the trail remains one of the foundation’s core missions alongside promoting endurance riding and supporting equine research.
Although only a portion of the route lies within El Dorado County, many of the ride’s most recognizable and physically demanding sections occur there. Riders descend from the high country through remote mountain terrain before eventually reaching the American River canyon, where heat, elevation changes and technical footing often determine whether competitors can finish.
The Tevis Cup has influenced endurance sports well beyond equestrian competition. Its challenging course inspired the creation of the Western States Endurance Run, now one of the world’s most prestigious 100-mile ultramarathons.
As of publication, official final results from the 2026 ride were expected to be posted by the Western States Trail Foundation following verification of all finishers and veterinary records. Residents can monitor official results and ride information through the Tevis Cup website as they become available.
