Five Verde Valley School students and two instructors won the 35 mile Springdale Romp Pioneer Endurance Race in Safford, Arizona, on Saturday, February 4.
Said one of the competitors, “it was an amazing feeling to cross that finish line together in first place.”
Endurance racing is new to me, but VVS has been involved in the sport for some time, consistently finishing high while often competing against adult competition on the AERC Endurance Circuit.
The horses health is paramount in the event.
“Endurance racing is not only about riding fast, it’s about riding smart and with your horse’s health at the forefront,” explains VVS Equestrian Director Caroline Diehl.(VVS)
Believing and practicing a more team oriented view of the sport, VVS riders work together in sport that is traditionally an individual competition. Six VVS horses crossed the finish line simultaneously to secure the win.
“Although endurance racing is an individual sport, VVS chooses to ride as a team and it takes everyone working together to make it happen,” says another VVS student.
