Head Tevis Cup veterinarian Greg Fellers, DVM, will implement a new post-ride vet check this year. His check will be conducted within two hours after horses complete the 100-mile ride from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, Calif.

“What I am looking for in this new check is a continually falling heart rate. This check should find heart rates in the 44, 46, 48 beats per minute range,” Fellers explained.

The horses will still have to pass a vet check within 30 minutes of crossing the finish line, requiring a heart rate of no more than 68 beats per minute.

The American Endurance Ride Conference grants completion status only to those horses that finish sound and meet pulse criteria. This additional post-ride check will not change completion status–it was added only to protect horses and make sure they are continuing to recover from the event