W: Mariposa Run for the Gold

The Mariposa “Run for the Gold” 2013

Dedicated to the memory of Richard Theodore

The Mariposa “Run for the Gold” Endurance Ride is back by popular demand and is dedicated to the memory of Richard Theodore who passed away August 27, 2010 after a short illness. “Rich” was born in Oakland, California on October 30, 1935 and moved to Mariposa in 1977 after riding the Mariposa “Run for the Gold” Endurance Ride in 1976. His family was responsible for the ride being held from 1998 until 2008.

Rich loved riding his horses and was active with the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), the Western States Trail Foundation (TEVIS), the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Posse, Mariposa Pioneer Wagon Train, Mariposa County 4-H, Mariposa Mountain Riders, California State Horsemen’s Association, and the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC).

The Mariposa “Run for the Gold” 25 or 50 mile endurance ride is calendared for June 1, 2013, in the AERC West Region of California and will be hosted by the Mariposa Mountain Riders. It is a picturesque ride that consists of trails and fire break roads along ranches and U.S. Forestry land heavy with growths of pine, cedar, oak trees and Manzanita in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains of Mariposa County. It has many panoramic views, some into Yosemite National Park. The trail on the 50 miler has been rerouted so it will not be quite as difficult as it has been in the past. Elevations vary from 3800 feet to 5000 feet.

Overnight camping from Friday May 31st to Sunday June 2nd will be on the Circle 9 Ranch, a historic working ranch in Jerseydale, about 10 miles northeast of the town of Mariposa. Salvador’s Mexican Restaurant will be catering the awards banquet on Saturday, June 1st. This function will close out the 25/50 mile ride with an awards presentation which will include 1st in each category, Top Ten, and Best Overall Condition. All competitors completing the 25 or 50 mile ride will receive a commemorative award and, of course, a delicious Mexican meal.Additional awards banquet tickets can be purchased for $15.00 each.

This event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend for the love of endurance riding, horses, and Rich Theodore.

For further information on the ride or entry forms, please go to the AERC website ride calendar or contact:

Becky Hackworth, Ride Manager Joanne Dietz, Assistant Ride Manager
Phone: 559-760-6036 Phone: 209-966-5567
Email: bechack@yahoo.com Email: jojimdi@sti.net

Jane Smith, Ride Secretary
Phone: 209-966-4003
Email: N/A