THIS WEEK'S FEATURED STORIES
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Sandra Spalding, 1957-2026
LostCoastOutpost.com
Saturday, May 2
Sandra Spalding
Sept. 18, 1957 - April 28, 2026
Sandra was an animal lover, equestrian, volunteer, good friend to many, sister, wife, adventurer and life-long liberal who cared deeply for others in society, especially those less fortunate and in need of help or support.
Sandra fought unbelievably hard against a rare and painful cancer every day for the past 10 years with strength and dignity but finally lost her battle on April 28. I don’t know of anyone else who could have fought SO hard for so long facing such pain and still had a strong will to live while always caring and fighting for others; in her NET support groups, for the No Kings movement, helping homeless people she didn’t know, volunteering and donating at local animal shelter/rescues and assisting anyone else who needed help with anything she was able to do until the very end.
Sandra loved her dogs, cats and horses. For Sandra, endurance and trail riding and loving our dogs and cats was her higher power. Sandra rode horses for 6 decades and was an active and loved member in REER & AERC. She completed thousands of miles in sanctioned endurance rides many thousands of miles riding on the trails in McKinleyville, Cuneo Creek, Orick and Clam Beach as a few of her favorite riding spots. Sandra also dabbled with dressage but her real love was endurance and trail riding.
For Sandra, her love of dogs was as deep as her love for me (her husband). In the 35 years we were together and married we had four generations of dogs, 13 total, and loved them all as spoiled family members. From Buck to Wally to Cha Cha, there is nothing she wouldn’t do for the dogs. She volunteered for several animal rescues including thousands of hours walking and bathing dogs at the Humboldt County Animal Shelter. While Sandra LOVED Labs and Goldens there was always a special dog at the shelter that especially touched her heart, typically a pit mix, and she always worked extra hard to help find that perfect forever home for that special one. Sandra helped place MANY dozens of dogs to their forever homes over the years and then always found more love for another stray that especially touched her heart.
For the past decade or more Sandra found a strong connection to some very lucky cats that she rescued. She was partial to orange cats and her favorite was Rocky, a very special friend who was in her arms when she passed. Rocky followed Sandra everywhere, they had a very special connection to each other and both were lucky to have found each other thanks to the help of Patty at the animal shelter.
Sandra was extremely adventurous had a deep passion for life. For example, we spent many winters in Tahoe and Sunriver. When the weather got extreme, Sandra always liked to go for a drive in a white-out blizzard with 100 m.p.h. winds and zero visibility “just to see if we could make it back!” We always did but had some pretty sketchy moments more than a few times. That was Sandra.
Sandra was grateful that for many years we got more than 20 days on the slopes each season. In her 30s Sandra quickly went from a beginning skier to expert by natural athletic ability and a stubbornness to succeed, regardless of the number of times she fell or extent of the bruises those hundreds of falls caused. After finally conquering all the expert runs on skis, in her 40s, Sandra decided snowboarding looked more playful so gave up her skis and started over as a beginning snowboarder. Again, after many hundreds of falls and head-to-toe bruising that first week, she taught herself to become an expert snowboarder in a relatively short period. No slope was too steep or had moguls too big for her to attempt and ALWAYS conquered. Her motto on the slopes, as with horses and life was always “It’s no fun if you don’t challenge yourself!”
Sandra was a true friend and would do anything to help others, especially friends. She had too many friends to mention and this was evident by the almost constant stream of visitors we had when she started Hospice. Many came over and helped around the house and with the horses when she couldn’t do things she wanted to do. We want to especially thank Audrey, Donna, Janet, Kevin, Valerie, Cindy, Tracy, Julie, Debbie and everyone else who helped us when we really needed help.
Sandra’s sister in Hawaii, Kathy, always had an open invitation for Sandra to visit and was always a giving and gracious host. Sister Barbara was supportive to us and came up here for a time and helped caretake Sandra when she was very sick in 2017. We are grateful for Barbara’s help with the Stanford surgery and aftercare and she was instrumental in helping us when we needed it. Her sister Susan and brother John were able to visit from far away before Sandra left us. Sandra was SO grateful to have seen them and for their help, especially towards the end when we REALLY needed it. Susan and John’s help and support meant SO much to both of us and helped give Sandra some peace of mind at the end and we are both so grateful to have them in our lives.
We want to thank everyone at Providence Oncology, Hospice of Humboldt, especially Krystal & Sara and Dr. Michael Fratkin, our palliative care doctor. While Michael wasn’t her doctor for very long, we developed a close connection to him and his wisdom, guidance and support towards the end. We are both SO grateful that he crossed our path at the perfect time when we needed his knowledge, kindness and caring most. Michael is the most caring person (not just physician) we have ever met and are grateful beyond words for him coming into our lives when we truly needed him most.
We were together for 35 years and she’ll be missed more than I know words for. While I cry everyday for my sadness, loss and loneliness I know we all must pass and am happy she is finally again pain-free. We had each other for most of a lifetime and for that we were both grateful.
In lieu of flowers please be kind to someone and/or adopt/volunteer for an animal in need. Remember, adoption is the best option.
Please join us for a celebration of life on Saturday, May 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1556 Tantara Ln., McKinleyville. If inclement weather, will be moved to the Dows Prairie Grange. Please dress casually.
2026 Caballo Sin Nombre - Tami Rougeau
April 22 2026
By Tami Rougeau
Team Red hit the road last week for New Mexico and the Caballo Sin Nombre ride near Aztec New Mexico. This was an XP Ride hosted by Annie and the Duck. It was Makena's weekend this time since Penelope had done Cuyama, With the weather in Reno becoming more like winter we were more than ready to head out to warmer climates,
On Monday life seemed to just take over and I was still recovering from the gnat attack at Derby the previous weekend so we did not leave until early Tuesday. Since we like to arrive a day early to give the girls a day to rest and recover we were going to have to suck it up and make it in 2 days. Turns out it was not that bad. We overnighted in Hinkley on Tuesday. They have really done some good work on the rodeo area and it is a nice quiet, clean area to overnight.
We arrived in camp on Wednesday evening well before dark and got ourselves all set up. We got to park next to our friend Julie Figg and do a little catching up. Julie had been there for a couple of days marking trail for the ride. On Thursday we did a little ride and Julie showed me some of the area. It was so nice to get a small preview. Makena was totally full of herself and ready to go...ugh fit horses LOL. When we got back our friend Kerry Redente arrived with Val. Always a great time to share camp with them. Both girls really like Val and the feeling is mutual.
Thursday night we had a nice ride meeting, downloaded our GPS tracks for the next day and made sure our map and vet card were in the saddle for the next day. The nice thing about getting in a day early is that we have time to set everything up for the three days. This makes every day very easy and all I have to do each day is put away what was used making clean up easy on the last day.
Friday we started out with Julie for the first few miles but Makena was just too much so we broke off and did our own thing. The trails are amazing here. They are so perfect with little to no rocks. There is plenty of slick rock but if you know how to cross it is not a problem. Makena marched out this trail like she knew it and we picked off several riders throughout the day. This days trails were mostly single track with just enough road mixed in to keep things interesting. We love technical single track that makes you and the horse really think about what you are doing and where to ribbons are. We had so much fun!!! All of that fun meant that I had to be on my game and although I really enjoyed the scenery I have very little opportunity for photos today. We cruised in easily achieving a top ten placing for the day. We finished with plenty of time to clean up and get ready for the next day.
Saturday Makena and I started out a couple of minutes behind everyone else. I was hoping for a slightly more relaxed day where I could actually take a few photos.
Makena had other plans and as as the miles went by we passed one rider after another. Did I mention how amazing the footing is here? How about the wildflowers? The Indian Paintbrush was getting started and oh boy is it the most vibrant scarlet red I have ever seen. It seems like everything was just starting to open up. Once we had passed several others Makena finally settled down to a steady roar and I was at least able to grab a few photos. I really wanted to video the single tracks but every time we hit these fun trails she just got the zoomies and off we went. We spent the day by ourselves again. It was fun to be on our own but we sure missed our riding buddies. Once again we cruised in to another top ten finish and she had so much left in the tank.
Day three is always hard as the tired sets in and you really just want to stay in bed and enjoy a nice cup of tea - the reward tomorrow for digging in today. I was actually up early and ready to go early too so figured we might as well go out with the group and see how that worked out. Within a mile we were on our own cruising down these amazing trails and enjoying the absolute beauty of the area. I have to say that being able to enjoy these remote historic areas with Makena reinforced just how blessed we are that there are still people out there willing to do the work to put on these rides.
Sunday The Duck played a bad joke on us and had us come back through camp off loop 1 onto loop 3. By about 20ish miles we were caught by Kayti Curtis and a very nice new rider named Michelle. Makena finally decided that she was ready for a friend and Nono was the chosen one. We had a good laugh reminding each other that is was Day 3/Loop 1....Day 3 Loop 3....Day 3 Loop 2. It kept us on our toes paying attention to the pie plates and GPS. Nono and Makena went really well together taking turns leading on the single tracks and side by side on the roads. In no time we were cruising in to camp for another top ten finish. Makena still had energy to spare and looked great. I am so proud of this little spitfire.
We had the best three days with the best footing, views, wildflowers, water, trail marking and the best ride camp vibe. It is always fun to ride with new people and hang out with friends. We got all cleaned up and settled for the evening while most of the riders packed up and headed out. It made for a small final awards meeting but for the 8 of us there it was the most fun. We all had dinner together and enjoyed loads of story telling.
This is when the icing hit the cake on an amazing weekend. Makena earned Fastest Overall Time for the three days and tied for Overall Best Condition with Phyllis Bartholomew who has been at this multi day event gig for a long time and her horse always looks so amazing. What an honor to share this coveted award with someone that I admire. Phyllis and her husband Otis actually spent a lot of time in the area and located many more miles of single track so that we had hardly any roads. When it comes to XP rides everyone pitches in somehow to make the weekend great for everyone. My only regret was not getting enough photos....
On Monday we packed up and headed to Durango to stay with my friend Julie Figg at her amazingly beautiful place. The girls got to be turned out in a huge pasture which was just the best for them. Hanging out with Julie again was great fun and very relaxing. Before we knew it Wednesday arrived and we had to pack up for the next adventure.
Stay tuned for Team Red Adventure 5 2026!!!!
Great Britain: Jo Chisholm Appointed England Chef d’Equipe Ahead of 2026 Home International
March 31 2026
Endurance GB has announced the appointment of Jo Chisholm as Chef d’Equipe for the England Squad ahead of the 2026 Home International, which will take place in Scotland on 5–6th September.
With a lifelong involvement in endurance riding spanning more than four decades, Chisholm brings extensive competitive and team experience to the role. Having started in the sport in 1989, she has amassed over 17,000km of competition mileage and completed eight 160km rides, alongside representing England as a rider at Home International level.
“I am very honoured to be appointed HI Chef,” said Chisholm. “This gives me another opportunity to give more back to the sport I love using all my experiences, and I hope to do my country and team proud.”
Chisholm is perhaps best known for her long-standing partnership with Grey Medlar, with whom she achieved multiple top results, including success at the Golden Horseshoe Ride and a BERA National Championship title in 2002.
Reflecting on her experience at the highest levels of the sport, she added: “Endurance riding involves the combination of athleticism and the ability to manage your pace over varying terrain and distances, whilst keeping your horse’s welfare as your top priority.”
In addition to her competitive career, Chisholm has previously held team management roles, including working with Young Riders and supporting squad leadership. Her appointment as Chef d’Equipe marks a return to a key leadership position within the England set-up.
“I wanted to make sure I could give 100% to the role,” she explained. “I’m looking forward to working with members of the England Squad—both familiar faces and new combinations—and supporting them to achieve their goals.”
The Home International is an annual fixture in the endurance calendar, bringing together teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Combining competition with a strong sense of camaraderie, it is widely recognised as a key development opportunity for riders progressing through the sport.
Chisholm believes the event plays an important role in building both performance and team culture.
“Team spirit is very important in endurance,” she said. “When the going gets tough, the team will rally behind a rider and provide the motivation needed to finish. That sense of support is invaluable.”
Looking ahead to the 2026 event, Chisholm’s focus is on creating a cohesive and supportive team environment.
“My priority is to get the best out of all our team members and to support each other with a real feeling of cooperation and encouragement,” she said. “A successful Home International is one where every rider achieves their aims to the best of their ability, alongside their horse.”
She also highlighted the accessibility of the Home International format, which enables riders at a range of levels to represent their country.
“Even our Elite riders started somewhere,” she said. “The Home International allows riders to experience being part of a squad and take that next step in their endurance journey.”
Chisholm’s appointment comes as Endurance GB continues to strengthen its pathway for riders, with the Home International serving as a stepping stone towards future international competition.
Encouraging riders to put themselves forward for selection, she added: “Go for it—you will receive support from the squad management to help you take that next step.”
‘A bond like no other’: farewell to horse Dilmun who represented Britain and completed extraordinary feats
HorseAndHound.co.uk - Full Article
Eleanor Jones
22 March, 2026 17:52
The owner and rider of a horse who twice represented Britain and completed extraordinary feats of endurance has paid tribute to his character and their bond after his death aged 27.
Annie Joppe’s Arab Dilmun, with whom she contested the 2009 European Championships and 2014 World Equestrian Games (WEG), had spent a happy retirement with Annie, being pampered, loved and bossing the yard until the end.
“He was a star,” Annie told H&H.
But Annie nearly did not buy Dilmun at all; she said she first saw him advertised as a five-year-old, thought he looked good and went to see him.
“I went to try him, agreed to buy him and had the most terrible journey,” she said. “He wouldn’t load, it was awful, so he went back as I’d only had him on trial.
“Then, a year later, a friend of mine said ‘I’ve got this horse for sale’ and it turned out to be him. It was quite freaky really; I didn’t know she’d bought him.”
Annie said natural horsemanship techniques helped Dilmun learn to load happily, and “after that, he was brilliant”...
Read more here:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/endurance/farewell-dilmun-annie-joppe-918978