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Tevis Cup Ride Director Search for 2027 and Beyond
March 18 2026
The Western States Trail Foundation (WSTF) is conducting an international search to identify a new Ride Director for the Tevis Cup, beginning with the 2027 Ride.
Preferred qualifications include leadership experience, equestrian experience, and proximity to our ride venue in Northern California. Experience managing a backcountry endurance event with international exposure and publicity is a definite plus.
Your leadership support includes an experienced ride committee, experienced ride volunteers, and a well-documented process for conducting the annual ride. The Tevis Cup Ride receives strong financial support from the WSTF Board and a compensation package is available.
The WSTF is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
https://teviscup.org/
Please direct all inquiries to our WSTF president at wittenauer.jerry@gmail.com
US Equestrian Names Jeffrey Stuart as Chef d’Equipe of the U.S. Endurance Team
USEF.org
by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 3/2/2026
Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Stuart as the U.S. Endurance Team Chef d’Equipe for the 2026 competition year. Mr. Stuart will lead the program through the remainder of the 2026 season, culminating with preparation for the 2026 FEI Endurance World Championship in Al Ula on November 28, 2026.
"I am so excited and grateful to be part of this team.” Mr. Stuart said, “The organization, horse owners, riders, vets, support/crews, and everyone involved have the best opportunity we’ve had to do great things in Alula Saudia Arabia this coming November. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and working with U.S. Endurance”
Mr. Stuart brings more than two decades of experience in endurance sport and a distinguished career in military leadership to the role. He began his involvement in endurance in 1999 and has since served the discipline in multiple capacities, including 11 years as a national endurance ride manager and as crew at several recent FEI Championships. Over the years, he had trained Endurance horses, including FEI Level, and worked closely with athletes competing at the highest levels of the sport.
In addition to his equestrian background, Mr. Stuart served in the United States military from 1976 to 2011, holding multiple leadership roles including Commander, Director, and Chief of Staff. His extensive experience guiding teams in high-pressure environments has shaped his philosophy on preparation, accountability, and collective success. He has frequently been invited to speak on teamwork, resilience, and the importance of being a critical member of a unified team — principles he intends to carry forward with the U.S. Endurance Team.
In his role as Chef d’Equipe, Stuart will oversee team coordination, preparation, and strategy for the 2026 FEI Endurance World Championship with the help of team veterinarian, Dr. Olivia Rudolphi and Team Leader, Nicole Zerbee. His combined experience in endurance sport and high-level organizational leadership positions will support the U.S. Endurance Team for a focused and strategic path toward international success.
More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-names-jeffrey-stuart-as-chef
Meet Vera Valdivia‑Abdallah, assistant principal
CDCR.Ca.gov - Full Article
Valdivia-Abdallah builds endurance in education and beyond
February 19, 2026
At California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC), Vera Valdivia-Abdallah brings the same perseverance to her role in education that carries her and her horse hundreds of miles across the country as a competitive endurance rider.
Valdivia-Abdallah oversees the ABE and GED education programs, as well as the college program at LAC as supervisor of Academic Instruction (Assistant Principal) at New Horizon Adult School.
She provides mentorship and support to teachers on two of the institution’s four yards. Her work centers on rehabilitation through education, with a focus on helping incarcerated individuals leave custody prepared for employment and long-term success.
“When someone is released, the goal is that they aren’t just free, but employable and prepared,” she said.
Valdivia-Abdallah joined CDCR nearly four years ago as a teacher and now brings a student-centered approach to her leadership role. She works closely with educators and students to maintain consistent, meaningful academic programming in a challenging correctional environment.
“Success in education takes time,” she said. “It requires patience, adaptability and commitment.”
That philosophy extends well beyond the classroom.
Endurance riding tests limits
Outside of work, Valdivia-Abdallah competes in endurance riding, a long-distance equestrian sport that challenges horse and rider teams to complete rides ranging from 25 to 100 miles in a single day. Courses often span unfamiliar terrain and changing weather conditions, with veterinary checkpoints built in to ensure horse welfare remains the top priority...
Read more here:
https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/insidecdcr/2026/02/19/meet-vera-valdivia-abdallah-assistant-principal/
Ralph "Buddy" Gleason Jr. 1943-2026
Legacy.com
Ralph Gleason Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sullivan-King Mortuary & Crematory - Anderson on Feb. 11, 2026.
Ralph Newton "Buddy" Gleason Jr., 82, of Townville, passed away peacefully on Feb. 9, 2026, following several years of declining health.
Buddy was born to Ralph N. Gleason Sr. and Marjorie Little Gleason on Oct. 14, 1943, in Salem, Oregon. He was a graduate of Carson Newman College and earned a masters degree from East Tennessee State University.
He served in the U.S. Army for three years where he was assigned to military intelligence and spent most of his time in Heidelberg, Germany. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 8, 1972.
Buddy worked as a counselor for the Alston Wilkes Society in Anderson for many years. He had a love for animals and his passion was horseback riding with his many friends. He participated in many endurance riding events and was recognized with several awards by the American Endurance Ride Conference. Buddy was very patriotic and loved his country. He always looked forward to the annual Gleason family reunions in Townville and oversaw the reunion for many years.
Buddy and his family had the opportunity to visit and live in many places across the world while his father worked for the U.S. State Department.
He was predeceased by his parents and is survived by his siblings, Delno Rex Gleason (Cindy) of Mooresville, N.C.; Charles Stanley Gleason (Sonny) of Marietta, G.A.; Edward Dean Gleason (Kathryn) of Anderson, S.C.; Cindy Gleason Rush (Jeff) of Duncan S.C. He has several nieces and nephews.
Further arrangements will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alston Wilkes Society (www.alstonwilkessociety.org), the American Endurance Ride Conference (www.aerc.org) or a charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.