Oregon teen's historic Tevis Cup endurance race win on horse she found on Craigslist

Sanoma Blakely became the youngest woman to win the Tevis Cup, doing it on a horse she found for free online.
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[@kristinetrott5087]

You don't Only have to be a good rider, you have to have good horsemanship knowledge and practices. Your horse partner's care and health is essential to success. So great going young lady!

[@Polopony20.]

yep! you can come in first and still be eliminated at vet gate!

[@lesliejacobs3002]

You best be on an Arabian..if you want to place..top 20.

[@mariemcnamara5882]

It's a minefield out there.. my horse turned out to be a rig.. a lot of money later he became a much nicer horse and all is well.. He may have had some sedation that day, he rode and vetted so well.. I'll never know.. Excellent info, thank you.. you know your stuff..

[@palominogirl2732]

The narrator left out just how experienced the rider must be in conditioning that horse for such a grueling race. And the duo passed all of the vet checks along the way. Excellent!

[@wholeshebang1]

@doublewhopper67 - Jealous of a young woman who grew up around horses, rode before she could walk, trained her horse and herself over years to endure 14 hours in the saddle (thousands more in training) in challenging terrain & conditions, to *win* it? I'd say they are *partners* - they each work with and for each other, doing something they love. They are *elite athletes,* and a *winning team.*

[@roacherz]

Why don't stories like this that are actually heartwarming and meaningful get more recognition than the crap that's going on in our current world? I'm so glad that I stumbled across this video. It reminds me of national velvet and the pie

[@allisonvero2142]

We need an entire show full of stories like this. Heartwarming, encouraging stories. The Good News

[@egrogan6482]

EXCELLENT question! 4,000 thumbs up for you!

[@Starry_Night_Sky7455]

Seriously though ❤

[@larryg9137]

Well said! The same old negative crap get's old after a few hours.

[@ladyjade6446]

Good in the world is rare these days

[@trenae77]

This is the movie that has to be made!

[@vickyburton2434]

It is such an accomplishment for anyone to finish this race much less win it. Congratulations! Wow!

[@douglash.8862]

GOOD Job, "Pacing" Goober, on this long, LONG, Ride ! A very SMART young Lady on, ONE TOUGH Horse ! Congrats !!!

[@OldGuy555]

Just RIDING the course at a comfortable pace is something very few can do.

[@vickyburton2434]

@@OldGuy555 after years of conditioning long distance horses, I can whole heartedly agree with you! It is a lot of work for both human and equine.

[@gretchenchristophel1169]

Congratulations on winning the Equestrian equivalent of the Iditarod. It takes a lot of heart to run these endurance races. Beautiful story...you and Goober were meant to be together no doubt about it.

[@dcpack]

Compared to the Iditarod this is a cake walk.

[@gretchenchristophel1169]

@@dcpack Endurance races of all kinds challenge man and beast.

[@ericbest9562]

​@@dcpackcool, how many times have you done the Iditarod? Or completed an endurance race of any kind? Just think! From now until KZbin or your comment disappears people from around the world for years to come will see what you typed and be like ""WOW WHAT THIS DUDE POINTED OUT ABOUT COMPARING THIS TEEN GIRL AND THROW AWAY HORSE TO A BRED and TRAINED TEAM OF DOGS AND ENDURANCE ATHLETE IS NOTHING " your man!!!!

[@janinawaz4596]

More like an ultramarathon across varied terrain, but OK.

[@jeffd1919]

Dogs vs horse... kinda like comparing oranges to cactus fruit I've never stood on the runners of a sled. I have been 14-15 hours horseback riding for cows in the rocky mts. I'm certain such feats are quite grueling for all involved, man and beasts.

[@rocroc]

This IS a wonderful story. Thanks!!!!

[@bethmarsh9595]

I grew up with Arabians and know what incredible creatures they are! What a beautiful story of commitment, trust and perseverance. Congratulations to this inspiring duo! 💜

[@AshleyLebedev]

Same. Grew up with a 200 year old filly I got off Craigslist. They are INCREDIBLE horses. So loyal and spirited.

[@shawnanderson8699]

Arabians are amazing

[@na-ok7gv]

Arabians are sure footed horse. Mts. in Montana way to go. They are intoxicating to watch their style. Beautiful horse.

[@evaprokop6056]

​@@AshleyLebedev200 years old! Wow that's an old filly😅

[@iridefast1]

Arabians have a special bond. I miss having coffee with my horse every morning.

[@annjohnson8437]

What a cool story! To prepare herself and her horse for that grueling of a race is a true testament to her horsemanship! Arabians make fabulous endurance horses, and it looks like she came across a real gem of a horse. Congrats! ❤

[@sandranosocialism1780]

​@@marythomas1198 😂😂 you know nothing about horses

[@Angelaius]

Oh yes, the desert horsies

[@dakotalake9084]

Tears are rolling watching this beautiful video...... As a 3-time TEVIS finisher, I KNOW how much work and dedication goes into this amazing ride! You fully deserve this win, this dream come true 🥰🥰🥰

[@dakotalake9084]

@@user-sj7go9uy1e You are clueless.

[@tristamyers1910]

I hate that someone had to come on here and comment such a nasty, clueless comment. I watched a documentary on Tevis and they are so strict on horse and rider health! Btw, since you've done Tevis you clearly know! But what is that rock mountain called? The photo on her book?

[@issnake1109]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@user-sj7go9uy1e someone isn’t aware of the word horsemanship. If you can’t see that not everything in the world is bad and out to get everyone, then keep living under your rock. You know what else is a great way to harm and injure horses? Literally letting them eat too much, or not exercising them, or just about any number of things. Endurance riding is probably one of the few better equestrian branches because everyone takes the health of themselves and their horses so seriously, and the ones that don’t take it seriously never make it that far and have to give up or get better. Yeah, it’s tough. It’s supposed to be. But tough doesn’t immediately equate to abusive. Get a clue would you? Go advocate against something that actually routinely hurts the horses and gets them killed, like big lick and racing and certain jumps in cross country eventing and even saddle seat and barrel racing. Not everyone is out to hurt the horses. Some people just want to enjoy the ride

[@sanomablakeley690]

​@@tristamyers1910The mountain on the cover is called Cougar Rock😊

[@tristamyers1910]

@@sanomablakeley690 Thank you so much!! I was trying to explain this to my family and couldn't remember!!

[@l.b.603]

That horse is amazing! 14 hour endurance run. What a horse!

[@bobcaygeon6799]

What a team! A shout-out to all who supported this lovely person with a character-of-a-horse 🙂

[@lmmhanlon9758]

Winning was great , you also rescued a horse! Thank you for that, and congratulations to both of you!

[@MLOCharmer]

Awesome woman! Thank you for taking goober in and congratulations!

[@alliedavidson4175]

That's amazing. I used to ride endurance races, and fifty miles was about all I could do. I can't imagine 100, it takes willpower and strength and a great team of horse and rider. Congratulations!

[@jenniferrevilla5298]

What a story! Incredible achievement, not only saving Goober from a lifetime of future abuse to developing his full potential and your own so you both could shine. Amazing journey! Congratulations!

[@vernonfrance2974]

Anyone who would name a horse "Goober" is a goober herself. Goober means "a foolish person."

[@Groundedsquirrel]

Yes advertised for free on Craigs list he could have wound up anywhere!

[@Groundedsquirrel]

@@vernonfrance2974or a fond endearment like saying “you’re such a goofball” to someone you love who makes you laugh like no one else.

[@a.p.5429]

​@@vernonfrance2974nope, it means peanut in the south.

[@OnceAgainICantSleep]

“His owners were moving across the country and were looking to rehome him,” Blakeley explained. “He was well cared for. They were picky about who they gave him to; he wasn't a rescue horse. They had done extensive x-rays on him, and since he was still young and had grown so fast, he had OCD in his stifles. They felt they couldn’t sell him, as they weren’t sure if he would ever make a good sport horse.” A quote from one of her 2019 interviews. The horse was never abused...

[@chek6303]

Beautiful horse. Hard to believe someone gave him away.

[@rogersharondouthwaite5281]

It says how much the horse loves her. Without a great loving relationship between you and your horse, your horse will not sacrifice for you. When your horse knows it can unconditionally trust you, it will do anything you ask.

[@littlebrookreader949]

This is a wonderful, highly welcome bit of good news! CONGRATS TO RIDER, HORSE, AND FAMILY! WOW!

[@maxine7088]

I loved this story! It warmed my heart and made me smile. What a wonderful achievement for horse and rider.

[@barbrice721]

Goober is Beautiful. Inside and out. As are you. Your book will be read by kids and it will instill dreams. As a kid I read every horse book I could find. Congratulations. To you all. You have a great Family.

[@melaniemansfield3319]

Sounds like a wonderful feel good movie in the future 💗☺️🦋🍀I’d go to see it🌈

[@jesi3336]

Fell in love with horses at age 3....riding/showing/ teaching/training/judging for over 50 years...all I can say is...😮🐴🥰😁😅🐎❤️🐎😮😂🐎🥰❤️🙏

[@tjvirginia1319]

Congratulations Sonoma! You and Goober make an amazing team!

[@m.g.n4898]

Wow! Gutsy young woman and marvelous horse! Congrats to you both.

[@GolubLidia]

I love this story soooo much

[@marieelattar8247]

I hope you shared the news with the precious horse owners- what a beautiful story of a new life ❤

[@ItsMeHello555]

This made me cry. How wonderful for both you! ❤

[@judylee3589]

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G !!! Congratulations to the both of you!!!

[@CarolStJohn-ev9ry]

It's a huge accomplishment to win something like the Tevis Cup. Congratulations! (and I'll have to look for her book.)

[@a.p.5429]

Nope, not true.

[@seventhdayissabbath8747]

@@user-sj7go9uy1e What would you have a horse do? Just graze in the fields? Seems like this horse Goober would have suffered at the hands of any others than Sonoma and her family, they were able to calm down and train this horse and he looks pretty satisfied and happy to me. If you want to go after those that harm and injure horses, go after the "Big Lick" industry, go after those that sell horses into the slaughter pipeline, then maybe volunteer at a horse rescue organization, they are all over the country.

[@lisajensen1843]

What an uplifting story!

[@juliedobson3039]

Making my skin tingle …..how sweet a victory…..when the underdog comes through ❤️

[@ninakaiser2930]

Was I crying listening and watching. What an achievement for both of them! And what a humble woman. Her book must be captivating for sure with what she has experienced!

[@gaylemcmurdy2615]

Congratulations young lady!!

[@beverlyreiner-baillargeon6205]

YOU GO GIRL. US OLDER HORSE GIRLS LOVE YOUR RIDE AND YOUR WIN ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@marysinclair1214]

What a fantastic picture on the cover of her book. What a great story.

[@shotgunbettygaming]

I wonder if the previous owners know about his win. It'd be cool if they did. It's always nice to know you handed your animal to the right person.

[@maurettehanson3655]

Wonderful story!

[@maurettehanson3655]

@@user-sj7go9uy1e Been doing some research on you and apparently you are new in starting a channel. Are you even a real person?

[@Trainfor_Golden]

​@@user-sj7go9uy1eYou obviously don't know anything about horses 😂

[@vickie30]

Wonderful horse and great owner..Animals know they are loved...

[@anntrope491]

A girl, & her horse...with matching hearts...can move mountains. ..♡☆♡

[@lancemiller4647]

Impressive and proof that a person can succeed at anything if you're commited and never quit.

[@mellanieb2416]

Congratulations to you and your horse, and achieving a monumental dream. You can do anything, and are an inspiration to others. Mel Boone

[@chrisroper2731]

Congratulations to you and Goober. So happy for you both! ❤

[@maiden_america]

“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” What an awesome - feel good - story. 1:51 “Goober” 🏁🏆 Chasing Dreams

[@denisemicheldc]

What an inspiring story. Thanks for sharing! ❤

[@L96OZZ]

Makes me cry! ❤ what a team!

[@sheilagilleland4312]

Wow! What a journey and here you proved it’s not the amount of money but the amount of love and time it takes to be a winner!

[@cynthiamcgee4829]

What a wonderful accomplishment and yes the Tevis cup is very grueling and hard to win Congratulations🌹🐎💕

[@ceasewatercolorarts]

This needs to be a movie.

[@annasillanpaa1111]

Amazing!

[@charmainlovely4674]

So inspiring!

[@christinematton4125]

So glad you found that beautiful horse and he found you ❤️

[@14goldmedals]

What a wonderful story. When it comes to any competition, never underestimate *heart* Those two share an amazing bond and that horse Goober, would run through fire for her.

[@debragiannetti9755]

Great Cinderella story. A wonderful ending for a beautiful horse that could have fallen through the cracks on Craig’s list. They were meant for each other 🥰

[@maryBean1982]

I bet they make a movie about her and her horse and story 8 for one would watch it for sure ❤😊

[@lmajor7843]

What a story! Great reporting and thank you for sharing. I am buying that book!

[@cindaanderson8655]

I literally cannot comprehend what I just watched! Tears are rolling down my face in utter amazement! This young woman and her beautiful horse are beyond belief and I offer my humble congratulations on accomplishing the impossible! Bravo!!

[@egrogan6482]

I watched this video 30 minutes ago and am still crying! Such a beautiful story, both young woman and horse are absolutely amazing!

[@allgirrrlrider5395]

Whoa.... calm down

[@alh9477]

Congratulations to you... That goes to show you miracles do happen and come true.❤ God was shining on you that day! God bless you

[@patriciasmith3973]

Both impressive and inspiring! Congratulations!!

[@sheilamcinerney4291]

That’s beautiful what a great story. You are so brave and your horse is too. Wishing you all the best in the future.

[@carolluther1625]

Such a beautiful horse! I am glad Goober is yours because you are definitely a team!

[@LightsOn128]

Goober’s story brought tears to my eyes. A throwaway found home. Beautiful 😍

[@TheRaspberry82]

Very impressive! 😮 And a lovely story !!❤😊❤. Congratulations to you both 🎉❤🏇

[@annamariehewitt3173]

What a wonderful story!!

[@lyndacooke2819]

You go girl! Awesome job!! You both make the perfect team 😊

[@Jess-kz3zf]

The tears were flowing! they need to make a movie on this!

[@ridenacott]

Absolutly an awesome story !! Huge congrats !!

[@dianakrigelman6831]

What a wonderful story.

[@cvwhr]

Congratulations on all of it!!

[@HummingbirdHoller]

Beautiful!

[@lindaworsham3569]

Wow, what a story...made me cry in a good way ❤🎉😊

[@sarahdescoteaux1840]

Congratulations! That's an amazing accomplishment 👏

[@francineherron1940]

I love love love this story ❤️ congratulations on your win!! What a wonderful horse...so glad he ended up in the right hands and not a kill buyers!

[@wally2786]

I ride jumpers, but what you do is incredible!!!!! Intense!!

[@jimmyglasgow5047]

Fantastic story , o and by the way Congratulations on winning the Equestrian , and well done Goober

[@bluefenixalchemy7]

Very Inspiring! Thanks for sharing, shows Never give up on your dreams 🙏 congratulations 👍💯

[@dianaaskins3830]

This assuredly was not handed to you. This took a lot of work and character from you and Goober!

[@countrylifetales2700]

I cried watching this. The power of love, compassion, and teamwork, all rolled up into one horse, and one wonderful young lady. ❤

[@jamieking8712]

Awesome accomplishment!! 🎉congrats to you and your Bestie 🐎!!

[@theemmanuelswife]

A beautiful story. I used to ride Mounted Patrol in Wyoming as a volunteer. In 2002, my friend Aleta, the LEO for the Forest Service and I were involved in a rescue of two women lost in the Zirkel Wilderness of Colorado. It made global news, as it was the longest search on record resulting in live-finds. There is a nice article on it in the 2003 issue of Readers Digest; One Wrong Turn. There is nothing like the bond of horse and rider. It is the closest thing of feeling the true "oneness" while incarnate here on planet Earth. Bud (No Mas Tequila), my faithful friend and his companion Scarlet (Shadows Blue Scarlet); both Missouri Fox Trotter's are now retired and living as "lawn ornaments" on our homestead here in East TN. They are both aging very well at 28 years old and enjoying life immensely.

[@Miss449686]

Congratulations for winning at only 18 !! Looking forward to reading your book.

[@nednobody3253]

Congratulations on your dream. My Step sister caught the horse dream 60 + years ago In Cottage Grove Ore and has made a great life buying raising and training race horses.

[@autumn_nights392]

This story reminds me so much of this book called “Glory” by Lauren st John. It is about a girl that participates in an endurance race with a horse that was send to be slaughtered. The two began to bond during the race. It is a beautiful book that shows how the bond between human and horse is the most important thing. I really recommend it!

[@ElizabethGrindon]

Sounds like a good read! I just ordered a copy based on your recommendation from Alibris for a couple bucks.

[@larryg9137]

Thanks, I'll check this out...

[@LR-mh8hs]

The Glory...

[@ascricco987]

Awesome!!! Congratulations for you and Goober’s victory, you both worked hard to achieve the skills needed for a win like this!

[@fannywood9022]

What an amazing story of heart and endurance, you and Goober are big winners, God bless!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@kenwood9382]

Loved every second of this story.

[@kristiwetsel9531]

Absolutely love this , congrats!!!!

[@florwhiteman4971]

The horse did a great job ! Could have broken a leg on such rough terrain ❤congratulations to both 🎉

[@a.p.5429]

​@@user-sj7go9uy1e Just not true.

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@user-sj7go9uy1e Everybody is entitled to be stupid sometimes, but you're abusing the privilege. I'd refer to you as a dumbass, but you'd need three promotions to get to that level first.

[@giuseppe4909]

Well done young lady ! Congrats ! 👍

[@angelkotilainen]

Just bought her book, "Chasing Dreams: The True Story of the Youngest Female Tevis Cup Champion" for anyone who wants to paste it to find it. Can't wait to read! Love this story, so inspiring ♥ I hope it gets made in to a movie, I loved The Black Stallion as a child, but this is a race and a true story.

[@toneenorman2135]

You would enjoy “The 80$ champion”. True story of horse rescued from slaughter truck to become worlds greatest jumper!

[@mariaandharold]

very inspiring !! I am in awe of the accomplishment, of seeing the special gift in a horse everyone else had given up on. That's what I call true horsemanship.

[@ElizabethGrindon]

What a great story! I wish you'd do another one with her explaining exactly what it's like to be close to a horse. I'm too old and disabled to do it myself but have always wondered what horses are really like from the point of view of people who really love them and know them. Especially what you mean exactly when you say a horse has "heart" and how can you tell that.

[@egrogan6482]

From my own experience with horses and lots of other animals, I can tell you that when you meet that special horse, no other animal can compare to the close, sacred bond that is formed between the horse and his/her human. They become a part of your heart and stay there forever. I had a very special horse, who died 11 yrs ago and I still cry when I think about him. I miss him more than I can say. There's something about a horse when you have a bond with one, the 2 of your become one.

[@debbiewilley9428]

A relationship with a special horse is not unlike a relationship with a special dog, only you can climb on his back and ride him. They are intelligent creatures with tremendous hearts. And like most animals, you get out of them what you invest in time, attention, affection, care, training, and love. A horse is not just a pet but a whole lifestyle.

[@ElizabethGrindon]

@@egrogan6482 Thank you so much. You are lucky to have had that very special gift in your life.

[@ElizabethGrindon]

@@debbiewilley9428 Thank you so much for describing your experience with horses! You're so lucky to have them in your life!

[@ratherbwithhorses]

Please try to visit a stable if you can just have someone get ya out to touch a horse..... It can not be described.

[@na-ok7gv]

You go girl! Never change. So proud of you and your horse. KEEP IT GOING!!!

[@1105pitbull]

What a great story! Congratulations for sure. I was horse crazy at a young age but no money for or place to put a horse. I finally realized my dream at almost 45years old when I bought a 4 year old quarterhorse gelding. I showed Hawk western and English in local shows and was very nervous to say the least. My very first sectional show was Cal-Grand in Central California. I was so nervous that my young horse sensed it and wouldn't pick up the lope. I had to take him into the middle of the 40 horse class and wait until the class was over. My trainer was next on him and she did poorly because I had messed him up. She comes out of her class and tells me to scratch my next class so that she would be able to reschool him. I told her I had already done so. I got much better in time and had a great many adventures with my beautiful boy.

[@ateachableheart2649]

Amazing story! Realizing after this Arabians would be the best breed for this type of race. They have larger lung capacity and one vertebrae less than other breeds making them suitable for tough conditions. BRAVO!!! I'm too old now but had I been younger, this is the type of racing that I would have loved to do.

[@minxthedog2769]

Congrats on the win and the cutest horse name ever ❤❤❤

[@misstara9838]

Congratulations Sonoma and Goober from Santa Rosa, CA

[@TheThoress]

I do not know Sanoma, yet I am sitting here crying. Happy tears for her. Huge hugs to Sanoma.

[@gracesingh6321]

Congratulations to the both of you on your victory 🐎🐎

[@JohnBenson-jk1ob]

That was one of the best KZbin stories I’ve ever watched. Love it. Congratulations

[@smeraldoderosa7556]

Congratulations! Wonderful accomplishment!

[@daniellemuschinsky9233]

What a story- congratulations!