The University of Arizona College of Vet Med Shines at McDowell Mountain Endurance Ride
The University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine made a strong showing at the Lead, Follow, or Get Out of My Way endurance ride hosted by the American Endurance Ride Conference on November 8 at McDowell Mountain Park.
Endurance riding tests the partnership, conditioning, and resilience of horse and rider over 25–50 miles of desert trails. Veterinary care is central to the sport—horses undergo multiple vet checks throughout the competition and must be deemed healthy to continue and to complete. Among riders, the coveted Best Condition Award recognizes the horse that finishes in the top ten while demonstrating exceptional fitness and readiness to continue.
Students from the College of Veterinary Medicine helped ensure the welfare of the equine athletes by assisting veterinarians with pulse checks and medical documentation. Representing the University as riders were Kacey Quinnan and Dr. Victoria Sammons, both members of the College’s faculty and staff. Dr. Sammons competed with her 10-year-old Arabian gelding, AM Lord Fabian UA (“Finn”), bred at the University’s Al-Marah Equine Center. In his first 50-mile event, Finn finished in the top ten and stood for the Best Condition Award—a remarkable achievement for both horse and rider.
This collaboration between Arizona riders, veterinary students, and alumni exemplifies the spirit of teamwork, endurance, and commitment to equine health that drives the College of Veterinary Medicine.