Endurance ride hosted by MAU

By Randy Wilson/Special to the Mercury-Register

The Lake Oroville Mounted Assistance Unit (MAU) staged another successful Lake Oroville Vista Endurance (L.O.V.E.) ride on November 5, with 143 horseback riders from all over the state, also including some from as far north as Oregon and Canada, who began either an early morning 30- mile or a 50-mile trek around and through the foothills above Lake Oroville and back again.

Originally we were told there were 72 50-milers and 50 30-milers. Chairwoman Kathy Papa and her able crew of 120 volunteers and committee persons ensured the event went well and safely for all involved, after which a barbecued dinner was served before prizes were awarded.




Pictured are only a few of the committee, including Alyssa Agee (11 years old), Casey Jones, Tina Sorenson, Kathy Papa, Nancy Weinzinger and Jill Farris. Mother Nature was very kind in giving everyone pleasant and clear weather, just two days before her rains fell. As a result, many enthusiastically told us they would be sure to return next year.

Twenty eight of the 120 volunteers were from the Auburn area and were operating portable radios for rider safety. Oroville's Dr. Roy Shannon organized the pulse and respiration services, as well as supplying the catered food offered at the halfway point at the Loafer Creek Horse Camp. And Raley's Market came up with apples and carrots for the horses to enjoy.

For the fifty milers, Kassandra DiMaggio of Greenville, riding Buck Mt. Wind Prince had the winning time, and Michaela Anderson (12) of Oroville, atop CRM Xpressions was the leading junior rider. Kathie Perry on ARR Heartbreak won for Best Conditioned Horse.

Deanna Guinasso of Redding, riding RGK Flashfire, had the best time for the 30-mile competition, and Colton Deaver (11), also of Redding, and riding Kceko, was the best junior entrant. Renie Burnett won for Best Conditioned Horse, and Cathy Kneupef of Alturas took the Good Samaritan Award.

The awards for youngest riders went to seven-year-old cousins Mariah Lynch of Chico and Tristan Barger of Anderson. We didn't witness any awards for oldest entrants, although some appeared to be seasoned veterans.