SOF Endurance Horse Team

Our endurance team is made up of Arabian horses who compete with us in the sport of Endurance Riding (see below). Valleydictorian was our first endurance horse, and many of the others came from the same race barn where he was raised. Fiesta, Langley, and Mary were successful racehorses who now enjoy a second career—and a loving home—with us. Hheartbreaker, Tribecka, Dancinginthemoonlyte, Amadahess, AF Jack the Knife and AF Gaga for Gold are in the prime of their endurance careers. We love giving our magical horses the opportunity to compete again and fulfill their natural potential as endurance athletes.

As USEF and FEI international endurance athletes, we are proud to represent the United States on the world stage. Tom has competed for USEF Team USA at the 2023 Pan American Endurance Championship in Chile and the 2025 Pan American Endurance Championship in Brazil. Heidi competed for Team USA at the 2024 FEI World Endurance Championship in Monpazier, France. Our horses are truly our partners in these accomplishments, and our training reflects the respect and care we have for them.

We prioritize horse welfare above all else, ensuring that every ride is approached with patience, fitness, and enjoyment for the horse. Endurance riding is a sport of stamina, where horses cover long distances over natural terrain while being carefully monitored for health and soundness. Unlike track racing on a short oval, endurance rides take place on varied trails and range from Limited Distance (25–30 miles) to full endurance distances of 50–60 miles, 75 miles, and even 100 miles. Each ride is divided into phases of approximately 12–25 miles. At the end of each phase, the horse is evaluated by a veterinarian and must complete a mandatory rest period of 40–60 minutes at what is called a Vet Gate. The Vet Gate time begins once the horse’s heart rate drops to 64 beats per minute or lower.

Horses who excel in endurance tend to truly love the trail. After warming up—often within 10 to 15 miles—they settle into a rhythm, eat and drink well at veterinary holds, move efficiently, and recover their heart rate quickly. While Arabians are the most common breed in the sport, many breeds and riders participate simply for the joy of riding together on beautiful trails.

Endurance riding is a team sport built on a deep relationship between horse and rider, often supported by friends and family who help during the holds—our own version of a “pit crew.” We love camping with our horses, exploring new trails, and spending time with the endurance community, which feels like an extended family.

Our Horses

Amadahess "Little Casino" named 2021 SERA Freshman Horse of the Year and 2023 Most Consistent Condition Horse

Full of Fiesta “Fiesta,” In Memory of

Langley “Moonbeam”

Mary Full of Grace “Beauty”

ValleyDictorian “Riku”, In Memory of

Leap of Faith “Merriment or Minty”

Hheartbreaker “Bella the Buffalo”

Tribecka “Spirit”

Dancinginthemoonlyte “Pink”

AF Jack the Knife "Jack"

AF Gaga for Gold “Fleur”

Highh Class