100 MILE JUNIOR Meet Jordan Finley Jordan and TR Tarrah Miss at the Sunland Ride. In 2003 Jordan was one of only two Juniors to complete two one day 100 mile rides on the same horse.

Tell us about yourself:  I'm 14 years old as of today and I'm in the 8th grade.  I live in Saugus, CA with my Mother Charlene Lewis at Trail-Rite Training Center and 2 miles away from my Grandparents, Charlie & Tammy Robinson.  Both my Mother and my Grandparents have ridden endurance for as long as I can remember.  My first ride was the Malibu 25 mile Ride and I rode my first horse Rousaandra age 24 when I was 6 years old.  I had a great time and I wanted then to do more rides.3

Tell us about your horse:  TR Tarrah Miss is now 8 years old. She is gray and is about 14.3 hands tall.  She is a short horse but has a big neck and always looks fat.

What is her personality like?  Tarrah is funny, and cool.  She really likes to eat.  Her favorite foods are peppermint candies, carrots and apples.  Tarrah is always excited to see me and other people.  She is not afraid of most things at the barn or on the trail.  Sometimes she does spook with birds flying up when they are behind her.

How much of the conditioning and training of your horse did you do yourself?  Tarrah was in a little bit of shape when my Grandmother gave her to me.  But Tarrah was getting too fat.  I had to do a lot of extra conditioning to get her ready for a 100 mile ride.  We did our first 100 mile ride together, it was the Californio 100.  I wanted to do the Tevis real bad on Tarrah, so I then had to work harder and get her in better shape for the Tevis ride.

Why did you want to ride a 100?  I like riding in the dark, when it's not cold or windy.  I also like getting more points and credit for doing a 100 mile ride.  The best part I like is the feel of trusting my horse in the dark.

What was the best part of riding a 100?  I think finishing a 100 mile ride is the best part.

What was the hardest part of riding a 100?  Staying awake while my horse is so calm.  Getting hungry and a little tired.

What do you like to eat and drink on a 100?  I like Gatorade, Doritos, sandwiches, and hot cocoa at night.

How long did it take you after the ride was over to recover?  I felt good by the next morning.

Do you have any advice for others on how to make the recovery process easier?  Yes, Sleep in..and be in shape.

What makes a good sponsor?  Someone that is entertaining that keeps you awake.

Do you want to ride more 100's?  Yes, I would like to do the Tevis again. Why?  Because you get a cool Belt Buckle and every one knows about the Tevis Ride.

How do you find the time to train and keep up with school?  I ride when I get home from school then I do my homework at 7:00 pm. I also ride on the weekends.

Do you participate in any other extra-curricular activities?  Yes, I like to Dirt Bike with my Aunt Jessica, Uncle Levi, and my friend Brian.  I also like to play Guitar with my friends.

What are your ultimate riding goals?  Nothing that I can think of for right now.  It was the Tevis and getting National Overall Jr. Championship...but I met these goals last year.  My main goal is to always ride my horse safely.

What advice do you have for other kids that might want to try a 100?  Make sure your horse is in really good shape and keep yourself in shape too.  Practice riding at night.

How has endurance riding influenced you?  I've leaned to deal with competition at good and bad times.  I've also leaned to take care of myself and my horse better.  I think it helps me learn to take care of all my animals better.

Will you continue to endurance ride when you become an adult?  Yes, I think so.  I still ride endurance once in a while now.  I might ride more later after I go to college.

If the AERC had a Junior 100 Mile Award, would it encourage you to ride more 100's?  Yes! Definitely.

What do you think we can do to get more Junior riders interested in riding 100's?  Better awards, and I think ALL Jr's should get some special award at a ride for completing a 100 mile ride.

Return to Top