TEVIS FORUM 2017 ★ 27 www.teviscup.org Merc–Oldest Horse to Finish Tevis Marsh a Hayes When PL Mercury (Merc) with owner Dr. Claire Godwin, DVM of Laytonsville, Maryland, aboard crossed the 2018 Tevis finish line and vetted out, he entered the Tevis record book and became a national inspiration and testament to the sport of endurance. It was not his thirteenth place finish nor his record of five completions in six attempts that made him special. At 27.5 years old, he became the oldest horse to win a buckle. Merc, a son of Autumn Mead (Shalimar Apollo x Gida) and out of Playland Lady (Al-Marah Milton x Al-Marah Daph- ine) came to endurance riding later in life. Godwin answered an ad in a local horse magazine and purchased Merc as a po- tential 4-H pony when Merc was about 14. As he transitioned into endurance, his stellar disposition made him a favored mount for many beginning endurance riders. When Merc was 18 he finished his first Tevis. Of his five completions, Lisa Bykowski, who has worked with Godwin as her vet tech for 28 years, rode him to three finishes. Bykowski recalled Tevis 2009. “I had never done Tevis, never started a 100. I just got on Merc and rode. I remember thinking to myself, over and over, ‘keep Merc safe’”. Bykow- ski has bonded deeply with Merc during their miles together. “He may be Claire’s horse, but he has been my soulful con- nection to the equine community. During the difficult times in my life, Merc has pulled me through. He’s such a strong spirit and he has led by example. I tell Merc, ‘If you can do it, I can do it too.’ ” Bykowski describes Merc as a quiet, deep thinker. “He’s not the first at the gate. He is all business on the trail. In our relationship, I’m the talker and he listens.” In 2018 Godwin chose Merc as her mount over her other capable horses. “I made this choice very specifically because I knew it might be his last Tevis,” she explained. For 2018 Tevis, Bykowski stayed on the east coast, participating in a benefit 10K run on Tevis day. “My thoughts were with him and I talked to him, cross continent, as we both ran our courses.” Godwin recalled their ride. “Merc and I both felt pretty good all day.” Merc finished in 17 hours and 18 minutes, just two hours and 33 minutes behind the winners, Heather Reyn- olds and the 10-year-old Arabian gelding, Cayucos. Merc shaved four hours and 19 minutes off his ride time from 2017. Claire Godwin, DVM and Merc on Lyons Ridge. They finished 13th in 2018. (photo- graph by Ron Osborn 2018 Photography) For past several years, www.thehorse.com , has fol- lowed Tevis and published online news accounts of Merc’s accomplishments. “Merc and his people are nothing short of amazing, “ said Erica Larson, thehorse.com news-editor. “Our readers always seem to enjoy articles about Merc.” However, Merc’s accomplishments have transcended simple storyline and crossed into paradigm shifting pow- er. Larson continued, “I love that Merc’s accomplishments might encourage horse owners not to let a number limit a horse’s full productive life.” Godwin manages Merc’s health carefully, granting him almost complete pasture time and months of rest in addition to routine veterinary care. Godwin believes Merc has attri- butes that have contributed to his competitive longevity. “Al- though only 14 hands, he has size one feet, really good bone and a short, strong back. He’s relaxed and not a real depen- dent horse, although he loves his pasture-mate, Ahmose.” Although Godwin does not plan on Merc competing in the 2019 Tevis, he has not retired. Merc and Bykowski have already completed two 50s in 2019, bringing his life- time AERC mileage to 6,030. Of Merc’s 20 starts on 100 mile events, he has finished 18. Godwin reflected on Merc’s career and her life spent with horses, “It’s really kind of amazing what can happen if you don’t give up on a horse, how they can bounce back and what they can accomplish.” Endurance Capital of theWorld Realtor ® DRE #01179717 Marisa Dardi has been helping endurance athletes relocate to the Endurance Capital of the World and all over Northern California for over 25 years. Knowledgeable in all areas–especially those with trail access right from your home. Let Marisa get you on the right trail to your new home! Live and Train on the Tevis Trail! Find your property in Auburn, Marisa Dardi Going the Distance for You. . . 530-906-0322
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