Richard Sacks 1950-2026

Legacy.com

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sinai Mortuary of AZ on Mar. 19, 2026.

| Richard Sacks, a cherished family man, respected business owner, and lifelong animal lover, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, in Phoenix, AZ, at the age of 75. Born on June 23, 1950, in Brooklyn NY. He attended Sheepshead Bay High School and later Harpur College. Richard's educational pursuits culminated in earning an MBA from New York University-an achievement that laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

Richard founded several businesses over his lifetime ranging from computers, equestrian products (Equipedic), animal nutrition and even a hot dog stand. Richard spent his early professional years in Santa Cruz, California, and his later years in Tularosa, New Mexico.

Richard's legacy is carried on through his loving daughters, Jordyn and Rebecca. His grandchildren Sean and Evelyn. He is also survived by his sister Natalie and numerous cousins.

Richard's Jewish faith was a guiding light throughout his life, providing him with strength and comfort.

As we bid farewell to Richard Sacks, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey completed with grace and a legacy of love that will continue to resonate for generations to come. His memory will be cherished, and his spirit will remain a guiding force in the lives of those he has left behind.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Endurance Horse Podcast: A Valentine’s Horse & A Lifetime of Miles – Dennis Summers

EnduranceHorsePodcast - Listen

Saturday Feb 14, 2026
hosted by Christina Hyke

It started with a Valentine’s Day surprise.

Years ago, Dennis Summers surprised his wife Sue with a special Valentine’s Day gift, a Paint/Arabian cross — before the fence was even up on their property, Dennis tied the horse a tree while they finished preparing the property. That moment would become part of a lifelong journey with horses and eventually into endurance riding for both Sue and Dennis Summers.

In this episode of Endurance Horse Podcast, we trace that journey — from an article in Western Horseman that sparked a deep curiosity about endurance, to competing at some of the top rides in the world, and eventually back to the grassroots level of growing and protecting the sport he loves.

Dennis is an international endurance rider, author of 4th Gear and The Long and Winding Road, and a founding member of the Equine Distance Riding Association (EDRA). But more than titles or accolades, this is a story about partnership, perspective, and the horses that shape us.

Along the way, we talk about more than one special horse — including the one that truly inspired his most recent book. We talk about training, longevity, listening to the horse, and what matters after thousands of miles.

So sit down, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and enjoy this story as it unfolds around our virtual campfire.

Every mile a memory.

See more and listen:
https://endurancehorsepodcast.podbean.com/e/a-valentine-s-horse-a-lifetime-of-miles-%e2%80%93-dennis-summers/

*Endurance Horse Podcast is hosted by Christina Hyke, 2021 WI Horse Person of the year and brings endurance riders together from around the world gathering around our virtual campfire sharing goals, training, stories and progress. Our authentic conversations feature ride stories, the show features endurance riders of all levels, from decade teams to total beginners, ride managers to AERC leaders, legacy horsemen and horsewomen, and equestrians who believe the journey with the horse is the truest reward.

Endurance Horse Podcast just may be the virtual campfire you have been looking for whether you are green as grass new to endurance riding, a trail rider who is curious about endurance and planning on aiming for the first steps on the endurance ladder, or maybe you are setting your sights on chasing toughest event the sport has to offer, we are here for you every mile of the way. This podcast celebrates the heart of the sport- the horse, the rider and the trail— every mile a memory.

Support this podcast & help keep it on the airwaves by joining one of our events today at WARHORSE Endurance® Challenges*

Bonnie Swiatek recognized as 3-time Century Club endurance rider

WyomingNews.com - Full Article

Boomerang staff
March 21 2026

Albany County resident Bonnie Swiatek has taken long-distance endurance horse riding to its highest level when she was recently honored by the American Endurance Ride Conference.

After Swiatek attended the Mountain Region Endurance Riders Conference on Jan. 31, 2025 and Feb. 1 of this year, she was presented with a framed award as a three-time Century Club Member. The mountain region comprises of members from Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming and southwest South Dakota and western Nebraska

In the 54 year history of the national AERC organization, Swiatek is the only person to ride three horses into the AERC Century Club, which is when the ages of the horse and rider total 100 years or more each time. It took her four years with her Arabian mares...

Read more here:
https://www.wyomingnews.com/laramieboomerang/news/bonnie-swiatek-recognized-as-3-time-century-club-endurance-rider/article_bd6b2058-65d0-4dbe-b783-8aa91b7c982b.html

Tevis Cup Ride Director Search for 2027 and Beyond

***April 7 update - Candidates have been found!**

March 18 2026

The Western States Trail Foundation (WSTF) is conducting an international search to identify a new Ride Director for the Tevis Cup, beginning with the 2027 Ride.  

Preferred qualifications include leadership experience, equestrian experience, and proximity to our ride venue in Northern California. Experience managing a backcountry endurance event with international exposure and publicity is a definite plus. 

Your leadership support includes an experienced ride committee, experienced ride volunteers, and a well-documented process for conducting the annual ride. The Tevis Cup Ride receives strong financial support from the WSTF Board and a compensation package is available.  

The WSTF is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.  

https://teviscup.org/

Please direct all inquiries to our WSTF president at wittenauer.jerry@gmail.com 

US Equestrian Names Jeffrey Stuart as Chef d’Equipe of the U.S. Endurance Team

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | 3/2/2026

Lexington, Ky. – US Equestrian is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffrey Stuart as the U.S. Endurance Team Chef d’Equipe for the 2026 competition year. Mr. Stuart will lead the program through the remainder of the 2026 season, culminating with preparation for the 2026 FEI Endurance World Championship in Al Ula on November 28, 2026.

"I am so excited and grateful to be part of this team.” Mr. Stuart said, “The organization, horse owners, riders, vets, support/crews, and everyone involved have the best opportunity we’ve had to do great things in Alula Saudia Arabia this coming November. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and working with U.S. Endurance”

Mr. Stuart brings more than two decades of experience in endurance sport and a distinguished career in military leadership to the role. He began his involvement in endurance in 1999 and has since served the discipline in multiple capacities, including 11 years as a national endurance ride manager and as crew at several recent FEI Championships. Over the years, he had trained Endurance horses, including FEI Level, and worked closely with athletes competing at the highest levels of the sport.

In addition to his equestrian background, Mr. Stuart served in the United States military from 1976 to 2011, holding multiple leadership roles including Commander, Director, and Chief of Staff. His extensive experience guiding teams in high-pressure environments has shaped his philosophy on preparation, accountability, and collective success. He has frequently been invited to speak on teamwork, resilience, and the importance of being a critical member of a unified team — principles he intends to carry forward with the U.S. Endurance Team.

In his role as Chef d’Equipe, Stuart will oversee team coordination, preparation, and strategy for the 2026 FEI Endurance World Championship with the help of team veterinarian, Dr. Olivia Rudolphi and Team Leader, Nicole Zerbee. His combined experience in endurance sport and high-level organizational leadership positions will support the U.S. Endurance Team for a focused and strategic path toward international success.

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-equestrian-names-jeffrey-stuart-as-chef