Dave Cootware 1949-2026

RGJ.com

May 23 2026

Dave passed away peacefully at his home, after several years with Parkinson's disease. Dave was born June 22, 1949 in St Albans, Vermont to William and Margaret Cootware. He attended schools in Franklin and Lamoille Counties, graduating from the last graduating class of Cambridge High School in 1967. Soon after high school, Dave joined the U.S. Navy. After completing his tour of duty he returned to Vermont for a short time before heading Westward, settling in the Reno area where he made his home for more than 50 years.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents: brother, Paul Cootware; sister, Joyce Lamphere; brothers-in-law Robert Mazzola and John Edwards.

Surviving Dave are his wife, Susan McCartney and their beagles, Charlotte and Lucky, siblings; Diane Schwarm (Ron); Barbara Lehouiller (George); Janet Mazzola; Brenda Edwards; Richard Cootware; Tracey Hunt (Palmer)and Jennifer Cary (Alan); Dave's first wife, Kathryn Cootware; many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews, to numerous to mention.

Military service will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Northern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Fernley, Nevada.

The family wishes donations be made to a charity of your choice in Dave's memory.

UPDATE 5/24/26: In addition to his funeral service , there will be a Celebration of Life for Davy on July 11th at Susan’s barn in Pleasant Valley.

ANNOUNCEMENT: A military service will be held for Joseph David Cootware on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Northern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Fernley, Nevada.

Davy was a dear longtime friend of NASTR, married to our longstanding endurance Veterinarian, Susan McCartney, DVM. He was a Navy Veteran, an avid endurance rider, a pilot, FEI Steward, Veterinarian assistant and volunteer.

He completed 10 one-day 100-mile rides, including (4) Virginia City 100's, winning the NASTR Triple Crown on his fabulous mare Lia Gan S+ in 2001. Riding Talasmans Cruzer+/, he was a member of the USA Pacific South Team at the Pan American Endurance Championship in South Woodstock, Vermont in 2001. He completed 207 of 231 AERC rides, from 1989 - 2015 for a total of 11,572 AERC miles.

Davy fought a long battle with Parkinson disease. He was born June 22, 1949, in St. Albans, Vermont and died peacefully at home in Reno, Nevada on May 8, 2026, at 76 years old. He will be missed. Rest In Peace Davy.

Endurance Racing? Pat Fitzgerald!

May 20 2026

By Merri Melde

Verne R. Albright published this short book, “Endurance Racing? Pat Fitzgerald!” in 1969 about endurance riding’s legend.

Robert and Linda Manley got permission from Albright to place the full contents of Albright’s book on the Wordpress website:

https://patfitzgerald487771351.wordpress.com/

The book offers a glimpse into the endurance life, horses, stories, and quips by Pat Fitzgerald during his endurance heyday, and his approach to riding and training (and winning).

Many of his quotes and thoughts are applicable to today’s endurance riders, such as:

 • “There’s lot of luck to winning these rides, but if you do your homework your luck will be a lot better.”

 • “You have to ride your own race,” Pat reminds. “Don’t worry about what the other riders are doing. Just stick to your own methods.”

 • “I always ride alone,” he says, “so my horse and I don’t get dependent on anyone else. You learn to pay attention to your horse that way.”

The Fitzgeralds were heroes to Robert Manley, who has a few stories of his own to share.

“In February of 1967,” Robert says, “I was riding my half Thoroughbred gelding on one of the many old mining roads in the area when here came a guy who turned out to be Pat on his (1963) Tevis Cup winning gelding Ken (from Rushcreek). That moment was when I first heard about the ‘hundred miler’ ride [Tevis]. As a seven-year-old kid, I had finally learned to read by repeatedly puzzling my way through a book about a twelve-year-old Vermont girl training her horse for the 100 miles in three days Green Mountain Trail Ride, so I was all-ears for what Pat had to say.

“That year that Thoroughbred was slightly lame (and fully-out, of course) at Robinson Flat. The next year, Pat put me on what was to become the terrific endurance horse Quist (also from Rushcreek). That was an easy-to-get Tevis buckle for me. Two years  later, Quist and Pat finished second behind Witezarif and Donna as they won their first Tevis Cup.

“By the way, I was sort of present at the creation. Very early in the morning of a day in the spring of 1968 I was feeding Pat and Donna’s horses during their trip to Nebraska. Their pickup suddenly rolled in with two small horses on board. I asked Pat if the bay gelding was a yearling. He said, ‘No, he’s five years old.’ I must have at least smiled because Pat said, ‘You can laugh if you want to, but this is going to be a great endurance horse.’

“What he knew, of course, was that little bay had the same mom (Razifa) as the gelding Razlind, who had already finished second twice on the 100-miler with Donna. Pat also knew that, unlike Razlind, the little bay, Witezarif, was a paternal grandson of the immortal Witez II. Blood tells.” (Razifa was also the dam of El Karbaj and Law Thunder.)

“Donna really didn’t need a pit crew, but I was her entire pit crew on her second and third Tevis Cup winning rides. I hope I was helpful, but I certainly didn’t do anything special on my first pit crew attempt. As you probably know, Donna was a very quiet person. It wasn’t easy to know what, if anything, she wanted done. 

“The second time was similar except that Pat (who was in the ride himself) gave me very specific instructions as to what to do if Witezarif was having even a slight issue in his quarters and thighs. He specifically said that if it happened at all, it would probably be at Forest Hill. He equipped me with several containers of Bengay. He emphasized not worrying about wasting it. He wanted it poured on liberally and rubbed in vigorously. 

“Sure enough, Witezarif had that issue at Forest Hill. I did what I was told. (I later wondered if that was against the rules at that time. I don’t believe it was because Witezarif was one of the first horses into Forest Hill, and there were dozens of people there——including vets and ride-officials, of course. I don’t remember making any effort to hide what I was doing. Anyway, little Witezarif passed the Forest Hill vet check and all the checks after that—-and won that year’s Tevis Cup.”

Robert Manley has plenty more stories of his own, but he and Linda would love for more people to read Verne Albright’s book on their website,

https://patfitzgerald487771351.wordpress.com/

Verne Albright is also author of Horseback Across Three Americas, available on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Horseback-Across-Three-Americas-Albright/dp/1555719988/ref=sr_1_1?

*top photo of Pat and Ken in the Tevis Cup by Charles Barieau

Chuck Stalley: Man with a Mission

May 17 2026
https://teviscup.org/

2026 marks not only the Tevis Cup’s 70th anniversary, but also the 15th and final year of Chuck Stalley as Ride Director. For many in the Tevis community, it is hard to imagine the ride without Chuck at the helm. Over the years, he has become an institution in his own right—guiding riders through their 100-mile journeys with humility, steady leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the ride and its people.

Chuck is known for his team-first spirit, his calm can-do attitude, and his remarkable ability to bring people together. Whether he is swapping stories, solving problems, or rallying volunteers, his approachable and affable nature has made him a favorite among riders, veterinarians, and volunteers alike. He also has a well-earned reputation for finding both hidden bargains and willing helping hands to make sure the ride has everything it needs.

Perhaps most legendary is Chuck’s ability to adapt under pressure. Over the years, fires, snowstorms, and last-minute challenges have threatened the ride more than once—but Chuck has always found a way forward.

In 2011, heavy snowfall forced the Tevis Cup to move from its traditional summer date to October. When even more snow blanketed Robie Park just before ride day, the route had to be changed at the last minute to an out-and-back course from Auburn to Gorman Ranch Road in Michigan Bluff. Through it all, Chuck remained focused on what mattered most: taking care of the riders and their equine partners. Not even a kidney stone on ride day could keep him away for long. After a quick trip to the hospital, Chuck returned to continue managing the ride.

That determination, resilience, and dedication have defined Chuck’s years as Ride Director. They have also earned him two special honors this year: the California Trails and Greenways Award and, with his wife, Pam, the Western States Trail Foundation’s Dru Barner Award for distinguished service.

Chuck, thank you for your extraordinary leadership, your countless hours of service, and the care and heart you brought to the Tevis Cup for so many years.

https://teviscup.org/

Endurance Canada Endurance Year-End Awards Announced For 2025 Season

Equestrian.ca

May 8, 2026

The Equestrian Canada (EC) Endurance Committee is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Endurance Year-End Awards. These awards recognize individuals and equines that have put countless hours and tireless effort towards the pursuit of personal excellence in endurance, and the sport’s growth in Canada.

The 2025 recipients are as follows:

endurance HALL OF FAME
Dr. James Bryant, DVM (Awarded posthumously)

Jim Bryant (1942-2025) was hugely instrumental in the development of the sport of endurance in Canada and throughout the world. In the very early days of the development of the sport, he participated as an athlete and as a control veterinarian at Endurance rides in BC and on the western coast of the US. He served as a member of the veterinary committee or as Head Veterinarian at nearly every high-profile Endurance competition (FEI, National Championships, Race of Champions) in North America during the late 1980s and 1990s. He was also a teacher and clinician and for many, provided their first and best experiences with the sport.

He travelled on his own initiative in the early 1980s to attend the FEI forums on recognizing Endurance as a discipline and was pivotal in the decisions to adopt the successful rules and procedures that were in use in the USA, Canada, Australia, and other countries. He served on the FEI Veterinary committees for competitions in Portugal, Sweden, Spain, the US and Canada, attaining the highest levels of certification available within FEI. In 1998 he travelled to Abu Dhabi for a year to assist the organizing committee in planning and hosting the first World Endurance Championships.

He was a tireless educator and advocate for the sport of Endurance with the welfare of the horse given the very highest priority. Over decades of service, he never forgot any horse he ever worked with, and he respected each for their individual abilities. Consideration for the well-being of the horse while helping them achieve the best that they were capable of was at the core of his life’s work. He was a true icon of our sport.

Ron Janzen Memorial AWARD
Myna Margetts

Myna Margetts has made exceptional and sustained volunteer contributions to Endurance in Canada through leadership, trail development, event management and mentorship.

Recognizing the need to grow the sport, she organized and sanctioned endurance rides when few opportunities existed locally and co founded the Distance Riders of Manitoba to promote endurance riding within the province. Her commitment to infrastructure development led to the permanent marking and long term management of the Souris Bend equestrian trail system, a project initiated in 1993 that continues to benefit riders today.

As a highly respected ride manager, she has overseen numerous endurance events, including the 1999 Pan Am Endurance Championship and the 2004 Canadian Championships at Spruce Woods Park. In addition, Myna has dedicated decades to mentoring riders, generously sharing her expertise to support athlete development, safety, and long term participation in the sport. Myna has enjoyed a distinguished competitive career spanning several decades, competing successfully at regional, national, and international levels. She has competed with approximately 20 endurance horses and earned repeated recognition in AERC regional and national standings, including high point, best conditioned, and War Mare categories. Myna proudly represented Canada internationally, including selection to the Canadian Equestrian Team in the World Endurance Championship in Dubai, as well as participation in World Cup and Pan American Championship events. Her competitive highlights include multiple Best Conditioned awards, podium finishes at FEI events, and completion of the prestigious Tevis Cup on three occasions. Throughout her career, Myna has exemplified horsemanship, athletic excellence, and dedication to Canadian Endurance, serving as a role model for athletes across generations.

Best Conditioned Horse
TP Sir SX Unique, Brenna Mayer, BC

More awards at:
https://equestrian.ca/news/ec-endurance-year-end-awards-announced-for-2025-season/

Sign up for The Great Alaskan Endurance Race - Alaska’s first AERC ride!

May 7 2026

Ready for the ultimate adventure?

The Great Alaskan Endurance Race, Alaska’s first sanctioned Endurance ride, will take place August 22 and 23 at Twin Bears Camp, Pleasant Valley, outside of Fairbanks, offering 25 and 50-mile rides each day.

“The Great Alaskan Endurance Race is an unparalleled test of strength and determination, set against the stunning backdrop of the Last Frontier. Participants from around the State and the Country come together to take on the challenge of a lifetime. Are you ready to push your limits and conquer the wild?”

Trail will cover a 25 mile loop up and down the ridge that protects the upper Chena river valley. Competitors can expect anything from swampy ground to rocky ascensions with roughly 4000 ft of elevation change. The wilderness scenery is spectacular, and you might encounter bears, wolves, or moose. Brenna said, “I think our little catch phrase is going to be, ‘Mountains and Moose and Bear, Oh My!’ on all of our T-shirts.”

It will be epic!

For more information, contact Brenna Gallagher-Phillips, 907-590-4459, (bsquaredbookkeeping@gmail.com)

https://www.greatalaskanendurancerace.com/

Sandra Spalding, 1957-2026

LostCoastOutpost.com

Saturday, May 2

Sandra Spalding
Sept. 18, 1957 - April 28, 2026

Sandra was an animal lover, equestrian, volunteer, good friend to many, sister, wife, adventurer and life-long liberal who cared deeply for others in society, especially those less fortunate and in need of help or support.

Sandra fought unbelievably hard against a rare and painful cancer every day for the past 10 years with strength and dignity but finally lost her battle on April 28. I don’t know of anyone else who could have fought SO hard for so long facing such pain and still had a strong will to live while always caring and fighting for others; in her NET support groups, for the No Kings movement, helping homeless people she didn’t know, volunteering and donating at local animal shelter/rescues and assisting anyone else who needed help with anything she was able to do until the very end.

Sandra loved her dogs, cats and horses. For Sandra, endurance and trail riding and loving our dogs and cats was her higher power. Sandra rode horses for 6 decades and was an active and loved member in REER & AERC. She completed thousands of miles in sanctioned endurance rides many thousands of miles riding on the trails in McKinleyville, Cuneo Creek, Orick and Clam Beach as a few of her favorite riding spots. Sandra also dabbled with dressage but her real love was endurance and trail riding.

For Sandra, her love of dogs was as deep as her love for me (her husband). In the 35 years we were together and married we had four generations of dogs, 13 total, and loved them all as spoiled family members. From Buck to Wally to Cha Cha, there is nothing she wouldn’t do for the dogs. She volunteered for several animal rescues including thousands of hours walking and bathing dogs at the Humboldt County Animal Shelter. While Sandra LOVED Labs and Goldens there was always a special dog at the shelter that especially touched her heart, typically a pit mix, and she always worked extra hard to help find that perfect forever home for that special one. Sandra helped place MANY dozens of dogs to their forever homes over the years and then always found more love for another stray that especially touched her heart.

For the past decade or more Sandra found a strong connection to some very lucky cats that she rescued. She was partial to orange cats and her favorite was Rocky, a very special friend who was in her arms when she passed. Rocky followed Sandra everywhere, they had a very special connection to each other and both were lucky to have found each other thanks to the help of Patty at the animal shelter.

Sandra was extremely adventurous had a deep passion for life. For example, we spent many winters in Tahoe and Sunriver. When the weather got extreme, Sandra always liked to go for a drive in a white-out blizzard with 100 m.p.h. winds and zero visibility “just to see if we could make it back!” We always did but had some pretty sketchy moments more than a few times. That was Sandra.

Sandra was grateful that for many years we got more than 20 days on the slopes each season. In her 30s Sandra quickly went from a beginning skier to expert by natural athletic ability and a stubbornness to succeed, regardless of the number of times she fell or extent of the bruises those hundreds of falls caused. After finally conquering all the expert runs on skis, in her 40s, Sandra decided snowboarding looked more playful so gave up her skis and started over as a beginning snowboarder. Again, after many hundreds of falls and head-to-toe bruising that first week, she taught herself to become an expert snowboarder in a relatively short period. No slope was too steep or had moguls too big for her to attempt and ALWAYS conquered. Her motto on the slopes, as with horses and life was always “It’s no fun if you don’t challenge yourself!”

Sandra was a true friend and would do anything to help others, especially friends. She had too many friends to mention and this was evident by the almost constant stream of visitors we had when she started Hospice. Many came over and helped around the house and with the horses when she couldn’t do things she wanted to do. We want to especially thank Audrey, Donna, Janet, Kevin, Valerie, Cindy, Tracy, Julie, Debbie and everyone else who helped us when we really needed help.

Sandra’s sister in Hawaii, Kathy, always had an open invitation for Sandra to visit and was always a giving and gracious host. Sister Barbara was supportive to us and came up here for a time and helped caretake Sandra when she was very sick in 2017. We are grateful for Barbara’s help with the Stanford surgery and aftercare and she was instrumental in helping us when we needed it. Her sister Susan and brother John were able to visit from far away before Sandra left us. Sandra was SO grateful to have seen them and for their help, especially towards the end when we REALLY needed it. Susan and John’s help and support meant SO much to both of us and helped give Sandra some peace of mind at the end and we are both so grateful to have them in our lives.

We want to thank everyone at Providence Oncology, Hospice of Humboldt, especially Krystal & Sara and Dr. Michael Fratkin, our palliative care doctor. While Michael wasn’t her doctor for very long, we developed a close connection to him and his wisdom, guidance and support towards the end. We are both SO grateful that he crossed our path at the perfect time when we needed his knowledge, kindness and caring most. Michael is the most caring person (not just physician) we have ever met and are grateful beyond words for him coming into our lives when we truly needed him most.

We were together for 35 years and she’ll be missed more than I know words for. While I cry everyday for my sadness, loss and loneliness I know we all must pass and am happy she is finally again pain-free. We had each other for most of a lifetime and for that we were both grateful.

In lieu of flowers please be kind to someone and/or adopt/volunteer for an animal in need. Remember, adoption is the best option.

Please join us for a celebration of life on Saturday, May 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1556 Tantara Ln., McKinleyville. If inclement weather, will be moved to the Dows Prairie Grange. Please dress casually.