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Chasing Dreams: The True Story of the Youngest Female Tevis Cup Champion
The Thrilling and Emotional Memoir from Endurance Horse Racing Legend Sanoma Blakeley
Chasing: The True Story of the Youngest Female Tevis Cup Champion is the incredible, action-packed memoir of Sanoma Blakeley’s 2019 Tevis Cup championship, won while riding her beloved horse Goober, and the tale of how she became the youngest woman to ever become a Tevis Cup champion. Beginning her endurance riding career at the age of seven, Blakeley writes about the years of training and teamwork required to win the most challenging and famous 100-mile horse race in the world aboard a horse she had originally acquired for free off of Craigslist.
Blakeley places readers on the ride with her so that they can experience the thrill of the most exciting horse endurance race in existence. Blakeley and Goober survive narrow mountain trails winding through the Sierra-Nevadas, containing over 19,000 feet of elevation gain; three steep, grueling canyons; crossing the shoulder-high American River; riding at night with only the light of the moon to guide them; temperatures that soared over 115 degrees; and, most excitingly, the final neck-and-neck sprint to the finish against a four-time Tevis Cup champion and world class competitor after 100 miles of some of the most rugged mountain trails in the world. When Blakeley and Goober cross the finish line just a few feet ahead of their competition and Blakeley becomes the youngest woman in history to win the Tevis Cup, a lifetime of hard work that began when the author started training as a small child and who had long dreamed of winning the Tevis Cup was finally rewarded. Chasing Dreams contains action, heartwarming twists, and an epic ending that will leave readers in tears.
Chasing: The True Story of the Youngest Female Tevis Cup Champion is the incredible, action-packed memoir of Sanoma Blakeley’s 2019 Tevis Cup championship, won while riding her beloved horse Goober, and the tale of how she became the youngest woman to ever become a Tevis Cup champion. Beginning her endurance riding career at the age of seven, Blakeley writes about the years of training and teamwork required to win the most challenging and famous 100-mile horse race in the world aboard a horse she had originally acquired for free off of Craigslist.
Blakeley places readers on the ride with her so that they can experience the thrill of the most exciting horse endurance race in existence. Blakeley and Goober survive narrow mountain trails winding through the Sierra-Nevadas, containing over 19,000 feet of elevation gain; three steep, grueling canyons; crossing the shoulder-high American River; riding at night with only the light of the moon to guide them; temperatures that soared over 115 degrees; and, most excitingly, the final neck-and-neck sprint to the finish against a four-time Tevis Cup champion and world class competitor after 100 miles of some of the most rugged mountain trails in the world. When Blakeley and Goober cross the finish line just a few feet ahead of their competition and Blakeley becomes the youngest woman in history to win the Tevis Cup, a lifetime of hard work that began when the author started training as a small child and who had long dreamed of winning the Tevis Cup was finally rewarded. Chasing Dreams contains action, heartwarming twists, and an epic ending that will leave readers in tears.
- GenresNonfictionHorsesMemoir
232 pages, Hardcover
Published July 25, 2023
17 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 21, 2023
I was one of those "crazy horse girls" . I haven't ridden a horse in 30 years however, it didn't prevent me from picking up this book. The Tevis cup is ridden in what was my back yard and I'm kicking myself for never going to sit at the finish in Auburn before I left. When I was younger, I had dreamed of endurance riding but I moved on to mountain biking as a bike was easier to maintain than a horse.
Sanoma Blakeley is not only a talented horse woman but a fantastic author. This book is so well written it was a joy to read. Very easy to picture yourself astride Goober (I love that horse) and experience her racing on the back of different horses. Her description of trails and her thoughts racing gives the reader a different take on the grit of an endurance athlete. It's not always upbeat, but how she manages to pump her and her horse up to continue the race is exceptional. The tight knit race family dynamics will put a smile on your face and wished every child could experience a childhood like this: racing on the backs of horses surrounded by your parents and sibling. What could be better than that?
Even if the reader is not familiar with the Tevis cup or equestrian endurance racing, they will appreciate the grit of this young woman, her ability to write extremely well and the interesting world of preparing for the Tevis cup. Readers will especially appreciate the plot twists in this book!
I am looking forward to following the author through social media and hoping that she publishes another book on her endurance racing.
Sanoma Blakeley is not only a talented horse woman but a fantastic author. This book is so well written it was a joy to read. Very easy to picture yourself astride Goober (I love that horse) and experience her racing on the back of different horses. Her description of trails and her thoughts racing gives the reader a different take on the grit of an endurance athlete. It's not always upbeat, but how she manages to pump her and her horse up to continue the race is exceptional. The tight knit race family dynamics will put a smile on your face and wished every child could experience a childhood like this: racing on the backs of horses surrounded by your parents and sibling. What could be better than that?
Even if the reader is not familiar with the Tevis cup or equestrian endurance racing, they will appreciate the grit of this young woman, her ability to write extremely well and the interesting world of preparing for the Tevis cup. Readers will especially appreciate the plot twists in this book!
I am looking forward to following the author through social media and hoping that she publishes another book on her endurance racing.
September 25, 2023
I had never heard of the Tevis cup and only a little about endurance races. This book was a very interesting look at Sanoma’s life and her journey to become the youngest female Tevis cup champion as well as about her horses, especially Goober. I found it easy to read and quite fun to learn about.
March 18, 2024
Chasing Dreams is a spectacular read. Sanoma expertly weaves a tale of discovery, hardship, love, determination, and accomplishment over the course of many years. I often found myself smiling and laughing while reading about the many twists and turns of the family’s journey as endurance riders. The tears came inevitably as the last few chapters came to life in my mind; I could hear the commotion at the end of the race and the hushed murmurings in the aftermath. This book is one of those tales that has such a true and honest impact, because all of it really happened. The true stories of those who choose to make history are often so much more memorable than embellished imaginings. The real thing is always better, and Sanoma has proven that without a doubt.
July 17, 2023
Disclaimer: I was sent an ARC of this book by NetGalley to review.
I LOVED this book! It made me really want to try endurance racing and it used horse terms that I could understand without being childish. That being said, it might be a little confusing for someone who doesn’t ride at all. It was a little more detailed than was needed but I liked how the author made the book flow and progress. Overall, I will 100% want to buy this book in print when it comes out!
I LOVED this book! It made me really want to try endurance racing and it used horse terms that I could understand without being childish. That being said, it might be a little confusing for someone who doesn’t ride at all. It was a little more detailed than was needed but I liked how the author made the book flow and progress. Overall, I will 100% want to buy this book in print when it comes out!
May 21, 2023
Although I was a horse crazy girl, I never tried endurance riding. I just didn't have the discipline. A couple friends did, however, try a few far shorter races than the Tevis Cup and I utilized some of their memories in one of the first stories I ever sold. Therefore, you can probably understand why I actually spent some moments just looking at the cover and going, "Wow!" in my mind. I'm happy to say, the book itself was a "Wow!", too.
I also spent some time chuckling as I read the history of the Tevis Cup. I live in Alaska where sled dogs and the Iditarod race are frequent topics and the background of the races have similarities. Both started to prove the toughness of the animals in comparison to those of the past. Both take place in isolated, difficult to transverse territory with few spectators. Frequent stops are required for vet checks where the animals can be pulled by the vet for any variety of issues. Of course, in the Tevis Cup, unlike the Iditarod with its teams of dogs, your horse being eliminated by the vet means you are done whereas in the Iditarod, assuming the rest of the team is healthy, mushers may continue with simply fewer dogs. The animals come first, however, whether horse or dog in these contests. "To Finish Is To Win" is a motto of both, I note.
Sanoma Blakeley was fifteen when she entered and won the Tevis Cup but had been riding and competing since, well, almost forever. Horses were her life. a passion she shared with her family. And, oh, btw, her father and mother met in Ketchikan, Alaska, another Alaska tie for me. More amazingly, Goober, the horse that would carry her to victory in the Tevis Cup was found on Craigslist for free. I won't detail the race, part of the fun is feeling like you're in the saddle with Sanoma as they transverse trails with 36,000' of elevation and so narrow your stirrup scraps the side of the hill with a thousand foot drop off on the other side. Take a look at the cover photo if you have any doubt of the physical and mental strain on both the horse and rider.
Yet, it's the bond between Sanoma and Goober, in particular, that pulls you in. I was charmed by her early tales of life with Midnight, that first horse that teaches us how to live and love horses, but Goober was special. If you don't feel anxiety and come near tears at the end. you've simply never had that undying bond with an animal yet.
Highly recommended to anyone who loves horses, any animal really, and a good, "can-do" story. My sincere thanks to #NetGalley and #SantaMonicaPress for giving me this sneak peak. I absolutely loved her love for family and deep love and respect for all the horses in her life, not just Goober. I haven't been on a horse in years but suddenly felt the urge to go at least share a carrot or two with one.
I also spent some time chuckling as I read the history of the Tevis Cup. I live in Alaska where sled dogs and the Iditarod race are frequent topics and the background of the races have similarities. Both started to prove the toughness of the animals in comparison to those of the past. Both take place in isolated, difficult to transverse territory with few spectators. Frequent stops are required for vet checks where the animals can be pulled by the vet for any variety of issues. Of course, in the Tevis Cup, unlike the Iditarod with its teams of dogs, your horse being eliminated by the vet means you are done whereas in the Iditarod, assuming the rest of the team is healthy, mushers may continue with simply fewer dogs. The animals come first, however, whether horse or dog in these contests. "To Finish Is To Win" is a motto of both, I note.
Sanoma Blakeley was fifteen when she entered and won the Tevis Cup but had been riding and competing since, well, almost forever. Horses were her life. a passion she shared with her family. And, oh, btw, her father and mother met in Ketchikan, Alaska, another Alaska tie for me. More amazingly, Goober, the horse that would carry her to victory in the Tevis Cup was found on Craigslist for free. I won't detail the race, part of the fun is feeling like you're in the saddle with Sanoma as they transverse trails with 36,000' of elevation and so narrow your stirrup scraps the side of the hill with a thousand foot drop off on the other side. Take a look at the cover photo if you have any doubt of the physical and mental strain on both the horse and rider.
Yet, it's the bond between Sanoma and Goober, in particular, that pulls you in. I was charmed by her early tales of life with Midnight, that first horse that teaches us how to live and love horses, but Goober was special. If you don't feel anxiety and come near tears at the end. you've simply never had that undying bond with an animal yet.
Highly recommended to anyone who loves horses, any animal really, and a good, "can-do" story. My sincere thanks to #NetGalley and #SantaMonicaPress for giving me this sneak peak. I absolutely loved her love for family and deep love and respect for all the horses in her life, not just Goober. I haven't been on a horse in years but suddenly felt the urge to go at least share a carrot or two with one.
July 18, 2023
As a horse girl whose horse was bred from an incredible endurance horse, I had to read this. Unfortunately for me, my disability means my body isn’t cut out for that amount of hours in the saddle. However, endurance is such an incredible yet underrated sport. This book makes you feel like you are along for the ride. I knew endurance riders were tough but this shows you just how badass they are. I love that it shows the reality of equestrian sport and how the horse is the most important thing. It really shows the highs and lows and the dedication needed to be successful. Sanoma’s love for her horses really shines through and Goobers story was quite the rollercoaster. He sounds like a gem of a horse. I also really enjoyed seeing her family. What an incredible way to grow up. Definitely recommend if you love horses or want to know more about horses.
I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
June 29, 2023
Ok, so it's been over a decade since I've ridden a horse but Blakeley's book has made me want to get back in the saddle (literally), and pick up endurance riding because it sounds like it would be an amazing experience.
Even though as a reader going into CHASING DREAMS, you know Blakely wins the 2019 Tevis Cup, you'll still find yourself cheering her and Goober on as they ride through the night and then especially in those last few miles. And you don't have to be an experienced horse person to appreciate or understand the novel, Blakeley's story is accessible to anyone interested in learning a little bit about endurance riding and the Tevis Cup... though reader beware, it might make you want to take up endurance racing too!
Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley and Santa Monica Press in exchange for an honest review.
Even though as a reader going into CHASING DREAMS, you know Blakely wins the 2019 Tevis Cup, you'll still find yourself cheering her and Goober on as they ride through the night and then especially in those last few miles. And you don't have to be an experienced horse person to appreciate or understand the novel, Blakeley's story is accessible to anyone interested in learning a little bit about endurance riding and the Tevis Cup... though reader beware, it might make you want to take up endurance racing too!
Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley and Santa Monica Press in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2023
Sanoma Blakeley is a “horse girl” almost before she learned to walk. She and her brother join in their parent’s dream of training and racing endurance horses. Many horses are bought, trained, raced and then sold to keep the operation running. The family becomes known in the endurance racing world as reputable and responsible with top of the line horses. Sanoma dreams to win the Tevis Cup….100 miles in 24 hours in the Sierra mountains.
Goober is an Arabian horse advertised for free 0n Craigslist. Sonoma’s parents take him in and over years he becomes a family favorite and a wonderful racer with great heart. A prankster, Goober occasionally opens the gates to let all the horses run loose to explore the nearby town.
One perfect day Sanoma and Goober team up to compete for the Tevis Cup. Sanoma describes the race moment by moment: the trip there, the preparation, the vet checks, the course, other horses and riders and the last few tense, exciting moments. She does this so well that every bit of it is interesting and heartfelt.
As I read this book I got to know Sanoma and several horses so well that I became emotionally invested in every race and in the tough times when a horse is sold and Sanoma had to say “goodbye”. Goober’s story is special though. This is not just the story of a champion horse, it is also the story of a friendship parting, and then a family fighting to get their friend back to them and their love for this special horse. I cried happy tears and I cried thinking of my first horse, missing him. #netgalley #ChasingDreams #TevisCup
Goober is an Arabian horse advertised for free 0n Craigslist. Sonoma’s parents take him in and over years he becomes a family favorite and a wonderful racer with great heart. A prankster, Goober occasionally opens the gates to let all the horses run loose to explore the nearby town.
One perfect day Sanoma and Goober team up to compete for the Tevis Cup. Sanoma describes the race moment by moment: the trip there, the preparation, the vet checks, the course, other horses and riders and the last few tense, exciting moments. She does this so well that every bit of it is interesting and heartfelt.
As I read this book I got to know Sanoma and several horses so well that I became emotionally invested in every race and in the tough times when a horse is sold and Sanoma had to say “goodbye”. Goober’s story is special though. This is not just the story of a champion horse, it is also the story of a friendship parting, and then a family fighting to get their friend back to them and their love for this special horse. I cried happy tears and I cried thinking of my first horse, missing him. #netgalley #ChasingDreams #TevisCup
December 22, 2023
This was very interesting. I had heard about the Tevis Cup before, but hadn't heard about Ms. Blakeley as I don't follow the race. This book did make me do more research about the race and I'll probably try to follow it.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2023
Heartfelt story of love
This was a fun read. The book is filled with people supporting horses and people supporting people. I love good ending and this didn't disappoint. Everyone who grew up with horses will enjoy this book and even if you didn't it's still one worth reading.
This was a fun read. The book is filled with people supporting horses and people supporting people. I love good ending and this didn't disappoint. Everyone who grew up with horses will enjoy this book and even if you didn't it's still one worth reading.
November 5, 2023
Once you start, you can't put it down until you finished it. It is conversational and down to earth, wholesome, motivating and just plain entertaining.
Definitely a good read for and any age or gender.
Definitely a good read for and any age or gender.
July 10, 2023
This was an interesting read. Although I never connected with Sanoma, I enjoyed learning about an equestrian sport that I’d never heard of. Recommend for horse lovers.
September 8, 2023
Loved every word. Felt like I was right alongside Sanoma and Goober. I just couldn't put it down.
September 17, 2023
Never give up on your dreams
Truly enjoyed reading this book. It made you feel you were in the story riding along with them. Just wish it was a little longer
Truly enjoyed reading this book. It made you feel you were in the story riding along with them. Just wish it was a little longer
October 11, 2023
A fast read, and a feel-good story of Sanoma Blakeley's Tevis Cup victory. I don't ride horses, but I still loved it.
February 8, 2024
Very nicely written book on endurance racing and the Blakeley's commitment to their family, their horses and the sport. Love that they live in Oregon.
April 27, 2024
Great book, very well and smoothly written. Enjoyed very much! Felt like Im right there with Sanoma pushing for the win!
April 14, 2025
Great story, poorly written.
April 21, 2025
The Tevis Cup and Endurance Riding are both completely new to me. I’m so intrigued and impressed with Sanoma, and her remarkable personal journey. Great story, fun read, definitely for horse lovers!
November 15, 2025
I enjoyed reading about the Tevis cup and the horses and their training.
January 2, 2026
i dont race horses nor do i really know much about how to take care of a horse but i do love horses. after finishing this i've decided the best course in my life would be to throw everything away and get a horse
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews