California, USA – The story of “Love Story,” a gray mare rescued from a challenging past, embodies resilience and the powerful bond between horse, and rider. Her journey from a feral, untamed animal to a competitor in one of the world’s most demanding endurance races, the Tevis Cup, is a testament to dedicated rehabilitation and the unwavering spirit of both horse and human. This is a story of love, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence in the demanding world of equestrian endurance riding.
In 2020, Vera Valdivia-Abdallah, founder and director of Love This Horse Equine Rescue in Mojave, California, received an urgent call. A herd of 53 Arabian horses in Oregon needed immediate assistance following the death of their owner. The family, overwhelmed and unprepared to care for the animals, had contacted a horse trader, raising concerns about the horses’ welfare and potential sale at auction. Valdivia-Abdallah, with years of experience in equine rescue, mobilized to locate and secure as many of the horses as possible.
Among the horses rescued was a five-year-vintage mare who quickly earned the name “Love Story,” inspired by the Taylor Swift song, a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet with a happy ending. Valdivia-Abdallah explained she often names rescued horses with positive affirmations, hoping to instill a sense of hope and possibility. “She was pretty healthy looking, but she was really wild and traumatized,” Valdivia-Abdallah said, according to Horse Illustrated. “If you just walked in her pen, she would jump out. She did it multiple times.”
The initial six months were dedicated to gaining Love Story’s trust. Valdivia-Abdallah, along with her daughters Tamarah and Erna Valdivia, and another trainer, worked patiently to acclimate the mare to human interaction. Despite the challenges, Valdivia-Abdallah sensed a special quality in Love Story. “Once we got her going, I said that’s a Tevis horse right there,” she recalled to Horse Illustrated. “Don’t request me why. I just had that feeling.”
The Tevis Cup, held annually in California since 1955, is renowned as one of the toughest 100-mile endurance rides globally. Horse and rider teams must complete the grueling course within 24 hours, passing rigorous veterinary checks along the way. The race’s challenging terrain, including steep inclines and rocky sections, tests the limits of both equine and human endurance.
To develop Love Story’s potential, Valdivia-Abdallah enlisted the expertise of Susannah Jones, an experienced endurance rider with a history of competing in the Tevis Cup. The initial training phase focused on building trust and observing Love Story’s natural abilities without imposing pressure. By 2023, Love Story began solo outings, demonstrating initiative, stamina, and a remarkable aptitude for navigating challenging terrain. However, difficulties arose when working with other horses, as Love Story exhibited unpredictable reactions requiring extreme caution.
In October 2023, Jones suffered a fall during a training session, temporarily halting her work with Love Story. This led to a pivotal shift in the horse’s training, as Erna Valdivia, Vera’s daughter, stepped in as her rider. Erna, an accomplished endurance rider herself and experienced in working with rescued horses, quickly established a connection with Love Story, employing a consistent and clear approach to training.
The pair began competing in shorter endurance rides, gradually increasing the distances from 40 to 80 and then 120 kilometers, accumulating over 480 kilometers of competitive experience. Their progress was evident, and the decision was made to pursue the ultimate challenge: the Tevis Cup.
Erna Valdivia’s participation in the 2024 Tevis Cup held particular significance, as she became the first African American junior rider to compete in the race’s history. The competition, featuring 139 horses, pushed Love Story and Erna to their limits. They successfully navigated 109 kilometers of the course before making the difficult decision to withdraw, prioritizing Love Story’s well-being given the exceptionally demanding conditions.
Love This Horse Equine Rescue, as of January 5, 2026, has rescued 674 horses and adopted out 502, currently caring for 123 horses at their ranch and 3 in foster homes, according to their website. The organization specializes in rescuing Arabian horses from various sources, including law enforcement seizures, auctions, and distressed owners. Vera, Tamarah, and Erna Valdivia, along with a dedicated team of volunteers, provide a safe and nurturing environment for these horses, focusing on rehabilitation, gentle training, and finding them permanent homes.
The story of Love Story extends beyond the competition results. It’s a powerful example of the transformative impact of equine rescue and the potential for even the most traumatized animals to achieve remarkable things. From a feral, unhandled mare, Love Story has become a symbol of hope and resilience, demonstrating that with patience, dedication, and a loving partnership, anything is possible. The Valdivia family’s commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating horses, combined with Erna’s skill and determination, has created a truly inspiring story.
While the Tevis Cup may not have resulted in a finish this year, the journey itself is a victory. Love Story and Erna Valdivia have captured the hearts of the equestrian community and demonstrated the incredible potential of rescued horses. The pair will likely continue to compete in endurance events, building on their success and inspiring others with their remarkable story.
What’s next: Erna Valdivia and Love Story are expected to continue their endurance riding career, with potential participation in other challenging events throughout the southwestern United States. The Love This Horse Equine Rescue continues its vital work, providing sanctuary and rehabilitation for horses in need.
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