After much deliberation and careful assessment, the Western States Trail Foundation Board of Governors regrets to announce the cancellation of the 2008 Tevis Cup Ride due to the California fires.

"It was a difficult decision," reported Western States Trail Foundation (WSTF) President Tom Christofk. "But after in-depth discussion today with the U.S. Forest Service, we have decided that any level of risk was not appropriate. The Forest Service has graciously offered us some options for re-routing around the now-closed Foresthill Road, but with that factor, coupled with current air-quality issues and the on-going fire situation, we opted to make the conservative decision of cancelling the ride. Protecting the safety and health of the horses and people involved with this historic event takes precedence over everything else."

Further updates regarding this decision will be posted on the Tevis website later at www.teviscup.net. Ride Management and the Executive Committee are working on a demobilization plan. A definitive refund policy will be announced later.