Cheryl Dell

Born: August 10, 1960
Hometown: Hopland, California

Cheryl Dell began riding at age 8 on her grandparents’ ranch in Nebraska. Her first interest was western but as a teenager her focus shifted to the English discipline and jumping. However, Dell soon began to feel too confined in the arena and yearned to ride in the beautiful scenery.

Dell fell in love with the sport of endurance in the late 1970s when she was helping her father, a ride veterinarian, as a ride secretary. She took part in rides as a competitor in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Cheryl Dell and Reason to Believe (Photo by Robyn, provided by Cheryl Dell)

Dell then enrolled in vet school and did not return to endurance until 1996.

In the early part of this decade, Dell found great success with the Arabian gelding, Seek the Moment, known as Mack. In 2001, the pair won the Norco Riverdance Ride IAHA 50-mile Championship. At the 2004 AERC 100-mile National Championship, Cheryl rode Mack to third place.

With her partner, Reason to Believe, Dell has earned a number of top placings. In 2006, Dell and Reason to Believe won the AHA 100-mile National Championship, and at this same competition they were awarded the Best Conditioned prize.

At the 2007 AERC 100-mile National Championship the pair earned many accolades. They finished the competition overall in second. Additionally, they were first in the featherweight division and earned the coveted Best Conditioned prize.

In 2008, Dell and Reason to Believe were third in the 100-mile FEI Ride at Owyhee. The following year, they went one better finishing the 100-mile ride in second place. Also in 2009, they won the featherweight division at the AERC National Championship 50-mile ride.

When not in the saddle, Dell is a practicing veterinarian who enjoys running, hiking and mountain biking.