It's 5 a.m. at the Wendell Robie Equestrian Park, south of Truckee.
Sparks fly when metal shoes strike rocks.
Kicking and bucking, a few horses throw their riders. The most challenging part of the ride is the beginning. People crowd, push, get in your way. Endurance riding is a way of life for Richardson, whose brothers also have vegetable monikers. His sisters are nicknamed for flowers.