McCaffrey Memorial
Endurance Ride
Ride in Remembrance. Ride with Purpose.
In Memory of James McCaffrey
Base camp is located at Newfield Farm, a 100-acre breeding and training facility for Thoroughbred racehorses and sporthorses owned and operated by renowned trainer Nading Anderson and her husband Paul Newman. It was here that ride host TJ first met James McCaffrey — working the Thoroughbred horses together, forging a friendship through their shared passion for horses.
James later became a close friend to TJ's husband, Rodrigo, eventually moving to TJ's Saddle Up Ranch and splitting his time between the two ranches. James was a veteran who struggled with mental health and alcohol, and passed away in a single-car accident in September 2025 — one day before he was set to depart for a veteran rehabilitation program that helps veterans heal through horses.
This ride is held in remembrance of James — to generate funds to supplement his daughter's trust fund, and to bring awareness to the wellbeing of Veterans and Active Duty Service Members. We ride for James. We ride for all those who carry invisible wounds.
Event Details
Base Camp
Newfield Farm
42250 Terwilliger Road, Anza, CA 92536
A 100-acre Thoroughbred breeding and training facility nestled in the hills of Anza, California.
Getting to Base Camp
- 1From the 371, turn South onto Kirby Road (right hand turn if you came from the 79; left hand turn if you came from the 74).
- 2Kirby road curves left and then right and becomes Terwilliger Road. From Terwilliger, TURN LEFT ON LA CIMA NO MATTER WHAT YOUR GPS SAYS! La Cima is a dirt road.
- 3The ranch is on the right hand side. Follow the fence to the Event Entry Gate that is before you get to the large upper barn.
- 4Look for the AERC signs to guide you in.
Do not use the main Newfield Farm entrance off Terwilliger Road — that entrance is reserved for Newfield staff and clients.
Schedule
Friday, September 11
- Ride camp opens at 8:00 AM
- Earlier arrivals welcome — please notify TJ in advance
- Vet check opens: 3:00 PM
- Dinner: 6:00 PM ($20/person)
- Ride meeting: 7:00 PM
Saturday, September 12
- Vet check opens: 3:00 PM or when convenient for vet for Sunday riders. If riding same horse on Sunday, Saturday completion counts as vet check.
- 50-mile start: 6:00 AM
- 25-mile start: 7:00 AM
- Introductory ride start: 9:00 AM
- Start times subject to adjustment
- Dinner: 6:00 PM ($20/person)
- Ride meeting & awards: 7:00 PM
Sunday, September 13
- 50-mile start: 6:00 AM
- 25-mile start: 7:00 AM
- Introductory ride start: 9:00 AM
- Start times subject to adjustment
- Awards ceremony: 6:00 PM
- Early award pickup available for those departing early
Monday, September 14
- Ride camp closes at noon
- Later departures welcome — please notify TJ in advance
Introductory Ride
10 or 15 miles
Perfect for first-time endurance riders and young horses.
$100 entry
Limited Distance
25 miles
AERC-sanctioned limited distance course.
$150 entry
Endurance
50 miles
AERC-sanctioned full endurance course.
$150 entry
Entry Fees & Policies
Fee Schedule
Refund Policy
Entries after September 7, 2026 will be subject to a $70 late fee. Cancellations on or after September 7, will receive a full refund minus a $70 hold-back fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations on or after September 10, 2026.
Ride Information
Water
Water at base camp is potable for both horses and humans. There will be plenty of water available for your use. You are welcome to sponge, spray, and bathe your horses.
Parking
Multiple parking areas are available in close proximity to the vet check and ride meeting location:
- Pasture 1
- Pasture 2
- Inside the racetrack
- In front of the main upper barn
- In front of the lower barn
Signs and staff will be on hand to guide you to your spot.
Manure Spreading
You are welcome to spread manure at all parking locations except the upper barn area. The majority of upper barn parking is reserved for ride staff, volunteers, and emergency vehicles — this restriction will not apply to most riders.
Ranch Rules
This is a working ranch with valuable horses.
- Do not wander through the barns or pet or feed any ranch horses.
- When riding on the property, do not approach horses at fencelines.
- Do not approach ranch riders or their horses — they will be in English jumping or racehorse tack.
Vet Check & Crew Bags
Vet checks are not at base camp. Plan on bringing a crew bag — it will be transported to the vet check location for you, then returned to base camp after the check.
Camping
Camping is primitive. Portable toilets will be available at base camp. Come prepared with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Generators & Quiet Hours
Please use generators respectfully. Introductory riders have a later start time and deserve a good night's rest just as much as anyone.
Terrain
Expect beautiful views with a mix of climbs and descents, sandy stretches, and rocky sections. Hoof protection is recommended for all distances.
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Base Camp
Newfield Farm
42250 Terwilliger Road, Anza, CA 92536
A 100-acre Thoroughbred breeding and training facility owned and operated by renowned trainer Nading Anderson and her husband Paul Newman — the birthplace of the friendship that inspired this ride.