Tom is from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and was put on the back of his Grandmother’s chestnut Anglo-Arabian gelding, Rusty, before he could walk. His mother was also an avid rider and owned anglo-Arabians along with his grandmother. The three of them shared the love of spending time with horses.

Tom took a break from horses while in Air Force Special Operations as an elite Combat Controller and then to NC State University graduating as a Chemical Engineer. During this time he enjoyed the struggle and accomplishment of endurance competitions where he competed as an amateur athlete in Triathlon, Cyclocross and Road Bike.

Tom serendipitously found his way back to a life with horses while continuing to test his endurance. A chance encounter changed the course of his and his wife lives. While hiking, they stopped to help an Endurance rider with a spirited young horse and they were hooked. A special chestnut Arabian who overcame disabilities to become a Darley nominated track star captured Tom’s heart. Full of Fiesta found a second career, a loving home and started Tom’s pursuit of FEI endurance.

Tom started FEI level competition in 2016 after completing his novice qualifications. In 2022/23 he qualified for the 2023 Pan American Championship by competing in Chile on HF Barii, owned by Maxi Wimmer. In September Tom was named to the 2023 United States Endurance Team to compete in the Pan American Endurance Championship this November. For Tom, he thrives on the competition and strategy of long distance racing but he also enjoys the quiet bonding moments together with his mount.

Tom lives in North Carolina with his wife, Heidi Perreault DVM, who also competes in Endurance as a 3* FEI level Endurance Athlete.

Cheryl Van Deusen has represented the U.S. Endurance Team in international competition since 2005, including as part of the silver medal team at the 2009 FEI Endurance Pan American Championships in Uruguay.

In 2021, Van Deusen and her 2004 Arabian Gelding, Hoover the Mover, topped the FEI Endurance Open Combination World Ranking List. The pair won their first CEI3* 160 together at the 2018 Gallop on the Greenway. In 2021, the pair finished first at the Broxton Bridge January CEI3* 140 and the Celebration CEI3* 140 in Williston, Fla.

Van Deusen has won the Maggy Price Endurance Excellence Award for four consecutive years, from 2017-2020. This award is presented annually to the top U.S. senior endurance rider.