A rare photo of Charlie: l to r, Paula Fatjo, Wendell Robie, Charlie Barieau

Photographer who chronicled endurance riding dies at 89

Gus Thomson, Journal Staff Writer, Gold Country Media

Sep 11, 2005 11:00 AM

An Auburn photographer who found his niche chronicling the world of endurance horse riding, Charles Eugene Barieau, has died at age 89.

Starting in the 1950s, when he photographed endurance pioneer Wendell Robie on the first 24-hour ride through the Sierra from Virginia City to Auburn, Barieau captured the grace and musculature of the horses and the grim determination of riders in countless photos over five decades on the trail.

Barieau, a quiet man who let his camera do the talking, died Sept. 5. Born May 23, 1916, he had moved to Auburn in 1946 to work as a surveyor for an uncle. He eventually worked for Auburn’s Andregg Inc. But his equestrian photography was the niche that set him apart.

Potato Richardson, a two-time Tevis Cup winner, said Friday that the equestrian world was fortunate to have a rich treasure-trove of historical photos because of Barieau’s work. A rider himself, Barieau would show up at events unannounced but was always welcomed because of the work he did both behind the camera and for the equestrian community.

“The greatest memory for Charlie will be that he photographically recorded the history of endurance riding from the beginning,” Richardson said.

Barieau’s trademark, his photos of riders and horses negotiating the precipitous Cougar Rock at one of the most scenic spots on the Western States Trail, have traveled with equestrians back to their homes in other states and around the world.

“Thousands of his photos grace the walls of riders worldwide, reminding them of their great adventures,” said longtime friend Cindy Tough.

Barieau joined the Sierra Rangers horseback riding group in the late 1950s, and as a member, rode in the mountains many times. As the Tevis Cup ride grew in popularity, Barieau started taking photos and was the first to position himself at Cougar Rock. Pictures on Cougar Rock became the standard icon for the sport. He started selling his endurance photos at each ride, which gave the riders treasured souvenirs of their achievement.

Barieau was also one of the prime movers behind the founding of the American Endurance Ride Conference organization, based in Auburn.

In the beginning, the organization was mainly a tool for recording mileage for horse and rider. It has now grown to include education for riders and a center for rewarding those who have done well in the sport.

Kathleen Henkel, Endurance Ride Conference executive director, said Barieau managed to ensure his photos would live on for future generations. Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease in later year, he placed many photos with the Ride Conference and the Tevis Cup ride group.

“He didn’t like the spotlight,” Henkel said. “He stayed in the background with his camera and took beautiful photos.”

In 1988, Barieau was inducted into the American Endurance Ride Hall of Fame.

As news filtered through the riding community, Tough said she has learned that the unassuming photographer’s works inspired many people.

“One man who called this morning said he captured that exact instant of beauty with the rider and horse moving,” Tough said.

Charles’ Memorial Service, held at the Gold Country Fairgrounds in Auburn, October 15, 2005

Memorial Program Excerpt:

“And so we salute you, Charlie Barieau, and send you heartfelt thanks. You added depth and dimension to our lives, capturing those special moments of horse and rider traveling as one over the mountains. You kept the rich history of the Tevis, the Run, the Western States Trail, and our Sierra heritage alive and vibrant. Happy Trails, Charlie…”

A celebration of Charlie Barieau’s life was held at the Auburn Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 15th. Charlie died on September 5th after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Not only was Charlie a founding member of AERC, he was also inducted into the AERC Hall of Fame in 1988.

Although he was a horseman who traveled miles over the Sierra in the saddle himself, he is most remembered for his photography. Charlie was there to docu- ment Wendell Robie and his pioneering friends on that historic first 100-mile 24- hour trek over the Sierra in 1955. He continued on with his photography, and he is especially known for all of his pictures of riders negotiating Cougar Rock, which he generously shared with his friends and later charged about a dollar to purchase.

A fiercely independent man, who enjoyed a bachelor’s life and the freedom that goes with it, Charlie would pop up in unusual places, take it all in, and disappear again whenthe spirit moved him.

His memorial service was a pot luck, and it was attended by many of the earliest riders in our sport. People brought their favorite photos he had taken to share and reminisce over (we were all so young!), and Tevis Cup Ride vet cards from decades back were there to be picked up. Potato Richardson spoke on the stage and invited others to share their Charlie stories, all of which were filled with humor and much affection. Marion Robie, Kathie Perry, Phil Gardner, Richard Barsaleau, Cliff Lewis, Gordy Ainsleigh, and on and on. It was like a Who’s Who of the early days of our sport, sharing laughter and tears as old stories were told.

We all agreed that a fitting memorial would be to officially name a special place on the Western States Trail after him. A group of people are working on this plan, and you may hear more about it later.

Barbara White, courtesy of the Quicksilver Riders’ Newsletter

From The Traveler – Lincoln Highway Association California Chapter January, 2006 Newsletter

Another loss to the California Chapter was the passing of CHARLES BARIEAU. Charles was instrumental in the formation of the California Chapter. He worked for the Placer County Highway Department and knew every inch of the Lincoln Highway in Placer County. He led many tours over the Lincoln and shared his knowledge in many ways.

Charles made a presentation to the Placer County Historical Society in 1992. His speech was taped and transcribed. I recently obtained a copy of this transcription and would be happy to share it with anyone who wants a copy. Please contact me.

Charles was made a life member of this chapter a couple of years ago, and will be missed by all. He passed away in a convalescent home after suffering from Parkinson’s Disease for many years.

Bob Dieterich, President

Lincoln Highway Monument on Ophir Rd. at Werner