SEPTEMBER 2010
Therapeutic Riding Benefit
Sept. 5 in Huntington Beach
The Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach celebrates its 12th annual Oktoberfest fundraiser. Food, fun, silent and live auction items are all part of the fun, as are racing Dachshunds. Based at the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, TRC encourages supporters to start sponsoring a therapy horse during the festivities. Sponsors can have a banner displayed during all eight weeks of Oktoberfest, at the Old World Village Festival Hall in Huntington Beach, where 50,000 visitors are expected.
TRC was formed in 1989 and has been serving riders with various disabilities ever since. Autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, mental retardation and vision and hearing impairments are among the conditions improved by the time with horses TRC provides. The program’s wait list is long and donations are greatly appreciated to help TRC serve more students.
For Oktoberfest tickets and more information visit www.trchb.org or call 714-848-0966.
Red Bluff Junior Round Up Rodeo
Sept. 11 & 12 in Red Bluff
Cowgirls and aspiring beauty queens need to mark their calendar for this year’s Red Bluff Junior Round Up Rodeo contest. Although entries have closed, spectators are welcome to come see the toughest kind of pageantry featured at California’s largest youth rodeo. Cowgirls from ages 6 to 18 will test their mettle against each other in both the senior and junior divisions to see who will reign as rodeo royalty.
These young ladies will receive awards and will be judged in a variety of pageantry events. Awards will be given out for best horsemanship, poise and personality, written scholar and most photogenic. The hairspray will be flying and the dust will not settle until the young queens and princesses are crowned. Winning contestants will receive crowns, buckles and other great gifts. The young lady that sells the largest amount of tickets to the event
will win a saddle or buckle. The competition will be fierce.
Cowboys and cowgirls young and old will enjoy these glamorous two days of competition. Spectators can also check out the other fun rodeo events to catch these bright rising stars.
For more information about the Red Bluff Junior Round Up Rodeo and Rodeo Queen contest or tickets visit www.redbluffjuniorroundup.com or contact Jennifer Marinelli at 530-840-0881 or Linda Simpson at 530-384-1098.
Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair
Sept. 23-26 in Grass Valley
This year the Draft Horse Classic and Harvest Fair will provide large amounts of fun for horse lovers and their families. Spectators will marvel as they watch the finest draft horses compete in a variety of events including log pulling, hauling, driving, under saddle and halter classes. This horse show of epic proportions will feature gentle giants utilizing their power and versatility in events as
old as America itself. Unique draft breeds seldom seen can be viewed at the Barn Tours and Special Breed Pavilion.
Spectators can also enjoy a variety of exhibitions, great food and entertainment at the Harvest Fair. Featured is one of the finest equine art shows that will display the work of renowned equine artists, photographers and sculptors, that will be available for purchase. Spectators and exhibitors alike are encouraged to take a walk down Treat Street where vendors offer a variety of tasty food for every pallet. They are also welcome to explore both the Western Music Fest and Western Trade show where everyone can listen to cowboy tunes and poetry and take advantage of the great shopping. Adults can enjoy wine tasting from local wineries on Saturday afternoon between draft horse performances.
Lumberjack and logging demonstrations will also be held at the fair, as well as the performance group The Clogging Jamboree. Also featured between draft horse performances will be the Cowgirl Drill Team and Dianne Olds Rossi and her World of Dancing Horses. This momentous occasion is a must see for draft horse enthusiasts and anyone looking for a great time.
For tickets and information on this larger than life event call 530-273-6217 or visit www.nevadacountyfair.com.
Spirit Of The Horse
Sept. 25 in the Central Coast’s Lompoc
For the first time in the 13 year existence of Return to Freedom’s American Wild Horse Sanctuary, this annual benefit will be held at the Sanctuary itself. It’s a little off the beaten path, but well worth the drive to the beautiful hills of the Jalama Valley. There, nearly 200 wild horses live blissfully as remarkable work is done on their behalf from Return To Freedom’s headquarters. “In a time when people are still facing tough financial challenges, we are returning to our roots to host a simple but elegant event,” says RTF’s Jill Anderson. “All of the event elements that our guests have come to love will still be there: the Native American drummers and dancers, food and wine, vendors, a live and silent auction and of course, equines! The backdrop will be our wild herds and the rustic beauty of the Sanctuary.”
All the food will be from local sources and admission discounts are available to carpoolers. Local wines are on the menu, including
those provided by new corporate sponsor,
14 Hands Wine.
Return To Freedom is dedicated to preserving the freedom, diversity and habitat of America’s wild horses through sanctuary, education and conservation, while enriching the human spirit through direct experience with the natural world.
Auction items are greatly appreciated and tickets are on sale now.
Visit www.returntofreedom.org or call 805-737-9246 for tickets and more information.
Ride On’s Annual Benefit
Sept. 25 in the Los Angeles area’s
Hidden Valley
Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship will be hosting their annual fundraising event on Sat., Sept. 25th at El Campeon Farms in beautiful Hidden Valley. During this prestigious event, Ride On will be honoring the Conejo Recreation and Park District for their continued support and the unique opportunities that they have provided the community through their wonderful partnership with Ride On.
The highlight of the evening will be therapeutic riding demonstrations performed by Ride On students and horses. All proceeds from the
event will go directly to support Ride On and
the programs offered to children and adults
with disabilities.
In the past 16 years Ride On has grown to become one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in the country serving 180 disabled riders on a weekly basis.
Tickets are $150 per person and are available to purchase online at www.rideon.org. Corporate and table sponsorships are also available. For more information call Sara Jones at 805-375-9078 or visit www.rideon.org.
Special Show for Special Athletes
Sept. 26 in Los Angeles
The Kiwanis Club of Warner Center has a made a fall tradition of its Equestrian Competition for Special Athletes. This year’s event, the 17th, is on track to polish that proud legacy. Between 125 to 150 riders from 10 Southern California therapeutic riding programs are expected to strut their stuff at the Hansen Dam Equestrian Center. Thanks to the hard work of the Kiwanis Club and the event’s many sponsors, participation is free to all exhibitors, including entry fees, breakfast, lunch, snacks, trophies, ribbons, souvenir t-shirts and photographs. In many cases, the Club provides funds to help participants get to the show itself. “Every athlete gets a ribbon and/or a trophy,” reports the event’s press release. “Typically, the riders carry or wear them all day and the only thing bigger than their ribbons is their smiles.”
Sponsorships and sales of event program ads typically generate enough funds to distribute post-expenses profits to participating therapeutic riding clubs in Southern California. Last year, the Kiwanis Club dispersed $12,000 to enable these programs to keep up their good work.
The Equestrian Competition for Special Athletes began as an adjunct event to the Special Olympics and started with 30 competitors. In 2008, the Special Olympics notified the Kiwanis Club that it would no longer stage equestrian competition. The Club opted to carry on with the show, to the delight of all participants.
For more information, call the Kiwanis Club of Warner Center at 818-346-7004.
FHCSC Hosts 10th Annual KFPS (Dutch) Friesian Inspection
Oct. 1-2 in Temecula
The finest Friesian horses in North America will be pitted against each other to win top honors and titles as the FHCSC (Friesian Horse Club of Southern California) hosts the KFPS (Dutch Friesian Studbook) inspection in beautiful Galway Downs located in the Temecula Valley. Over 100 mares, geldings, stallions and foals will be inspected by site judges and will fight to earn the coveted STER status, a great honor for this magnificent and graceful breed. The style and type of this noble breed will be judged from both Crown and Model mares and breathtaking approved stallions, to exciting young prospects. In addition, IOBP tests will be held to examine each individual horse’s type, gaits and rideability under saddle or harness. Only the finest and well trained of the young horses will prevail to pass.
In addition to the thrill of inspection, the FHCSC will offer an upscale and sophisticated atmosphere to highlight the nobility and royal nature of the Friesian horse.
The event will be complete with an intriguing trade show, lavish cuisine at the food court, and a VIP lounge with delectable food and open bar. Both exhibitors and spectators alike will enjoy the entertainment dinner that will serve upscale and mouthwatering entrees. It will also hold an exciting fundraiser and lovely awards ceremony to showcase the winners of the event. It is rumored that several film stars, corporate giants, and even members of Congress will be in attendance
as well.
If you’re interested in watching these black beauties strut their stuff, or if you’d like to enjoy the food and ambiance of the inspection, visit www.friesianinspection.com or contact FHCSC Special Event Director Sonja Zinke at 951-323-3369 or Sunshineranch7@yahoo.com.
 
West Coast Reining Futurity &
Derby Horse Show
October 1-3 in Sacramento
The other day I was going about my life when I received a call from a friend. Excitement in my voice quickly turned to sadness when I heard the news. She has breast cancer. The statistic is that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. When I would look around at my close girlfriends I always thought that statistic was meant for another group of friends, not my friends. We were healthy, strong, and still very active chasing kids and riding horses ... but cancer doesn’t discriminate. This horrible disease hits you without warning and it changes lives forever.
About 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer will occur among women in the United States during 20101. And an estimated 39,840 women will die from breast cancer this year. Also, about 1,970 men will be diagnosed and 390 men will die of breast cancer during 2010 in the United States1. In addition to invasive breast cancer, an estimated 54,010 new cases of in situ breast cancer will occur among women in 2010.
I have been helping find the cure for Breast Cancer, by taking part in the West Coast Reining Horse Association’s “Slide for the Cure” horse show. This year the annual Breast Cancer benefit and Reining Futurity & Derby Horse Show will be held the weekend of October 1-3 at Murrieta Equestrian Center in Sacramento.
Oct 2nd is officially called “Pink Saturday.” This is a really fun day to come to the show. We celebrate the day with several events like “Slide for the Cure” reining classes where men and women compete for the “Pinkest Rider” award. We also have classes specifically designed for the novice Reining rider. Saturday also includes a Doggie Costume contest, a BBQ and the exciting special presentation of our Reining Futurity and Derby events. We then cap off the night with a complimentary wine and cheese gathering that features great music from a live band.
Over the past two years, through special Slide for the Cure classes and donations, WCRHA has raised over $7,000 for Breast Cancer Research. Won’t you come join us for great time with lots of laughs, good food, great people and beautiful horses? It’s time to find the cure ... why not use your horse to help support the cause!
Go to www.wcrha.com for more information or contact Melynda Silvashy at msilva@msn.com or 707-529-9484.
Item provided by Melynda Silvashy.
1 American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2010. Atlanta, GA: American Cancer Society, 2010
Horse’n’Around Event: A Day of Horse Activities and Fun
Oct. 2 in Moreno Valley
The fifth annual Horse’n’Around Event will soon be underway at the Moreno Valley Equestrian Center, which promises to be a fun day chock-full of activities for equestrians large and small. Sponsored by the Trailseekers of Moreno Valley, this day long event will be fun, informative and best of all, free! Get there early because free goodie bags will be handed out until they are gone. Demonstrations begin at 10 a.m. and will include breed exhibits, clinics, equestrian drill teams, vaulters, carriage driving, training demonstrations, training demonstrations, the Mustang Makeover winners and more.
Some of the guest clinicians will be Teresa Kackert, who will offer demonstrations of the Soft Touch® Training Program, Dale McCarrell, offering his expertise on natural horsemanship, and Animal Communicator Lydia Hiby.
A wide array of vendors will be on hand offering horse goodies, food and many more items. Present will be store outlets, western/english apparel, seasonal gifts, a used tack sale, food booths and even horse decals. There is likely something for every horse crazy person in attendence, and the proceeds from this event will go towards improving the Moreno Valley Equestrian Center.
For event updates and information contact Margie at 951-242-5600 or Kim at 951-924-2576.
Women of Western Art 17th Annual Western Art Show
Oct. 8-10 in Oakdale
Oakdale, the self-proclaimed “Cowboy Capital of the World,” will be shaken up by a western art show that will bring the finest works of art into one venue. Provided by the group Women of Western Art, the show will feature some of the finest cowboy art on the West Coast, and provide people a setting to appreciate and purchase beautiful western themed art. Cowgirls, cowboys and horse lovers are welcome to browse and enjoy some of the loveliest examples of cowboy art, enjoy great food and witness the talents of young aspiring artists and polished professionals.
The event will kick off on Friday at 6 p.m. with a reception and then an art auction that will last until 9 p.m. that evening. On Saturday the show will open at 10 a.m. and spectators can browse to their heart’s content. Some artists that may be present at the show will be W.O.W.A. members Vonnie Muniain, Lonni Flowers, Cerri Noto, Claudia Fletcher, along with several other artists, sculptors and photographers. This will not just be a gathering of fine art, but at 6 p.m. spectators can pig out on everything barbeque and then sit back and enjoy the Cowboy Poetry performance or place bids at the art auction.
Sunday’s activities will begin at 10 a.m. and the event will close at 3 p.m. At 1 p.m. young and upcoming artists will be featured at the Children’s Western art show reception. The event promises to be a great gathering and visual treat for cowboy art enthusiasts and equine art lovers alike.
For more information contact Vonnie Muniain at 209-845-0252 or Vhorseluvr@gmail.com, or visit www.womenofwesternart.com.
Public Demonstration and Riding Class with Leslie Desmond
Oct. 16 & 17 in Woodland Hills
Famed clinician Leslie Desmond of Sweden, renowned for her “Horsemanship through Feel and Release,” and co-author of Horsemanship Through Feel, will be holding a public demonstration and riding class at Pierce College in Woodland Hills. This is a rare opportunity for North American riders to learn from one of the greatest trainers and teachers in the equine industry. Several horses with training and behavioral issues will be featured in the clinic, and auditors and horse owners alike are welcome to watch her evaluate their problems and use her methods to fix them. Space for horses is still available and demo horses can be entered in the clinic for $225 a horse. Depending on the horse, it will be both worked with on one or both days of the clinic, as well as have a follow-up session the following Monday.
Riders are encouraged to sign up for the equitation segment for $175 a rider for a maximum of eight riders for the clinic. Both english and western riders are welcome to partake as long as they have solid intermediate riding skills. Auditors are welcome to watch for an auditing fee of $40 a person. Pierce College students and children under the age of sixteen can watch and learn for free. It promises to be a great weekend of learning and fun! Spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs, hats, sunscreen, and all weather clothing.
For more information on the clinic contact
Ron Wechsler at 805-501-4522 or rwhorse@roadrunner.com; or Carie Olson at 805-527-2242
or carieo@mac.com.
Does your special event deserve special coverage in California Riding Magazine’s What’s Happening Event Calendar? If so, let us know and don’t forget a photo. Send it all to kimfmiller1@mac.com, or call her at 949-644-2165.
Our deadline is the first of the month for the following month’s issue. Please submit your events by October 1st for the November issue. It’s the place to be and it’s free!
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