CAWDA trainers, amateurs and juniors win World Show prizes

By JACKIE HILLS / for the Horsetrader

GUTHRIE, Okla. — What a turnout! The Western Dressage Association of America held its 2025 World Show event Sept. 16-20 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, and the event hosted 145 classes featuring 187 entries riding 1,558 tests — competing for World titles, breed awards, affiliate awards and other special awards.

Twenty-five of California Western Dressage Association’s best riders from California and Nevada, who were joined by some of CAWDA’s best virtual show members from coast to coast, teamed up to win multiple champion, reserve champion, and top 10 placings.

Good weather, great competition fills last show of year

By Sue Carter / for the Horsetrader

TEMECULA — Mild weather, spicy competitors and a great turnout greeted the final 2025 show for the Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association held Sept. 5-7 at Green Acres Ranch.

Title sponsor Roohide Saddlery was at the three-day show with their big rig, helping to fit saddles for competitors and others who rolled up to get Roohide’s advice and expertise.

‘Cirque Ma’Ceo’ visits Temecula, Santa Barbara, Fresno

From the Horsetrader sales staff

Southern California equestrians — and their non-horsey friends — will be in for a treat this month as the equestrian theatrical production Cirque Ma’Ceo hits the region as part of its national tour. After performing Oct. 3-5 at Ram Tap Horse Park in Fresno, the production will perform on Oct. 11-12 at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara and on Oct. 17-26 at Galway Downs in Temecula.

In this month’s article, we are going to take a little turn. I have been asked for a Top 10 list of traits in a perfect client. Some may find they feel they are lacking in some areas. This list is not to make anyone feel bad, it is more about enlightening you as to what helps make an equine veterinarian’s job easier in my opinion. The list is in no particular order. Let’s get to it!

Trainer Johnny Flores shares insight

By JOHNNY FLORES / for the Horsetrader

Here are some key things to know so you can be successful in the fastest-growing sport in the Western industry! In this article, we’ll be going over showing, preparation, judging and discuss some general, good advice to get started in this awesome sport.

Frame and Movement —
Ranch Horse associations all have their own mission statements, but the guiding force is a desire to preserve the natural movement and working ability of true ranch horses. Judges don’t want to see pleasure ponies with two-inch strides or dressage horses with unreal impulsion. Judges want to see a horse who can work comfortably and effectively over a long period of time in a wide variety of terrain and jobs. 

WCRH Summerfest draws Ranch Horse talent to CRC

Special to the Horsetrader

TEMECULA — Tropical fun and SoCal sun converged on California Ranch Company in August for three days of West Coast Ranch Horse learning and action.

On Friday, WCRH hosted an Intro to Versatility Ranch Horse clinic with multiple AQHA and APHA World Champion Bryce Briggs. Attendees enjoyed a day-and-a-half clinic covering all VRH classes — complete with ranch riding, reining, flag work, boxing, roping, Q&A sessions and live feedback. There was a mock cutting/boxing show on Saturday afternoon.

TOVEA in San Marcos celebrates past, present, future

By Horsetrader staff

SAN MARCOS — The role of horses in the City of San Marcos dates back to 1797, and the Twin Oaks Valley Equestrian Association intends to play it forward for future generations.

More than 125 supporters attended TOVEA’s 20 Anniversary Aug. 3 at Walnut Grove Park, celebrating two decades of local equestrian advocacy and their cumulative accomplishments that have led today’s thriving horse community. For their contributions, volunteers and sponsors past and present were recognized, including California Horsetrader founder Carolyn Read, a 62-year San Marcos equestrian who passed away in April at age 92.

UC Davis ‘Horse Day’ Oct. 11 gives us special insight

From the Horsetrader sales staff

Join the University of California-Davis for its annual “Horse Day” event on Oct. 11 at the school’s horse barn, and you’ll come away with a remarkable appreciation for the program. It is a day filled with workshops, demonstrations, and lectures dedicated to continuing education for horse owners and enthusiasts. There is something for everyone, with a wide range of topics from equine diseases, nutrition, lameness, current research, and reproduction.

By Daniel H. Grove, DVM

Fall is upon us, and this is the time of year that often featuers horses in new homes after summer sales.

Pre-purchase exams seem to be more numerous than normal. With so many new horse owners, let’s review some of the recommendations for veterinary care for your horses in the fall.

Youth, adults both shine at Grant Berg Memorial

By SUE CARTER / for the Horsetrader

TEMECULA — The Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association each year honors Grant Berg at its July show. The club focuses on youth riders, and entry fees are for youth riders at this show. SCRCHA believes that by supporting our youth, it instills a love for the sport of cow horse and assures the sport’s health into the future.

This year’s Grant Berg Memorial Show had a great turnout with some surprisingly moderate temperatures. July in Temecula can be brutally hot, so participants were pleasantly surprised with cooler temps this year.