Rancho del Rio Stables at the Anaheim Equestrian Center has been sold to longtime Orange Park Acres residents Bill and Fran Klovstad.  Starting this month, the Klovstads will operate the 150-stall boarding facility along with the tack and feed store.  In 2005, Bill and Fran purchased Thrifty Horse in Norco, and 10 years later the plan is to set up a satellite store in the Anaheim location. Bob and Jayne Jones, who have been active in the communities of Anaheim and East Orange, will be retiring once the Klovstads are comfortably running the business.  It’s truly a family-run enterprise, including Buddy and Allison Klovstad, Jason and Madison Miner, and some of the current Thrifty Horse employees and their grandchildren. Improvements are on the horizon at the equestrian center , which hosted a “meet and greet” held March 27 attended by both current patrons and East Orange friends.

It’s that time of year! Don’t miss Broken Horn’s annual All English Sale. Doors will open at 9 a.m. for this two-day-only sale April 18-19, where you’ll find savings of 10-to-50 percent off everything English — riding apparel, boots, tack, saddles and some of your favorite products. Wear some breeches or other English riding attire, and you can enter into Broken Horn’s Grand Prize Contest for three English saddles and hundreds of free prizes! Broken Horn is your equestrian superstore! Don’t miss out on these two days of savings and fun.

Rattlesnake Avoidance Training courses for dogs are taking place throughout Southern and Central California this spring and fall. At Ma & Paw Kennel, training is done by Gina Gables, a professional dog trainer for more than 24 years, and Steve Gardner, who has more than 30 years of experience studying the behavior and ecology of rattlesnakes and other reptiles. Individual training sessions are given to each dog; training them to recognize and avoid the scent, sound and sight of rattlesnakes.  Live rattlesnakes are used with banded mouths to prevent them from biting.  Gina’s experience and sensitivity allows for the humane treatment of dogs throughout the training process. For dogs with temperaments ranging from the most tenacious to the highly sensitive as well as puppies, three options are available with training devices. Training a dog for the avoidance of rattlesnakes along with owner’s observance of their dogs behavior can spare them the pain, distress and owners the expense of becoming bitten. Contact (805) 523-3432 or www.snakesafedog.com.

Only the most thorough research and development goes into each and every Finish Line® QUALITY Horse Product. Our goal is to bring you the finest quality products for your horse. Fluid Action® HA liquid provides the same great benefits as original Fluid Action® except with added Sodium Hyaluronate (HA) for extra support in promoting healthy joints. Sodium Hyaluronate, or Hyaluronic Acid supports healthy joint function by lubricating joints and helping to maintain structural integrity. Fluid Action® HA contains Glucosamine, Yucca, MSM, Vitamin C, and many other beneficial ingredients. Visit www.finishlinehorse.com or call (800) 762-442 for more information, and ask for our products at your local feed store.

Have you ever wanted to experience a Buck Brannaman Clinic? Now’s your opportunity in Carpinteria at the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club. Presented by A-Willing-Way Horsemanship, participants can choose between Foundation Horsemanship (in the mornings) or Horsemanship I (in the afternoons), Friday-Monday, April 24-27. Foundation Horsemanship is for the green rider or a green horse who may feel the need for additional groundwork prior to riding. During each of the four-day sessions half of the class is dedicated to working the horse from the ground in preparation for riding, with the second half of the class horseback. Horsemanship 1 is for the green horse and rider already comfortable in the snaffle bit along with aged horses needing continued work. This is the first stage of progressing into the bridle with all basic movements introduced. All levels of riders – no matter what discipline – will benefit. The class features strictly dry work – no cattle. All maneuvers stress the vaquero style of riding and are appropriate for horses from first level snaffle to experienced bridle horses. Hackamore horses welcome. Contact Frankee Fullilove at (805) 641-0676 or forhorsefeathers@aol.com.