The University of California – Davis Annual Production Sale coming on June 18 will include weanlings, yearlings, 2-year olds and several broodmares that have been worked with and trained by the program’s foal managers. They have been trained for parades, the farrier, hot walker, round pen, clippers — and even saddle-broke.  Folks in the program like to emphasize that their yearlings “are better trained than most people’s 3-year olds!”  Whether you are looking for a Quarter Horse or an Azteca, the UC Davis Horse Barn is a great source. As always, “the proof is in the progeny!”

The Department of Animal Science Horse Barn has been a mainstay at UC Davis since its foundation in the early 1910s.  The Horse Barn, a student labor force-run facility, strives to educate its students about all aspects of equine reproduction and management via hands-on experience. Each year, approximately 10-15 students help keep the barn running, maintained and fed. The Horse Barn began as a carriage house for draft horses and mules used in agricultural work for the university.  It later became a remount station for the U.S. Army, standing several stallions including the Thoroughbred stallion Gunrock, son of Rock Sand and relative to Man O’War. He started as the mascot for the men’s basketball team in 1924 and later served as the official mascot for the University.

The barn also served as a successful Thoroughbred breeding operation from the 1930s through the 1960s.  It has, recently, become a promising performance horse breeding operation, and it produces quality Quarter Horses, Mules, and Warmbloods.  The Percheron draft horses have returned to the barn, too.  Today, it houses three AQHA stallions, a Selle Francais stallion, and a world champion Mammoth Jack, and of which are offered to the public with proceeds directly benefitting the equine education program.  Tours are available by appointment from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Greystone’s 10th Birthday Celebration Sale!” In the fight against worms and flies harming horses and alpacas, Greystone is offering FREE shipping this month on all Paddock and Maxi Vacs.

These Paddock Vacuums pick up manure piles in seconds and in all conditions, whether it is wet or dry, long or short grass. It’s also great in stables for removing wet patches in shavings.

You can also use our vacs for collecting grain spillage, nuts, trash, garden clippings and leaves with ease – the list is always growing. Greystone equipment is powered by Honda and are made in U.S. for 10 years now. For more information, call (702) 605-4120. If you would like a demonstration at your property, Greystone will be in California during July, so email your request now to info@greystonevacuums.com or via our website at www.greystonevacuums.com/usa.

Ride your horse in Yosemite National Park!  Developed and cataloged over the course of several years and many wonderful rides, author Cindy Casey has compiled a 27-page booklet (hard copy and PDF) offering suggested day rides in the Yosemite back country.  The booklet is filled with directions and general information for a spectacular ride. Detailed descriptions of rides in the Wawona area, along Glacier Point Road, and along Tioga Road, with additional suggestions of rides from the Tuolumne Meadows horse camp.  Many color photos are included, as well as maps of the routes.  Visit www.yosemiteonhorseback.com for more information and to order.  The Helpful Tips page offers free articles on riding safely in Yosemite and product ideas for gear that is useful and works.  The waterfalls are flowing this year after a winter of good snowpack.  The wildflowers are predicted to be gorgeous.  Make plans now to visit Yosemite National Park with your horse. Cindy has been trail riding for 30 years.  She spent a decade riding long distance in Yosemite National Park, logging between 15 and 40 miles on day rides.  One summer, she and her riding companions covered over 500 miles of Yosemite trails, all on day rides.   Now retired, she and her Kiger Mustang, Zory, enjoy much easier and slower jaunts in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  She resides in Mariposa.  She also enjoys gardening and practices yoga.