‘Spectacular’ start

SCRCHA ‘Kickoff’ Show launches 2025 cow horse season
By SUE CARTER / for the Horsetrader
TEMECULA — The Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association held its “Cowhorse Kickoff” Show on Jan. 3-5 at Tucalota Creek Ranch to open the 2025 show schedule, sponsored by title sponsor Equine Health Management of Murrieta.
January has traditionally been a cold and wet time to show members’ furry horses. This year yielded beautiful weather and some stellar sunsets on the park-like setting of Tucalota Creek Ranch, and there was a great number of entries to start the show year.
The January ‘InGate’

Bud Lyon Clinic, Schooling Show kick off WCRH 2025 offerings
From the Horsetrader sales staff
Mark your calendars for a full weekend of learning Feb. 15-16 about showing ranch horse and honing your skills in preparation for the 2025 season.
On Saturday, Bud Lyon will be teaching the West Coast Ranch Horse 2025 Season Kick Off Clinic at California Ranch Company in Temecula. Bud needs no introduction, as he is a multiple World Champion and a National Snaffle Bit Association Quarter Million Dollar Rider — among countless other achievements and accolades.
Is 2025 the year you…join a mounted patrol?

One great way for equestrians to serve communities is participation in mounted patrol units. There is a variety of groups eager to recruit and train volunteers. Not only does mounted patrol provide a service, it also promotes horses as endearing community assets to residents that may not otherwise experience them.
When to call the veterinarian
By Daniel H. Grove, DVM

“When do I call my veterinarian?”
That is a question many clients tend to struggle with. In my opinion, it is better to make that phone call and discuss your concerns rather than waiting too long and having a more challenging time resolving a case. I would much rather have someone call during normal business hours with questions about a mild colic rather than 10 o’clock at night with a colic that is now dire. It is hard to give a recommendation on times not to call without having an examination of the patient to make a determination. So, here are some key times when I think it is prudent to get on the phone and at least discuss the situation with your veterinarian.
The Year of the Volunteer

By Mark Flint / courtesy of ELCR.org
Many hands make light work, and if you have a project that could benefit from many hands, a well-run volunteer program can provide a low-cost solution that has the added benefit of building community among groups of people who might not otherwise interact.
GETTING ORGANIZED
Are you considering starting an advocacy or action group? What will your first steps be?
2024 Horse Headliners
The December ‘InGate’
‘No-go’ — different types and remedies

When dealing with bad behavior, consider all possible factors
By Sheryl Lynde / Horsetrader columnist
“No-go” is a common complaint. The behavior ranges from slow walking — always lagging behind others in a group — to breaking gait once asked to transition to a trot or lope. The most extreme defiance is refusing to move forward altogether, or flying backwards once urged with leg. The more extreme refusals could culminate into rearing or bucking once coerced to move their feet.
Why is my horse always colder than others?
By Daniel H. Grove, DVM

Horses are extremely good at dealing with a drop in temperature. I have driven through snow-filled states in temperatures in the teens and watched horses happily walking through the snow without a care in the world, no shivering or any other sign of a low body temperature. I have been in Southern California when it was 50° F out and I have full-grown adult mares coming into the barn to be palpated—and they were shivering like no tomorrow. What is the difference? Mostly, human management! Yes, there are certain circumstances where an individual may not be capable of proper thermoregulation without human interference, but by and large, with a little help, they can usually do it very well on their own.
Tradition and triumph

WCRH celebrates Ranch Horse; 5th Annual ‘Rendezvous’ best yet
Special to the Horsetrader
TEMECULA — The Fifth Annual West Coast Ranch Horse Ranch Horse Rendezvous, held Oct. 10-13 at the California Ranch Company, was well-attended by seasoned ranch horse exhibitors and newcomers alike.
The four-day ranch horse extravaganza featured an array of clinics, futurities, maturities, weekend show, a catered dinner and live entertainment.