A memorable Memorial
Both new and familiar faces shine at Jimmy Flores, Sr. Show
By SUE CARTER / for the Horsetrader
TEMECULA — Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association held its annual Jimmy Flores, Sr. Memorial Horse Show May 9-11 at Green Acres Ranch. The show commemorates a great horseman, Jimmy Flores, Sr.
The career of Jimmy Flores, Sr. spanned eight decades and touched thousands of people. Flores first trained professionally in the late 1940s, hanging a shingle in the San Gabriel area. In 1960, he and his family briefly moved to Oregon, then returned to California in 1963, eventually settling in the Perris area in 1966. His highlights in the show pen often featured his Quarter Horse stallion, Skunkface, an AQHA High Point Working Cow Horse who also was part of an international exhibition in Mexico that Flores was asked to perform by the AQHA and the governments of both Mexico and the U.S. in 1968.
The June ‘In Gate’!
A true ‘bucket list’ item: 2025 Catalina Ladies Ride
From the Horsetrader sales staff
Las Caballeras is a group of horsewomen that gather together every fall or spring for a multi-day vacation with their horses on beautiful Catalina Island. Plans are under way for this year’s trip, and there will be two ride options: a short five-day ride Sept. 26-30, and the full seven-day ride Sept. 26–Oct. 2. Either one is a “bucket list” adventure on horseback. Some notes:
Bring your horse or rent one from the ride’s professional wrangler
• Cowgirl campground is at beautiful Little Harbor
• Horses/camping gear is barged to the island
• Enjoy small group rides in a unique, protected ecosystem
Facing Rezoning
Someone wants to rezone local horse property; now what do you do?
By Christine Hughes / courtesy of ELCR.org
There are so many layers to consider when determining if horses are considered livestock and if horse farms are considered agricultural uses. Here are a few things to consider if you are facing local challenges to your equine operations, especially if your local or state regulations leave you in a grey area.
Fly control
By Daniel H. Grove, DVM
If you have horses, you likely have to deal with fly problems at least part of year. Flies are necessary to the environment. They help to breakdown waste products and can even be beneficial in cleaning up infected wounds. Flies also can transmit diseases and spread infection to wounds. They also can cause stress to our animals just from their annoyance. This month, let us discuss some methods for controlling flies.
Fly Sprays
Fly sprays come in either concentrated or ready to use forms. I find they do not usually last very long. It can be helpful to switch brands periodically as the flies become accustomed to one mixture so trying a different one is sometimes helpful. There are also all natural solutions that some owners prefer.
Living the Dream
Spencer Rose Litwack has ridden a childhood passion for trick roping to the Cavalia center stage
Spencer Rose went from Riata Ranch to Cavalia
Horsetrader reprint from February 2011 issue
BURBANK – Of all tricks Spencer Rose has done on horseback, she still remembers her first one in front of a crowd.
She was 12, and her folks were among parents gathered to watch their daughters as they revealed what they had learned during a week-long trick riding camp at the Riata Ranch in Exeter. The routines were simple, slow and very safe – but still quite challenging for a girl who had ridden for the first time that week.
Carolyn Read, 1932-2025
California Horsetrader founder, equestrian advocate leaves legacy
SAN MARCOS — Carolyn Read, who rode her passions for horses, agriculture and historical preservation to a legacy for generations to come, has passed away on her ranch home of 63 years, her family said. She was 92.
In 1979, Carolyn blended her publishing background with her lifelong love for horses and created the California Horsetrader. She served as publisher until 1990 when she sold the business to her son, current publisher Warren Wilson.
“She is, and will be, profoundly missed. She was a difference-maker who had many gifts — her character, her abilities, her tenacity,” Wilson said. “She had an artist’s eye, a businesswoman’s mind, and a strong heart for her land and everything on it, especially her horses. Her opinions were strong, and so was her care and commitment to everything she loved. “
The May ‘In Gate’
Hooves & Paws ‘Summer Sale’ is soon — up to 50% off!
From the Horsetradser sales staff
If you have been waiting for the perfect store sale … it’s almost here! Don’t miss the savings and selection at the Annual Summer Sale at Hooves & Paws. For three days, May 29-31, you can buy in-store or online and have it delivered! Prices are marked down as much as 50% off on clearance items, including major brands in both tack and apparel. Professional’s Choice, Troxel, Shires, Classic Equine and more. See the ad on page 3, or visit the easy-to-use Hooves & Paws website at https://hoovesandpaws.com.
Communication
By Daniel H. Grove, DVM
Communication is an essential component to any relationship. Whether it be between two people, countries, companies — anything. If you want any relationship to work between two or more parties, communication is key. The relationship between equine veterinarian and client is no different.
Equine medicine is a bit different from many other medical and patient/client relationship. Even when you compare it to small animal medicine, to me, it is a more personal relationship. In small animal medicine you usually speak with office staff to setup an appointment or get a refill. A veterinary technician often times is the first to see your animal and answer some of your questions. You get to see and speak to the veterinarian (in non-COVID times) during the exam. Most procedures are done in the back, and then you may see your veterinarian just prior to leaving.
A Classic in Paso
Tucker Robinson topped 24 others by a three-point margin on Smooth Outta Style for an Open Bridle Spectacular win that earned owners Julie Weinhardt and Frank Velazquez $5,875. (Stacy Judd photo)
CRCHA Spring Classic brings out best in both Open, NP
By Megan Thorne
PASO ROBLES — The 2025 California Reined Cow Horse Association (CRCHA) Spring Classic, held at the Paso Robles Event Center, brought together the top talent in the reined cow horse world for a week of fierce competition and unforgettable moments. With a total payout of $227,810, the derby celebrated the best in Open, Non Pro and Non Pro Boxing performances, showcasing the depth of talent across all divisions in this dynamic sport.
Galway Downs closer to hosting LA28 equestrians
City of L.A. committee OKs venue; IOC meets in April
From staff reports
A Los Angeles City Council Ad Hoc Committee on the Olympic and Paralympic Games, meeting for the first time since June 2024, approved by a 5-0 vote March 26 to proceed with requested venue changes from the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games organizing committee. Relocation of all equestrian events are headed to Galway Downs in Temecula, pending one final approval step in April.
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