Hawthorne Country Store in Escondido makes it a habit to be more than just a feed store, and Heather and Terry Thelen and the rest of Hawthorne’s gang are doing it again by helping customers go green with their horse operations. For example, they can guide you to finding many ways to control pests naturally around your ranch — large or small – by encouraging beneficial species like owls, bats, hummingbirds and chickens to assist in controlling fly, mosquito, gnat and rodent populations. The use of their owl and bat houses, hummingbird feeders, chicken coops and chicks helps establish a natural balance in a closed system of control. Hawthorne’s also will be hosting a Purina HOW (Horse Ownership Workshop) Series event on Tuesday, April 6, at 6:30 pm. These exciting, informative workshops are filled with nutritional and research information and offer prizes and savings for those who attend. Bring a friend for a special offer! See ad on page 32.

Where do fun and charity collide? Without question, it’s the Norco Horseshow Association Wild West Casino Night on April 10 at Nellie Weaver Hall. The saloon and the 6th Street Deli Chuck wagon will open at 6 p.m. and the tables at 7 as Horsetown USA comes together to support Norco High School’s FFA scholarship fund as well as the Norco community in general. If you are over age 21, a $15 donation at the door ($10 if purchased in advance by April 9) will earn a chance to play at $2,000 in cash door prizes as well a night of Texas Hold `em, stage performance by the Border Renegades, an Old West Costume Contest – all in the spirit of community support. For more info, call Casino Chair Vern Shoemaker at (909) 240-5441 or Co-Chair Bob Leonard at (714) 381-6303.

Dressage United has relocated to “horse heaven” in Santa Clarita. Ashley Pallin, a Grand Prix FEI trainer, coach and clinician, offers classical and natural dressage training for the horse and rider. All levels, all breeds and all disciplines are welcome! Experience one-on-one training and support individualized for you and your horse — all in a beautiful 80 acre facility with wonderful amenities and miles of trails to enjoy! To set up an appointment and to learn more about Ashley and Dressage United, call (626) 710-8430. See ad on page 50.

Are you and your horse up to the Challenge? There will be a Competitive Trail Challenge Saturday April 3 at Tumbleweed Arena in Lakeside. The ride offers six miles of trails with six challenging judged obstacles and is open to all breeds and riding disciplines. Ride at your own speed: walk, trot, canter or gait! Ribbons and prizes will be awarded from first through sixth places in each division, as well as for Best Groomed Horse, Best Dressed Cowboy/Cowgirl and Best Dressed Dog. Enjoy a great ride and also help to support non-profit group, “Reins On Manes!”! All participants need to be an ACTHA member. The ride is limited to the first 75 riders, so sign up early!

Geni Addicott, owner of Hillcrest Equestrian Center, is proud to announce that Michael Hoyt and Cheryl Thornton of Superior Equine Enterprises have started up their professional training operation at her ranch in Chino Hills. They specialize in AQHA and other breed all-around events and have numerous World and Congress titles to their credit. They are accepting new clients for western pleasure, hunter under saddle, trail, western riding, equitation, starting young futurity horses, or general training & sales. Contact Michael at (951) 288-3179 or just stop on by!

And the winners are…
Wow! Hundreds of visitors to our Horsetrader booth at Equine Affaire signed up for the daily raffle. Here are the winners!:

Training DVD set by “Dear Dana” columnist Dana Hokana:
Gay Smith, San Juan Capistrano
Melissa Givner, Newbury
Tori Jerusal, Perris

One-on-one horse evaluation with “Hey Ray!” columnist Ray Ariss:
Karen Malcor-Chapman, Norco
Molly Rush, Riverside
Dana Stark, Riverside
Danielle Martin, Yorba Linda

Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to all the participants for your keen interest!