The Grand Ballroom of the Los Angeles Equestrian Center came to life May 22 for the third annual Compton Junior Posse Fund-raiser. The beautiful evening of good friends raising money to keep kids on horses and off the streets took the organization well on its way to reaching its $1.3 million campaign. The grateful group is thankful to all who found a way to give, including sponsors like O.H. Kruse, contributors like jumper star Will Simpson with daughter Sofie, NFL Hall Of Fame lineman Bruce Smith, and so many more. Honoree Autumn Burke pledged two college scholarships to CJP students, and Saundra Price is giving a full year riding sponsorship to AA horse shows for one student! Special kudos go to the fabulous fundraiser committee: Mia Boudreau (Malibu Valley Farms); Saundra Price; attorney Beth Palmer; riding instructor Victoria Faerber; photographer Susie Randall; Patti Adair; Juana Cardiel and event coordinator Jaleeza Hazzard. See ad on page 73.

Blending a background in art, a passion for nature and a love of people and animals, Master Photographer Shelley Dunnigan of Ranch Life Portraits weaves casual, warm and colorful images into beautiful wall portraits, offering painting-like images on canvas to be passed down through the generations.  Shelley left the studio behind to work with families on location who have a strong passion in life such as horses and other animals. Having raised four children and photographed thousands, Shelley has a unique ability to entice natural expressions and make all who pose for her feel comfortable. Shelley schedules individual, barn and group sessions and has three upcoming weeks available in both Northern and Southern California: (1) June 17-22, Northern, (2) June 24-28, Southern, and (3) July 8-12, Northern. Capture your moments in time today! See the ad on page 13.

A familiar name with a new service: Heplers Equine. For years, Heplers Equine has been providing quality, affordable fencing and corrals. Now they are providing a way to get the most of what’s inside the fences: state of the art rock removal for arenas and paddocks. Give Heplers a call and let them clear the way with their professional, knowledgeable rock removal service using the most modern technology available at 951-763-2503, and see their ad on page 41.

The West Covina Equestrian Center is seeking an Equestrian Center Operator! Applications are due June 24th. The West Covina Equestrian Center is a beautiful facility that offers show arenas & daily access for equestrian activity. The site boasts mountain range views, new jump equipment, shady picnic areas, lighted show arenas & excellent footing. If interested in contracting with the City to operate this facility, please call (626) 939-8430.

The CSU Fresno Equine Program is currently holding an Online Auction on their website from June 11 through June 25. Offered for sale will be top quality yearlings and young horses started under saddle. Sires of some sale horses include: WR This Cats Smart, Reminics Pep, Fresnos Poco Badger, Cry Me A Cat and others. Raised at Fresno State and well-started by students, these nice young horses are well grown, good minded and reasonably priced. For details and more info, see the ad on page 22. Also, visit www.FresnoStateHorses.com or call (559) 278-4017 or (559) 278-5623.

Speaking of collegiate sales, the Cal Poly Performance Horse Sale will be held Aug. 28 at the Equine Center Arena at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Quarter Horse and Appaloosa performance horse prospects including 2-4 year-old ranch horse prospects and 2-year old cutting horse prospects will be sold to benefit the Cal Poly Equine Center. For more info, contact Pete Agalos at 805-756-7414. See the ad on page 70.

And don’t miss the UC Davis Production Sale June 19 at 6 p.m. at the UC Davis Horse Barn. The sale, which will feature yearlings and weanlings by stallions such as Smart Sugar Badger and Plain Ole Freckle, will benefit the UC Davis Equine Teaching Program. Preview will start at 3:30 p.m., with a barbeque at 4:30. For more info, contact Joel Viloria at 530-754-4156.