Entries are up and the crop of 3-year-olds is immensely talented for the 2012 National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity in Reno this month, but the biggest buzz among spectators may be the innovations in this year’s World Championship Show. NRCHA Board Member and Marketing Chair Jim Vangelos is particularly excited about the Finals moving from the traditional Sunday to Saturday night, Sept. 29, which is expected to raise the roof ever further on an event that already ranked as perhaps the most exciting in horse sports. After the final go and judges have determined the winner of the $100,000 first-place Open Futurity prize, the Reno Livestock Events Center arena will transform into a celebration of another great Futurity year. Also, for the first time Clinton Anderson will conduct a clinic at the NRCHA event on Friday, Sept. 28, in the outdoor rodeo arena, and there will be a Jumbotron for spectators’ enjoyment, showing interviews with top trainers and non-pros throughout the competition. Of course, traditional favorite components of the 10-day show will stay intact, including a “Best of the West” trade show, the Hall of Fame Dinner and Auction on Thursday, Sept. Sept. 27th, and a wine-tasting hosted by the NRCHA during the Finals on Sept. 28 and 29 — with special NRCHA wine from Alan Needles of Tucalota Creek Winery in Temecula. Vangelos says the NRCHA Board is honored to bring along these exciting changes, and he welcomes feedback. For more info, see the ad on page 21.

To help raise funds for children in need, the action-packed 27th Annual Industry Hills Pro Rodeo comes to the Industry Hills Expo Center Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13-14. Top performers of the PRCA will compete for prize money in events including bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronco riding, calf and team roping, barrel racing and bull riding. Rodeo proceeds go to The Gabriel Foundation, which benefits as many as 10,000 young people in the San Gabriel Valley who are mentally challenged, physically handicapped or come from disadvantaged or abusive homes. The Industry Hills Pro Rodeo is the Foundation’s annual fund-raiser. Families can enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, clowns, food and retail vendors selling Western-theme items. For more information and to purchase tickets, see the ad on page 74, or call (626) 961-6892.

Ruff Life Pet Furniture is a small Southern California-based business which began with a desire to combine a life-long love of animals with a long-time history in furniture manufacturing. Ruff Life strives to produce a quality piece of furniture which will enhance the beauty of your home with its rustic charm, while providing years of comfort for your pets. They offer a unique variety of designs for your dogs, cats and even your horses! From raised pet beds to kitty tray cabinets, elevated feeders and deluxe saddle stands, each piece is hand-crafted, one at a time from 100 percent solid wood. Ruff Life Pet Furniture is proudly made in the USA. See the ad on page 56, call (951) 310-5700 or visit www.rufflifepetfurniture.com.

Giddyup! It’s the one place where “tack” isn’t short for “tacky” and “bit” isn’t the past tense of bite. It’s the event where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about horses and the equestrian lifestyle. Admission and parking are FREE to the 2012 Equine Festival of Apple Valley, a gathering all things equine to be held Sat. Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be breed demonstrations, seminars, vendors, merchandise, food and much more, and kids can play while adults shop for Western gear and plenty of other great items. Admission and parking are free. Be sure to mark your calendar and pay a visit to the Horseman’s Center in Apple Valley! Vendor space is still available. See the ad on page 69, or call (760) 240-7000 ext. 7071 to learn more!
 
Almost 125 horses will compete in five different levels – including a CCI3*! — at the upcoming Galway Downs International Three-Day Event, scheduled Nov. 1-4 at Galway Downs in Temecula. Horses and riders from from across the U.S. and from several foreign countries to compete in this important event! Galway Downs is one of only four CCI3* events held annually in North America, and the only CCI3* held west of the Mississippi River. General admission for the Galway Downs International Three-Day Event is $8 per day in advance, $10 at the gate. VIP tickets – which include seating in the ringside tent, lunch and a full selection of beverages – are also available for $55 per day in advance. For advance reservations or more information, see the ad on page 79.