World Cup-qualifiers meet the zombies this month at the Del Mar Fairgrounds where the Del Mar Fall Festival Horse Show will combine top hunter-jumper competition with a great time. Excitement is building on both counts. The $55,000 Villas at Rancho Valencia World Cup Grand Prix of Del Mar on Oct. 27 –- presented by California Horsetrader — is also a qualifying event for the new HITS Thermal Million Grand Prix League, and it’s expected to attract the top caliber equestrian athletes – and a large crowd! During the Grand Prix, exhibitors and the public can enjoy the Del Mar Halloween Party and take their best shot at $2,500 in cash prizes for the best costumes. There will also be a thrilling surprise performance featuring…oh, we can’t say! Before all the nighttime excitement, spectators can enjoy clinics by world-class clinicians Rich Fellers, Bernie Traurig, Mandy Porter and Will Simpson. Mark your calendars! The Fall Equestrian Festival runs Oct. 17-28. For additional information, see the ad on page 81.

It’s almost here! The much-awaited Grand Opening Celebration of North San Diego County’s grandest addition in decades will be Saturday, Oct. 27 at Deer Springs Equestrian and Deer Springs Feed and Supply. There will be raffles, free samples, special offers and facility tours. Located in San Marcos, the spacious facility features a new 220’ x 140’ covered arena, a new 220’ x 145’ outdoor arena, two dressage courts, jumping arena, several other arenas, turnouts and round pen. Offering superior footing and amenities, Deer Springs is great for professionals and riders of all disciplines. And when you’re running low on hay or supplies, visit the newly opened Deer Springs Feed and Supply! They carry a full line of horse and animal feeds and supplies, including great brands such as Purina, Triple Crown, Nutrena, Natural Balance, Canidae and much more. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. See the ad on page 3, and for more information, call (760) 744-9600.

The Clovis Livestock Auction has been proudly serving the Southwest horse country for over 50 years. Lots of preparation and effort is put forth for every sale to ensure that quality buyers and sellers are brought together to participate in a great horse auction. Their upcoming Winter Sale will be held Nov. 16-18 at the Clovis Livestock facility in Clovis, N.M. For consignment forms and further info, see the ad on page 78, or call Steve Friskup at (575) 762-4422.

Looking for affordable, local competition in a fun, relaxed show environment? The Tierra Del Norte Arabian Horse Association is proud to present the San Diego County Arabian Community Show coming this fall on Nov. 4! This show, open to all breeds, will be held at the beautiful Stachowski Farm in San Marcos. Offering both Arabian and Open classes, the show will feature English, Western, Trail and Gymkhana events. Classes begin promptly at 9 a.m., and part of the profits will benefit a local charity. See the ad on page 83, and for more information and entry forms, call (760) 518-6745.

Rick Machado Livestock is honored to invite you to the 2012 “Main Event” Horse Auction on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Paso Robles Event Center in Paso Robles. Each year, the auction features an impressive line-up of seasoned horses. Since the inaugural sale in 1998, the goals and priorities have remained the same: to offer you the largest selection of top quality performance and ranch-type horses. Consignments to “The Main Event” are taken on an invitational basis only. Repeat consignors are given priority. See the ad on page 80, and if you have any questions regarding the 2012 sale, call (805) 474-9422.

The Big Horse Corn Maze and Harvest Festival is back! Starting Oct. 6 and running through Oct. 31, come and be “aMAZED” as you get lost in the largest corn maze in Southern California. This year’s theme is “Honor Our Heros and Hero” honoring military, police and firefighters along with the heart of the Corona family, Mr. James Corona. Come enjoy all the fruits of the harvest and see what farming is all about at the Corona Ranch’s “Farm of Dreams.” There’s a pumpkin patch, hay rides, corn cannon, face painting, pig races, baseball activities and much more! For more info, see the ad on page 33, or call (951) 389-4621.

JR Productions and Pierce College are proud to present a fun and exciting weekend of Ranch Sorting and Team Penning action! Held at the Pierce College Arena in Woodland Hills, the event kicks off on Saturday, Nov. 10, with the Team Penning starting at 9 a.m. and a Ranch Sorting Clinic with National Champion James Greer following at 5 p.m. On Sunday, Nov. 11, there will be a Ranch Sorting Jackpot including “One Man Sorting for a Saddle,” generously sponsored by California Equine Products, Inc. Stalls will be available (no tie-ups), and concessions will also be on-site. Pre-entry is required by Nov. 1. See the ad on page 21. Entry forms and more info is available at www.RollingJR.com, or you can call (951) 852-0606.