All we can say about the new Deer Springs Equestrian Center and adjacent Deer Springs Feed and Supply in San Marcos is “WOW!”. This jewel of a complex in the beautiful Twin Oaks Valley has the look of a champion from top to bottom, and Saturday, Oct. 27, will be the much-awaited Grand Opening Celebration featuring facility tours, raffles, special offers and free samples. The newly opened feed and supply carries a full line of horse and animal feed and supplies, including brands you look for like Purina, Triple Crown, Nutrena, Natural Balance, Canidae and much more. The spacious equestrian center features the largest, new indoor arena in the county (220′ x 140′) plus a 220′ by 145′ outdoor arena, two dressage courts, jumping arena, and more with superior footing and amenities. Be sure to stop by, and for more info, call (760) 744-9600 – and see the ad on pages 38-39.

It’s not too early to start shopping for horsey Christmas and holiday gifts, and the best place to start is the Horsetrader Holiday Gift Guide on page 14. You’ll also find them online on www.horsetrader.com – just click on the “Holiday Gift Guide” promo on our homepage! If you’d like to advertise in the full-color gift guide – anything from gift certificates for boarding and training to fine jewelry – just give Lori a call at (760)546-1184 or email lori.wilson@horsetrader.com

Speaking of the holidays, Thrifty Horse Consignment Shoppe in Norco is starting its holiday season countdown – only 10 weeks ’til Christmas! Thrifty Horse has all the brands you have come to know and trust, with excellent deals on new and used items for everyday and show use. Have the kids outgrown their show clothing? Bring in your equestrian items for consignment! Or maybe you’re looking for a fresh look for your new show partner? Thrifty Horse has attire and equipment for many riding disciplines and the ever-changing inventory is always a good first-stop shop when you’re gearing up. Check out their current display ad on pg. 36 for upcoming specials and sales.

Sweetwater Nutrition, well known for their popular dog and equine joint support products, is pleased to announce the launch of a new product specially formulated for advanced equine joint care: InflamAway HA-200 Equine Joint Support. InflamAway HA-200 is a powerful joint and connective tissue support formula that combines 200 mg. of Hyaluronic Acid (HA) with all natural human-grade ingredients including Glucosamine HCl, Chondroitin Sulfate, MSM, Yucca, Vitamin C and antioxidants. Designed specifically to help reduce and repair existing joint problems, the successful combination of ingredients in InflamAway HA-200 maximizes both the response effectiveness as well as the absorption rate, providing horses with the extra support needed for healthy joint function. Available in 1-lb. and 2-lb. sizes, InflamAway HA-200’s concentrated formula is ideal for horses in competition or intense training, aging horses as well as long term prophylactic support. For info, see the ad on page 26 or call (800) 200-7890.

The Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF) recently has reformatted its Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover competition in 2013 with the Mustang Million. This ambitious event seeks to place 1,000 wild, untouched horses into adoptive homes and be eligible for the performance competition with a purse of $1,000,000 in cash and prizes. Eligible horses for the Mustang Million, scheduled for next September in Fort Worth, will be available at six adoptions in five cities across the U.S. in April and May, including Norco; Fort Worth, Texas; Burns, Ore.; Murfreesboro, Tenn.; and Elm Creek, Neb. Trainers can adopt the horse of their choice directly or can work with clients who want to adopt a horse and put it in the competition. Mustang Million will feature an adult division, a youth division and 12 specialty classes. For the latest Mustang Million info and to learn more about the Mustang Heritage Foundation’s adoption programs, see the ad on page 3.

Well-respected horseman and clinician Paul Ortuno has opened up a new store at The Village in the beautiful mountain community of Big Bear Lake. Cowboy Fancy is a new Western apparel and lifestyle store, offering great items for the cowboy or cowgirl in you including stylish and comfortable clothing, awesome jewelry made by local artisans, Western furniture, boots, hats and much more! Shoppers will find brands such as Miller Ranch, Boulet, Ryan Michael, Iron Horse, Double D Ranch, APU and Silverado Silversmith, along with many others. Cowboy Fancy is open daily, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 40728 Village Drive. See the ad on page 19, and call (909) 866-9180 for more information!