The tradition continues! The 44th Annual Norco Horseweek comes to Horsetown USA April 18 through April 27 – a 10-day festival put on by a dedicated all-volunteer, non-profit group that knows how to have fun. Dedicated to celebrating and maintaining Norco’s horse-centered, rural lifestyle, they have put together a slate of events that offers something exciting for everyone. There’s the Extreme Ranch Rodeo, Western Family Fun Days, lawnmower races, Challenged Children’s Rodeo, Old West Saloon Night, bull riding, beard contest, gourmet food trucks, carnival, chili cook-off, poker ride, obstacle course and a lot more! Check out their ad on page 17 for more info and a complete schedule of events!

Don’t miss the 2014 Fiesta Charity Extravaganza! Presented by the Fiesta of the Spanish Horse, this remarkable event is dedicated to raising awareness and much-needed funds for Cancer Research. Held Saturday, May 3 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, it will feature an entertaining and educational multi-cultural spectacle that celebrates the heritage and historical impact of the Spanish Horse on the Americas. The event will also include a line-up of celebrities (including Traveler, the USC mascot), music, dancing, vendors and great foods. Fiesta raises funds for the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Also, the Fiesta Charity Horse Show will once again have horses competing during the day, from May 1-4th, and will be free to the public. To purchase your tickets for the exciting and fun Extravaganza, call (818) 842-8444 and see the ad on page 15.

Join Las Caballeras for their Spring Ride May 2-4 at the Live Oak Camp in Santa Barbara. Enjoy camping with your horse and friends during a three-day weekend on 40 undeveloped acres nestled between the San Raphael and Santa Ynez mountains. There will be trail riding, games to play in the arena, a social hour before dinners — and a couple of surprises! Fabulous meals will be served by Wagonmaster Catering, and on Saturday night, dance to an awesome live band! Applications and payments are needed by April 16, so don’t delay! Contact Lorinda Quatrale at (760) 758-5189 if you have questions, and see their ad on page 83.

Perfect Balance Therapeutic Massage in San Marcos offers massage for the athlete in everyone. They specialize in improving the performance for equestrians, golfers, runners and other competitive athletes – including equine massage for your horse! Perfect Balance Therapeutic Massage is run by Chris Vettel, an equine massage therapist since 1988 who has owned horses for more than 25 years. Chris, a holistic health practitioner and massage therapist since 1997, worked seven years at the Four Seasons Aviara Spa in Carlsbad and in 2008 was a founding instructor for MiraCosta Community College’s Therapeutic Massage Program. Her wide variety of experience and knowledge is applied to her massage skills for horse and rider. She knows that horse shows can put both mental and physical stress on you and your horse — with regular massage, you and your equine partner can stay healthy, balanced and focused. Perfect Balance Therapeutic Massage is located in the beautiful Twin Oaks Valley area of San Marcos, just north of the 78. All of their therapists are highly qualified and State Certified. Call (760) 744-2300 to book your appointment today, and see their ad on page 47.

Caren Kelley has been a licensed California Real Estate broker since 1989. When she transitioned from a professional riding career to real estate brokerage, she initially focused on commercial investment properties. Her clients included institutions and private investors, as well as a multi-billion dollar local public pension fund. The San Diego County Commercial Association of Realtors honored Caren in 1999 as the “Deal Maker of the Year”. Recognizing the need for specialized services, Caren launched Equestrian Real Estate in 2005. Whether representing world-class dressage or show jumping competitors, reining enthusiasts, thoroughbred breeders, trail riders or individuals devoted to a breed, she absolutely loves what she does. Caren represents buyers and sellers of quality training facilities, luxurious equestrian estates, ranches and equestrian land. She is committed to providing high quality services, customized and targeted for each client or property, to genuinely enjoyable people who share passions for real estate, for horses or simply for great investments. Give Caren a call at (858) 350-1018, and see her ad on page 63.

Coconut Cowboy Animal Bedding is a revolutionary new concept in animal bedding, footing and general moisture control. Made from 100 percent all-natural coconut fiber, Coconut Cowboy lasts up to 12 times longer than traditional animal bedding, drastically reduces odors and pests – contributing to healthy animals and a clean, shiny coat. Coconut Cowboy Animal Bedding is ideal for horses and hoof stock, chickens and exotic birds, hermit crabs and reptiles and more. See the ad on page 9 and take the Coconut Cowboy Challenge today!