A photo with Santa is something that’s treasured, and word has it that he’ll be trotting into Deer Springs Equestrian on Sunday, Dec. 13. Bring your horse, your family or your favorite pet from noon to 3 p.m., and Santa and the store staff will make your day bright. Deer Springs Feed and Supply is a full-service feed store that offers weekly sales and Christmas specials, so pick up some great gifts and supplies for the four-legged friends in your life. While you’re there, take a moment to check out the equestrian center, too. This premier boarding facility in North San Diego County features a lighted covered arena that assures comfortable riding all winter long. With seven arenas, 24′ × 24′ covered pipe corrals, turnouts, round pen and access to the many riding trails around San Marcos, Deer Springs is the perfect for riders of all disciplines. The line-up of on-site trainers is world class as well. Deer Spring Equestrian is located at 140 Deer Springs Road. See ad on page 9 for website and more info!

Discover endurance riding with the American Endurance Ride Conference. If you (or your horse) are interested in this popular, growing sport, there is no better time to get started than right now. The American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) ride season began on Dec. 1, and California rides are scheduled for every month of the ride year through Nov. 30. AERC Executive Director Kathleen Henkel says new members are welcome, and there is an active group of mentors to help you get started and answer questions. New memberships are $63.75, plus $43.75 for a second adult family member ($17 for a family member under 18), which includes tracking of AERC mileage for both you and your horse, a monthly issue of Endurance News—an actual magazine sent by mail, not online—and a new member packet filled with educational materials. The nonprofit organization, formed in 1972, has both an annual awards program and a lifetime mileage recognition program, including the well-recognized “Decade Team” award that honors riders and equines who have competed together on rides of 50 miles or longer for 10 seasons. For a more in-depth experience, all are invited to attend the organization’s annual convention, held Feb. 19-20 in the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, Nev. The two-day event includes a free trade show with all the newest gear for distance riders, plus seminars and awards presentations. At the 2016 meeting, GF Brazil’s Envy, a 1998 Arabian mare owned by California rider Ann Kratochvil, will be recognized as a “Perfect Ten” equine—the horse has competed for 10 years, more than 10,000 AERC miles, and has won 10 first place finishes and 10 best conditions. Hundreds of other regional award-winners will be honored, as well as the AERC Hall of Fame rider and equine and the horse and rider team that best exemplifies sportsmanship in AERC’s Pard’ners. The AERC office can send a free information packet, including their Discover Endurance Riding booklet, upon request. Call 866-271-2372, email aerc@ foothill.net or mail request to AERC, P.O. Box 6027, Auburn, Calif. 95604—just send your name and mailing address. See the ad on page 40 for more info and the website.

The Humane Society of the Desert was founded in 1961. It began with a simple concept: Help those who cannot help themselves. To thousands of abandoned and neglected dogs, cats, and horses, this became more than a simple concept—it became their second chance in life! Today, the Humane Society of the Desert is the largest animal sanctuary in Southern California, with a nine-acre scenic facility and an animal hospital located in Desert Hot Springs that provides state of the art veterinarian services for our animals and the community. If you’re like most of us, falling in love with a pet is easy. Adopting a pet, though, is a big decision. Dogs and cats require lots of time, money, and commitment—over 15 years worth in many cases. Pet ownership can be rewarding, but only if you think through your decision before you adopt a companion. The fact that you’re thinking about adopting from an animal shelter means you’re a responsible and caring person. But before you make that decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over several questions found on www. OrphanPet.com. You’ll be better prepared when you to fi nd the best companion animal for your lifestyle. The Humane Society of the Desert is located at 17825 N. Indian Canyon Ave., N. Palm Springs, CA 92258. Stop by today to make adoption your option, and see the ad on page 11.