TEMECULA — The Fifth Annual West Coast Ranch Horse Ranch Horse Rendezvous, held Oct. 10-13 at the California Ranch Company, was well-attended by seasoned ranch horse exhibitors and newcomers alike.
The four-day ranch horse extravaganza featured an array of clinics, futurities, maturities, weekend show, a catered dinner and live entertainment.
The Rendezvous kicked off with Clinic Day on Oct. 10, taught by Gary Roberts, Rosie Cowley and Johnny Flores. Horsemen and horsewomen of all skill levels learned from these experienced trainers in a variety of sessions that included Ranch Riding and Rail, Ranch Horse 101 introduction and Ranch Trail sessions.
A First Timers Show was held at the conclusion of clinic day for newcomers to the discipline. Tradition was carried on Thursday with live entertainment, again provided by cowboy musician Eric Gorsuch around the campfire during the exhibitor dinner.
The official show events started with the Lindsay Jerome Memorial Futurity and Maturity classes on Friday, Oct. 11, with winners taking home buckles, sashes, memorial trophies and Cuttinup saddle blankets and totes. A special tribute was held for Lindsay Jerome, beloved trainer and WCRH member. The tribute included a presentation of the WCRH Legacy Award, stories about Lindsay, and a freestyle in her honor performed by Kirsten Booth.
Exhibitors also enjoyed the Cherie Vonada Memorial Ranch Trail Gamblers Choice Competition, with riders choosing their own course with Open, Amateur, and Youth Champions taking home silver platters in honor of Cherie.
The weekend ranch horse show featured a full slate of ranch horse classes with divisions for all levels from Open and Green Horse to Amateur and Short Stirrup 10-under.
Newly added divisions for 2024 included Youth Walk Trot and Equestrians with Disabilities divisions. A highlight of the show was the Ranch Rail and Trail Stakes classes, where riders vied for great prizes and awards including custom buckles, cowhide stools and Cuttinup Saddle Blankets. Saturday evening’s Rendezvous Dinner brought even more fun with a ranch riding freestyle competition, costume contest, silent auction and catered BBQ dinner — making it a memorable night for all attendees. The event welcomed standout judges Murray Griggs, Michael Damianos, and Jando Guerra.
The Weekend Show culminated with Division Champions being awarded custom Rendezvous buckles and Champion sashes and Reserve Champions receiving trophies. High point awards were also given out, notably the Top Hand Overall High Point Champion Award going to Lindsay Petty-Rodrigues and This Codes Smart, taking home a saddle sponsored by Winchester Western Saddlery, plus a buckle and neck sash. Winchester Western has been the saddle sponsor since the inception of the event in 2020.
Reserve Top Hand went to Rosie Cowley and Special Memorabilia (left), winning a Rusty Brown necklace. Sheila Nash and King of the Coast (right) were 7-over Amateur Maturity Champions. (Brooke Flaglet photos)
The Fifth Annual WCRH Ranch Horse Rendezvous truly showcased the best of the Southern California ranch horse community — and beyond, with exhibitors traveling from out of state to compete. The show marked another successful chapter for West Coast Ranch Horse, too, and the Sixth Annual Ranch Horse Rendezvous is scheduled for Oct. 17-19 at California Ranch Company.
The 2025 WCRH Show Calendar is already out, featuring a Clinic and Schooling Show with Gary Roberts, four show Classic Buckle Series and the Rendezvous in the fall.
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