Southern California equestrians — and their non-horsey friends — will be in for a treat this month as the equestrian theatrical production Cirque Ma’Ceo hits the region as part of its national tour. After performing Oct. 3-5 at Ram Tap Horse Park in Fresno, the production will perform on Oct. 11-12 at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara and on Oct. 17-26 at Galway Downs in Temecula.
The 90-minutes live production, created by ninth-generation equestrian artist Olissio Zoppe, is a captivating convergence of dressage, liberty, trick riders, bareback riders and more. Together with aerialists and acrobats, spectacle unfolds inside a 650-seat Big Top, custom-made for Zoppe in Italy. Besides an international cast of humans, the equine lineup features Andalusians, Friesians, a mini stallion with a huge attitude (of course!), two rare Akhal-Tekes, and the newest member — a Gypsy yearling colt acquired from Alaska horsewoman Lisa Kelly of “Ice Road Truckers” fame.
Glenn Hebert, host of Horse Radio Network’s Horses in the Morning podcast, remarked that he thinks it is important to have a show like Cirque Ma’Ceo “putting in the miles to bring the majesty of horses to non-horse people.
“As horse people, we know how important they are, but it’s shows like this that introduce the magic of horses to children who may have never been exposed to them before,” said Hebert, whose interview with Zoppe is on www.horseradionetwork.com. “We need those kids wanting their first horse in order to keep our horse heritage and equestrian lifestyle alive.”
For ticket information and more information, see the ad on Page 2, or visit cirquemaceo.com.
Community horse shows are a pillar of the horse world — a great entry point and an affordable tune-up — and Ranch Riders will have one to attend Nov. 1 in Agua Dulce at the JPK Arena. The one-day show, presented by Flores Ranch, LLC in Acton, will have classes in Ranch Riding, Ranch Reining, Ranch Trail, Ranch Rail and Ranch Conformation, as well as a Jackpot Class. Fees are just $25 per class, $120 per division. There will be seven divisions — Open, Amateur, Green Horse (walk/trot), Green Rider (walk/trot), Walk/Trot-plus, Youth (ages 12-18) and Hot Shots (11-under). Awards will include buckles, ribbons and payouts, and there will be Jackpot Rail Classes. For more information, see the ad on Page 18, or visit floresranchridingclub.com.
Craig Cowley’s series of cow horse and horsemanship clinics comes to Pillsbury Ranch in Lakeside on Oct. 11, giving area enthusiasts a chance to learn from one of the best. Limited spots were still available at press time, so be sure to contact Stephanie at (619) 890-0835. Cost is $160, with a 9 a.m. start. Pillsbury Ranch is located at the corner of Willow Road and Wildcat Canyon Road at 13036 Willow Road, Lakeside. For more information on Craig, see his ad on Page 17.
Have you been thinking of replacing or servicing your tractor or other ranch equipment? October is a great time at Powerland Equipment, especially for John Deere tractors with incentives — like $5,000 off or 0% financing on a new John Deere 6E Series, or 0% financing AND $500 off a John Deere 2025R Compact Tractor. Contact the crew at the family-owned Powerland for these and other incentives, and also ask about the complete service and parts offerings that will keep your equipment in top condition.
Since 1976, Powerland Equipment has been synonymous with quality and reliability in the outdoor power equipment industry. Founded by Malcolm Smith, a dedicated member of the San Diego County community since his emigration from the UK in 1973, the business has deep roots in the region. Over the past 35 years, Powerland has evolved into a multi-generational enterprise, with three generations of the Smith family actively involved. Learn more on the ad pn Page 3, or give them a call at (760) 749-1271.
Lace up, saddle up and show up to an important fund-raiser Oct. 19 in San Marcos — the 19th Annual Ride & Stride and Horse Heritage Festival. The event benefits one of only two public equestrian arenas in San Diego County, the Walnut Grove Park Equestrian Center in San Marcos. You may ride or walk the 3-mile trail from the equestrian center — even deck yourself and/or your horse in a Halloween costume if you like! Walkers and leashed dogs are welcome. To register, visit keepitequestrian.org.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Horse Heritage Festival, sponsored by the Twin Oaks Valley Equestrian Association, will enliven the equestrian center with demonstrations, food, raffles, and plenty of family fun activities. Demonstrators and activities will include the Temecula Cowgirls, Poway Valley Vaulters, Dressage (Angie Taylor), Peruvian Pasos (Jody Childs), Driving (Lance Bennett) and much more. A food truck and a full slate of vendors add to the festivities, as will the Frontier Games by Rockin’ L&D Ranch and the Farmyard Photo Booth, sponsored by TERI. For more info on the day’s exciting activities, see the ad on page 7, and visit the website.
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