Better character, better student, better health… and FUN!

By Jennifer Forsberg Meyer |
courtesy of ELCR.org

Riding offers much more than equestrian know-how. Here’s why horses can be a life-enhancing choice for your child.

Margaret Coon learned a lot about first aid and crisis management during her time with the United States Pony Clubs. So much so, in fact, that when she grew up and was dealing with her own child’s bump on the head, someone from her pediatrician’s office mistook her for an RN.

“No, I’m not,” explained Margaret, who’d wowed the staff by having her baby’s pulse, res-piration, and pupil size available for the doctor. “This is just what you do before you call the veterinarian.”

That degree of composure under pressure is common among Pony Club kids. Margaret’s mother, Ruth Harvie, says the incident is but one of many involving her children, all raised with horses.

‘Horse Human Connection’ symposium returns to Pomona

From the Horsetrader sales staff

Back by popular demand, the Human Horse Connection 2 will be coming to the Kellogg West Conference Center in Pomona Nov. 1-2 for two exceptional days of insights into how your horse thinks. The California Western Dressage Association is presenting the symposium, which will feature a roster of internationally known speakers for attendees of all disciplines.

Both new and familiar faces shine at Jimmy Flores, Sr. Show

By SUE CARTER / for the Horsetrader

TEMECULA — Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association held its annual Jimmy Flores, Sr. Memorial Horse Show May 9-11 at Green Acres Ranch. The show commemorates a great horseman, Jimmy Flores, Sr.

The career of Jimmy Flores, Sr. spanned eight decades and touched thousands of people. Flores first trained professionally in the late 1940s, hanging a shingle in the San Gabriel area. In 1960, he and his family briefly moved to Oregon, then returned to California in 1963, eventually settling in the Perris area in 1966. His highlights in the show pen often featured his Quarter Horse stallion, Skunkface, an AQHA High Point Working Cow Horse who also was part of an international exhibition in Mexico that Flores was asked to perform by the AQHA and the governments of both Mexico and the U.S. in 1968.

A true ‘bucket list’ item: 2025 Catalina Ladies Ride

From the Horsetrader sales staff

Las Caballeras is a group of horsewomen that gather together every fall or spring for a multi-day vacation with their horses on beautiful Catalina Island. Plans are under way for this year’s trip, and there will be two ride options: a short five-day ride Sept. 26-30, and the full seven-day ride Sept. 26–Oct. 2. Either one is a “bucket list” adventure on horseback. Some notes:

Bring your horse or rent one from the ride’s professional wrangler
• Cowgirl campground is at beautiful Little Harbor
• Horses/camping gear is barged to the island
• Enjoy small group rides in a unique, protected ecosystem

California Horsetrader founder, equestrian advocate leaves legacy

SAN MARCOS — Carolyn Read, who rode her passions for horses, agriculture and historical preservation to a legacy for generations to come, has passed away on her ranch home of 63 years, her family said. She was 92.

In 1979, Carolyn blended her publishing background with her lifelong love for horses and created the California Horsetrader. She served as publisher until 1990 when she sold the business to her son, current publisher Warren Wilson.

“She is, and will be, profoundly missed. She was a difference-maker who had many gifts — her character, her abilities, her tenacity,” Wilson said. “She had an artist’s eye, a businesswoman’s mind, and a strong heart for her land and everything on it, especially her horses. Her opinions were strong, and so was her care and commitment to everything she loved. “

Hooves & Paws ‘Summer Sale’ is soon — up to 50% off!

From the Horsetradser sales staff

If you have been waiting for the perfect store sale … it’s almost here! Don’t miss the savings and selection at the Annual Summer Sale at Hooves & Paws. For three days, May 29-31, you can buy in-store or online and have it delivered! Prices are marked down as much as 50% off on clearance items, including major brands in both tack and apparel. Professional’s Choice, Troxel, Shires, Classic Equine and more. See the ad on page 3, or visit the easy-to-use Hooves & Paws website at https://hoovesandpaws.com.

Tucker Robinson topped 24 others by a three-point margin on Smooth Outta Style for an Open Bridle Spectacular win that earned owners Julie Weinhardt and Frank Velazquez $5,875. (Stacy Judd photo)

CRCHA Spring Classic brings out best in both Open, NP

By Megan Thorne

PASO ROBLES — The 2025 California Reined Cow Horse Association (CRCHA) Spring Classic, held at the Paso Robles Event Center, brought together the top talent in the reined cow horse world for a week of fierce competition and unforgettable moments. With a total payout of $227,810, the derby celebrated the best in Open, Non Pro and Non Pro Boxing performances, showcasing the depth of talent across all divisions in this dynamic sport.

City of L.A. committee OKs venue; IOC meets in April

From staff reports

A Los Angeles City Council Ad Hoc Committee on the Olympic and Paralympic Games, meeting for the first time since June 2024, approved by a 5-0 vote March 26 to proceed with requested venue changes from the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games organizing committee. Relocation of all equestrian events are headed to Galway Downs in Temecula, pending one final approval step in April.

Temecula Valley Rural Lifestyles group fundraiser April 10

TEMECULA — One of Southern California’s most important — and fun! — equestrian fundraisers is April 10 at Europa Village Winery, and one of the region’s most important trail proponents will be honored that night.

Gil Pankonin, a pioneer of Temecula Valley’s riding trails and a founding member and longtime President of Temecula Valley Rural Lifestyles will be awarded the 2025 TVRL Trailblazer Award. His contributions on horseback, or working onsite to help construct the trails, or advocating in offices with county officials, surveyors, and attorneys, have all helped ensure that trails are a vital, permanent asset to the community.

From fire to trophy saddle, Rookie Champ met challenges

By Horsetrader staff

BURBANK — Katrina Larsen and Dazzle N Chrome have never competed in a trail trials class, but they faced intense obstacles and challenges on their course to a reining title.

Perhaps the biggest one came when they were apart, not connected, when a policeman stood in front of the car she was in with her grandparents, telling the teen-ager, “no…you cannot go in there.”