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Former RCHA board members attending were (from left) Jerilyn Kapus, Amber Gentry, Dennis Hibberts, Kerrie Tuley and Kent Tuley. (RCHA photo)

Rancho California Horsemen’s Association celebrates its success

Special to the Horsetrader

TEMECULA — Rancho California Horsemen’s Association recently celebrated 55 years as the premier equestrian organization in the Temecula Valley.

A wonderful BBQ dinner catered by South Fork and sponsored by Darrell and Brenda Cowan, a silent auction sponsored by Temecula Valley Rural Lifestyles, and line dancing led by Nita Bowers were highlights of the evening which also included the awarding of an RCHA-sponsored Scholarship at Green Acres Interactive Therapy (GAIT) to Kaylee Long so she can pursue her love of riding, and the annual Friend of RCHA Award to Lorraine Harrington for her support of the equestrian lifestyle in Temecula Valley.

The March 27 dedication of the new KenTina Trail in Valle de los Caballos in Temecula attracted local supporters from all ages and disciplines. (Photo courtesy TVRL).

Newest leg of Wine Country Trails gets well-attended ribbon-cutting

Special to the Horsetrader

TEMECULA — Temecula Valley Rural Lifestyles, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to preserving and enhancing equestrian lifestyle in their special Riverside County region, hosted a dedication ceremony March 27 for the newest segment of the Wine Country Trails Network, the KenTina Trail.

Family, friends and equestrians on horseback gathered along Los Caballos Road to commemorate the naming of the trail for Galway Downs owners Ken and Tina Smith, two leading equestrian supporters. The Smiths, who acquired Galway Downs in 2010, earned naming rights to the trail by virtue of the winning bid in last year’s TVRL Fundraiser Gala auction.

Happy Trail!

- March 7th, 2024
Legendary horsewoman Pat Ommert of Temecula cuts the ceremonial ribbon to open the Pat Ommert Trail, flanked by (from left) Riverside County COO Juan Perez, County Supervisor Chuck Washington, County staff member Phayvanh Nanthavongdouangsy, and emcee Mark Madsen. (Photo courtesy Supervisor Chuck Washington)

After a long ride to completion, Temecula trail advocates celebrate

From Horsetrader staff reports

TEMECULA — Travelers along DePortola Road aren’t accustomed to big commotions on a Thursday morning, but there it was on Feb. 22: dozens of observers, several dignitaries, a mounted posse, even media.

It was a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Pat Ommert Trail. After 15 years of dedicated work, the stars had finally aligned and the 2.3-mile trail through Valle de los Caballos, linking Anza Road to the vineyards, would officially open.

The brightest star, legendary horsewoman and lifelong horse advocate Pat Ommert, arrived promptly at 11 a.m. — pulled at age 94 by a team of draft horses instead of Roman Riding them as she gracefully did for decades. When she cut the ribbon, flanked by Riverside County officials including Supervisor Chuck Washington, about five dozen supporters, sponsors and trail users cheered.