PERRIS — Jimmy Flores, Sr., whose horse career spanned eight decades and touched thousands, died Sept. 7 from complications of colon cancer after a brief, but valiant, fight.

Flores, a frequent fixture with his popular Jimmy Flores Cowboy Gear vendor booth at performance horse competitions in California and beyond, was admitted to Riverside County Hospital on Aug. 12. His daughter-in-law, Robin Flores, noticed him moving much more slowly than normal around the ranch, and she insisted they visit the hospital. They did just that — after Flores, Sr., saw his chores were done for the day, at his insistence, according to Robin.

Fall is fast approaching, and that makes me think of harvest time, which leads me to images long past of draft horses and farming. Long before we had tractors, draft horses were the original horse power that pulled all the various farming implements. In fact, horsepower is defined as a unit of measurement of power — the rate at which work is done.

There are many different standards and types of horsepower. The term was adopted in the late 18th century by Scottish engineer James Watt to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses and ponies. The development of the steam engine provided a reason to compare the output of horses with that of the engines that could replace them.

As the toll of wildfires in Northern California explodes, news from recent fires in Oregon included relief from an Oregon Hay Bank to stricken equestrians.

The Oregon Hay Bank reportedly received a $5,000 donation for distressed horse owners facing hay shortages as a result of the wildfires in the Grant County area. The $5,000 donation from The Humane Society of the U.S., will be used to help horse owners with immediate needs to feed their animals, and those who may need help during the winter, according to published reports.

Big Mare™, 909-908-6649, BigMare.com
When you hear or read that Big Mare™ skin, wound and hoof care products have it all, they really do. With an innovative new Controlled Delivery System (CDS), these solutions offer more than the “singular dimensional” benefits of micro-encapsulation by delivering a smaller molecule deeper into the skin. These combined actives work together and offer time-released benefits for round-the-clock healing. Available for both equine and canine, these anti-bacterial and anti-fungal formulas are available in a Body Wash, All-purpose Skin Solution, Wound Lotion, Thrush Spray and White Line Gel. Ask your store today for Big Mare™. It heals, prevents and maintains healthy skin and hoofs. As the slogan says: “Because you care…Big Mare™!” Dealer inquiries are welcomed.

Now that you’ve enjoyed your introduction to the sport of driving, you might want to try participating in a driving show. If you don’t feel up to participating with your equine just yet, please consider becoming a volunteer! You’d be amazed at how much you can learn about a sport by being a part of it without competing. You will also be very much appreciated, as the vast majority of events run on volunteerism. Often times, when volunteering, you may get your own personal mini clinic from the experience.

Connie Amelang
Alam Realty
Inland Empire and High Desert
760.792.6477
We are in a “healthy” real estate market where the prices are trending upward steadily but not at a high rate. We are expecting single digit appreciation in California for 2015 and that is fine. Over-inflation causes problems of its own. Buyers are buying, and with the help of their agent, are doing their research on prices of the properties they are viewing. If a property is priced right (in line with comparables), the sellers are many times getting full price offers. If the property is over-priced we are seeing few showings and few, if any, offers. CalBRE #00896631

Backcountry Haven Vacation Rental
North Fork, Calif.
(415) 485-2994
vrbo.com/598877

Set among pine and oak woodland, Backcountry Haven’s authentic log home sleeps up to 12 people, featuring five bedrooms and two baths. It is located near Yosemite National Park, with a barn and covered horse corrals. The full kitchen offers ample countertop space, the large living room has a wood-burning stove, and a covered veranda invites outdoor living. Use the large barbeque to cook up your favorite dishes, then enjoy them at the outdoor tables!

Four bedrooms have a queen bed and one has a king-sized bed. The large bedroom also has a log-framed bunk bed. Two bathrooms and a separate vanity sink area provide plenty of personal space. There is an upstairs reading/game table area. Downstairs, you’ll find a large flat screen and surround sound system with BluRay and Apple TV. There is internet and cell phone coverage.

POMONA–One of the fastest growing expos in the U.S., California’s Horse Expo Pomona comes to the L.A. County Fairplex Jan. 30-Feb. 1. In three short days, you can catch up on the latest training and education, shop the nation’s premier equine vendors and connect with your horse friends. Attending the Expo is a low-cost, high quality way to stay engaged in the horse industry, making sure you have the tools, knowledge and products to help make the most of your investment in the horse owning lifestyle year round.

Gerri Burger
Coldwell Banker Kivett-Teeters
(951) 719-5589
CA BRE# 01780155
I am a California native and have lived in the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley for over 40 years. Before becoming a realtor, I was a teacher for 20 years. I strive to build relationships with my clients, explain the process in an easy-to-understand manner, and make the experience as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. I know this valley and how to serve my clients! Call, text, or email me for any of your real estate needs.

Arena Technologies
(800) 506-8749
www.ArenaTechServices.com
Arena Technologies makes great ground, providing the tools and services to get it done. The company was founded by Randy Fenimore in 2001 with the intent to meet the ground and arena footing needs of multiple competitive horse disciplines. After starting small, the company has steadily grown over the years with a focus on true quality work, customer service, professionalism, and in-depth industry expertise. As Arena Technologies has grown, so have the products and services it offers.

Arena Technologies is the home of the GroundPro arena tool – engineered for unparalleled excellence to properly maintain arena footing. Arena Technologies also provides proven, experienced ground consultation and professional ground services for your facility or event. It is with Randy’s extensive expertise and contacts in the sand and gravel business earned over the past 30 years, as well as his knowledge and background in the horse industry, that Arena Technologies has grown to become the one-stop source for all arena footing needs.

You make great horses. The GroundPro arena drag makes great ground. At Arena Technologies, the team believes your arena is the second most important detail of your performance horse operation – after your horses. With the proper footing provided by the GroundPro, your horse will experience the “cushion” that is necessary in every discipline to resist the impact of the hoof to the ground. Less impact to the horse’s musculoskeletal system substantially decreases soreness and lameness, allowing you to continue to ride and compete throughout the year with fewer chances of injury.