SCRCHA wraps up super 2021 at Green Acres Ranch event

TEMECULA — Smiles, great runs and beautiful weather were all part of the Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association’s final scheduled show of 2021, the September Classic.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — Two business groups with different visions for the 40-acre Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park made respective public presentations Sept. 21 to the City Council, as ongoing discussions continued toward the beautiful facility’s future.

CRHA Summertime Slide enlivens Midstate Fairgrounds

PASO ROBLES — There were familiar faces and familiar horses at the 2021 California Reining Horse Association Summertime Slide, but one new item this year that had everyone’s attention was the venue itself — the iconic Midstate Fairgrounds. Steeped in history and Western heritage, the Central Coast town hosted a CRHA reining for the first time.

By Sheryl Lynde | Horsetrader columnist

Every time I think. “Well, that can’t happen to me…”, I then find myself in a situation where it is, indeed, happening to me.

Stay abreast — or ahead — of environmental rules

By Jamie Cohen Wallace / courtesy ELCR.org

In recent years, Best Management Practices (BMPs) have essentially become standard for horse farms/facilities across the country. Meant to protect the ground and surface waters, BMPs are excellent management practices that should be utilized by every horse farm and facility to stay in compliance, regardless of legislation.

Jennifer Welch Nicholson, who started at Riata ranch as a 9-year old and later navigated the organization through tumultuous times and to international renown, has been nomnominated for the Donita Barnes Lifetime Achievement Award.

WCRH continues its successful Summer Classic Buckle Series at Tucalota Creek Ranch

Special to the Horsetrader

TEMECULA — Beautiful Tucalota Creek Ranch came to life Aug. 21 for the second of three shows in the West Coast Ranch Horse Classic Buckle Series. The series is just part of the WCRH line-up of popular 2021 events, which will culminate Nov. 5-7 with the big Ranch Horse Rendezvous at Tucalota Creek.

The three shows in the summer Ranch Horse Classic Buckle Series, featuring classes in Ranch Riding, Ranch Rail, Ranch Trail and Ranch Conformation, will wrap up at the series finale Sept. 25 at Green Acres Ranch in Temecula where winners of eight series belt buckles will be determined. All shows count for points in the series, and competitors must show in at least two shows in order to be eligible for high-point and division awards.

November’s WCRH Rendezvous 2021 promises to be an exciting two-day event. In addition to the popular horse show with divisions for all levels and a futurity for 4-under and 5/6 year-old horses, there will be ranch horse clinics with Sami Hernandez and Cowley Performance Horses, as well as a silent auction, wine and cheese reception, vendors, and a banquet dinner with live cowboy music from Eric Gorsuch.

Adding to the excitement Saturday, Nov. 6, will be the Ranch Horse Select Sale produced by XIT Western Productions, who says 35 high quality ranch horses will be ready to be your next partner. Sale preview will take place during the wine and cheese reception at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5, and the sale is scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m.

Consignor check-in and vet checks will take place on Thursday, Nov. 4, beginning at 8 a.m.. Horses can then begin moving into their stalls and can be ridden during the open riding that evening from 4-7 p.m.

More online: http://bit.ly/09awcrh

These keys open doors to equine-inclusive communities

By Danielle Bolte / courtesy ELCR.org

Horses bring many benefits to our local communities including economic, ecological, and aesthetic, and they enhance our general health and well-being. Plus, horses can be local economic drivers; according to the American Horse Council 2005 National Economic Impact of the U.S. Horse Industry Study, the equine industry accounted for 460,000 full-time jobs with an annual impact of $39 billion annually to our economy, generating $1.9 billion in taxes.

Also, horses and the beautiful scenic vistas that horse lands provide contribute greatly to our communities and our quality of life. It is important to note, though, that horses cannot provide these benefits without the land to support them. Increasingly, both horsemen and non-horsemen have witnessed open areas that were once horse lands taken over by development. According to the 2012 USDA Census from 2007 to 2012 the number of horse ranches decreased by 14% (71,146) and the horse population decreased by 11% (407,479). Poorly planned, uncontrolled development or sprawl, population growth, and a citizenry that is increasingly unfamiliar with livestock are the greatest threats to equestrians and horse land owners today.

While premier horse facilities, competition and recreational riding venues can exist close to (and even in) cities, local land use planning must purposefully incorporate them. By including horses into the land use planning process and making communities equestrian-friendly, planning departments can encourage horse owners to remain in the area or possibly move to the area for the provided amenities. Here are seven steps that can help incorporate horses into the land use and community plans.

STEP 1: Know Your Equestrian Community.

The shape of the local horse industry will determine what types of facilities are necessary. Understanding what types of equestrian uses are present in the area and where they are located is an essential knowledge base for future planning, but one that many communities are lacking. Horse owners are not a uniform body; the equine industry ranges in scale from the backyard horse owner to large show facilities and racetracks. In addition, horses are used for many purposes, ranging from companion animals to trail and endurance horses to show and race horses. For example, areas with large populations of recreational trail riders may have more need of well-maintained trail systems than areas with a high population of racehorses or gaited show horses.

STEP 2: Develop and Maintain Equestrian-Friendly Trail Systems.

Recreational and trail riding are the most popular uses of horses, with nearly 4 of the 9.2 million horses in the country used solely for this purpose. Therefore, one of the most widely attractive amenities that can be provided to horse owners is a well maintained and horse-friendly trail system.

What makes a trail system “equestrian friendly?” First of all, there must be ample space to park and turn horse trailers around. A few stalls or paddocks may not be amiss in well-used areas, especially where camping is also a possibility, but as a minimum there must be water available at the trail head, and possibly along the trail as well, depending on its length.

The trails themselves should be reasonably wide to allow for safe passage, and the footing should be natural, not gravel or pavement, to aid in traction and avoid bruising of the horses’ feet. When clearing overhead limbs from the trail, consider that a rider’s head is often eight feet or more from the ground, and clear the overhead space accordingly. Be sure trails are well-marked; pocket sized maps could be made available at the trailhead to complement marks along the route. Also, if trail systems are shared with other users, such as hikers with dogs or bicyclists, be sure that rules for shared use of the trails are clearly posted and enforced.

Maintenance of the trail system should include trimming of brush along the sides of the trail and occasional re-clearing of overhead branches. Footing should be maintained reasonably well, with washouts or other unsafe areas repaired, but the footing does not need to be maintained perfectly level in most cases.

STEP 3: Create Equestrian Zones or Neighborhoods.

One of the best ways to avoid complaints about odor, dust, and loose horses is to cluster the horse farms near each other. In addition to avoiding neighbor complaints, this allows for the easy development of trails and equestrian facilities within these communities. In areas where horses are a large part of the history or culture of the community, equestrian zones can also be used as tourist draws. For example, an equestrian zone or neighborhood with a large population of young or competitive riders could be grouped around a county or city show facility, which could then provide the government with additional income.

STEP 4: Protect Agricultural Lands from Development.

One of the most important resources for horsekeeping is land. The protection of open space and agricultural land, of which horse farms are usually considered a part, is therefore vital to the maintenance of an equestrian community. In addition to pasture, space is needed for trails and competition arenas. Several ways exist to help protect these open lands, ranging from Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) programs to zoning definitions.

TDR programs are based on the amount of development allowed in the zoning code, with one zone designated as the sending zone, typically in a more rural area, which will remain more lightly developed than allowed, and a separate zone, usually in a more urban area, designated as a receiving zone and allowed to develop more densely, for example with five stories instead of three. Once the development rights are transferred from the sending zone, they are permanently revoked from the sending property, leaving the property rural in nature in perpetuity — at least in theory.

Urban Service Boundaries and Lot Size Restrictions are zoning-based means to protect the rural areas of the community. A hard urban service boundary, outside of which public sewer and water are not extended, can limit development outside of itself, encouraging the remainder of the land to remain largely rural while promoting denser infill development within the boundary, essentially encouraging a larger scale version of cluster development. Over time, the boundary is likely to expand, but use of such a boundary can help slow the sprawl of the urban and suburban land uses. Restricting lot sizes can also be a tool to maintain open space. A community-wide greenspace plan, defining which areas will remain open, is also a vital step in protecting these areas. Without a clear picture of what should be left as open space, it is too easy for development to sprawl outwards from an urban area.

STEP 5: Appropriate Codes and Ordinances.

Appropriate codes can be beneficial to the development of an equestrian-friendly community, helping to prevent friction between neighbors, especially where equestrian uses interact with non-rural uses. Beneficial ordinances encourage creation of space in the community. For the horse industry, regulations on the minimum lot size are reasonable, ensuring the provision of adequate space for the horse’s health and well-being as well as allowing space to buffer odors and dust from the neighbors. Similarly, regulations on the number of horses that can be kept per acre, or required buffers between barns, manure piles, and other features of equestrian facilities and streams and property lines may be necessary to avoid conflict and protect surface water quality. Ordinances such as these help equine properties maintain good relationships with their neighbors.

STEP 6: Enhance Public Awareness.

Improving public awareness of the horses in the community can help make trail-sharing safer and more effective and can help develop support for policies protecting agricultural lands from development. In order for a community to be truly equestrian-friendly, the rest of the area must be aware of the role that horses play in the local economic and ecological reality. Surveys can indicate the current level of public knowledge and support of horses in the community, and appropriate actions can be determined based on the results.

STEP 7: Incorporate Existing Facilities.

Create equestrian zones around existing professional farms and equestrian neighborhoods in areas that already have large horse populations. Even in transportation planning, the locations of these facilities can help determine the type of roads necessary, or the most viable locations for equestrian-friendly trails. When planning for horse-related land uses, refer back to the survey of the local equine industry suggested in step 1.

While not all of these steps will be appropriate for all communities, they do provide a buffet of options for the community planner to choose from in incorporating horses into the master plan. To truly serve the existing equestrian industry, efforts should also be made to reach out to local equestrian-oriented groups and non-profit organizations to gain their input on proposed plans or on areas in need of planning. Most national equestrian organizations, such as the United States Dressage Federation, 4-H, and United States Pony Club, have local chapters that can provide information on the equine industry and may provide a means for reaching out to the local equestrian community for suggestions. In addition, many non-profit organizations exist to encourage interfacing between the equestrian community and the planning community, including ELCR and Horses for Clean Water. Researching such organizations in your community will likely provide you the information you need to plan for your local equine industry effectively.

More online: http://bit.ly/09Aelcr

By Sheryl Lynde | Horsetrader columnist

When pairing a horse with a rider, consider several factors that can help ensure the rider’s safety as well as the horse’s well-being.

In previous columns, we’ve looked at the planned use of the horse. If you are looking for a good-minded trail horse, finding a horse that has been used in that capacity would be your best bet. We’ve also explored the ability of the rider and the amount of training the prospective horse has had. Again, if the rider is green, the horse needs to be well-seasoned, and if the horse is green, the rider needs to be more experienced. Also, lifestyle plays an important role. If a demanding career or family require most of your time, purchasing a young horse to start is not optimum for either you or the horse.

But, there is another factor of equal importance to the longevity of your horse’s riding career: the weight of the rider.

A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour suggests that the rider should weigh less than 15 percent of their horse’s body weight. You can have a conversation with your vet; I have spoken to many. I have found that, as a general rule, the most commonly offered advice is that the combined weight of the rider and saddle should not exceed 15-20 percent of the horse’s body weight. This means if a horse weighs 1,000 pounds, the combined weight of the rider and saddle should not exceed 150–200 pounds. If your saddle weighs 40 pounds, then the weight of the rider should not exceed 110–160 pounds. Again, this is a generality. When I lean more toward the 15 percent body weight of rider and tack, factors that I take into consideration are the horse’s age, intended use, and overall soundness and well-being of the horse.

The horse’s reaction when asked to carry weight above their physical ability varies depending on the temperament of the horse. I’ve witnessed an obvious swaying of the horse’s back, losing their balance under the rider once mounted, the horse splaying their legs underneath them in an attempt to stay upright, and bucking or bolting to rid themselves of the weight.

I understand that the horse’s health and well-being are at the forefront of the owner’s concerns. However, as evidenced every day, the path to injury is paved with good intentions.

Imagine that someone put a backpack on your shoulders that far outweighed your ability to carry it for any distance. It may cause you to fall backward, splay out your limbs to find your balance. You may lean forward into the trail only to find yourself stumbling, unable to right yourself until you eventually hit the ground.

Now, add to that the issue of balance. Try carrying a pack that pulls you to the left or the right. I’ve observed many riders that lean to one side or the other, unaware of their imbalance. When brought to their attention, unfortunately, the saddle is unduly blamed or perhaps the cinch isnt tight enough. The stirrups of the saddle are intended to rest the foot lightly. When riders depend on their feet for balance instead of their seat, they press with their strong or favored leg and foot into the stirrup, causing their saddle to shift, regardless of how tight the cinch has been fastened. Imagine the soreness and misalignment that would cause your body over a period of time. Additionally, what if the backpack didn’t fit properly? It still carried the same amount of weight, but was too small or too large for your back. Feeling a bit uncomfortable? So is your horse.

Weighing the proper weight for your horse, having a good-fitting saddle and mounting properly can save your horse’s back.

To protect your horse’s withers, use a mounting block. Hold onto the mane with your left hand while you insert your left toe into the stirrup. This is not an upper body pull, it is a lower body push. Push up off your right leg to elevate yourself enough to clear the cantle as your throw your right leg over your horse’s back and lower yourself nice and polite into the saddle

When you get on, sit in the “pocket” of the saddle, not on the cantle. Two fingers should fit between the swells of the saddle and your leg. If you can fit your entire hand, the saddle is too big. If you can’t fit a finger, the saddle is too small. It’s better to have a slightly bigger fit than too tight.

Owners openly express their aversion to particular bits or disciplines due to a perceived risk of injury. However, weight remains a sensitive subject.

How do you weigh in?

–Sheryl

From Horsetrader sales staff

Cooler temperatures will be falling on us in autumn, but horse sales will be heating up!

On Sept. 18, the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity Horse Sales will fill the Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center for three sales: the 2021 Performance & Ranch Horse Sale, the 2021 Select Weanlings, Yearlings & Broodmares Sale, and the 2021 2-year-old Select Sale. Check the Reno Snaffle Bit Futurity website (renosnafflebitfuruity.com) to see the catalog, when available. The event, managed by Parnell Dickinson, last year had average sales averages of $9957 (2-year-old Select Sale), $8,000 (Performance and Ranch Horse Sale) and $9,838 (Select Yearling & Broodmare Sale), respectively. For more info, see the ad on the back cover of this issue!

Another exciting horse sale on this fall’s calendar is the Nov. 6 West Coast Ranch Horse Rendezvous Sale at the beautiful Tucalota Creek Ranch. Managed by XIT Western Productions, this sale will bring 35 head of high-quality ranch horses that “are ready to be your next partner.” The sale will specialize in horses that are show-ready or are great ranch horse prospects. There is a consignor application process and a selection committee to ensure only the cream of the crop are offered. The sale will take place alongside a series of events over the 2021 WCRH Rendezvous weekend Nov. 4-7. As for the show, the WCRH Rendezvous will include ranch horse clinics with Sami Hernandez, Cowley Performance Horses and others, a two-day ranch horse show, ranch horse futurities, a silent auction, wine and cheese reception, vendors, and a banquet dinner with live cowboy music from Eric Gorsuch. There will be a saddle awarded to the Top Hand of the weekend, division buckles, trophy knives, trophy stirrups and more! The sale preview will be held with the wine and cheese reception at 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5, and the sale will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Those interested in consigning to the sale can participate in an application process and can learn more via the WCRH website (westcoastranchhorse.com). All horses will come with vet exams in order to provide the buyers with the confidence that they deserve in buying any of the quality horses offered. Consignors are encouraged to enter their horses in the events in the ranch horse show, especially those that qualify for Friday’s futurity. Consignor check-in and vet checks will take place on Thursday, Nov. 4 starting at 8 a.m. Horses will then begin moving into their stalls, and the horses can be ridden during the open riding that evening from 4-7 p.m. Online bidding will be available through XIT Western Productions website (www.xitwesternproductions.com).

We love and appreciate our stores — for more than 40 years, they have devoted space in their store for California Horsetrader magazine! We also lift up in appreciation our store advertisers who trust and support us! Thank you Inland Vet Supply (Temecula and Norco… ad on page 2), Tony’s Hay and Grain (Norco… ad on page 31) and The Shoein Shop (Yucaipa…ad on page 34 and online at theshoeinshop.com).

How about a new John Deere Gator? Another loyal advertiser in California Horsetrader magazine, our friends at Farnam, has been keeping horses healthy and happy since the company was founded in 1946. In honor of the trusted partnerships that have united Farnam and the equine community across the decades, the company is marking its diamond anniversary with a special event for its loyal customers.

Now through Dec. 31, 2021, horse owners are invited to enter Farnam’s 75th Anniversary Giveaway. Front and center is the Grand Prize, a 2021 Farnam-branded John Deere® Gator® XUV835M (approximate retail value, $18,000), loaded with $1,000 worth of Farnam® products including supplements, fly control, hoof care and grooming. In addition, there will be 10 First Prizes featuring $75 worth of popular Farnam® products in a handy five-gallon bucket.

Only one entry is allowed per person. You must be a horse owner and legal U.S. resident of one of the 48 contiguous states or the District of Columbia and 18 or older as of Aug. 9, 2021 with a valid driver’s license to enter. Please visit farnam.com/75-giveaway for complete rules. See Farnam’s ads this issue on pages 3, 17, 27 and 39.

Round up your posse, lace up your sneakers or saddle up your horse, and come out for the 15th annual Ride & Stride at Walnut Grove Park in San Marcos on Sunday, Oct. 17. Organized by the Horse Heritage Conservancy and Twin Oaks Valley Equestrian Association, the event encourages the “two-legged” contingent to join in and bring their other Best Friend to stride this three-mile loop through the valley. Participation in this event helps the Horse Park, a rare gem in the heart of the Twin Oaks Valley. Come celebrate this unique park and its trail connectivity. All contributions collected are fully tax deductible and support this public facility which is used for so much, including equestrian events, trail staging and emergency evacuation. The Ride and Stride promotes the rich cultural history of San Marcos and the importance of preserving a rural and equestrian presence within the community. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Visit helpthehorsepark.org for more information and registration forms.