Spencer Rose went from Riata Ranch to Cavalia

Horsetrader reprint from February 2011 issue

BURBANK – Of all tricks Spencer Rose has done on horseback, she still remembers her first one in front of a crowd.

She was 12, and her folks were among parents gathered to watch their daughters as they revealed what they had learned during a week-long trick riding camp at the Riata Ranch in Exeter. The routines were simple, slow and very safe – but still quite challenging for a girl who had ridden for the first time that week.

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.

By Daniel H. Grove, DVM

Foals are about to start hitting the ground left and right. It is a rare day for me in the peak of foaling season to not be doing a new foal exam (or two or three!). A new foal exam and care in the first few days is vital to keeping a healthy herd, but the first year of life for foals requires some special care that is a bit different than for the adults.

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.”

Postponed twice, Pink Classic Horse Show refreshes after fires

By Horsetrader staff

BURBANK — Good things are worth the wait, and the Pink Classic Horse Show brought the Los Angeles Equestrian Center to life Feb. 6-9 after a pair of postponements. After the venerable fall event was postponed because of weather to January 9-12, the tragic fires of Los Angeles forced another date change to the first weekend in February.

The Pink Classic hosted the Pacific Coast Horse Show Association Trail Classic and the Jack and Linda Baker Reining Finals. Both classes were open to all PCHA youth and amateur members.