LAS VEGAS – The High Roller Reining Classic, combining $300,000 in added money, top reiner competition and the excitement of Las Vegas, once again was a hit, as the Brumley Management Group wrapped up its trio of 2012 events with the Sept. 11-17 competition. The Cactus Reining Classic in April and the Reining By The Bay in July were the precursors.

Casey and Nicole Deary of Weatherford, Texas, had quite the show in Las Vegas, with Casey taking Carlos Gonzalez’ 3-year old buckskin, Wimp Daddy (Wimpys Little Step x Cody Kay Quixote), to a 224.5 to win the Level 4 division of the $70,000 added Spooks Gotta Gun Open Futurity out of a field of 33. Nicole and her mother’s Tagged My Chic (Whiz N Tag Chex x Cheeky Boom) won three out of four of Non Pro Ancillary Divisions (slate 2) and the coveted HRRC Limited Non Pro High Point Bob’s Custom Saddle.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — Thirty-six leading West Coast junior equitation riders competed in Blenheim Farm’s covered arena on the evening of Sept. 17 in the ASPCA Maclay West Coast Regional Finals. With 30 returning for the flat phase and four for the work-off, it was Morgan Geller aboard Fabricio who finished on top.

Geller and up to 20 more riders earned an invitation to compete in the 2011 ASPCA Maclay National Championship at the National Horse Show Nov. 2-6 in Lexington, KY.

BURBANK — The stars were out at the L.A. International Horse Show Sept. 21-25, particularly at the $50,000 L.A. International Grand Prix, a World Cup Qualifier where performances in the ring kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Sixteen riders tackled Michel Vaillancourt’s course in LAEC’s indoor arena, but it was the youngest of them all, Saer Coulter (Markus Beerbaum, trainer), who was the only rider to go double-clear and clinch the top title.

HEY RAY: I never had problems bridling my horse, then one day I was in a hurry and rushed taking off the bridle. I ended up with the bridle in my hand while my horse was rearing up with the bit clanking on his teeth. Now it’s almost impossible to get the bit in or out of his mouth without him getting tense. What should I do?
Lance Gunn, Norco CA

HEY LANCE: What happened to you has happened to virtually every horse owner at least once, including me. When I was 10, I had a horse that lacked a good foundation. I had no experience, height or length of arm. I remember trying to stretch up while on my toes, hoping to keep the bit in his mouth while trying to hook an ear into the bridle. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. This challenge is not just trying to get the bit in his mouth; it has more to do with focus, trust, timing, feel and basic fundamentals about giving to pressure while being scared.

Seventh in a series
After reviewing equipment last issue, Les breaks down one of the foundational communication devices.

If you haven’t ridden with them before, the seven-foot split leather reins are going to take some getting used to. To begin with, you’re going to want to cross them over the horse’s withers, then pick up both the direct rein and the tail from the other rein in each hand. It takes a little practice, but you’ll find that by tightening your grip on the tail of the opposite rein you can tighten your reins by sliding your hands away from each other. All you need to do to loosen them is let them slide through your fingers. On the DVD, I also show you a really neat way to gather up a lot of rein in a hurry!

The 2011 Equine Festival of Apple Valley will be held Sat. Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Horseman’s Center. Offering free admission, the event is one where you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about horses and the equestrian lifestyle. This marks the fourth annual Apple Equine Festival, led by members of the Apple Valley Equestrian Advisory Committee who are working to gather all things equine! No horse? No problem! This is a one-of-a-kind event in the High Desert for everyone who enjoys the Western way of life. Kids can play in the bounce house, adults can shop for Western gear and décor, and the whole family can enjoy an assortment of demonstrations and seminars. Following in the “hoof-steps” of established events such as the Equine Affaire in Pomona, the Equine Festival looks to create a one-stop shop with vendors on hand selling trailers, tack and other items of interest to horse owners, or those who admire or are interested in getting into the equestrian lifestyle. Call (760) 240-7000 to learn more! See the ad on page 29.

RANCHO MURIETA — The West Coast Reining Horse Association will hold its Best of the West horse show Oct. 11-16 at the Murieta Equine Center. The Best in the West horse show will run a full slate of reining classes which includes classes for the National Reining Horse Association’s North West Regional Affiliate Finals. Reiners will be coming from Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Nevada to compete for seven trophy saddles, over $20,000 in prize money, and possibly the honor of representing the North West Region of the United States at the prestigious NRHA Futurity show which is held in November in Oklahoma City. Gina Hunter from Tracy, winner of last year’s Non Pro Futurity with Guns Lit N Blazin, says that this show is a “great preparation for the NRHA Futurity in Oklahoma.” There will be classes for all levels of reiners and horses, from the Open and Non Pro Derby and Futurity classes to entry level beginners.

As part of the overall USEF Dressage High Performance Program, the USEF is expanding the Dressage Developing Program in 2012 thanks to the generous support from the USET Foundation through a gift from USET Foundation Trustee Akiko Yamazaki. The Developing Program will include seven Developing Clinics and two Developing Training Camps in 2012, including one in California.

Under the guidance of USEF Developing Coach Debbie McDonald, the clinics and camps aid in the development of the nation’s up-and-coming dressage horses and riders who show potential to represent the U.S. in international competition.