SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Brumley Managment Group kicked off its popular three-show reining series for 2012, the Cactus Reining Classic, on March 7-11 at Westworld, and the operative word was “deep” — deep in talented horses, riders and dedicated owners.

Event manager Amanda Brumley said entries were up 15 percent for the second straight year, with a roster of competitors that included horse-and-rider teams from Europe as well as from the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

TEMECULA — James Alliston started Sunday in control of both the CIC3* and the advanced divisions at the Galway Downs International Horse Trials, and after riding five bold cross-country rounds, he finished the day in complete command of the top spots.

Alliston, of Castro Valley, finished first and second in the CIC3*, winning with his veteran, India McEvoy’s Jumbo’s Jake (51.2), and moving up to second with his less experienced Tivoli (61.3). Barb Crabo rode Eveready II aggressively around the cross-country course to move up to third (67.8).

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — West Coast dressage riders and horses enjoyed thrilling competition in a spectacular venue at the Festival of the Horse CDI 3*/Y/J, presented by HorseShow.com at the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park March 29 – April 1.

As the site of the 2004 and 2008 U.S. Dressage Selection Trials for the Olympic Games, it was only natural for this spectacular facility to once again open its doors to North America’s top dressage competitors who hope to become members of Team USA at this year’s Olympic Games in London. Adding to the excitement, this show was held in conjunction with the Blenheim Spring Classic Hunter/Jumper show featuring a $40,000 Grand Prix jumping event.

THERMAL— For professional jumpers, the $200,000 Lambourghini Grand Prix sits like an awaiting jewel on the final day of the six-week HITS circuit — big crowds, big jumps and big rewards. Juniors and amateurs have their own version of the “last-day gem,” the $25,000 California Horsetrader Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper High Classic, which some riders regard as a “next big step”.

WELLINGTON, Fla. — A year ago, Cantano was coming off his PCHA Horse of the Year honor and seemed poised for a breakout year on the Southern California circuit with his legendary rider, Susie Hutchison. Now, the 12-year-old Holsteiner stallion is in Florida, where he competed March 29 under his rider, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum of Germany with similar results — his second victory of a circuit.

In remarkable performance, Micheals-Beerbaum won the Challenge Cup Round 12 at the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival aboard Cantano and also finished second riding Checkmate 4. Both horses are owned by Octavia Farms LLC.
Michaels-Beerbaum was last to go with her second mount, Cantano, and she beat her own time in 47.34 seconds to take the lead once more.

The Valley Cow Horse Association will have its Hackamore Showdown April 27-28 along with an National Reined Cow Horse Association Show on April 29 at Sundance Cattle Co. Feedlot in Bakersfield. With FOUR year-end award saddles to the first-place qualified riders in VCHA Youth Limited, VCHA Non Pro Bridle, VCHA 5K Non Pro Limited, and VCHA Novice Non Pro (Green Class) up for grabs, this is the time to recruit your youths and non-pros. – those saddles are yours for the winning! VCHA is a local organization dedicated to promoting the growth and friendly spirit of competition in the sport of reined cow horses. VCHA promotes both youth classes and beginning cow horse classes in an effort to get the whole community involved. Clinics as well as shows offer a chance to watch live cow horse action. VCHA shows also features the best of the best in the cow horse industry! Check out the rest of VCHA’s 2012 show dates at www.cowhorse.org, or call the show secretary at (559) 689-3535. Don’t miss the VCHA ad on page 107.

DEAR DANA: I have a 9-year old Quarter Horse-Arab Cross. He’s a very “forward-thinker,” especially at the lope where he tends to drop his inside shoulder and fall in. I’ve always tried to correct this by bringing my inside hand over and up and trying to get him to pick up his shoulder — but I am ALWAYS having to do this. How do I get him to hold himself?

Josh Raver, Temecula

Eighteenth in a series
After our detailed look last issue at side-to-side rein pressure, Les demonstrates the practice when starting a colt.

When you are starting a colt, you show him how to respond to a rein by pulling it out to the side and directing him. As soon as he starts to get it you’ll want to start keeping your hands closer to your body and to literally pick up the rein to initiate the bend. This will encourage him to keep his chin closer to his body like we want, rather than sticking his nose out to the side. Lifting up the hand also encourages your horse to keep his shoulders up rather than leaning into the turn, another concept that will become critical further down the line.

BURBANK — George Chatiny, General Manager of the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, has been named president of the board of the California Professional Horsemen’s Association Foundation, a 501(c) 3 corporation that raises funds for scholarships, educational outreach and other charitable efforts.

“We do fund-raisers all year,” said Chatigny, whose line-up includes a bowling benefit across from the LAEC at Pickwick Bowl in Burbank. The Friday, May 21, event will coincide with the Memorial Day Classic hunter-jumper show at LAEC.

Other fundraisers include the Megabucks Raffle, a silent auction and, new this year, a sports fishing event in Dana Point on Aug. 13, following a Blenheim Equisports shows.