QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. — Pedigrees of both horse and rider earned mention at the 2012 National Reined Cow Horse Association Stakes, held March 21-25 at the Horseshoe Park and Equestrian Center.

While Heart Of A Remedy (Heart Of A Fox X SPF Remedys Response) took Open Division headlines with an impressive 4.5-point win over reserve Doug Williamson and ARC Sparkin Chics, the family lines of winning rider Jon Roeser of Lemoore earned mention, too. Both he and his brother, Dan, enjoyed major wins, as Dan took Intermediate Open crown on Roosters Rozalena.

TAMPA, Fla. — A pair of legends in the show jumping universe from Southern California were honored at the American Invitational in Tampa, Fla., April 7 when rider Hap Hansen of Rancho Santa Fe and show manager Larry Langer of Los Angeles were inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. Jane Clark and Gabor Foltenyi also were part of the 2012 inductee class.

Each year since 1987, the Show Jumping Hall of Fame has selected individuals whose contributions to the sport have set them apart and whose influence has had a significant impact on show jumping.

Two-time Olympic equestrian Amy Tryon of Duvall, Wash., passed away in her sleep April 12. Tryon, who had built a reputation as a fierce competitor who overcame financial hardship and injuries while rising to stardom as an elite eventer, was 42. Details of her cause of death have not been released.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — Coming off a spectacular victory in Friday’s $10,000 1.35M Jumper Classic, presented by CardFlex, Michelle Parker swept up the competition again in Saturday’s $40,000 Blenheim Spring Classic Grand Prix, presented by Summit General Insurance Agency on April 7.

With the stands filled, spring in the air and the sun shining, all eyes were on Parker as she guided her fearless 9-year-old grey mare, Xel Ha to a double-clean effort in a blazing 38.220.

HEY RAY: Tucker is a 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding. I’ve spent many years since childhood on the back of a horse, and I am still stumped on a barn-sour/herd-bound horse. I’ve worked through most of the issues on Tucker, but he’s gotten attached at the hip to his barnmate, Dono. Tucker goes from a quiet, sensible easy-goer into an 8-second rodeo bronco. I’m now in my mid-70’s and need this lousy behavior of his to disappear.
—Roger Sherman, Big Bear

HEY ROGER: Obviously Tucker must feel that Dono is a real special guy. I think the best way to approach this situation is to let your horse Tucker feel that his buddy is not all that and maybe not even worth all the trouble. This is what I propose:

DEAR DANA: I have a half-Arab gelding that I want to do reining on. When we stop, his head pops up, and we go bouncing down the arena. What can I do to get him to come under himself and keep his head down?
—Elizabeth Wilson, Anza

Dear Elizabeth: I can give you some good pointers that will help you and your horse! You need to go back to the fundamentals. If you don’t have the fundamentals, you won’t have the rest of it — and problems like you are describing will pop up!

Don’t miss the 2012 Fiesta Charity Spectacular! Presented by the Fiesta of the Spanish Horse, this amazing event is dedicated to raising awareness and much-needed funding for cancer research. To be held Saturday, May 5 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, it will feature an enchanting multi-cultural “Broadway-style” equestrian and musical spectacular – highlighted by latin and mariachi music, along with flamenco and folkloric dancing. The evening will also include a wonderful variety of celebrities (including USC Mascot, “Traveler”!), vendors, foods, a silent auction, raffles, and a raffle for a Yamaha golf cart. Fiesta raises funds for the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Also, the Fiesta Charity Horse Show will once again have horses competing during the day, from Wednesday, May 2, to Sunday, May 6, and will be free to the public. To purchase your tickets for the exciting, fun and meaningful Saturday night event, call (818) 842-8444, and be sure to see their ad on page 11.

Nineteenth in a series
After looking at lateral flexion at the walk, jog and lope last issue, Les looks at the standstill.

This exercise is designed to limber and stretch the horse’s neck and shoulders. It may be uncomfortable at first for older or thick-necked horses, but that’s all the more reason you should spend time on it. In the long run, it will really help your horse’s balance and agility.

BURBANK — Langer Equestrian Group’s LEGISequine.com Gold Coast Series continued with Gold Coast 2 April 6-8, and families and young riders enjoyed being with their horses and getting into the Easter spirit over the weekend.

Saturday featured the exciting USHJA National Hunter Derby, which was another nail-biter at the very end. Ashley Brien (Mark Purcell, trainer), one of only three junior riders in the class, got the attention of the judges on her Manhattan, taking all six higher option fences and receiving a total score of 87.