RENO, Nev. — With four horses in the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity Open finals, the odds were most definitely in Corey Cushing’s favor.

He still had to work for every bit of the $100,000 Championship paycheck as he staged a thrilling come-from-behind victory on CD Diamond (CD Olena x Shiners Diamond Girl x Shining Spark), owned by San Juan Ranch.

BURBANK — Final championship ribbons were presented Oct. 7 for the 45th Anniversary California Dressage Society Championship Show, presented By HorseShow.com and held in conjunction with the CDS Young Horse Futurity (including the Cal-Bred Futurity), the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 7 Dressage Championships, and the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Breeders Championships West Coast Series Final.

In an event which organization officials report as the largest championship show in CDS’ 45-year history, riders, owners, and spectators enjoyed four days of spectacular dressage, camaraderie from across the region, and special anniversary celebrations marking four and a half decades of CDS service to its members and the sport.

BURBANK — For Susie Artes, her victory Sept. 22 in the $50,000 L.A. International Grand Prix was both a personal and professional triumph.

“This win is extremely meaningful to me,” Artes said after teaming with Alix Fargo’s Zamiro to outduel Misti Cassar on Poeme D”Armour and Ashlee Bond on Wistful and RMW Quenot in a jump-off. “Not only is it my first big win of a class of this caliber, but today is also my mom’s birthday. She passed away 26 years ago, and all week long I was hoping I would win. I can’t believe it happened.”

ABILENE, Texas — Now that 12-year-old Maggie Cincatta has returned home from the inaugural American Horsemen’s Challenge Association National Finals with a smile and a national championship, her pathway to a bright future seems as sure as good footing.

The picture wasn’t so clear though, after she was injured January 2011 when the Pony she rides, Rayo, kicked her in the face while lunging. The setback didn’t keep the courageous girl from riding Rayo, but it did keep her out of the show ring until March of this year, when her trainer, Robin Bond, suggested she compete in an American Horsemen’s Challenge Asociation (AHCA) event in Ramona. The only 12-under rider at the event, Cincatta on Rayo won the Youth Division in her debut — against mostly 15-17 year-olds since there was no 12-under division. She also entered the Amateur Division that weekend and finished eighth out of 25.

BOEKELO, The Netherlands — Every member of the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team that entered the show jumping arena Oct. 14 at the Military Boekelo CCIO3* leapt up the leaderboard and helped the U.S. team improve to sixth place in the final Nations Cup standings.

Leading the way for the Americans were Jonathan Holling of Ocala, Fla., and Downtown Harrison, Constance Ann Holling’s Trakehner/Thoroughbred gelding, who were just shy of a double-clear round. They jumped flawlessly, but came in just over time and ended with 1 fault.

All we can say about the new Deer Springs Equestrian Center and adjacent Deer Springs Feed and Supply in San Marcos is “WOW!”. This jewel of a complex in the beautiful Twin Oaks Valley has the look of a champion from top to bottom, and Saturday, Oct. 27, will be the much-awaited Grand Opening Celebration featuring facility tours, raffles, special offers and free samples. The newly opened feed and supply carries a full line of horse and animal feed and supplies, including brands you look for like Purina, Triple Crown, Nutrena, Natural Balance, Canidae and much more. The spacious equestrian center features the largest, new indoor arena in the county (220′ x 140′) plus a 220′ by 145′ outdoor arena, two dressage courts, jumping arena, and more with superior footing and amenities. Be sure to stop by, and for more info, call (760) 744-9600 – and see the ad on pages 38-39.

29th in a series
Last issue, Les wrapped up vertical flexion with details of maintaining softness in the neck. This puts us at a great point to address the art of overcoming your horse’s resistance.

Many times, as you’re working through this program, the resistance you feel may actually be confusion on the part of your horse. They aren’t brain surgeons, remember. There will always be a period of discomfort, and a little confusion as you introduce new things, but if you are consistent with your demands and rewards they will soon figure out how to please you. Horses are creatures of habit and conditioning; the more consistent you are, the more quickly they will give you the results you want.

Dear Dana: Do you have a plan for keeping your focus in place while you’re riding?
—Thomas, Bend, Ore.

DEAR THOMAS: I call it “mindful riding,” and there are powerful benefits to it. To ride mindfully is to pay attention while you are riding, to raise your consciousness to a level that will allow you to notice more and become more “in tune” or sensitive to your horse and your riding.