LAS VEGAS — The reined cow horse world lost one of its greatest champions Dec. 14 when Chics Magic Potion, the world’s highest-earning stock horse and an inseparable favorite of trainer Bob Avila, was euthanized after breaking a leg during a demonstration at the National Finals Rodeo.

The sudden loss of the 12-year old stallion, owned by Kenneth Banks of Schulenburg, Texas, sent the stock horse community grieving worldwide.

RANCHO MURIETA — With stunning weather, an increase in entries, and even more social events than in years past, the Best in the West Year-end Show was bigger and better than ever. Following months of organizing, preparing and planning, in what seemed like five brief days, the Northwest Affiliate Finals and Best in the West Year End Show and Slide for the Cure came to an end. With each passing year, this show continues to draw not only more local people to the West Coast club, but more and more out-of-towners as well, continually increasing the stall count, entries, and participation.

BURBANK – Trainer Tom Foran was pleased to win the Open division on Lil Joe Tag at the California Reining Horse Association Challenge. But his satisfaction from this year’s event, held Oct. 24-28 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, also stems from the show itself.

Foran, the CRHA President, worked alongside CRHA board members all year to prop up the 2012 Challenge, and the efforts paid off. With an innovative line-up and with sponsors stepping up to provide the show its biggest purse in years – more than $50,000 in cash payouts — the “challenge” was more than just met this year. It thrived.

LAS VEGAS — A trio of talented young California riders led by Karl Cook proved they have arrived at the Las Vegas National Horse Show, held Nov. 13-18 at the South Point Equestrian Center.

Cook earned the top two spots in the $50,000 Fisker Automotive Grand Prix CSI-W on Nov. 17 in the featured class of the Las Vegas National, winning on Jonkheer Z and taking second on ASB Conquistador. He also won the $30,000 Las Vegas Speed Classic on Notories Utopia.

PALOS VERDES ESTATES — The equestrian world lost one of its brightest lights with the passing Nov. 24 of Burbank native Don Burt. He was 82.

A third-generation horseman, Burt, began training and showing horses across disciplines in California and had a career that saw him give riding lessons to Hollywood royalty, followed by his own achievements as a rider, having won both the national hunter and jumper titles in the same year at the Cow Palace.

HEY RAY: I have a lesson horse that is my best money-maker at the ranch because she is easy to ride and everyone’s first pick. I can always trust she will take care of the rider and show them a good time. Here’s the problem: When another horse gets near her, she expresses all the signs of aggression. That’s why we do the lessons away from horses. I’m afraid to start something I won’t be able to handle, causing the good side of my horse to change. Should I worry?
—Christina Walker, Pine Valley

The producers of the Western States Horse Expo are once again gearing up for the fun and excitement of the second Horse Expo Pomona! Scheduled for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at the Pomona Fairplex, this great event offers education, entertainment, shopping and horses galore! Learn from renowned professionals such as Chris Cox, Carmi Weininger, Raye Lochert, Peggy Cummings, John Bozanich and many more! Enjoy breed demonstrations, the Young Rider Park, the Great American Truck display, the Career Fair, the Trail Symposium, the Equine Art Gallery, the Book Corral — along with tons of shopping! Call (800) 352-2411 or see the ad on page 91 for discount tickets, schedules and a complete list of clinicians.

New owners of Deer Springs Equestrian Center and Deer Springs Feed & Supply, Ted and Elaine Olsen, celebrated the grand opening of the facility and store along with their crew and customers on Oct. 27. The covered, lit arena with fabulous footing drew raves during a line-up of demonstrations throughout the day, which featured vendor booths (below) and a dog costume contest whre Isabella Baralti (left) and Victoria Bonta showed off “Goldie.” At left, Lindley Mason shares her project goats. Far left is DSE trainer Clarissa Czuprynski. The facility is located at 140 Deer Springs Road.

32nd in a series
After familiarizing us with shoulder control exercises last issue, Les teaches us to refine the drills with some specific tips.

We’re going to be asking the horse to yield and bend to either side in a willing, balanced manner in response to pressure from a single rein.