Sycamore Trails Stables
San Juan Capistrano
(949) 661-1755
www.sycamoretrails.com
This Orange County facility has been family-owned and operated for more than 35 years, and riders from beginning levels to advanced enjoy their riding experiences with three covered arenas. The unique facilities provide riders with comfortable, all-weather riding. There’s also five other arenas for training and/or riding in a more pastoral atmosphere. A wide range of accommodating feeds at reasonable rates and immediate openings are available. Call (949) 661-1755 or visit the facility’s website.

Ravel, America’s most decorated Grand Prix dressage horse ever, was officialy retired Saturday evening, April 27, before an adoring crowd at the Del Mar National Horse Show. Surrounded by the team behind his ascent, the two-time Olympic horse was feted by owner Akiko Yamazaki and rider Steffen Peters, who took the 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding one last time through their Avatar freestyle before a tear-filled ceremony that honored Ravel’s entire team.

VISTA — Tom Ramoss, a horseman and fifth-generation Californian once responsible for driving 50,000 cattle on land that is now Camp Pendleton, will be inducted into the Vista Hall of Fame on May 18 because of his contributions to the city. He will be inducted along with three others, including Judge Leon Bone, avocado grower Robert Elsinger and Russian immigrant John Slivkoff.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — On a couple of cool, breezy afternoons, Blenheim EquiSports presented two stellar high performance events, the $50,000 Blenheim Spring Classic III Grand Prix, presented by Equine Insurance, and this season’s first $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby, both on the International Grand Prix Field during the April 10-14 meet.

Exciting twists and turns captivated competitors and spectators alike. With grand prix prize money increased by over 20 percent for Week III of the Blenheim Spring Series, internationally renowned course designer Leopoldo Palacios intentionally built a tough track.

42nd in a series
Last issue, Les outlined the importance of a soft neck and poll in collection. Here, he gives insight on what to look for.

TEMECULA– This spring Hawley Bennett-Awad and Linda Paine’s superstar mare, Gin ‘N Juice continued their winning ways at the Galway Downs International Horse Trials on Easter weekend, winning the CIC3* (50.1 penalties) for their third straight victory.

The region’s best reined cow horses, riders and trainers will rock Casner’s Ranch in Temecula May 17-19 as the Seventh Annual Sherri Gilkerson Memorial Bridle and Hackamore Spectacular comes to town. Both the Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association (SCRCHA) and the Arizona Reined Cow Horse Assocation (AzRCHA) work hard each year to make this a truly special event for exhibitors and spectators. This year’s event will offer $28,000 minimum in added money and prizes, and don’t miss the Big Horse Wine Country Classic, held concurrently (May 17-19), with NRCHA shows and AQHA cutting available. Call Kelley at (714) 255-7488, or learn more at www.AZRCHA.com and www.SCRCHA.com. And see the ad on page 87!