PASADENA — A funny thing happened after the Norco Cowgirls applied a third and final time to be an equestrian entry in the venerable Tournament of Roses Parade.

They got in.

The Norco-based drill team, formed by Mychon Bowen in 2008, had previously turned in its comprehensive, three-ring binder of an application for the 2010 and 2011 parades, but didn’t get the call.

SUSAN HUTCHISON
Temecula
For the big players in the jumper equestrian world, the goal will be to qualify for the World Equestrian Games, held in Normandy. I believe the riders will be chosen from the computer ranking list instead of any Trials. This will allow riders who are stationed in Europe to be eligible to be qualify to be on the team.

Generally speaking, horse-and-rider combinations that are planning on trying to qualify for the WEG will not be going or trying to qualify for the World Cup Finals this year. It will be very exciting to have the World Cup Finals back in Las Vegas in 2015. Riders like Reed Kessler, Richard Spooner and Laura Kraut are showing in Europe most of the time. Europe seem to be the trend.

Back Country Horsemen of California
www.bchcalifornia.org
See ad on page 14
Backcountry Horsemen promotes public awareness and interest in the historical aspect of horsemen and stock in the backcountry while helping to educate back country users on ways to use the trail and forage in a manner that conserves the back country resources. Stop by their booth at Horse Expo Feb. 7-9 at the Fairplex during Horse Expo Pomona (http://bit.ly/Expo_BCH) or visit the group’s website. They would love to have you join them on their next ride and project!

This spring in Norco, on March 21-23, BCHC Rendezvous will follow its a tradition of outdoor enthusiasts gathering together. The event will feature equine training clinicians, scores of vendors, horse and mule packing seminars, Gentle Use/Leave No Trace classes, a Western art show, awards and accolades, a Dutch oven cook-off, trail trials, beer and wine tasting, cowboy church, youth classes, raffles and auction. There is always a lot to learn, tons of fun, and plenty of horses and mules at the Backcountry Horsemen Rendezvous!

SAN MARCOS– The Southern California Professional Horseshow Association (SCPHA) kicked off its six-show 2014 circuit Jan 4-5 at Deer Springs Equestrian. With 80-degree weather and more than 100 horses, Club President Clarissa Czuprynski says the single-day format is proving attractive.

“This circuit is gaining strong participation because the format is easier on the exhibitor’s wallet, and everybody always has a great time!,” she said. “The showing opportunities that SCPHA provides horse owners is remarkable — many SCPHA shows also offer AQHA and APHA pointed events.”

HEY RAY: I sent my 5 year old Thoroughbred gelding to a local trainer for 30 days to put some leg aids on him. Before he left, he didn’t know his leads but I could canter him in both directions with no problems. When I got him back I saw the trainer do leg yields and canter him on the correct leads but he seemed a little on the muscle and worried. I’ve had him at home for a month now and even though he doesn’t fight, he seems to lose his mind anytime I think of using my legs for anything. What happened? Can you help me?

Lisa Martinez, Scottsdale, Ariz.

You don’t need to wait for the gates to open at Fairplex Feb. 7-9 to see what’s new at the 2014 Horse Expo Pomona — you can check it out NOW! Horsetrader.com, the official online marketplace of Horse Expo Events, offers a cool online guide to the two things Expo visitors care about most: the schedule and the vendors! Check out our innovative, interactive sites by going to horseexpoevents.com, and click on either “schedule” or “exhibitors”. You can even create (and share!) your own “Don’t Miss List!”, complete with maps, inside info, and even money-saving coupons! The site is designed for your computer, your tablet and your phone … so have fun NOW. See more info on page 8.

59th in a series
Last issue, Les presented his “Seven Steps to Big Stops”, and he worked us through the “Signal Stop”. (to review: http://bit.ly/1401A_Les). Now, we apply those keys with different stops.

LEXINGTON, Ken. — The United States Equestrian Federaton honored its best from 2013 at its year-end awards gala Jan. 11, amd Abigail Wexner’s Simon and Janet Peterson and Liza Boyd’s Brunello were named International Horse of the Year and National Horse of the Year, respectively.

LEXINGTON, Ken. — Land Rover, the official automotive partner of the USEF, awardedmore than $208,000 in Competition Grants and a further $56,500 toward Training Grants to 18 horse-and-rider combinations competing at top European and American competions, including at Galway Downs.