SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Top riders and horses converged on WestWorld March 5-9 to compete and get a glimpse into 2014 at the Cactus Reining Classic, the first of Brumley Management Group’s highly successful trio of annual events.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — Sonoma-based dressage trainer Brian Hafner, 25, is quickly making a name for himself in the arena — most recently a second-straight Reem Acra FEI World Cup-qualifying freestyle win March 23 on his longtime partner Lombardo LHF at California Dreaming Productions’ Capistrano Dressage International CDI-W/Y/J/U-25.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — Steffen Peters and Legolas 92, the No. 1-ranked Grand Prix rider and horse combination in the country, “wowed” not only spectators but also the judges on their way to dominating the CDI Grand Prix Freestyle on the final day of California Dreaming Productions’ Festival of the Horse CDI 3*/Y/J/U-25 (presented by Hof Kasselmann).

MURRIETA — Shooting skills and horsemanship are making a comeback, and the phenomenon of mounted shooting came to Southern California where nearly 40 contestants from throughout the region mounted up and competed March 22-23 in the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association California state event recently. This fast-action, timed event uses two .45 caliber single action revolvers, each loaded with five rounds of specially prepared blank ammunition. The CMSA has a variety of levels of competition for everyone, ranging from novice levels to the seasoned professional.

NORCO — Back Country Horsemen of California brought Ingalls Equestrian Center to life March 21-23, featuring trainer clinicians like Robin Bond, Jerry Tindell and Shawna Karrasch as well as scores of other activities and attractions including a concert by Dave Stamey, a BCHC member as well as Western Music Association 2012 Male Performer of the Year.

BCHC spokesperson Peter Kriger said this year’s BCHA Rendezvous drew more than 2,000 attendees from a wide area, promoting the 3,000-plus member association’s triple-headed mission.

The tradition continues! The 44th Annual Norco Horseweek comes to Horsetown USA April 18 through April 27 – a 10-day festival put on by a dedicated all-volunteer, non-profit group that knows how to have fun. Dedicated to celebrating and maintaining Norco’s horse-centered, rural lifestyle, they have put together a slate of events that offers something exciting for everyone. There’s the Extreme Ranch Rodeo, Western Family Fun Days, lawnmower races, Challenged Children’s Rodeo, Old West Saloon Night, bull riding, beard contest, gourmet food trucks, carnival, chili cook-off, poker ride, obstacle course and a lot more! Check out their ad on page 17 for more info and a complete schedule of events!

64th in a series
After learning hip control details last issue, we look in detail in issues ahead on developing cues.

WACO, Texas – Taylor Brown of California State University Fresno was named one of four first-team All-Americans of the National Collegiate Equestrian Association for the 2013-2014 season.

LAKE WORTH, Fla. – Jim Wright of Menlo Park was one of 12 new players selected to Team USPA by the U.S. Polo Association, the national governing body for the sport of polo.

DEAR DANA: My horse has been stumbling a lot with me. Any suggestions of what I can do?
– Elaine

DEAR ELAINE: I take it very seriously when my horse stumbles. It is potentially dangerous — I know of horses that have stumbled and then fallen with their rider!