RANCHO MURIETA — It’s not every day that a non pro reiner can catch-ride someone else’s horse and compete against other non pros in a major venue — for cash, nonetheless.

For the fifth straight year, that’s just what the West Coast Reining Horse Association provided its members May 24 at the $5,000-added Murieta Equine Center Non Pro Shootout, a popular Saturday night event sandwiched between the club’s Affiliate No. 3 and Affiliate No. 4 shows.

TEMECULA — Lyn Anderson will keep the boots for another year.

The Madera-based trainer returned to Casner’s Ranch with Tuckers Smart Cat May 16-18 and won her second straight Sherri Gilkerson Open Bridle Spectacular title on the 2007 gelding. The signature class was part of a big three-day competition jointly managed by the Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association and the Arizona Reined Cow Horse Association. The Memorial Bridle Spectacular is in memory of Sherri Gilkerson, who died in 2006 at age 34 after a horse accident. The perpetual trophy — Gilkerson’s bronzed boots — has become a favorite amoung the riders.

WOODSIDE – Before a festive Saturday night crowd of about 1,000 people, David Adamo and Joanna Saunders rode their horses to victory in the $16,500 Woodside Preliminary Challenge, held at the Spring Event at Woodside May 22-26.

NORCO – Joe Misner had ridden a young Mustang before through the streets of Norco — twice before to be exact — but time, it was different.

TEMECULA — The 11th Annual Pleasure Days Carriage Driving Show brought the Galway Downs Equestrian Center to life May 17-18, featuring a full slate of driving competition that attracted top talent from throughout Southern California.

MORE ONLINE: Http://bit.ly/406A_drive

HEY RAY!: I am a professional, training a 10-year-old Arabian gelding that has, with dressage training, turned into quite an impressive athlete. But, I can work him under saddle IF it is a warm day and IF there is absolutely NOTHING in or around the arena that is moving — and even then, we might be working beautifully when out of nowhere he “sees” something (a leaf moving), drops his shoulder, turns and bolts. It finally occurred to me that he’s making the choice to act this way because he “can,” and something in my training has allowed it. As his trainer, the buck has to start and stop with me – HELP!
–Gay McCall

Excitement is building in Sacramento as the 2014 Western States Horse Expo nears its run June 13-15 at Cal Expo, with a fresh line-up of clinics, vendors and other attractions. You don’t need to wait to plan your weekend, thanks to the new features on www.horsexpo.com built for Expo by horsetrader.com! Click on the Horse Expo website’s “Schedule” tab for clinics and demonstrations, complete with interactive content that works on your computer, tablet or phone! An extensive online vendor guide with maps, website links, coupons and more is under the “Exhibitors” tab. A favorite feature this year is the “My Don’t Miss List!”, where you can create your own itinerary through the clinics and shopping and either print it out and bring it to Expo…or use your phone! For more info, see the ad on page 12.

68th in a series
After teaching us the importance of alignment last issue, Les puts us to work with simple circle exercises.