Dodging the bullet train
Horsepeople unite to fight new, proposed Lake View Terrace route
Three alternative routes surfaced in December after an original plan for the leg from Palmdale to the Burbank airport, a 51-mile stretch along the Highway 14 corridor, was criticized by residents and officials. Called the East Corridor, the newest trio of alternative routes cuts through Lake View Terrace and would impact horse ownership throughout the San Fernando Valley. Further, the redirection of the Highway 14 route would require a 35-mile tunneling beneath the San Gabriel Mountains and the Angeles National Forest, with the bullet train screaming from a tunnel and over the Tujunga Wash, an equestrian paradise.
Rose again
Traveler gets special duty in 126th Rose Parade
Here comes Horse Expo Pomona
POMONA–One of the fastest growing expos in the U.S., California’s Horse Expo Pomona comes to the L.A. County Fairplex Jan. 30-Feb. 1. In three short days, you can catch up on the latest training and education, shop the nation’s premier equine vendors and connect with your horse friends. Attending the Expo is a low-cost, high quality way to stay engaged in the horse industry, making sure you have the tools, knowledge and products to help make the most of your investment in the horse owning lifestyle year round.
Ready to ride?
From posh World Championship competition at South Point in Las Vegas to simple backcountry riding, California associations offer rich experiences – on a horse and next to friends. Here are some of the best groups, events and venues.
Andalusian World Cup
www.AndalusianWorld.com/awc
See ad on page 13
The Andalusian World Cup is the largest Iberian horse event in North America, scheduled this year for Sept. 24-26 at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. A one-of-a-kind event, it is open to registered Iberian Horses from all registries.
Each year, these horses gather to compete in halter, performance, working equitation, dressage and dressage sport horse classes, which culminates on the evening of Sept 26 when most of the Supreme Championship classes are held. Horses and spectators travel from around the globe to compete and watch the event, with international competitors and guests from as far away as Egypt.
Those who cannot be there to watch the World Cup in person, can watch via live broadcast. Last year’s event attracted close to 30,000 viewers in 67 different countries over the course of the three-day event.
The right direction: always seeking improvement
One aspect of horse training that I appreciate is the never-ending opportunity to grow and strengthen one’s abilities. As a trainer, I continue to seek out professionals who help me expand my own knowledge and skills in disciplines and areas that are of interest to me. My motivation is simple: I want to provide my best effort to the horses that my clients have entrusted to me. There are numerous disciplines that have evolved and specialized over the years, such as cutting, reined cow horse, Western dressage and ranch pleasure to name a few. They all share a common thread– developing a higher level of horsemanship.
Handling Your Reins
Seventh in a series
After reviewing equipment last issue, Les breaks down one of the foundational communication devices.
Poles and drags: Prep for hitching to a horse drawn vehicle
Seventh in a series
In the old days, a young horse might be put in the hitch (between other more experienced horses), and basically dragged along until he learned his job. In his first week of driving, he might have been driven 40 hours or more.
In our modern world, our equines are for pleasure and rarely used for actual work. Our pleasure horses may not get worked that many hours in a matter of months! This is the reason for such slow, preparatory work. Many equine owners are not trainers and may have minimal knowledge in the discipline of their choice. To be SAFE is to have knowledge. Don’t be in a rush and skip steps. Slow and steady work is best for both equine and human to gain understanding.
Diamond I welcomes Rhiannon Yard to Chino Hills
The Diamond I Ranch would like to welcome USDF Bronze and Silver medalist Rhiannon Yard and Equine Fuzion to its facility in Chino Hills. Specializing in natural horsemanship, fusing equestrian disciplines with confidence and a fun-filled atmosphere, Rhiannon is currently accepting new horses and riders for training and lessons. Diamond I Ranch is a beautiful, quiet and clean private ranch, offering top quality care and competitive boarding rates. The newly remodeled facility is a peaceful haven for horses and riders alike! Call Jen at (909) 952-5596 for boarding info, and you can reach Rhiannon at (714) 348-2170 for training and lesson info. See the ad on page 45.