More classes, more riders…more fun!

If a horse show class list has the word “ranch” in it, chances are that it has a growing number of entries.

There are five different ranch riding classes now sanctioned by the American Quarter Horse Association, and they are frequently among the most popular at Southern California western shows.

The explosion in popularity has multiple causes, not the least of which is that ranch riding rewards a solid, well-broke horse that shows most suitable for getting the job done on a working ranch—a horse that rides and works with purpose.

A look at some of the region’s best boarding facilities

Anaheim Equestrian Center & Rancho Del Rio Stable
1370 S. Sanderson Ave. • Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 535-3510 • RanchoDelRioStable.com

These stables are committed to their mission to offer support and training to every person interested in learning more about the magnificent horse. They strive for a partnership between people, horses, community and environment and to provide a safe, fun place for horses and people of all ages where they can learn the skill and art of horsemanship. This is a learning center, similar to a school, with the privilege of being in a park-like setting that has access to many miles of riding trails along the Santa Ana riverbed. The center has a 64-stall barn, 12’ x 12’ box stalls, and 12’ x 24’ full covered stalls for over 140 stalls from which to choose. An on-site tack and feed store, which provides free delivery to your stall, is open to the public. Be sure to check out the list of many trainers of all disciplines. See ad on page 18

DEL MAR—The annual Del Mar National Horse Show has a rich history of showcasing some of the most exciting and prestigious world-class equestrian competitions in the western region. The three-week event, now in its 74th year, is a Southern California tradition.

This year, the excitement and pageantry of the event will thrill crowds in the Del Mar Arena at the Del Mar Fairgrounds from April 16-May 5. The show features three separate weeks of equestrian competition. Western Week runs from April 16-20, Dressage Week is April 25-28 and Hunter/Jumper week is April 30-May 5.

Each week of the Del Mar National features a distinct discipline—Western, Dressage and Hunter-jumper—and closes with a special event highlighting that segment on Saturday evenings. “Night of the Horse” presented by Mary’s Tack & Feed on April 20, is the exclamation point of Western Week where you’ll be dazzled with daring feats during a truly unique musical equestrian theatrical performance.

Big names, big numbers vie in SCRCHA Pot o’ Gold Show

From Horsetrader staff reports

TEMECULA—The weather finally heated up in March, and the competition did, too, at the Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association Pot O Gold Show. There were some big classes and top open riders at the Pot O Gold, held March 15-18 at Casner’s Ranch.

By Daniel H. Grove, DVM

Moving to a new barn is not only stressful to your horse, but also for you. Bonds will be broken and new bonds made. Feed may change. Water may be different. Different diseases may be present. All of these things should be on your mind, and I will try to give you some pointers to help minimize the stress!

Moving to a new herd
Horses are herd animals. They are encoded to pack together for their own safety. They tend to make bonds with the horses around them and consider them part of the group, even if they are not all in a pasture together. When you disturb this bond, some horses get very upset. If you are moving and you have multiple horses, this may not be as big of an issue since they may be happy with just one or two others. If not, expect a few days of excessive vocalization and worry. You can discuss with your veterinarian the use of a product called Zylkene® that is made from colostrum. It is natural and makes the horse feel at home.

From Horsetrader sales staff

Winter is behind us, and as attractive as hillsides in a poppy superbloom comes April! Two major events that have been part of the Southern California landscape for decades take place this month. First, the 49th Annual Norco Horseweek comes to Horsetown USA from April 12-21. It’s a grand celebration of equestrian life, for those horsepeople in Norco and throughout the region. There is always something for everyone, young and not-so-young. Be sure to check out the happenings and schedule on page 40, and then plan a visit to to see what makes Norco so special—its people!

Also this month, the 74th Annual Del Mar National Horse Show comes to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for three weeks of variety, top competition, and fun. This event is truly a treasure historically, and its ongoing relevance in today’s world is special. Don’t miss the preview that begins on page 34.

By Sheryl Lynde | Horsetrader columnist

There isn’t one pat answer that will always be effective in resolving an issue the rider is experiencing. What may have worked for you in the past may not work any longer, and you’ll have to come up with a new game plan.

This is a thinking man’s game. All factors need to be considered which includes both the horse and rider together. I do receive a number of texts and emails regarding issues owners have with their horses, and as much as I would love to help, I may not be able to if I am not familiar with how the horse and rider interact together—how they “flow.”

By now your horse should be backing fluidly, and it’s time to maneuver him around a little while he’s doing it, and that’s what exercise number five is all about. In exercise number five you will back your horse in a circle, with his spine matching the circumference of the circle. You need to be able to control every part of the horse’s body to make this work, so it’s a great test to see if all the parts are functioning correctly. I probably do it with every horse I ride every day.

If you’re having problems at this when you first start, it probably means you need to spend more time on exercise number four first. Remember: To try to go through these exercises too fast will only catch up to you later when you don’t get the response you want from your horse and you have to return to the basics. Get each exercise down cold before you move on. And any time you encounter a problem with a new exercise, go back to the last one to tune up your skills, and then try again.