CRHA annual Huntington Beach show marks summer’s end

Special to the Horsetrader

HUNTINGTON BEACH—Reiners from the Californai Reining Horse Association head as far west as they can each August—to the Huntington Beach Central Park Equestrian Center, to be exact—for a Slide on the Beach. The popular one-day show Aug. 4 offered a jackpot reining as well as CRHA and NRCHA classes in a (cooler) change of scenery.

In the Open Division, Bridgette Neese took Allison Williams’s Hesa Smokin Edition to the title, with Daphne Foran winning the Novice Horse Open Championship on Zins Rowdy Whiz.

In the Limited Open, co-champions were Karleigh Farmer on Stephen Silver’s Roocat and Luis Torres aboard Mobster Gold Gun, owned by Suzanne Farris.

PASADENA—The Pasadena Tournament of Roses has selected 17 equestrian groups to ride in the 131st Rose Parade on New Year’s Day, and the list includes 13 units from California—including the Horsewomen of Temecula Wine Country (California Horsetrader article, August issue).

Presented by Honda, this year’s parade theme is “The Power of Hope,” and equestrians participating in the Rose Parade will showcase a variety of breeds as well as unique tack and costumes. All riders must have previous parade riding experience. In addition to riding in the five and a half mile-long Rose Parade route on Wednesday, Jan. 1, these equestrian groups are invited to take part in Equestfest presented by Wells Fargo, which will take place on Sunday, Dec. 29, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. During Equestfest, groups perform trick riding, drills, dancing and roping skills, and attendees can walk through the stables and speak with the riders.

From Horsetrader sales staff

The innovative team at Western States Horse Expo has done it again! A brand new edition of expo unlike any in Southern California will take over the Los Angeles County Fairplex just in time for horsey holiday shoppers—Nov. 8-10.

One of the fastest-growing expos in the U.S., Western States Horse Expo in Pomona is a must-attend event for any horse owner. 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.

By Daniel H. Grove, DVM

In the past, we have discussed the importance of dentistry or floating of teeth. I am often asked, “When should a horse receive its first float?” I think is a great starting point is around the age of one year. I understand people want to stave off putting out money when they can, but hopefully we can show you why it is important to get it done early.

In my practice, I get to do many young horses’ teeth. They are usually 14-20 months old and are going to start getting a bit put in their mouths. All of the horses in these pictures are from the same farm. They have not ever had any bit or other device in their mouths, and they are all 14-16 months old.

That combination is what makes these the top realtors for equestrian real estate

Devon Camilleri
Pacific Sotheby’s International
(760) 522-8559 • RanchAndEstateHomes.com
DRE# 01047285

Devon is a third generation equestrian and competes in reined cow horse events—with great success! She utilizes her years of experience both as a real estate agent and horsewoman to serve equestrians throughout Southern California. She has extensive experience and expertise in the Bonsall, Fallbrook, Temecula, and Valley Center real estate markets. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home in the region, she is dedicated to help make that experience as smooth and successful as possible. Devon has developed a finely-tuned marketing program that will make sure the right people see your property. See ad on page 44.

Medal-winner Nicole McMillion edges Charlotte Murray in Blenheim Int’l Jumping Festival

Special to the Horsetrader

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO—Nicole McMillion of Huntington Beach topped 23 entries over two days and three phases of competition and a work-off to win the third annual EMO Insurance/USHJA 3’3” Jumping Seat Medal Finals—West at the Blenheim EquiSports International Jumping Festival.

Coming into the Saturday, Nov. 20, competition, 14-year-old McMillion had the lead, winning the blue ribbon in both the flat and gymnastics phases aboard Hailey Link’s Loverboy. Earning fourth in the third phase, McMillion, at 376.5 total points, narrowed her lead when third phase winner Charlotte Murray of Los Angeles finished with a total of 375 points. A work-off between McMillion and Murray ensued with McMillion emerging as the champion.

Season-ender event at MEC brings out the best

Special to the Horsetrader

RANCHO MURIETA—And just like that, the year is over.

Well, the West Coast Reining Horse Association show year is over. From the first NRHA Affiiate Show in March at the Rolling Hills Equestrian Center through events in at Brookside Show Park to the late season contests at the Murieta Equestrian Center, exhibitors qualified for the Regional Affiliate Finals NRHA classes where they can then attempt to qualify for the Affiliate Finals classes at the NRHA Futurity.

By Sheryl Lynde | Horsetrader columnist

There are some youngsters who sail through the training program, and they are what I call “born broke.

They take each step easily and with confidence, and their progress is measurable each day. They can be ridden within the first couple of weeks of their arrival. They’ve been handled properly all their life, carried a saddle, ponied and introduced to new locations and environments.

And then there are the others, the ones that take more time. I’ve had a number of these over the years and these are the ones that have taught me the most. I have committed each one to memory, both successes and setbacks alike. I’ve learned when to be more creative in getting a step introduced, how to listen, and especially patience. These are the ones that have taught me the most in how to develop feel for different situations. I’ve learned it takes time. There are no shortcuts. Just as in life, there will be setbacks. But even in the setbacks, you learn.