This San Diego surfer has emerged as one of the West’s most creative makers.

By William Reynolds | Reprint from Western Horseman magazine

The diversity of creative inspiration in the West is as wide open as its geography. And in today’s world of the cowboy crafts, San Diego silversmith Jon Peters exemplifies this creative openness. From finely engraved cinch rings, bits and spurs to mustache combs, tooled leather and saddle silver, some may call Peters a “problem solver artisan.”

Growing up Southern California’s Orange County, Jon found that school was very trying on him. He hated being “locked up in a room,” as he called it. In high school it was determined he suffered from dyslexia, a learning disorder that made reading difficult for him. Away from school he surfed the many great breaks along the California coast and did part-time work on ranches east of San Diego. He had a grand childhood growing up with a father and grandfather who were both mechanics and helped him learn the ways of tools, tool making and generally how to fix things. He found that if he were shown how to do something, he would catch on quickly and figure the best ways for him to work further.

ATWATER VILLAGE—A long-awaited bridge spanning the Los Angeles River that was built to accommodate equestrians was closed before its grand opening celebration when a horse had to be euthanized following an accident Jan. 17 on the new structure.

SCRCHA opens 2020 at Tucalota Creek Ranch

Special to the Horsetrader

TEMECULA—The Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association “kicked off” its 2020 show season Jan. 10-12 at Tucalota Creek Ranch, showcasing the new venue as well as its talented member riders and horses.

RANCHO MURIETA—The West Coast Reining Horse Association held its 2019 Year End Awards Banquet and general meeting on Jan.18 at the beautiful, Western-decorated Murieta Hotel and Spa, with more than 160 members and guests attending.

TEMECULA—Grant Berg, who inspired many worldwide both inside and outside the equestrian community with his courageous battles with chronic health afflictions, passed away Jan. 8.

Grant, born on Mother’s Day, May 14, 2006, is survived by his parents, Mike and Kristi Berg, his brother Gavin, grandparents Max and Sue Berg, grandmother Tina Bevan, grandfather Ted Brough, and Ian Bevan.

By Daniel H. Grove, DVM

Veterinary medicine parallels human medicine in a lot of ways. The way it evolves is a major one. A hundred years ago, the doctor or veterinarian would examine their patient and give a diagnosis and decide a course of treatment. Sometimes the patient would get better and sometimes not.

SANTA MARIA—Justin Wright’s 17-year journey as part of the National Reined Cow Horse Association’s competitive circuit has reached a benchmark as the NRCHA’s newest One Million Dollar Rider.

The 33-year-old native California trainer has come a long way.

By Sheryl Lynde | Horsetrader columnist

Over the years, training has continued to evolve. We change our training methods and techniques to benefit and bring out the best in each individual horse—instead of making the horse fit our own personal goals as well as expecting unreasonable results from an inflexible training program. I remember years ago taking instruction from a trainer. He said something that has always stayed with me. He told me that if I would come back to him in a year’s time and he is still teaching the same thing, then I should find myself another instructor.