NORCO — Last year, when Mustang Heritage Foundation Executive Director Patti Colbert agreed that Norco, California, would host one of 10 nationwide Extreme Mustang Makeover events in 2009, the outcome was as predictable as grass under a leaky spigot. The winner would be the event itself.

“Horsetown USA,” with both its backdrop hills and downtown trails providing the challenge, hosted the fifth nationwide EMM event this year May 15-17

DEL MAR — The annual Sun & Surf Circuit, which included five AQHA shows from May 14-18 at Del Mar Horsepark, continued to attract plenty of horses and riders from all over California and Southwestern states.

Exhibitors and officials especially said it was a good, competitive show. Many of the riders there had already qualified for the various, upcoming Quarter Horse World shows, and took the chance to warm up for the AQHYA World Championship for youth in July, Bayer Select World Championship in August, and year-end AQHA World Championship in November.

RANCHO MURIETA — Murieta Equestrian Center’s 2009 Reining Derby Spectacular and Show, presented by West Coast Equine Foundation, once again proved to be a competitive event which was popular with many riders and spectators, especially Central and Northern exhibitors, officials said of the May 14-17 show at Murieta Equestrian Center.

Prior to the show’s $20,000 Topsail Cody Memorial Open Derby Challenge, Andrea Fappani of San Marcos

CHINO — The Hobby Horse Clothing Co. warehouse in Chino, Calif., was burglarized just after midnight on May 23. According to company president Suzanne Vlietstra, thieves made off with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of chaps and show tops.

TEMECULA — Working hard is the path to achieving greatness, and Sherri Gilkerson inspired all around her to accomplish their best. Naming a show after Sherri was the Southern California Reined Cow Horse Association and Arizona Reined Cow Horse Association’s way to memorialize its treasured member. Held at Casner Ranch in Temecula, Calif., from May 15-17, the 3rd annual Sherri Gilkerson Memorial Bridle and Hackamore Spectacular combined with the Wine Country Classic Show was once again popular with both riders and spectators.

If you or your family is looking to give a Dad a year’s worth of appreciation on June 21, you may find just what you’re looking for in your local tack and feed store. For example, Norco Ranch Outfitters (see ad on Page 35) has everything to outfit him from horse camping equipment to incredibly priced saddles. Check out the ad index on Page 134 for other stores near you that may have just the

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO — Spring is in the air and horses are jumping at Blenheim EquiSports’ Spring Classic series of horse shows at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park. Susie Hutchison and Michelle Parker are among the Grand Prix riders having a great start to the season.

Flashback to the 2008 show season in which a beautiful bay Holsteiner stallion ridden by a veteran show-jumping great made an outstanding debut in the Grand Prix field. Win after win, Susie Hutchison of Temecula riding Cantano, owned by Jim and Pat Iverson of El Dorado 29, proved their prowess when Cantano won four out of five Grand Prix events last spring.