Hoofbeat: March 2018

Green grass is springing up outlining paths, filling in the pastures while tempting horses to snitch a taste. Sunshine is nothing new for Central California. A little more rain might be a topic to discuss in your prayers.

Literary Options
Twin Rivers Ranch hosts Winter Horse Trials on Thursday through Sunday, March 1 to 4, featuring intro to advanced schooling rounds. The 500-acre facility is located at 8715 N. River Road between Paso and San Miguel. Admission for spectators is free. You might want to take along a chair, warm clothes as well as some sun protection as well as your camera to catch the action. More info at twinrivershorsepark.com.
Barb’s Wild Weekend
This weekend, March 2 to 4, Barb’s Wild Weekend has been gaining popularity. A ladies-only weekend of reading and riding is the core for the weekend at the lovely V6 Ranch in Parkfield. You would be hard pressed to meet nicer folks than the Varian clan. The last gathering sold out early. Be one of the fortunate women who enjoy this experience. You’ll return home with more friends. Barbara be very busy, but make it a point to meet her — she has one of the great smiles that comes from her heart. More info at v6ranch.com.
Fast Times
Paloma Creek in south Atascadero will be the scene of a California Gymkhana Association meet on Saturdays, March 4 and 10. Sign up is at 8 a.m. The first ride will begin at 9 a.m.
Free for spectators, pay the participants back with your cheers. Some horses are really encouraged by the sound of the audience — the excitement level raises. Kudos to those who work tirelessly to make these events possible. Young riders are preparing their horses for the CA State Championships mid-year at Bolado Park south of Hollister. Call Margo Abatti at 805-467-3535, or Vicky Womble at 805-610-7778.

Refinement
Internationally known, Mike Bridges will be here March 23-25 to conduct his Seeking Refinement course. Riders come from far and wide to ride with Mike in developing a hackamore or bridle horse in the California style. Adams Brothers Ranch in Santa Maria once again will be the center of energy. Gain the directions and the fees from Peter at adambros.com.
Templeton Farms
Ever wonder what happens at Templeton Farms on Templeton Road? March 23-25 will find an amateur clinic with Melissa Creswick. Friday night sees a mandatory dinner/meeting with the clinic scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Call 805-434-1485 for information.
Hands On
Get your entry in for the Varian Arabians Hands On Clinic April 21-22 at the historic ranch in Arroyo Grande. Don’t let this opportunity slip by. Arabian industry leaders Brett and Marjie Becker, Lester Buckley and VA’s own Jaime Hernandez and Mike Perez will share intense insights with you gleaned from their equine extensive experience.
Students may work with their own horse or work with one provided by VA. Check varianarabians.com for more details. Call Angela, 805-489-5802 to reserve your spot. You’ll be part of an exclusive group of horse people to gain this experience. Listen and watch very carefully.
Down On Your Hocks
Coyote Rock Ranch Roundup hosts hollers of “Watch that shifty cow” at the Paso Robles Events Center March 6-11.
Top horses and riders contend for points in four one-day cuttings. Admission for spectators and parking will be free. Take your camera along to use to illustrate your stories.
World Equestrian Games
Cheryl Magoteaux Cody, owner of Pro Management, Inc. has been selected to manage the reining at the 2018 World Equestrian Games at the Tryon International Equestrian Center at the Carolina Classic Derby.
The selection for TEAM USA will find $15,000 in added prize money, and this will be the first reining held at that location. Reining tests the maneuvers of a horse and rider in competition without working a cow.