Fires here, a record earthquake in Mexico and unique multiple storms in the southwest and south are challenging and changing many lives. They need help and strength. Yet, we are cheering on those who are competing and remembering that soon the tractors and wagons will roll to celebrate Pioneer Day.
Giving Thanks
In all of this, consider taking a moment to join me to give thanks for the hot, but safe, summer we are experiencing. There are those in the south and the southwest who have have not been so fortunate. Please consider a prayer for the equines and their humans who are diligently working to rescue and help heal their bodies and minds from the devastation that has befallen them. Then, take a moment to lift up the wild birds and animals, too. We give thanks for the lives that have been spared and will help to aid those in rebuilding their lives. They will be a long time in recovery. Thank you on behalf of those who have no voice.
How Can We Help in a Small Way?
The hide on horses that have been standing in water for days on end reminds us of a carrot being peeled. The skin underneath is raw and subject to massive infection (the polluted waters compound the problem). Pain can be severe as the skin sloughs off. That is not even counting the injuries from flying objects or submerged wire and lack of food.
One local horse lady, Dawn Diovera, is the founder of the Horse and Man blog and also a 503e foundation. She is an advocate for equines all year. Dawn is new to our area, but she has jumped in to help. This is not a scam. If you would like to lend a hand make a tax deductible donation locally which (just click a button on the site at www.HorseandMan.com). Donations can be made in care of two Huston veterinarians: Dr. Kris Anderson, D.V.M. in Santa Fe, Texas (near Houston) and Dr. Ben Buchanan, D.V.M. from Brazos Valley Equine Hospital (use .com). They have taken on 47 injured ownerless or owner surrendered horses. Brazos is also helping many other vets with supplies as they share their skills and much needed supplies to help.
[Text Wrapping Break]If you own a registered horse, check with your breed association to join in by helping as they suggest. Lifting hearts and the atmosphere in the impacted areas is critical. There is a global army sharing the burden to offer help and hope that can often only be found only in Jesus.
California Cow Horse Association
November 3-5 will once again see a California based cow horse show to be held at the International Agri-Center in Tulare.
The National Reined Cow Horse Association has left California and the Pacific Slope—-the place of origin of the cow horse for Texas. Some trainers, owners and aficionados have joined together to continue the tradition started here in the 1700’s.The Open and Non-Pro Bridle Spectaculars and Non-Pro Limited Spectacular were born. Horses will sport “age appropriate headgear” in both the open and non-pro derbies and two one day horse shows. Vying for bragging rights, checks and trophy saddles, in the open and non-pro and non-pro limited, Franco bridle bits will be awarded to reserve champion riders.
Open and non pro bridle spectaculars and non pro limited spectacular (horses of all ages in “age appropriate” headgear), as well as Open and Non Pro Derbies and two one-day horse shows are scheduled. Trophy saddles will be awarded to champions in Open, Non Pro and Non Pro Limited Spectaculars. Franco bits will go to reserve champions in Open, Non Pro and Non Pro Limited Spectaculars. More loot: bosals, including hangers and horse hair mecates, are to be awarded to champions in both Open and Non Pro Derbies. Professionals Choice saddle pads will be given to reserve champions in Open and Non Pro Derbies. Custom headstalls will go to the combined high scores in CCHA horse show classes. There is cash to boot: $16,500 total will be added—-$7,000 added in spectaculars, $5,500 added in derbies, as well as $2,000 is to be added in each one-day horse show.
Don’t miss this opportunity to support the sport based on the legendary vaqueros and their horses. Join locals at this event scheduled to take place at 4500 S. Laspina St. in Tulare November 3-5.
Want to Learn Long Rope Secrets?
Julie Diffenbaugh and her family graciously host Dwight Hill and his students during roping clinics held prior to the Sandifer and Brannaman events. The BBQ is busy with lunch preparations and a Saturday night supper topped off by laughter. Folks work hard and learn a great deal, but Dwight makes learning fun. Last year, there was such enthusiasm that the teaching started in the morning, took a couple of breaks during the heat and then started in again before sunset running till midnight. Now, that is getting one’s money’s worth! It’s $35 to audit and join in on the fun. Call 748-6400).
Benefit Poker Ride & Trail Trials
Happy campers will be found October 7 and 8 at Montaña de Oro for the Annual Poker Ride and Trail Trials. Participants may camp out or merely spend the day. This group is not only friendly, but they gather some terrific prizes as well. Day use with pre-registration for space. The ride on October 8 and a poker hand is $30 with a BBQ (by folks who know how). It’s $60 to camp (you and a corral for your horse). Reservations are a must. Extra hands are $5 each. Prizes are selected by top 10 poker hands and then by raffle. A silent auction will garner more funds to support the great folks of the Coast Mounted Assistance and their work.
At Oak Camp on Saturday, Trail Trials are $15 per rider on October 7 with a coach at each obstacle to help, if desired. These exercises develop a horse or mule that is more able to negotiate a trail on its own. This is a separate charge and does not include the BBQ. Go to http://ccspa.info/cma.html and fill out your entry.
Hoofbeat Calendar
Through Oct. 1 West Palms Event, hunter/jumper
Oct. 3-14 Snaffle Bit Futurity, Fort Worth, Texas
Oct. 4 Barrel event, Salinas, Monterey Co. Sheriff’s Posse Salinas, 395 Old Natividad Rd., $30 entry, starts 7 a.m., (831) 809-2035
Oct 5-8 Fall Family Cattle Drive, V6 Ranch, (805) 467-3362
Oct. 6-15 PCCHA Futurity, South Point Arena
Oct. 8 Trail Trials, CCCAHA, Arabian, La Riata Ranch, novices, open, silver buckles, Ashley (805) 438-5868
Oct 7 Barrels, Rancho Rio Stables, Bakersfield, $50, 5320 Peacock Park Lane, start time 11:30 a.m., sign up 9 a.m., (661) 342-8503
Oct. 7-8 CMA Annual Fund Raiser Poker Ride (8th) & Trail Trials, Montana de Oro State Park, great gifts, raffles, lunch, reserved camping, no dogs on trails or food prep areas, no stallions, 18 & under must wear helmets, live & silent auctions, cma4mdo@gmail.com, $30 for Oct. 8, camping w. pre-reg. $60. extra BBQ $15 obstacle course $15, late fee $10 if after 9/29, checks to CCSPA mail to CMA PO Box 8462, Los Osos, CA 93412-6462, centralcoastparks.org
Oct. 8-15 Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show, Oklahoma City, OK
Oct. 11-15 Camelot Classic, 11th 8 a.m.-3 p.m., 12th 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m., 14th 8 a.m.-8 p.m., 15th 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m., tickets (818) 259-4364
Oct. 11-15 Fall Cowboy Academy V6, Parkfield, (805) 463-2421
Oct. 11, 25, Barrel event, Monterey Co. Sheriff’s Posse Salinas, 395 Old Natividad Rd., $30 entry, starts 7 a.m., (831) 809-2035
Oct. 13-15 Dwight Hill Roping Clinic, Diffenbaugh’s no. of Paso, Julie (805) 748-6400, fee includes lunch & Sat. evening BBQ, $35/ audit, spots are long taken
Oct. 13-14 CA State Rodeo Finals, Antelope Valley Fair
Oct. 13-14, 20, 21 Cow Palace, San Francisco, grandnationalrodeo.com
Oct. 13 PCCHA Hall of Fame, Youth Hall, Clark Miller Sportsmanship Award, live auction, tickets $30, hors d’oeuvres & open bar benefits scholarship fund
Oct. 14 Pioneer Day, Paso Robles, 10 a.m. parade Spring & 16th St., kids’ costumes, free admission gymkhana at 1 p.m., noon—-beans in the park—-bring your own pot
Oct. 14 Ray Berta Cattle Clinic, Carmel Valley Saddle Club, rayberta@hughes.net
Oct. 19 Pro-Am Muley roping, begins at 2 p.m., Santa Ynez
Oct. 19-22 Dude Ranch Weekend, V6, (805) 467-3362
Oct. 19-22 Fall Cowboy Academy, V6, Parkfield, (805) 467-3362
Oct. 20-29 Santa Barbara Riding Club, free entry & parking, Earl Warren Showgrounds
Oct. 20-22 Wrangler Brannaman Pro-Am Roping, grand entry, biggest cash prize vaquero roping, Santa Ynez, trade show, live music & dancing 6 p.m., saddle raffle, please leave your dog at home
Oct. 21 44th Colony Days Parade, 10 a.m., El Camino Real, Atascadero
Oct. 21 GCCHA Awards, Rancho Murieta Country Club
Oct. 22 Cal Poly English Show, UCSC
Oct. 26-29 Dude Ranch weekend V6, Parkfield, (805) 467-3362
Oct. 27-29 Cow Horse Show, Exeter
Oct. 28 Ray Berta Horsemanship Clinic, Carmel Valley Saddle Club, rayberta@hughes.net
Oct. 29 SLOQHQ Open Schooling Show (all breed), Pat Mar Ranch, N. Main St., Templeton, standard & speed events, fences, reining, halter, showmanship, trail, Marie (805) 467-3362
Oct. 28-29 Cal Poly Equestrian Team’s Western Show at COS
Nov. 3-5 California Cow Horse Assoc. Fall Spectacular, Derby & Shows, International Agri-Center, Tulare, califcowhorse@gmail.com
Trail Tales
Lopez Lake
View:  Views  of Lopez Lake & surrounding hills . Many birds, dee r,& bald eagle sightings
Directions:  Driving Hwy 101, take Grand exit Arroyo Grande.Turn E towards mtns. & drive thru old town AG to Huasna Rd. R. onto Huasna Rd. which becomes Lopez Dr. Stay on Lopez Dr. for approx. 10 mi. Rd. ends at entrance to Lopez. From SLO or N. Co., take shortcuts through SLO following Orcutt Rd S to Lopez Dr.
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At main entrance, ask for directions to equestrian parking. Follow main rd. thru all the camp sites. Pass Mustang Water Slides. Trailers park on right side road, just before the locked gate. The locked gate also leads to several trails & to Black Bear Horse Camp.  Important note: turnaround area at gate is not very big;  2 horse trailers, no problem.
Fees: Day use $9 + $3.50 per animal; call the main office for camping fees
Rated: Easy to difficult
Time factor: variable
Trail: Trails from campground (behind the locked gate) vary in length.  Most have climbs.  A popular trail is the Duna Vista Loop which is 7.2 mi. Trail maps are available at main entrance.
Campground: Black Bear Horse Camp. Call for reservations & fees.  There are approx. 20 corrals, water spigots, BBQ, port-a-potties & tables
Emergency:  call 911
Main entrance: (805) 788-2381
Cell phone:  varies
Caution: poison oak, ticks, rattlesnakes, rare mtn. lion sightings.
Website:  http://www.slocountyparks.com