Hoofbeat February 2018

There is something very special that happens between a human and a first horse whether the human is a child or an adult. It’s a continuing love story that deepens through the years etching itself in memory and healing without judgment.
Do you remember the thrill of your first horse?

Literary Options
Jump on the chance: Barb’s Wild Weekend set for March 2-4 proves intriguing. A book club with the option of riding—-all inclusive at the beautiful V6 Ranch in Parkfield (although you need not ride).The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls is the selection for this year’s gathering.
Don’t let the “wild weekend” throw you: Barb (along with the rest of the Varian family) are some of the nicest folks you’ll ever encounter. $550 or $650 per person. Space is limited and this event nearly always sells out to folks from all over the US. Share on a delightful ranch with beauty all around. the green should be starting by the time the event gets started so take your camera. v6ranch@gmail.com or call 748-4984 are the keys to joining the fun with new friends.
Spread the News
Have you or a friend marked well in competition this last year or quashed a personal obstacle to riding? Has an old pony or retired horse helped to raise your child or grand child quietly teaching him/her life lessons? Has a line of horses worked well for you on the ranch or in the arena? Has your trainer done an especially good job teaching and coaching? Has a horse helped you to overcome a condition or situation? We want to hear about your experience.
Want your news and events included in the Hoofbeat Master Calendar? Simply email pertinent data to info@calclassics.net by the beginning of the month PRIOR to the event. Better yet, list all dates or tentative dates for 2018 and send them in to be included (with a contact for updates).
Share the Fun
Want your news and events included in the Hoofbeat Master Calendar? Simply email pertinent data to info@calclassics.net by the beginning of the month PRIOR to the event. Better yet, list all dates or tentative dates for 2018 and send them in to be included (with a contact for updates).
We are thankful when we receive rains. The latest gigantic burn areas haven’t had enough time to start some grass and ground cover to help constrain erosion. This is especially true with areas down south like the lands of the Thomas Fire. It is not only a courtesy to stay off of regular public trails until they have sufficient time to dry, but it is virtually a necessity to keep them in shape for riding all year.
Paso Horse Park
It is with thanks that we relate to the equine community that Paso Horse Park 3801 Hughes Parkway, Paso has, once again, offered a hand of help. Equines involved in the fires down south were offered a place to stay until a more permanent housing situation could be found.
The schooling shows and regular events begin again this spring. Spectator entries are gratis. The folks are friendly, so stop by and take in the lovely horses while asking questions about jumping.
Could Your Favorite Club Use New Energy?
Send your blessings and results to info@calclassics.net with your name, trainer’s name, your horse’s name, a contact phone number, etc. You need not write a story, but share a few details with us to help strengthen our equine family.
Like you, we especially like to hear and celebrate the achievements of our youth. Many of today’s leaders attribute their achievements, “stick-to-it-ness,” responsibilities, organization, patience, etc. to the life lessons learned on the back of a horse. Blessings on those patient equines and on those who make the experiences possible.

Hoofbeat Calendar

Take care with the trails. If the promised rains arrive, stay away from the edge of the trails and allow the land to dry before riding them.
Some trails don’t have strong cellular signals so tell responsible people where you are heading and the approximate time of your return. You can be separated from your cell phone, so wear a lanyard with a whistle attached. It doesn’t seem like much but, you can blow a whistle a lot longer than you can shout.
Jan. 29-Feb. 3 Elko Cowboy Poetry Gathering, ticketed programs, contact Western Folklife Center, Elko
Feb. 3 Polo: Cal Poly team
Feb. 3 WCBRA Barrels, King City, free entry for spectators
Feb. 4 Montana de Oro Trail Work Day, Montana de Oro trail workday (Super Bowl Sun.), dress for outdoor work with long sleeves, study shoes/boots, gloves, hat
Feb. 7-11 Central Coast Cutting, Paso Events Center, free admission/parking for spectators
Feb. 9-11 King City District 7 High School Cutting, come cheer on your favorites, free
Feb. 10 Ray Berta Horsemanship Clinic, Carmel Valley, $189 w. lunch, $25 audit, 831-601-2307 rayberta@redshift.com
Feb. 16-17 Brass Oak Clinic, Larry Brinker Clinic, Ann McClure, Arroyo Grande,
Feb. 10 WCBRA Barrels, Bakersfield, free entry for spectators
Feb. 17 & 18 WCBRA Barrels, King City, free entry for spectators
Feb 18-19 Brass Oak Clinic, Larry Brinker, Overlook Driving Center, Paso Robles
Feb. 24 Fresno Continuous Drive, Brass Oaks Driving Society
March 1-4 Winter Horse Trials, Intro-Advanced, schooling rounds, Twin Rivers Ranch, N. River Rd. Paso, free entry for spectators

Trail Tales — Morro Strand State Beach

Ride to Cayucos, depending on tide level. Caution: halfway to Cayucos are rocks. Passable at low tide, but NOT at high tide. Morro Strand is a beautiful beach to ride.
View: Morro Rock & Central Coast
Access: From Atascadero, Hwy. 41 S. to Morro Bay, go straight at stop under overpass, pass high school, proceed to end dirt rd. near mobile home park. Park along side of rd.
Fees: None
Pass: None
Rated: Easy
Time Factor: 2 – 3 hours. This is an out & back ride. Turn back any time
Trail: Ride the beach & sand dunes
Feet: Shoes not required
Dogs: Not recommended
Camp: None
Overnight: None
Park Service: 805-772-2560; call to double check on current situation for riders.
First Aid: 911
Cell Reception: Very limited
Caution: Check tide levels, summer many beach users, limited access due to Snowy Plover protection