Hoofbeat, April 2018

At long last, we have been blessed with rain and then sunshine.

One can almost see the feed growing on the open spaces. Under the oaks, there are locations that resemble small parks and some crops will “make” this year. 
ALERT!
PCCHA Coyote Ranch RoundUp, one of our biggest and best supported, was cancelled after positive testing of EHV in the western US, Paso fairgrounds has treated stalls in an effort to eliminate the disease. There is the possibility of rescheduling the event for Paso, but watch reports on other venues. Visit with your veterinarian for details.
It’s Rendezvous!
You don’t even have to drive far to participate in the annual Backcountry Rendezvous. Make certain to take your dancing boots April 13-15 for the Backcountry Horsemen’s Rendezvous at the Events Center. Competitions and information include cookoffs, leave no trace, and packing. Check out the booths displaying the latest in equine products. Top it all off with the fun-filled veteran singer/host, Monte Mills will insure your fun at the dance.
Equine-Experience
Rushed? Need time to take an unencumbered break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Need someone to walk you through? Slow down and join Kasia and Jutta for a refreshing day with horses April 21 and 22 at the lush surroundings of Nacimiento Ranch. Both are certified leaders. No experience is needed and there will be no riding. Nervous or afraid of horses? Let your teachers know for a little extra support. Lunch is included (as well as refreshments). $175 for one day or $300 for both. The clinic is limited to eight per session so you will be treated to a good deal of personal attention. Go to equine-experience.com, or call 805-975-5443.
Cattlemen’s Western Art Show/Sale
Susan Von Borstel is this year’s Featured Artist. Her talent is undeniable. Susan is one of my favorites (amongst many) with her work coming alive in stone. The pieces may become a lasting legacy for your ranch or your home. 
Pull out your best western to go to the 28th Annual Cattlemen’s Western Art Show’s Artist reception Friday April 6th at the Estrella Hall at the Paso Robles Event Center. The festival atmosphere The doors open at 5 p.m. to show/sell over 400 works with hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting and a no host bar. Buy your tickets at the door for $20. Meet and discuss pieces with the artists themselves. Get the “inside scoop” on each interpretation that catches your eye. The stories and inspiration are part of the experience (and you’ll be “in the know”).
More casual, Saturday the show opens at 10 a.m. with no admission fee. Sunday April 8th finds the artists on site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (again without admission fees). A Cattleman’s BBQ lunch is available for purchase from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. at $10 per plate. 
For more information go to: cattle
menswesternartshow.com or call the hard working ladies, Dee Pellandini, 805-472-9100, or Jo Ann Switzer, 805-462-2810, who dedicate time and energy to raise funds for the Cattlemen’s projects.
We Have Been Blessed 
The start of each year is one of the best times to check the inside of your trailer. Due to the normal arid environment and the drought of the past few years of our area, we often don’t think of the scourge of much of the country: mold and mildew. Beware, they can catch us unaware and ruin your gear. 

Upon interior inspection some people find that they need to caulk joints. If the enclosure has been tight during the rain and heavy fog, look up: there may be water condensation droplets on the ceiling. Or, perhaps you washed your trailer before a show or activity?
These add to the moisture in the interior air encouraging mold and mildew. It can also develop from waste left in the trailer after a long show run. Left untreated, your leather gear may begin to change. It may look gray, black or green, flat or fuzzy. This situation can also be found in storage areas made of concrete block. A small fan to keep the air moving can be helpful in prevention. 
Cleaning the gear takes away much of the problem, but the spores continue in hiding spots waiting for the same conditions in the future. Their control/containment require the application of a product containing fungicide. If the situation permits, a small fan can help by circulating the air once the treatment has been undertaken.

Hoofbeat Calendar

April 7 Berta Clinic, Carmel Valley Saddle Club, online registration
April 7 HS Rodeo, Madonna Inn Arena, spectators admitted free
April 9-11 Sandy Collier & Barbara Schulte High Performance Clinic, V6 Ranch, Parkfield, V6.com
April 13-17  Spring Cowboy Academy, V6, Parkfield, Katrina Sanders to ride
April 13-15 Backcountry Horsemen’s Rendezvous, Events Center, cookoffs, leave no trace, packing, Monte Mills dance
April 18-19 Brass Oaks Driving Society, Larry Brinker Clinic
April 21-22 Varian Hands On Clinic, Brett & Marjie Becker, Lester Buckley, Jaime Hernandez & Mike Perez, all breeds, Varian Arabians, 1275 Corbett Canyon, Arroyo Grande, 805-489-5802 Angela to register
April 21-22 Equine-Experience Clinic with Kasia & Jutta, Nacimiento Ranch, 8:45 a.m., 1 ht. provided lunch with snacks, to 4 p.m., no riding or experience necessary, slow down & energize, $175 for one day or $300 for both, wear covered toed shoes, only accepting 8, equine-experience.com, 805-975-5443
April 21 Cattle working w. Ray Berta, Carmel Valley Saddle Club, online registration, rayberta.com
April 27-29 CAQHEA Show, Elk Grove
April 28 Western Dressage Workshop, Golden Hills Farm, Creston Rd., near Geneseo Rd., Katrina 775-427-5550

Trail Tales, Pismo Reserve

Not yet open to the public. There have been some “Discovery Days” on the Preserve. The current hold up involves bids and construction work for paving the parking lot. Horse rigs will have to wait for approved parking, so equestrian use is somewhat on ‘hold’ till the end of the year. Once this is accomplished, there should be no further delays, we are told.
Brought to you by Whitehorse Tack
2805 Black Oak Drive, Paso Robles
whitehorsetack.com