Jan 23
NVRHA Action
Maribeth Hogoboom and I are helping the National Versatility Ranch Horse Association to add a legitimate affiliate from California. So I am encouraging all of you versatilityites to join this organization. If you haven't received a request to renew your membership, or if you are a first time member, go to NVRHA.org. (Not to be confused with the Northern Virginia Rifle Hunters Association, which will surely pop up on your screen) So....what are the advantages to joining this organization? If we are an affiliate and have more than two shows, we could track performances in each division and offer year-end awards. Perhaps we would even have a final event. Also, the point system allows you to compete in the division that is truly right for you and your horse. There is a division for everyone, even beginners. New this year on a national level is the Limited Division, which was invented a few years ago by California enthusiasts. Limited riders do everything except go "down the fence," allowing them to maintain their NRCHA status and keeping them out of that danger until they are ready to step up. I will sponsor a Carmel Valley show in August, but other shows are in the works for Paso Robles, Auburn, Merced, and Temecula. Let's join this thing and see where it takes us. I'm excited!
Jan 23
I'm Leaving......for a Week!
Yep.....I'm headed to Arizona for the Arizona Sun Circuit, the biggest Quarter Horse show in the world. Actually, it's a series of eight shows, which probably accounts for the "biggest" part. Anyway, they are holding their first ever sanctioned versatility, allowing me to begin my point search early. And while I'm there, I will probably show in a cow horse or reining class or two. It will be against the world's best, but every oportunity to show is a worthwhile learning experience. I will be gone from January 29 (this Saturday) to February 4 (the following Saturday). So follow my activities on this blog. I will try to report daily. In my absence, Jordan Garrick will come to the ranch three times. Jordan is a horseshoer, but also an excellent rider...quiet, experienced, and very conscientious. He will ride some of the horses and check on all of them. But the more you guys can go by the ranch and check on things, the better I'll feel. Remember, I've always got my phone. So I think I'll go try out the desert sunshine! I'm dying to see a saguaro cactus. It'll be my first ever.
Jan 18
Dale Vandervort
We mourn Dale's passing on Sunday. He was a real, old-time cow hand and a Carmel Valley legend. I will remember him best on his sorrel, stocking-legged stallion, competing at Ranchers' Days. I always marveled at how straight he sat his horse and how long his legs were. It was a picture of an old time California bridle horse and horseman, complete with beautiful equipment. This Montana cowgirl was impressed! Now I imagine Dale riding those rolling, oak-studded hills in the sky, always astride a good horse, packing a long ranch rope.
Jan 18
Attitude!
Cathe had ground-tied Hook and walked away when this photo was taken. And look what he does behind her back!
Jan 14
Dry and Dusty.....in January?
This amazing weather is great for trail rides....but not so good for the water table. This is Janet McGarvey on Piper and Kim Schnittger on Twister returning from an excursion in Garland Park.
Jan 10
