Posts from — November 2011

We would like to congratulate the 11th annual Mid-State Classic Rodeo District 7 athletes representing San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. They performed extremely well against tough competition from around the state.

Congratulations to the All-around Cowgirl winner, Ali Bilkey from Olive Grove Charter School in Los Olivos; a top 5 winner in Breakaway Roping, Pole Bending, and Team Roping.

The All-around Cowboy winner, Tyler Forsberg from Moorpark High School in Fillmore; a top 5 winner in the Tie Down contest, Steer Wrestling, and Boys Cutting.

The Rookie All-around Cowgirl winner, Emily Mangione from Nipomo High School; a top 5 winner in Barrel Racing and Pole Bending.

We would also like to congratulate the following top 5 winners: 

Rachel Dewar from Arroyo Grande High School

Hayley Hamer from Santa Ynez Valley Union High

Taylor Prather from Desert Sands High School

Cheyenne Rey from San Benito High School

Jenna Drammer from Santa Ynez Valley Union High

Tristan Ruffoni from Arroyo Grande High School

 Wyatt Cox from Arroyo Grande High School

Kory Rupe from Atascadero High School

Lane Luis from St. Joseph High School

JT Prather from Desert Sands High School

Cody Snow from Olive Grove Charter School

Sage Massey from Paso Robles High School

Corrin Bowman from Righetti High School

Dane Bass from Templeton Independent Study

Taylor Santos-Karney from Templeton High School

Caden Clay from Righetti High School  

To see the results of the entire rodeo visit  http://www.chsradist7.com/

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2011) – With the change of seasons, USRider – the national provider of roadside emergency assistance for equestrians – reminds those who travel with horses to be careful when traveling and invest time doing routine preventive trailer maintenance to enhance their travel safety.
It is imperative to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving. Be sure to maintain your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s service schedule. It’s also important to take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic.
“When it comes to vehicle maintenance, especially heavy-duty vehicles towing precious cargo, it is better to be proactive than reactive,” said Bill Riss, general manager of USRider. “If you have not already done so, establish a relationship with a trusted ASE (http://www.ase.com/) mechanic. It is essential that you do this before your vehicle breaks down on the side of the highway while towing your horse trailer.”
USRider recommends that you check tire pressure before each trip. This is especially important with temperature changes. If you are traveling from a warm climate to a cold climate, air pressure in your tires will drop. On the other hand, when traveling from a cold climate into a warm climate, the air pressure will rise.
A weak battery will usually reveal itself during cold weather. If your battery is more than a couple of years old, be sure to check it prior to cold weather setting in. Otherwise, you will most likely be inconvenienced on some cold morning when the battery fails to start your vehicle.
When driving, a good rule of thumb to follow on the road is “rain, ice & snow – take it slow.” Before setting out on a trip, take the time to check weather reports and plan accordingly. Be sure to allow extra time for inclement weather. Mother Nature doesn’t care that you need to be somewhere at a certain time.
Always drive with your headlights on during inclement weather – even if it is not dark. USRider recommends that horse owners drive with headlights on anytime when trailering horses, regardless of weather, because of increased visibility afforded by using headlights.
Also during inclement weather, be sure to increase distance between vehicles to allow more stopping time. USRider recommends that you double the normal distance between vehicles when towing a horse trailer.
“Stopping on snow or ice without skidding and/or jackknifing takes extra distance. Use brakes very gently to avoid skidding,” added Riss. “If you begin to skid or jackknife, ease up on the brake and steer into the skid to regain control.”
During winter months, traction tires are recommended. In order to qualify as a traction tire, tires must have at least an eighth of an inch of tread and be labeled Mud and Snow, M+S, All-Season, or have a Mountain/Snowflake symbol. Since tire performance can vary, a trusted area dealer may be able to advise you on the best tires for your vehicle.
Since it’s difficult to know what road conditions you may encounter during the winter, make it a practice to re-fuel when your vehicle fuel gauge drops below the halfway mark. In many states, you can dial 5-1-1 for travel conditions and road closures.
In some states, vehicles over 10,000 gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), including some passenger trucks, SUVs, RVs, and vehicles towing trailers, must carry chains on certain highways November 1 through March 31. Check with the Department of Transportation or Department of Motor Vehicles for information on the states you will be traveling through.
USRider provides roadside assistance and towing services along with other travel-related benefits to its members through the Equestrian Motor Plan. Standard features include flat-tire repair, battery assistance and lockout services, towing up to 100 miles, roadside repairs for tow vehicles and trailers with horses, emergency stabling, veterinary referrals and more. For more information about the USRider Equestrian Motor Plan, visit http://www.usrider.orgonline/ or call (800) 844-1409.
For additional safety tips, visit the Equine Travel Safety Area on the USRider website at http://www.usrider.org/.

Not just another spook clinic!  Through a series of drills, goal setting, community building and exercises, you will:

• Learn to connect before mounting
• Positive communication
• Skill development for unanticipated trouble
• Strategies to diffuse drama
• Learn from other riders

Open to all levels of experience (horse and rider).  Bring your horse or use a ranch horse (by reservation).
This 2.5 day workshop begins on Friday, Dec. 2 at 9:00 a.m. and ends by 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 3 (9-4) and Sunday, December 4 (9-1).
Mounted activities are 60% of the time.  Ground work/group work is about 40% of the time.
Registration fee is $350.  Enrollment is limited. On site board available.
To register call 805-489-7368 or ewagnertraining@yahoo.com. Deposit required.
For more info go to http://www.thewagnerranch.com/.

Mini Clinics

Have fun, add to your tool kit and build a community of riding buddies! 
These are not spook clinics.  Spook Clinics are about desensitizing your horse.  Challenge by Choice Mini Clinics are about developing tools, skills and strategies for improving riding pleasure and managing your horse in any situation. 

Drills Mini Clinic – It is not about the obstacle, it is about your tools!
Each session we will highlight one of the 5 drills.  You will have an opportunity to get positive results by practicing constructive strategies to help you on the trail, in the arena or anytime you and your horse are confronted with a challenging situation.

Open Equitation Mini Clinic – Riding as an Athletic Activity!
We will start with a short and relaxing tai chi exercise session. Then you will mount your horse and become re-engaged with the fundamentals of good horsemanship.  Riders and horses will have fun, build muscular strength, endurance and stamina and develop skills for group riding.

Fee:
Prior “Challenge by Choice Horsemanship 3-day Clinic” Participants  $20 per session
Never attended a CBC Horsemanship 3-day Clinic – $30 per session
Use a ranch horse (based on availability) $10 per session
Audits – $10

Reservations and payment must be made in advance.  Register for 4 or more sessions and get a 5th session free.
Enrollment is limited.
To register call 805-489-7368 or ewagnertraining@yahoo.com. Deposit required.
 
Dates:  Saturday, Nov. 19 – Open Equitation 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
            Saturday, Dec. 17 – Drill Day 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
            Saturday, Jan. 7 – Open Equitation 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
            Saturday, Jan. 21 – Drill Day 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.