Equine Enthusiast May 2017

SPRING 2017

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FEATURES LACEY LIVESTOCK.............................................................................6 LIVING HISTORY FARM......................................................................8 DOWN TO EARTH WOMEN LUNCHEON.........................................9 OFFICIAL CALIFORNIA RODEO VEHICLE .....................................10 POLY ROYAL.....................................................................................11 CENTRAL COAST TRAIL RIDES.......................................................12 FIRE PRECAUTIONS FOR LIVESTOCK OWNERS............................14 PASO ROBLES HORSE PARK.............................................................16 SAN MIGUEL SAGEBRUSH DAYS.....................................................18 2017 MISS SALINAS VALLEY FAIR....................................................20

GUEST COLUMNS LEE PITTS HOW TO LOAD A HORSE................................................................17

FROM THE COVER LACEY LIVESTOCK: One cowboy ropes the heels while two ranch-hands hold down the calf waiting for it’s round of shots.

Photo by Molly Lacey Read more on page 6.

EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T ™

News Media Corporation/California Edition Published in conjunction with Paso Robles Press, Atascadero News, South County Newspapers and Register-Pajaronian. • www.ca.EquineEnthusiast.com

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SPRING 2017 | Published by News Media Corporation

EQUINE E N T H U S I A S T ™ Publisher JOHN BARTLETT

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FROM the

Lacey

Cover

Livestock

Photos contributed by: Molly Lacey Long-standing industry advocate, John Lacey, being recognized by the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame with the Industry Leadership award.

Branding season makes for long work days, but the more helping hands the better. Here a cowboy throws his rope to drag a calf to the fire.

Sonja Eschenburg Equine Enthusiast fences and auctioneer connections to manage a ranch — let alone a successful one.

“My father’s main things were morals, especially integrity and honesty,” Lacey said. “He always told me that I wouldn’t get very far without those principles.”

Lacey chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and after earning a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo and returning from duty with the United States Marine Corps, became a partner on the family’s cow/calf operation.

The next few years were a time of mass expansion for both the operation and Lacey himself. After buying back city leases at Independence, where Lacey’s grandfather had first made his start, Lacey’s father unexpectedly died in 1964. Forced to run the operation by

PASO ROBLES — Surrounded by grazing meadows and rolling hills as far as the eye can see, the wild west spirit continues to prevail in Paso Robles today despite years of colonization and industrialization. It’s because of local cattlemen like John Lacey, the owner and operator of Lacey Livestock, that the area is still able to embody such a pure, traditional cowboy way of life.

Lacey, a third generation cattleman from Inyo County, was born in Lone Pine and raised in Olancha, where his father ran a small cow outfit. Lacey spent his childhood on horseback working alongside his father and with the help from family and friends, learned the importance of being a good operator.

Breaking into the cattle business is easier said than done. It takes much more than profitable cattle, durable

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on his own, Lacey Livestock continued to expand once more. In 1969 Lacey sold his Owens Valley ranch and bought property in Dillon, Montana where he and his wife, Dee, expected to live out the rest of their days.

As fate would have it though, nothing went as planned. In 1974 both the cattle and real estate markets plummeted. Farmers and ranchers across the country, one of them the recent Owens Ranch acquirers, suffered extreme losses and were forced to return several of their assets. So in 1975 Lacey and Dee sold their Montana ranch and traveled back to the golden state.

Lacey’s goal, once back, was the same as before — to expand. While they were, at the time, unable to find any available land here in San Luis Obispo County, Lacey and Dee were intrigued, like so many others, by SPRING 2017 | Published by News Media Corporation

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: John Lacey checking on his herds of horses.

A cowboy waits in the branding pen for his turn to rope.

The yearlings stand curiously as cowboys gather and push them through the mountains.

the spell that the Central Coast casts and chose to finish raising their children in Paso Robles.

Having spent worked intermittently for Farm Credit, Lacey was finally able to ranch full-time again when in 1979, he purchased the Lake Ranch in Bitterwater, which is today’s headquarters operation.

Since then, Lacey has expanded Lacey Livestock several times. Today the business operates in various locations including Owens Valley, which is run by Lacey’s son Mark and his wife Brenda; Bridgeport in the San Joaquin Valley, which is used to run stocker cattle; and at the Margarita Ranch just south of Paso Robles.

While the operations’ schedules vary due to location, all are cow/calf and run commercial crossbreeds of Angus and Hereford. It took years of running a threePublished by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2017

breed rotation for Lacey to realize that the more head he had to feed, the most inconsistent his product. His ultimate goal is to one day shift over to a single breed operation, and that would undoubtedly be Angus, Lacey said. He hopes to capture more consistent quality by retaining performance and being more particular with genetics. Doing so should offset the loss of hybrid vigor, he said.

Lacey Livestock’s shift in genetics was in part due to Lacey’s decision to partner with several other California ranchers including Harris Ranch Beef Company, to market a branded product.

Although Lacey came by this cowboy way of life due to family ties, he has surely made a name for himself along the way. Throughout the years he has received awards and been recognized for instrumental

efforts in ensuring the growth and success of both beef production and the cattle industry as a whole.

“My father always encouraged me to give something back to the industry and to support (it) in any way I can,” Lacey said.

Having experienced some of the industry’s most turbulent turns first-hand, Lacey personally understands the hardships faced by ranchers, both then and still today, whether financial, emotional or physical.

“There were many challenges throughout the years,” Lacey said. “Failure was not an option though.

Sometimes you just have to put a few things on the line for something like this to be successful. My goal was always and still is to simply stay focused, unify industry members and justify our efforts.”

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Planning underway for living history farm Contributed article The Agricultural History Project is kicking off its “Sowing Seeds for History” fundraiser for the development of a living history farm.

Raffle tickets went on sale at Day on the Farm for the chance to winning one for four donated prizes which include: • Four one-day park hopper tickets to Disneyland • Stihl Chainsaw • One-night stay at the Portola Hotel & Spa with Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets • $50 Gift Certificate to Sierra Azul Nursery Raffle tickets will also be available at upcoming Second Saturday events through October.

Those interested in being on the Living History

Farm committee or to purchase raffle tickets can call 724-5898 or email postmaster@aghistoryproject.org.

A living history farm is an interactive outdoor museum which connects people to experiences on a farm or ranch during a particular time in history.

Docents demonstrate everyday chores, household tasks, and how a family was fed without a grocery store around the corner. Docents also assist visitors with “hands-on” activities.

“We think an interactive living history farm experience would provide a fuller understanding of how earlier generations produced food for their table and their local communities,” said AHP CEO John Kegebein.

In 2015, AHP received a grant from the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County to conduct a feasibility study to gauge the level of community support for a living history farm.

The community indicated a desire for a Living History Farm and ranked their preference for activities in the following order: 1. Educational programs for children and youth 2. Demonstrations of historical farming and ranching activities 3. Hands-on interactive experiences 4. Farm animal exhibits For information, visit aghistoryproject.org/livinghistory-farm.

California Rodeo Salinas bumper sticker contest returns Contributed article SALINAS — The California Rodeo Salinas creates a signature yellow bumper sticker every year that features the logo and dates of the Rodeo. Many horse trailers travel down the road with stickers from years of participating at the rodeo, locals drive around with the stickers of the city’s signature event on their cars and fans from all over the United States order them to promote their love of the largest rodeo in California.

All fans are encouraged to take the bumper sticker with them during their travels, snap photos and submit them to the California Rodeo and participate in the

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2017 contest. The winning photo from 2016 was taken at the iconic Austin, Texas, sign.

The “Stick with the Rodeo” bumper sticker contest is now live.

The contest will be held on Instagram and the rules are simple, just upload a photo that includes a California Rodeo bumper sticker, use #stickwiththerodeo and tag @carodeosalinas and you are entered to win rodeo swag.

Be sure to follow the California Rodeo on Instagram to see what’s happening at the rodeo year-

round. The California Rodeo Salinas’ Marketing Committee will vote on the best photo and choose a winner. The contest is open now through June 15. The winner will be notified by June 30.

Bumper Stickers can be obtained for free at the California Rodeo Salinas Office at 1034 N. Main St. in Salinas, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed for lunch on Fridays) or by visiting an Oil Can Henry’s location in Salinas, Soquel or Watsonvillle.

Non-locals can purchase bumper stickers at carodeo. com/p/about-us/store/309 for $1.

SPRING 2017 | Published by News Media Corporation

Tipping their hats

Annual luncheon celebrates women in agriculture

By Johanna Miller Equine Enthusiast

of

CORRALITOS — Amidst a sea of hats, flowers and bright colors, a community came together on May 11 to celebrate Santa Cruz County women involved in and who support agriculture.

Agri-Culture’s Down to Earth Women Luncheon, held at Driscoll’s Rancho Corralitos, has been happening for the past 10 years.

The event supports the local organization Agri-Culture’s Focus Agriculture program, the Jimmie Cox Memorial Scholarship and the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau’s school programs.

This year’s Mistress of Ceremonies, Brittany Nielsen of KSBW, kicked off the event with a speech.

“This is one of the absolute nicest events I get to attend every year,” she said. “It’s so special to be surrounded by other women who have such strong ties to agriculture.”

This year’s guest speakers were Jan Wilson

Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2017

and Carren and Hannah Dixon, the owners of Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting.

Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting is a multigenerational business, and the owners were honored for their successful entrepreneurship.

The business has received praise over the years for its approach to baking, friendly staff and flavors, and are also known to use local and organic ingredients whenever possible.

Attendees of the luncheon were treated to a meal as well as wine provided by Silver Mountain Wineries. A cake server was gifted at each place setting.

Both a live and silent auction were held, with gifts from a number of local businesses.

“The luncheon is the largest gathering like this in the area,” said Jess Brown, Agri-Culture executive director. “For some, it’s the highlight of the year.”

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Contributed Photo The Official California Rodeo vehicle will travel the state of California.

Official California Rodeo vehicle ready to hit the road Contributed article SALINAS — Each year the California Rodeo has the opportunity to put advertising on wheels with the Official California Rodeo vehicle.

This form of Rodeo advertising began with convertibles featuring long horns mounted on the hood, and has morphed into a modern day work of graphic art. The vehicle sports a custom wrap featuring the 2017 advertising campaign “Cowboys Have More Fun” with imagery of the crowd favorite finale event, the freestyle bullfights, with a bullfighter jumping a bull from a photo taken by Richard Field Levine.

The campaign is the result of collaboration between the Marketing team and designer Tracy Hopper, owner

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of Hopperopolis. More installments of the campaign will be used on advertising posters and online.

The use of the Chevrolet Suburban is donated by MY Cars of Salinas and the custom wrap was installed

by Central Coast Sign and Design of Salinas.

The Official California Rodeo vehicle will hit the rodeo road starting in April and be used through the end of the Rodeo in July.

During that time it will travel up and down the state of California to places like Red Bluff, Clovis, Santa Maria and other cities for parades with Miss California Rodeo Salinas 2016, Megan Ford, riding on the hood behind Monte, a long horn steer head that attaches

to the grill, inviting parade attendees to the 107th California Rodeo Salinas.

Often times, the Rodeo’s signature song “Saddle Up Salinas” by Ed Montana, can be heard while driving by, getting people in the spirit of the Rodeo and raising the excitement level. Locals can see the Official California Rodeo vehicle in the Kiddie Kapers and Colmo del Rodeo Parades on Saturday, July 15, as well as driving around town running errands as we prepare for the 107th California Rodeo Salinas July 20 through 23.

SPRING 2017 | Published by News Media Corporation

Poly Royal event moves to football stadium by of

SAN LUIS OBISPO — The weekend of April 8 and 9 brought hundreds of competitors and spectators from all over the state and beyond to Cal Poly for the largest collegiate rodeo to ever take place.

Cal Poly’s rodeo program, directed by Cal Poly graduate and rodeo coach Ben Londo, and its annual Open House Poly Royal Rodeo event have both grown exponentially since their beginnings. This year however, for the first time in Cal Poly history, the Poly Royal Rodeo, which has for the past 70 years taken place at the school’s rodeo grounds, was held in the Alex G. Spanos football stadium.

The stadium, located near the corner of California and Highland Avenues, holds nearly 11,000 spectators and at this year’s rodeo every single one of the seats were full.

“Saturday night’s performance was a sold out show,” rodeo athlete and animal science senior Christi Roberts said. “We had to start turning people away because the stands were so packed. That might not seem like a big deal because our stadium sells out for

Sonja Eschenburg Equine Enthusiast

football games all the time, but last year our rodeo sold 10,000 tickets over a span of three days. This year we sold more than that in just one night.”

Students, faculty, administrators and sponsors spent months preparing for the event. What was once a mere turf field was, in a matter of just 24 hours, completely transformed into a professional caliber rodeo arena.

Sponsors such as Quinn Cat, Tractor Supply Co. and RDO Equipment, teamed together to transport and spread more than 165 truckloads of dirt. Powder River Panels, six bucking chutes, a live screen Jumbotron, concert stage and a VIP tent all lined the arena floor.

While some PRCA rodeos are surely bigger than others, all — despite their size — bring in a sense of community and embrace the spirit of western heritage.

They utilize lighting and sound technicians, include intermittent recreational acts and host aisles of vendors and booths. This year’s Poly Royal did that and more.

“This year’s event featured a record-setting venue, top-notch athletes and the best stock the West Coast has to offer,” senior bareback and saddle bronc rider Wade

Brown said. “Saying this year’s rodeo was ‘the best’ would be an understatement.”

Although the Cal Poly Rodeo team faced many hurdles along the way, their efforts paid off. One of the most respected college rodeo programs in the country, the team had a long line of achievements to live up to including six team national championships and 44 individual national titles.

The numbers, after the weekend ended and results were turned in, showed that the Cal Poly women’s team took home first-place in the West Coast region’s overall standings. This is largely due to Katie Rice, a Cal Poly agricultural communications senior, who brought home the Women’s All-Around title. Rice, who competed in all four women’s events, also won first in the goat tying.

Rice, who comes from a ranching family, followed

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Central Coast Trail Rides:

Enjoy 1-hour rides at Horsetail Ranch and beyond of

HorseTail Ranch, located just outside of Creston, is the perfect destination for equine enthusiasts looking for some outdoor adventure.

Guests visiting the ranch will be greeted by caretakers Crystal and Brian Hallett, who live in a house near the front entrance of the property and operate their business Central Coast Trail Rides out of the nearby 12-stall barn, offering one-hour horseback tours of the ranch to those staying on the property and the general public as well.

“The whole place has a very country vibe,” Crystal Hallett said. “City folks come here when they want to get dirty.”

Trail rides at HorseTail Ranch take riders “pretty much from fence line to fence line,” Crystal said, giving visitors a great view of all 150 acres of the

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By Luke Phillips Equine Enthusiast

ranch, over rugged hillsides, through open meadows and along ridges featuring beautiful views in every direction.

“It’s interesting terrain,” Crystal Hallett said.

“You’re not just riding on flat land, and we always ride in a circle so you never have to backtrack.”

The tours can accommodate riders of all shapes and sizes and all skill levels, and ages ranging from “8 years old to 75.” The Halletts also give riders a chance to go at their own pace.

“I’m really flexible with pace,” Crystal said. “If you feel comfortable and I feel like we’re on the same page, we can do a little trotting, maybe a little loping.”

The trail rides also provide an opportunity to see some of the wildlife in the area, as some type of animal is spotted on nearly every ride, Crystal said, from bald

eagles and red-tailed hawks to foxes, deer, bobcats, coyotes and snakes.

“It’s really unique,” she said. “Every ride out here you see a new animal. You actually see a lot of wildlife in a one-hour ride on this property. Nobody’s really on this property, so it’s animal territory.”

For those interested in staying at the ranch, the five-bedroom, 3,500-square-foot Villa rents for $1,050 per night or $6,000 per week, and the one-bedroom cabin rents for $350 per night or $2,295 per week.

Horseback tours of the ranch with Central Coast Trail Rides cost $75 for a one-hour ride, and guests staying on the property receive a $5 discount.

HorseTail Ranch is located at 7261 O’Donovan Road in Creston. For more information, visit HorseTail-Ranch.com or call 805-966-2888.

SPRING 2017 | Published by News Media Corporation

Photos by: Luke Phillips Brian and Crystal Hallett are the caretakers at Horsetail Ranch and also own and operate Central Coast Trail Rides at the ranch and beyond, offering horseback tours for riders of all ages and skill levels.

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Summer is fast approaching: Fire Precautions for Livestock Owners

by of

PASO ROBLES — Earlier this year, wildfires raging in the Texas Panhandle, Oklahoma, Kansas and western Missouri areas claimed the lives of hundreds of animals leaving ranchers absolutely devastated.

While those disasters were unfortunate, it is important for ranchers to not only understand how to prevent such events, but to also know what safety measures to take in the case of an emergency.

“A lot of people are under the impression that because we’ve received record numbers of rainfall this year we are in the clear for summer wildfires,” San Luis Obispo Horse Emergency Evacuation Team president Kathe Hustace said. “What they don’t know though, is that this amount of rain actually gives livestock owners all the more reason to be cautious.”

While the rain has helped turn the rolling hills of

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Sonja Eschenburg Equine Enthusiast

Paso Robles a bright, vibrant green, it is also helping add fuel to potential summer fires.

“Because of the rain there’s going to be a lot of grass, which acts as fuel for the fires,” Hustace said.

“As soon as the rain stops, brush starts drying. Beneath the brush lies a layer of mulch which burns fast because it is completely oil based.”

Understanding one’s surrounding landscape and the demographics of it is the first step livestock owners should take, Hustace said. From there they can work with local groups, like Cal Fire, to make adjustments.

“The best idea is to stay ahead and get out of it (potential disasters) before anything happens,” Hustace said. “Owners should take precautionary measures on their property starting with having a 30 foot clearance area where they can move animals if needed. Next,

they should be able to properly drive a trailer and transport animals to safety.”

These basic steps, though small and obvious, are often over looked. Doing so however, often results in costs and prices, that if prevented, would never have had to be paid in the first place.

SLO HEET, and other similar organizations, are always welcoming new members and work in collaboration with other SLO County groups to provide livestock owners with simple training lessons on rescue, sheltering, care and feeding, communications and simple animal education.

For information, contact SLO HEET at 805-4667457.

SPRING 2017 | Published by News Media Corporation

photos contributed by SLO HEET Using a horse dummy, Cal Fire members demonstrate how to prepare a horse that’s being airlifted.

Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2017

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Paso Robles Horse Park Celebrates First Year Successes of its Foundation

The Paso Robles Horse Park Foundation thanks all those that showed support throughout its first year and made it possible to gift more than $7,500 Contributed article PASO ROBLES – At the beginning of 2016, the Paso Robles Horse Park began its Foundation with a mission to promote accessibility to equestrian sports and activities to the local community, while raising funds to support handicapped and underprivileged children. Throughout the year and over the course of four schooling shows, the Paso Robles Horse Park Foundation gifted over $7,500 with the help of competitors, spectators and supporters.

During the Spring Fling Schooling Show in May, the Foundation raised $2,190 for the Cancer Support Community with the Pink Wall Campaign. This campaign challenged competitors to opt for a more intimidating jump option in order to accrue donations from pledges tied to the number of successful obstacle completions. In the fall, Jack’s Helping Hand Little

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Riders were invited to the Harvest Special Schooling Show to assist with course setting, hand out ribbons, enjoy a special hospitality area, and take place in a spotlight presentation ceremony. During the ceremony, the Paso Robles Horse Park Foundation presented $5,000 to support the building of the new Equestrian Therapy Center at the Imagination Park in Nipomo.

As well as supporting these community organizations, the Paso Robles Horse Park Foundation is proud to bring equestrian show jumping, dressage and cart competitions to the region. They hosted four schooling shows in 2016; these shows offered an affordable outlet for over 400 entries of area riders to compete at a world-class facility. In addition to these schooling shows, the Park hosted four weeks of nationally-rated shows with West Palms Events and

welcomed over 1,000 entries.

“The Paso Robles Horse Park Foundation has had an amazing first year as a non-profit organization and it would not have been possible without the community’s support,” said Linda Starkman, Park Owner and Foundation Chairwoman. “We look forward to advancing our mission and growing our impact in the local community in the years to come.” Guided by the Board of Directors—Linda Starkman, Dave Colmar, Cathy David, Kathy Collins, and Dr. Claudia Sonder—and supported by competitors and fans, the Park is thrilled to celebrate the success of this first year as a Foundation. For more information about the Paso Robles Horse Park Foundation and all upcoming 2017 events, please visit www.PasoRoblesHorsePark.com.

SPRING 2017 | Published by News Media Corporation

Guest Columnist

By Lee Pitts

How To Load A Horse

Here is the correct way to load a horse.

1. First, catch your horse. Using apples, carrots and sweet talk, draw it near. When it’s eating out of your hand rub its neck and attempt to put the lead rope around its neck.

After this doesn’t work place a bucket full of sweetmix on the ground and when the horse comes within your range, rope it. When that fails just have the wife catch your nag for you.

It works every time.

2. Lead you horse to the loading area.

When it spies the hated horse trailer it may rear on his hind legs and jerk the lead rope from your hand. If so, repeat step one.

3. Leaning on the lead rope with all your weight play tug of war with your horse to drag it into the trailer. You weigh 185 pounds and it weighs 1,200 pounds. You do the math.

Next, ask your wife and one of the kids to get behind the horse, lock hands around his rump and push while you pull on the lead rope. This puts the heads of your wife and kid in close proximity to the rear end of the horse, which has just consumed a bag of green apples and a bucket of sweetmix. This creates an unfriendly noxious environment and your loved ones may be overcome by the deadly fumes.

4. Next, ask your neighbor to grasp your

horse’s tail and twist and pull on it to get your horse moving towards the trailer. Go to house to retrieve ice and cold compresses for your neighbor to apply to area where he got kicked.

5. Your neighbor suggests that he put his in-heat mare in the trailer enticing your male horse to load right beside it. Lead your horse around in circles several times to get him dizzy and suddenly aim toward the trailer. As your stud horse overruns you to breed the mare in the trailer she tries the kick the stud and instead nails you in the groin. Borrow the neighbor’s ice pack and say to your neighbor, “Got any more bright ideas Einstein?” Because you let go of the lead rope it’s now necessary to rerepeat step one.

6. Your wife suggests that you put a rope through the hole in the front of the trailer and winch the horse into the trailer using the winch on the front of your fully restored 1955 International pickup. Realizing too late that you should have used a chain, your horse pulls the front end off your beloved International and breaks your favorite rope in the process. You turn the air blue with a string of cuss words which prompts the wife to demand, “Don’t speak that way in front of the children.”

7. Because all your ropes are now broken use the garden hose and place it just under the horse’s rump. With your wife and kid pulling on the hose and you on the lead rope pull with all your might. Take a short carpentry and plumbing break to stop the gusher that resulted because the garden hose was still attached to the faucet, which was in turn attached to the tack room.

8. Place a bandana over the horse’s eyes so that it can’t see and must therefore depend on you for guidance. Once again you realize too late that horses are dangerous on both ends and your horse nearly bites your finger off.

Splint with popsicle stick and duct tape and be careful not to jam your throbbing finger the rest of the day or your kids will learn some more new words.

9. Put horse in narrow alley and back the trailer into the horse so that it’s forced to enter the trailer because there’s no place else to go.

Have wife block the narrow opening on the side. Make a mental note to replace the mirror on the side of the truck and buy flowers for your wife as she limps back to the house after being run over.

10. Call neighbor and apologize that you can’t make his branding because your wife is ill and you have some emergency plumbing to do.

11. Put advertisement in paper for horse for sale, “As is where is.”

12. Buy an ATV.

Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2017

Continued from 11 in her brother’s footsteps when she chose to attend Cal Poly. She has been rodeoing her whole life but started her collegiate rodeo career the same year Coach Londo came on board.

“Seeing how far this program has come in the past four years since Ben and his family walked on is incredible,” Rice said. “Going out my last year with a bang is something I’ll never forget!”

Bioresource and agricultural engineer senior Colton Farquer, of Oakdale won the calf roping for his second year in a row.

The most interesting part about roping is how much of a challenge it is, Farquer said. Three fundamentals — a horse, calf and rider — have to work together to get a time. All of those components need to line up just right, and making sure that happens is of course, easier said than done.

Farquer, who competes at both the collegiate and professional level, went into the weekend with high hopes and was proud to see his hard work pay off.

“It was awesome competing in Spanos Stadium and even better because I got to share it with my brother, Caden, before I graduate,” Farquer said. “I am blessed to win my second Poly Royal Rodeo buckle.”

Cal Poly second year Chase Onaka and his partner Brushton Minton, from West Hills Community College, faced a similar challenge in the team roping. The team was fortunately also able to put all the pieces together and walked away from the short round that night sitting in first-place.

While the rodeo is hosted by Cal Poly, the school’s team works in collaboration with the Cuesta College rodeo team, which also had a good run this year, especially in regard to the rough stock events. Cowboy Will Centoni, who normally competes in two events — saddle bronc and bull riding — walked away from the weekend as the saddle bronc champion. Centoni is now sitting in first place for the year-end Men’s All-Around title with roughly 2,500 points.

The growth in both schools’ rough stock events is largely due to the fact that Londo himself currently competes professionally in both bareback and saddle bronc events. Having a coach who personally understands and has first-hand experience has undoubtedly influenced the rodeo athletes’ learning curves and been to them a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Poly Royal was, hands down, one for the books,” Roberts said. “We are extremely lucky to have Ben as not only our coach, but also our mentor and most importantly, our friend.”

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San Miguel

Sagebrush Days

Photos by: Luke Phillips Billing itself as “the parade where you get to see both sides of the horses,” the Sagebrush Days Parade in San Miguel features some vehicles and marching groups, but was mostly filled with mounted entries including those from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, the Vaqueros Equestrian Riding Group and more marching down Main Street around the park and back the way they came.

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SPRING 2017 | Published by News Media Corporation

A mounted group from the Estrella Warbird Museum marches in the Sagebrush Days Parade.

Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2017

Members of the Vaqueros Equestrian Riding Group make their way down the parade route.

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Escobar crowned Named 2017 Miss Salinas Valley Fair

Photos by Samantha Bengtson

By Samantha Bengtson of Equine Enthusiast KING CITY – Rena Escobar of Salinas showed off her personality, horse riding skills and poise to win the honor of Miss Salinas Valley Fair. Escobar won the title on March 18 at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds Pavilion building. Escobar is the daughter of Gary and Cheri Escobar, and is a senior at Notre Dame High School. She has been riding horses since she was 4, going so far as to compete at local horse shows, ranch rodeos and gymkhanas. She is just starting team roping. Escobar said her favorite event is cattle sorting. “The best advice you could give to someone is always be positive,” Escobar said. “I feel like people always look at the negative in life, but if you stop and think ‘I am blessed in so many ways,’ that can make your day and your life so much better.” Escobar spoke about the approximately 950 animals that will be part of the Salinas Valley Fair Livestock Auction.

She said that agriculture is the No. 1 industry in the

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LEFT: 2016 Miss Salinas Valley Fair Lena Coulson, contestant Ellie Skromme and 2017 Miss Salinas Valley Fair Rena Escobar smile with the SVF lights.

RIGHT: Rena Escobar models during the Miss Salinas Valley Fair Fashion Show.

Salinas Valley and she encouraged fairgoers to check out the produce at the Orradre Building. It is Escobar’s second time competing in the Miss Salinas Valley Fair competition. She competed alongside Ellie Skromme for the title. Skromme is a junior at King City High School. She is the daughter of Julie and Jon Skromme.

Education is a top priority for Ellie Skromme, who has maintained a 3.5 G.P.A. throughout her high school career. The emphasis on education has led her to accumulate enough credits to graduate from King City High School a year early at 16. “I graduated this January, a year and a half early,” Skromme said. “I am excited to attend Cuesta (College) in the fall and hopefully transfer to Cal Poly.” Skromme said she hopes to become a large animal veterinarian and major in animal science while at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. “There’s something about our small town fair that could put a smile on

anyone’s face,” Skromme said. “Maybe it’s the food, but maybe it’s something else. Our fair has seen so much from when the Valley was mainly cattle ranches to when it was full of dairies and sugar beet farms to when it was taken over by row crop farming, where it is today.” Skromme and Escobar were judged in four categories, 20 percent for poise and appearance, 40 percent for personality, 25 percent for scholastic, and 15 percent for horsemanship. As Miss Salinas Valley Fair, Escobar will aid in kicking off this year’s fair at the kickoff dinner, appear in parades and rodeos representing the fair and the community, and radio guest spots. The judges for the event were 2014 Miss Salinas California Rodeo Jynel Gularte, Rabobank Branch Manager Oscar Avalos, 2009 Miss Salinas Valley Fair Marin Wolgamott and Equine Specialist Shelby Ray.

SPRING 2017 | Published by News Media Corporation

Salinas Sports Complex hosts outdoor market

Estrella Equine Hospital

Contributed article

PROVIDING QUALITY VETERINARY CARE F O R Y O U R E Q U I N E AT H L E T E

City approves 6-month trial period SALINAS — Weekly outdoor markets will be held at the Salinas Sports Complex, beginning last month and continuing through October. The markets will be produced

by El Mercado Popular, Inc. and held on the Midway area at the Salinas Sports Complex.

The “Outdoor Market at the Rodeo” will take place each Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. through October, excluding Big Week and other events previously planned by the California Rodeo Association.

Markets will include various vendors selling specialty foods, merchandise, fresh produce as well as having music and entertainment. Entrance to the market will be $3 for adults, free for children 12 and under and parking at the Salinas Sports Complex will be free.

Jim Slaten, general manager of the Salinas Sports Complex, says he’s “excited to bring a positive event for community members to attend” and recognizes the potential for small business to grow with the start of the outdoor markets.

The Salinas Sports Complex is managed and operated by the California Rodeo Association where one of the largest costs is annual facility maintenance.

“Renting the facility for events will help to pay those maintenance costs and allows the California Rodeo Association to give more back to the community,” said Slaten. He also added that “the Rodeo and Professional Bull Riding held each July have an economic impact of over $10 million and hosting recurring events throughout the year helps to add to that number.”

Interested vendors are encouraged to contact El Mercado Popular for more information by calling 831-235-1856 or emailing Rodeomarket2017@gmail.com.

HORSE HOW-TO

How to saddle a horse safely

Horses are magnificent animals and loyal companions who can successfully handle their share of the workload in various capacities. Learning how to properly saddle a horse is essential for anyone who hopes to ride regularly.

The techniques discussed here apply to western saddling, which is the primary way many people saddle their horses for riding. British riding requires different saddling and equipment.

One of the first steps is to make sure the horse is clean and comfortable.

Remember to always approach the animal from an angle at which he can see you clearly, so there are no surprises.

All dirt, dust and loose hair should be removed from the horse through brushing, with particular attention paid to the areas where the saddle will sit and where the cinches and breast collar will cover.

It’s best to properly tie the horse with a halter and lead rope, which can be held by an assistant or ground-tied. This prevents the horse from moving around too much.

Brush off the underside of the saddle pad or blanket to ensure there are no sharp objects or irritants stuck in the fibers, which can make the horse uncomfortable. In such situations, the horse may try to shake to relieve the discomfort, tossing riders off in the process.

Move the front cinch, back cinch and breast collar of the saddle onto the seat of the saddle to keep them out of the way while you put the saddle in place on the horse.

This ensures that the equipment doesn’t slide and spook the horse. Many riders mount and dismount their horses from the left side, so push the items to the right to keep them situated. Then adjust the girth cinches and stirrups accordingly.

After the saddle is in place, step back and look things over. Make sure everything is properly tightened before riding.

By saddling a horse safely and correctly, riders can prevent injuries resulting from restless horses or loose saddles. Novice riders should practice to get a feel for saddling.

–Metro Services Published by News Media Corporation | SPRING 2017

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SPRING 2017 | Published by News Media Corporation