| The Arizona Futurity Horse Show opens at WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Rd., Scottsdale, on October 20th through October 22nd. Sponsored by the American Saddlebred Association of Arizona, the show has two performances a day, 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. There is no evening performances on Sunday, October 22nd. The show is a benefit for HORSES HELP, and there is no admission or parking charge. Show Chairman Heather (Mrs. Michael) Greenbaum has announced that Lee Adams Hudson from Shawsville, VA, will judge the Saddlebred, Morgan, Hackney Pony and equitation classes. Scott Benham, Ontario, California, will judge all Tennessee Walking Horse and Missouri Fox Trotter classes. New classes added this year are a pair class, open to any breed, and a family class, open to two or more members of a family riding matching horses. Saddlebred Futurity classes for weanlings and yearlings will be held on Friday and Saturday evening. For premium books, contact Secretary Mary Kay Hartman at (909) 737-1294, or write to: P.O. Box 834, Norco, Ca 91760. In Arizona you may call (480) 945-3230 for information. |
| News release): Horses Help is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization that provides therapeutic and recreational horseback riding programs to children and adults with special needs. It offers them the opportunity to leave their wheelchairs and walkers behind, discard their limitations and explore new horizons. Instructors, therapists and volunteers aid participants in riding and performing exercises that strengthen muscles, improve balance and expand the senses. Each person is given an opportunity to reach new goals and gain a new outlook on their abilities. An old fashioned Barn Raisin' will be held to celebrate the grand opening of Horses Help's new location and to thank the community for all their support. The new facility will allow double the number of riders they can serve. Festivities include horse demonstrations with and without special riders, entertainment, prizes galore, face painting, games, booths, a drawing for a brand new $18,000 Humdinger or $10,000 (ticket info: www.horseshelp.org), activities for the whole family, a KNIX remote broadcast, and plenty of food and soft drinks. Saturday, October 21st, 2000 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. 2601 E. Rose Garden, Cave Creek, Arizona (602) 569-6056. You don't want to miss one of the biggest community events this fall. The exciting Barn Raisin' promises to provide a fun-filled day for the whole family. You will learn more about horses and how they can help people overcome their disabilities, and about this fantastic program, its people and the amazing work they're doing. Entrance to the Barn Raisin' is free. However, proceeds from food sales, raffles and other items go directly to Horses Help. Horses Help is one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in the southwest and is accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). |
| Don't miss this special trail ride event hosted by the Az Quarter Horse Youth Association in conjunction with the American Quarter Horse Association. The location will be MacDonalds Ranch in Scottsdale on November 4th, and all-breeds are encouraged to participate. A free clinic will be given by Manny Galvan from Skull Valley, AZ. Manny works at the Az Bar Ranch and will offer horse and rider teams the chance to work on the topic, "Centering Your Horse". The evening will feature entertainment by Indian Hoop Dancers as well as the usual cowboy campfire entertainment. One of the hoop Dancers was the Champion Hoop Dancer of the World in 1999. Seldom seen off of the reservation, this will be a special treat for the attendees of Ride 2000! Meals at the AQHA "Ride" events are always the best, so many folks attend just for the great meal! In fact participants don't have to ride, they can attend this event and enjoy the beautiful Sonoran desert setting of MacDonalds Ranch, the good food and great horses and people. Fees for the ride vary, riders and visitors pay different rates based on their participation level. The first 25 riders register will receive a $25.00 gift certificate to Drysdales Western Wear stores, and a chance to win a trip to any Ride 2001 event. The winner gets to pick the ride out of the line-up for the whole year! All participants will receive a Ride 2000 shirt, commemorative mug, free enrollment in the AQHA Ride program, goody bags, coupons, literature and Rio Vista products. A special presentation will be made by Arizona race trainer Tom Bartol on the Quarter Horse Racing program here and what it takes to own and race your horse. A special trailering seminar will be given by Matt Bowman of Phoenix Truck and Trailer Sales and Sooner Trailer manufacturing. Rental horses are available through MacDonald Ranch. The special guests from AQHA will be Robin Devlin-AQHA Youth Director, all Past AQHA Presidents from Arizona and all lifetime AQHA Members from AQHA. The ride attendees from ride '97, '98, '99 and 2000 will also receive special recognition and honors. Sam Anderson and the Arizona Reining Horse Association will entertain us with a "Duck Cutting", open to the world this event should really be fun and entertaining! Top trainers from around the state will try to 'cut' a duck out of the herd. A horseshoe tournament will be held also during the day with commemorative plaques to the winners. The stick pony race will be held also, and anyone can enter that event too. Donations of artwork and New Breyer Horses are being accepted for a special auction on Saturday night. This will be for the youth to bid on (no adults), adults can help though. Bring you money and credit cards, the funding goes to benefit the Youth Club. The basic schedule will be the ride through the desert, lunch, seminars, dinner and entertainment. All of the proceeds for this event will go to benefit the Arizona Quarter Horse Youth Association. Contact ride chairperson Carol Belmore at (520) 442-3843, fax (520) 442-9150 or e-mail at tontomtn@primenet.com. for ride registration and all of the details. |
| The Chandler Vaqueros Saddle Club is dedicated to supporting, promoting, and encouraging the development of horses and riders with the positive values that horsemanship builds. The CVSC has been in existence for over thirty years, the club is a stable, financially sound organization with a dedicated member base. We endeavor to support people of all backgrounds and age groups that desire to build their skills, as well as testing themselves in a rewarding competitive environment. The club promotes the family oriented nature of horsemanship and provides a fun-filled environment where family members of all ages can enhance their skills in a safe, productive manner. We believe that instilling the values of self-discipline and respect for others will enhance the rewards of perseverance and training. Self esteem, responsibility, patience with a concern and respect for the welfare of animals are stressed to build the framework of a positive and fun learning experience. Most of our membership is comprised of families who value quality time with young people and utilize the club as an activity the entire family can enjoy together. It is difficult in today's world to find recreational activities that can bring together people with different skill levels in such a mutually supportive environment. We strive to ensure that no one who desires to participate is turned away, regardless of their level of skill or access to a mount. Beginners and children are assisted by more experienced members and can be assured of the support and encouragement of the entire club. Recognition is given to all levels to ensure a fair competitive atmosphere. Each month we hold gymkhanas, trail rides and clinics. These events are funded by nominal membership dues and generous donations from our sponsors. These provide the moneys necessary to rent arena space, buy equipment and provide incentive for our competitors. Each year we hold a year end awards banquet to honor those who have excelled in their various disciplines. Please let us include you on our list of contributors to our year end awards banquet or as a sponsor to our monthly raffles. Sponsors will be recognized at the banquet, in our monthly newsletter, in the Bridle and Bit and are invited to display a banner at the following years monthly events. We would be most appreciative of your contribution to help make this year's banquet the most successful ever! Your sponsorship will be greatly appreciated and you can be assured that you are helping many young people build positive values that will last a lifetime. Please contact Sandy Barry, CVSC President at (480) 899-3434 or Kathi Ferreira, CVSC Vice President at (480) 963-8079. They will be happy to pick up any donations that you might be able to contribute. Or you can send your contributions to: Chandler Vaqueros Saddle club, 2121 W. Palomino Dr., Chandler, AZ 85244. If you have any questions or would like to join the CVSC, please feel free to contact us. Sandy Barry, CVSC President Kathi Ferreira, CVSC Vice President |
| LOCATION: Approximately 15 miles north of Payson on State Route 87 to Pine and Strawberry, west of Milk Ranch Point on the Mogollon Rim. LENGTH: Varies with trail(s) COUNTY: Gila/Coconino USE: Light to moderate SEASON: May through Oct. RATING: Moderate to Difficult ELEVATION: 5,000' to 6,000' USGS TOPO MAP: Pine, Buckhead Mesa CONTACT AGENCY: Tonto National Forest, Payson Ranger District HORSE TRAILER PARKING: A large parking area with plenty of room for many trailers. Turn-around parking is available immediately off the paved highway. WATER FOR HORSES: A man-made water tank that may have water in it is located behind the horse corrals immediately south of the fence and gate at the beginning of the trail. CORRALS: Two wooden corrals large enough for two horses each are provided for public use at the trailhead. Arrive early, as the corrals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. ACCESS: From Phoenix travel to Payson on State Route 87. Continue north on Route 87 approximately 16 miles toward Pine and Strawberry. The trailhead is indicated by a sign on the east side of the highway just after mile marker 266. Drive several hundred yards down the gravel road to the parking area at the end. DESCRIPTION: The trailhead is appealing because it has water for horses, corrals, and a restroom. The trails are fine in the area around the trailhead, but they become rocky and steep several miles away. Two trails head in opposite directions shortly after the trailhead gate. The Pine Canyon Trail #26 goes left and ends in 7.2 miles at the Upper Pine Canyon Trailhead. This is such a steep climb it would be best to turn around before going all the way to the top of the Mogollon Rim. The Highline Trail #31 is on the right. It goes through some attractive ponderosa pines and then circles around Milk Ranch Point at the 7,000' elevation range. These trails need maintenance work because rains have washed them out in many areas, leaving exposed rocks that detract from the riding pleasure they might otherwise offer. The Pine Trailhead is located at the west end of the 51-mile Highline Trail that follows the Mogollon Rim and ends at the Two-Sixty Trailhead past Christopher Creek just off State Route 260. Across the paved road, State Route 87, is the Oak Spring Trail #16, a 3-mile trail dropping down 400 feet to Oak Spring in a beautiful setting at the bottom of the canyon. This trail can become very muddy in certain areas near the top after a rainstorm. The Oak Spring Trail and Highline Trail are part of the Arizona Trail. |
| A couple of weeks ago I received a phone call from a lady who said to me "I heard you had a backyard full of old horses." My response was, "Don't let them hear you say that" I am learning, the horses have educated me in a way that no one else could have. I simply consider the source now, realize that everyone is on a different level and go forward. That comment, however did inspire this article. The old horse I would like to tell you about is our "Star". He is far too humble to tell you of his accomplishments, so I will proudly do so. He is 21 years. Old now, a Quarter-Thoroughbred mix. He is 16H, black, and exceptionally handsome. He was born and bred in Oklahoma, I don't know his trainer, however, I can tell you that his manners and disposition are outstanding. He has a good and gentle heart, and I believe much of that was brought out with his training. For many years "Star" was a champion roping horse, he traveled the country performing his duties, and I'm sure winning for his owner. When his career had ended, he was sold as a riding horse I'm not sure just how many homes he had, but my guess is several. One day I received a call from our vet asking me to contact his owner. She had called him to ask that he euthanize "Star" because he had gone lame. Being the caring soul that he is, he refused, and called us instead. It took me about two hours on the phone to convince her not to put him down. She was fearful that he might fall into the wrong hands, and be mistreated if she passed him on to someone else. Finally after a visit to our sanctuary she consented to allow him a home with us, with the understanding that he would never be adopted out. We agreed. The cause for his lameness were severe abscesses in both front feet with a little TLC that problem was remedied. He was the best patient, allowing us to do whatever was necessary to help him, I must say co-operation is his middle name. He is perfectly rideable again, and what a gentleman he is. There is a young lady, age 6, who comes to visit her "Star" regularly, her name is "Sam" and she keeps a photo of her horse handy at all times to show her friends, and whoever is willing to listen to her praising her handsome "Star". He is always happy to see her and carries her on his back with prides. There is not tack needed between friends and he will stand quietly at the corral panel while she grooms and mounts him. He will drop his head for her hugs and kisses and he even seems to know just when she will visit, for I can find him looking off in the direction she comes from. Not long ago, just to prove a point, and with the permission of his other owner, we entered "Star" in a local horse show. Never having done this before, and never will again, we weren't sure what exactly was required. He had virtually no training, and had never been in a show ring. There were some beautiful horses in the class with him. I am extremely proud to say that "Star" took a 3rd place ribbon, so much for old horses! I don't feel that I have to defend our sanctuary family to anyone, either you get it or you don't! If you don't I sincerely hope that one day you will awaken to the richness these horses can impart to your life. And if you do get it like "Sammie" then you know what we are all about, and why we exist, and you can do nothing, but grown in the light of love. There is one more concept I would like to dispute "Don't attach human emotions to animals" to that I say "Spend a little time observing your horse, dog, cat, whatever. Don't go through life blindly, God gave you eyes use them" Always put yourself in your animals place, how would you feel in that situation? If you use that train of thought, you can generally solve just about any issues that arise with a little common sense, and don't forget a goodly portion of kindness and love. It's a great recipe try it. We are in need of extra prayers at the moment, as we are at issue with the humane society of Tucson, over the ownership of two of our puppies, and the lack of care they received at their facility. We have gone to court on two occasions, and have encountered a great deal of hostility with the judge. Our legal bills mount, while the condition of our puppies under the care of the humane society deteriorates. We cannot abandon these puppies in all good conscience, and our law suite may well set a precedence for all of Arizona, concerning your companion animals and the quality of care they receive under the custody of the human society. Please help if you will in whatever way you can, as we certainly do not possess the resources they have financially, and the longer this drags on the more I fear for the puppies survival thank you. Castaway Treasures Animal Sanctuary, 10905 W. Mars Rd. Tucson, Az. 85743 (520) 682-7630; In Phoenix (480) 488-5643 |
