December, 2014 – The generosity of our community has been amazing this year and we can’t say “thank you” enough. In December alone we have received a Wells Fargo Community Partner award for $1,000, Rabobank award of $500, a G for Kids grant in the amount $5,000 for our driving program and a Saputo Dairy Foods Legacy grant in the amount of $25,000 for a warm-up arena.
2nd Annual Happy Trails Horse Show
November 2014-On Saturday, November 22nd, 32 riders gathered at Happy Trails Riding Academy to show off their skills and compete in the 2nd Annual Happy Trails Horse Show. Thanks to the careful planning of the staff and the help of more than 50 volunteers, the horse show went off without a hitch. Everyone was especially thankful for the beautiful, sunny weather – a big change from the chilly temperatures we all faced at last year’s show!
Each of the 32 riders competed in three events consecutively: Trail Obstacles, Pole Bending, and Hurry Scurry. The Trail Obstacle class included 10 harvest themed obstacles each rider and their horse moved through. The Pole Bending class is a timed event. The pattern included weaving the poles and well as a straight pass. The Hurry Scurry class is also a timed event. This pattern was in a U shape and riders had to demonstrate a two-point position over ground poles.
Our guest judge for the event was Lyn Meredith, owner and operator of Wishing Star Ranch in Tulare. Lyn owns, trains, and shows Arabians and Half Arabians as well as trains all breeds for her clients.
We’d like to thank everyone who sponsored a rider and a big thank you to the class sponsors:, Dr. Don Blackford, Circle N Saddle Shop, A&M Livestock, Tulare Outlet Center, Eric Shannon Farming, Chris &Melinda Audino, MB Price Foundation, Goshen Mounted Police, Billious Inc., Giotto’s Alarm, Idea Printing, Ryan & Laura Morrelli, Andre Gaston, Rabobank, Tulare and VSI, and a special thanks to the Visalia Breakfast Lions Club and Rowley Hay Source for making sure everyone was well fed!