Another Successful Ranch Riding Clinic!
- Susan Heavilin
- Jun 1
- 2 min read
When the word gets out that Bonita Valley Horsemen are hosting a Riding Clinic, the trailers start heading out from far and wide. Those BVH are known to be a real friendly group of people and whether they ride English or Western, equestrians want to participate in whatever the Horsemen are hosting.
Trailers, trailers everywhere! But just enough room for all! | Click on images to enlarge.
Here's their banner . . . note that it displays a bicyclist, a runner and an equestrian. The organization was formed for the purpose of promoting the acquisition, development, preservation and maintenance of trails in the Bonita area in southern San Diego County. It is the only organization in the world with this sole purpose.
"Preserving trails today . . . for tomorrow"
The next time you see a Bonita Valley Horseman, be sure to thank them for the beautiful, clean and well-maintained trails throughout the Bonita-Sunnyside countryside.
Horse Trainer extraordinaire Melissa Shanholtz guided the participants through the patterns and obstacles, generously offering up gentle help and tips on how to improve.
BVH members greeted everyone and handed out name tags. Remember, I told you this was a friendly group. Members, guests and clinic participants are all called by name. An Abe Lincoln ($5) donation was appreciated and helped pay for the delicious luncheon.
Git yer name tag! | Click on images to enlarge.
The clinic started out with the basics—walking, trotting and galloping. After that was all under the saddle, they moved on to skills that might be needed on a ranch or a trail. These included opening and closing a gate with the rider's hand always engaged with the gate, walking over poles without knocking a single one and finally . . . the terrifying (to a horse) rocking bridge.
Horses of all colors, sizes and shapes | Click on images to enlarge.
A short intermission during the workshop gave guests a chance to receive some good old-fashioned horse loving.
Kiddos get a chance to get up close and personal with a horse | Click on images to enlarge.
Everyone stuck around for the entire session and enjoyed eating a wonderful luncheon together afterwards.
Yummy home-made side dishes and Karen's creative cookies | Click on images to enlarge.
This is the Horsemen's second Riding Clinic. There were ten openings for the two-hour clinic and they filled up quickly. With so much success, a third Clinic is now in the works.
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