June is one of our favorite issues because we celebrate riding schools and entry-level equestrian programs. We hear stories of kids of all ages connecting with horses for the first time and of adults circling back to a beloved activity of their youth. Riding school horses and people man, woman, horse or pony the friendly front lines of efforts to keep equine interactions widely accessible, both economically and geographically speaking.

Tali Dejong and Amadeus. Photo: McCool Photography

97th Annual Flintridge Horse Show

At the 97th Annual Flintridge Horse Show, Tali Dejong and Amadeus emerged victorious in the Grand Prix. Finishing in second place, less than one second behind Dejong, was Alyce Bittar and Lara Croft B. Coming in third was The Flying Ham ridden by Carly Anthony. The USHJA National Hunter Derby saw 38 horses with Limequyl and Savannah Jenkins taking the top spot with a score of 183.

April indeed brought showers to Northern California, but was a little crueler in Southern California where an EHV-1 situation arose in Orange County. As we went to press with this issue, three horses had tested positive for the dreaded virus and were being cared for in isolation at a stable where the virus was first diagnosed on April 13, a Friday, naturally! A total of 56 horses possibly exposed to the virus were under quarantine, with veterinarians from the California Department of Food and Agriculture supervising close monitoring for signs of new cases. As of April 19, no additional cases were reported. Our best wishes to all!

Lisa Wall and Tangled Up in Blue top the USHJA National Hunter Derby at LEG Gold Coast April. Photo: Kristin Lee Photography

LEG Gold Coast April Highlights

Out of a field of 24 horse and rider combinations, it was professional Lisa Wall aboard Mia Dimson’s Tangled Up in Blue who earned the top honors.

“This was her first hunter derby win,” Lisa said. “This mare just recently moved up to the 3’6” level. She is still learning, and we are putting her together. She rode really well. Each horse show, she’s consistently getting more broke.”

California Riding Magazine Event Calendar

New H/J Shows
May 12-13 & 17-20 in Paso Robles

The Spring Fling Schooling May 12-13 is the second in a new series of hunter/jumper schooling shows staged by and at the beautiful Paso Robles Horse Park. Whether you’ve taken a long break from competitions, are considering getting your feet wet for the first time, or just looking for an organized, affordable and fun show jumping experience, this is your ticket. Meet fellow horse enthusiasts, compare your skills to other riders, and hone your competition skills in a relaxed and beautiful setting.

Held in partnership with the Santa Barbara Riding Club, the series continues in October with the Harvest Special and concludes this year with the Winter Wonderland in December. The schooling shows are designed to give local equestrians access to affordable, well-run competition at a first class facility.

Nayel Nails Another Biggie

Nayel Nassar’s 14 year old Hanoverian Lordan doesn’t compete often, but when he does compete, he goes big. The pair won the AIG $1 Million at HITS Coachella Sunday March 18. That followed Lordan’s last outing at Cochella, the $100,000 Longines FEI World Cup class, which he won on Feb. 10. The two-for-two track record speaks volumes of Nayel’s careful management of his spectacular horse.

Have a photo of a fun adventure with your horse, pony, riding club or horsey friends? We want it for our Out & About page. Please send to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , with caption info and photo credit if needed.

ADOPT ME: Available for Adoption: Amigo, a 15.2-3 hand, 16yr old, Bay Quarter Horse, gelding. Amigo is a fabulous, well trained horse to ride. He has a fabulous neck rein, will work off of leg, has a fabulous slow collected lope, & does great out on trails. If your looking for an experienced, great trail or arena gelding, then this is your guy! Came from a great home, another great home a must! To learn more please visit www.thegoodshepherdranch.com - email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 520-990-2041 for more info on this fabulous guy!

Real horse people, like Trent McGee featured in this issue, are lifelong learners. The 15 year old hunter/jumper rider is off to an early start with his horsemanship education, having already ridden in clinics with George Morris, Joe Fargis and, most recently, Richard Spooner during the USHJA Emerging Jumper Athlete Gold Star clinic. We have two reports on that, along with equally interesting clinics with German dressage master, Johann Hinnemann, and eventing’s “queen of cross-country,” Lucinda Green. Thanks to junior rider Kate Abajian and eventing professional Jessie Hargrave for contributing articles that we can all learn from.

HITS Coachella Desert Circuit Weeks I-III

Week I

The HITS Coachella Desert Circuit was near the half-way point at HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal as we went to press, with the March 18 AIG $1 Million set for the big finale. That’s the first jewel in the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping, luring riders from around the globe. Here’s a recap of the first three weeks, and check out our photo page (page 62) from the Feb. 10 Longines FEI World Cup qualifier, in which Nayel Nassar, Beezie Madden and Mandy Porter, finished 1, 2 and 3.

California Riding Magazine Event Calendar

Horse Evacuation Clinic
March 6 in Calabasas

ETI Corral 36 hosts this free presentation by Vicky Beelik and her PPI Program, which stands for “plan, prepare and implement.” A big crowd is expected so reservations are required.

For more information or to make a reservation, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

I Love Dressage ... Why? A valentine to our sport.

If February isn’t the best month to celebrate dressage, then what is? This is the month we demonstrably appreciate those we love with hearts and flowers, cards and candy, but what about our horses? Mine are dressage horses, so my thoughts turned to why I love dressage.

Christine Traurig, pictured here with Carl Hester during last year’s West Coast Dressage Convention. Photo: Kim F. Miller

After a long history based at Albert Court in Rancho Santa Fe, Christine Traurig relocates to Caballos Del Mar in Encinitas. The training facility is owned by Julie Burtech, a longtime student of Christine’s. The German-born 2000 US Olympian is moving into a newly built barn on the property, which is also home to dressage trainer Birthe Laufer.

Have a photo of a fun adventure with your horse, pony, riding club or horsey friends? We want it for our Out & About page. Please send to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , with caption info and photo credit if needed.

Avery Lambert. Photo: Tricia Booker / USHJA Archives

Avery Lambert

The USHJA’s Youth Leadership Award was presented to Avery Lambert of San Jose during the association’s December annual meeting. Twelve-year-old Avery currently competes in the large and medium-rated pony hunters, serves as an ambassador for The Paisley Pony Magazine, volunteers regularly in her community with her classmates, and holds a 4.0 GPA.

“She has demonstrated dedication to her academics and her horsemanship, and her sportsmanship, positive spirit and passion for helping others are what make Lambert the 2017 recipient of the USHJA Youth Leadership Award,” reported the USHJA press release.

Have a photo of a fun adventure with your horse, pony, riding club or horsey friends? We want it for our Out & About page. Please send to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , with caption info and photo credit if needed.