Second annual celebration brings equestrian family fun to hundreds of cowgirls and cowboys of all ages.

Nestled in a high Sierra meadow above Donner Lake, Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center hosted a day of family fun at its second annual Wild West Fest on the Sat., Aug. 31. A crowd of more than 500 enjoyed equestrian performances, kids’ pony rides, Western-inspired activities, crafts, and games, live country music, and a tasty Western-style BBQ.

Tahoe Donner’s Equestrian Center staff and boarders put on a show for spectators to learn about the horses’ breeds, backgrounds, and talents. Back by popular demand, the Truckee Donner Junior Horsemen Drill Team performed two arena shows to the delight of the crowd. Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center in Truckee, is the place for family fun with horses every summer from June through September with horse boarding, trail and pony rides, and horsemanship camps.

For more information on the Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center, visit www.tahoedonner.com/equestrian.

Longtime Tahoe Donner Equestrian Center employee Bella Bono rode Sonny, a black Quarter Horse gelding who’s a horsemanship camp favorite. Photo: Bill Aaron

Karen Aaron, her palomino Sunshine, rescue dog Skylar, and in equestrian disguise, Tahoe Donner Equestrian Club President Susan Terrell, provided trick stunts and comic entertainment. Photo: Bill Aaron

Truckee Donner Junior Horsemen Drill Team treated spectators to an exciting performance. Photo: Nan Meek

Western band Everyday Outlaw performed for the enjoyment of everyone in the family. Photo: Tiffany Connolly

It’s never too soon to learn how to rope! Photo: Nan Meek

Pony rides – with helmets on every youngster’s head – were wildly popular. Photo: Tiffany Connolly

Wild bull riding also captured youngsters’ imaginations. Photo: Tiffany Connolly

Two young cowboys said “Howdy, Ma’am!” as they eagerly awaited their pony rides. Photo: Nan Meek