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A group
of Paso Fino Owners from the Antelope Valley, Cali-fornia, drove
several hours to the Northwest to attend the 2008 Trail Blazer
Festival which took place at the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa
Barbara, California, November 14-16, 2008. Santa Barbara is called
the “American Riviera” and is a lush, sun-drenched seaside city
between Los Angeles and San Francisco, California.
Guest Speakers & Judges
John Lyons & Linda Tellington-Jones
with Maddy Fischbein
The Festival had many speakers, exhibits
and other events. One of the events participated in by Rocky
Mountain, Paso Fino, American Saddlebred, Icelandic, Kiger Mustang,
Mangalarga Marchador, Morgan, Arabian, BLM Mustang, Quarter Horse,
Peruvian and Tennessee Walker horses was the “Battle of the Breeds,”
which was a unique trail competition held between a select group of
horses that were nominated by the participating breeds. The
competition involved a wide array of obstacles and circumstances
that would test the true trail skills and manners of a trail horse.
The course was designed very professionally and in a safe manner.
There was a judge placed at each obstacle – you will recognize two
of the judges: John Lyons and Linda Tellington-Jones.
Friday evening was the Adult Competition beginning at 6:00 p.m., and
we were there to cheer on our own Jennifer Fisher. As we
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waited for each of the 12 breeds of horses to be called to the start
of the competition, and the winners’ scores and times to be
computerized. Alas, third place a Peruvian, second place a
Quarter Horse, and first place our Grand National Champion Trail
Horse, La Suena de Cardinal owned and ridden by Jennifer Fisher of
Clovis, California., Our cheers rattled the entire arena, and we are
bursting with pride at the wonderful accomplishments of this pair.
On to Saturday evening which was the
Youth Competition. Taking part in the youth portion of the event
were 8 breeds: Peruvian, Quarter Horse, Mangalarga Marchador,
Tennessee Walker, Arabian, Rocky Mountain, Appaloosa, and Paso Fino
horses. Although we were not present Saturday evening, we waited
with baited breath to hear how our Paso Fino entry placed in the
youth competition. Sunday morning – amazingly wonderful news. Our 11
year old youth rider, Madeleine Fischbein of Ojai, California,
aboard Calypso RSVP, an 18 year old gelding owned by Susan Osborn of
Auberry, California, took first place in the youth competition.
Maddy got to ride around the arena hand-in-hand with the famous John
Lyons. Now isn’t that something to be proud of!!!!!!! Calypso is
also the California State Horseman’s Association Trail Trials
Champion for 2008.
Winners Jennifer Fisher & Maddy Fischbein |
