Newsletter of the
Golden State Versatility Ranch Horse Association
AUGUST 2025
Letter from the Editor
Dear Golden State Members,
Our horse show dry spell is over! We have Golden State Shows coming up! The ever-popular Central Coast Ranch Horse Classic is scheduled for August 8-10. Clinicians Sarah Clifford and Bobby Cotta will present unique opportunities for learning. There are some special class awards and division prizes. Details in this issue.
With permission from his owner, the horse that left during the ground tie in Amarillo is identified-read on. I’ve included beautiful pictures from members Renee Jackson and Bev Sparrowk just because they are beautiful and it’s nice to be reminded that ranch things are still done in the old ways on the YP and at Sparrowk Livestock. It’s nice to remember the heritage of our sport. And the quote of the month reminds us to make room in our lives for memories.
If you know the editor, you know how spot on this is!
Staying Fit for Riding
Monterey Physical Therapist to Speak at Carmel Valley Trail & Saddle Club
Saturday, August 2
5:00 PM
Trail & Saddle Club Clubhouse
Gage Banks MSPT, MTC, CFMT, FFMT, FFAOMPT
Conversation with Physical therapist Gage Banks regarding staying fit for riding– Q&A as well.
Light refreshments provided. Beer and wine available by donation.
REGISTER NOW!
$5 in advance, $10 at the door
Unique Clinics Available at the, Central Coast Ranch Horse Classic
Limited to 20 participants, sign up now!
Join trainer and AQHA Professional Horseman Sarah Clifford for a unique clinic experience! In “Ride the World” participants will learn the individual features of a challenging Ranch Riding pattern that includes rope handling skills. This pattern was used at the recent AQHA VRH World Show in Amarillo. At the clinic conclusion, each participant will be able to “ride the World pattern” and have Sarah judge their go.
Noted Cutting trainer and exhibitor Bobby Cotta, a CCRHC favorite clinician, will present a useful and informative clinic entitled “Herd Help Skills & Making the Cut.” When asked to be herd help, often we hesitate for fear of doing the wrong thing or simply not knowing how to do the right thing and when. Bobby will explain the how’s and why’s and make us all more confident and better herd help. We know that many cutting rounds are won or lost when ‘making the cut.’ It is critical to a score producing run. Join Bobby in learning how to put those plus points in the ‘herd work’ column of your score sheet. At the conclusion of this clinic, you will be a both better helper and a better competitor!
Stealthy Trail Horse Identity Revealed
Gucci Really Tried!
In our last issue, it was reported that an unnamed trail horse had issues with the loose cattle stalking him in the ground tie at the AQHA VRH World Show. After having loped through the herd not once, but twice, he had had it! “No Mom, I’m out of here.” Forty-Seven penalty points later (did we know there were that many?) owner Josie Driscoll, slow walking after him, caught up with Maximum Dream affectionately known as “Gucci.”
CCRHC Awards
Old Favs and New Favs to Be
Every first-place winner (except Youth who will get Amazon Gift Cards) will receive a bottle of Galante “Kick Ass Red” (value $38), two etched wine glasses and a bag made from feed sacks custom made by Susan Bancroft.
AQHA division champions will get a customized buckle with their name, or their horse’s name inscribed on it. Obviously delivered after the show. They will also receive a bottle of Galante “Grand Champion” valued at $300! Reserve champions will receive a lovely set of spur straps.
Western States Division Champions (adults) will receive a bottle of Galante “Grand Champion” and a portion of the $1500 in prize money sponsored by Golden State VRH and the Carmel Valley Trail & Saddle Club. Reserve Champions will receive custom key chains made by master braider Brad Tarp.
Jr. Horse, Select, and Limited Open will each receive a beautiful cowhide covered photo album.
Ranching Heritage Champion will receive a stable sheet and a $100 cash prize from Sparrowk Livestock.
Dry All Around class winners will receive a bottle of “Kick Ass Red” and the Dry All-Around will receive prize money.
If the awards aren’t quite enough for you, consider that there will be a fun “Social” Saturday night with wines donated from Bernardus and some finger foods. Hosted by Amy Larson and Clifford Horse Training.
Be there!
Doing It the Old Way
Images from the Y6 and Bar One Cattle Company
These photos are evocative and timeless.
Clifford and Clifford
Taking on the Notoriously Difficult Salinas
The bridle horse classes at the California Rodeo are notorious for being extra special difficult. Even the day parking is hard—on the street behind the Rodeo Grounds. The saddling? On the sidewalk on the street behind the Rodeo Grounds. The footing? Historically awful and that part never changes. The cattle? Big and tough. The show venue? The old racetrack, narrow and short; as a result, figure of 8’s are tough, stopping is tough (footing!), and you better make it around that corner with alacrity as that end marker is oh so close!
These two women threw their hats in the ring and entered. Rachel Clifford in the Non-Pro and Sarah in the Open. They both had very solid runs and, despite not making the finals (Rachel was 5th, just one out of the finals), they made us all proud with praiseworthy runs. Congratulations ladies for doing a difficult thing with skill and grace. Winning is stepping in the pen.
Marketplace
BEMER THERAPY: Carmel Clinic And Show-Goers, please come celebrate my new business and treat your horse to a BEMER session to improve blood circulation and muscle recovery. I am offering BEMER therapy for $30/session. Locations and sign-ups will be posted at the showgrounds in Carmel Valley August 8-10.
Jen Harden BEME.me.up.jen@gmail.com
New tires, new floors, new electrical, recently serviced.
Best offer. Paula 831-915-6560
Got Extra Stuff?
Remember the Marketplace
Just a reminder about a feature exclusively for Golden State members. If you have something to sell, are in search of something (ISO), or just like to shop, we hope the Marketplace will work for you. A few guidelines:
- Submit your ad to JumperDawn@aol.com
- Wording of ad limited to four areas of information. Item, brief description, cost, contact information. Example: Ranch Saddle. Bob’s 16 ½ seat, fully engraved, good condition. $2500. Call Ann at 123-456-7890. Or ISO 2 horse LQ. Slant load with generator. Call Ann at 123-456-7890.
- You may list anything you like as long as it’s ranchy! Clothing, saddles, chinks, equipment, trailers, ranches, etc. Horses only if they belong to you.
- Ads will run one month. To continue, must be resubmitted.
- “In Step With Golden State” retains the right to edit or reject ads that don’t fit the guidelines.
Quote of the Month
Never miss a good chance to make great memories.
2025 Calendar
Show Dates
For more information, click here to view the complete calendar in a new window
| Date | Name | Location | Show Rep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 8-10 | Central Coast Ranch Horse Classic | Carmel Valley, CA | Meghan Carr |
| August 15-16 | Ranch Rendezvous | Woodland, CA | TBD |
| Sept 11-14 | Ranch Spectacular | Corning, CA | TBD |
| Oct 16-19 | WSVRHA: 2025 Championship Show | Winnemucca, NV | Harlee Burtschi |