Vol 6 No 9

Letter from the Editor

Dear Golden State Members,

In this issue we have some horse show pictures, some results, and promos for upcoming shows. We’re also shining the spotlight on an ambitious Youth member. We’ll go back in time and discover how the TB Swaps was saved and went on to be a prominent sire in the breed. Also, see how one member said “thank you” in a very special way.

It won’t be long before the days will be getting much shorter, the horse’s coats will be getting long, and we’ll be dragging out the winter blankets. Before that happens, do make plans to attend the Western States Championship Show in Winnemucca. Details in this issue.

Let’s finish 2025 strong! See you in Winnemucca!

Dawn Poston
Editor

Send comments, concerns, & ideas to JumperDawn@aol.com

Golden State Youth Applies to AQHA Program

Joy Aldrich

Joy has always been a fierce competitor in the Golden State Youth classes. Recently she and her family relocated from Carmel Valley to Kelseyville, California. She also has been busy applying to the AQHA for their development program. In her own words:

I have something exciting to share! Over the past three months I’ve been putting together my application for the 2026 AQHA young horse development program! Today I finally submitted my application and I am now waiting to hear if I get accepted or not! Thanks so much to Sarah Clifford and Sara Maguire for writing my letters of recommendation and thank you to mom Malia Aldrich for helping me with everything else!

Click here to see her complete application video essay on YouTube.

Largest CCRHC Ever!

74 Horses Entered

What a weekend it was! So many new faces along with the old. The Golden State Dry All Around is taking hold and probably responsible for many of the new faces. The weather was beautiful, campers were happy, the social was very social, and the competition fierce. Good clinics, good cattle, good judging. It was quite the amazing show. Kudos to first time Show Manager Cathy Trifilo for executing so well (you know her beautiful daughter Elizabeth Iandoli from Golden State Shows). Cow Boss Alison Reese recruited Bill Sanguinetti to settle the cattle and help in the cow pens, so the between the two, cattle were great. Club Grounds person Jessie Smoot kept the arenas groomed, ground good. Jack Galante of Galante Vineyards donated over $5000 worth of wine so every first place (adult) winner in Western States, AQHA, Ranching Heritage and Golden State received a bottle of “Kick Ass Red” and two etched glasses. All division winners received a bottle of “Grand Champion.” Please, everyone, if you drink wine, consider thanking Galante Vineyards with your patronage. They do online sales and Christmas is coming:  galantevineyards.com

Western State Champions

Jeannie McDevitt Knows How to Say, “Thank You” With Style

Old Favs and New Favs to Be

Jeannie (and Tank) sent the following message and picture to Jack Galante of Galante Vineyards to thank him for his sponsorship of the CCRHC. She’s got style and class!

Tanks A Million and Jeannie McDevitt would like to thank you for your generous sponsorship at the Central Coast Ranch Horse Classic. Tank and Jeannie were the AQHA Limited Amateur Champions. Tank is a 12-year-old Quarter Horse gelding owned by Jeannie for 8 years.

 

We appreciate your kindness and support of our sport.

 

Jeannie McDevitt & Tanks A Million

Last Event of the Season!

WSVRHA Championship Show

Scheduled for October 16-19, the WSVRHA Championship Show will be two WSVRHA shows, two AQHA VRH shows, and a Ranching Heritage Show. Cynda Rice is again in charge of awards and that means they’re going to be great! Noted judge Bozo Rogers (and another judge TBA) will be filling out those score card columns. There will be an Open, Amateur and Youth Ranch on the Rail and at least $5000 in prize money overall. Winnemucca is a fun little town, and the event center is great with two climate-controlled indoors and airy, new stabling. If you have attended 3 WS shows, you qualify! See you there!

Did You Know Swaps Broke His Leg? Twice?

A Sling Saved Him for Breeding

This is an original 1956 photo of a drawing by artist Eric Miller who visited Swaps’ stall at Garden State Park to sketch the special sling sent by Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons to trainer Mesh Tenney holding the 1955 Kentucky Derby winner’s left hind leg off the ground.

In October, while training for the Washington, D.C. International at Garden State Park, Swaps fractured his leg in two places: in his left rear cannon bone, then a week later banged his leg in his stall, breaking his cast, and extending the fractures into his pastern joint.

Sunny Jim Fitzsimmons, the trainer of Nashua, sent him a special sling from Belmont Park. He initially had to be raised and lowered every 45 minutes and trainer Mesh Tenney stayed with the horse and performed the function for the first 36 hours.

In November 1956, despite losing 300 pounds during the ordeal, Swaps beat the odds and jogged away from his ordeal and was saved for stud duty. According to Jockey Club records, Swaps sired 258 winners (60.0%) and 35 stakes winners (8.1%) from 430 named foals.

That sling effected Thoroughbred breeding and racing in a powerful way.

The Ranch Horse Spectacular

Last Qualifying Show, Be There!

All Breed, AQHA, WSVRHA, GSVRHA, and WRHA sanctioned. Jackpot payouts in every class and All-Around awards to the top three in each division. A 3-year-old futurity and a 4- & 5-year-old maturity! This show has it all.

The Rolling Hills Casino Equestrian Center is a competitor favorite with two indoor arenas, two outdoor arenas, nice stalls and RV hook ups. Restaurant, hotel and gas within ¼ mile. It’s always fun to attend a show in Corning. Hope to see you there.

Pictures from the Watsonville and Winnemucca July Shows

Golden State Increases Payout Monies to Show Producers

Marketplace

Retired Horse Boarding, Mid Carmel Valley

Feed and clean, supplements fed if bagged. Large, flat Paddocks with shelter, approximately 40’ wide x 130’ deep with well-draining soil. Additional turn out area available. $600 per horse. Call Carol 831-214-4223.

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