Bonsall riding club dazzles in drizzle

BONSALL – Despite a cold and steady drizzle that lasted most of the morning, the Bonsall-based riding club "Mudslingers" got their boots on and competed March 10 in a show at Stenerson Ranch.

Twenty-seven riders took to the saddle to compete in events such as Barrels, Birangle and Speed Ball, which requires riders to race down the arena, drop a golf ball into an orange cone and ride back. Top riders aim for a time of less than 10 seconds.

Two riders set four arena records March 10. Jenn Gosselin of Vista now holds record times in Barrels (19.275), Birangle (14.241) and Speed Ball (7.909), while Madison Locascio set a record in Figure 8 Flags (12.464).

The Mudslingers are District 22 of the California Gymkhana Association (CGA). Gymkhana is a series of games on horseback that require skill, speed and partnership from rider and mount through patterns that involve lead changes, quick turns and sliding stops.

The Mudslingers completed five out of the six planned events before the judges deemed the footing at Stenerson Ranch too wet to continue. The final pattern, Poles 2, will be run at the club's next show March 31 at 9 a.m. at Stenerson Ranch. That show will also include a gymkhana favorite called Hurry Scurry, a speed event that includes small jumps. All are welcome to come and watch, with admission and parking free. For more information, visit http://www.cgamudslingers.com.

Following is a list of High Point (first place) and Reserve (second place) winners from the March 10 show. Divisions go from highest (AAA) to lowest (FC).

AAA

High Point: Madison Locascio (Tehachapi) on Travelin Bikini Bar

Reserve: Jenn Gosselin (Vista) on Suzy

AA

High Point: Malia Nixon (Bonsall) on Felix

Reserve: Marlene Friebe (Bonsall) on L'il Bit O' Pixie Dust

A

High Point: Alana Jordan (Fallbrook) on Ghost Ryder

Reserve: Grace Garrabrant (Vista) on Partner

FC

High Point: Kayden Burns (Fallbrook) on Penny

Reserve: Tamson Greenwood (Vista) on Arrow