2018 March PASO Magazine

By Dorothy
Rogers
Green grass is springing up outlining
paths, filling in the pastures while tempting
horses to snitch a taste. Sunshine is
nothing new for Central California. A
little more rain might be a topic to discuss
in your prayers.
Literary Options
Twin Rivers Ranch hosts Winter
Horse Trials on Thursday through
Sunday, March 1 to 4, featuring intro
to advanced schooling rounds. The
500-acre facility is located at 8715 N.
River Road between Paso and San
Miguel. Admission for spectators is
free. You might want to take along a
chair, warm clothes as well as some
sun protection as well as your camera
to catch the action. More info at
twinrivershorsepark.com.
Barb’s Wild Weekend
This weekend, March 2 to 4, Barb’s
Wild Weekend has been gaining
popularity. A ladies-only weekend of
reading and riding is the core for the
weekend at the lovely V6 Ranch in
Parkfield. You would be hard pressed
to meet nicer folks than the Varian
clan. The last gathering sold out early.
Be one of the fortunate women
who enjoy this experience. You’ll return
home with more friends. Barbara
be very busy, but make it a point to
meet her — she has one of the great
smiles that comes from her heart.
More info at v6ranch.com.
Fast Times
Paloma Creek in south Atascadero
will be the scene of a California
Gymkhana Association meet on
Saturdays, March 4 and 10. Sign up
is at 8 a.m. The first ride will begin at
9 a.m.
Free for spectators, pay the participants
back with your cheers. Some
horses are really encouraged by the
sound of the audience — the excitement
level raises. Kudos to those
who work tirelessly to make these
events possible. Young riders are
preparing their horses for the CA
State Championships mid-year at
Bolado Park south of Hollister. Call
Margo Abatti at 467-3535, or Vicky
Womble at 610-7778.
Refinement
Internationally known, Mike
Bridges will be here March 23-25
to conduct his Seeking Refinement
course. Riders come from far and
wide to ride with Mike in developing
a hackamore or bridle horse in
the California style. Adams Brothers
Ranch in Santa Maria once again
will be the center of energy. Gain the
directions and the fees from Peter at
peter@adambros.com.
Templeton Farms
Ever wonder what happens at
Templeton Farms on Templeton
Road? March 23-25 will find an amateur
clinic with Melissa Creswick.
Friday night sees a mandatory dinner/meeting
with the clinic scheduled
for Saturday and Sunday. Call 805-
434-1485 for information.
Hands On
Get your entry in for the Varian
Arabians Hands On Clinic April
21-22 at the historic ranch in Arroyo
Grande. Don’t let this opportunity
slip by. Arabian industry leaders Brett
and Marjie Becker, Lester Buckley
and VA’s own Jaime Hernandez and
Mike Perez will share intense insights
with you gleaned from their equine
extensive experience.
Students may work with their own
horse or work with one provided by
“Dex” nearly dances with his owner
Katrina Sanders through their paces
March 31.
Photo by Dayton Photography
VA. Check varianarabians.com for
more details. Call Angela, 805-489-
5802 to reserve your spot. You’ll be
part of an exclusive group of horse
people to gain this experience. Listen
and watch very carefully.
Down On Your Hocks
Coyote Rock Ranch Roundup
hosts hollers of “Watch that shifty
cow” at the Paso Robles Events Center
March 6-11.
Top horses and riders contend for
points in four one-day cuttings. Admission
for spectators and parking
By Millie Drum
In 1990, the Cattlemen’s Western Art show got
a modest start at the old Cooper Ranch outside of
Paso Robles. There was a gathering of only three
artists, a spouse, and a contract cowboy – artist
Larry Bees, Ernie Morris, Suzanne Williams, Larry’s
wife Jackie and cowboy Gary Williams. They decided
there was a need for a Western art show on
the Central Coast. Through the SLO Cattlemen’s
Association, the show was established and has
become a nationally renowned event drawing
huge crowds and artists from throughout the
Western states.
Whether you’re a serious or novice
collector, or just enjoy viewing
original paintings, prints and sculpture,
this show offers something for
everyone. The artists present their
art in person; welcoming interaction
with attendees. The 2018 featured
artist is Susan von Borstel. “Much like
the original old masters who painted
in caves, I work on beautiful, natural
stone; providing me with exciting and
wonderful challenges,” says Susan.
She prepares each stone with a variety of
techniques such as sand blasting, acid washing
and sealing; then paints with brushes, sponges,
Q-tips and her fingers to blend the oil paint with
the stone. Susan’s treasure hunt for a perfect
stone elicits a thrill of anticipation that motivates
her. She adds, “I want to know if the painting in
my imagination will turn out well. The patterns,
textures and colors of the piece inspire the
subject matter which usually includes animals.
Transparency is key. The stone is my guide.”
Considering there are collectors in most
states in America, China, Saudi Arabia and
Canada along with galleries that have sold
hundreds of pieces; thanks to her supportive
family and compelling love of art, she continues
to strive to create her elusive “perfect
painting.” This local show has been a consistent,
friendly and top selling venue for her.
For the list of participating artists,
details about the evening Artist Reception
on Friday, April 6 and weekend
show held on April 7 and 8 at
the Paso Robles Event Center, go to
cattlemenswesternartshow.com.
Left: Santa Fe by Daniel Hachard
Far left: Sweet Talkin by Richard Myer
30 PASO Magazine, March 2018