Equine expo showcases local talent, expertise
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Avila’s Pro Shop specializes in the finest equipment around for horse trainers and exhibitors. The company is well-known all over the country and internationally. Recently, owners Joel and Lynn Gleason sent two horse bits to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Joel also plans to hit all the major horse shows in Oklahoma City, Okla., and Scottsdale, Ariz., with his trailer full of merchandise and expertise that spans decades.
“If they need it, we have it,” Joel said.
But few in the area know about the Gleason’s company, headquartered in Pablo.
Making people aware of this trough of knowledge and experience in the Mission Valley was at the heart of the equine expo held May 5 at the Lake County Fairgrounds.
“This is a first-ever for Ronan,” said Sjaan Vincent, vice-chair of Friends of the Fairgrounds. “This event showcases local industry, and hopefully connects people interested in horses and the people that can mentor that. We have a tremendous amount of talent here and we need to shop at home.”
The expo included 30-minute showcases featuring different disciplines such as cowboy mounted shooting, western dressage, ranch horse roping and an ultimate trail challenge. It was an event designed to bring horse enthusiasts and professionals together.
It was also a chance to let the public know that the arena at the fairgrounds is permanent and available for use.
“This is a community arena and we are really encouraging people to use it,” Vincent said, adding that before last year, when the permanent arena was put in place, it was hard to utilize the area for horse events. Now all individuals and families need to do is pay a small fee to reserve their events. The cost is $5 for individuals, $10 for families and $25 for a year membership.
“We wanted to make it very affordable for people,” she added.
“This is an effort to let people know we have a permanent arena. The arena is here and available,” said Martha McClure with the Southwest Youth Rodeo Association.
McClure said the association currently has 20 youth members is always looking for more.
“Rodeo is a hard sport to get into; it’s an expensive sport, but we are here to help kids get into it,” she said.
“It’s our culture; it’s the Western thing. This is a typical example of what we have here, but you wouldn’t know,” Vincent said.
