This Sunday marks the first in a series of all-breed western horse shows hosted by Los Vaqueros de Las Montañas, Big Bear’s local riding club that was formed back in 1946. Horse shows at the Los Vaqueros Arena, located at the eastern-most end of Big Bear Boulevard in Big Bear City, begin at 10am on May 17, June 14, July 12 and August 16. Each of these horse shows, as well as Los Vaqueros Saddle Series Gymkhana (the first of which is May 30) are free to the public and spectators are welcome (there is, however, a fee to riders who participate). In addition to shows at their arena, the riding club is also offering horsemanship classes for youth, through a special partnership with the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District. As Los Vaqueros’ Suzanne Hodges tells KBHR, “The kids will get to be around horses, learn how to behave around them, plus groom them. They’ll also get a junior membership with the club and they’ll get to ride, and they don’t even need to have a horse.” Los Vaqueros will provide horses for the new Rec and Park program, which will be offered to both boys and girls, ages 12 to 15. The four horsemanship classes, offered every other Thursday starting June 18, are available to youth at a cost of $25, though Los Vaqueros will also make scholarship opportunities available—as well as a graduation BBQ for all involved. For more information on shows and gymkhanas at Los Vaqueros Arena, visit LosVaquerosRidingClub.com; for information on the horsemanship program for 12-15-year-olds, visit BigBearParks.com or call 866-9700.
