Halloween Fun for Riders and Horses

The Trick or Treat Safe Trail was held on Sunday, October 20. “It was such a nice family day at the San Vicente Saddle Club Halloween Treat Trail! The kids learned about safely painting their horses and dogs and then hit the trail to gather treats for both kids and horses. It was a blast,” says Michelle Kelleher, Marketing Designer for the San Vicente Saddle Club.

Riders were encouraged to dress up and were given the opportunity to paint their horses with safe, non-toxic paint before the trick-or-treating festivities began. The Saddle Club officers gave a talk about the importance of using non-toxic paints on the horses, and the children and adults had a fun time painting their horses and riding them on the trick-or-treat trail in the arena. There was candy for the riders and horse treats for the horses.

There was coloring available for the children, and a raffle was held at the end of the event. Raffle prizes included a $50 gift certificate for the Par Lounge or Oaks Grille and various themed baskets. Coffee and donuts were also available for attendees.

The Halloween Fun Show Fundraiser that was held on Saturday, October 26, started with an arena parade followed by a track parade with horses and riders in costume.

The event included non-horse classes, such as a parade and costume class; Witch’s Broom Race for ages ten and under and 11-17; Red Light, Green Light for ages six and under; and Batty Boot Race for ages 11-17. The riding classes on horseback included the Cauldron of Doom, where the rider rides around a Cauldron of Doom and drops a rubber ducky inside; Me and My Ghost Barrels, where riders and their “Ghost” partners who ride behind them compete against other groups for the fastest time; and Witches Brew where the rider either walks, or walks, trots, and lopes when prompted while carrying a cup of “witches brew.” The rider with the most brew left in their cauldron at the end of the class wins.

There were numerous fun and spooky activities and courses. There were raffle prizes and bobbing for apples for both horses and humans. Riders and their horses watched out for ghoulish characters, like witches and trolls, while participating in spooky challenges to show their skill and test their coordination and speed. The awards included Halloween goodies for horses and riders and small trophies for the class winners.

Joann Henrickle, IEC trainer since 2019, focuses on foundation training for horses and riders, which leads to a better understanding of all disciplines. “I’m part of our events committee, and we all have participated in planning this event,” says Henrickle. The fundraising benefits both equestrian facilities. They have horse corrals that need new panels and sand to help with the mud as winter approaches. They also have an extensive show schedule for 2025 and need to build obstacles and replace jumps.

Gina Rahenkamp with the Ramona Santana Riders has been participating with the club since 2008, has been on the board since 2012, and has been running it since 2014 with some good helpers. She was most excited to see the array of costumes at the event. She also emphasized the importance of this fundraiser in helping raise money for improvements at the equestrian faculties.

Tahnee Mann attended the event with her two daughters. Harper, 12, dressed as a scarecrow aboard her pumpkin patch horse, and Vida, age 9, dressed up as a kitty. “Some of Harper’s friends take lessons here and told us about the event,” says Mann. She says they plan to come to this event every year as long as they have it. She adds that there are not enough equestrian events in Ramona, and this one offers a lot of fun with a little bit of competition.

San Diego Country Estates resident Sarah Smith brought her daughter Lilah, age 12, to the horse show. She takes lessons with Letters & Lines Equestrian Riding and Training and was dressed up as Moana for the event. “She has ridden with Lauren Munoz for six years,” says Smith. Smith appreciates how this event has brought the community together and likes that the riders had an opportunity to dress up with their horses.

The Halloween horse shows were a success and remind us that every trot and gallop carry a bit of mystery and enchantment.

Photos courtesy of Tiffany Pressler.