Tuesday, Aug, 4, 2009 • Reined cowhorse clinic at Lassen County Fairgrounds a hit

Publisher’s note: This story originally appeared in the Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009, edition of the Lassen County Times.

World champion reined cowhorse trainer, Sandy Collier, was the highlight of a clinic held at the Lassen County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7.  The clinic, organized by Karen Gardella and Conni Goni, was a big success.

Sandy Collier is the first and only woman horse trainer to win the prestigious National Reined Cow-Horse Association World Champion Snaffle Bit Futurity held in Reno, Nevada. She has shared her expertise and experience in reined cowhorse clinics held all over the world, including in the countries of Australia and New Zealand. The attendees were delighted they were able to attend a clinic of this level here in Lassen County. The clinic was well attended with 14 mounted participants and approximately 30 spectators.

Participants and their horses were trained in three areas including having the horse run a pattern and do intricate maneuvers, having the horse control the cow and box the cow at the end of the arena, chase it down side and make cow run in a circle and separate a cow from a herd of 10 or 12 cows and keep it away from the group for a certain amount of time. The three areas are what the horses and their owners must demonstrate at reined cowhorse shows.

The clinic attracted several participants from outside Lassen County, coming as far away as  Carson City, Reno, Los Molinos, Yuba City and Red Bluff.

The clinic showcased the fairground’s new rodeo/horse arena designed by Bud Price. Many participants commented on the quality of the arena, and how well the footing compared to and exceeded other facilities, such as the Reno Livestock Event Center arena.  Participants were also pleased with the size of the new 185 by 300 foot arena.

The clinic organizers would like to extend their gratitude to Fair Manager Jim Wolcott, Dennis Woods of Woods Ranches, Frosty Mill, Bud Price,  Maurice Goni, and the High Country Inn, for their help and support in making the clinic such a great event.

Lassen County attendees were Cathy James, Carey Cannon, Connie Goni, Rob Pyle, Jill Harris, Cori O’Brien and Karen Gardella.