Local Group To Showcase Equestrian Talent At Conejo Valley Days

March 28, 2011 - PRLog -- THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.--Horse lovers will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the beauty and competitive spirit of some of the finest horses in the area at the 55th Annual Conejo Valley Days (CVD), May 4 - 8 at Conejo Park South (23 Freeway, Janss Rd. exit) in Thousand Oaks.

   On Friday, May 6 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Corral 37, the Conejo Valley Chapter of Equestrian Trails, Inc. (ETI), will host timed speed events, where participants compete on horseback against the clock and each other. Known as "Gymkhana," this type of competition began in England in the 1800s.

   "The speed and agility of the competitors in amazing," says Melissa Tosch, Corral 37 Gymkhana chair. "The competition is extremely fast and adrenalin-filled. It's fun to watch." Gymkhana takes place adjacent to CVD in the main arena. It is a free event that does not require a CVD admission.

   Corral 37 will also be a big part of CVD's  three "Showdeeos," scheduled for Saturday, May 7 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 8 at 2:00 p.m.  ETI Corral 37 Conejo Riders Mounted Drill Team will open each Showdeeo (a rodeo that includes all the thrills and spills of a regular rodeo but with an emphasis on entertainment).

   The drill team is made up of riders ages 12 to adult who wear patriotic costumes and carry American flags. "The team will perform a number of coordinated maneuvers to music," says Ken Young, Corral 37 drill team chair. "Team members are practicing every week leading up to CVD."

   Corral 37 will also hold barrel-racing contests at each Showdeeo. Five riders will race around 55-gallon drums in the arena in a cloverleaf pattern. "Each timed ride takes about 15 seconds," says Tosch. "We invited the best female barrel racers in Southern California to participate." Winners will receive an official CVD belt buckle prize.

   All proceeds from contestant entry fees will be used to donate feed to California Coastal Horse Rescue, a nonprofit organization that provides care for horses that have been abused, abandoned or neglected and Ride-On, which teaches horseback riding to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities.


   "There was no one as pleased as I was to hear of CVD using the old traditions blended with the new," says Barbara Kloster, ETI Corral 37 board member and well-known Conejo Valley equestrian. "ETI Corral 37 is proud to be helping and participating in this year's CVD. We are thrilled to be able to show the Conejo Valley that the traditions of the equestrian lifestyle are alive and going strong."

   For more information about Corral 37, go to www.eti37.org. For CVD event information, go to www.conejovalleydays.org.

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Conejo Valley Days entertains 55,000 visitors each year over five days. With carnival rides, vendors, arts & crafts, live entertainment, games, food & a wonderful community spirit, it is a celebration perfect for the whole family. conejovalleydays.org