Bonsall Riding Club resumes after fires, floods

BONSALL – Bonsall riding club "CGA Mudslingers" resumed shows at the end of January at Stenerson Ranch in Bonsall. The ranch, which had served as an equine evacuation center during the fires in December, only to turn to mud after January rains, opened its arena again and welcomed the Mudslingers for a Jan. 28 show.

Twenty-four riders from North County San Diego as well as counties extending to Kern County in central California competed in gymkhana (or "games on horseback") events such as Figure 8 Flags and Speed Ball, iconic gymkhana games that require both speed and skill from horses and riders.

The Mudslingers are District 22 of the California Gymkhana Association (CGA) and one of only two CGA clubs in San Diego County.

Bonsall riders Luke Benton, Sophie Lawler-Ehr and Malia Nixon either won or placed in their divisions, as did Fallbrook riders Jessica Heatherly and Alexandra Kidd-Dragula.

Following is a list of first- and second-place riders in their divisions. Divisions go from highest to lowest:

AAA

High Point (First Place): Jenn Gosselin on Suzy, Vista

Reserve (Second Place): Romy Linglet on Gigi, Oceanside

AA

High Point: Jessica Heatherly on Clyde, Fallbrook

Reserve: Malia Nixon on Felix, Bonsall

A

High Point: Luke Benton on West Dakota, Bonsall

Reserve: Alexandra Kidd-Dragula on Brown Cow, Fallbrook

FC

High Point: Sophie Lawler-Ehr on Lost My Halo, Bonsall

Reserve: Stephanie Locascio on Scotty, Tehachapi

Prizes included engraved stirrups, blue-and-gold braided halters and a variety of colors of lead ropes as well as participation prizes for all riders and horses.

The Mudslingers' next show will be Feb. 10 at Stenerson Ranch in Bonsall. A full schedule can be found at http://www.cgamudslingers.com. All are welcome to attend.