News.bytes Extra, issue 424

BLM at Equine Affaire 2010

Horse enthusiasts from around the world got to see the skills of trainers and mustangs alike at the recent Equine Affaire in Pomona. BLM’s Ridgecrest Corrals coordinated the appearances from its pavilion booth.

Leading off, Gavin Jordan, former participant in the first Extreme Mustang Challenge in Texas, brought his mustang Pockets to the arena spotlights for a 15-minute demonstration. Sandi Anderson, who had trained Outback Jack for the 2008 Western States Mustang Challenge – and adopted him – rode Outback Jack over jumps while carrying an American flag as a narrator briefed the audience about BLM’s Wild Horse & Burro program. (story continues below)

Gavin Jordan and Pockets carry the wild horse and burro flag during their demonstration.

In the booth, Gunnery Sergeant Pete McConnell, United States Marine Corps Color Guard answered questions about the Marine Corps and its mustangs. Later, McConnell and Art DiGrazia were interviewed about the program by Tom Seay on RFD TV’s “Best of America by Horseback.”

Pockets helps give a clipping demonstration

Left to right: Noël Stephens of the BLM's California Desert District, BLM volunteer/trainer Karen Lowe, Robert Pawelek of the BLM's Ridgecrest Field Office, Gunnery Sgt. Pete McConnell, Art DiGrazia of the BLM's Ridgecrest Regional Wild Horse and Burro Facility, Stacy Peters of the BLM's Ridgecrest Regional Wild Horse and Burro Facility.

Left to right BLM Art DiGrazia, Tom Seay (Best of America by Horseback, RFD TV) Gunnery Sgt. Pete McConnell

Equine Affaire in Pomona, CA: http://www.equineaffaire.com/california/index.html

- Stacy Peters, BLM Ridgecrest Regional Wild Horse and Burro Facility, March 2010

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 424