ROUND TOWN | HOOFBEAT & CALENDAR
By Bec Braitling
ecord-breaking heat in July and August has led me to question my predominately outdoor-based profession as a horse trainer. Being an adrenaline junkie, some winter sport like Luge sounds really appealing right now. We push on however; each day I’m impressed at how well the horses handle their ever-changing environment. Horse show season takes a step back in the hotter months, giving those of us that spend a lot of time on the road a small break. There is however still plenty going on in this fantastic area we call home. We are so lucky on the Central Coast to have some seriously talented trainers, breeders, rid-
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ers and horse enthusiasts among us. Paso Robles based miniature horse trainer Bryce Baker is one such example. He has been perfecting the art of showing horses since the 5th grade. His early years gave him experience with quarter horses which led to breaking colts, working cow horses and starting Arabians at the Ron Bechtel Training Center. Whilst working with this diverse group of horses, he refined his A to Z of all around horsemanship, allowing him to ultimately gain the knowledge and finesse it takes to work with miniature horses to make them champions. “My step by step training methods really TEACH the horse what I’m asking, using non force methods...However, they are so much like teaching a child; you have to teach the horse what is right and wrong. Always reward them when they are good and they will love their job for a long long time!” POM training center is a full
service miniature training facility. They offer a full, well-rounded system that gets horses started and finished to drive or halter for performance or pleasure. They also offer lessons in Combined Driving and even encourage joining the team at shows. Contact Bryce Baker at Piece of Me Miniatures bbakerranch@gmail.com or 559-920-6624
Nestled on a private horse ranch near Nacimiento Lake, Equine-Experience offers an unmatched opportunity to revitalize and reconnect with your potential and find your inner balance. Learn from horses and nature on how to be masters of living, thriving to the fullest, despite life’s circumstances and obstacles. If you feel ready to start to shine a brighter you there’s a fun and
transformative workshop on October 6th in Paso Robles starting at 9am til 4pm. No riding is involved and no horse experience is required. Cost is $175 per person. Lunch and snacks are included. To reserve your spot and for more info go to www.equine-experince.com or email info@equine-experience. com
Sending some good healing vibes to one of America’s leading hunter riders who ended up in hospital after a freakish accident while he was competing at Showpark Racing Festival CSI** in Del Mar. The Templeton based professional rider had just finished his round and was giving the horse a pat when suddenly the mare he was showing tripped and rolled on him, breaking seven ribs on his right side, puncturing a lung and spraining a foot. French, who
PASO Magazine, September 2018
