Muttshack Receives Congressional Award

“Day of the Horse 2005” at Gibson Ranch dedicated to MuttShack
for Animal Rescue in New Orleans

By Deb Baumann

Foothill Trails Neighborhood Council

The Foothill Trails Neighborhood Council’s (FTNC) “Day of the Horse, Celebrating Community” was a full day out of equestrian events and community activities starting at 9:00 AM and wrapping up well after sundown. Dale Gibson hosted the festivities at Gibson Ranch in Shadow Hills celebrated on Saturday, October 22nd. The Gibson Ranch presented roping and penning in the morning. The FTNC opened the ceremonies mid-day with a Grand Entrance and Awards Presentation followed by a range of equestrian demonstrations and activities. The day was completed in the afternoon with a costume contest for the kids, barrel racing and gymkhana.

This year’s event was dedicated to the work of Muttshack animal rescue. Amanda St John from Lake View Terrace had just returned from Muttshack animal rescues in post hurricane New Orleans to receive city and congressional recognition. California Assemblymember Cindy Montanez made the presentations to Amanda St John and Muttshack from Los Angeles City Councilperson Wendy Greuel and U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman.

It was only fitting our equestrian friends received recognition too. Special service awards were presented to Shoshone of Ravensview Ranch in La Tuna Canyon, Dusty of Dusty’s Riders from Glendale, and Durango of Wallace Ranch in Lake View Terrace.

Community riders and groups contributing to the event were the Flag Presentation by New Buffalo Soldiers, National Anthem sung by Cile Borman, Awards Presentations by Assemblymember Cindy Montañez, Compton Junior Posse (Compton), Los Charros de Rodriguez y Solis (Sylmar, Pacoima, LVT), Historic Korean Cavalry costume (LVT), Sunny Bright Ranch Peruvian Pasos (Compton), El Rancho de Cache Paso Finos (La Tuna), Los Charros de las Familias Matuz y Campos (LVT), Bobby Jones Performance Horses reining demo (Shadow Hills), Native American Buffalo Hunter (Ashlynn Lawrence, LVT), Francisco Rodriguez, Rosendo Solis trick roping Senna Ranch Paso Finos (La Tuna), “Hurricane Debbie Ryan” Barrel Racing, and entertainment Cowboy Songs by Don Dunham.

This year’s Foothill Trails Neighborhood Council Day of the Horse was co-sponsored by Vaquero Heritage Foundation and the Valley Horse Owners Association.

Photos courtesy of Steve and Carol Ford