In 1968, 69, and 70 I competed in three NATRC CTR’s in Santa Barbara County. I enjoyed the experience, took third and two seconds in my division. The last year I decided my busy lifestyle did not allow the time to satisfactorily condition my horse.

    However, I thought a similar scaled down one-day event might interest LVR. I brought it before the board with a NATRC Rider’s Manual, Judge’s Manual, and Organization Manual. They were enthusiastic, formed a committee, and presented the first LVR CTR in 1972. I acted as advisor and judged. Divisions offered were 17 and under and 18 and over. The entry fees were $3.50 for members and $4.50 for non-members. There were 35 entries, we considered it a success and ran with the idea.

    In 1977, Sandie Daegas was chairperson with myself, Kathy Grbac, and two others forming a committee. In 1980, Joe and Shirley Leonard joined the committee. Sandie moved away in 1990, then Kathy, Joe, Shirley, and I became co-chairs through to this year.

    It takes about fifty people to put this event on.

    Judges and assistants (at about 15-16 obstacles) make up 30-32. They enjoy working this event and are glad to come back. Except for four or five, most are not LVR members. They volunteer their time (all day!), their only pay being a good BBQ and our thanks for a job well done. Though on rare occasions I’ve had to “have a little talk” with a judge, I’ve only “fired” three through all these years (I’m in charge of judges).

    All the work crew are not members. The work crew, 17 to 20 people, consists of chairs, drag riders, truck drivers, office help, BBQ crew. Four or five others help the chairs do the HEAVY WORK of marking and setting up the ride on Saturday and taking everything down after the ride on Sunday. The only club members who do the HARD WORK of pre-riding setting up taking down are the chairs, drag riders and BBQ crew. The others who help are family and friends who help because WE NEED IT….

    Through the years we have learned a lot and have upgraded this event to a high level. Starting with two divisions: Juniors and 18 & Over. Then three: Junior, Novice, and 18 & Over. Then four: Junior, Novice 34 and under, and Novice 35 and older, and 18 & Over changed to Open Division. Since Novice is limited, we eliminated the divided age and added the Intermediate Division. Lastly we have added Novice Short Course Division. We feel we have created five divisions that appeal to riders of all levels of skill and different persuasions, plus we welcome “Pleasure Riders.” Awards were not expensive at first, but as the complexity of our ride increased, we felt the riders earned better awards which are now silver buckles (at $130 each) to the top horse/rider of each division except Novice Short Course and other awards are given to tenth place. Though we increased the cost of our awards, LVR CTR has become the main fundraiser for the club averaging a profit of $1500 to $2000 with 70-80 entries.

Times have changed- from 10-12 ranches in Lompoc area on which we could ride, to two. Original owners retired, sold or parceled off their properties, leased others out-  the public is no longer allowed. Some ranches still allow us day rides or campouts for members only- but no “Open” events.

What is the point…?

   Last, but not least, our lifestyles have changed. We no longer have the time it takes to put on a successful event and ya know what? After all these years we are tired and done with the LVR CTR.

So- this will be the last LVR CTR as we have developed it.

    Some ideas are in the works for a different ride on a lower scale with different management. We will be glad to help as advisors- but that will be the extent of our involvement.

Hopefully- we’ll see y’all there too!!!

Adios,

Elly Robb, CTR Co-chair and

CTR Co-chairs: Kathy Grbac, Joe and Shirley Leonard.