BVS Mule and Horse show

Bear Valley Springs Horseman's Association held their Annual Mule and Horse show August 4, 5, and 6. This is the second largest show in California with contestants coming from Northern and Southern California and even Flagstaff, Az. One of the reasons the show is so popular is the lovely setting of BVS equestrian center and the beautiful campgrounds they camp in with their horses and mules.

The show managers this year were Debbie Humphreys and Judy Walsh with Sue Wonacott the show secretary. Without all the wonderful volunteers led by Joni Hensche the show would be impossible. It takes many man hours and preparation to create this show every year. Everyone works so hard for its success.

On Friday, Aug. 4 we did jumping classes featuring Hunters and Jumpers for both horses and mules

On Saturday, Aug. 5, we started with Halter classes, then Pleasure classes, and finished with Trail classes.

On Sunday Aug. 6, we did jumpers, pleasure, and after a break came a new event...Packing classes which were a huge hit. This is a timed event where the owner has to pack the mule as if going on a pack trip like they do in the Bishop area. Talk about hands that can move with the speed of light. And the mules just stood there so quietly while the hands tug and pulled on the packs to make sure they were tight.

After lunch, the Gymkhana classes are always a lot of fun and excitement. These are timed events where donkeys and mules alike race around barrels, keyholes and cloverleafs and whoever is the fastest wins. It is always so much fun for me to watch those big ears(the donkeys are even bigger than the mules) flap and flop in the wind.

We want to thank our sponsors of the show also as without them we could not have the money to pay for the show.

It was an event to remember and always looked forward to every year.