Annual Poker Ride registration starts
By Kat Smith-Pascarella
It’s time for San Vicente Saddle Club’s annual Poker Ride, a fun, “can’t miss” event for equestrians.
The event has grown over the past few years, and, organizers said, offers some excellent trail riding, a fabulous catered barbecue lunch, a drawing with some really awesome prizes, a silent auction, and a chance to win some cash with a winning poker hand.
The event will be on Saturday, May 15, in the International Equestrian Center in the San Diego Country Estates, 16911 Gunn Stage Road. While it’s a month away, Saddle Club members want equestrians to mark the date on their calendars and receive a discount by registering early.
The International Equestrian Center has plenty of room for hauling in horses and parking. Check-in will be at 9 a.m. and the first group will ride out at 9:30. There will be different groups of varying skills and speed, so participants are encouraged to get there on time to ensure participation in the groups that work best for them and their mounts.
The trail system in the San Diego Country Estates is considered one of the best in the area and brings equestrians from all over. The weather for the event has been historically gorgeous, a reminder of the beauty of the Ramona area. The wildflowers have begun to bloom and should be in their full glory by the 15th. The region boasts many different colors and varieties of wildflowers that are described as breathtakingly beautiful.
The cost of the event is $30 per participant, for registering by May 7. Included is lunch, two opportunity drawing tickets and one poker hand. Additional tickets, poker hands and lunches (for non-riders) may be purchased as well.
While entrants may register on the day of the event for $35, advance registration is strongly encouraged since the event is limited to 85 participants. It should fill up fast, so visit www.sanvicentesaddleclub.com or call 760-789-1332 or 760-789-7665 for the registration form or for more information.
Riders under the age of 18 MUST wear a helmet, no bareback riding is permitted and ponied horses are not allowed with the groups. A release form is required for all participants and will be available on the day of the event.