Equestrian Committee

The Sheriff's Department will be utilizing the equestrian arena on Saturday and Sunday, June 28th and 29th, 2008 for a joint mounted officer training. Some officers may be staying overnight with their horses and trailers, but that will be kept to a minimum.

Spring has sprung a little early and equestrians are eagerly out and about riding the meadow trails. Spring flowers are everywhere. Such a change from last year's dull brown. Donna Christensen is already working on our next Adventure Ride which will take place outside of Meadowview. Paula Peterson is organizing a Spring Ride and checking the celestial charts to plan our next Moonlight Ride. There is also interest in a Breeds Clinic designed for horse owners and non-horsey people alike to familiarize residents with the different horse breeds, colors, and riding disciplines. We hope to have a small picnic and/or refreshments with this clinic. Others have expressed a desire to have a professional trainer come to Meadowview Clinic. By the time you read this we may have already had our March meeting, but our April meeting will be on April 17th. Please come and give your input on events. Otherwise, Our meetings are combined so whether you have a horse or not, there is always a need for new faces and ideas for Equestrian, Social, and Seeing Green Committees. WE LOVE VOLUNTEERS!!

One round pen at Buena Suerte will be moved pending approval of its new location. There is a desire for a third round pen as well. The Board will entertain this idea but the catch is that members will have to donate to finance it. If you are interested in making a donation, please let Jan Austin (janaustin@verizon.net or 695-2043) or the office know. Stakes will be planted at both the Buena Suerte alternate location and the third pen location. This process has been delayed due to rains.

Update: Two areas have been marked so that residents can view them. One is the round pen alternative near Buena Suerte. It is a little hard to find as it is past the tree and to the right. Go up the small hill and you will see it. The other area that has been marked is off of Via Norte near Paseo Sereno. This would be a potential site for a third round pen.

Happy Trails!

Howdy Meadowview Equestrians! (Fall 2007)

Another summer has sped by---The meadow has been full of riders in the early evenings, always a welcome sight!

In May we enjoyed our 3^rd “Adventure Ride” again organized by Donna Christensen. Twelve riders took their horses to Rancho Penasquitos Nature Preserve for an eight mile ride. The trails there offered a good amount of shade, riding under a canopy of oaks. There were several spots where the trail crisscrossed a small stream where the horses could drink and cool their feet. The ride was tons of fun and Donna is already planning for the next big adventure!

The next day, after the ride, many of the participants got together for a roadside cleanup. We cleaned the area north of Via Norte between Paseo Sereno and Avenida Centenario. The Committee likes to call that area Windsong Valley and the vista point on top of the hill, Windsong Point. Check it out. The view is spectacular.

Speaking of spectacular-The August full moon ride was attended by ten riders. The moon rose a deep orange and lit the meadow like daylight (almost). We were met in the Meadow by Jamie Witt, Loretta Bush and son with a cooler of frozen moon pies and cold water. Very refreshing!

Our annual October Harvest Play Day will be on Sunday, October 21st. This year it is a joint Social/Equestrian Committee event and is always fun for the whole community. Last year we had a great turn out of both equestrians and spectators. Be sure and come for the Harvest Play Day events, including traditional classes like walk/trot/canter as well as fun events like the egg and spoon race. Enjoy refreshments and a picnic at around noon. Watch the kids (and adults) dress in costume and see how artfully their horses show off their own spooky attire. Spectators are also encouraged dress up.

If you are looking for someone to ride with or just teach you the trails, email Paula, paulasue22@msn.com and I will help to match you up with a guide. We are a fun, friendly group!

Happy Trails

Howdy Neighbors, (Summer 2007)

Well, summer is here and the equestrian members have already been busy. On May 31st, we had an impromptu Once in a Blue Moon moonlight ride. Due to the short notice the riders were few and the weather was a bit windy and cool, but the Blue Moon was fantastic. Some riders braved the 55 degree temperatures and rode until almost midnight. Our moonlight expert, Paula Peterson promises that we will have a little more advance notice next time.

Two new round pens were recently added in the Meadow. These were at the request of many horse owners who noted that although we love our Arena near Day School, some have to either trailer or ride for 30 minutes or more to get there. The new round pens will allow many more to make use of our wonderful meadow. Already, volunteers have offered to add to these areas with sitting for humans, tie ups and saddle racks for horses, and native plants. Please note that these exercise areas are for Meadowview residents only and be courteous when using them. If others are waiting, turnouts should be limited to 15-20 minutes. Do not ever leave your horse unattended.

The Posse is Here... Meadowview resident Terry Scanlon, a member of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Posse Unit, made a very nice presentation to the Board and received a unanimous vote of "aye" for having the Posse use the Meadowview Arena and trails for training this all volunteer group. An added benefit for Meadowview is that we will have an on site presence of the Posse for patrolling the neighborhood. The Posse can call in the Temecula Police if any suspicious activity is spotted. If you see them be sure to stop and say hello. More information can be found on the Meadowview Equestrians Website.

The Kahwea Trail was recently completed, allowing a complete loop around Meadowview. Great views can be enjoyed from this trail which runs between Kahwea and Avenida Reposo, from the gate at Kahwea to Via Norte. This trail is fun for riders, walkers, and runners.

Reminder Note: The water road that runs through Meadowview is not a trail. Please do no use it as such.

Hopefully this year will not be as hot as last year and since we only had 1.77 inches of rain at my house since I received my weather station for Christmas, be aware that the Meadow will be dustier and more fire prone than usual. Be vigilant about reporting problems and remember, the Meadow WILL be green again.

41050 Avenida Verde

Temecula, CA 92591

951-676-4429 Fax: 951-695-2409

The Sheriff's Department will be utilizing the equestrian arena on Saturday and Sunday, June 28th and 29th, 2008 for a joint mounted officer training. Some officers may be staying overnight with their horses and trailers, but that will be kept to a minimum.