Saddle up, there’s an equestrian shindig just around the
bend.
Seven people, a horse and a pony will be recognized Saturday at
the sixth annual Equus Awards ceremony, hosted by the Sonoma County
Horse Council.
A special tribute will be paid to a man known as a life-long
supporter of the horse, horse racing, and polo, among other
things.
“In the eyes of Sonoma County equestrians, local star power
doesn’t come any brighter than Henry Trione,” said Lisa Thomas,
event coordinator. “Henry was the spark that ignited an entire
movement to create and preserve thousands of acres of local land
for future generations,” she said, referring to his role in the
creation and preservation of Annadel State Park. There are now over
20 local public parks that allow equestrian use, according to
Thomas. “People love seeing horses on the trail and thanks to local
heroes like Henry … they can, and do, every day of the year,” she
said.
Trione, a prominent developer in Sonoma County, created the Wild
Oak Subdivision near Oakmont. He also founded the Wild Oak Saddle
Club, the Wild Oak Polo Club, and is a founding member of Sonoma
County Trail Blazers, according to Thomas.
Trione joins Gwen Stockebrand, a former member of the US Olympic
Equestrian team; Veda Rose Pope, an artist, boot-maker and mule
trainer; Michael Rosenberg; Carol Barnes, and Betty Menafee in
being honored for their many contributions to the local horse
community.
Mounted Assistance patrol horse, AA-Allusion, tagged “Lu” by
those who love him, and a Howarth Park pony named Midnight, will
also be recognized at this year’s Equus Awards ceremony.
The event was created in 2004, originally to acknowledge
individuals who improve the quality of life for horses and horse
people, Thomas said. Last year, however, there was a nomination for
an outstanding horse, which was involved in a therapeutic riding
program for disabled children. “We loved the idea of awarding a
special horse, so we have since created a special award to honor a
horse each year,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Horse Council’s largest charity fund-raiser of
the year promises to be a good time with “cowboy cocktails,” a
gourmet dinner, dancing, strolling entertainers, and a silent
auction and raffle. “The awards ceremony itself is the only
occasion of the year where horse people from all disciplines get
together and party,” Thomas said. “Everyone is invited to come and
join us for a Mustang martini.”
Thus far about $10,000 worth of donations have been collected
for the auction, including a full polo set complete with a saddle,
bridle and harness; children’s riding camp packages; a variety of
equestrian art; loads of wine, and wine tours; a horse camping
trip; a $500 gift certificate to Martin’s Ranch Supply; a year’s
supply of horse treats from Friendly Feed Store; roping lessons;
riding lessons; and even a load of blue shale.
Attendees will also get a preview of the plans for an equestrian
complex to be built in Sonoma County, which will attract pleasure
and competitive riders from all over the West Coast, and should be
a boon to the local tourism industry, Thomas said.
“The Complex will include arenas for competition and places to
camp with your horses. We would also be providing an emergency
evacuation center at the complex,” she said. “Imagine we had a huge
flood or earthquake and people had to get their horses out, we
don’t have any place in Sonoma County to bring them now. It would
also be a place for youth and vocational trainings. We feel that we
will be able to attract large competitions in which thousands of
horses compete at a single event.
There are over 30,000 horses in Sonoma County. The equine
industry is the second largest local agricultural industry next to
grapes, according to Thomas.
The sixth annual Equus Awards will be held Saturday, March 13,
at the Friedman Center in Santa Rosa. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.
Tickets cost $85 and can still be purchased by calling (707)
545-6089, or online at www.SonomaCountyHorseCouncil.org.
The Sonoma County Horse Council is a non-profit organization. It
was founded in 1993 with the mission being to “Promote and preserve
the horse in agriculture, industry and recreation for Sonoma
County; Inform the public about horse community goals and projects;
support private and public equestrian facilities and to promote all
aspects of the equine industry.”
