Tehachapi News

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Local trainer Matt Sheridan, of Tehachapi, has been selected as one of 30 trainers for the Western States Mustang Challenge. At this event, 15 mares and 15 geldings will compete Sheridan has 90 days to work with his horse. The finals will be at the California Horse Expo in Sacramento on June 6 to 8.

Sheridan also is hosting a Horsemanship and Cattle clinics on May 30, 31 and June 1 at the Rosamond High School Arena. The cost is between $225 and $275 depending on the number of days riders participate. There's a discount if you pay 30 days in advance. There is a maximum of 20 riders. For more information contact Christy Calkins, 661-256-1344, or www.mattsheridan.net.

Trainer Jeremy Dunn of the JB Cattle Ranch/Broken Arrow in Rosamond is hosting a Fiesta ranch, roping and stock horse competition on May 3. It promises to be “tons of fun” for the novice and working cowboys. Cattle fee is $20 cattle fee and entry fee is $25. For more information, call 661-332-7249 or visit www.JBCattleCo.com.

The Lilac Ranch Riding Club (Tehachapi) has planned these dates for Horse Show/Playdays: May 17, June 22, July 26 and Sept. 20. For more information, contact Moors at (661)822-7062, or click www.lilacranchridingclub.com.

The Tehachapi Western Events Association recently had elections for two offices. Craig Hansen was re-elected treasurer and Mark Bauer was named vice-president. He replaces Charlene Bayles, who served two terms in that position.

TWEA is planning to move into a new arena in the Stallion Springs area in the coming months.

“Having our own arena is a very exciting prospect for us, as well as a major investment,” said TWEA president John Nelson. “It may take us a little longer to get our schedule set up until we have the arena ready to go. But we'll have some trail rides and trail trails probably in April to start our season.”

TWEA has scheduled a Trail & Poker Ride for April 26 in Old West Ranch. For more information, contact Nelson at 661-878-2931 or click www.tehachapiwesternevents.com.

Spit Creek Ranch (Tehachapi) continues to have cow work and roping practices on different nights. Tuesdays include roping practice and lessons; Wednesdays are sorting practices, and Tuesday and Saturday nights are greenhorn and beginning ranch work. Call Steve Pate, (661) 203-2153, for more details.

Members of the Tehachapi Mountain Dressage Club received CDS Plates for earning five or more scores of 60 percent or higher at training level or above in a single show season. The group's next monthly meeting is April 2 and it has a CDS rated Dressage Show on June 22. For more information contact Terry Quinn 661-821-6323.

There may be some tax break for horse owners in the coming year.

The Economic Stimulus Act signed into law by President Bush in February includes two tax incentives that would allow a much bigger write-off for horses and other property purchased and placed in service during 2008. 

The first incentive increases the expensing allowance for horses purchased and placed into service in 2008, from $128,000 to $250,000. This expensing allowance applies to farm equipment and most other depreciable property. Once total purchases of horses and other eligible depreciable property during 2008, reach $800,000, the expense allowance goes down one dollar for each dollar spent on eligible property over $800,000.

The second incentive brings back 50 percent first-year bonus depreciation for horses and most other depreciable property purchased and placed in service during 2008. Consult your tax professional for more details.

Don't forget, if you have any information to report on the horse community such as tack sales, upcoming events, clinics, raffles or you've won an award, contact me at (661) 878-2932, e-mail jillbn@yahoo.com. Thanks.