The Bear Valley Springs Pony Club is again sponsoring the annual Mule, Donkey and Horse Show. This year's show will take place on Aug. 2, 3 and 4, at the Bear Valley Springs Equestrian Center, 26800 Bear Valley Rd., Tehachapi. It's the second largest mule and donkey show in the state and being a sanctioned show by the American Mule Association, the show draws competitors from California, Nevada, Arizona and beyond.

The show management team reviewed comments from last year's show and made some changes so this year's show will run more smoothly. One major change is the addition of more judges. This allows several disciplines to show concurrently.

We have expanded the prizes to include a trophy saddle to be awarded to the Overall High Point – Owner to Ride. Pam Wildermuth is again graciously donating portraits of winners. Buckles, "swag bags" with equine products, ribbons and other goodies will be awarded, too.

The show is structured to highlight different disciplines each day. Friday features English events: pleasure, equitation, hunters and jumpers. The day will start with horse-only classes, the mule and donkey classes follow.

Saturday is mule and donkey western day: pleasure, reining and ranch riding. During the lunch break on Saturday we will have a showcase of some of the Oak Creek Horses that have been adopted and trained for various tasks. The day concludes with gymkhana events for some speed and excitement.

Sunday is going to be exciting. It starts with halter mule and donkey classes and youth showmanship. Driving classes will be offered again for mules, donkeys, horses and minis. Both reinsmanship and obstacle driving classes are offered, as well as mule log skidding. Trail classes will run at the same time over in the trail course.

Packing classes will also be on Sunday. The final packing class will be a Pack Scramble, where competitors' riding animals and pack animals are turned loose in the arena, all together. They have to be caught, saddled and packed, then ridden through a course to the finish line. Fun, exciting and sometimes a little western. Also, we have moved the Ranch Horse classes to Sunday.

Volunteers and sponsors are what make this show happen, and both are still needed. There are many different volunteer opportunities available, no horse experience necessary. Sponsorships help fund the awards for the show. Sponsors will be acknowledged throughout the show, and business banners are proudly displayed in the arena. The United States Pony Club is a 501(c)(3) organization, so donations and sponsorships are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. The BVS Pony Club serves the greater Tehachapi area, and all proceeds from the show will stay with our club and benefit local pony clubbers.

Most of all, come out and watch the show, enjoy the entertainment mules and donkeys provide and support our local Pony Club.

For more information on how to enter, volunteer or sponsor visit http://www.bearvalleysprings.ponyclub.org or http://www.americanmuleassociation.org.

Or contact:

Photo provided

Debbie Humphreys – Show Manager at (909) 908-9454 or dhumpheys16@yahoo.com.

Debbie Swarens – Show Manager at (805) 405-6010 or bvsponyclub@gmail.com.

Danya Gambill – Volunteer Coordinator at (661)747-0114 or djgambill@hotmail.com.