Lakeside Frontier Riders sounds like a bunch of old western movies, cowboys and cowgirls riding hard along the dusty trails. Yep, that’s just about how they still are … not that much has changed over the years.
Lakeside Frontier Riders sounds like a bunch of old western movies, cowboys and cowgirls riding hard along the dusty trails. Yep, that’s just about how they still are … not that much has changed over the years.
Recently the Frontier Riders went horse camping at Los Vaqueros Horse Camp in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, loading up their saddles, tack, camping gear and horses to take the one hour trip up to the mountains. They camped Thursday through Monday and got in some good trail rides, potluck dinners and stories around the campfire at night. Joyce Jewell, past president, said the weather was fair all weekend but just as they were finishing up a ride on Sunday, the rains came down hard.
They came home all tired, dirty and happy, with their horses tired and happy also. Horses love getting out into the wide-open spaces, but it’s always good to get home again. The song “Happy Trails To You” can often be heard coming from the riders whistling or humming happily along.
Besides this campout the club goes camping at Vern Whitaker Park in Borrego Springs State Park and Stage Coach R.V. Park in Shelter Valley. Some of them ride in the Lakeside, Ramona, Crest and Alpine Parades as well.
If this wasn’t enough the Frontier Riders are extremely active in saving trails throughout Lakeside. According to President Karen Ensall, they are advocates for the County Regional Trails system and want to help save El Monte Valley from the proposed Sand Mining Project that likely will disturb the beautiful scenic corridor and existing historic trails. They don’t want to see the ranches and equestrian business’ hurt in any way, and especially the loss of safe trails.
There are several members who perform long distance endurance riding in this club, but Joyce Jewell, Theresa Bitando and Marge Pachon volunteer their time and talent to help with the annual 25 mile and 50 mile Endurance Ride that Terry Howe hosts once a year at Descanso’s McClintock Ranch.
Every year the Frontier Riders host a Poker Ride as a fundraiser. Coming up on Nov. 7 will be the next event beginning at Tumbleweed Riding Arena in El Monte Valley. The public is welcome to join in this fun riding event. The cost is only $25 and includes prizes and a pulled pork luncheon. This year the club voted to donate their earnings to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, needy families, Boys and Girls Club, the proposed new Equestrian Center in Moreno Valley, two Horse Rescue Ranches and Therapeutic Horse Ranch for disabled riders. Jewell said that every dollar stays in Lakeside to help others.
For more information about the Poker Ride go to their website at www.LakesideFrontierRiders.com or Facebook. Or you may call the Ensall at 971-0675. Club meetings are held the third Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Ranch House Restaurant in Lakeside. Guests are welcome.
