Newsletter | Fall 2025
Annual CALNET Horse Show
We begin this quarter with the 36th annual CALNET which was held on May 2-4 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank. CALNET is the largest horse show in the country dedicated to athletes with disabilities. The weekend’s festivities included Parade and Opening Ceremonies, Equitation, Canter and Trot, Obstacle, Dressage, Showmanship, and Pole Bending in the arenas and the Equidome. All our students performed excellently, and everyone won a beautiful ribbon. Adding to the excitement, a hilarious costume contest provided much needed comedy for any stressed individual. Some of our students’ amazing costumes were Snow White and the Seven Dwarves; Taylor Swift and horse “Kelsey”; King Arthur, and Bob Ross, complete with a beautiful painting of “Happy Trees” done by Student and his mother. TRCHB had nineteen students and seven horses who participated. The event’s Big Prize at the Awards Ceremony was given to our own Amy! Congratulations to Amy and all our wonderful and talented students who attended the event, and who added a quirky bit of humor in the Costume Class!
TRCHB student, Amy won the big award of the event
Big Shout-out to Arturo Murillo
He received a one-year scholarship from the Elks Club for continuing lessons. Arturo is one of our very long-time students and has shown remarkable progress throughout the years. It’s always a joy when Arturo shows up.
Family Fun Day at TRC
A Joyful Celebration for All!
On the sunny afternoon of May 18, the Therapeutic Riding Center of Huntington Beach (TRCHB) welcomed students, families, volunteers, and members of the community for a heartwarming Family Fun Day, a free event filled with laughter, creativity, and connection.More than 125 guests joined in the festivities, enjoying a delightful mix of entertainment and hands-on activities, including: pony rides, horseshoe decorating, petting zoo, bounce house and corn hole game. Brim and Feathers provided a fun hat making booth and we also had some beautiful jewelry displayed for purchase.Special Thank You to the Lions Club
TRCHB extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Lions Club of Huntington Beach for their incredible support and generosity. Their delicious BBQ lunch was a highlight of the day and helped make Family Fun Day event more memorable. We deeply appreciate their commitment to community service and their continued partnership with TRCHB.
Volunteer Appreciation
TRCHB would also like to give a huge thank you to our amazing volunteers, whose dedication and enthusiasm made Family Fun Day a rounding success. We couldn’t do it without you!TRCHB’s Family Fun Day was more than just an event, it was a celebration of community, joy, and the healing power of horses. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the afternoon a success!Captain Kirk Rallies for Charities
» Some of TRCHB members on the Board of Directors attended the Hollywood Charity Horse Show hosted and founded by William Shatner, otherwise known as, Captain Kirk in the Star Trek TV and movies. To newer generations, he’s probably better known as the spokesperson for the Priceline ads. We also had a nice visit from Elvis!Several adaptive riding horse charities received monetary donations for their organizations.
Board Members: Kathy, Donna & Cherry
Fourth of July Parade
» TRCHB students, volunteers and horses celebrated the Fourth of July by participating in the City of Huntington Beach’s annual Independence Day Parade.
Doodle & Karen in the Huntington Beach 4th of July Parade
Greener Pastures
Lastly, we wish to say goodbye to our long -time friend, Loki
Loki was a kind, gentle and beautiful 18 year old Norwegian Fjord who joined the TRCHB family in 2017 with his best buddy, Olaf. With his signature two-toned mane, kind eyes and sweet soul, Loki was a TRC favorite and was loved by all. His sweet temperament and amusing personality endeared him to students and volunteers alike.Loki proudly represented TRCHB at CALNET and the Fourth of July parade. He was a dependable and trusted horse and left a lasting impression on every student, volunteer and instructor lucky enough to work with him. Farewell dear friend and rest well. You will always be a part of our TRC family and are deeply missed and forever in our hearts.
Volunteer of the Session
Darrin Spurgeon
Darrin has been a part of TRCHB for many years, and we don’t know what we’d do without him. He’s always our “go-to” guy—the kind of person who notices what needs to be done and takes care of it. He’s always willing to lend a hand and share a kind word.Besides being our “do-it-all volunteer,” Darrin serves as the Finance Officer on the Board of Directors, our all-around handyman, and—as the horses know him—the “Food Prep Dude.”Thank you for all you do, Darrin. You are truly appreciated!
Cheers to Kathleen, Superstar!
» Our volunteer extraordinaire and Board Secretary, Kathleen Petullo, went above and beyond with a golf fundraiser for TRCHB in May and June. On June 15, the lucky winners were picked, with eight prizes up for grabs and seventy- five eager ticket buyers.Drumroll for the winners: Craig snagged two prizes (an in-home massage and two boxes of Mizuno golf balls), Kathy B. walked away with TRCHB apparel and a trail ride, Irving scored a foursome of golf at David L Baker, Nathan nabbed two bottles of tequila and a backpack cooler, Sheila won $100 in range balls, Gina got a foursome at El Dorado Park Golf Course, and Wendy clinched a foursome at Heartwell Golf Course.A huge shoutout to Eric Heep, General Manager of Heartwell Golf Course, and Garrett Crowder, Assistant Manager of El Dorado Park Golf Course, plus Eaton’s Golf Shop for their support.Kathleen’s efforts raked in an impressive $2,005 for TRCHB.Kathleen will be doing another big fundraiser next year and hopes to get even better items for the prizes.