WATSONVILLE — Taylor Brown sat astride her quarter horse “I’m a Done Deal” at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Thursday, hoping to earn a place in a national championship in November.
Brown is one of 150 people participating in the competition, which is sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Breeders of Santa Clara Valley.
The event, which runs through Sunday, is free and open to the public.
Riders from all over California are competing in such events as cutting, working cowhorse, reigning and ranch riding.
All are hoping to earn enough points to bring them to the championship in Ohio.
Brown said she has participated in the event for years.
“It’s a great place to compete,” she said. “I mean, the weather is fantastic and it’s a nice facility.”
Ed Skellenger of Sacramento said he is drawn to the competition because he simply “likes working cows.”
“The people are nice here,” he said. “There’s some strong competition here, but that’s what keeps me coming back.”
