Cathy Miller with Education Award
By Mary Odell —
PASO ROBLES — The local unit of Backcountry Horsemen of California — the Sierra Freepackers — attended their annual Rendezvous, held in Paso Robles over the weekend of Apr. 13-15, at the Hearst Equestrian Center. Along with volunteering, participating in and attending classes and events this year, the unit earned many awards:
- Per Capita Volunteer Hours: Unit Award
- Dutch Oven Cooking Contest: Denise Robinson
- Top Hand for our unit: Patricia Vallentyne
- Manty Decorating Contest: Unit Award
- Education Award: Unit Award
Laurie Wagoner and Denise Robinson, embroidery by Doti Macoszka
President Cathy Miller taught a Leave No Trace class on minimizing campfire impact, and Patricia Vallentyne taught a class on sourdough starters. Other members volunteered during a Trail Challenge event.
Members attended Cross Cut and Chain Saw Clinics, Packing Clinics, Dutch Oven Cooking Classes, Packing Competitions and Equestrian Training Clinics attended. Both Friday and Saturday night there were great dinners with music. Throughout the event there were vendors available to purchase all those items we needed.
It was a fun-filled and educational weekend. Next year’s event will be held in Norco.
Follow these links for more information about Sierra Freepackers and Backcountry Horseman of California.
Patricia teaching her sourdough class
