Horse Activities in the Fresno, California Foothills

Located in Central California, Fresno is a largely agricultural area. However, while there are a lot of horses in the area, there are not a lot of organized horse activities. There are several things to do for horse enthusiasts in surrounding areas that are not too far from Fresno itself.

  1. Coarsegold Rodeo

    • Rodeo enthusiasts will enjoy the annual Coarsegold Rodeo during the first weekend in May at the Bohna Arena. The event celebrated its 58th year in 2010. The Coarsegold Rodeo offers something for everyone, with Mutton Bustin' and other rodeo events for the kids and the Rodeo Queen competition for young women. For equestrians, there is Barrel Racing for the girls and two days of Pro Rodeo that include bronco riding and roping events. For added cowboy/cowgirl fun, there is a Rodeo Dance on Saturday night and Cowboy Church and Cowboy Breakfast the next morning.

    Team Penning

    • For riders who enjoy team penning and ranch sorting, there are weekend events throughout the summer at the Lazy Y Arena, with jackpots for the winners and buckles for the high point Sorters. Each sorting has two practice goes before the jackpot, which offers a 100% payback. Riders can win a variety of trophies and award buckles for a large variety of events.
      Lazy Y also has clinics, such as learning to read and work a cow. Their Ranch Versatility Competitions offer the chance to compete in five events: Riding, Cattle Cut/Work & Pen, Dry Reining, Trail, and Conformation.

    Horse Racing

    • Horse racing fans will get the opportunity to pursue their passion during the Big Fresno Fair in October. This is the only time that live racing is held at the Brian I. Tatarian Grandstand. The rest of the year, Fresno has to settle for satellite wagering, which is held at The Starting Gate and features horse racing from around the country.

    Trail Riding

    • Trail riders can go riding any time in the beautiful nearby Yosemite National Park, Sierra National Forest, or Millerton State Recreation Area. For those who do not have their own horse, rentals are sometimes available.