RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - Up the road from my farm is Rancho Negri, owned by Renee Negri, who thrives on rescuing horses. Once she gets a new rescue, the horse gets a full look see.  She checks teeth for hooks which causes horses to bite their own cheek when chewing. She gets shots done and then does all her own hoof trimming. Sometimes the horse needs a massage, or muscle release to which she is certified. She also gives the neighborhood kids rides around her property, where safety is first and everyone wears a helmet when riding! 

Renee rescues cats, dogs, chickens or any animal in need of help and a friend.  Her hobby sounds like something I do.  She let me know on the side, she's been working full time as a property manager for over 25 years. 

“Helps pay for my hobby,” she said.

I actually do understand her statement, as writing helps offset “my animal hobby”.

One day while we were talking, I noticed her horse trailer, asked her where she rode around here. She mentioned a place just up the road on Elkhorn Blvd, right past the High School, then turn left into the great big horse arena. She also wished more people knew of it.

“Oh really”, the writer thought, “do tell”. Not only did she tell me, she loaded up two of her horses and took me to the horse arena. What a real treat. She said she would show me a few of her training techniques, and loaded up in the truck that would be pulling our horse trailer. She grabbed “Buckles” her horse and “Rose” another of her horses. She brushed them out then saddled both. The bridle does not go on in the trailer. Just a halter until time to ride.

“Yeah”, she said, “It is kind of hidden in the back of the park.” Most people know it better as the BMX bike track. It is called Central Park.

What’s really great is there is a completely fenced, and huge riding arena!  There used to be horse shows there all the time, until Covid hit. People don’t realize it has outside lighting for night riding and training. I have gone there myself at night to get a horse toned up for a show. I did barrel racing for many years, winning ribbons, belt buckles, and other kinds of awards. Loved it. Now, I train others for it. I also train horse and rider for pleasure shows, teach riding classes and general horse care classes. I teach pole bending (where a horse and rider weave through set up poles), working a horse across a piece of heavy tarp, and making an L with wood to teach side passing.  She was proudly telling me there is nothing like seeing the horse and the rider 'GET' the concept and work it perfectly together!! 

Another thing that is great about the arena is once you have toned up your horse, there is a trail just outside the arena. If you go left on the trail, you can ride all the way to Discovery Park. Or you can go right on the trail, and ride right into the heart of Rio Linda.

The kids like to ride their horse through McDonald’s drive-thru and order. McDonald’s would rather they not. Kids win because they are fearless. But, they are sure to clean up should their horse, well, do what horses often do and leave a brown surprise on the road way.

Listening to her almost makes me wish I had a riding horse. Nah, I will stick to the minis, less chance of serious hurt in my senior years, lol. I told her it sounds like she really, really loves her animal work and glad for her. She did say one day she would load us up and take me for a ride in the arena. I think, I will like that since it has been years since I’ve owned or rode a full size horse. I told her I would think about it and thanked her for her time. Until next time Rio Linda.