In the world of equestrian events, few gatherings demonstrate the spirit of camaraderie and achievement quite like the Tri-County Riders Boots & Bonfires Year-End Award Dinner. This annual celebration is not just a reflection of the riders’ hard work throughout the year but also an exhibition of the dedication, planning, and teamwork that goes into organizing such a grand event. Over the course of twelve months, countless hours are spent coordinating with various vendors to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the night of the event. The list of items to procure is extensive, reflecting the thoughtfulness put into crafting a memorable experience for each rider: 75 custom buckles, 22 jackets, 14 custom knives, 35 sponsor boards, and a trove of additional prizes, including saddles, spurs, bronc halters, haybags, frames, and raffle items. The goal is to create an atmosphere where riders can proudly celebrate their achievements while enjoying the company of their fellow equestrians.

 

At the core of organizing such an event is the board of directors, whose unwavering commitment ensures that every rider has an amazing experience. As we reflect on the hard work put forth by the outgoing 2024/2025 board, it is essential to take a moment to express our gratitude. The board members—Jennifer Galindo-Cole, Jeff Arabia, Beth Arabia, Dennis Cole, Honami Thomas, Hailey Thomas, Shelby Martin, Cindy Elliott, Patricia Amorim, Catherine Segura, Amy Alford, Beth Windfeldt Marino, and Lori Marino—have gone above and beyond to orchestrate this event, often behind the scenes, while ensuring that everything comes together seamlessly. To express her gratitude, our President gave each board member a custom knife crafted by Mollys Custom Silver.

 

Beyond the board, the importance of volunteers cannot be overstated. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of every show, tirelessly working at various roles such as gatekeepers, announcers, and timekeepers. Their contributions allow events to run smoothly and efficiently. This year, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the volunteers who made every show possible: Matt Mullins, Anita Simoni, Tim Druin, Jonathan Martin, Naveen Kamath, Brooke Druin, Brody Vieira, Randy Barnard, Janie Strang, Ruth Piper, Shilah Mullins, Drew Thomas, Brooke Mullins, Steve Segura, and Maycee Mullins. We truly could not do it without your support!

Another indispensable part of the event's success is the generous support from sponsors. Their investment in the community demonstrates a commitment to fostering growth and development within the equestrian circuit. Thanks to 3 Cowgirl Design, our thank-you awards this year were custom engraved cutting boards, a meaningful token to express our gratitude to everyone involved.

 

**2025 Sponsors**

- Diamond Sponsor: Willis Construction

- Saddle Sponsors: Armstrong Transport Group, Associated Plumbing Inc, Stevens Creek Quarry/Ranch 35, Santa Cruz Underground & Paving, Wilson Family Trucking, ADET Repair

- Platinum Sponsors: AOK Corral, Apex Auto Glass, Baar Chiropractic, Dragonfly Ranch, Bea Beauchamp, Becca's Country Grooming, Jennifer Botto, Bradley's BBQ, Connections Riding Stables, CPM Equine & Livestock Removal Services, Crumbl Cookies, Elk Grove Milling, Inc., Faith Mechanical Inc., Galbraith Tack & Trailer Sales, Gold Star Motors, JC Interiors, Martin Inspection Services, Sweet Darling Strawberries

- Gold Sponsors: C&N Tractors, Dynasty Transportation Services, Johnson Associates, MCSP, Cheval Insurance Services, Inc., Pacific Coast Recycling, San Remo Ranch, Watt Electric

If any recipient has yet to collect their plaque, arrangements will be made for delivery, ensuring that everyone receives the recognition they deserve.

 

Once the groundwork was laid, it was time for the most exciting part of the evening—distributing the well-deserved awards! Riders who participated in the STAR Program were recognized, receiving Mollys Custom Silver buckles or jackets embroidered by Sublime Silkscreen & Embroidery. Each year, a new design is introduced, allowing riders to showcase their accomplishments with pride.

 

The 2024/2025 STAR Award winners are a testament to the dedication and hard work exhibited throughout the season. Congratulations to all the winners who earned their spot in this celebrated list, showcasing remarkable talent and perseverance:

- Marissa Adams on Oscar

- Amy Alford on Cotton Eyed Joe

- Emily Amorim on DNOs Jackie and Ladyo

- Patricia Amorim, Director

- Jeff Arabia, Vice President

- Beth Arabia, Director and AOKs Pocket Rocket

- Brody Vieira on Stan the Man

- Chloe Barnard on Retro Rocket

- Randy Barnard on Wrangler

- Farrah Botto on Pepe and Penny

- Taron Boyles on Rebel

- Alexis Bozarth on Dante

- Christian Bozarth on Reno

- Lilly Calaprice-Fitting on Chica

- Emma Carapinha on Whiskey

- Rachel Cardini on Journey

- Marley Clarkson on Bailey

- Saige Clayton on Spanx

- Jack Comer on Denver

- Kelly Crigger on Cricket

- Lila Crigger on Kiddo

- Chloe Alpert on Kid

- Julia Crossen on Misu

- McKaela Danze on DNOs Knock Out

- Maddie DeGuzman on Ginger

- Jamie Donato on Punky Rooster

- Brooke Drouin on Ace In The Hole

- Cindy Elliott on Finley

- Joe Elliott on Holly

- Lily Forst on Kandy

- Jennifer Galindo-Cole on DNOsStandout

- Bella Gaynor on Smokey

- Maddie Gaynor on Harley

- Sarah Goken on Lonestar

- Kayla Gorshe on Annie

- Kenna Gorshe on Louie

- Jennifer Greene on Commander in Chief and Kings Landing

- Avery Harp on Wayne

- Lauren Harp on Gus

- Nina Harrison on Sparky

- Cheyenne Hoffman on Gunner

- Alaina Holt on Annie

- Addy Horn on Millie

- Emely Jauregui-Bueno on Centenario

- Charlee Jones on Gilly

- Pyper Jones on Diamond

- Elliana Kamath on DNOsStakeOutt

- Jamie Kennedy on Calypso

- Caroline Keys on Saber

- Kati King on Tex

- Eva Koyak on Maverick

- Josslyn Kramer on Milo

- Kelli Locatelli on Chiefs Outlaw and Director

- Rylin Martin on Whiskey

- Amanda Massingale on Angel Girl

- Connor Massingale on Cowboy

- Nora Massingale on Cowboy

- Craig McGurn on Lil Prince

- Leslie Mejia on Cowboy

- Aria Mercado on Solstice

- Ashley Moreno on Ruby

- Christina Moreno on Patron

- Cynthia Moreno on Max and Fidel Moreno on Pistachio

- Brooke Mullins on Bob and Maddison Mullins on Trixie and Tilly

- Maycee Mullins on Kit and Jack

- Shilah Mullins, Director

- Devon Naegele on Jasmine

- Kaylee Naegele on Honey

- Josslyn Orlebeck on Furby

- Ruth Piper on Josie

- Avery Ruddick on Bonita

- Chloe Segura on Mo

- Sissy Shults on Tuff

- Addyson Sifton on Whiskey

- Brianna Sifton on Whiskey

- Wendi Silva on TC

- Anita Simoni on My Name is Sexy

- Tiffany Smith on Choo Choo Charley

- Janie Strang on Ranger

- Olivia Stringer on Crystal

- Kelsey Tarasco on Crown Royal

- Hailey Thomas on Kahlua(Hot Toddy)

- Honami Thomas on Willie

- Lola Valdez on Arwen

- Piper Whitchurch on Snickers

- Sadie Williams on Tri

- Crystal Wilson on Keystone

 

The evening wouldn’t have been complete without acknowledging the raffle committee, which worked diligently to assemble over 65 fantastic items. Thanks to Kelli Locatelli, Catherine Segura, Chloe Segura, Beth Arabia, and Brody Vieira, the raffle display was gorgeous and raised over $4,000 for the organization's future endeavors.

 

The recognition didn’t stop there; we also celebrated the top overall riders of the season. Each of them demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the year, earning those awards. The Overall Champion rode away with a Galbraith Custom Saddle, while the Overall Reserve Champion won Mollys Custom Silver Spurs and Spur Straps. The top riders were rewarded with beautifully crafted prizes, ensuring their hard work did not go unnoticed:

Please join me in congratulating our Overall Top Riders for the 2024/2025 Season!

 

AAA

Rylin Martin Whiskey Saddle

Brody Vieira Stanlee Spurs/Straps

Lila Crigger Kid Bronc Halter

Jennifer Galindo-Cole Hay Bags

Avery Ruddick Bonita Frame

 

AA

Chloe Segura Agent J Saddle

Maycee Mullins Jack Spurs/Straps

Brooke Mullins Bob Bronc Halter

Maycee Mullins Kit Hay Bags

Randy Barnard Wrangler Frame

​

A

Beth Arabia Charley Saddle

Kelly Crigger Cricket Spurs/Straps

Jennifer Greene Kings Landing Bronc Halter

Brianna Sifton Whiskey Hay Bags

Crystal Wilson Keystone Frame

 

FC 11 & UNDER

Emma Carapinha Whiskey Saddle

Saige Clayton Spanx Spurs/Straps

Aria Mercado Solstice Bronc Halter

Connor Massingale Cowboy Hay Bags

Christian Bozarth Reno Frame

 

FC 12-34

Emely Jauregui-Bueno Centenario Saddle

Christina Moreno Patron Spurs/Straps

Ashley Moreno Ruby Bronc Halter

Rachel Cardini Journey Hay Bags

Brooke Drouin Ace Frame

 

FC 35+

Ruth Piper Josie Saddle

Cindy Elliott Finley Spurs/Straps

Anita Simoni Sexy Bronc Halter

Honami Thomas Willie Hay Bags

Cynthia Moreno Max Frame

 

The spirited atmosphere of the awards evening was palpable, filled with laughter, cheers, and plenty of familiar faces. A special shout-out goes to the Blackwell Family—Georgene, Charlene, and Gracey—for capturing moments of joy throughout this extraordinary night. Their efforts in photography will allow participants to remember the joy and excitement of the event long after the moment has passed.

 

Looking ahead, Tri- county Riders has posted our 2026 gymkhana dates on our website.

The Tri-County Riders community celebrates not only the successes of its members but the bonds formed through shared experiences in riding. The names listed above represent much more than mere competitors. They symbolize dedication, friendship, and the richness of lives intertwined with horses. As we look forward, may the joy of riding and connection with our equine partners continue to inspire and bring us together.

For updates, show results, and information on future events, don’t forget to check the official website at www.tri-countyriders.com or follow us on Facebook @Tri-County Riders. Together, let’s keep the spirit of Gymkhana alive!