For the Love of Horses and Leadership: California Rangers

Seventy-nine years ago, the inspirational story of the California Rangers got its start as a WWII military organization tailored to young boys working in local patrol and civil defense. The organization is known for their love of horses and equestrian skills development, but it’s so much more than that – it’s an opportunity for young adults to learn about responsibility, hard work, teamwork, and discipline, just to name a few. Now, California Rangers has developed into a group that not only teaches the importance of these values, but exemplifies it, too.
Today, the California Rangers is a non-profit youth equestrian organization dedicated to instilling the principles of leadership into each and every rider that joins their team. They accept both boys and girls between the ages of nine and 18, and they encourage riders across the entire skill spectrum to join, and no experience is necessary. In fact, part of their program involves teaching riders the respect and care necessary to form relationships with their horses, not just how to ride or saddle up.
The Rangers have two outposts, with one located right here in the Santa Clarita valley at the Santa Clarita Valley Equestrian Center. Through drills, equine events, competitions, uniform inspections and more, the coaches and leaders at the Rangers are dedicated to holding riders accountable and instilling in them a sense of pride and dignity that will follow them long after they graduate from the organization.
“There’s a lot of discipline involved in what we do,” says Lieutenant Colonel Erika Hilby, the Regimental Executive Officer of the Rangers. “It’s not just another team sport. There are so many life lessons being taught, that stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
Alongside Erika is her longtime friend and fellow rider Colonel Christie Burrow-Allen, Regimental Commanding Officer. The two met almost 40 years ago through their own love for the Rangers, and they’ve worked together throughout the decades to ensure that the California Rangers continues on to spread its message of resiliency, responsibility, and leadership.
“We believe in this program – it’s where our friendship flourished,” says Christie. “Rangers is a second family to many of our members, where lifelong friendships are made.”
The California Rangers participates in local events and competitions, including local parades and performances right here in Santa Clarita. Their focus is on membership and attracting those kids that want to grow their horse knowledge and riding experience that may not have the ability to do so on their own. The program’s enthusiasm, long standing core principles, and growing membership will ensure that the legacy of the Ranger program continues on for the next 80 years.
The organization is run by volunteers made up of parents and those cadets that have graduated out, who donate their time and efforts to ensure that the Rangers continues to provide opportunities for today’s youth to become better versions of themselves tomorrow.
The Rangers ride every week year-round at the Santa Clarita Valley Equestrian Center, where there are four troops. Each troop rides on the same night, Monday through Thursday, and joining members can pick the one night that works best for them.
You can learn more about the California Rangers on their website: http://californiarangers.org. Those interested are encouraged to visit their website to learn about how to make donations and opportunities for involvement.
“We have so much fun together, and it’s a fantastic program to be a part of,” says Erika. “This program played a huge role in our success as adults, and we want to pass that onto all of our young riders.” 

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