I’ve been a Portuguese Bend National Horse Show member/volunteer for nine years. Every time September rolls around, I think of setting up jumps with Ring Crew and watching the horses fly over them. The event, organized by the Peninsula Committee Children’s Hospital (PCCH), benefits the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). The event is organized and staffed by Palos Verdes Peninsula and South Bay volunteers of all ages. Numerous competitors from all over the region and local barns entertained the crowds while competing for top prizes. This year marked the 65th show after its start in 1957. It’s incredible to see this charity event’s results and be part of the cause, knowing it makes a real difference.
Every year, a featured child, one treated by the hospital, attends the show as an honored guest to celebrate the work of CHLA. This year, four-year-old Hobie Navarro, who received treatment for a severe heart condition at birth, made his big entrance Sunday morning with his parents, Chase and Mallory. Horse Show Chair Carole Rowe greeted the family and toured them around the show. Hobie enjoyed the children’s attractions and participating in the traditional stick horse race.
Regarding all the PCCH members and their families who volunteer at the show, Rowe spoke about how amazing it is that they “transform a park with riding rings into a festival and horse show.”
The Sunday afternoon festivities included an a-cappella national anthem performance by 14-year-old Courtney Clinton, a freshman at Palos Verdes High School. Behind her, the patriotic Long Beach Mounted Police presented the Stars and Stripes. As I stood at the edge of the riding ring watching her performance, I noticed everyone across the park removed their caps and stood respectfully for the anthem.
Almost a decade ago, when the Horse Show enlisted my help as a third grader, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. At the time, I dreaded the long hours working in the hot sun. But, looking back on my experiences as a member/volunteer, I’ve made lasting friendships and enjoyed giving back to my community one weekend a year, and others feel the same. PVHS Senior Danny Stender pitched in for his second year and said, “Giving your time for a cause like this and knowing we are all making a difference in a child’s life is so worthwhile.”
I congratulate and thank all the participants for yet another successful show. It’s been an incredible nine years volunteering, and I can’t wait to make it 10!
