Ticket to Ride

Monika Wiercioch, a Tujunga horseback riding enthusiast, has vivid memories of her ninth birthday: “My presents were a pair of cowboy boots and a form signed by my parents giving me permission to enroll in the California Rangers.”

She refers to the venerable equestrian organization for youths, ages 9 to 19, organized during World War II as an auxiliary to the civil defense effort. The Rangers hold regular drill sessions in Lake View Terrace and Saugus, and the group does not require members to own horses.

This weekend and next, youngsters will have opportunities to watch the California Rangers perform in Lake View Terrace and at an equestrian center near Agoura Hills.

Wiercioch, a 10-year veteran of weekly mounted drills with the Rangers’ Post No. 1 in Lake View Terrace, has enjoyed being promoted through the Rangers’ ranks, based on equestrian skills tests.

“I like the structure of striving to reach [each] next level. I’m one of those who likes to succeed,” she says.

Now an officer of the 100-member organization, and a pre-veterinary medicine student who commutes daily to Cal Poly Pomona from her Tujunga home, Wiercioch ascended annually through the ranks.

According to Wiercioch’s post commander, Karin Anderson, “Joining the Rangers is a good way to get into horseback riding without having to spend a lot of money.”

Anderson refers to the thousands of dollars it can cost to buy a horse, plus the funds needed to stable the animal.

By contrast, participation in Ranger activities costs a $10 monthly membership fee, plus a horse rental fee of $15 for each week’s mounted drill. Members must also buy a Ranger uniform, which can cost $200 new but may be bought used for much less.

A Ranger post is organized into four units, or troops, of about 20 kids.

“A good attendance record is important, and it’s required for the four weeks preceding a [public] show,” Anderson says.

There is so much interest in youth equestrian activities, Anderson said, that other clubs similar to the Rangers, such as the Blue Shadows and Sunset Equestrians, have become active in the Valley.

“We encourage older kids to join Rangers, but it’s more common that younger kids join us,” Anderson says, “and they stay five to seven years.”

BE THERE

California Rangers will perform drills Saturday, at 5:30 p.m., during the California Polo Club Evening and Barbecue, Osborne Stables, 11035 Osborne St., Lake View Terrace. $15 kids, $25 adults. (213) 489-7553. The group also performs Sept. 27, noon-1:30 p.m., at Tri-Valley Special Olympics Invitational Equestrian Competition, Pegasus Creek Equestrian Center, 2972 Triunfo Canyon Road, near Agoura Hills. Free. (818) 503-5708.

Rangers meet and drill once a week, Monday through Thursday, 6:30-8 p.m., at Osborne Street Stables, (818) 297-3203, or Don-E-Brook Farms, 28638 San Francisquito Canyon Road, Saugus; (805) 297-3203.