128 September 17, 2015 Continued from page 126


Horsetowns: Reno As Las Vegas later became more popular


as a gambling destination, Reno set led in as a quieter casino town. The city’s Western heritage also maintained a strong presence, with ranches sprawling into the desert just outside of town. As families and other busi- nesses became established in Reno, the city continued to keep its ties with horses.


Wild Equines One of the most unique aspects to Reno as a horsetown is its close proximity to the many wild horses and burros that still roam the Nevada range. Descended from the mounts of ranchers, prospectors, cavalry- men and Indians that dominated the area in the 1800s, these horses and burros are living symbols the area’s Western legacy. One of the largest wild horse and burro


adoption centers in the country is located just outside of Reno. The National Wild Horse and Burro Center at Palomino Valley spans 80 acres and can house as many as


1,850 wild horses and burros at a time. The animals are gathered on the Nevada range and are prepared for adoption at the facility. They are given a freeze brand on the neck that marks them with a Bureau of Land Management identifi cation number and vaccines. BLM offi cials also determine the age of each horse before it is placed up for adoption.


The horses and burros at the Palomino


Valley facility are gathered gathered from all over Nevada and some neighboring states. Hours of the facility are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The facility is closed on Sundays and federal holidays. According to the journals of early explorers in the area, wild horses were seen in northern Nevada as early as the 1820s. These horses had come from Indian herds.


Shows and Rodeos Although Reno is known for its wild horses and burros, the town also supports a healthy rodeo and horse show community.


The biggest rodeo event in town is the Reno Rodeo, which takes place at the Reno Livestock Events Center every June. A Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association- sanctioned event, the rodeo boasts well over 100,000 spectators each year. In addition to the usual rodeo events of bronc busting, bull riding, steer wrestling, gymkhana and calf roping, the redeo includes a cat le drive through town and drill team performances. Private facilities that train riders and horses in a number of diff erent performance disciplines can also be found in Reno. One of the largest is the Reno-Tahoe Equestrian Centre, whose mission is to help make the equestrian sport an entertainment venue for adults and children. “We strive to create a positive, structured


environment that benefi ts the entire fam- ily, not just the rider,” says owner Deborah Johnson.


The Reno-Tahoe Equestrian Centre focus-


es on three primary areas: a riding academy, show horse training, and general horse


With nearly a quarter-million residents, Reno now ranks third Nevada cities, behind Las Vegas and Henderson.


Bright lights, Big Little City: Casinos drive activity downtown.


Kc0616 photo


Nick Ares photo


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