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History of the Rancho California Caballeros

Eighty-five horsemen from five western states became charter members of the Rancho California Caballeros on October 16, 1970, coincidental with a three day inaugural trail ride staged by the organiztion from its base in the Rancho California area of Southern Riverside County .

This group was organized at the instigation of Roy Coxwell with the assistance of Glenn Kardinal and numerous other Southern California and Arizona horseman. The ride was more or less a continuation of a small successful trail ride organized earlier by George Murphy and known as the Temecula or Teemakoola Ride.

The inaugural group met at the Rancho California Inn in August of 1970, and set the first Rancho California Caballeros ride for October 15 of that year.

The first officers associated were Roy Coxwell, President; Dr. George Murphy, Vice President; and Glenn Kardinal, Secretary. Joe Alexander served as the Executive Secretary for the first year.

Details pertaining to the incorporation of the organization were handled by Art Swarner and his committee. Carl Thomas, Dick Thomas, Dick Johnson, and Howard Moore were principally responsible for laying out and timing the trails. The campsite was selected by Roy Coxwell and Glenn Kardinal.

At the time of the first ride, elaborate inaugural ceremonies were held at the Rancho California Inn on the evening of October 14. Wives and guests brought the total attendance to nearly 200.

On the following morning , when the group left the Rancho California arena at 8a.m., there were additional ceremonies.

The ride, which was made doubly interesting by the number of special events, took the group over a varied trail of open country across the Santa Rosa section of Rancho California. This area, which includes oak studded hills and valleys as well as rough mountain terrain, was a perfect setting for the fellowship and excitement enjoyed over the three-day period.

Records show that the charter members from the farthest distance are Robert Fitzgerald, Leawood, Kansas; William P. Hauser, Tacoma, Washington; John Walker, Santa Fe, New Mexico; and twelve members are from Wickenburg, Arizona. Northern California is well represented as well as many portions of Southern California.

A limit of 125 has been established on the total membership for the Rancho California Caballeros.