The East County Horseshow Organization (ECHO) was established in 1996 by Katy Boswell, owner and head trainer of Hidden Fox Farm. ECHO is a not-for profit endeavor whose aim is to put on fun, well run, educational and affordable horse shows. Although ECHO is dedicated to promoting the development of hunter-jumper competition in East San Diego County, ECHO draws trainers and exhibitors from San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties.
ECHO is affiliated with the Greater San Diego Hunter-Jumper Association and competition points earned at ECHO shows go toward GSDHJA year end awards. Shows are held at Pillsbury Ranch in Lakeside, California with the cooperation of former San Diego Zoo ambassador Joan Embery . We feature four one day shows each year, on Sundays between March and October.
The primary mission of ECHO is to meet the needs of junior and amateur riders who might not have other horse show opportunities due to finances, inexperience or distance. Our goal is to help educate inexperienced junior and amateur riders and show parents. We not only keep our fees the lowest in the county, we also provide knowledgeable staff and informational materials to help trainers, riders and parents who are new to horseshowing. Judges give guidance and feedback. ECHO is a horseshow and mini-clinic all at one low price.
Over the years, ECHO has developed into a show that is utilized by the Southern California hunter community at large. ECHO is the perfect place to school green horses and gain experience in a low key setting while still competing against some of San Diego county's most competitive riders. ECHO riders and their horses have been the winners of county medal finals, equitation high point awards and numerous hunter championships. Some have gone on to compete successfully in the "A" circuit.
ECHO wants to help those hard working junior riders who might not otherwise be able to afford to compete in a horse show. To that end we have two programs that can provide assistance.
The first is the ECHO work/show cooperative. ECHO has always allowed a few riders to work one full day as volunteers at an ECHO show in exchange for up to $100 of showing at a subsequent ECHO show.
The other program, new in 2004, is the ECHO scholarship fund. One ECHO scholarship ($100 gift certificate to ECHO) is available at each show for a worthy junior rider with financial need.
Trainers who feel that they have students who could benefit from either of these programs should contact Trish Watlington at watlington@cox.net or by phone at (619) 579-2586.
Due to the Cedar Fire, ECHO came under new show management in 2004 . Our goal has been to maintain the same high standards that were established by Katy Boswell. To that end we promise knowledgeable judges, a smoothly run schedule, friendly staff, good food, and an atmosphere of camaraderie and support for and among all competitors. We hope you will join us - ECHO is lots of fun! |
