“It’s a good cause,” said Katherine Derloshan, a 17-year-old rider at the annual Sycamore Trails 9/11 Memorial Western Horseshow, “It’s a two in one deal for us, we get to donate money to the firefighters and compete”. Derloshan competed in the Western Pleasure and Equitation classes of the 9/11 Memorial Western Horseshow, which was held on September 20. The show is an annual event attracting horse riders from stables throughout the area and patrons who want to give back to the firefighters. It featured displays of horsemanship and riding precision in exhibition events known as “classes”. By competing, riders from the Sycamore Trails, Sierra Vista and Serrano Creek stables helped raise money for the Fallen Firefighter Relief Fund. They also got a chance to showcase their skills indicative of the Western style. “Some moves are so precise they occur within just one inch,” said Wendy Teddiman, a trainer at the Sycamore Trails stable, “it’s all about how good the rider’s line of communication is with the horse”. The riders were competitive and wanted to look good for the judges. Derloshan said that for the Western Pleasure class, riders were judged on how well the horse took subtle instructions. The horses were expected to keep their heads down and stay calm and collected. In other shows, riders were judged on style and form, and how “easy” they made the ride look. Despite their competitiveness, Teddiman said the riders knew that the show was not about them. “They understand that the show is about raising money and giving back to the firefighters,” she said. The firefighters who volunteered their time to the event were Alan Robinson, firefighter at station 60 and a union steward, and Brian Goetting, a retired firefighter. Both firefighters spent the day selling raffle tickets, hot dogs, coffee and sodas. The lucky winner of the raffle will get a guided tour of the ROFTC. All proceeds from the ticket and food sales also went to the Fallen Firefighter Relief Fund. California Assemblywoman Diane Harkey also dropped by the fundraiser. Harkey, who represents the 73rd district, said supporting firefighters now is crucial because of the “annual siege” of California fires around this time of year. “Nobody knows how much they need them until they need them,” Harkey said. Local 3631 would like to thank Gay Gotses, who has organized the 9/11 Memorial Western Horseshow since 2005. All profits made during the event went to the Fallen Firefighter relief fund.