Some changes for Joaquín Murrieta ride

By JAMES BARRERA / Special To Vida En El Valle
(Published Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 08:51AM)

The 29th annual Joaquín Murrieta Horse Pilgrimage is expected to draw 300 riders and more than 1,000 spectators when the ride starts Friday morning (July 25) on Avenue 17 just west of Highway 99 and concludes in a new location outside Three Rocks on Sunday.

Juan Sandoval, president of the Joaquín Murrieta Riders, has announced several changes this year.

This year's event will include a $20 registration fee per rider. The fee is applicable if the rider takes part in one, two or three days. Riders 18 years old and younger will be allowed to participate free.

The Sunday closing ceremony will take place on 11 acres next to Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Three Rocks. Riders will journey to the Half-Way Market south of Three Rocks and double back on Sunday.

Organizers will recognize Leticia Fernández of the Half-Way Market and nonagenarian Raymond Minnetti for their support of the horse pilgrimage held in honor of a man believed to be a Gold Country outlaw more than 150 years ago by some and as a Robin Hood by those in the Mexican community.

The first horse pilgrimage was initiated in 1978 by the late Sigurder 'Mexican Sigi' Christopherson. Initially, the ride had two purposes. One, to lie to rest the spirits of the Joaquín Murrieta band; and second, to focus attention to injustices suffered by the farmworker community in Three Rocks.

Murrieta was allegedly shot by Capt. Harry Love and his California Rangers in Cantúa Creek. There are scholars who believe the man whose head was displayed inside a jar was not that of Murrieta.

"We need to make sure that people remember the four founders of this event: Christopherson, Jesse López, Ignacio Orosco and Tomás Núñez," said Sandoval, a school administrator in Parlier.

"I met Sigi a number of years ago. He was not a Mexican. He was an Anglo who recognized what was going on with the field workers. This ride would never have been created if those four men had not built the foundation on the legend of Joaquín Murrieta and the plight of the field workers working in California," said Sandoval.

Sandoval learned about the ride about 12 years ago through a friend, Mario Reyes. The Murrieta name triggered his interest. Due to his own interest, Sandoval had done some initial research on the Gold Rush bandit. They both decided to participate the following year.

"It is a challenge with the distance and heat," acknowledges Sandoval. "But I keep coming back when I think about what this means to the community. It is a great family event. I have a 12-year-old son, Juan Octavio Sandoval. He does part of the ride with me."

Víctor Valenzuela offers the following advise for participants:

Begin conditioning your horse at least two weeks in advance. A horse not in condition can suffer from cramps, colic and dehydration. Also, remember to bring any animal medicines and supplements.

Take precautions against dehydration for your horse. To enable your horse to deal with the heat, it is a good idea to put electrolytes into the water. Electrolytes are available in powder form from general stores and veterinarians.

Protect yourself against dehydration. Valenzuela recommends salt tablets which gives the rider more endurance from the heat. Salt tablets are available at local drug stores.

Appropriate attire is very important. Long pants, riding boots and a well fitted hat. A wet neckerchief can make the ride much more pleasant.

Bring plenty of drinking water, flashlight, battery cables and the proper tools to change a flat tire. Also, have a first aid kit available. It is best to be prepared for possible accidents.

When preparing to transport your horses by trailer, always double check that your signal lights are working properly. Also, make sure that your trailer hitch is properly attached to your vehicle before beginning your trip.

For more information on the ride, contact Sandoval at (559) 288-7769, or committee special adviser Marina Gonzales at (559) 320-5061. In the Sacramento area, call Valenzuela at (916) 687-7419.