Year of the Horse Kicks Off with Wild West Trivia Night
Hosted by Chico Flores at the San Vicente Resort, SDCEA’s Wild West Trivia Night on Tuesday, Jan. 6, brought 11 teams together to celebrate the Year of the Horse with country music, western flair, and strong Ramona community spirit.
The spirit of the Wild West was alive and well at the San Vicente Resort on Tuesday, January 6. A lively evening inspired by the Year of the Horse 2026 and hosted by trivia master Chico Flores, the event brought together equestrian enthusiasts, country music lovers, and trivia buffs for a night of friendly competition and western flair.
Eleven teams saddled up for six rounds of knowledge, with categories including sports, tv and film, country music, geography, animals, and food and drink. Flores kept the crowd engaged with his trademark humor and insight, noting that country music a staple in Ramona.
The team names were as original as their contestants: Mr. and Mrs. Caterpillar, City Slickers, I Don’t Know, Sharkey’s, Quiz-Kilfa, Outlaws, The Amigas, Pinky and the Brain, Meadow Muffins, Bratz, and Friends in Slow Places.
Trivia regulars, Gary and Pam Besaw, moved to the SDCE in 1990 and have been homeowners for 35 years. “We came to the very first trivia night and have come every week,” says Pam. “Now it’s once a month and we come, unless we are on vacation.” She was happy she was able to wear her cowboy hat and was hopeful her husband of 42 years would be able to answer the music questions.
New to SDCEA trivia night was Bethany McCobb. Dressed in her best western attire, she attended with her boyfriend David Rannikko, who bartends at the San Vicente Resort. McCobb, who has lived in the SDCE for the last five years and has been a Ramona resident since fifth grade, enjoyed the western theme for the evening.
Another country enthusiast, Michelle Gribbon, attended the event with her friends who come every month. “I wanted to come and hang out with my besties,” Gribbon says. “Western night is a good one.” She enjoyed both the atmosphere and the sense of community.
With its blend of tradition, trademark style, and local pride, Wild West Trivia Night proved to be a fitting kickoff to The Year of the Horse and a reminder that in Ramona, western culture isn’t just history, it’s a way of life. Laughter, teamwork, and a shared love for all things western filled the room, making the event as much about connection as competition.
Photos by Tiffany Pressler.
A Little Trivia
Question:
In the Chinese zodiac, what qualities are most strongly associated with the Year of the Horse?
Answer:
Energy, perseverance, and forward momentum—symbolizing bold action, freedom, and steady progress.
