HORSEY SET MEETS FOR TEST TEENAGE EQUESTRIANS COMPETE ON EQUINE KNOWLEDGE.

Byline: Amy Raisin Staff Writer

SANTA CLARITA - Alex Trebek was nowhere in sight, but the questions posed to the kids and teens about military protocol and equine science Saturday would likely have stumped some of the ``Jeopardy'' host's best contestants.

Members of the California Rangers, a nonprofit youth equestrian organization, filled a room at the Santa Clarita Activity Center as, electronic buzzers in hand, they competed to answer questions such as: What's the difference between essential and nonessential amino acids?

There were some easier ones at the group's annual Academic Decathlon, but not many.

Ashlee Smith, a 14-year-old from Shadow Hills who joined the cavalry-inspired group five years ago, said it has improved her outlook.

``We get to practice military maneuvers on horseback, and we learn respect,'' said Smith, who holds the rank of Trooper First Class. ``It's helped me with some family issues, like I listen more instead of just talking.''

Founded in 1944 and modeled after the cavalry of the 1800s, the California Rangers consists of two posts - based in Lakeview Terrace and Santa Clarita. Each post contains four troops that meet weekly to practice on horses and learn military protocol.

Originally, the organization allowed only teenage boys. However, the more than 100 Rangers at Saturday's event were mostly girls.

Smith attributes the shift in gender to two things: Girls are more interested in horses and they tend to be more social and group- oriented.

Bridget Riley, a captain and longtime member of the group, was one of the judges at the event.

``We quiz them on everything from military ranks to the science of horses,'' Riley said. ``But in that they also learn discipline and respect. I think they all like competing against each other.''

In the game-show-like event, lasting from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the 9- to 18-year-olds were tested based on their rank rather than their ages.

Acton resident Brian Crabtree, 18, has been a Ranger for 8 years and has risen to the rank of corporal.

``It's very interesting, the history of it,'' he said. ``The Army put together young men to patrol the shores during World War II. After that the Army recognized that it was good for the young men and decided to keep it going.''

CAPTION(S):

4 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Addie Rea, 12, of Granada Hills reacts when she misses a question in a quiz on military protocol and equine science.

(2 -- color) California Rangers judges Brian Rainwaters, left, and Mike Walt discuss an answer during the Jeopardy-style contest.

(3 -- 4 -- colorj) Ten-year-old Amanda Stanley of Canyon Country keeps a finger on the buzzer during the contest on equine knowledge. Above, Patrick Rea of Granada Hills points to a horse-anatomy chart during the California Rangers quiz Saturday in Santa Clarita.

Tina Burch/Staff Photographer