RIDING TO REMEMBER
Fifth Street in Arbuckle was lined with spectators as 112 horses rode through town to honor a local fallen police officer.
Riders from all over the state saddled up Saturday afternoon to participate in the Cowboy Honor Ride held for Officer Natalie Corona, an Arbuckle native killed in the line of duty Jan. 10 while serving as an officer for the Davis Police Department.
“I can’t even begin to express the gratitude that I have for all of you for coming out in this weather and being here for Natalie,” said Merced Corona, Natalie’s father.
Over one hundred people braved the wet
weather to come out and show their support, many waved Thin Blue Line Flags along the route of the riders.
“This is the fourth ride that we have done, but the first time that we have had a family participate,” said Norman Nather, creator of Cowboy Honor Rides. “It was really touching to have them participate.”
Natalie’s three sisters were on horseback for the precession and her grandparents rode in one of the horse drawn carriages.
While organizing the ride to honor Officer Corona, Nather reached out to her family and asked them to join in the event. The family was already planning a tree planting ceremony to honor Natalie and wanted to combine the two events by having the cowboys end their ride at the park where the tree planting would take place.
The riders rode up and down Fifth Street before veering onto Sixth Street. The precession turned west onto Hall Street and headed toward the tree planting ceremony at Belfour park.
Once the riders reached the park, they lined 10th Street to watch the tree planting ceremony.
Many of the spectators also walked with the horse precession and gathered at the park to watch the Corona family plant a tree to honor Natalie.
The Northern California Association of USA Boxing Committee donated the tree planted during the dedication ceremony.
“We chose a magnolia tree because it represents the strength and beauty of women in the Chinese culture,” said Robert Rodriquez, USA Boxing Northern California president.
Because she was also an amateur boxer, the Northern California Association of USA Boxing also honored Natalie Corona with a 10 count and a set of golden gloves last month.
Longtime friend of the Corona family George Green gave an impassioned speech and said a prayer prior to planting the tree.
Each member of the Corona family took turns scooping and packing dirt onto the freshly planted tree.
“In the future, two benches with her name and photo will be put here for people to come and enjoy for years to come,” said Corona.