AN OASIS FULL OF HORSES

Pastel-painted stables are set among rows of palms in Indio, Calif., near Palm Springs, the unique setting for a leisurely 10-day horse show that opens the season this week. Daily ostrich races (turn the page) add comic flavor to the customary classes in AN OASIS FULL OF HORSES

A racing ostrich sprints home. The driver uses a broom to steer it around the ring

Loping through stripes of shade, riders prepare horses for a western class

THREE PHOTOS

MARK KAUFFMAN