This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

No. 7: Horses

No. 7: Horse Country

Horses take the reins in this town.

It’s not uncommon to see a horse and rider along a not-so-busy road—or even clip-clopping down the main street of town. It doesn’t even have to be during the for an equine bunch to stray off the many established riding trails.

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Stables, training facilities and stores filled with saddles and horse products abound.

Blenheim EquiSports brings world-class equestrian events and top riders into town, and resident Joie Gatlin runs a show jumping company based in San Juan. offers a variety of classes for people with disabilities.

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The well-established horse culture goes back at least as far as Damian Rios—yes, that Rios family. Damian was a renowned horse trainer who was sought out by clients from around the world for polo ponies.

Is San Juan Capistrano the equestrian center of the West Coast, as it is sometimes called?  We’d like to think so, since horses are an integral part of life here. Dressage, jumping or just plain horseback riding—we love it.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?