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.
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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.
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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.