106 March 19, 2015


Horsetowns: San Juan Capistrano


Online resources brought to you by the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce’s Equestrian Council


At San Juan Hill, golf meets horses when equestrians ride into the restaurant and take advan- tage of the holding facilities, like these members of the Tortugas, a group of men’s riders.


Continued from page 16 ge 104


world class dressage and jump- ing competitors vie—to small details like hillside trail-riding so close to the Southern California beaches. “All of it adds up to make this


Megan Mahoney Riding Academy Hunters • Jumpers • Equitation • Lessons • Training • Sales Learn to ride in a safe, fun, positive environment.


an equestrian city,” says Barker. “The history. The current peo- ple. Equestrian businesses., Equestrian use. The free rec- reational trail system was to include horses all along—I don’t know another city this close to the coast that does that, where real estate is so expensive.” Even the San Juan Hill Golf


Club caters to the equestrians here, building a pen several years ago with holding amenities so local riders could trail ride to the club’s 19 Sports Bar and Grill, enjoy a meal and a drink, and then ride home. “We manage golf courses from


Hawaii to the East Coast, and in 30 years, I don’t recall any other one that has a corral,” says General Manager Michael Abee. “It was an outreach to the com- munity, and it works out well. It helps our business. Usually, you can’t just ride a horse someplace and get off of it and eat for a cou- ple hours. It’s a convenience for our neighbors.” Keeping San Juan Horsey Because real estate prices are so high in San Juan, equestrians have had to work hard to pre- serve their horse-keeping privi- leges. Pressure from developers has threatened to wipe out trail systems in the hills. The San Juan Capistrano


Equestrian Coalition was formed to help preserve the equine heritage of this historic city. The organization is made up


Continued on page 108 Continued on page 20


Custom programs to suit your individual needs Introductory Pony Rides • Camps • Lessons Training • Show Coaching


Megan Mahoney 949.735.4156


Ashton Abbot 949.228.2197


“It’s like a lit le paradise here where we are. When we get up into the open space, we always kind of pinch ourselves.” —Shelly Barker


894115-1503B


894324-1503B


Photo courtesy SJCEC


Photo courtesy SJCEC


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