38 May 15, 2014


Ramona Horsetown Highlights:


• Population: 40,000+ • County: San Diego • Avg. High Temp: 75° F • Avg. Low Temp: 52° F


• Avg. Annual Rainfall: 17 inches


• Elevation: 1,435 feet


• Median Home Price: $403,000


• Popular Horse Activities in Town: Ramona Roundup Rodeo, shows, three-day eventing, trail riding, working cow horse, NATRC competitive trail ride


• Compelling Horsetown Features: Ramona Equine Industry Network, Ramona Trails, Association, Ramona Arabian Horse Association, Copper Meadows Equestrian Center, Ramona Stars 4-H Club, San Vicente Saddle Club, near Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Pony Club


R San Diego County jewel Ramona


Residents, equestrian groups help preserve equine-friendly atmosphere, small-town feel


by audrey pavia for the horsetrader


AMONA—Eastern San Diego County is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Oak trees, rolling hills and clear, blue skies greet those who venture from the


coast into the foothills of the Laguna Mountains. For horse people, one of the great jewels of the hilly country of San Diego County is picturesque Ramona. Ramona started as a Spanish land grant belonging


to Jose Joaquin Ortega. In 1870, gold was found in the nearby town of Julian, prompting creation of a stage line from San Diego to the town. On their way to San Diego, after nine hours on the stage, the wagons rolled through what would some day become Ramona. T e tiny town that grew from the San Diego-Julian stage line was fi rst named Nuevo. Laid out as a town


site in 1870, the area was developed on 3,200 acres of land by the Santa Maria Land and Water Co. T e compa- ny piped in water from outside the region, and the tiny town site began to grow. By the 1920s, Ramona had acquired its current name and became home to some of the largest turkey ranches in the world. Known over the next few decades as the Turkey Capital of the World, Ramona was the birthplace of a turkey that made it all the way to White House as a gift to President Harry Truman, in 1947. Over the ensuing decades, Ramona expanded and now has a population of nearly 40,000. Fortunately for horse lovers, a good number of Ramona residents own equines and have worked hard to keep the city horse-friendly.


Photo courtesy Gaits In The Grapes


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