Horsetowns: Ojai
encouraged to ride different ones throughout the year as each horse teaches something new. Students also can arrange to board their own horses at the school during the academic year. Students ride English and western styles and
may participate in horse camping trips and trail rides. Many students achieve basic skills and ride only for recreation, while others choose to participate in horse shows and clinics with guest instructors.
Region’s orange groves mark the landscape.
Valley of Horses Ojai is home to many picturesque ranches, including the largest breeding and training facility for Paso Fino horses in the 11 western states. Situated on more than 40 acres in the upper Ojai Valley, Rancho Fino is one of the few irrigated ranches in the area. Green pastures are a hallmark of Rancho Fino, which accommodates more than 70 horses. Owners Bob and Betty Rains have lived in
Boarders at Rancho de Granville enjoy miles of trails in natural surroundings adjacent to the facility.
the Ojai Valley for the past 25-plus years. They settled in the area after searching for a home site throughout California and several other states. “We decided that the uniqueness and overall quality of life in Ojai was where we needed to have our horses,” says Bob Rains. The Rains' openly welcome visitors to Rancho Fino, which gives people interested in the
October 16, 2014
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ranch’s horses a chance to also experience the Ojai Valley and its surroundings. In addition to breeding and training farms,
boarding facilities are also common in Ojai. Approximately 14 boarding establishments can be found in the Valley. Both equestrian and non-equestrian residents of the Ojai Valley spend time together on the third Saturday of October celebrating the town they love so much. Dubbed Ojai Day, the celebration takes place in the middle of Ojai, and commemorates the artistic, agricultural and cultural heritage of the Valley. Local artisans, health and wellness practitioners, farmers, ranchers and commercial vendors all gather as classic cars and belly dancers entertain both residents and visitors. The morning before the celebration, a mandala--a spiritual, concentric design--is drawn and colored at the intersection of Main Street and Signal. Residents in Ojai, whether horsey or
not, have great affinity for this very special community they call home. “Ojai is such a great place to live,” says Weis.
“It’s a special little niche in the world.” EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is an updated
version of the Horsetown feature by Audrey Pavia that first appeared in Dec. 4, 2008.
Ojai Santa Paula Road • Ojai
Hermitage Road • Ojai
stunning 5 acre horse ranch in the ojai valley! Amazing 360° views. Seasonal creek runs through the property. Well built custom Spanish style home with high ceilings, open fl oor plan with lots of windows and doors allowing the nature to come inside. 5 Flat useable acres. Family vineyard with Sangiovese grapes plus there are walnut trees, fruit and citrus trees to enjoy. Horse facilities include a large arena, round pen, barn with workshop, turnout, paddocks, and wash racks. Located in the majestic Upper Ojai. Near Los Padres Nation Forest and riding trails.
www.11202OjaiSantaPaulaRd.com • $1,325,000 Kristen Currier
(805)798-3757 CalBRE#05994306
T e Hoff Group • Coldwell Banker Property Shoppe • W. Ojai Ave. • Ojai, CA 93023 www.T eHoff
Group.com
42 acres with a beautiful home surrounded by ponds, creeks, hiking & equestrian trails in the exclusive gated Hermitage Ranch in the East End of Ojai. T is parcel also has an equestrian arena, stalls and a pasture that can be enjoyed from the handsome stone terrace equipped with automated screens that convert the veranda into an annual open air experience with nature. 42 acres of income pro- ducing avocado and citrus trees which back up against State Park Land and it is not uncommon to see deer wandering the orchards—a very private setting. 2 communi- ty ponds for swimming, kayaking or just picnicking.
www.2289HermitageRoad.com • $3,500,000 Kathy Hoff
(805)290-6907 CalBRE#00969542
889331-1410B
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