Copper Meadows Equestrian Center
Ramona's Horse People
By Teri Merry

Cross country is thilling for riders and spectators. Photo by Jamey Ritter

Do you want to learn to ride a horse but don't own one? Do you have a horse now and need help on your skills? Are you an accomplished rider and up to the challenge of evening? Are you looking for a place to host a horse show?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then Copper Meadows Equestrian Center in Ramona may be just the place you've been looking for.

The equestrian center sits on 65 acres near the heart of town on Montecito Way. It is owned by Carolyn Hoffos and her husband, Robin. It has four arenas, including a dressage court and a Grand Prix jumping arena, as well as about 40 acres of cross country trails and jumps.

The center has two, full-time trainers, Sarah VandenBerg and Jennifer Wooten. Also, many local residents trailer their horses in for hourly lessons. Copper Meadows hosts some of the highest-rated cross country events in the nation.

Eventing is like an equestrian triathlon. It consists of three separate phases of competition: dressage, cross country jumping and stadium jumping. The scores for each phase are combined to determine the overall winner of the event. This event has its roots as a comprehensive cavalry test requiring mastery of several types of riding.

Hunter/Jumper is a popular event at local shows. Photo by Jamey Ritter

Residents may have a misperception that Copper Meadows is only open to those in training and competing in three-day eventing. Not true. Since purchasing the property in 1999, the Hoffos have been consistently upgrading. The Hoffos' now have all the needed lighting, water trucks, stalls, etc. and would like to have the facility used by other trainers and organizers from all disciplines. In fact, a horse driving clinic and competition will be held this spring.

How did it all start? Carolyn said, "I was born with a love for horses." Her grandpa bought Carolyn her first horse when she was 10 years old and she kept it in the Fashion Valley area of San Diego. Carolyn laughed and said, "I chose my first horse because I liked the color!" Carolyn's daughter started in Pony Club and from that Carolyn got turned on to horse eventing.

A rider competes in dressage at Copper Meadows. Photo by Jamey Ritter

As Carolyn competed at events through the years, she saw the large ranches being subdivided and many of the old ranches disappear. She felt she needed to purchase a ranch large enough to continue her passion. She has developed it into a first-class eventing facility. Trainer Sarah VandenBerg said: "Copper Meadows is fantastic. I enjoy coming to work because it is a beautiful environment."

Ramona is the perfect match to support competitors' needs. Copper Meadows attracts between 150-350 competitors at each of its events. Plus, each competitor typically brings along a friend or family member. Many competitors drive here and camp in their horse trailers at the ranch. Others fly in to our local airport and use our local Ramona Cab to get around.

Ramona provides great support for competitors with restaurants, hotels, grocery stores, feed stores, veterinarians, automotive repair and other services. It has been estimated that Copper Meadows generates nearly $1 million per year of revenue for local Ramona businesses. In fact, Carolyn said Ramona's Albertsons requests a copy of her show schedule. She said that the store managers plan ahead to stock up on lunch meat and ice.

So what is here for the local residents? A lot.

All levels are welcome from absolute beginner to advanced riders. Lesson horses are available for those who don't own a horse. VandenBerg said: "A lot of people have an aspiration to ride a horse, but don't know how to begin. I encourage people to make a commitment to just come out one time, evaluate the place, and take a lesson."

If you already own a horse and want some guidance, Copper Meadows has a great opportunity for you. At 4 p.m. nearly every Wednesday you can haul your horse over and work with a trainer for only $25. Everyone is welcome. For example, if you want some help starting your horse out on trail riding, they can go with you to practice riding with other horses, going over logs, walking through water, going up and down hills, and more.

Or, if you want help to work out a problem with your horse, improve your skills to communicate with your horse, or receive supervision to boost your confidence, that is fine. And, if you are an advanced rider working on dressage or jumping skills, the trainers are also there to help you. Carolyn suggests calling ahead to let her know that you plan to come and what you want to work on.

So, if you want to learn to ride, want to improve your riding skills, or utilize the facilities for an event, give the center a call. For more information, visit www.copper-meadows.com for details, contact information and the show schedule. Or, you can call Carolyn Hoffos directly at 760-788-7702. You are always invited to come watch a show or stop by and chat with Carolyn, Jennifer or Sarah about your specific needs and wishes. The main entrance to the Center is off Monticeto Way near El Paso Street. While you are there, don't forget to look around and soak in the beautiful environment.