Story and photos by Katja Zimmer
Despite all the developments being brought into Menifee, the area continues to retain agricultural pockets, including equestrian opportunities.
There are several equestrians residing in Menifee. Outside the new tract homes, there are properties where many keep their horses. Some choose to keep horses on their own property, but some board them at bigger facilities that offer boarding right here in Menifee.
There are multiple horse ranches in and surrounding Menifee, including Hidden Horseshoe Ranch and Two Bayz Ranch. Menifee is even home to STAT horse sanctuary — a sanctuary just for retired and in-need equines.
Hidden Horseshoe Ranch is located at 33781 Gloria Road, north of Keller Road and west of the 215 Freeway. They offer private boarding. Information can be obtained on their Facebook page or by calling 909-917-2480. Two Bayz Ranch is located at 33275 Fowler Drive in Winchester. Phone: 949-331-4643.
Trail riding is a popular way equestrians enjoy riding their horses. Because of Menifee’s large areas, fields, and beautiful scenery, it is the perfect place for trail riders. In addition, Lake Skinner and Diamond Valley Lake, both located just outside Menifee, are scenic places that allow people to haul their horses in to ride right by the water. Riders have even been sighted riding through the main streets of Menifee – including right through the In-N-Out drive-through to grab some lunch on horseback.
For the equestrians who lean more toward arena riding, there are local public arenas in Murrieta, Norco, and even Yucaipa. There are sometimes even shows, barrel races, or rodeos held at these public arenas/facilities as well.
Menifee is actually close to some of the biggest showgrounds for equestrians. Right outside of Menifee, Temecula is home to CRC Ranch and Galway Downs. CRC Ranch has lots to offer and regularly hosts shows and barrel races. It is based around western riding and the western lifestyle. They also host many fun events throughout the year and have even hosted a “Ride with the Sheriff”.
Galway Downs is one of the biggest showgrounds around when it comes to English riding. They not only have countless barns and arenas, but their very own cross-country course. They host shows and clinics throughout the year for jumping, dressage, and cross country. They host upper-level U.S. Equestrian Foundation shows and are the place to go if you’re looking for one of the rated shows here in Southern California.
There are also lots of smaller places local to Menifee where one can ride and compete. Riverside Rancheros and Ingalls Equestrian Center in Norco are consistently hosting events and are quite popular. They host competitions and jackpots for roping, showing, sorting, barrel racing, and so much more.
Back in the day, Winchester used to put on one of the biggest rodeos around. The arena still exists, but it is no longer open to the public or hosting events or rodeos. It does continue to hold an important part in the area’s history and is what drew a lot of equestrians to the Menifee area. The sign for the Winchester rodeo still stands and can be found when driving along Highway 79 north of Simpson Road in Winchester.
Menifee and surrounding areas offer large horse properties, trails, rodeos, sanctuaries, ranches, shows, and even upscale breeding. No matter what type of riding equestrians may do or what they may be interested in, Menifee is an epicenter for local equestrian events and opportunities.
