Wildomar Equestrian Community Riding Out Tough Economy

Horse ownership is a costly proposition, so it’s no surprise that some Wildomar boarding facilities have felt the negative affects of trickle-down economics in recent years.

Mike and Shannon Sand, owners of the specialized 6-plus acre hunter/jumper facility known as Sand Bar Ranch on Maples Road in Wildomar, confirm that business has been fluctuating.

“Two years ago, we had 32 horses here,” Shannon said. “Last year, we averaged between 19 and 22 horses.”

Although the full-service Sand Bar Ranch navigates the rise and fall of business by providing multiple equine services – boarding, lessons, sales, showing and training – less money is coming through the barn door.

“Our facility holds up to 36 horses,” Shannon explained. “Right now, we have between 14 and 16 horses here.

“The increased cost of insurance, feed and fuel are outweighing the number of horse owners,” she continued. “Some horse owners are having trouble staying afloat and are unable to take lessons. Horse sales are down also.”

Despite the rough economy, the Sands continue to push on.

“We operate from a professional and businesslike perspective," Shannon said, “but we have worked with boarder situations resulting in late payments and, in extreme situations, work agreements in exchange for board.”

Not unlike the Sands operation, Wildomar’s Grand Vista Stables on Grand Avenue has also felt the pinch. Thanks to a core-group of boarders, however, business seems to be back on track.

Kay Murray-Helm has been boarding for eight years at Grand Vista. Eight months ago she assumed the position of ranch manager at the sprawling 16-acre stable.

She confirmed that business has been up and down in recent years.

“Last year we had 18 horses here,” Murray-Helm said. “About eight months ago I didn’t think we would see any new boarders. Currently, we are boarding about 34 horses here.”

Murray-Helm said the facility is combating the rise and fall of business through a strategy of continued improvements and expansion.

While strolling through the ranch, she pointed out various plans to redesign and expand areas of the facility.

“We are always working on a project. Right now, we are expanding the pasture area to separate the geldings (castrated male horses),” Murray-Helm said, noting plans to offer pasture boarding in a “his” and “her” manner.

Murray-Helm feels ongoing success rests upon the consistency of long-time boarders.

“The core group of boarders are close and, when needed, come together to assist others,” she said. “They communicate through Facebook to plan events and keep up with what is going on with the horses.”

Murray-Helm said the centrally located facility offers various riding opportunities that provide boarders with a way to socialize while on horseback.

“Some of the boarders have ridden to local businesses on horseback (Starbucks, Freddies Tacos) as well as ride the surrounding trails,” she said.

Murray-Helm said the personality of the stables directly affects the boarding numbers.

“We are close to being full, with only seven available pens,” she said.

For more information about the stables featured here:

Grand Vista Stables

22410 Grand Avenue

Wildomar, CA 92595

(951) 970-4353

Sand Bar Ranch

35200 Maples Road

Wildomar, CA 92595

(951) 545-4868

www.sandbar-ranch.com