Thriving Through Social Connection

Community members and equestrians came together last Saturday, for a fun-filled afternoon featuring pony rides, mini horse photo ops, raffles, prizes, a coloring contest, a horseshoe tournament, cornhole, crafts, a tack sale, and more.

Cheryl Schlauch, San Vicente Saddle Club Treasurer, says this was their first ever Horse Social Hour and their biggest event yet. The purpose of the event was to encourage equestrians, members, and non-members to socialize and enjoy a beautiful day with like-minded people. Marketing Designer Michelle Kelleher says the club hosts several events a year. They currently have 50 members and gained many more members from the event. "We are active at bringing the community together."

Horseback riders were taken out on the Pony Trail toward Gunn Stage Road in the early afternoon. San Vicente Saddle Club member Lisa Spounias said the trail looked great when they rode on it. She added it was very nice, peaceful, and serene. There were pony rides given by two trainers, Candace Regal, who has been a trainer for 35 years, and former horse racing jockey Kelly Van Zant, who has been a horse trainer for eight years.

Krystin Withers, a San Diego Country Estates resident for ten years, brought her two daughters, Hailey and Arya, to the event. She said they wanted to attend the Horse Social Hour because they don't have a horse, but her oldest daughter Hailey loves horses and wanted to get the opportunity to get in the saddle and be around them.

Megan Bugzavich brought her 4-year-old daughter, Kora Saragosa, to the horse social hour because Kora takes lessons with Miss Kelly. Kora loves horses and can already steer and trot. She is saving up to buy one of her own; Kora came up with a plan to earn money by selling eucalyptus bundles. Megan told her that if she wants a horse she needs to work hard, train hard, and listen to Miss Kelly. "It's been a real confidence boost," says Bugzavich.

Bella, the mini horse, was onsite for photo opportunities, and visitors were able to feed her a carrot. The Amazing Mini Miracles and their mini therapy horses were also at the event, meeting and greeting visitors. Owners Paul and Donna Carlomagno said they take the horses to schools, hospitals, retirement homes, and hospices to put smiles on people's faces. They have four mini horses and were invited to the event by Kelleher. "We are so happy to be here," said Donna.

The Honorary Town Mayor, Tim Connelly, joined the festivities and pulled raffle tickets for the donated gift baskets at the end of the event. Danny's Kitchen donated free weekly Bundt cakes for a month; The SDCEA donated a $50 gift certificate to the Par Lounge or The Oaks Grille; Smoking Cannon Brewery donated a "stop in and fill up" of two growlers with a t-shirt, stickers, and beer glass; Trudy Steele, donated a basket of hair care products; Poco Montaña Winery donated two bottles of wine and additional goodies; Kahoots Feed & Pet donated goodies for your horse and 50-pounds of hay pellets; and The Gym donated a 30-minute massage, 30-day membership, group training, and tanning.

Thank you to the sponsors and contributors, including the San Diego Country Estates Association, Danny's Kitchen, Red Whites and Brews, Diamond D Feed & Supply, John Hancock Photography, Smoking Cannon Brewery, Trudy Steele, Poco Montaña Vineyards, Kahoots Feed & Pet, PrintPost, and The Gym Ramona. Coldwell Banker Country Realtor, Shaylene Desma Kauvar donated water bottles, and Halloween candy to guests. Delicious food was available from the Nomadic Pizza Trolley.

The San Vicente Saddle Club (SVSC) stands as a beacon of community spirit and equestrian passion in San Diego Country Estates. For nearly half a century, SVSC has galloped through the heart of equestrian tradition, fostering a love for horses and riding. Their commitment to equestrian events, education, and community service is unwavering, even in the face of challenges like Covid and VSV. With the finalization of their 501(c)(7) non-profit certification on the horizon, SVSC is poised to leap into a future where trail rides, educational lectures, and community projects continue to flourish. The club's extensive list of activities and contributions, from poker rides to scholarships, and from trail maintenance to memorial walls, showcases a rich tapestry of service and camaraderie. As they gear up to revive and host more equestrian events, the club's enthusiasm is palpable, ensuring that the legacy of SVSC will trot on for years to come, bringing together horse enthusiasts and community members alike in a shared love for all things equestrian.

Photos by Tiffany Pressler