San Vicente Saddle Club: Building Community Through Horsemanship
The San Vicente Saddle Club, founded in 1973, is a welcoming community in the San Diego Country Estates that brings together horse enthusiasts of all ages through events, rides, clinics, and social activities, fostering friendship, horsemanship, and a shared love of life in the saddle.
Founded to bring together riders of all ages and skill levels, the San Vicente Saddle Club offers a welcoming space for everyone, from seasoned competitors to those just beginning their equestrian journey. The club hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including horse shows, trail rides, clinics, and community gatherings. These activities provide members with the opportunity to learn, grow, and connect while celebrating the joy of horseback riding.
According to Jeffi Wood, President of the San Vicente Saddle Club, it is a recognized club of the San Diego Country Estates. It was established in 1973, and the club's purpose is to promote horse activities in San Diego Country Estates and provide a social gathering for horse owners. Any money raised through their activities is channeled back into horse-related needs within the Estates. To be a voting member, you must reside in SDCE; however, everyone is welcome to join and participate in events.
“Everyone enjoyed our horse camps in the Cuyamacas, Sweetwater, and once we went to Santa Barbara,” says Wood. The club also hosts fun shows, tack swap meets, poker rides, trail maintenance parties, and clinics led by trainers. In the past, they would meet up for weekly trail rides with members, and after the rides, they would go for brunch.
The club has hosted activities such as bleacher painting parties, rail repair, and painting, and has had outings to the races in Del Mar and Mary’s Tack annual tack sale. They participated in parades in SDCE and Ramona. The club supplies volunteers for shows organized by the association and has raised money to install hitching posts and jumps. One of the main events every year is their Christmas party, with the ever-popular horse-related gift exchange.
The club takes pride in its friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Events are designed not only to challenge and inspire riders, but also to create lasting memories for families and spectators alike. Whether it’s a sunny morning in the arena, a leisurely ride along scenic trails, or cheering each other on in a competition, the San Vicente Saddle Club fosters a spirit of encouragement and camaraderie.
Club meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 pm in the IEC rotunda. A family membership is only $20 per year, and the club is open to new members who are interested in meeting like-minded horse enthusiasts and participating in various horse-related activities.
Photos by Cheryl Schlauch.
Check out the Saddle Club Facebook page.
