Longtime equestrian center renamed, renovated

Southern California Equestrian Center has become the hub, heart and hope of a horse-based area that wants to stand strong against encroaching development.

The 2,000-acre Valle de Los Caballos was named for what's important here: horses. Formerly Galway Downs, the owners renamed and revamped the equestrian center to breathe new life into the valley and ensure that horses remain a priority.

Pat Ommert, who has lived a stone's throw from the equestrian center since it opened in 1968, lights up as she speaks about the improvements and additions across the way. She remembers when there was just one wooden barn - now there are dozens of white cement barns.

"A well-run operation is what will get people here and it'll encourage the horse people to stay here," she said.

Three years ago, the owners of Galway Downs filed for bankruptcy, leaving the door open for Los Angeles developer Namco Capital Group to swoop up the property and restore it to its former glory.

Over the last two years, the 242-acre equestrian center east of Temecula has undergone drastic upgrades. Barns, fences, irrigation systems and other infrastructure have been fixed up. A grass jumping field and roping arena have been added. New footing has been placed in the cross-country course as well as rings and a training track.

Property Manager Robert Kellerhouse said the $35,000 worth of changes have impressed local horse riders.

"We're so very, very fortunate to still have this place here," Kellerhouse said. "But it's like painting the Golden Gate Bridge. It's a constant work in progress to keep things up."

Residents of Valle de Los Caballos, like Ommert, are hoping the equestrian center's new image will attract more horse lovers and provide opportunities for newcomers' children to learn how to ride, keeping the lifestyle safely intact.

John Golightly, a horse trainer on the grounds, said the newly resurfaced track and general beautification of the center has generated a boom in business and a newfound interest in showing and racing horses.

"The growth has been crazy and there's a lot of people looking for things to do in the area," he said.

Equestrianism is an integral part of the region's history, and Kellerhouse believes it could once again be associated with the city as much as wineries and golf courses.

The center on Los Corralitos Road, he said, is uniquely located because it is surrounded by large lots dotted with stables but is only down the road from big-box stores such as Best Buy and Wal-Mart. It combines the serenity of a rural lifestyle with the convenience of living on the border of a burgeoning city.

"The equestrian industry brings a certain cachet to a community that most communities don't enjoy," Kellerhouse said as he stood on a grassy field overlooking a new arena. "It keeps people in touch with something other than their cars and bicycles."


