Tranquility as close as Equestrian Center

The Canyon Lake Equestrian Center is the third oldest amenity created in the Canyon Lake. When Railroad Canyon Lake was converted from a no-body-contact lake to its current Canyon Lake community, only the lake itself and the campgrounds (Happy Camp) existed prior to the stables being constructed in the 1960s. Not even a new Canyon Lake house had been built.

Equestrians have been relying on the stables in Canyon Lake as a place to keep their horses safe for decades. The center spans seven acres, has a 17-stall barn, many outdoor stalls, three arenas for jumping and show riding and a turn-out arena.

On most days, riders can be seen grooming, grazing and riding their horses at the Equestrian Center, even in the midst of a pandemic. Riding and caring for a horse can be done easily while social distancing, unlike team sports, according to local equestrian Donna Kupke. Donna can be seen at the Equestrian Center most days riding and caring for her horse Moe.

Donna said there was very little that needed to change at “the barn” in order to comply with social distancing orders.

“It was a very easy transition,” she said. “We stopped hugging goodbye.”

Canyon Laker Lori Lewis has also been thoroughly enjoying her horse during COVID-19. Lori is at the barn caring for and riding her horse Kryptonite almost every day.

“I’ve never seen the barn so busy,” Lori said. “It was the only amenity not closed for a long time.”

She said she has seen friendships grow since the COVID-19 outbreak. People have had more free time because of the social distancing orders and equestrians have chosen to spend much of it at the Equestrian Center. The result, she said, is they have developed stronger bonds with their horses and with friends who share their common interest.

Lori and Donna have both been riding horses since they were very young. Lori was in 4H as a child and has always loved caring for animals. She has a strong bond with her horse and said that if she is at the barn for three hours, she usually spends only one hour riding.

The rest of the time is spent grooming and bonding with her horse. She explained that the trust established between the rider/owner and horse is crucial.

“It’s about building comradery,” she said. “Your horse is trusting you and you can’t have any fear with it.”

It is not only easy to be socially distant while caring for and riding a horse, but it is therapeutic, according to equestrians Lori and Donna.

“It’s so peaceful when you’re here,” Lori said. “It’s my Zen.”

Donna also finds spending time with her horse very therapeutic. “It’s my sanctuary,” she said.

Riders have been using the Equestrian Center often over the past few months. They can be seen bathing their horses, going on trail rides and just hanging out with their horses and sometimes others.

Outside of Canyon Lake’s North Gate are many trails that can be used for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land on the North side of Canyon Lake is open and available for equestrians to go on trail rides. The land on both sides of Greenwald Avenue is also available for horseback riding.

Another nearby treat for riders is Canyon Lake’s Ski Jump area, located off of Longhorn Drive across from Treasure Island. Horseback riders can use this amenity for swimming with their horses when no motorized boats are in the water. Riders often use the trail outside of the North Gate and make their way to the “lagoon” to allow their horses to swim when it is hot out.

Hot days are ahead and social distancing is what is necessary for the time being, but for Canyon Lake equestrians, tranquility and companionship can be found right around the corner at the Canyon Lake Equestrian Center.

Equestrians ride their horses outside of Canyon Lake’s North gate along trails in the BLM land. Wildflowers and wildlife can be found, but be careful of snakes. Photos courtesy of the Canyon Lake Equestrian Club.

The Canyon Lake stables were built in the 1960s. They were the third amenity to be added to Canyon Lake. Horses can be seen grazing in front of the building. To the far left of the stables is a dirt road that would later be paved and called Longhorn Drive. Photo courtesy of Elinor Martin

The Canyon Lake stables were built in the 1960s. They were the third amenity to be added to Canyon Lake. Horses can be seen grazing in front of the building. To the far left of the stables is a dirt road that would later be paved and called Longhorn Drive. Photo courtesy of Elinor Martin