Rider's Field the perfect place to ride and camp!

Fallbrook Rider’s Field is 10 acres of prime riding land tucked away at 1627 South Stage Coach Lane. It wasn’t always 10 acres; the amount given to the club in the mid-1950s was 15 acres. However, five acres were sold at one point to ensure the continuation of the group, which needed funds. No one is sure who donated the land, so perhaps it was an anonymous gift.

The property includes more than 20 temporary stalls, two large arenas and a cross country course with some water crossings. Barrels and jumps are also available. At first there was only one arena, but recently they split the arena and fenced in the warm-up area to create an additional riding area.

The group itself hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including traditional horse shows and classes in cross country and dressage.

There is plenty of room to park horse trailers and the facility offers restrooms with flush toilets. An area is set aside for overnight trailer camping with electricity and water hook-ups but no sewer connections.

Dr. Steve Colburn is president of the nonprofit organization’s board of directors and Nancy Chamberlain, who has been a member since 1981, serves as vice-president. There are seven members on the board.

At http://www.fallbrookriders.com prospective members may download applications. A family membership is only $125 per year.

Some organized groups have riding priority but individual members can access the schedule on the Web site. “Everyone can ride almost every day,” Chamberlain commented. “We also welcome members to put on their own events; we have some play days, some fun costume days.”

Rider’s Field also boasts several large picnic tables that were purchased from a local school district. “We have bleachers, but they are getting worn,” Chamberlain noted. “That is a project for when we have money.”

The club would welcome a donation of bleachers and is also looking for someone to lend assistance with plumbing skills. Chamberlain’s husband, Jim, does much of the field maintenance, as do other members. “Someone donated an old tractor about 30 years ago,” she said, “but it needs repair.”

Organizations can rent the field for the day, however because of the liability, if an individual wants to use the field they must join the organization. Chamberlain noted that “membership is down a little, but it’s probably a sign of the economy.”

The Fallbrook Pony Club has been riding on the property since 1979. “At least two generations of Pony Clubbers have come through now,” said Chamberlain.

The Grange Equestrian Show Team, Silver Spurs and a group called Horse Masters also use the field. All organized riding is posted on the Web site so members can check to make sure that their riding day doesn’t conflict with an organized event.

The day I visited the field Victoria Speck was riding her horse, Fleur, and teaching some younger riders how to cross a small pond. It took a while for the horses to get used to the water and Victoria’s horse went first, then a pony named Sasha ridden by Jenna Dewald. Jenna’s sister Kyla followed on her horse and soon all three animals were comfortable

in the water. However, Sasha was more than comfortable and was having fun splashing water around with her hooves.

Erin Boddaert, a trainer for the Pony Club, has been riding at the field since she was eight years old. A competitive dressage rider herself, she commented that “it is a great place to ride; a lot of different organizations can come to camp and ride. There aren’t many communities that have a public field like this.”

If you visit Rider’s Field you might be fortunate enough to be able to see something of a rarity. Alana Yee atop her mule, Cierra, is sure to bring a second glance. Alana says her mule is not stubborn but is very sweet and obeys commands. Cierra has championship credentials, including Mule Days World Champion Mule in 2006 and 2007.

Marie Harris, a hardworking member of the Rider’s Field board of directors, commented, “An annual membership of $125 gives a family virtually unlimited use of a really great place to ride… Rider’s Field is a blessing to many families.”

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