Rancho Water offers a safer alternative to riding horses along De Portola Rd.
On Saturday, February 26, Rancho California Water District (Rancho Water/District), Temecula Valley Rural Lifestyles, Inc. (TVRL), and Rancho California Horsemen’s Association (RCHA) cut the ribbon on a new portion of an equestrian trail in Valle de Los Caballos (VDC).
This horse trail links between the VDC and Oak Mountain Road to provide a safer alternative to riding along busy De Portola Road. Equestrians will use this trail as a path between the VDC and De Portola winery trails to Oak Mountain Road, Leoness Cellars, and the GlenOak Hills area.
Rancho Water has been working with members of RCHA and TVRL to allow riders access to trail easements along Rancho Water properties in the VDC. With licensing, fencing, and signage now in place, the trail is ready to be opened for horse traffic. Signage at the trailhead acts as a reminder that the public trail is exclusively for equestrians. Bikes, motorized vehicles, and hikers are not permitted.
“Rancho Water is pleased to partner with our equestrian neighbors in the GlenOak Hills and Valle de Los Caballos communities,” said Robert Grantham, Rancho Water General Manager. “We are fortunate to offer amenities like this one to the community.”
Gil Pankonin, President of TVRL said, “TVRL is grateful to Rancho Water for recognizing our historical equestrian easements and opening this trail segment, and to Dan Stephenson for his generous donation for the fencing. It truly helps us fulfill two of our goals with the trails network: Safety and Connectivity.”
The event hosted more than 60 local horse owners, community leaders, and Rancho Water board members and staff. With the trail now open, horses and riders are invited to enjoy the trail at their leisure.