Temecula Horsepower!

Saddles, wine, and city hall: Uncovering the Temecula horsepower behind the valley’s  equestrian heart

How are great cities made? Some say politicians. Some say luck. For me, I believe great cities are made by passionate people who create magnificent moments that become embedded in a history which spawn useful and legacy oriented traditions. Temecula horsepower history has deep roots. Those roots continue to grow and seed greatness in one of America’s premier cities.

Earlier this month the City of Temecula organized the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at city hall. It was a wonderful recognition of all our nation endured from the attacks on our homeland. The commemoration included times of silence and reverence for those who were lost, those who were on the front lines, for their families and for our country. There were also dignitaries and speakers, including Temecula Mayor Jessica Alexander. 

On the grounds were firemen, police, sheriff, and military representatives. In other words, everything one would expect for such a monumental 25th anniversary honoring event. 

As I scanned the attendees one specific group caught and held my attention. Sitting tall and majestic on the perimeter were several magnificently saddled horses, each ridden by sharp-looking, impeccably dressed women. 

They held themselves with poise and quiet dignity, honoring the memory of the day alongside the rest of the dignitaries and organizations. Looking at those impressive animals amidst modern suburban life, one thought immediately popped into my mind: Who on earth are those ladies on those stunning horses?

Why Do We Have Horses in Temecula, Anyway?

At that, I was off-to-the-races with lots of curiosities about Temecula horsepower. For example, why do we still have horses trotting through the 2026 version of Temecula? What is the history behind the horse in the Inland Empire or is this a new line of the equine in our midst? Now, I’m not hiding under a rock. I do know there is a healthy equestrian community in the area, but honestly, I was never too curious about it until I saw the calvary at the city-center on 9/11. 

It turns out, you and I may not have even had homes in this area had it not been for the role Temecula horsepower played in settling and enriching the Temecula Valley. Long before suburban neighborhoods and manicured roundabouts took shape, horse hooves were the real engine powering our community and the hope of a future.

Temecula Horsepower: A Rich History written in Hoofprints

Temecula’s ongoing love affair with horses dates back to the era of Walter Vail. Born in Canada and raised in New Jersey, Walter was a failed Nevada silver miner. He migrated from Carson City to the Temecula area pursuing the creation of any business that would create wealth. He found his niche in buying up Mexican ranch grants in the Inland Empire area. By 1904 he had assembled an astonishing 87,500-acre cattle empire that stretched from what is now Camp Pendleton in the west past Vail Lake to the east. The massive ranch included all of the Temecula Valley including all of what is now Murrieta. It took a lot of Temecula horsepower to manage the mammoth undertaking.

For sixty years the Vail Ranch operated as one of California's massive cattle operations. The family sold the ranch in 1964 to make way for what became the master-planned community of Rancho California. By that time the equestrian lifestyle and traditions were already baked into the very soil you and I walk on everyday. 

Galway Downs took root in 1968, and trailblazers like Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee Pat North Ommert soon helped establish the Temecula Valley as a world-class equestrian haven. Next was the legendary DLR Ranch (Donna Lee Reeves Ranch) planted right near the Temecula and Murrieta border. With help from forward thinking horsemen like Chris Benedict, DLR Ranch became the West Coast epicenter for National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) champions and elite performance horse breeding. Later, full-spectrum ranches like the California Ranch Company were added to the equine mix and the Temecula horsepower reputation for equestrian excellence rivaled anywhere in the country.

As far-reaching pastures gradually evolved into exquisite vineyards and residential neighborhoods, that rural spirit didn't vanish—it adapted.

Meet the Temecula Eq-Wine Riders & Cowgirls

Which brings me back to the original question about the unknown riders at City Hall! A little digging revealed that those elegant horsewomen belong to the Temecula Eq-Wine Riders (TEWR) and their famous ambassador unit, the Temecula Cowgirls Parade and Drill Team.

Formed in 2006 with crucial leadership from local advocates like Juanita Koth, TEWR is a non-profit club on a mission to preserve safety, rural lifestyle traditions, and multi-use trails across the Temecula Valley. The organization has been very successful at building win-win partnerships around Temecula horsepower!

Their efforts have literally bridged the gap between the stellar wine country and Temecula’s resilient horse heritage. Thus the name the Temecula EQ-Wine Riders. Instead of just riding past local businesses, the club has worked proactively with wine country leaders. Today, 17 local wineries feature dedicated hitching posts where riders can ride in, tie up their horses safely with water and feed, and pop inside for a fantastic lunch or wine tasting. Beyond the vineyards, these dedicated riders work closely with city officials and Riverside County to protect vital trail easements, ensuring hikers, bikers, and equestrians can all enjoy our stunning rural scenery safely.

Safety First: A Friendly Request for Valley Drivers

TEWR embodies the entrepreneurial and tenacity that is the past, present and future of the Temecula horsepower. For example, a community-wide awareness campaign encouraging Temecula’s city-folk to slow down around the many wine-county riding trails to keep the horses, riders, drivers, and cars safe.

Giddy Up and Get Involved!

Whether you’ve been riding since you could walk or you just admire horses from a respectful distance while sipping a local Cabernet, our equestrian heritage belongs to all of us. It’s one of many things that give Temecula Valley its unique, welcoming, and vibrant personality.

If you’re interested in exploring your equestrian roots, supporting local trail preservation, or joining in on fun social rides and events, consider reaching out to the friendly folks at the Temecula Eq-Wine Riders at temeculaeqwineriders.com. They are always happy to welcome new friends into the fold of Temecula horsepower.

On the other hand, if you’d just like to get a crisp glass of wine at one of our beautiful wineries, watch for the Temecula Cowgirls on the trials, and have a brilliant conversation. I’m up for it. Just connect with me through this blog. 

Until next time, giddy up!