Horse of the Sun Ranch

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Healing the Spirit

Horse of the Sun Ranch is a program of the Armed Services YMCA San Diego that provides an array of equestrian and respite activities. We are principally focused on healing the spirits of military families and at-risk youth.

Nestled in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains, Horse of the Sun Ranch allows you to experience some of the most spectacular natural surroundings that Southern California has to offer.

Fall Festival

Fall Festival is the event of the season. With the help of our donors, partners, and local vendors, we are able to provide our military families with memories that will last for a lifetime. Families enjoy our petting zoo, retail vendors, line dancing, rock climbing wall, food stations, laser tag course, horseback riding, and more! Did we mention the pumpkin patch and numerous selfie stations? The Fall Festival will be held on October 26, 2024.

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Mind, Body & Spirit

Building a relationship with a horse is an intensely uplifting and empowering experience for children and adults, creating lasting, positive benefits:

  • Enhances Social Relationships
  • Learn to Recognize, Accept and Cope with His / Her Fear
  • Fosters Feeling of Independence
  • Enhances Comprehension and Memory Skills
  • Teaches Anticipatory Response

Programs at Horse of the Sun Ranch

Equestrian Day Camp

This program allows children to travel to Horse of the Sun Ranch and participate in a variety of activities including horseback riding, feeding, and grooming horses, archery, gardening, hiking, and more!

Man riding horse while staff leads horse at the Horse of the Sun Ranch.

Horseback Riding Program

Learn all the fundamentals of horseback riding and horse care under the careful guidance of our Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) expert instructors and experienced education horses.

Ranch Day

Bring family, friends, or staff out for a day on the ranch! Activities include horseback riding, archery, gardening, leathercraft, and more.

Home School/Charter School Program

This program allows children to enjoy Horse of the Sun Ranch and participate in a variety of activities including horseback riding, feeding, and grooming horses, archery, gardening, hiking, and much more!

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Leadership Development with Ziksana Consulting

An equine-assisted learning program for leaders and teams provided by Ziksana Consulting. Join us for “HorsePlay,” a one-of-a-kind professional development program at Horse of the Sun Ranch that uses equine activities as a catalyst for learning and improving leadership skills.

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Meet Our Horses

Interested in helping feed and nurture one of these wonderful horses? Be sure to click “Learn More” on each horses bio!

Jo Joe

The Can-Do Kid

Hank

The Steadfast Heart

Tonka

The Gentle Giant