Equestrian Clubs & Associations in Southern California: From Hunter/Jumper to Dressage & Polo
Originally featured in the 2014 Equine Almanac
Southern California has long been home to a thriving equestrian community, supported by national governing organizations, local riding clubs, and associations dedicated to the growth of equestrian sport.
From hunter/jumper and dressage competitions to polo matches, rodeos, and family-oriented riding programs, these organizations help connect riders of all ages and experience levels.
The 2014 Equine Almanac highlighted national equestrian associations and local clubs throughout Rancho Santa Fe, Temecula, Poway, and the greater San Diego area.
National Equestrian Organizations & Associations
United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)
The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is a central resource for equestrians participating in recognized competitions throughout the United States.
The organization provides information about equestrian disciplines, breed affiliates, competition rules, licensed officials, education, points, and standings.
The 2014 Almanac highlighted several membership categories, including:
Senior Competing Membership
Junior Competing Membership
Licensed Official Membership
Farm Membership
Equestrian Membership
Association Membership
Membership options were designed to accommodate competitors, officials, horse owners, show managers, and equestrian enthusiasts.
Benefits and requirements vary by membership type.
For current membership information and competition resources, visit usef.org.
United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA)
The United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) supports the hunter/jumper community through competition resources, educational opportunities, and membership programs.
The Almanac emphasized the importance of maintaining appropriate memberships before attending rated horse shows.
For riders, trainers, and owners participating in recognized competitions, keeping memberships current can help avoid registration complications and additional fees.
The organization also offered affiliated association and associate membership opportunities.
For current membership requirements, educational programs, and hunter/jumper resources, visit ushja.org.
United States Dressage Federation (USDF)
The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) supports the sport of dressage through competition, education, awards, and membership programs.
Dressage has roots in classical horsemanship, with early training principles documented in the writings of the Greek horseman Xenophon.
The 2014 Almanac highlighted five national dressage competition levels governed by USEF:
Training Level
First Level
Second Level
Third Level
Fourth Level
These levels provide a progression for riders and horses developing their training and competitive abilities.
For dressage education, membership, and competition information, visit usdf.org.
United States Polo Association (USPA)
The United States Polo Association (USPA) supports the development and promotion of polo throughout the country.
The organization provides resources for individuals interested in learning about the sport, attending matches, taking lessons, or participating in competition.
Polo combines horsemanship, teamwork, strategy, and athleticism, making it a distinctive part of the equestrian world.
The Almanac recognized the USPA as a resource for both experienced players and newcomers.
For more information about the sport, visit uspolo.org.
Polo Clubs in Southern California
San Diego Polo Club | Rancho Santa Fe
Founded in 1986, the San Diego Polo Club became an established destination for polo in Southern California.
The 2014 Almanac described the club as occupying approximately 60 acres in Rancho Santa Fe, with facilities including:
Five polo fields
An exercise track
Riding trails
A clubhouse and bar
A polo training school
An outdoor lighted arena
At the time of publication, the club hosted one of the country's longest polo seasons, running from May through October.
Sunday polo matches welcomed spectators throughout the season, creating an opportunity for families, visitors, and equestrian enthusiasts to experience the sport.
The club's training school offered lessons for beginners, non-riders, and experienced players.
Private and corporate events were also part of the club's programming, including
opportunities for guests to experience golf cart polo.
“San Diego is the perfect place for polo.”
Temecula Valley Polo Club | Temecula
Located at Galway Downs, the Temecula Valley Polo Club was founded by Geraldine Strunsky with a mission to combine the sport of polo with philanthropy.
The club was developed as a venue for charitable events, fundraising luncheons, and polo competitions supporting local and national nonprofit organizations.
Strunsky, an avid polo player and advocate for environmental, children's, and animal-related causes, envisioned a club that would introduce new audiences to polo while supporting the surrounding community.
The Almanac highlighted the club's polo arena and plans for instructional opportunities for new riders.
Temecula Valley Polo Club sought to bring together local and international polo players while raising awareness and funds for charitable initiatives.
“Bringing players from around the world to the world's oldest team sport—polo.”
Poway Arena Polo | Poway
Poway Arena Polo was featured as a United States Polo Association-affiliated club and polo school operating as part of the Poway Valley Riders Association.
The club provided opportunities for adults and young riders to learn and participate in arena polo.
Its mission focused on creating a safe, welcoming environment for players of all experience levels.
The program also offered access to polo ponies for participants without their own horses.
At the time of publication, Poway Arena Polo included recreational players, experienced competitors, and an active interscholastic program.
The Almanac reported that its interscholastic team had earned two national titles and seven regional championships.
The club also hosted tournaments and participated in the Southern California Arena Polo League.
“Come out and try polo—you might just love it.”
Riding Clubs & Equestrian Associations in San Diego County
Poway Valley Riders Association | Poway
Established in 1960, the Poway Valley Riders Association (PVRA) was created to encourage equestrian activities and family involvement in the horse community.
The association developed into a riding facility spanning more than 14 acres in Poway.
PVRA offered programs for riders of varying ages, disciplines, and experience levels.
Activities featured in the Almanac included:
English and Western riding
Pony Club
Drill Team
Polo
Gymkhana
Show jumping
Cross-country
Dressage
Open horse shows
Recreational and fun shows
The organization also connected riders with trainers across different equestrian disciplines.
In addition to its riding programs, PVRA served as the venue for the annual Poway Rodeo, an event that the Almanac reported attracted approximately 10,000–12,000 spectators.
With its emphasis on community, education, and competition, PVRA reflected the family-oriented traditions of Southern California's equestrian culture.
“Family fun on horseback.”
Why Equestrian Clubs & Associations Matter
Equestrian clubs and associations play an important role in supporting the horse industry.
For competitive riders, national organizations provide structure through rules, membership programs, education, and recognized competitions.
For recreational riders and families, local clubs offer opportunities to learn new disciplines, develop riding skills, attend events, and connect with others who share a passion for horses.
Whether participating in a hunter/jumper competition, taking a first polo lesson, or attending a local riding event, these organizations help strengthen the equestrian community.
Celebrating Southern California's Equestrian Community
From nationally recognized governing organizations to local polo clubs and family riding associations, Southern California offers a rich history of equestrian participation.
The clubs featured in the 2014 Equine Almanac reflect the region's longstanding commitment to horsemanship, education, competition, and community involvement.
Their stories offer a glimpse into the people and organizations that have helped shape the area's equestrian identity.
As Babe Ruth famously said:
“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success.”
Editor's Note: This article is adapted and condensed from the 2014 Equine Almanac. Club locations, facilities, competition schedules, memberships, and organizational details reflect information published in 2014 and may have changed. Please verify current operations and membership requirements directly with each organization.
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