Horse Feed, Bedding, Arena Footing & Transportation in Southern California: An Equestrian Guide
Originally featured in the 2014 Equine Almanac
Caring for horses requires more than a great training program. From proper nutrition and comfortable bedding to safe arena footing and reliable transportation, every detail contributes to a horse's health, happiness, and performance.
Southern California's equestrian community has long relied on knowledgeable feed suppliers, arena construction specialists, and professional horse transportation companies to support horses and riders across every discipline.
The 2014 Equine Almanac highlighted businesses and professionals serving Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego County, and beyond.
Horse Nutrition: Understanding Your Horse's Dietary Needs
A well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining a horse's health and supporting its workload.
According to the Equine Almanac, there are six basic nutrient categories that contribute to a balanced equine diet:
Carbohydrates
Protein
Fat
Vitamins
Minerals
Water
Nutritional requirements vary depending on a horse's size, age, workload, and metabolic efficiency.
The original Almanac notes that a healthy, average-sized horse generally drinks approximately 5–15 gallons of water daily, although individual needs vary.
Choosing the right combination of hay, grain, and supplements should reflect the individual horse's requirements.
Horse Bedding: Creating a Comfortable Stall Environment
Wood shavings and straw are among the most common bedding materials used in horse stalls.
The Almanac recommends considering approximately four inches of shavings in a stall without mats and banking bedding along the corners to help prevent a horse from becoming cast.
Straw is another traditional option, particularly for pregnant mares and mares with young foals. However, it should be free of dust and mold, and owners should be aware that some horses may eat their straw bedding.
Additional bedding options highlighted include stall mats, wood pellets, peat moss, and hemp.
Horse Feed & Bedding Suppliers in San Diego County
Carter's Hay & Grain | Encinitas
Established in the 1950s, Carter's Hay & Grain has a longstanding history as a family-owned business serving Southern California's equestrian and agricultural communities.
Founder John Carter originally delivered hay throughout the region, traveling between dairies and horse ranches along the California coast.
His son, Mike Carter, continued the family business and expanded its operations, opening an Encinitas feed store in 1998.
The company became known for its knowledgeable staff, quality hay, and dependable service to horse owners and ranches.
“A family business.”
Mary's Tack & Feed | Del Mar
Founded in 1963, Mary's Tack & Feed has long been a familiar name in the Del Mar equestrian community.
The store expanded into a large retail location offering products for horses, riders, dogs, cats, poultry, and other animals.
Featured products included:
Horse feed and hay
Stall shavings and bedding
Equestrian tack and equipment
Livestock feed
Poultry supplies
Products for companion animals
Mary's also supported the local equestrian community through sponsorships and donations to horse shows, clubs, and events.
Elston Hay & Grain | Poway & Ramona
Elston Hay & Grain opened in 1969 as an extension of a wholesale hay business.
Over time, the family expanded its operations to include retail feed and animal supply stores in Poway and Ramona.
The business offered hay, grain, saddlery, livestock supplies, and products for a variety of animals.
With a family background in farming, ranching, rodeo, and 4-H, the Elstons emphasized their connection to the local agricultural and equestrian community.
“Horses are our way of life.”
Equine Nutrition & Supplements
Colleen Wilson | Adeptus Nutrition
Dr. Colleen Wilson, founder and CEO of Adeptus Nutrition, combined her background in nutrition and physiology with her lifelong passion for horses.
Holding a PhD in Nutrition and Physiology, she developed nutritional products designed to address common dietary needs.
Adeptus offered supplements for horses, pets, and humans, with an emphasis on scientifically informed formulas and accessible pricing.
The company's philosophy centered on practical nutrition rather than fad ingredients.
Equestrian Arena Footing: Why It Matters
Arena footing is one of the most important components of a horse's training environment.
The Equine Almanac emphasizes that ideal footing should account for the biomechanics of a horse's movement while supporting performance and helping reduce the risk of injury.
Arena design, surface materials, drainage, and maintenance all contribute to the quality of a riding surface.
Arena Footing & Construction Specialists
GGT – German Geo Textile Footing
GGT-Footing was featured for its specialized equestrian arena footing systems used at international competitions, including FEI World Cup and Olympic-level jumping and dressage events.
The company's products incorporated geotextile fabrics and polyester fibers designed to stabilize sand and improve footing performance.
Highlighted benefits included:
Improved surface stability
Reduced dust through water retention
Enhanced drainage
Resistance to compaction
Improved elasticity
Footing solutions for multiple riding disciplines
The company's products included GGT-Footing additives, the Butterfly Matting System, and GGT Groomer equipment.
“World class footing at a price you can afford.”
BLT Grading | Escondido
BLT Grading was featured as a family-owned Southern California grading and excavation company operated by Todd Freistat and his sons.
With experience in residential, commercial, and equestrian construction, the company expanded its work to include horse arena projects.
BLT Grading worked with equestrian professionals, including renowned show jumper Hap Hansen, to develop riding arenas and appropriate footing surfaces.
Its services included grading, excavation, arena construction, and footing preparation, with an emphasis on safety and precision.
Walter Navas | Equestrian Arena Footing Specialist
Walter Navas specialized in equestrian arena footing for a variety of riding disciplines throughout greater San Diego County.
His services included:
Arena construction
Arena footing consultation
Rock removal
Specialized synthetic fiber footing
Arena maintenance solutions
With more than 15 years of industry experience at the time of publication, Navas emphasized rider and horse safety, individualized service, and creating arenas that were easier to maintain.
“Always striving to construct arenas that are easy to maintain.”
Horse Transportation: Choosing the Right Carrier
Whether transporting a horse to a local competition or arranging international travel, selecting an experienced transportation company is an important responsibility.
The Equine Almanac recommends working with carriers whose drivers and staff are familiar with handling horses.
Owners should also review applicable transportation requirements, insurance coverage, emergency procedures, and the carrier's experience.
Questions to Ask a Horse Transportation Company
Before booking transportation, consider asking:
How many years have you been transporting horses?
How often do you stop for food and water?
What will you do if my horse has a medical emergency?
What is your fee?
What do you do for overnight trips?
How can I best prepare my horse for transport?
What supplies should I pack with my horse?
Clear communication and preparation can help make the shipping process more comfortable for both horse and owner.
Horse Transportation Companies in Southern California
Stateside Farms, Inc. | Rancho Santa Fe
Founded in 1996 by John McAndrews, Stateside Farms provided professional equine transportation throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Based in Rancho Santa Fe, the company emphasized experienced horsemen, careful handling, and equipment designed for equine travel.
Its transportation rigs were described as having cameras, air-ride suspension, bedding, hay, and insurance coverage.
Stateside Farms focused on the safety and well-being of horses throughout the shipping process.
Bob Hubbard Horse Transportation | California & Nationwide
Bob Hubbard Horse Transportation developed a national reputation for professional horse shipping over more than four decades.
With terminals in California, Florida, Washington, and Kentucky, the company operated an extensive transportation fleet connecting major equestrian destinations.
Its experience included providing transportation for the 1984 Olympic Games and the 2010 World Equestrian Games.
The company also transported notable horses, including Cigar, Point Given, and the Budweiser Clydesdales.
“We take your horse as serious as you do.”
Equi Air Shipping Services | Canyon Country
Equi Air Shipping Services specialized in domestic and international horse transportation.
Led by Bruno DeBerdt, the company developed its services around providing careful oversight throughout the shipping process.
Its facilities included a USDA-approved isolation barn, shaded sand pens, an exercise arena, and around-the-clock staffing.
Equi Air emphasized personalized service and safe transportation for horses ranging from family ponies to valuable racehorses.
Private Aviation & Equestrian Travel
Southern California's equestrian community frequently travels between horse shows, training facilities, and international destinations.
The Equine Almanac also featured private aviation providers serving the region, particularly through Carlsbad's Palomar Airport.
These companies were included as travel resources for equestrian owners and professionals, rather than as horse transportation carriers.
NetJets | Private Aviation
NetJets was highlighted as a provider of fractional private aircraft ownership and private aviation services.
The company became part of Berkshire Hathaway in 1998 and developed a global aviation operation focused on safety, reliability, and personalized service.
Its services included flight coordination, ground transportation, catering, and international travel arrangements.
“Dedication to safety underpins everything we do.”
Jet Source | Carlsbad
Founded in 1997, Jet Source operated as a full-service aviation facility at Carlsbad Airport in San Diego's North County.
The company provided aviation services for private aircraft owners and business travelers.
Services highlighted in the Almanac included:
Fixed-base operations
Aircraft management
Aircraft maintenance and avionics services
Fuel services
Charter operations
Jet Source emphasized convenience, security, privacy, and personalized service for Southern California travelers.
Supporting the Southern California Equestrian Lifestyle
From choosing the right feed and bedding to investing in quality arena footing and arranging safe horse transportation, every decision contributes to a horse's comfort and long-term well-being.
Southern California's equestrian community benefits from a network of suppliers, specialists, and transportation professionals who help owners care for their horses both at home and on the road.
As the Equine Almanac reminds us:
“It's the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.” — John Wooden
Editor's Note: This article is adapted and condensed from the 2014 Equine Almanac. Business descriptions, services, affiliations, and operational details reflect information published in 2014 and may have changed. Readers should independently verify current services, contact details, transportation requirements, and availability.
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