Our Horse Community: How I’m spending my Pandemic Time

By Mary Cook

My friend and fellow horse lover, Linda Parks, asked if I would share my experience in Ojai, California during the Pandemic as part of the BCHA series “Our Horse Community.”

In April 2020, my daughter, son-in-law and 7-year-old grandson had had enough of living in Washington DC. They had been thinking about California for a while, and decided to buy a small farm property in Ojai. Ojai is a laid back city about 75 miles northwest of Los Angeles known for its farm to table cuisine and small town charm. Little did I know, before I arrived, that there were also a lot of horses!

Waiting to head out on a ride.

In June, they packed up and left DC behind. They began the drive cross country with their two big dogs, and Walter the screaming parrot! On the way they stopped to stay with me in Lyons, Colorado. They suggested I tag-a-along on their adventurous journey, and a room in their guest house awaited. It wasn’t an easy decision for me, but I took the chance and headed west to ‘SoCal’  to be with family during this unprecedented time.

Ojai Valley Trail Riding Office

Upon arriving in Ojai, I was introduced to our next door neighbor Susan Gruber, who owns and runs the Oso Ranch and Ojai Valley Trail Riding Company (OVTRC). With a horse operation of over 100 horses, the OVTRC offers guided trail rides on the directly adjacent Ojai Valley Land Conservancy by the Ventura River (similar to our Open Space) from her property, lessons and boarding.

Sue is “one of us,” a true horse lover and experienced ranch owner, American Paint Horse breeder and horse show judge. Before I knew it I was exercising horses, trail guiding, and teaching riding— I LOVED IT! Plus, who would have guessed I would even be getting paid for it! Working at the ranch has touched my soul and given me a sense of belonging and purpose during these difficult times.

One of my favorites: “56!”

I find myself over at the ranch just about every day, and there is plenty to do! If I don’t have a trail ride to guide there are always horses to work, stalls to muck, etc., you know the drill.  There are three or four horses that I have a great fondness for and ride regularly. Many horses at the ranch are retired champions from around the world, and had previous careers in roping, packing in the Sierras, and even polo. They might have some arthritis but can handle a couple of one hour trail rides a day and came to the ranch to become a ‘team member’ of our trail guiding string.

I love them all and am so thankful to have landed with family, horses and many new horse friends during this pandemic.

Currently, Mary has returned to her home Lyons, Colorado, but is planning on returning next year!