After a full year of planning, I’m relocating to Southern California this December with horses, dogs, cats, and most likely an Airstream in tow. Instead of rushing into a purchase (hello, way too much pressure), I’m looking for a quiet, horse-friendly landing pad for 6–12 months while I settle in and explore the area. I want this next location to be my last. Let them carry my old wrinkled and smelly body out of this next place. Because I want it to be RIGHT, I need to take some time finding it.
About me
I’m an experienced horsewoman and endurance rider with a history of conditioning Arabians, starting horses on trail (including two off the track thoroughbreds) and managing my own herd on acreage. I live cleanly and quietly (almost annoyingly so), opting for peace and silence of open space over the hum of traffic. I handle my horses’ care, including farrier and EasyCare shoe work.
I was born in Southern California, grew up in the Sierra Foothills, had my first “big girl job” in Livermore. I moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2008 where I lived until 2021 before getting a location-based job in Texas, where I lived for four and a half years. It’s a long story, but it’s time to go home. For more on why I want to leave Texas, check out Why I’m plotting my escape from Texas.
My herd
Coming with me to California are four well-mannered and beautiful horses:
- Dante, my first horse ever, who is 26 years young.
- Nisha, my Arabian queen, young and free, only seventeen
- Ransom, a 9-year old Arabian gelding firecracker who keeps the other horses young with playful antics
- Hondo Lane, an 8-year-old off the track Thoroughbred with more enthusiasm than social skills
All four get along well and stay in the same field together.
What I’m looking for
I’m seeking a 6-12 month land lease in Ramona, Valley Center, Temecula or Aguanga area so I can be closer to the SoCal endurance horse scene as well as the Santa Fe fox hunting fixtures (who hunt in San Diego and Riverside counties). I would also consider beyond those areas as long as the land is safe. Including Tehachapi (I love Tehachapi) and surrounding areas.
See also The ‘American Dream’ is my nightmare. Here’s my exit plan…
My ideal setup
- 2-10 useable acres
- Water + electric access
- Place to park my Airstream (if no electric is available, I can set up with solar panels)
- Room to set up portable pipe paneling which I will bring in and take with me after the lease is up, if there is no current horse infrastructure
- Safe access for a truck + 2 horse gooseneck trailer
- Quiet, private setting is welcome. I’m an INTJ on the Myers Briggs type indicator spectrum (if you’re curious)
What I offer
- Full self-care horse management for my own herd
- Quiet, respectful, tidy living
- Reliable communication and low-impact use of the land
- Experience horse handling and trail riding
- Optional: conditioning rides for horses in need of miles and experience out on trail (references provided upon request)
Optional: landowner travel coverage
While I’m not seeking a full-time caretaker role, I am open to helping with basic horse care during an owner’s travel, such as feeding, checking water, fences, blanketing, light exercise and as a all horse people know, checking for colic or other health issues. I know the signs, just keep a tube of banamine on hand 🙂 This would be on a pre-planned basis and never interfere with my own schedule. For the right situation, I can be a chill, reliable on-site presence.
Timeline
My Texas house closes December 1, so I will be available and in California as early as the first or second week of December.
Getting in touch
If you have land available or know someone who might, I’d love to connect.
Email: ck******@***oo.com
Instagram: @courtneyscoffs
YouTube: FlyingSoloRanch
OR COMMENT BELOW.
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To get to know me better, check out…
- About the time I fell through my ceiling…
- Of course I fox hunted my green OTTB (Off the Track Thoroughbred), why wouldn’t I?
- Part Two: Riding Nisha 150 miles at Spanish Peaks (with Video)
- If horse ads were honest (using my horses)