Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park features world-class horse competitions, western-themed events, music, and as the name implies, horseback riding. Horse shows at the park are free to attend, and there are also paid events including concerts and festivals. It is a public park in San Juan Capistrano operating under the Ridland Group.
The Ridland Group has been associated with the Riding Park since 1998; the group helped bring equestrian Olympic trials to San Juan Capistrano, and is responsible for low-cost community riding programs in the park. Today the Group operates the 40-acre-plus park day to day and it is responsible for future planning over the next three decades.
Events At The Park
The park itself is a place to see concerts, go horseback riding, and see horse-related competitions. You can also rent this space for events such as private parties, weddings, and festivals. Being a public park, there are horseback riding options as mentioned above but these options may depend on the season, the operation of other horse-related events at the park and other variables.
The Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park
Blenheim EquiSports hosts up to 15 world-class horse shows per year at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park. These horse shows bring in international riders, their horses, and all shows are free to the general public. Seating is on grass and some limited grandstand areas may also be available. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and umbrellas for seating on the grass. Leashed dogs are also allowed but no alcohol.
Past and Annual Events at The Riding Park
- The No Show
- Adventure Van Expo
- Blenheim Ranch & Coast Classic
- SoCal Ranch & Slide
- SCHC Hunter/Jumper Horse Show
- Blenheim June Classic Series
- Blenheim Summer Festival
- Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo
- Adequan/USEF JR Hunter National Championships West
- Annual Orange County Horse Show Championships
- Reata Round up BBQ Contest
- Blenheim International Jumping Festival
- Blenheim Fall Tournament Grand Prix
- End Of Season Celebration
Check the calendar for upcoming events.
Free open rides are available at two arenas on select Mondays, weather permitting. The Williams West Arena and Sand Hunter 2 (west end of property) are open and available for your use between 8am and 5pm select Mondays.
All riding disciplines are welcome.
The RMV Rodeo
The Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo is a competition featuring nearly $200,000 in cash prizes, with the finalists eligible for a shot at competing in the National Final Rodeo event in Las Vegas. The official site for RMV Rodeo says this annual two-day event was created to celebrate, “…the golden age of early California history and the American West” with Rancho Mission Viejo “committed to the preservation of the cowboy way of life.” The rodeo features bull riding and Saddle Bronc riding, team roping, and steer wrestling.
San Juan OutPost
There’s more than just horse-themed events at the park. Concerts are a frequent attraction, and The San Juan OutPost is the on-site concert/event site where they are held.
Operated by TAG Presents, The OutPost has featured a number of high-profile names including Clint Black, Nelly, and John Pardi. TAG Presents has been putting on shows for more than 25 years, including concerts, art fairs, and festivals. What kinds of recurring events can you find at the Park?
MissionFest
MissionFest got its start in 2018 as a wine and music festival, and has been growing ever since. Billed as “San Juan Capistrano’s premier music, food, and wine event” tickets include all-day festival passes plus VIP options.
MissionFest is a unique event; the lineup for 2022 included Chase Rice, Breland, and Ernest; all reaching across multiple music genres including Hip Hop, Country, R&B, and more. That isn’t what makes this event a bit different. Ticket holders are advised to prepare for a full day in the sun with “headline music, great wines, craft beer, fine spirits and food prepared by our local gourmets.”
That is also fairly standard for an event of this size. What makes this one unique? The advice for those who wish to get to MissionFest by horseback.
The Frequently Asked Questions list for this event includes advice for those arriving on a horse; they may be tied up at the OutPost hitching post for the day for free, but they are not fed or cared for–that is the ticket holder’s responsibility. This may be one of the very few concert-type events you can ride a horse to with full permission of the venue.
Getting To Rancho Mission Viejo
Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park is located at:
30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675
There is parking available, with some 2,000 parking spaces but these are typically reserved in advance. Parking the day of an event like the RMV Rodeo may be tough to find without calling a day ahead of time.
Those who attend whether for horse events, festivals, or concerts should know there is a list of things considered as “do not bring” items. They include:
- Weapons
- Any glass
- Beach type umbrellas
- Alcohol
- Drones
- Tables
- Tents
- Recording equipment
- Frisbees
- “Projectile objects”
- Laser pointers
Some events may permit the purchase of a picnic ticket, allowing outside food. This is done on a show-by-show basis and may not be an option for all events.
Official Links & Contact Info
Address: 30753 Avenida La Pata, San Juan Capistrano, CA, 92675
Email: [email protected]
Related Articles
