West Coast Equestrian Center opens in Sisters

The Sisters equestrian community has a new player. Successful horse breeder and halter trainer Rich Maggard and trainer Tamie Schaut have launched West Coast Equestrian Center in the former location of Emerald Ranch on Cloverdale Road, east of town.

"I've been breeding and showing horses since the 1970s," Maggard told The Nugget. "It's all grown out of that."

Maggard has enjoyed some spectacular success in the world of halter horses, breeding and showing Appaloosas and quarter horses.

"I've won the Canadian National Championships several times," he said. "I haven't won the world yet."

Maggard, who also operates West Coast Equine Insurance Services, has always loved Central Oregon, ever since his family vacationed in Bend when he was a kid.

"I told them when I was, like, 7 years old, 'I'm gonna move to Bend,'" he said. "It took 50 years, but I'm finally here."

Maggard was casting about for an opportunity to create a full-service equestrian center; the Emerald Ranch site seemed perfect. The facility has two barns, three arenas, a round corral and hot-walker, and a bathing area with hot and cold

water.

Maggard and Schaut plan to stand stallions of various breeds; provide boarding services and training for everyone from beginners and children to experienced riders.

There is 24-hour supervision on the property.

Schaut will teach the fundamentals of horsemanship and horse care to beginners and people who are just reintroducing themselves to the equestrian world.

"I grew up on a ranch in eastern Washington," Schaut recalled. "My dad's family had a 3,200-acre wheat farm out there. I learned to ride when I was eight years old."

She said she is particularly interested in teaching children and people with disabilities, who often benefit greatly from contact with horses.

Shari Maguire, of Rolling M Ranch, a well-known fixture of the Sisters equestrian community, will train in Western riding.

Private lessons are available immediately and will be conducted year-round. Programs for kids will be introduced with the advent of good weather next spring. There will be a variety of clinics and shows offered as well.

"We've got some rather big clinicians lined up for weekend clinics," Maggard said. "I will be doing some as well."

An "Open Barn Breakfast" is scheduled for Saturday, October 22, starting at 9 a.m. Folks can tour the facility and learn more about programs and plans offered at West Coast Equestrian Center. Shari Maguire will be accepting three outside "problem" horses at no charge to work with during the open house. To participate in this program, contact Tamie Schaut at 541-241-0411.

West Coast Equestrian Center is located at 68020 Cloverdale Rd.

Author Bio

Jim Cornelius, Editor in Chief

Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.

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