the story behind the big bear equestrian Center & Bear Valley Farms
Nick Lanza, owner of Big Bear Vacations shares his story on how he became the recent owner of this Big Bear Lake stable.
When I was a kid, we lived on an 8 acre orange grove in El Cajon, California of which I have fond childhood memories. We had horses and according to my dad, we had to contribute to the family by selling the Oranges on the street to help pay for some of their expenses .
In 1997, my dad and I went in half's on a company, then called Shore Acres Lodge and Vacations rentals. It was a Lakefront lodge with another 67 vacation rental contracts. I spent the last 20 years building that business which is now known as Big Bear Vacations. Now with over 300 vacation rental homes, the opportunity came for me to share some of those childhood memories with my own kids, and all of our guests and their families as well.
When I was a kid, we lived on an 8 acre orange grove in El Cajon, California of which I have fond childhood memories. We had horses and according to my dad, we had to contribute to the family by selling the Oranges on the street to help pay for some of their expenses .
In 1997, my dad and I went in half's on a company, then called Shore Acres Lodge and Vacations rentals. It was a Lakefront lodge with another 67 vacation rental contracts. I spent the last 20 years building that business which is now known as Big Bear Vacations. Now with over 300 vacation rental homes, the opportunity came for me to share some of those childhood memories with my own kids, and all of our guests and their families as well.
Nick Lanza, Trey, Kole & Coconut
As I grew through my life and at 45 years old had kids of my own, I wanted to create a life for my kids that they would always remember their childhood in the same fond way I did. Trey and Kole, now 5 and 7, are living that life.
When Trey was born, I decided to move to a more appropriate place for him to grow, and that was the property we live at now, adjacent to the farm. It sits against the national forest and it started with 3 acres of land. We added 4 horses to the family and resumed a version of my childhood lifestyle. That was in 2011. As time went on, I took the opportunity to buy adjacent land as it became available which now totals 30 acres.
I had a great relationship with the neighbor and owner of what was called Sonny's Stables, and when they were ready to sell, I was ready to buy. I went into partnership with my friends Mike and Jody, who had been part of the ownership of the horses and my kids life all along, so it was a natural for them to partner with me for this next phase.
We started Big Bear Equestrian Center and Bear Valley Farms. It was our vision to create a place for the visitors to come and enjoy riding horses, pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, hayride and haunted hayrides.... We will continue to build many additions and events for the public to enjoy as we build. We have had great feedback so far, shown by the infectious smiles on the faces of kids when they join us at the farm.
My kids are living a life on the farm, and will learn the responsibly and fun of raising animals and they will never forget their childhood in Big Bear. We all have so much fun on the farm, and looking forward to sharing those experiences with our guests and visitors.
When Trey was born, I decided to move to a more appropriate place for him to grow, and that was the property we live at now, adjacent to the farm. It sits against the national forest and it started with 3 acres of land. We added 4 horses to the family and resumed a version of my childhood lifestyle. That was in 2011. As time went on, I took the opportunity to buy adjacent land as it became available which now totals 30 acres.
I had a great relationship with the neighbor and owner of what was called Sonny's Stables, and when they were ready to sell, I was ready to buy. I went into partnership with my friends Mike and Jody, who had been part of the ownership of the horses and my kids life all along, so it was a natural for them to partner with me for this next phase.
We started Big Bear Equestrian Center and Bear Valley Farms. It was our vision to create a place for the visitors to come and enjoy riding horses, pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin patch, hayride and haunted hayrides.... We will continue to build many additions and events for the public to enjoy as we build. We have had great feedback so far, shown by the infectious smiles on the faces of kids when they join us at the farm.
My kids are living a life on the farm, and will learn the responsibly and fun of raising animals and they will never forget their childhood in Big Bear. We all have so much fun on the farm, and looking forward to sharing those experiences with our guests and visitors.
big bear Therapeutic riding Center
Another chapter now is the Therapeutic Riding center in Big Bear:
I was introduced to Suzanne Hodges by a friend early on. She explained her non profit company Equu8 which is a equine therapy operation that works with handicapped people in helping them connect with horses and working through their individual challenges.
The first time I experienced one of her sessions, I was brought to tears. We are honored to have Suzanne and her team be part of our facility. Suzanne is in charge of all equestrian operations on the farm, and she is certainly certified and qualified to do so.
I was introduced to Suzanne Hodges by a friend early on. She explained her non profit company Equu8 which is a equine therapy operation that works with handicapped people in helping them connect with horses and working through their individual challenges.
The first time I experienced one of her sessions, I was brought to tears. We are honored to have Suzanne and her team be part of our facility. Suzanne is in charge of all equestrian operations on the farm, and she is certainly certified and qualified to do so.
Big bear vacations, big bear equestrian center & bear valley Farm
Being an owner of both Bear Valley Farms and Big Bear Vacations, we naturally are combining the product to create many packages. We invite our guests to enjoy the farm during their stay and we offer free admission to the Farm if you stay with Big Bear Vacations as a starting promotion.
Also if you stay at Big Bear Vacations and bring your horse, we offer free boarding under the same promotion. Please visit our Lodging page for more info and promotions
For more information about Big Bear Vacations visit our website.
Also if you stay at Big Bear Vacations and bring your horse, we offer free boarding under the same promotion. Please visit our Lodging page for more info and promotions
For more information about Big Bear Vacations visit our website.