Mike and Suzi Vlietstra are self-employed entrepreneurs (or entremanures, as we say in the horse biz) who love living in Chino Hills with 53 horses in the backyard. Says Suzi “We want our ranch to be where everyone wishes they were when they’re someplace else–a place to get away from life’s stresses and enjoy a little ‘equine therapy.’”

Suzi was born with the horse-loving gene which has taken her on many adventures. She enjoys writing about horses and their people; click here to read articles by Suzi.

Mike, a graphic artist, had never touched a horse when he met Suzi. “I just knew that they ran fast until you bet on them,” he laughs. However, Mike secretly took riding lessons so he could propose on horseback and now finds himself living amongst a herd of horses and their women—a mystifying condition that he nonetheless seems to enjoy, even when he doesn’t understand it.

Joe is the young son of Mike and Suzi who likes everything with wheels, but also likes his pony, Victoria–especially when she is pulling a cart with trainer Ted at the lines. Ranch renovation appeals to Joe: men with tractors and huge piles of dirt to jump in are what it’s all about when you’re five.

Grandma Mary Lou is a retired college professor who has taught subjects from cooking and sewing to hot-air balloon construction. “I love seeing the girls riding at the ranch,” she says. “It takes me back to the best times with Suzi,” remembers the octogenarian. “I always tell parents there’s no better investment they can make than getting their kids involved with horses.”