About The Oaks Farms

The Oaks Farms in San Juan Capistrano and Valley Center California were founded in 1985 based on the vision of Joan Irvine Smith. A world-renowned horsewoman, Mrs. Smith holds a lifetime of experience in the Equestrian field including both the Hunter / Jumper world; her Thoroughbred Racing knowledge and her vast experience as an equestrian promoter of competitions, including the legendary Oaks Classic, an Olympic-style Grand Prix jumping competition.

In the early 1990’s, Mrs. Smith supported Alan Balch’s effort to include half-Thoroughbred sport horses in its Registry. Today, the Jockey Club’s Performance Horse Registry (PHR) includes Thoroughbred, half-Thoroughbred and Warmblood sport horses. Her many awards within the equestrian community include the U.S. Equestrian Federation – PHR Silver Stirrup Leading Hunter Breeder Award, Leading Breeder Award and Leading Jumper Breeder. The Oaks’ stallions and The Oaks’ breeding program are producing young horses of outstanding quality, exceptional jumping ability and excellent temperament. These horses have won and consistently placed in competitions of the U.S. Equestrian Federation, the Performance Horse Registry, the International Jumper Futurity, the Pacific Coast Horse Show Association, the American Holsteiner Horse Association and others.

The Oaks horses are highly desirable in the sport horse world. We breed for a strong hind end and a muscular foundation with looseness through the back and shoulder which provide power and agility. For many years, The Oaks horses have demonstrated the genetics, aptitude, capacity and spirit that make a winner. George H. Morris, co-Chef d’Equipe of the U.S. Olympic Team states “The Oaks is leading the American show horse world toward solving one its biggest problems, and that is coming up with an American sport horse capable of meeting the Europeans head on”. When visiting our San Juan Capistrano Training facility, people are most impressed with the intelligence and strong bond we have developed with these young horses. We welcome you to experience The Oaks Farms, spend time with our horses and meet our knowledgeable staff. The Oaks Farms - Bred with Pride Stride by Stride!