By Michelle Caceres
Although the setting at Koren’s Quarters Ranch, located at 1120 Swilley Rd. (off Hwy. 39 between Lithia Pinecrest Rd. and Hwy. 60), is an ideal home to the Sunshine State Cutting Horse Association, it is also a perfect venue for any variety of animal show, community event or family celebration.
Situated on 80 acres, the facility features a lighted 100’ x 300’ covered arena with sound system, 102 permanent stalls, concrete wash racks, concessions, ample parking with RV hookups and air-conditioned restrooms.
Owned by the Koren family, Koren’s Quarters Ranch has hosted bridal showers and weddings, corporate events and even birthday parties complete with bounce houses, water slides and pony rides on the property. Last month the venue hosted the second annual Arts, Crafts and Home Show, featuring the talent of local artists and tradesmen.
“There’s nothing else like this around here,” said Louise Koren, who is busy running the day-to-day operations of the ranch including raising the quarter horses that call it home. Every year means new foals to be brought along to eventually show at cutting events around the country.
The sport of cutting replicates the works of American cowboys on ranches dating back to the 1800s when one cow needed to be separated from the herd for branding, doctoring, weaning or shipping.
The horse and rider separate one animal from the herd, guide it to the center of the arena and then, in an elaborate dance with lightning-fast starts and turns, horse pitted against cow, works to prevent the animal from ducking past and escaping back to the herd.
“When you have a well trained horse it reacts instinctively to the calf’s movements without the need for direction,” said Koren. “The rider stays out of its way and lets the horse do its job.”
It’s an exciting sport to watch at a top-notch facility.
Idaho resident Todd Williamson attended a cutting horse event at Koren’s Quarters Ranch. “It is a very nice facility and great people to work with,” he said.
For more information about Koren’s Quarters Ranch or to book an event, visit www.korensquarters or call 650-0257.
