The ranch has been family owned and operated for 35 years. During those years,  the area evolved from grazing range supporting herefords to a setting of spacious homes and scenic open space.  The main ranch house dates from 1887 and the surroundings are rustic. 

Bommala Bobby Clearing the 6' 10" Puissance Wall at  the 1968 Los Angeles Forum International Horse Show with Dianne Grod in the stirrups. Trained at Carmel Valley Ranch by owner Dan Brumfield, she was able to pack his 235 lb frame over a 6' wall and compete without lameness for her entire career.  Later shown expertly by Ms. Grod, the mare was Quarter Horse of the Year, a Tri-state Grand Prix Champion, winner of 16 Puissance Championships, and in a special try at 7' 3", she missed by a mere fraction of an inch.  This  1959 AQHA mare, was Sired by Brazos Bob and out of Miss Bommala.   Purchased as an unraced prospect, she began her Hunter Jumper training in November of 1964, and within three months placed fourth among 39 green working hunters at Rancho Santa Fe in San Diego County.  From that point on her career skyrocketed .   She stood just 16  hands.

Dara Brumfield the middle daughter is the Trainer at Carmel Valley Ranch.  She gave up here full time career in the Medical industry to pursue her passion of riding, training and instructing.  Over and over she has lead her riders to end of the year championships.  In addition to riding her clients horses, you can see Dara showing her regular mounts Tredis Harper and Freedom First.  CVR has several youngsters maturing, therefor you might want to check out the sales list for going horses.   You may ask Dara a training question and read more about her on Ask the Trainer.
Dara's husband Jose Luis Ortiz de Montellano Jr.  is an avid horse owner and rider as well.  Originally from Mexico City, he grew up on horseback.  His father was jumping back in the days when Dara's parents were jumping.  Horses brought Dara and Jose Luis together.  Jose works full time and campaigns in the Amateur jumping classes.

Daina Ryckman the youngest lives at CVR with her husband Ryck and daughter Rylee Dawn.  Daina heavily showed her parents horses in the late 80's in the Amateur Owner Jumper division.  She has ridden eversince but left showing to pursue a college degree in Psychology.  She now concentrates on designing web pages and  rides and shows.  You may look for her at the shows or visit her site at http://www.Rhorses.com
Ryck can be found on his days off riding his iron horse and on any given day you might see Daina galloping alongside of his dirt bike --good training for the horse!  Of course the bike always wins.

Rylee Dawn, the Granddaughter, pursues the Lead Line classes on her pony Handsome Coco--Watch out walk-trot!

Our riders pursue many different interests along with their riding.  Lessons are taught on a regular basis Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  The rest of the days remain quiet other than horses being schooled.  As a low impact facility it is perfect for the rider that is looking for peacefulness and stability.

As the weather permits, you may find the group sitting around a bonfire at one of the ranch cookouts.  In the Summer, the swimming pool opens up and after a hot day of riding there is nothing like a cool dip.  Of course, you can always pack up your stuff and cruise down to the beach!