
Sweetwater Farms Claim business
About
The farm is a working horse ranch dating back to the early 1960s in scenic Bonita, California. This 16-acre property features many of the original buildings still in use and rustic grounds, all surrounded by mature willow, cottonwood, and eucalyptus trees. Roberta Jackson Sweetwater Farms Sweetwater Farms was a dream come true for owner...... See More
The farm is a working horse ranch dating back to the early 1960s in scenic Bonita, California. This 16-acre property features many of the original buildings still in use and rustic grounds, all surrounded by mature willow, cottonwood, and eucalyptus trees. Roberta Jackson Sweetwater Farms Sweetwater Farms was a dream come true for owner Roberta Jackson. Growing a community based on family and friends and building lasting relationships between horses + people, Roberta and Sweetwater Farms have evolved into much more than just a horse farm since its inception. As a native of San Diegan, Roberta established Sweetwater Farms in 1985 on the east side of Bonita, CA, with her husband, Dave, and his sister. Since she was a child, Roberta’s dream was to have her own farm after building a close relationship with her first horse, Nutmeg, a four-year-old quarter horse. This began the lifetime career of ‘horses + people’ for Roberta and the impact of building a community around them. In 1992, Roberta moved Sweetwater Farms to where it is now, on Equitation Lane in Bonita. At this time, she realized just how important it was to continue volunteering and fundraising support for Bonita Equestrian Therapy (BETH) since they also started in 1985. The financial threat of having to close BETH’s doors weighed heavy on Roberta because she felt so passionately about the cause and the positive impact it had on the lives of so many people with disabilities. In 2002, she was asked to take on the management of the therapy horses and facility. In 2005, she officially took over the cause. She ran with it, providing financial support and countless volunteer hours to continue driving the positive impact between horses + people here at Sweetwater Farms. In 2004, Roberta was selected as the Coach for the University of San Diego Equestrian Team and continued with USD for the next ten years, earning Reserve Champion honors five years in a row and competing at the National Intercollegiate Horse Show Association competition. She was also instrumental in developing a successful Military Service Member Pilot Program in 2008, the model of BETH’s 2009 Wounded Soldier Program. Finally, she earned her Instructors Certification with the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. She added to her education with online courses through Irvine College in grant writing. Today, Sweetwater Farms provides many equestrian services, including a Riding Academy, Camps for children, Horse shows and events, a Show team, a Leadership program, and a United States Pony Club Riding Center. Since its inception in 1985, Sweetwater Farms and Roberta have shaped the lives of so many ‘horse crazy’ kids, providing not only services at the farm but also a close community that she would never consider a job. To her, it’s a lifestyle. One that will continue to curate the powerful relationship between horses + people.
Services Offered
- Venue rental
- Horse Boarding
- Horseback Riding
Photos & Videos





Reviews
A Quick Look at Customer Sentiment
Sweetwater Farms is celebrated for its enchanting rustic charm, offering dream wedding venues and fun, educational camps and riding lessons that many families cherish. Clients rave about the unique decor, expert event planning, and friendly atmosphere, while a few reviews highlight issues with unprofessional management and inconsistent personalized support for riding instruction. Overall, the venue stands out for its memorable experiences yet would benefit from more consistent communication and facility upkeep.
Deep Dive: Detailed Analysis of Customer Reviews
We’ve gathered and analyzed reviews from real customers across the web to give you an in-depth look at their experiences with Sweetwater Farms. Here’s what people are saying about their service quality, professionalism, and reliability:
Overall Experience & Satisfaction
Many clients described their experience at Sweetwater Farms as magical and unforgettable, whether hosting a dream wedding or enjoying enriching family camps. Most customers were delighted by the distinctive rustic ambiance and the special touches that made each event unique, though a few felt overshadowed by unprofessional moments that marred their overall enjoyment.
Service Quality & Expertise
The staff and coordinators received high praise for their attention to detail and expert planning skills, ensuring that weddings flowed seamlessly and camps were both fun and instructive. On the flip side, some riding lesson experiences were critiqued for not offering enough personalized instruction tailored to individual needs.
Customer Service & Communication
While numerous reviews applauded the warm, friendly, and accommodating nature of the coordinators and trainers, several customers reported lapses in communication, including confrontational behavior and rudeness from the owner/manager, which negatively affected their event or camp experience.
Value for Money & Pricing Transparency
The unique setting and high-quality service, especially for weddings and special events, were frequently mentioned as excellent value for the money spent. However, there were concerns about pricing when expectations were not met, particularly in instances of venue maintenance issues or unexpected event-day hassles, such as a damaged wedding cake presentation.
Timeliness & Efficiency
Multiple reviews commended the efficiency and timing of event transitions—from the bridal studio preparations to the smooth shift from ceremony to reception. In contrast, a few clients experienced delays and disruptions caused by mismanagement, which detracted from an otherwise well-orchestrated day.
Professionalism & Trustworthiness
Many customers felt secure and confident in the professionalism of the majority of the staff, who seemed to treat them like family. Nonetheless, a subset of reviewers noted disturbing incidents involving the owner/manager, including confrontations with vendors and guests, which raised concerns about overall professionalism and trust.
Facility, Environment & Ambience
The venue’s rustic aesthetic, featuring elements like a vintage bridal studio with a Tiffany blue antique couch, antique chairs, haybale seating, and enchanting outdoor settings, was a recurring highlight. Despite these charming elements, some reviews revealed issues with facility upkeep, particularly the condition of the barn and an incident involving termite dirt on the wedding cake.
Accessibility & Convenience
Clients appreciated the convenient location of Sweetwater Farms, with easy highway access and a family-friendly environment that welcomes children of all ages. There were, however, occasional grievances regarding rigid policies such as being forced to use a specific wedding planner and inconsistent communication during camp sessions.
Problem Resolution & Follow-up
The event coordinators often stepped in to resolve issues promptly and ensured follow-up that many found reassuring. Yet, unresolved conflicts with management and a lack of proactive support in some riding lesson situations suggest that problem resolution could be more consistent across all services.
Unique Strengths & Areas for Improvement
The standout qualities of Sweetwater Farms include its distinct rustic charm, exceptional horses, and versatile venues that create memorable personal events. To further enhance client satisfaction, improvements are recommended in streamlining communication, ensuring consistent professionalism from management, offering more individualized riding instruction, and maintaining facilities to avoid future mishaps.
People Also Viewed
Rolling Hills Boarding Stables
- Horse boarding
- Horseback Riding
Miller Equestrian Services
- Horseback Riding
- Horse Boarding
-
Visit Website
-
View Phone Number
-
Get Directions Equitation Lane, San Diego, California
Working Hours
- Mon -
- Tue 10AM - 04PM
- Wed 10AM - 04PM
- Thu 10AM - 04PM
- Fri 10AM - 04PM
- Sat 10AM - 03PM
- Sun 10AM - 03PM Closed
Report a Problem for Sweetwater Farms
Help us keep this listing accurate! If you notice incorrect details, report a problem below. Our team will review your submission.