Jadestone Canyon Ranch was established in 1988. The location is scenic with the majestic San Gabriel mountain range rising up infront of our front gate, often snowcapped in the winter, and the unique high desert terrain spreading out across the rest of the ranch. Mtn High Ski resort is 10 miles in one direction and Silverwood Lake State recreation park is 10 miles in the other direction. Huge State protected Joshua trees that stand like ancient old relics, some being over 100 years old are unique to this area and scattered throughout this valley and on Jadestone ranch. This is my homestead and I have a great love of this area.
My love of animals has flourished here. I currently raise and show American Shetland Ponies, Papillons and German Shepherds of German import lines. My horse and dog showing experience stretches back over 30 years and for the past 10 years I have also raised and shown beautiful felines. I strive for high standards of quality in my ponies, my two dog breeds and my show cats and always strive to breed not only for an animal that meets its breed standard ideal but also for good temperament and health so that they may also become someone's cherished family companion.
In 1989 I established Jadestone Pet Lodge, a dog and cat boarding kennel and cattery here at Jadestone which offers a safe haven for local residents to leave their pets when they are out of town. I have many years experience, handling, conditioning and training show dogs, therefore, I also offer 'show dog' boarding for Breeders in need of the extra care required for their show animals.
Our ranch name, Jadestone has three namesakes. The first being named after my daughter, Jade. The second being in line with two other long established ranches in this stretch of valley known as West Cajon Valley, to the northwest of the Cajon Pass. These two ranches being Sandstone Ranch to the southeast of us and Stone Basin Ranch to the northwest of us. The third namesake is after my New Zealand heritage and birthplace. Jade stone also called Greenstone by 'Kiwis' (New Zealanders) and native Maori tribes of New-Zealand was a prized and powerful gemstone used for carving both jewelery and weapons and is also thought to bring the possessor of Greenstone, good luck.
This is a beautiful place both in rural picturesque beauty and in its historical value. The Mormon rocks, just two miles from my gate are a magnificent cluster of huge sandstone rocks, rising out of the ground towards the sky as if praying to the heavens and give evidence of the great division of plates between the San Gabriel mountain range of Wrightwood and the San Bernardino mountains. The historical Mormon trail winds its way through the Cajon Pass and West Cajon Valley. A monument built of river rock and topped with an old handcart/wagon wheel in memory of early pioneers that rested here before settling, sits half way up on Highway 138 towards the Wrightwood turnoff. I often ponder the thought that some of those early settlers may have camped for a day or two or more on this very land I now call my home, Jadestone Canyon Ranch. I invite you to visit my website and if you have any questions please feel free to give me a call anytime.
Happy Trails,
Meryl |
