Our Story
Ron and Sara Malone have lived at Circle Oak Ranch since 1990 and have spent the last 28 years designing and developing the property into what is now a state of the art equine care facility.
Owners Ron and Sara Malone
Ron is a life-long horseman and a retired lawyer. Circle Oak Equine is a result of his vision and determination to set the standard for first class equine sports medicine and rehabilitative care. He is responsible for strategic oversight and general management of the business. Ron was an amateur in the cutting horse world for 15 years, competing in aged events and local shows when his trial schedule allowed. In April 2014 he won the NCHA Superstakes Amateur Title, beating 240 other competitors for both the class and the senior division, and in June 2014 he won the PCCHA Unlimited Amateur Derby, riding his 4 year old gelding, Rubys CD.
Sara spent 30 years in management in various Wall Street and Fortune 500 businesses and now devotes her time to business oversight of COE as well as community non-profit work. She is an avid gardener and is responsible for the ongoing development of the gardens and grounds, which have been featured on local and regional tours and in numerous publications. The Malones have strived to make Circle Oak Equine a serene oasis in rapidly developing Sonoma County.
How it all began.
In 1995 the first barn was built. A nine stall barn (bottom left of the picture above) for Ron’s cutting horses. Today, the nine stall barn is the first barn, on your left, that you pass on your way into the property. From 1995 - 2015, Circle Oak Ranch underwent an amazing transformation. The cow pastures in this photo are the future site of Circle Oak Equine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation facilities.
Circle Oak’s Timeline
1997 - Just before major excavation and fencing projects begin. By 1999, the four stall barn on the hill here (left side of this photograph)is completed.
2002 - Heavy construction begins. The hay barn and shop are the first large building built.
2004-2006 - The hay barn and shop go up. Fencing continues and pasture irrigation is put in.
2006-2008- The indoor and stalls are built. The 10 stall shed row, walker, underwater treadmill, and more irrigation also go up and in.
2008 - Rehab Opens!
2010 - Dr. Carrie Schlachter, Kari Farley and Nicole Bachman join the Circle Oak team.
2012 - The idea for the clinic is born.
2013 - The first vertical strut for the clinic goes up.
January 2015 - Clinic construction is moving right along.
