A historic homestead believed to be more than a century old stands on the grounds of Split Oak Ranch. Photo by Rich Carroll.
One of the many live oak trees, some estimated to be 100 to 300 years old, at Split Oak Ranch. Photo by Rich Carroll.
Naftali and Nicole DeJesus pose at Split Oak Ranch, where they are leading efforts to expand the property's equestrian programs and create a new gathering place for the Flagler County community. Photo by Rich Carroll.
The lighted rodeo arena at Split Oak Ranch hosts barrel racing, pole bending and other equestrian events that regularly draw riders and spectators from across the region. Photo by Rich Carroll.
The entrance sign for Split Oak Ranch marks the property where owners are expanding equestrian programs and developing a new agritourism event center. Photo by Rich Carroll.
The future 5,000-square-foot agritourism event center takes shape at Split Oak Ranch. The building is expected to host weddings, fundraisers and community events. Photo by Rich Carroll.
A historic homestead believed to be more than a century old stands on the grounds of Split Oak Ranch. Photo by Rich Carroll.
A wide-open pasture at Split Oak Ranch is part of the 54-acre property owners hope will become a gathering place for riders and the community. Photo by Rich Carroll.
A new chapter is underway at Split Oak Ranch, where the owners of the Flagler County equestrian facility are working to transform the property into a destination for horseback riding, community events and outdoor recreation.
Naftali and Nicole DeJesus purchased the 54-acre property in January and have spent the past several months upgrading facilities while preserving the foundation established by previous owners Connie and Chase McDougald. The couple said the McDougalds remain involved as partners as they work together to expand the ranch's offerings and community presence. The ranch, formerly known as Split Oak Farm, has operated for roughly five years and remains focused on equestrian activities, but the new owners have broader plans for the future.
"We're keeping everything the same, but expanding and growing and trying to upgrade all the facilities," Naftali DeJesus said. "We're trying to make it more accessible not just for horse riders, but for the community as a whole."
Among the most significant additions is a new 5,000-square-foot agritourism event center currently under construction. The climate-controlled facility is expected to open within the next month and a half and will be available for weddings, fundraisers, corporate gatherings, homeschool groups, reunions and other community events.
The building will feature ADA-compliant restrooms, a preparation kitchen, a bridal suite area and a 1,200-square-foot front porch overlooking the ranch property. According to the owners, several events have already been scheduled before construction is complete. Four events are currently on the calendar for the facility's opening month.
While the event center represents the ranch's future growth, horses remain at the heart of the operation.
Split Oak Ranch currently offers full boarding services, pasture boarding, riding lessons for beginners through advanced riders, horse training and access to a full-size lighted rodeo arena. The property also features approximately 18 acres of wooded riding trails and another 10 acres of open riding space. Demand has grown so rapidly that the ranch has established a waiting list for lessons and is exploring the purchase of additional horses to expand its program.
The ranch has already undergone extensive upgrades since the ownership change. Improvements include new arena lighting, upgraded irrigation systems, fencing replacements, expanded tack room facilities and improvements to horse stalls and pasture areas. Ranch officials said roughly 3,700 feet of fencing has already been replaced as part of the ongoing improvements.
For Nicole DeJesus, the ranch represents more than a business venture.
She said the family's involvement with horses began through their daughter, who developed an interest in horseback riding at an early age. After moving to Florida from Texas, the family searched for riding opportunities and eventually became immersed in the local equestrian community.
Their daughter now competes in barrel racing events, but Nicole said the family's interest eventually grew into a desire to preserve a place where children and adults alike could learn about horses.
"We didn't want to see it shut down," Nicole DeJesus said. "We wanted a place for kids to come, for adults to come, to learn how to ride a horse and learn about the care of a horse."
The couple said one of their primary goals is to create a gathering place where residents can reconnect with the outdoors.
"We want everyone to be a part of it," Naftali DeJesus said. "We want to share this with the community so everyone has a place to come be out in nature and enjoy it."
Naftali DeJesus said the ranch has already seen firsthand how horses can positively impact people's lives. He recalled one lesson student with nonverbal autism who has begun expanding her vocabulary through interactions with horses and riding lessons.
The owners hope the facility becomes a place where residents can experience not only horseback riding but also the benefits of spending time outdoors and connecting with animals.
The property regularly hosts ranch nights and equestrian competitions, attracting anywhere from 100 to 300 participants and spectators. The events include barrel racing, pole bending and other rodeo-style competitions for riders of varying skill levels. Food trucks, concession stands and family activities are part of many of the events hosted at the ranch.
Beyond equestrian activities, the owners envision farmers markets, food truck rallies, car shows, homeschool programs, 4-H activities and community gatherings taking place on the property. The ranch has also offered the future event center to local organizations, including the Flagler County Sheriff's Office, for meetings and training sessions.
The property also contains one of Flagler County's oldest surviving homesteads. According to the owners, the home dates back more than a century and is connected to several longtime farming and ranching families in the area.
Surrounded by hundreds of mature live oak trees, some estimated to be between 100 and 300 years old, the ranch's owners believe the property's natural setting is one of its greatest assets.
Future plans include additional gathering spaces, a lounge area, offices, expanded tack facilities and outdoor ceremony areas designed to take advantage of the property's scenic views and sprawling oak canopy.
"This isn't something we're buying as our private oasis," Naftali DeJesus said. "We want people to come experience it."
With construction nearing completion and bookings already underway, the DeJesuses hope Split Oak Ranch will become a destination where residents can experience rural Flagler County while creating a new community gathering space for years to come.
