The Carter Family has always had a life revolved around animals. Mike Carter has worked around animals since he was in Junior High School working on an egg ranch. His parents purchased Carters of Lakeside in 1970 and Mike started working at the store the day it was first opened. He later followed in his father’s footsteps becoming a well-known hay broker in the San Diego area.  He and his wife, Cindy, met when they were in high school when Mike was delivering hay. They were married in Lakeside, CA and had a team of mini mules pulling a buckboard ride through the town of Lakeside from the church to the reception. Years later Mike and Cindy purchased a new location called Carters in Encinitas. They love the area and spending time there. Mike and Cindy have always been a big part of the community in the cities where they have their businesses.  

Cindy began riding and showing horses when she was 4 years old. In the 1970’s, Cindy began a successful career showing, training, and judging horses in shows across the country. This career is her passion and she has been invited to judge horse shows across the world — traveling to places such as Germany, France, Denmark, Australia, and New Zealand.  

When their son Toby, was five, he joined his local 4-H group, and wanted to show dogs. Cindy became the dog leader and San Diego Dog Advisory Chairman. Along with dogs and horses, the family has raised and shown poultry such as chickens and ducks. They have been involved with showing Pygmy goats, sheep, and pigs. Toby also has a career in Hollywood having acted in TV commercials, series, and film. In his spare time he works at the Encinitas store. Cindy and Toby now show AKC Miniature American Shepherds traveling all over the United States.  

The family lives on a ranch in San Diego County with a plethora of animals! That is their happy spot.