The Equestrian Center at the OC Fairgrounds Spring 2022

The Equestrian Center at the OC Fairgrounds Spring 2022 The Horses Helped Us Through COVID Everyone will agree—the last few years have been rough as the world worked its way through the worst days of the COVID pandemic. The Equestrian Center was closed to outsiders, lessons and public programs for several months in 2020 but when it was safe to do so, our favorite fourlegged friends were waiting for us and eager to help everyone get back outside, get active again, relieve that stress and help bring back the joy!

It has been particularly hard for kids - isolation from friends, Zoom–school meaning hours and hours of screen time, and cancellation of most team sports. With safety protocols in place, the last year has been busier than ever— with camp groups, public tours, kids and adults of all levels taking riding or vaulting lessons, attending docent-led tours, signing up for horsemanship classes and taking part in community outreach programs - everyone making good use of our amazing public Equestrian Center right in the heart of the city!

The horses teach us: Patience

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Confidence

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Responsibility Empathy

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Discipline

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Humility

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Balance

Coordination Strength

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LOVE

In Their Words:

“My name is Soleil. I

have had many great horse experiences since I’ve been riding but starting to jump has been an experience unlike any other. Ever since I’ve started jumping , I’ve had an outlet in my life. Something to look forward to. When I go over a jump, I feel free and relaxed. I can let go of my other problems in my life and just be. I have notice that I’ve felt happier and more relaxed in everyday life now. I am forever grateful.” - Soleil (weekly rider at All About Horses OC)

In Their Words:

”Learning to ride

and her horse, Rogan, have changed Sofia’s life.

She has Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and ADHD. Riding this past year has given her the confidence to look people in the eye, joke, and finally be happy with who she is as a kid. It has literally saved her life. I can’t tell you enough as a Mom how incredibly grateful we are for horses and the Equestrian Center.” Jennifer Anaya (mom of a Moonstone Academy Rider)

A Rare Accomplishment: The Century Award Our very own Susanna Rodell has earned the rare and prestigious Century Award from the US Eventing Association.

The Century Award is bestowed upon a horse and rider combination who compete at an event and whose combined ages add up to 100 years! Susanna (aged 73) and her horse Lady (age 28) completed the Novice division at Galway Downs and placed 4th overall as well! Susanna credits her coaches, Megan and Lisa Sabo and her equine partner, Lady – an off-the-track thoroughbred who is “...such an amazing little mare. Once she gets going on cross-country she is a beast!” Susanna has given thousands of hours of instruction to the Pony Club kids at the Equestrian Center and although she just moved to Australia, Lady remains behind as a beloved lesson horse teaching the next generation of urban equestrians to dream big!

Rescued Horses Get Second Chances!

Caroline Bixler first met the mare, Karma (pictured left) locked in a stall in Redlands. Karma had already been rescued from deplorable living conditions and the people that rescued her didn’t do much better. Karma had been deemed “dangerous” and “unrideable” and was abandoned again. Caroline saw something special in the red noble mare and took over her care and ownership. With time, love, patience and proper care, Karma has thrived. She is a wonderful, kind partner who always tries her best and she loves her life at the Fairgrounds.

King Solomon (pictured right with owner Alexis Booher) still bears the physical scars of his previous life as an Amish plow horse . Many draft horses are abandoned or sold to slaughterhouses when their “useful working life” is over. Solomon was rescued and started his mental and physical rehab in South Carolina when Alexis decided to give him a new life in Costa Mesa. He arrived with abscesses in his feet, a sore body from years of overwork and a tired spirit. However, he has transformed and blossomed since his arrival. He is a wonderful, gentle riding partner for 70-year-old Alexis and the biggest horse on the property in both size and soul. Many people have had their first rides on The King and he was even used for a unique wedding proposal! We are so happy to have him living his best life in the OC!

"A barn is a sanctuary in an unsettled world, a sheltered place where life's true priorities are clear.

When you take a step back, its not just about horses... it's about love, life and learning. "

Community Outreach In addition to a busy daily schedule of visitors, riding lessons, vaulting practices, Summer kids camps etc., there are many free or low-cost community outreach programs that happen frequently at the equestrian center so that the love and interaction with horses can be shared with the broader Orange County community.

All About Horses OC hosts free community outreach events each year to various charity groups serving local underprivileged youth, including regular events with SOY (Save our Youth Costa Mesa) so that those kids can experience horses in hands-on sessions. AAH also runs multiple scholarship programs where a certain number of riders each quarter are able to ride for free based on their personal circumstances.

It is well-documented that equine therapy sessions with veterans, at-risk youth, people suffering from a multitude of challenges including PTSD, depression, anxiety, abuse, ADHD, and autism are effective at improving lives.

Equine Encounter provides equine-centered therapy programs that are sponsored through various local community service organizations. They offer private sessions as well. Horses are incredible healers!

The Changing Strides program offers free weekend and holiday day camps for underprivileged youth through partnerships with local community groups. They also offer some scholarship funding for riders who wish to ride regularly throughout the year. A therapy program is also in the works!

In Their Words:

“Horses to me are very calming because with everything

going on and then when you get on a horse, it just kind of feels like you escape reality and everything has gone away.” Shea - Changing Strides participant

Equestrians Win Award at the This past summer, the OC Vaulting club was proud to showcase their horses, vaulters and a host of other equestrian activities and programs to the public during the 2021 OC Fair. In fact, their performances and great display were awarded 1st Place by IAFE for “ Unique Exhibit, Promotion and Community Engagement”.

Judges’ comments included “Awesome program for participants and viewers” and “Excellent way to engage the equestrian community”. Congratulations to all and everyone looks forward to more fun with horses at the OC Fairs of the future!

ON-GOING ACTIVITIES The Equestrian Center is a 7 day-aweek, 365 day a year public facility which offers boarding, riding lessons on school horses (English, Western and bareback for beginners to advanced), Vaulting classes, Horsemanship classes, Pony Club, Summer and Holiday camps, Special Event Days and Open Houses as well as weekly docent-led tours. Come by and see this special place in the heart of the city!

Scan the QR code to book a free tour!