Executive Summary
The Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center holds a rich tradition in the heritage and history of Southern California, the County and the County Fair. Focused towards a continued commitment to offering a diverse series of services and programs, young and seasoned riders participate in a safe, enriching, and memorable experience with an amazing companion in the horse.
Building on this rich tradition of service, training, and community outreach, the Equestrian Center envisions an expansion of its current programs and services with a renewed focus towards forward thinking, creativity, and passion. With several of the existing programs burgeoning through the energy and motivation of the facility managers, trainers, parents, and most of all, the guided and unbridled energy of the children and young adults, the ground work has already been set to build a better future.
This summary touches on the aspects of this unique asset to the Orange County Fairgrounds with the diverse series of services and programs currently offered, expansion of these programs in innovative and creative ways, and the hope of restoring the strong heritage of the Equestrian Center Shows & Events into the mission and character of the Orange County Fair.
Appreciation of the efforts and value that horses, trainers, students, and volunteers bring to the Fair and community in the preservation of the history and traditions of horsemanship, responsibility, work ethic and giving back to the public in a distinctive way may best be seen through the faces of the those whose lives are touched by horses.
For reference, memorable thoughts from young riders, trainers, and experienced equestrians share the deep seated passion that in some ways can only be captured through the subtle humor of horses and a young girl’s smile with the wind in her face.
The Equestrian Center members invite the State Legislators and Staff to tour and appreciate first hand the reality of events every day and consider the possibilities of a partnership to integrate the elements of this asset to the Community into the Annual County Fair and, through the creative energy and motivation, provide a full integration of the Equestrian Center into the Fairgrounds Programs year round.
Please help us bring the best foot and hoof forward for the next generation to not only understand but be a part of our County’s rich heritage.
The Equestrian Coalition of Orange County Board of Directors
Existing Facility Current Use Summary
The Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center offers a diverse series of services and programs reaching out to a variety of ages and skill levels. The programs offer young children a chance to understand the care of horses and skills required for riding, while providing more advanced riders an opportunity to enhance their skills at a personal and competition level.
The Equestrian Center remains focused on providing a safe, enriching, and memorable experience not only to its constituents, but to the community as well through several charitable and non profit services. With trainers and horse owners alike, the blending of these amazing animals with their companions, trainers, owners and new friends brings about an environment that has many diverse overlapping uses, allowing the Equestrian Facility to remain a unique asset of the Orange County Fair Grounds.
With this approach, programs offered range from competition class owners, riders, and trainers to one on one experiences for disadvantaged children in Orange County. Working students participate in the care of their animals, learning the value of responsibility with some of the youngest members of the equestrian family beginning at the age of 4.
The opportunity for those who board their horses comes with the desire to share with others. Horse owners and boarders mentoring a young rider just starting out is commonplace rather than the exception. With that, many horses have several duties, from pleasure riding and competition, to allowing several charitable organizations based at the Fair Grounds to bring those very same horses to benefit those less advantaged members of our community.
On the following pages in Section I is some information about the current activities at the Equestrian Center today addressing the categories below:
• Training / Boarding / Leasing
• Charitable Foundations & Low Cost Programs
• Community Outreach
• Shows & Events
• Educational Opportunities
Training / Boarding / Leasing (Prior to SEIR Initiation by Fair Board in 2009)
• Equestrian Demographic
• Age - 4 years to over 60 years
• Skill Level - Entry Level to Competitive Level up to Grand Prix / World Cup
• Student & Young Adults 75 %, Adults 25%
• 15% Student in Working Program or Low Cost Program
• 95% Girls & Young Women, 5% Boys & Young Men
• Representative Participating Communities
• Anaheim
• Carlsbad
• Costa Mesa
• Coto de Caza
• Foothill Ranch
• Fountain Valley
• Huntington Beach
• Irvine
• Ladera Ranch
• Laguna Niguel
• Horse Demographic
• Lake Elsinore
• Lake Forest
• Long Beach
• Newport Beach / Corona Del Mar
• Orange
• Rancho Santa Margarita
• Santa Ana
• Tustin
• Approximately 150 Permanently Stabled at Equestrian Center.
• Around 95% Occupancy Rating
• Breeds include Pony Breeds, American Quarter Horses, European Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Pintos, Paints, Appaloosas, Andalucians, Freisians and Rescue Horses
• 60% Privately Owned, 40% Organizationally Owned
• 75% English Riding, 8% Western Riding, 17% Retired Care Horses
• 25% of Horses Participate in Multi Use Programs
• Service Statistics
• Riding School Lessons - Over 500 per month
• Owned Horse Riding Lessons - Approximately 900 per month
• Pleasure Rides - Over 700 per month
• Equine Therapy Sessions - 20 to 30 per month
• Staff - Over 50 Business Owners, Trainers and Staff
• Over 90% Women Owned Businesses
• Training Regimen
• English - Hunter/Jumper, Equitation, Dressage
• Western - Western Pleasure, Barrel Racing
• IHSA Inter-collegiate Equestrian League in English and Western
• IEL Interscholastic Equestrian League (Middle & High School)
• Other - Basic & Advanced Horse Care, Jousting
Charitable Foundations & Low Cost Programs
• Park Place Foundation - The Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing self-esteem and confidence to the community’s at-risk youth and their families through a specially designed equestrian program. Through instruction that emphasizes safety and logical progression, the caring trainers and their gentle equine helpers introduce this joy and sense of achievement to youth who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the healing aspect of horses.
• Working Student Program - Young equestrians are provided opportunities to pay for their lessons and training through a variety of programs offered by several trainers including participating in training programs to assist other young riders and maintaining the facilities.
• Low Cost Equestrian Program - This program offers young equestrians that may not have the full means to support a horse and take riding lessons a chance to participate and learn at discounted rates offered by several trainers.
• Mommy & Me - A very special program to introduce mothers and their children to their first horse experience. This program is offered to children as young as 4 years of age, encouraging them to develop a bond with horses that could last a lifetime. A low cost program is available for participants who qualify.
• Pegasus Equine Therapy - Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is a unique program focused towards mental and human development needs through horses including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relational problems and communication issues. Low cost program offered to 20% of clients
• Dust - Leadership and team building are the hallmarks of the Dust Developmental Program. With an introduction of “a little dust never hurt anyone”, the students are able to learn how building a team can begin with people and their equine companions.
Community Outreach
• Big Brother - Big Sister
• CHOC
• Illumination Foundation
• Orangewood Home for Children
• Mika
• Sunshine Kids Foundation
• Touch Stones
Shows & Events
• OC Fair - The Week of the Horse - A week of interactive Equestrian Exhibits during July 28 through August 2, 2009. The event was located in the North East section of the grounds that includes the small arena, maternity area and covered area. The exhibits will engage the fairgoers with performances, commentaries and crowd pleasing events.
• Small Arena - Five Demonstrations daily, approximately 20 minutes each, including a Mustang Demonstration, cutting with a mechanical calf, Dressage, Jumping, Pole Bending, a Parade of Breeds in costume, and Jousting.
• Small Covered Arena - Farrier exhibit, Shoe Making, Horse Shoeing and a Trick Horse Demonstration.
• Maternity Ward - Ongoing exhibit of a mare and foal as well as miniature horses.
• On Ranch Office Lawn - Parade of Breeds in temporary stalls that remain on the grounds. Each breed will have a written description outside of the stall with fun facts about the breed and associated sport. Additionally, a booth will display types of equestrian sports, equipment, and equine veterinary items. The booth will be attended by volunteers to interact with fairgoers and answer questions.
• Big Sunday - Focused towards community building, the Big Sunday Adventure Projects are planned to help local charities and non-profit organizations bring communities together through volunteers to make a difference in everyone’s lives. This event aptly called “A Day with Horses” introduces disadvantaged children to the amazing beauty of horses through a unique partnership with the Park Place Foundation. Held the first weekend in May 2009, four sessions allowed several charities to bring over 120 children in their care to experience, sometimes for the first time, horses in a relaxed and fun-filled setting, letting the curiosity of both horse and child take its natural course. Charities included the Orangewood Home for Children, Big Brother, Big Sister, COR Church, and the Illumination Foundation.
• OC Fairgrounds Equestrian Center Schooling Show - Hosted by the Equestrian Center Trainers, this event brought many riders from several training school together, some for the first time to enjoy the thrill of competing together and preparing for future County level shows.
• Dust - Jousting & Barrel Racing - Dust invites the audience to a most unconventional event to watch horses and riders get “Medieval”. Vaulting, Jousting, and other “meta-horse-is” magic is all included.
Educational Opportunities
• Independent Physical Education - Local High Schools allow students to fulfill curriculum requirements for physical education through equestrian activities. This option is currently taken advantage of by several students within the Equestrian Center.
• Summer Camps - Young adults and children are placed in a healthy environment focused on horse care responsibilities, horsemanship, riding and equine arts & crafts. Sessions are week long, throughout summer.
• Horsemanship Classes - Young adults and youth are taught a range of important basics on horse care and health including proper grooming, nutrition, and basic healthcare techniques.
• Interscholastic Equestrian League (OCIEL)- The Orange County Interscholastic Equestrian League is a publicly supported non-profit corporation operating exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, to foster regional and national equestrian sports competition. It includes the following disciplines English, Dressage and Western.
The primary goals and objectives of the League are to encourage a knowledge of horsemanship, stable management, equine anatomy and physiology and to promote teamwork in a fair and friendly competition with the young riders from K thru 12th grade. The League promotes the sport as an ”Interscholastic Team Activity”.
• Community Service Credits - Volunteer programs within the Equestrian Center function to fulfill community service credits for most students in their school district programs.
• UCI Equestrian Training Team - Preparatory training for UCI Inter-collegiate Equestrian League. The students do not own their horses and use lesson horses. With no equestrian facilities available on campus, the Equestrian Center provides the ability for the 10+ member team to compete in IHSA shows. The Equestrian League Region includes 10 Universities - Arizona State, Cal State Fullerton, Cal Poly Pomona, Pepperdine, San Diego State, UCI, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, USC.
• Mobile Veterinary Program - Veterinary students and training professionals are provided the opportunity to have field-level training for equine veterinary care through the services provided to the horses boarded at the Equestrian Center.
OC Fairgrounds: A History of Horse Sense
Horses have been part of California’s fairgrounds for nearly 150 years. In earlier times people would come -- often on horseback -- to state fairs that consisted of horse racing and livestock shows. In 1890, Santa Ana hosted the first fair in what is now Orange County that included small exhibits and a horse race. A rodeo and carnival were added to the fair in 1925 when it was moved to Anaheim.
When the Depression was taking a toll on the California Fairs, thoroughbred horses came to the rescue. The California Horse Racing Act of 1933 legalized pari-mutual betting on horse racing and allowed for a portion of the receipts to support the fairs. This funding source continues today.
Because of the role horses have played over the years in subsidizing the fairs, not to mention the other economics of the racing industry, California has experienced a huge financial return from fair activity statewide.
In 1949 the Orange County Fair was relocated to an old army base, which became part of Costa Mesa. In 1975 the Orange County Fair hosted it’s own horseracing for a short summer meet at Los Alamitos Race Track which included night racing. The Orange County Fair meet opened just after Del Mar finished its summer fair racing and was held each summer for about 15 years.
Horse stables were a mainstay at the fair in the sixties and seventies. In 1980, continuing the equine tradition, a 15-acre Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center was constructed in the northeast portion of the fairgrounds. Since then, the Equestrian Center has not only played an important role in the fair, but has offered a variety of horse-related activities for adults and children year-round.
Sadly in 2003 half of the Equestrian Center was removed at the direction of the Fair Board. Today the other half is being threatened! There is a proposal to permanently remove the Equestrian Center to make room for yet another parking lot. Or as Steve Beasley, the newly hired Fairground CEO likes to call “flat flexible space.”
The Equestrian Coalition of Orange County (ECOC) opposes removing the equestrian facility because it is one of the last two remaining equestrian facilities in the northwest region of the County. It is home to nearly 150 horses and several for-hire training barns as well as volunteer programs that provide free horsemanship classes to underprivileged children. The opportunity for interaction with horses helps to inspire and teach about the larger, natural world and provides important personal development for people of all ages.
OC Fairgrounds: A History of Horse Sense (Continued)
The Fair CEO claims that the equestrian facility is the only available low-cost opportunity for additional parking space. ECOC believes that the existing facility is the ONLY opportunity to keep horsemanship alive and well at our county fair. Horses have always been a part of Orange County’s heritage and provide an invaluable educational, recreational and cultural asset for countless people. Paving over a painfully shrinking resource to accommodate automobiles is shortsighted and contrary to the multi-faceted nature of the fairgrounds. ECOC suggests the Fair Board entertain a more creative approach to parking in the spirit of allowing the equestrian culture to thrive for future generations.
The Network of California Fairs exists to enrich the lives of California citizens and they are public property. If you would like to help save the existing Equestrian Center at the fair please contact the Equestrian Coalition of Orange County at www.ecoc.org today!
The following statements represent personal reflections on their experience from the existing OC Fairgrounds Equestrian Center participants:
“It is a place I can escape everyday problems.” Kelsey - Working Student, age 13
“Coming to the barn means responsibility and caring for another living creature.” “Purple” Lindsey - Working Student, Age 9
“It has been a life changing experience. I have so much more confidence in myself.”
Caitlin - Student & Park Place Foundation Volunteer, age 17
“It is a place I can go to clear my head. And no matter what is going on in my life, whenever I come here - I just feel better.”
AlyssaStudent, age 13
The following statements represent personal reflections on their experience from the existing OC Fairgrounds Equestrian Center participants:
“It is where my pony lives and it is my favorite place. It is where I grew up.”
Sidney - Working Student, age 10
“The barn keeps me grounded - even Just stopping by the barn to pet my horse and visit with my friends, calms me down so I can refocus…”
Brigid - Attorney
“Keeps me out of trouble, even at 60. It nurtures my soul...”
Suzzanne - School Teacher
“The barn is like my home and it makes me a better person. Everyone is so kind and makes me overcome my fears and challenges.”
Olivia - Student, age 13
The following statements represent personal reflections on their experience from the existing OC Fairgrounds Equestrian Center participants:
“You’re never too old to take on new challenges…” Teri - Attorney
“It’s a place to go and have fun instead of sitting at home :)”
Vivienne - Student Age 13
“Horses mean time in the sun, riding, and lots of fun…” Silke - Student, Age 10
“It is nice to go walking with friends. Did I mention it is a great form of exercise???”
Jess & Oli - Assistant Trainers
RESOLUTION NO 10368
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ORANGE REQUESTING SUPPORT IN MAINTAINING THE EXISTING 7 5 ACRE EQUESTRIAN CENTER AT THE ORANGE COUNTY FAIR AND EVENT CENTER FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS TO ENJOY
WHEREAS the Orange County Fair and Event Center OCFEC in Costa Mesa California is celebrating its 118th anniversary and
WHEREAS the 32nd District Agricultural Association doing business as the OCFEC is a State entity within the Division of Fairs and Expositions California Department of Food and Agriculture and
WHEREAS the mission of the OCFEC IS Celebration of Orange County s Communities Interests and Heritage and
WHEREAS horses and livestock have always been an integral part of the history communities and heritage of Orange County and equestrian activities have always been an important component of the OCFEC and
WHEREAS in 1980 the 15 acres of the Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Facility was constructed In 2003 changes to the OCFEC s Master Plan resulted in the removal of7 5 acres of the Equestrian Center with a loss of over 100 stalls and
WHEREAS the removal of the 7 5 acres significantly reduced the Equestrian Center s ability to accommodate the relocation of large animals during an emergency in the County Complete elimination of the 7 5 acres would further reduce the number of available locations in the County suited for emergency housing of large animals The Fair s Master Plan adopted by the Board of Directors in 2003 called for the removal of 7 5 acres of the Equestrian Center with 7 5 acres to remain and
WHEREAS considering the substantial loss of stable facilities in Orange County there is a tremendous public benefit in preserving the existing 7 5 equestrian acres at the OCFEC and
WHEREAS the Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center provides irreplaceable public benefit to numerous local non-profit youth organizations including opportunities for disabled youth and
WHEREAS it is the understanding of the City of Orange that the Orange County Fair Board of Directors is actively considering the complete removal of the remaining 7 5 acres Equestrian Center
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Orange hereby supports the preservation of the existing 7 5 acre Equestrian Center at the Orange County Fair and Event Center opposes any action that would reduce the number of available stalls and encourages the Orange County Fair Board and the equestrian community to work together to preserve this vital resource
ADOPTED this 28th day of April 2009
ATTEST
I MARY E MURPHY City Clerk of the City of Orange California do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of Orange at a regular meeting thereof held on the 28t day of April 2009 by the following vote
AYES
NOES ABSENT ABSTAIN
COUNCILMEMBERS Smith Murphy Cavecche Bilodeau
COUNCILMEMBERS None
COUNCILMEMBERS Dumitru
COUNCILMEMBERS None
February 9, 2009
Ms. Julie Vandermost Chair, Board of Directors OC Fair and Events Center88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Dear Ms. Vandermost,Thank you for taking the time to allow public comment on January 22, 2009 concerning the Equestrian Center at the fair grounds.
As you were able to see there is a rather large contingent that is most concerned at the possibility of losing the equestrian center This center has a rich history of serving not only the equestrian community, but fair goers as well.
This equestrian center has a history of being part of the fair and in recent years, for some unknown reason, there have not been any equestrian events that could stimulate the public’s interest and help the fair with added attractions for the public’s participation. This is a terrible oversight and could easily be rectified.
Given the heritage and the history that horses have had in Orange County this would be a loss of monumental proportions. The 4H clubs of Orange County have used this facility to conduct Horsemanship Shows that have led members to participate at the state leveland our kids are our most important asset! What a loss that would be for them.
ORAN GE PARK ASSO CIA TION PO BOX 2293 O RANGE , CA 92859The fairground has served as an emergency evacuation center in times of need and that would be another huge loss for our equestrian areas. This equestrian center is one of the last public boarding facilities in Orange County and we can ill afford to have it shuttered
I understand that your board is feeling the pressure of having to find additional space for venues that do not operate on a year round basis and the “highest and best use” of this site may not be for horses. I would beg to differ with that argument as the highest and best use could be any development for the entire fairgrounds and that would be wrong for the public.
As for the need for additional parking, as I suggested in my comments before you, there are many options that may fulfill the requirements needed. There is a large parking facility at Orange Coast College that could be better used. People could and should be encouraged to “park and ride” to the fairgrounds from outlying neighborhoods. This would promote carpooling and put the fair at the “cutting edge” of conservation
I appreciate the time and consideration that you will be giving to the equestrian center Please keep in mind the rich history of equestrians at the fairgrounds, the history of horses in Orange County, how equestrians could play a roll in the fair, the greater need of this facility for public good, and our children’s need of this facility
We can all find a place to park our cars, but it is getting more and more difficult to have a place to “park” our horses.
Thank you for time and consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Tom Davidson President, Orange Park AssociationCc: Bill Campbell, Supervisor 3rd District
Chris Norby, Supervisor 4th District
Janet Nguyen, Supervisor 1st District
John Moorlach, Supervisor 2nd District
Patricia Bates, Board Chair, Supervisor 5th District
