The fate of the beloved Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center hangs in the balance as officials contemplate its closure or a change in management.
For many equestrians in Orange County, the Equestrian Center at the Orange County Fairgrounds has been a cherished haven for pursuing their passion for horseback riding. Offering lessons and boarding services, the center has provided a place for riders like Carolyn Beaver to reconnect with their love for horses. However, the center’s future is now uncertain as officials consider its fate, leaving riders and trainers worried about the potential loss of this vital community resource.
The Equestrian Center: A Beloved Sanctuary
Carolyn Beaver, a resident of Corona del Mar, had rediscovered her love for horseback riding at the Equestrian Center over a decade ago. Starting with weekly lessons, her passion grew, leading her to retire and spend more time riding. Beaver now boards her horse, Don Juan, at the center and is also involved with the nonprofit organization Changing Strides, which offers riding programs for at-risk youth. The center, though modest, has provided an adequate space for equestrians like Beaver to pursue their passion.
An Uncertain Future
Despite being located on state-owned land, the 7.5-acre parcel that houses the Equestrian Center generates revenue primarily through private trainers who run programs and offer lessons. However, recent discussions among Orange County Fair & Event Center officials have raised concerns about the center’s future. The board is considering issuing a request for proposals to find an operator who can not only run the center but also undertake necessary capital upgrades. If no suitable bidder is found by March 2024, the center may face closure, leaving riders and trainers with nowhere to go.
The Changing Landscape of Operations
Previously, the Equestrian Center was operated by San Juan Capistrano-based Equestrian Services II, which paid a percentage of gross receipts or a fixed monthly amount to the OC Fair & Event Center. However, as the facility aged and required significant capital upgrades, fairground officials decided to take over operations themselves. They allocated funds for cleaning, maintenance, and feeding through a contract with Lopez Works, Inc. Despite these efforts, projections indicate a substantial annual loss, not accounting for the needed capital improvements.
The Challenge of Funding
One of the challenges in sustaining the Equestrian Center is the limited ability of the OC Fair & Event Center to spend money to benefit private enterprises. The center operates as a state agricultural association and can only allocate funds to ventures that provide a benefit to the greater taxpaying public. While the Equestrian Center serves the equestrian community, its operations rely on private trainers and boarders. This limitation poses a significant hurdle in securing funding for the center’s continued operation.
Differing Perspectives
Opinions on the future of the Equestrian Center vary. Some, like Aileen Anderson, who takes lessons and boards her horse at the center, believe that the public benefits from the presence of trainers and lessons, emphasizing the importance of safety in horseback riding. Others, like Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, view the center as a public space that should offer more programs and events to the community. Foley expresses a willingness to support the center but acknowledges the limitations imposed by jurisdiction over state property.
Conclusion:
The Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center faces an uncertain future as officials grapple with the decision to either close the facility or find a new operator. The center, beloved by riders and trainers alike, has provided a space for equestrians to pursue their passion for horseback riding. However, financial challenges and limitations on funding have made it difficult to sustain its operations. As the deadline for finding a new operator approaches, the equestrian community anxiously awaits the outcome, concerned about the potential loss of a vital resource. The future of the Equestrian Center hangs in the balance, leaving riders, trainers, and the broader community wondering what lies ahead for this cherished sanctuary.
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