Potential closure of the beloved Equestrian Center raises concerns about the fate of horseback riding programs and lessons in Orange County.
For Carolyn Beaver, the Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center has been a haven for over a decade. Rediscovering her passion for horseback riding through lessons at the center, Beaver now boards her own horse there and serves on the board of the nonprofit Changing Strides. However, the future of the 7.5-acre parcel is uncertain as officials contemplate its fate. With the potential closure of the center looming, riders like Beaver worry about the impact on the community and the loss of a beloved facility.
A Sanctuary for Equestrians
The Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center, located near the bustling main fairgrounds, has been a home away from home for many equestrians. Despite its modest facilities, the center has provided access and opportunities for riders like Carolyn Beaver to pursue their passion for horseback riding. The center not only offers riding lessons but also serves as a boarding facility for horses. Its convenient location and affordable services make it a valuable resource for the community.
The Fate of the Equestrian Center Hangs in the Balance
The Orange County Fair & Event Center is currently considering the future of the Equestrian Center. Situated on state-owned land, the center relies on private trainers to run programs and offer lessons, generating revenue for its operations. However, board members have recently decided to issue a request for proposals, seeking an operator who will not only run the center but also undertake necessary capital upgrades. If a suitable bidder is not found by March 2024, the center may be forced to close its doors. This possibility raises concerns about the future of horseback riding programs and the impact on the community.
A Shift in Operations
The Equestrian Center was previously operated by Equestrian Services II, a San Juan Capistrano-based company. However, as the facility aged and required significant capital upgrades, fairground officials decided to take over operations themselves. The board planned to assume control in 2023 to gain a better understanding of the true expenses of running the center. Previously untallied costs such as utilities usage and deferred maintenance were included in the centralized budget, revealing projected losses by the end of the year.
Financial Challenges and Needed Improvements
Running the Equestrian Center comes with significant financial challenges. Despite efforts to raise fees, contract external services, and allocate funds from the fairground’s budget, officials are still projecting an annual loss. Additionally, the center requires substantial capital improvements, estimated to range from $2 million to $20 million. The lack of a plan for continuing lessons and programs in the fairground’s improvement and renovation efforts raises concerns about the future of the Equestrian Center.
A Debate over Public Benefit
The OC Fair & Event Center operates as a state agricultural association, limiting its ability to spend money to benefit private enterprises. While Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall, both operating on the fairgrounds, provide benefits to the public and receive funding, the Equestrian Center’s operations fall into a different category. Some argue that the center provides a valuable service to the community, as evidenced by the thousands of waivers signed by participants in lessons and programs. However, fairground officials believe that private trainers and boarders constitute private businesses that cannot be subsidized by the state.
Conclusion: The uncertain future of the Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center leaves riders and the community in a state of limbo. With the potential closure of the center, the accessibility and affordability of horseback riding programs and lessons in the area are at stake. The debate over public benefit and the financial challenges faced by the center highlight the need for a solution that preserves this beloved facility and ensures its continued operation. As riders like Carolyn Beaver ponder the potential loss, the fate of the Equestrian Center hangs in the balance, leaving the community waiting anxiously for a resolution.
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