Uncertain Future for Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center Raises Concerns for Riders and Trainers

The potential closure of the Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center has riders and trainers worried about the future of their beloved facility.

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 has since become a regular rider and even boards her horse there. However, the center’s future is now in jeopardy as officials contemplate its fate. With revenue primarily generated through private trainers who run programs and offer lessons, the center’s closure would not only impact avid riders like Beaver but also the at-risk youth who participate in riding programs and camps.

A Sanctuary for Equestrians

The Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center, situated on a 7.5-acre parcel of state-owned land, has been a sanctuary for riders like Carolyn Beaver. Despite its modest facilities, the center has provided adequate access and opportunities for equestrians to pursue their passion. For Beaver, the center has become an essential part of her life, both as a rider and as a board member of the nonprofit Changing Strides, which operates riding programs for at-risk youth.

Contemplating the Center’s Fate

Officials at the Orange County Fair & Event Center are now considering the future of the Equestrian Center. Board members have agreed to issue a request for proposals to find an operator willing to run the center and undertake necessary capital upgrades. If a potential bidder is not approved by March 2024, the center may be forced to close by March 31. This uncertainty has left riders and trainers concerned about the potential loss of their beloved facility.

A Change in Operations

Since 2013, the Equestrian Center has been operated by Equestrian Services II, a private company that maintained the facility and fed the horses. However, as the facility aged and required significant capital upgrades, fairground officials decided to take over operations in 2023. By centralizing the site’s care and keeping, officials hoped to gain a better understanding of the true expenses of running the center. However, projections indicate a steep loss in revenue, even after raising fees and contracting with external services.

The Cost of Maintaining the Center

Fairground officials have projected a loss of $227,805 per year for running the Equestrian Center. This figure does not include the estimated cost of capital improvements, which range from $2 million to $20 million. Although the Orange County Fair & Event Center has approved a multimillion-dollar plan for overall improvements and renovations, there is no mention of continuing the Equestrian Center’s programs and lessons.

The Debate Over Public Benefit

Operating as a state agricultural association, the Orange County Fair & Event Center is not authorized to spend money to benefit private enterprises. The Equestrian Center, which primarily serves private trainers and boarders, falls into this category. However, riders and trainers argue that the center provides a valuable service to the public, as evidenced by the thousands of waivers signed by participants in lessons and programs. The debate over whether the center should be considered a private enterprise or a public facility continues.

A Park for the Community

Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley sees the Equestrian Center as more than just a private enterprise. She envisions the center as a park that can host shows, events, and competitions for the public. Foley believes that investing in the center’s maintenance and management is crucial to protect and enhance its offerings. However, as the fairgrounds are state property, the county’s jurisdiction is limited. Foley expresses her willingness to support the facility if invited to do so.

Conclusion:

The uncertain future of the Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center has riders, trainers, and the community concerned. The potential closure of the center would not only affect avid riders like Carolyn Beaver but also impact at-risk youth who participate in riding programs. As officials contemplate the center’s fate and seek an operator willing to undertake necessary upgrades, the debate continues over whether the center should be considered a private enterprise or a public facility. With the future of this beloved facility hanging in the balance, riders and trainers hope for a solution that will preserve and enhance the opportunities it provides.


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