The Star News, Whittier Daily News, and the San Gabriel Valley Tribune recently carried an article on equestrian issues in our valley:
Horse owners losing out in economics of urban land use
and an editorial encouraging horsekeeping in the area:
Make room for horses

Altadena

The Altadena foothills are home to a large equestrian community and the area has a long tradition of outdoor activities. There are various challenges the community faces including blocked access by the La Vina housing development, sale and development of other properties along the foothills, and potential loss of existing trail resources. See the Altadena Equestrian Resources web site for more information on this area.

On September 6 2003, Altadena Equestrian Resources sponsored a rededication of the newly refurbished riding arena at Loma Alta Park. We thank the County of Los Angeles and our local community for helping this come to fruition. Bev Huntsberger took some nice pictures of the parade and some of our local riders. Click here to see them!

La Vina Wall

The trailhead closest to La Vina was closed without notice and a large concrete wall was constructed. See photos here.

Arroyo Seco

As you may have heard there are many changes brewing for the Arroyo Seco park area. The Pasadena Arroyo Seco Master Plan is in final review and the Environmental Impact Report is in draft form. ETI Corral 2 will continue to monitor activity on the Master Plan.

The Arroyo Seco equestrian trail was designated in 2000 as a Millennium Trail by the White House, thanks to the efforts of Dianne Lockhart.

Upper Arroyo

The plans for the Hahamongna Watershed Park include a bird watching area, increased number of athletic fields, possible changes to the disc golf course, improved riding and hiking trails, and improvements to the picnic and camping areas. However, the northern portion of the park including MWD land has been placed on the Fish and Wildlife Federal Registry as a designated habitat for the endangered Arroyo toad. As a result the Master Plan for the area approved last year in under review. It is unknown at this time what the impact will be on Master Plan although it is assumed that there will be at least a six month delay in the plan.

Central Arroyo

The Master Plan for the central Arroyo was approved in concept by City Council in January 2002. The plan includes goals for improved jogging, roller blade and bicycles areas and improved parking areas. It also includes the possibility of covering parts of the flood control channel to increase green area for the golf course. The equestrian trails along both sides of the Rose Bowl will be preserved but some course changes may occur to accommodate traffic flow. ETI Corral 2 has stressed the importance of preserving the staging area near the golf course clubhouse.

Lower Arroyo

The lower Arroyo master plan was completed in 1996. Due to the time lapse and some outstanding issues, the Master Plan was reviewed again the early part of this year. Community meeting were held in February and March. Although most of the plan had overall community support, there was objection from a wide variety of groups to changing the city ordinance to allow bicycles on the dirt trails in the area.

South Arroyo (South Pasadena)

South Pasadena has constructed a skateboard park next to the equestrian and hiking trail in the Arroyo Seco, developing the 1.5 acre area just south of the freeway equestrian tunnel. The park sees light use from skateboarders, though we continue to be concerned about traffic and safety issues.

Construction of the four acre nature park at the south end of town is underway. The funding, planning, and execution are all being handled by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. Construction should be completed this summer with planting of a variety of local native species.

South Arroyo (Los Angeles)

Ernie Debs Park is about a mile south of Arroyo Seco Stables. At almost 300 acres, Ernie Debs offers several first-class fire road trails, some single-track routes, and a spectacular view of downtown LA from its ridges. The park is at the southern end of the existing contiguous trail system in the Arroyo Seco and is a part of the Rim of the Valley Trail plan.

The Audubon Society has targeted the equestrian community for elimination from the park, manipulating a master planning process to exclude equestrian input and effecting a complete ban of equestrians from the city-owned park. This is an ongoing issue that we hope to resolve soon to respect the long-standing traditional trail usage within our park.

San Gabriel River Corridor Master Plan

The Los Angeles Department of Public Works is spearheading a Master Plan process for the San Gabriel River Corridor. ETI Corral 2 and other equestrian groups are involved in this and we welcome participation and contributions from other equestrians and equestrian groups. See the San Gabriel River Equestrian Coalition web site for more information on this project.

Training

Corral 2 organizes training and refresher sessions for equine-related topics. Possibilities for future events might include an introductory course in trailering, intended for those who would like to become "trailer-enabled" but who have no experience or would like a refresher. We will also help publicize other training opportunities, so if you know of one coming up let us know!

Corral 2 and its members contribute to other groups such as the Arroyo Seco Pony Club to teach classes and to sponsor events. Past events have included opportunities for visiting a working polo ranch during a weekend in the desert.