A new vision for the equestrian center at the Orange County fairgrounds could keep the facility from being shut down if successful by focusing on tours, exhibits, educational programs and horse shows.
The new model, presented at the Jan. 25 meeting of the OC Fair & Event Center’s board, focuses on free and low-cost educational and recreational programming that officials said would be more accessible to the public. Previously, the facility made revenue through private boarding and from trainers who rent spaces and run programming, such as offering riding and vaulting lessons.
The plan is to use a model similar to how the fairgrounds’ Centennial Farm and other public spaces are run, stepping away from solely renting to private businesses and horse owners, although the board said private boarding could still be considered after public programs are fleshed out.
Citing high expenses and little revenue, the board had put out a call in early December for proposals for a private operator that would be responsible for maintaining the equestrian center grounds, offices and taking care of the horses. If an operator was not found, the equestrian center would be closed, the fair board warned at the time.
But soon after, the fair board decided to instead focus on a new model going forward created with input from staff, equestrians and community members.
“Afterschool youth organizations, school classes, senior groups and other community groups and the general public will be able to visit the equine center during designated days and hours to learn about and interact with horses,” Michele Richards, general manager and CEO at the OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa, said. “Just like the Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall model, this program would be developed and led by our experienced exhibits and education staff.”
Another program that was discussed was static equine and agricultural exhibits and multi-media presentations for the public to learn about the history and heritage of horses and their contribution to California agriculture, particularly in Orange County.
Staff, Richards said, will connect with equine experts, education resources, nonprofits, equestrian show promoters and city and county partners on the best ways to make this vision a reality. Staff is expected to update the fair board and the public monthly.
Richards also said the center could partner “with an established equine-assisted certified therapeutic riding program in Orange County,” adding, “We’ve already heard from programs in the county that serve at-risk youth and veterans, for example, who would be very interested in this type of program.”
The center could also host horse shows and competitions that could be enjoyed by the general public. Staff would need to assess what kind of facility improvements would be needed for this, Richards said, but it could be an additional source of revenue to help support the facility.
Richards said staff is also looking into the opportunity for Orange County’s Regional Mounted Enforcement Unit to board some horses and host public training demonstrations at the center instead of in Norco where the unit currently trains.
“It’s a very impressive vision,” Nick Kovacevich, chair of the board, said. “Knowing that we’ve kind of nailed all the key components that we heard about, makes me feel really good about the future of this equestrian center.
“I know it’s still the beginning of the process,” he said, “but, it seems like we’re really on the right track from my perspective.”
The new plan also received positive feedback from residents at last week’s meeting.
“I support the plan for the new community equine center. I see this plan as being very flexible and community-focused,” one resident said during public comment. “It’s something that reserves access to equine activities for a large number of people. It’s also something that is sustainable in the long run, and part of that is because of its flexibility.”
The goal now, Richards said, is to have initial plans for this new model set in place by June 14 when the current borders’ contracts expire. Kovacevich appointed the facilities committee to oversee the planning process, on top of the monthly board meeting updates.
