Search for satellite horse facility continues

Lolita Harper

Orange County Fairgrounds officials say they are still searching for a

spot for an expanded satellite horse facility.

The move is part of the proposed master plan and now will focus some

effort on a riding facility in Anaheim.

In October, the fairgrounds board of directors approved preliminary

plans to cut the existing equestrian facility nearly in half to pursue a

larger off-campus program at the former El Toro Marine base.

Orange County Fair officials learned in January that they lost a bid

to take over the riding facility at the closed military base and must

find another venue.

Becky Bailey-Findley, president of the fairgrounds, said her staff

will research the possibility of acquiring Rancho del Rio, a 200-horse

stable in Anaheim that is facing eviction.

“It’s simply another option to explore,” she said.

The equestrian center will be reduced from 240 stalls and five arenas

to 180 stalls and three arenas, according to first drafts of the

fairgrounds master plan.