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Facilities & Events
Los Angeles Equestrian Center
This is the premiere equine facility of its kind in Southern California, with regular horse shows (many of them free) at the Equidome, rental stables within and adjacent to the complex, riding lessons , horse camps, birthday parties, polo matches, the annual EquestFest, and an assortment of equestrian gift shops. Go for the day, wander and play.
Location: 480 Riverside Dr., Burbank, 91506. (818) 840-9063.
A volunteer-operated, non-profit organization with 12 acres of excellent trails and a full menu of equestrian events, including horse shows.
Location: 4480 Oak Grove Dr, Pasadena, 91103. 818 790-8341.
Rancho Rio Verde Riding Club
A family-friendly atmosphere with riding lessons and other types of equestrian training and events.
Location: 1000 West Carson St., Long Beach. (310) 830-2060.
Whittier Narrows Equestrian Center
This 20-acre site, with dozens of horses and access to almost 300 miles of trails, is in a bucolic setting.
Location: 12191 Rooks Rd., Whittier, 90016; (562) 260-9175.
A boarding and training facility in the hills above Hansen Dam. It offers riding lessons for all ages and experience levels.
Location: 12682 Kagel Canyon Rd., Lake View Terrace, 91342. 818 834-1272.
Trail Rides
Glendale Narrows
Catch Rattlesnake Trail to Skyline Trail, then go around the LA Zoo. Pick up Crystal Springs Drive, and use the horse crossing near Crystal Springs Picnic Area to ford the LA River to a few private stables. There are approximately 700 horses in that area of the river. Alternate start is at the horse-parking lot near LA Steamers.
Plenty of scenic paths wind in and around the lake, which is upstream of the dam.
Rio Hondo
Bikes and horses share the trails along sections of this LA River tributary. The best place to start is in the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area, near the Whittier Narrows Equestrian Center. Snake west until you can pick up a horse path heading either north toward El Monte, or south through Montebello.