Blog: Recap of March 25 RHE Equestrian Committee Meeting

At the March 25 Equestrian Committee meeting in Rolling Hills Estates, several items of interest to the community were discussed:

1. Western/Warm Up arena at Ernie Howlett Park: It was determined at a previous meeting that there was not adequate space to enlarge the western or "warm up arena" at Howlett Park to meet minimum size standards for reining competitions, so another solution was sought. After ruling out several options, it was decided that the most cost-effective solution which would also be the most accommodating to residents and various equestrian disciplines would be to "scrape" off the GGT footing from the "Hawthorne side" arena (known as the No. 2 arena) and replace it with "Capistrano sand" so that reining classes could be held in the that arena. The GGT footing would be stored on site.

It was also decided that City staff should investigate the cost to move the footing (i.e. take out the sand and put in the reserved GGT footing) for jumping shows as needed. This is what they do at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center and also Huntington Beach, according to audience members. It would be the responsibility of horse show operators to move the footing material in and out for their shows, should they so choose. The "warm up arena" will not be enlarged, but the footing will be re-done (with sand).

2. Trail Connections between cities: The City of Rancho Palos Verdes sent a letter to Rolling Hills Estates City Manager Doug Prichard saying that in response to public concern over the loss of trail connections between "neighboring jurisdictions," their staff was directed to monitor and prepare quarterly reports to the Council on inter-jurisdictional trail matters. In the letter, Ara Mihranian, RPV's Deputy Director of Community Development asked that Mr. Prichard advise him of any trail issues between the two cities, and he provided his contact information:
310-544-5228/email: aram@rpv.com.

3. Ernie Howlett Arena No. 2 Turn Out: The 90 day "trial period" allowing use of one of the oval arenas for turnout ended. Carol Porter moved that the arena be "permanently opened for use" (for turnout and lungeing) and the motion was unanimously approved.

4. Licensed Trainers in Rolling Hills Estates: A list of trainers who have purchased a 2013 business license (required for all trainers who use the public arenas and facilities in RHE) has been posted at all the public rings, and trainers are required to wear an ID badge issued by the City of Rolling Hills Estates when giving lessons.

5. Peter Weber Equestrian Center Project Update: Plans for the new barn are at "90 percent completion." Recently the Department of Toxic Substances Control notified the project manager that any underground pipes would be prohibited because they forbid any excavation into the landfill beneath the project site, so the plans have to be re-worked to meet this criteria.

6. Round Pens to be replaced at Pepperwood Park (at Crenshaw Boulevard & Palos Verdes Drive North) and Dapplegray Park: The Rolling Hills Estates City Council was expected to approve the expenditure of funds to re-build the deteriorated round pens using "kick-proof" panels.

7. Mayor's Ride—May 11, 2013: Dale Allen reported he needs to round up four horses to be ridden by city officials in the upcoming Mayor's Ride on May 11, so if you have a nice calm mount (or two, or three, or four!) that you'd be willing to loan for the ride, please contact PVPHA and we'll get in touch with Dale.

8. Letters of Support Needed for Devon Gibson: Carol Porter submitted a request to send letters of support for Devon Gibson's request for grant funding to help defray her medical costs as a result of serious injuries she suffered in a fall at a jumping competition in February. If you know Devon, or know her by reputation, please write a letter to the United States Hunter Jumper Association at:

USHJA
Attn: Leslie Mangan
3870 Cigar Lane
Lexington, KY 40511

No emails, please.