Equestrian center puts you in the saddle
With its 12 horses for lessons, trail systems and social events, the Village Equestrian Center provides Laguna Woods’ residents and guests an opportunity to participate in riding programs, group lessons and guided trail rides. It’s open for ages 10 and up.
Each guest may ride one of the horses for a 25-minute lesson while boarded horses belong to individual residents.
There’s Blaze, a 40-year-old Arabian horse with his chiseled head, long-arching neck and high tail; Malibu, a 12-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse whose owner brought her down from Long Beach; and Sweet Harmony, an 18-year-old Missouri Fox Trotter, known for her smooth gait and stamina.
Joe Massello, 89, has been riding and caring for horses at the center for 23 years. He said he visits the stables daily since he can sit with fellow residents over a cup of “cowboy coffee” and talk about the community and its social calendar.
The stables opened in 1965 with 15 horses stabled in new stalls. Three months later, the bridle trail from the stables to Aliso Creek Road opened.
Today, the center provides horses, group lessons and guided trail rides and the Laguna Woods Village Saddle Club hosts events throughout the year, including cookouts, horsemanship camps and horse shows.
Proceeds from the trips to horse-related events raise money for the riding program’s saddles and helmets.
“This is a unique place because we’ve watched people develop a nice bond with the horses,” said Lisa Toomer, Equestrian Center supervisor. “It’s good for all of us to sit and chat and take care of these horses.”
The Equestrian Center is at 24312 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods. For more information, call (949) 597-4275 or visit lagunawoodsvillage.com.
Twitter: @KathleenLuppi
