Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (2:44 pm)
The Ranch Community Center expands public programs, equine education at OC Fairgrounds
COSTA MESA (March 18, 2026) – OC Fair & Event Center continues to expand its public programs at The Ranch Community Center, offering free educational open houses and community events that showcase equine programs, agricultural education and partnerships with local organizations and nonprofits.
The first of six horse shows slated for 2026 will take place this Saturday and Sunday, March 21-22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 30 horses and 30 riders are set to participate in the show brought in by Stiegler Productions with a goal of reviving the tradition of horse shows in Orange County that create an affordable, welcoming and exciting experience for riders to grow, learn and confidently step up to A-rated shows. Admission and parking are free.
“These public offerings demonstrate our commitment to bringing together equine professionals, educators and community partners to share knowledge about horse care, training and the role of horses in Orange County’s agricultural heritage,” said OC Fair Board Chair Barbara Bagneris. “This is a key part of our mission: Enhancing equitable community access to agriculture, entertainment, cultural and educational experiences.”
Located on approximately seven acres, The Ranch Community Center is a year-round public space that maintains the fairgrounds’ agricultural traditions through community engagement, youth education and animal-related programs. This represents an evolution of the former equestrian center into a broader educational and community engagement hub while maintaining the fairgrounds’ equestrian heritage.
Since launching the expanded programming, The Ranch has already reached thousands of participants through tours, events and educational programs, including:
- The Ranch Discovery Days and community open houses
- The Ranch After-School Program for local youth
- Equine education exhibits and demonstrations
- Agricultural workshops and hands-on experiences with rabbits, chickens and other farm animals
A key partner is Walk Intuit, a nonprofit mental health organization providing equine-assisted therapy programs and community wellness events, including Healing with Horses, Ponies and Paint, The Chicken Playhouse and kids’ horsemanship. Walk Intuit has nine horses at The Ranch Community Center and provided 260 client sessions free or on a sliding-fee scale in January.
A selection of Knott’s Berry Farm’s vintage horse-drawn carriages are on display in exhibits that engage and educate visitors about the history of horses in Orange County, as well as equine care and history.
Other partnering organizations include O.C. Sheriff’s Mounted Unit, California Guard, Platt College’s school of Veterinary Technology, UCCE Master Gardeners, Hapa Honey Farms, Tanaka Farms, OC Animal Care, 4-H and more. These partnerships help expand opportunities for the public to interact with horses, learn about agriculture and explore careers related to animal care and equine industries.
The Ranch Community Center is designed to operate similarly to other educational venues at the fairgrounds, including Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall, which provide free and low-cost year-round programming for the public.
“The Ranch is about opening the gates to the community,” said OC Fair & Event Center’s Chief Business Development officer Michele Capps. “Our goal is to preserve the fairgrounds’ equestrian heritage while expanding educational access for families, schools and agricultural partners.”
The next Discovery Day at The Ranch Community Center is set for May 13
and is full, with 800 reservations and 80 people on the waiting list.
For more information, visit ocfair.com/theranch.