Friday, March 29, 2024 (10:12 am)
OC Fair Board votes to move community equine center plans forward for more public use
The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors reaffirmed, on March 28, its plans to open up the fairgrounds’ equestrian center by introducing public programming centered around equine education, mental health support and entertainment for the whole community.
The new equine center model will provide greater access for the public to benefit from these free and low-cost programs.
Staff updated the Board on plans to host a free public horse show in June, one of the first programs developed by OC Fair staff for the public in the new plan. The organization’s Ranch After School Program will move from Centennial Farm to the new community equine center with plans for expanding to include many more student participants by providing agricultural education and hands-on learning experiences for local youth. Staff is partnering with the North Orange County Veterans Center to provide certified equine therapy to veterans and their families. And, soon, college veterinary tech students will use the center for experiential learning.
“We’re very excited to advance the Board’s vision for the community equine center. Our public programs will provide equine education, support and entertainment to the greater Orange County community and to those who may not otherwise have access to horses,” said OC Fair & Event Center CEO Michele Richards.
The new community equine center will continue to provide boarding and training activities for privately owned horses. The Board voted to approve new rental rates and facility usage plans to ensure the expense of operating the boarding and training activities is fully covered by tenants to avoid a gift of public funds. A three-phase approach to rent adjustments will start with a 45 percent increase in June, followed by 10 percent adjustments in October and January 2025.
“We are excited to continue making progress toward the future of the equine center, where we can maintain the legacy horse boarders, while also taking direct control of the expansive public programming soon to be offered,” said OC Fair Board Chair Nick Kovacevich. “Under the new model, it’s critical that as state property, the rental fees charged to private tenants cover our operating expenses for boarding and training.”
Kovacevich also emphasized that, by opening up a sizable portion of the facility to public programming, the District can now use state funds to directly support programs for the public at large.
He says the Board has been moving toward a more equitable use of horse property on the fairgrounds and looks forward to providing equine education, entertainment and therapeutic opportunities with certified partners, in addition to more open access for all in Orange County to the benefits horses provide.
For the media:
Board meeting agenda and packet 3.28.24: https://ocfair.com/publicmeetings/board-of-directors-meeting-march-28-2024/
Equestrian center rate background and comparisons: https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ocfair.com/wpcontent/uploads/2024/03/22154516/24_03_Item9B_New_EQC_Rental_Rates.pdf