Equestrian Trail Updates July 2026

Happy Summer!

We hope everyone had a wonderful—and safe—Fourth of July!

Summer is a wonderful reminder of the freedoms we enjoy every day: the freedom to pursue what brings us joy, spend time with family and friends, and share our passion for horses. We are fortunate to have opportunities to ride in beautiful public open spaces, and those opportunities exist because people like you continue to advocate for them. Like all of our cherished freedoms, access to trails and equestrian recreation depends on our continued involvement and support.

This newsletter is filled with exciting opportunities, important updates, and a chance for all of us to make a difference. We also take a moment to remember a treasured member of our community. We hope you'll read through to the end.

More Mesa Trail Ride – Save the Date!

The More Mesa Preservation Coalition (MMPC) is planning a trail ride at More Mesa on Sunday, September 27! If you're interested in participating (and if you'd prefer to ride with a group), please send an email to info@santaynezvalleyriders.org and let us know you'll be attending. The Santa Ynez Valley Riders (SYVR) are helping coordinate and we need an estimate of the number of riders and horse trailers so we can plan accordingly.

Also, please feel free to forward a link to this newsletter to friends and fellow riders. The more equestrians we have participating, the stronger our support for this special place.

MMPC is coordinating trailer parking, installing equestrian safety signage, and arranging for volunteers to be stationed at trail entrances to help alert cyclists and other trail users during the event. This is a wonderful opportunity to promote safe, shared trail use while demonstrating the importance of preserving equestrian access to one of Santa Barbara County's most treasured open spaces.

Although More Mesa is located on the Santa Barbara coast, preserving riding opportunities throughout our region benefits all equestrians. On a warm day in the Valley, what could be better than enjoying cooler coastal temperatures, breathtaking ocean views, and abundant wildlife from horseback?

MMPC is working to purchase and permanently preserve the 265-acre More Mesa property, which is currently privately owned. They have partnered with the Hope Ranch Trails Association and are reaching out to equestrian organizations throughout the area to build support for preserving one of the South Coast's last remaining equestrian-friendly open spaces.

Santa Barbara County Recreation Master Plan

The Santa Barbara County Recreation Master Plan (RMP) Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been released for public comment. Written comments will be accepted through August 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. There will be no in-person comment hearings.

Comments may be submitted via email to:

Jeff Lindgren

Email: RecPlan@countyofsb.org

Or by mail to:

Community Services Department – Parks Division

123 East Anapamu Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

The Recreation Master Plan and Recreation Benefit Program will help guide recreational development throughout Santa Barbara County over the next 10–20 years, with many proposed projects affecting the Santa Ynez Valley.

This is an important opportunity for our equestrian community to help shape the future of local trails and ensure horseback riding remains a valued part of the County's recreational planning.

Public input collected over the past five years has shown that while the Santa Ynez Valley currently and for the future has an adequate trail system, and there is strong and consistent support for maintaining and expanding equestrian trail opportunities. As we review the Draft EIR, we will be working to ensure equestrian needs are fully recognized—especially maintaining Live Oak Trail as a premier equestrian trail while addressing several remaining concerns in the current documents.

You can make a real difference!

1.      What can you do today? Please forward this newsletter to friends, neighbors, and fellow riders. The more voices the County hears from the equestrian community, the stronger our message will be. 

2.      In the next few weeks, submit your own comment letter. Watch your email for sample comment letters as our review continues over the next few weeks. Together, we can help protect equestrian access on Live Oak Trail and support continued safe equestrian trails for future generations.

Remembering Leslie Gilles (1935–2026)

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our friend and fellow SYVR member, Leslie Gilles.

Leslie brought tremendous energy, a wonderful sense of humor, and an unforgettable spirit to our equestrian community. She was a passionate advocate for horses and a dedicated supporter of the SYVR throughout the years.

We are deeply grateful for her lifelong contributions to the Santa Ynez Valley horse community and for the friendship she shared with so many of us. She is missed and fondly remembered.

Live Oak Trail Head Fencing Project Update

Thanks to your generosity and support, SYVR successfully raised the funds needed to purchase fencing materials for the Live Oak Trail project! Thank you to everyone who donated and helped make this important milestone possible.

We're now moving into Phase II—building the fence.

Working with Cachuma staff, we are evaluating labor costs, welding expertise, and the equipment needed to complete the installation properly. We're also exploring ways to reduce project costs wherever possible.

If you know experienced fencing contractors, welders, or companies that may be willing to donate services or offer discounted labor or equipment, we'd love to hear from you. Please send an email to info@santaynezvalleyriders.org.

Once final installation requirements are confirmed, we'll begin identifying funding needs and volunteer opportunities to help complete the project.

New Business & Nonprofit Members

SYVR is excited to welcome and thank our new Business and Nonprofit Members for 2026! We encourage everyone to support and visit these organizations whenever you can. Strong local businesses and nonprofits help create an even stronger equestrian community.

Membership is just $50 for 2026, with dues helping support improvements to Live Oak Trail and other important equestrian initiatives. Spread the word! Applications are available at the Santa Ynez Valley Web site.

Please join us in welcoming our newest members:

• Jedlicka's

• Santa Ynez Valley Hounds

• SLO Post

• Charlotte's

• Rancheros Visitadores

  
  

Thank You for Your Continued Support!

There's a lot happening, and it's exciting to see so much momentum building around our trails and riding opportunities. None of these accomplishments would be possible without the continued support, enthusiasm, and involvement of SYV equestrians.

Thank you for being part of the equestrian community and for hanging in there to ensure horseback riders have the right to ride safely in the Valley! We look forward to seeing many of you on the trail in the months ahead.

Happy Trails!

Kathy Rosenthal, President

Santa Ynez Valley Riders

SAVE Santa Barbara Equestrian Trails