Equestrian Trail Updates September 2026
Happy Fall Y'all!
We hope everyone had a wonderful Summer filled with adventures and wonderful memories! Fall is here and the cooler weather makes for more opportunity to get out and ride!
Remember our trail access and equestrian recreation depend on people who speak up, get involved, and advocate for the places we love. That’s why this month’s newsletter is packed with exciting opportunities, important trail updates, and ways you can make a difference.
Cancelled!!! More Mesa Trail Ride
The More Mesa Trail Ride in Santa Barbara previously scheduled for Sunday, September 27th has been cancelled. Unfortunately, space for a number of horse trailers and a safe place to prepare for the ride are unavailable. The trailheads to More Mesa may be available for one or two trailers; however, the area is so popular that trailer parking may or may not be available when you arrive at any one of the trailheads. The lack of trailer parking has been brought to the attention of the Santa Barbara County Trails Council and the County Riding and Hiking Advisory Committee. When the property is acquired for public use, trailer parking will be one of the design elements considered in the future.
More Mesa Preservation Committee (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 region to build support for preserving one of the South Coast’s last remaining equestrian-friendly open spaces. Although More Mesa is on the Santa Barbara coast, protecting riding opportunities anywhere in our region benefits everyone. More information to come!
Backcountry Horsemen - Los Padres Unit Lends Support for Live Oak Trail!
In an exciting development, the Backcountry Horsemen, Padres Unit has just initiated a Live Oak Trail subcommittee. The Committee will explore completing the Live Oak Trail fencing project as well as other developing trail amenities, and drive reestablishment of horse camping at the trailhead. Consider becoming a member of BCHA-Los Padres Unit and a Live Oak Trail Committee member. We're looking for help securing monetary donations, suggestions for fence installers who may offer a discount, volunteers who may have valuable building skills, and assistance with fundraising. If you have a prospect, please email info@santaynezvalleyriders.org. Together we can make this happen!
Santa Barbara County Recreation Master Plan
Here, I owe all of you an apology. The Santa Barbara County Recreation Master Plan (RMP) Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was released on June 26, 2026 and the public comment period ended on August 10th. I had intended to provide a template comment letter for our equestrians' use, but my life took an unfortunate turn and I was unable to fulfill my promise. However, know that a technical comment letter for equestrians was submitted to the County and you can see it on the Santa Ynez Valley Riders website at https://www.santaynezvalleyriders.org/post/equestrian-trail-updates-september-2026-happy-fall-y-all. The RMP and Recreation Benefit Program will help guide recreational development throughout Santa Barbara County for the next 10–20 years, including many projects that could affect the Santa Ynez Valley.
Public input gathered over the past five years has shown that the Santa Ynez Valley has an adequate trail system both now and for the future, along with strong and consistent community support for maintaining and expanding equestrian trail opportunities. The RMP is scheduled to go to the Planning Commission in sometime in November to decide on recommendations to send to the Board of Supervisors. This will be another opportunity to comment.
Thank You for Being Part of the Community
Every ride, every shared trail, and every voice of support helps strengthen our equestrian community. Be sure to visit our member sponsors often. They are supporting our important work.
Thank you for staying informed, getting involved, and helping protect the trails and open spaces we all enjoy.
Happy Trails...
Kathy Rosenthal, President
Santa Ynez Valley Riders
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