Live Oak Trail Newsletter - Fall 2025

Help the Santa Ynez Valley Riders Reach Our $3,000 Goal — Renew or Submit Your Membership Today!

Dear Members and Friends,

Well, here we are just on time to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! In this newsletter, you’ll find all kinds of juicy updates on the status of Live Oak Trail as well as our membership drive kickoff for 2026! As we look ahead to an exciting new year of programs, community outreach, and growth, the Santa Ynez Valley Riders (SYVR) is launching our annual membership drive — and we need your help to reach our goal of raising $3,000 to fund a project at Live Oak Trailhead.

Membership contributions play a vital role in supporting the work we do. They help fund events, pay for trail improvements and amenities, community initiatives, and the day-to-day operations that keep our organization thriving. Every membership—no matter the level—brings us one step closer to strengthening our mission and expanding what we can offer.

Here’s how you can help: If you haven’t yet submitted or renewed your membership for 2026, we invite you to do so today. A membership application for 2026 is available HERE. Your participation doesn’t just support our financial goal; it strengthens the foundation of our equestrian community and support of Live Oak Trail improvements. When you join or renew, you’re making a statement that the work matters to you—and that you’re proud to be part of it.

Why your membership matters:

• It directly supports programs and projects that demonstrate our members, and the wider equestrian community is invested in public trails,

• It ensures we can continue offering meaningful and safe riding opportunities and resources,

• It helps us plan confidently for the year ahead.
  

We are aiming to raise $3,000 to bridge the gap in funding for the fencing project at Live Oak as explained below, and with your help, we know we can get there.

Submitting your membership is quick, easy, and makes a lasting impact. Do you know a business or non-profit that would like to be a supporter? We’re offering Business Memberships in 2026! The application for Business Membership is available HERE.

Thank you for being part of this community and for helping us continue the work we’re so passionate about. Together, let’s make this our strongest year yet!

Protecting Access, Safety and Nature: Live Oak Trailhead Safety Fencing Project Moves Forward If you’ve visited the Live Oak Trailhead recently, you’ve likely noticed just how popular the gateway access road to the trail has become. Our wonderful Cachuma Park staff have let us know that Live Oak Camp is fully booked into next year which will bring more  attendees to weddings, quinceañeras, and retreats. The increased use of Live Oak Camp will increase traffic on the access road and create new safety challenges for the Park staff and our riders.

To address these issues, a fencing project has been proposed for the Live Oak Trailhead parking lot. The goal is simple: provide security for rigs while out riding, improve rider safety, contain loose horses, and provide a secure staging area to tack up — all while preserving the rustic character of the trailhead. Recently, a horse broke loose galloped down the access road and almost made it to Highway 154, so it does happen!

We’re happy to share that the SYVR has formally agreed to fund the fencing project recognizing our importance to long-term commitment to stewardship of the area. The design calls for durable fencing that matches the existing fencing.

However, as materials and labor costs have risen, so has the overall price tag. While we remain fully committed to completing the project, we are currently facing a funding shortfall. This means that without additional support, construction may be delayed, the scope reduced or it may not happen at all.

How You Can Help

If you believe in protecting access to the Live Oak Trailhead and ensuring that this beloved space stays accessible for future generations of riders, in addition to your membership dues,  contributions can make a real impact. Donations of any size bring us closer to closing the $3,000 gap and moving this critical project into the instillation phase.

Together, we can preserve the integrity of the Live Oak Trail, define the County’s first equestrian recreation area while improving the experience for everyone who come to enjoy a peaceful ride. Thank you for considering donating in addition to your membership dues and for your continued support and stewardship.

2026 Project - Exploring a New Equestrian Campground at Live Oak

For years, Live Oak Trailhead has been a favorite entry point into one of our region’s most scenic riding network—a place where rolling hills, shaded oak groves, and sweeping vistas invite exploration. Now, an exciting new proposal could expand the trailhead’s role in our outdoor community: the development of a new campground designed especially for equestrians.

A Vision for More Accessible Outdoor Experiences

The idea of adding a campground at Live Oak Trailhead has been under discussion as local outdoor recreation groups and land managers consider ways to improve access to overnight experiences. A campground here would allow trail riders to enjoy early-morning trail access, lengthen their adventures, and experience nature after dark—without the drive home after a long day in the saddle. There are no public equestrian camping facilities in Santa Barbara County. Surrounding Counties, including Los Angeles, San Diego and Ventura all provide equestrian only trails and at least on campground adjacent to those trails. Santa Barbara County equestrians expect no less.

What’s Just Come Out The Revised Recreation Master Plan (Rec Plan) has just been released and again has apparently ignored our requests for a dedicated and safe equestrian recreational trail at Live Oak. They continue to insist mountain and E-bikes remain part of potential trails users. The project description is included in the revised Rec Plan reads:

“North Shore Trails Project. The existing equestrian trail network on the north side of Lake Cachuma would be improved and expanded to support equestrians with separate segments and facilities for other non-motorized users. The equestrian trail system would offer scenic routes in varying terrain for riders of various skill levels to encourage advancement of local equestrians. Non-equestrian trails would support hiking and non-motorized biking. Where trail conflicts could arise with other recreational users, horse-only bypasses would be integrated into the trail design to ensure the safety and comfort of riders and horses. The trail system could provide an "out and back" experience or circumvent the north side of the lake if feasible. The trail system would connect to existing and planned facilities at Live Oak Campground and a proposed pack-in/pack-out campground. If approved, the campground could become a valuable addition to the region’s outdoor recreation offerings—providing an inviting, trail riding space while preserving the natural character of Live Oak Trailhead.[1] ” (emphasis added).

What’s Next – How Can You Help?

Click on the link and take a look at the  Santa Barbara County Recreation Master Plan. As planning progresses, we will share updates and public meeting dates with equestrians through our email,  website and Facebook pages. Whether you’re a seasoned trail rider or simply someone who enjoys a quiet evening under the stars, the proposed campground at the Live Oak Trailhead represents an exciting opportunity to create the County’s first and only equestrian recreation area. Allowing other trail users and especially including mountain bikes and e-bikes remains a primary concern.

Please stay tuned—and be on the lookout for prepared letters that you can use to voice your concerns to the County’s Board of Supervisors over the next few months. Lend your voice to save the Live Oak Trail as the conversation unfolds.

Thank you for your continued support through your membership and donations. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and wonderful holiday season! Our work to preserve the Live Oak Equestrian Trail continues…

Best Regards,

Kathy Rosenthal, President

Santa Ynez Valley Riders and Equestrian Trail Coalition

[1] Page 5-7 - 5-8, A Plan for Parks, Recreation and Trails, Draft Santa Barbara County Recreation Master Plan, November 21, 2025