It is More Than Just Riding

The horse-riding community is the familial outlet that the competition needs.

story and photography by Liberty Belle

The feeling is freeing. Not only are you one with nature, but you are one with another being. When you embark on an adventure, you have a companion with you—a companion you can trust, a companion that you can rely on—and vice versa. Since I was a small girl, horse riding has been such a big part of my life. Even though my journey with this sport wound down, it still has stuck with me. I will never forget the feeling of how it felt when I rode my first horse. I was 6 years old, and I went to a horse camp in Chino, California. The drive there from Azusa was bland; the land there is mostly flat. There was nothing but dirt for miles. Then the entrance came into view: an old wooden barn and the trail entrance into the horse stables. Children were running around, animals, (mainly rude goats) were patrolling the area. In the middle of the ruckus stood Bobby Howard, the owner of the horse camp. He was a very friendly fellow, and he loved tomatoes from what I can remember. He showed us around the stables, and I can remember the aroma of horse manure and dust filling up my lungs. Most people would find the scent disgusting, but I now find it nostalgic.

I then found myself standing in front of a six-foot beast. I did not know what to do, or how to react. I felt scared. I knew that this huge animal could possibly do incredible harm to me, and I was fearful. This was also something new for me—growing up, I was never a “sporty” child. The thought of sitting atop a huge brute and controlling it with just two pieces of thin leather seemed wild to me. But after instruction on how to act around this creature, and how to care for it, a special bond started to push out the fear. I saw in the eyes of the horse that it was more than just an animal; it was a beautiful being. They are gentle creatures, and with care will come greatness. They are easy to love and to get along with. Ask me now, and I will tell you I think they have the demeanor of huge puppies.

With that connection between me and the horse, my riding skills steadily improved. I became one with this mare. I was taught to feed, bathe and clean the stables. I learned how to take her on walks and talk to her. I became one with Buttercup. I have not been back since 2014, and I miss her every day. To be able to ride a horse is to be able to feel so free. I know what this activity has done for me. It was such a bright light outlet and a standout part of my childhood.

To help you share in this horse-riding cultural experience, I found a local La Verne equestrian center and jumped back in the saddle at the Marshall Canyon Equestrian Center, 7000 Esperanza Drive, La Verne, which is owned by Dede Stevens. The entrance to the center is up a short dirt hill road. There, immediately, I was hit with the smell of nostalgia. Horses were everywhere—in their stables, in the corral, even in the parking area. I made my way to the office, where I met Dede, who was accompanied by her dog Bandit.

Dede, who holds a keen passion for horses and is an accomplished rider, bought the Center in 2005, she says, to share her zealous energy with others. Dede is involved in the community, working with the Boy Scouts, the Girl Scouts and summer camps. She sees a future for offering senior citizens outings. She says horse riding has also done much for her. “I couldn’t have asked for a better job. Who wouldn’t love coming to their job and seeing horses every day, right? I hope this always stays here, even after I’m gone, because this is such a good thing for kids—for people in general.” She wants to motivate everyone to go outside and to not be cooped up in their homes in front of computer screens. Returning to nature can restore the soul. Dede welcomes all to take part in a therapeutic ride, whether it is through a lesson or a trail ride.

It is not just Dede who staffs the center. Lesson trainer Sarah Murand and trail guide Annie Temple are part of the partnership in this close-knit community. Dede and Annie are both from the immediate area. Annie says her love for the activity came from her childhood and developed into a passion. “Horses can teach you a lot.” She says the experience gives her confidence, is therapeutic, and she adds how “awesome” it is to work with a large animal. Annie notes, “If emergencies ever occur, anyone can be counted on in the community.” She calls Sarah Murand an “encyclopedia of horses.” Sarah found her way to La Verne from Connecticut. At first, she matriculated at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She then found a job at Marshall Canyon Equestrian Center, and has not left since. “I thought when I was going to Cal Poly that I wasn’t going to ride anymore, and that I was going to focus on school. Then I was like, ‘Yeah, I can’t do this anymore,’” says Sarah. She has been at Marshall Canyon Equestrian Center ever since.

You can join in on the experience and ride at Marshall Canyon. If you go to their website marshallcyn.com, you will find many ways to get in contact about horse riding lessons, one-hour guided trail rides and even boarding for your own horse. For a quicker response, you can call the center at (909)593-8739.

Riding the Legacy

Cal Poly is known for its Arabians

Cal Poly seems to be a good resource to fuel equestrian riders and their ambition for the sport. Not only do they have a great equestrian program, they even have an amazing center for their Arabian Horses. The horse center was established in 1925 by the cereal magnate Will Keith Kellogg of Battle Creek, Michigan. Kellogg started breeding Arabian horses in his winter home located in Pomona and only sought out the best of the Arabian bloodlines. The horses became a well-known prize in the San Gabriel Valley, and Hollywood entertainment stars would come visit Kellogg’s ranch just to see the horses. This is when Sunday shows were put into place so the horses could be showcased.

In 1932, W.K. Kellogg donated the Arabian Horse Center and his former ranch to the state of California with the stipulation that the Arabian breeding program and Sunday horse shows be maintained. The ranch was then turned over to the California State University system in 1949 and became home to what would grow to become Cal Poly Pomona, which was granted full University status in 1972.  The horse program is now a constitutive part of the University.

Cal Poly Pomona has its very own intercollegiate equestrian program and team that are a part of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. The team competes in intercollegiate horse shows hosted by a variety of colleges ranging from California, Nevada and Arizona. They participate in events such as Western and English-Pleasure, Equitation, Jumping and Trail Classes. The CPP Equestrian Team is very determined in offering Cal Poly students opportunities to help build their horsemanship skills, despite riding experience and financial issues.

You can catch a Sunday show at 2 p.m. on the first Sunday of every month from October through May. Whereas, if you would like to visit and sight-see the horses, the equestrian center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.