Countywide : O.C. Fair Officials May Close Horse Stalls

More than 100 horses may be in search of new homes if Orange County Fair and Exposition Center directors decide today to close boarding stalls at the fairgrounds in Costa Mesa.

Fair officials said the action may be needed because the Orange County Equestrian Center stables lost more than $200,000 in 1994 and might only break even this year.

The fair can no longer afford to subsidize the boarding operations because of state cutbacks and shrinking returns from the weekly swap meet held on the fairgrounds, said Becky Bailey-Findley, general manager of the fairgrounds.

Under one plan being considered, the arenas and barns would be available only as temporary housing for horses appearing in the 26 various shows held each year at the equestrian center.

Horse owners have said they are shocked the Board of Directors might shutter the stables, which they describe as one of the few remaining reminders of Orange County’s agricultural roots.

Some owners have also said that the stable could make money if all 275 stalls were used. About 135 horses are permanently boarded at the equestrian center.

Some trainers have said their clients would like to move their horses to the stable, but have been told by management that there is no room.