Costa Mesa, California is home to the OC Fair and Event Center’s Equestrian facilities, where horse owners and trainers have recently been served eviction notices, leaving them uncertain about their future. The eviction notices came as a shock to many, including Connected Equine’s head trainer, Macki Hamblin, who expressed disappointment that negotiations were not on the table.
Connected Equine, a prominent equestrian training program in Newport Beach, is facing the possibility of disbanding due to the eviction. The program offers training, lessons, clinics, and show coaching, and also partners with nonprofits that rely on the horses housed at the OC Fair and Event Center’s equestrian facility.
Hamblin revealed that the eviction will not only impact her business but also the nonprofit outreach programs that use the horses on a daily basis. With nowhere else to go, some horses may need to be sold, further complicating the situation for both the equestrian program and the nonprofits involved.
The decision to evict the horse owners and trainers stemmed from the OC Fair and Event Center’s need to address a deficit and stop using public funds to subsidize private training businesses and activities. As a result, rental rates were raised by 45 percent through January 2025, leading to discontent among the affected parties.
OC Equestrian Vaulting founder, Gibran Stout, emphasized that the issue is not solely about money but rather about negotiating a clear and fair contract that benefits all parties involved. OC Equestrian Vaulting is a youth sports club that offers classes in horsemanship, dance, and gymnastics for individuals of all experience levels.
In response to the eviction notices, the OC Fair and Event Center has proposed creating „The Ranch,“ a new facility that would cater to privately owned horses for training and boarding, as well as public programs. However, this vision has been met with resistance from the horse owners and trainers who feel that their livelihoods are at stake.
Despite the tensions, Stout expressed a desire to repair any damaged relationships and foster better communication between the parties involved. In an effort to voice their concerns, horse trainers are planning a rally and protest outside of the OC Fair on Saturday morning, hoping to draw attention to their plight.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the eviction notices will impact the equestrian community in Costa Mesa and what the future holds for the horse owners, trainers, and nonprofits affected by this decision. The ongoing dispute highlights the challenges faced by those in the equestrian industry and underscores the importance of finding a resolution that is fair and equitable for all involved.
