California historic equestrian trails reflect our state’s history and majesty. We can preserve our trails and our heritage together.

The trails date to the 1700s and tie to our Spanish and Mexican heritage when Ortega, Anza, Nieto, Neve, Dominquez…were populating California under Spanish rule and the Viceroy of Mexico. In the 1800’s, Sarah Bixby-Smith references these same trails during the Rancho days, travelling from Rancho Los Cerritos south to (PCH) and then north to the City (San Francisco) to take their sheep/wood to market. In the 1940’s riders travelled to the coast on these trails patrolling for enemy subs during WWII on horseback. In 1966 The Federal Trail Act was enacted law protecting our nations rich trail heritage. That trail act further allows for protection of associated connective/feeder trails (i.e. LA River, Compton Creek, Rio Hondo, Coyote Creek, San Gabriel River..) which are an aggregate of 100+ miles and connect to one or more trails already protected (i.e. Anza). The nations legislative branch and Supreme court evolved, as per Sandra Day O’Conner, in a large part due to circuit court judges riding the trails. The equestrian trails and community are a part of the fabric of Long Beach, Los Angeles, California, and our nations rich history. Now is the time to embrace the trails and equestrian communities, provide for their survival, enhancement and growth, increase the equestrian’s public visibility for future generations to enjoy. Today is the time for your support as decision makers to make critical changes in planning to protect the needs of this minority group as well as the safety of all who wish to enjoy these recreation areas.