EQUESTRIAN : Rental Horses Are Scarce Commodity

Kathy Batchelor remembers when all that was needed for horseback riding in the San Fernando Valley was a sturdy mount and an open trail.

Those days are gone. Today, due to high insurance costs and limited riding areas, there are few Valley-based stables left that rent horses, and those that do require a guide to accompany all riders.

“There are really not too many places left to rent horses because the liability insurance has gotten so high,” said Shirley Milner, owner of Equus Stables of Topanga, which offers private lessons but does not rent horses.

Browns Canyon Equestrian Center in Chatsworth, managed by Batchelor, rents only to groups of four or more for a minimum ride of two hours with guide accompaniment. Rentals cost $10 an hour. Western and English riding lessons are also available at $120 for eight lessons. The Chatsworth stable also offers group riding parties, which include picnic, brunch or a barn dance.

Batchelor also runs the Tri-Valley Polo Club, one of several Valley-based polo centers that offer lessons for beginners and stage matches for more experienced players. Beginning students can learn the basics of the game in a five-week session of lessons for $100.

Information: 818-341-4930.

Los Angeles Equestrian Center, at 480 Riverside Dr., Burbank, does not have guides available and offers rentals for $10 per hour. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Information: 818-840-9063.

Circle K Riding Stables in Burbank and Valencia has guided rentals available. There is a minimum rental time of one hour. The stables are open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The riding stables are located at 910 S. Mariposa St., Burbank, and at the end of the employee entrance to Magic Mountain off the Old Road in Valencia.

Information: 818-843-9890 or 805-257-9850.

Northridge Recreation Center and Mason Park offer English riding lessons at the Stoney Point Riding Center. The next session of classes for beginning and intermediate riders age 8 and older begins July 10.

Mason Park also has a riding class for mothers and infants ages 3 to 5 beginning July 11. All classes are $50 for six weeks.

Reservations are not accepted.

Information: 818-349-7341 or 818-998-8564.