Operation of Equestrian Center Goes to Developer

The Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Commission has voted to turn over operation of the financially troubled Los Angeles Equestrian Center to a Burbank development firm despite protests by some horse owners that the move could lead to cuts in riding lessons, shows and polo games.

Commissioners, after briefly trying to allay the fears of about 150 protesters, voted unanimously to permit the takeover by Del Rey Properties. The commission owns the property and has a lease with Gibraltar Savings, which owns the stables and other buildings.

But Gibraltar is insolvent and is being run by the federal Resolution Trust Corp. The company has the right to assign the lease to a firm of its choice, as long as the proposed concessionaire is a fit operator. Staff members said they could find no reason to bar Del Rey, a general partnership formed by Gregory Daggett and Timothy Behunin, from taking over the operation.