Hardship and help for riders

Re “Unstable future,” Jan. 26

The Times failed to mention successful efforts by the County of Los Angeles to preserve the equestrian lifestyle by expanding and improving our trail systems, open-space resources and horse facilities.

The hard work and enthusiasm of the many dedicated equestrians in the Santa Clarita, Antelope, San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys who join me on our bi-annual trail rides resulted in the development of hundreds of miles of new trails in Los Angeles County.

The county is dedicated to promoting the construction and maintenance of a regional trail system and equestrian facilities.

Michael D. Antonovich

Los Angeles

The writer is a Los Angeles County supervisor.

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The Times seems to blame development for the loss of boarding stables in Southern California. The real problem is far more complex.

Increased labor costs, soaring feed costs, exorbitant liability insurance rates because of out-of-control damage awards, extremely expensive modifications to meet water quality regulations and the inability of folks who are not wealthy to pay for the above are the reasons that so many stable owners -- and public agencies -- have given up and sought alternative uses for their properties.

The stable owners I know would much rather stay in the boarding business but are forced by regulation, feed costs and the fear of litigation to seek alternative uses for their properties.

Robert Montgomery

Dana Point