Staff Report
As Santa Barbara begins to return to a ‘normal life’ after the pandemic, the Santa Ynez Valley Riders (SYVR) are helping provide some open-air, family fun this summer.
SYVR is a riding club dedicated to the sheer enjoyment of trail riding and is open to all breeds of horses and styles of riding. SYVR offers opportunities for individuals and families to bring their horse and trail ride on some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in Santa Barbara County and the Central Coast area. They invite anyone who shares a love of horses to join them for some fun and unique trail riding in time for the summer.
After months of having no events scheduled, the SYVR is excited to announce their first ride following the pandemic shut-down at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 17, at Mission La Purisima in Lompoc. Membership with SYVR is required to participate in the rides, and starting in July, and for the remainder of the year, membership dues are reduced to half price. Dues go to help fund their efforts to keep Live Oak Trail and other area trails open and safe for all.
“We are thrilled to have our group rides back after the Pandemic forced all of our events to be cancelled”, says Santa Ynez Valley Riders President, Kathy Rosenthal. “These rides are so important to our members and organization and starting back up with the Mission La Purisima ride is a perfect way to get our horseback riding community together again.”
The SYVR promote equine legislation, good horsemanship and address the need for acquisition and preservation of safe trails. Trail rides last from three to five hours over private ranches well-known in the County’s history, as well as in the Los Padres National Forest and Santa Barbara County Parks such as Live Oak Camp, the latter in which SYVR partners with to raise funds for improvements such as replacement picnic tables and other amenities. Riders typically arrange to meet at the trailhead. SYVR stresses safe riding practices on all rides.
All SYVR meetings, trail rides and events are announced via member email around the 1st of each month.
To learn more, please visit santaynezvalleyriders.org/
About Santa Ynez Valley Riders
Santa Ynez Valley Riders is a riding club dedicated to the sheer enjoyment of trail riding and is open to all breeds and styles of riding. Since 1952, SYVR has organized safe, family-oriented trail rides to horse owners from all walks of life. To learn more, please visit santaynezvalleyriders.org/
