A South Pasadena treasure just got better with the addition of a new third arena at the San Pascual Stables in Arroyo Park.
Local dignitaries, including members of the City Council, were invited to the stables last Friday, August 6, for a ribbon cutting of the newest attraction, which also featured a send-off of four nationally qualified riders who will compete this month in the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Pony Finals in Lexington, Kentucky. Headed to the event are Mary Elizabeth and Lucy Wendling of San Marino and Finley Hamilton and Kenzie Chang of Pasadena.
The USEF Pony Finals include pony hunters, jumpers, and equitation, which will compete over six days at the Kentucky Horse Park. More than 600 ponies compete annually at the championship. All four riders were prepped for the competition at the South Pasadena facility.
“The third arena and new stalls are complete, and the renovations are a beautiful addition to the stables,” said Sheila Pautsch, South Pasadena’s community services director, whose department oversees the venue. “The arena provides a way to increase lessons and training for riders of all ages. It also allows for more space for the training of the riders and horses and lessons and classes.”
The arena and stalls were paid for through the City of South Pasadena’s Capital Improvement Fund as part of the lease agreement, Pautsch explaining: “The fund is 2.7% of the rent each month that is saved for things such as this.”
She said the new arena allows for more space for the training of the riders and horses and lessons and classes. “We’re really happy with it,” added Pautsch. “This arena creates a new space for beginner riders, allowing a quiet place to feel comfortable and confident when riding. It will bring more classes and lessons to the stables.”
San Pascual Stables in the historic Arroyo Seco offers horse riding lessons, boarding, camps, birthday parties and more.
Pautsch credits operators David and Caroline Streckx for the stable’s success, saying: “They have done an excellent job with the improvements of the arena and stalls.”