By California Horse Power Coalition
Recently, members of the Southern California Region Pony Club (SCRPC) received a behind-the-scenes look at Santa Anita Park through a collaborative effort between the Southern California Racehorse Adoption Foundation (SCRAF), Graduate A Pony Club member Kiersti Wylie, Santa Anita Park, and members of the Thoroughbred aftercare and racing community.
Throughout the day, Pony Club members explored multiple facets of the racing industry, gaining firsthand insight into veterinary care, racing operations, broadcasting, and the many career opportunities connected to horses. They also learned about the important role Thoroughbred aftercare plays in helping Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) transition into successful second careers beyond racing.
Most importantly, participants discovered that great horsemanship begins with education, respect, and a deeper understanding of a horse’s journey, both on and off the racetrack.
More Than Horse Facilities
Experiences like this highlight something increasingly important for communities across Southern California to understand: equine facilities are far more than simply places where horses live and train.
As development pressures continue to threaten many equine properties and agricultural spaces, opportunities like this demonstrate the vital role these facilities play in our communities. They serve as:
- Educational spaces where lifelong learning takes place, from Pony Club members and aftercare organizations to veterinarians and racing officials who continue to advance their understanding of footing, diagnostic imaging, and injury prevention.
- Career pathways that inspire young horse enthusiasts to pursue professions such as veterinary medicine, farriery, training, equine management, and more.
- Therapeutic environments that support the physical and mental well-being of both horses and people.
- Conservation spaces that help preserve open land and agricultural heritage.
- Community gathering places that foster partnerships, collaboration, and shared learning.
- Critical infrastructure that supports horse welfare throughout every stage of a horse’s life.
When equine facilities disappear, communities lose much more than acreage. We lose mentorship, education and opportunities for future generations to develop responsibility, compassion, leadership, and stewardship through their connection with horses.
Partnerships That Strengthen the Horse Industry
By bringing together Pony Club, SCRAF, Santa Anita Park, and members of the Thoroughbred community, participants were able to see how different sectors of the horse industry work together to support both horses and horsemen. These partnerships are essential to preserving the educational programs, racetracks, training facilities, aftercare organizations, and agricultural spaces that make meaningful equestrian experiences possible.
The future of horsemanship depends on more than individual riders, trainers, or organizations. It depends on communities working together to create opportunities for learning, mentorship, and responsible horse care.
Education Beyond the Saddle
At its core, Pony Club is about more than riding. It is an organization built on education, leadership, service, and the development of knowledgeable horsemen who possess a deep respect for horses and the industries that support them. Experiences like this help connect the next generation to the broader Thoroughbred community while providing valuable exposure to the many ways horses positively impact lives and careers.
As Santa Anita Park and 1/ST shared:
“Santa Anita and 1/ST are proud to work with groups like the Southern California Pony Club to help provide greater access and exposure to horse racing for the next generation of equestrians. Programs like this teach far more than riding. They instill discipline, responsibility, sportsmanship, and a deep respect for the horse. It is wonderful to give these young equestrians an inside look at different aspects of the racing industry, from morning training to equine care and broadcasting, especially since several of these riders are partnered with off-track Thoroughbreds. This day was all about celebrating their passion for horses and the future of equestrian sport.”