Living in Los Angeles with a horse is possible.
I’ve been living in the Rancho District, a Los Angeles neighborhood for 8 months. Fira, my three-year-old Paint mare has been here for 7. I introduced her on the blog when she arrived (read Introducing HH Indys Nu Daisy) back in May. Since the year is quickly coming to an end, I wanted to do an update on our training and general everyday life in the city together. I’m also sharing a few photos at the end of our adorable rental home since I’m almost done decorating.
When Fira arrived, she had 30 days of training put on her and had basically been unhandled up until that point. She came from Texas and had been living out in the pasture and not getting an education. I knew having a young horse in the city would be challenging, especially training one. Fira has overcome so many fears; fly spray (or anything being sprayed), her fly mask, being blanketed, putting on a bridle, the tarp, and we are working on getting over the clippers.
Fira lives in our backyard in a 24 x 30 stall. This is a generous size for a horse in Southern California but I make sure to get her out every day. Despite not having turnout or a pasture, Fira gets plenty of daily exercise and attention. Since I’m lucky enough to work from home I go out on my lunch break sometimes. Nothing clears the mind like an afternoon ride.
To take Fira to a round pen or arena for turnout, we walk or ride about 2 miles. We cross a few streets, walk on the road and go on the designated equestrian pathways. When I first go her, I saddled and led her every morning to the round pen until I trusted her to be ridden in the open. Luckily I have access to a public round pen and arena for training.
There are lots of things that can potentially scare a horse in a city neighborhood; bikers whizzing up behind your horse quickly, drones being flown (illegally in the park), dogs, goats, garbage trucks, construction, gardeners working, the list goes on. Each ride or walk out on the city streets is a new adventure. Fira is solid when it comes to traffic. She isn’t frightened by cars passing her in the street, honking horns, or motorcycles. She even knows to stop right at the cross walk and wait while I push the button.
These days Fira and I are working on collecting and climbing the hills out on the trails. She’s learning how to carry herself up and down the hills.
Life in the city with a horse is very different compared to the country. Manure gets picked up by the garbage truck every Tuesday and I have dedicated bins to put it in. You can’t store a lot of hay so I have a local tack and feed store deliver hay, grain, and supplies every two months.
I have access to all of the trails at Griffith Park, the round pen, one large unfenced arena, and two fenced in arenas. Needless to say I have plenty of places to ride, more than I ever had in Ohio.
In the beginning Fira was very spooky and while she still spooks plenty, she is a young horse. I’m thankful that we have obstacles that will test us on a daily basis, it keeps things interesting.
On my left, Bette Davis Park and on my right is Easter Field, the unfenced riding area that leads to a mile loop around the equestrian center, bridge, and trails into the park.
Mango absolutely loves her new home. She has a fenced in yard and plenty of cozy places to nap during the day.
This is my office, to see more photos of it check out my home office tour.
Here is the patio, it’s one of my favorite places to sit and relax after a nice ride.
Photos by Lady Photographic
Lindsey says
I always wondered how you kept a horse in the city! It looks like you must live in a neighborhood that has a large number of horses? Your trails always look amazing, especially the views from the top of the hills!
Raquel says
Yes, there are lots of horses in our neighborhood. If you drove through it, you would never know though. The horses are tucked away in backyards and I’m always discovering new horses. It’s really a fun place to live!
Tracy says
Wow, California is certainly WAY different than Ohio! I love hearing about how you make it all work and Fira is just adorable!
Raquel says
It’s a whole different world out here. It’s been fun though 😀
Tess says
Loved this post! And you! And Mango and Fira!
Raquel says
Awww thanks Tess! Right back at you
Sarah says
Thank you for sharing! I love to see how others keep their horses on small properties. I wish we had our manure collected every week and all those beautiful spots to ride
Raquel says
Thanks Sarah, there are so many wonderful little properties within the neighborhood. It really is unlike any other place.
Nancy says
I would .ove to see photos of your stable/stall and storage areas…
Raquel says
That is a great idea Nancy!!! I’m having a great response to this post so I will probably do another one soon and definitely include our backyard.
Rachel says
I would not have thought they still had places to keep horses in the city any longer. Sounds really nice and lots of great spaces to ride. Enjoyed the story and tour of your new place.
Raquel says
Thanks Rachel. The horses have been a part of this Los Angeles neighborhood for a long time. Developers are always trying to push their way in but luckily we have a a close community that fights against them when needed. This area is truly a hidden gem.
Beth Fryer says
I am fascinated by this post. I grew up in the country riding & showing horses but moved to the city for work, had kids and unalbe to keep a horse due to boarding costs. I think it’s amazing you have such a wonderful horse friendly neighborhood and are able to find a rental on top of that
Raquel says
Thanks for stopping by Beth. It certainly was a lucky find. I was looking at boarding options further away, but having her in the yard is so helpful. I get to spend so much more time with her instead of driving. Plus I just love this neighborhood.
caitlin Dance says
Thank you for sharing! I love how others keep their horses. It is everyone’s dream to ride Horse care free every week and all those beautiful spots to ride
Raquel says
I really do feel so lucky to have her in the back and have access to all of these spots to ride.
Sue says
We live in the burbs south of Atlanta and have a small place as well. It’s challenging but fun!
Heather says
This is incredible! I don’t know if you are looking to buy a home in the Burbank area, but I found your blog after taking a look at this property. We’re in Wisconsin and have never heard of keeping a horse in the city. In my area you have to have a minimum of 5 acres for a horse. Your blog is incredible – and your horse looks like a true gem. If I was looking to move to CA I would definitely be looking at your area.
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/636-S-Sparks-St_Burbank_CA_91506_M23538-42777?cid=eml_saf_property_photo
Raquel Lynn says
Hi Heather, that’s so fun. That’s a gorgeous property and it’s just a few streets down from me. It’s certainly a different experience over here with horses. I’m grateful for our public arenas and spaces.