EQUESTRIANS WIN ONE HORSE TRAIL NETWORK GAINS COUNCIL OK.

Byline: James Nash Staff Writer

Tipping their hats to the equestrian heritage of the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles City Council members Tuesday approved plans to establish a network of horse trails along the Valley's northern edge and to protect equestrian areas from development.

The council voted unanimously to incorporate a hodgepodge of horse trails into a a regional network spanning the northern Valley. City planners will study ways to link local trail systems into a larger network that includes state parks and recreational areas, according to the council resolution.

``It really is part of the San Fernando Valley and the entire region's history and heritage,'' said Council President Alex Padilla, who introduced the motion.

Padilla contributed $50,000 from his office's general account to hire a consultant to develop a horse trail master plan.

While some equestrian enthusiasts said they were heartened by the council's recognition of their lifestyle, the action did not sit as well with Kagel Canyon activists. They pointed out that the $50,000 came from a trust fund originally intended to spruce up the county-operated Dexter Park but later transferred to Padilla's office account.

Some in Kagel Canyon say the money should stay at Dexter Park, although Padilla's office has said the city has already fulfilled its obligation to the park.

``Although I support the general concept of today's trails motion, I am disappointed by council member Padilla's proposal that more Dexter Park mitigation monies be given to the L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks,'' said Lake View Terrace resident Debra Baumann, who regularly rides the horse trails in Kagel Canyon.

Other equestrians were more enthusiastic. They noted that many Valley horse trails have been reduced to disconnected ribbons of dirt by development along their paths.

The master plan approved would recognize horse trails as part of an area's landscape - similar to rivers and roads - making it more difficult to encroach on or eliminate the trails.

``One-hundred percent of the time my horse goes into the trailer to ride,'' said Sylmar resident Patty Hug, who said the nearest trails are two miles from her home. ``With this proposal being able to establish horse trails, even if they're along sidewalks, we can link into the national forests.''

Sylmar horse owner David Riniker said equestrians in the Valley have long felt under siege by development and congestion. Tuesday's council decision reverses that trend a little, Riniker said.

``I don't think it's any one person - it's the collective idea of that higher-density housing being shoved down our throats,'' Riniker said. ``This should help a little.''

Although the master plan would focus on the Northern Valley, council members from other parts of Los Angeles expressed hope that horse owners would be able to crisscross the city's hilly areas on horseback.

``The more parks and hillside areas we can preserve as open space, the more possible that becomes,'' said Councilman Ed Reyes.

Council members agreed that preserving horse trails is not just a benefit for the small proportion of Angelenos who own horses, but something of a historical imperative for a city founded by 44 people accompanied by 931 horses and mules.

``This is a wonderful heritage of our city and a place we need to continue to protect,'' Councilwoman Wendy Greuel said.

James Nash, [phone]

james.nash(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) Hedi Paul on her horse Reign Dance, left, and Margie Beeson on Kanbeastar ride down Orcas Avenue in Lake View Terrace.

(2) Margie Beeson presses the signal call button so she and her horse Kanbeastar can cross Foothill Boulevard.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer