HORSEBACK `THERAPY' IN THE SUNSET : L.A. EQUESTRIAN CENTER OFFERS CHANCE TO SADDLE UP, WIND DOWN.

Byline: Rochelle Kaplan Daily News Staff Writer

Kevin Delin doesn't need a therapist. All he requires is a horse.

Since discovering the tranquility of horseback riding two months ago, the Arcadia resident can't get enough of the sport - and his mental state couldn't be healthier.

``My equestrian lessons go beyond how to ride a horse,'' said Delin, 35, who rides at least twice a week. ``(My teacher) also incorporates philosophy into the rides.

``It ends up being a therapy that's hard to get any other way.''

For Delin and others looking for relaxation outdoors, local trails - such as those beginning at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank and winding through Griffith Park - offer unique equine experiences.

Patricia Kinnaman, proprietor of Griffith Park Horse Rentals located at the center, has created riding programs with varied interests in mind.

``Most people were tired of just being given a horse and directed toward the trail entrance,'' said Kinnaman, who also teaches western-style riding. ``Consequently, we designed several new riding programs to offer our customers a richer and more satisfying riding experience than anything they've had previously.''

One of the newer programs offers a stop at the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage, where riders are given a fully guided tour while their horses await them in a corral adjacent to the museum. Both customers and those with their own horses can partake.

``It's a new kind of thing, and it's fun for us,'' said John Bergquist, director of tourism for the museum. ``It's very exciting for us that people are interested in horseback riding to the museum.''

(Because the corral was installed by the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department, Bergquist says the museum cannot take responsibility for the horses. Riders must either have someone in their group watch the horses or leave them unattended.)

The museum, which houses a unique collection of western memorabilia including custom-made guns, saddles and holsters, adds a special Western flavor to the ride, which must be arranged ahead of time either through the museum, if you ride your own horse, or the Equestrian Center, if you rent.

Another new program offers riders the perfect way to beat the heat of the day while enjoying the scenic trails of Griffith Park. The sunset-dinner ride - where guests are treated to spectacular views and colorful sunsets high atop Burbank before returning to the Equestrian Center for a Western-style barbecue - begins about 6:30 p.m. and returns at twilight.

For early risers, a two-hour ride that begins at 8 a.m. includes a pancake breakfast upon returning to the stables.

Both rides are available daily but require a one-week advance reservation.

Although some rental stables have reputations for having horses with ornery dispositions, Kinnaman's staff is proud of the horses they have.

``We have un-stablelike stable horses,'' said Karyn Isaacs, a volunteer wrangler at the center. ``People come from out of town and get on our horses and go, `Wow! This is a rental horse?' ''

Kinnaman's horses don't ``test'' inexperienced riders by going off and eating or just stopping on the trail. They adapt easily to all types of riders, and with a minimum of prodding, they will trot, gallop and canter.

``That's what people really like,'' Isaacs said. ``It's the next best thing to having your own horse.''

Word-of-mouth referrals about the horses bring all types of people to Kinnaman's stables.

``We get a lot of tourists coming to our stables and our regular customers, too, who come back every week,'' said Anthony Holt, manager of Griffith Park Horse Rentals. ``Some of (our regular riders) call and say `Can you have Neptune ready for me today?'

``We always try to accommodate our regular riders.''

Catering to the novice as well as the experienced, Kinnaman's staff of skilled wranglers also offers guided nature rides for those seeking more time in the saddle. These longer rides, which take visitors along winding trails through the Hollywood Hills as well as Griffith Park, include tidbits about the local wildlife and flora.

Alexis Wilke and Fredric Umhauer of Santa Monica enjoyed their first twilight ride so much two weeks ago they had to come back for more.

``It's not too complicated,'' said Umhauer, who recently emigrated from France. ``I like it, so I think I can continue.''

Which brings a smile to the face of Holt. A rider for 28 of his 37 years, Holt reaps the benefits of having satisfied customers.

``Horses tend to draw good people, whom I'm proud to be around,'' said Holt, who grew up in Arizona. ``You just don't get bad people around horses.''

If You're Going

Here's the lowdown on horseback riding in Griffith Park:

Griffith Park Horse Rentals, located inside the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, 480 Riverside Drive in Burbank, is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Two-hour, unguided rides are $15 per person. Guided group rides, which require a minimum of six riders and a one-week advance reservation, cost $20 per person.

Sunset-dinner rides, which include a barbecue dinner, cost $35 per person; pancake-breakfast rides cost $28.

Customers receive discounted tickets to the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage.

Information: Griffith Park Horse Rentals, [phone]; Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage at [phone].

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos, Box

Photo: (1--color) The setting sun against the tree- lined mountain trails of Griffith Park lends perfect atmosphere for a horseback ride.

(2--color) Equestrians water their horses at the halfway mark during a sunset ride through Griffith Park. The L.A. Equestrian Center offers dinner rides and pancake breakfast rides.

Gus Ruelas / Daily News

Box: If You're Going (see text)