HORSIN' HOLIDAY; PRESIDENTS DAY BUSY AT EQUESTRIAN CENTER.

Byline: Mary Lou Aurelio Daily News Staff Writer

It was his first time on a horse, but a Woodland Hills Cub Scout was ``only a little bit scared,'' during a Presidents Day ride from the Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

The horses and guides at Griffith Park Horse Rentals, located at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center at 480 Riverside Drive, were kept busy Monday as groups of Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and other holiday fun seekers hit the trails.

David Cox and Andy Ingraffia, both 9, were among 50 Cub Scouts from Woodland Hills Pack 320 who rode throughout the day. The boys were accompanied by their parents.

``I was only a little bit scared when the horse began galloping,'' David said of his steed. ``I pulled on the reins as hard as I could.''

His mount, Texas, responded and all was well. Another horse, Carmel, was ``easy and fun to ride,'' Andy said.

Andy's mom, Judy Ingraffia, said the last time she went riding at the center, years ago, the horses ``used to just walk, but now everybody got a chance to trot.''

The hourlong adventure took the group on about a two-mile beginners' loop, part of the park's 54 miles of trails, in the midst of the second-largest urban center in the country.

``We went under a freeway, uphill, downhill and into a nice wooded area of Griffith Park,'' Ingraffia said. ``It's fun - it's like going on a hike without walking.''

She said the guides had prepared the boys for what to expect before the ride.

``They gave a lot of instruction to the kids, and were also really observant on the ride,'' she said. ``I was very impressed.''

``It was a nice experience,'' said her husband, Joe. ``It's a nice family activity.''

Chris Olson of Huntington Beach also thought it would be a great way to spend the holiday with her ``little sister,'' Judith Zamora, 15. The two are not really related, but are part of a Big Sisters program.

Olson only learned about the center a month ago.

``I heard the stables are really good, and I decided to check it out,'' she said. ``We want a nice view of the hills. This is a perfect day.''

Judith had never been on a horse before. Afterward, the pair planned to visit the Griffith Park Observatory, another first for the little sister.

``I'm excited,'' the teen said.

Unfortunately, for Matthew Fasheh, 6, and his father, Esam, there was disappointment.

Matthew had never ridden a horse before, either. He and his father had traveled from their Sun Valley home to the center, but unfortunately were turned away.

``They were sold out for the day,'' Fasheh said, adding that owner Lydia Doherty had referred him to another stable nearby.

Usually, everyone can be accommodated, she said, but it was particularly busy because of the holiday. The center is open to the public, seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on a first come, first served basis.

Reservations are not needed, but are advised for groups of 10 or more, Doherty said. There are also sunset trail rides on Friday evening. For further information, call [phone].

CAPTION(S):

2 photos