THERAPY RANCH EVICTED SITE TAUGHT DISABLED KIDS TO RIDE HORSES.

Byline: Heather MacDonald Staff Writer

NEWHALL - Carousel Ranch, a nonprofit organization that helps children with disabilities build motor skills and self-esteem through equine therapy, is homeless after losing its lease Dec. 31.

Group officials called the parents of the 66 children who attend the therapy-in-disguise sessions at Atlasta Ranch over the weekend to cancel classes, and on Monday appealed to the city of Santa Clarita to help them find a temporary home.

``We exhausted every option, and have nowhere else to go,'' said Denise Tomey, executive director of the 5-year-old organization. ``We need help.''

For the past three years, Carousel Ranch's eight horses have called Atlasta Ranch in Placerita Canyon home, and the group has relied on help from local residents and businesses and donations to make ends meet.

Now, Carousel Ranch is facing an uncertain future as rapid development alters the landscape of Placerita Canyon, a rural, equestrian neighborhood in Newhall.

``Our long-term goal is what it has always been - to find a permanent home and focus on the kids and their needs,'' Tomey said. ``But now, we just want to start teaching again.''

Diane Honeyman said she was frustrated and upset by the eviction of Carousel Ranch. Her 5-year-old daughter, Kate, who is autistic, spent 18 months on Carousel Ranch's waiting list before securing a coveted spot for the weekly sessions just about a month ago.

``I understand that it is a business decision, but it really has a human impact on families and children,'' the Canyon Country mother said. ``How do you explain to a 5-year-old that the horses' lease is up?''

Next month, the Santa Clarita Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council are scheduled to review a proposal that would allow Carousel Ranch to use property the city owns in Towsley Canyon as a temporary home.

The city staff is developing plans for a year-to-year lease for the group, which could bring in much-needed revenue for the city, solve Carousel Ranch's immediate crisis and give the group a chance to raise money for a permanent home, said Parks Director Rick Gould.

``We're cautiously supportive of that proposal,'' Gould said. ``We want to help get this group get back on its feet.''

Fifteen of Atlasta Ranch's 20 acres are owned by Burbank Creamery, which once operated a 600-cow dairy on the land and owned nearly 1,000 acres in Newhall.

The other 5 acres are owned by Terry Payne, who leased the entire ranch until a year ago, when the creamery terminated the rental agreement. Payne groomed, shod and fed Carousel Ranch's horses for a discounted rate.

``What's happened is a real shame,'' Payne said.

Joani Henderson, whose great-grandfather founded the creamery, could not be reached for comment Monday. However, she told the Daily News in June that after selling off its holdings in Santa Clarita bit by bit, Burbank Creamery was looking to sell the ranch property and get out of the horse business.

One of the options under consideration is to sell the 15-acre property and develop it with homes, Henderson said in June.

Burbank Creamery did not charge Carousel Ranch to use the land until six months ago, when the group began paying $450 a month for additional liability insurance, Tomey said.

``We're grateful for their generosity,'' she said. ``We knew our lease was expiring, although we were hopeful something could be worked out.''

Last week, Burbank Creamery turned down a last-minute request from Carousel Ranch to extend its lease, Tomey said.

``We understand they just needed this to be over,'' Tomey said.

Carousel Ranch has until the end of the month to find a new stable for its horses and remove its gear.

``We had hoped this day would never come,'' Tomey said. ``But we're not going to let these kids down.''

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Photo:

Michaela Dyer brushes Rotary at the Carousel Ranch, which teaches disabled children to ride horses. The property owner wants to sell it, so the ranch must find a new home.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer