Thank you all for your incredible outpouring of support to Save Del Mar Horsepark! We have almost reached our goal of 10,000 signatures since launching this petition. Here's great news that just broke Jan. 8, 2021. 

Friends of Del Mar Press Release January 8, 2021

(Del Mar, CA) The Friends of Del Mar Horsepark sponsored a water quality test at three sites bordering Horsepark in response to the 22nd DAA’s Dec. 12th press release stating that Horsepark was closing to allow “the 22nd DAA Board of Directors to further evaluate the necessary investment required to meet water quality requirements for equestrian activities at Horsepark…” 

Water test results during the recent rainstorm on Dec. 28th indicate that Horsepark is not contributing to water quality issues in the San Dieguito River Valley.  In fact, the source of pollutants are properties further upstream to the East of Horsepark and the hillside above that flow onto the property from the storm drain on Via de la Valle as shown below:

• Upstream test site: On the eastern border of Horsepark and west of El Camino Real under the road bridge. Total Coliform bacteria count was 1990.
• Downstream test site: On the western border of Horsepark at the boundary between Horsepark and the San Dieguito River Conservancy. Total Coliform bacteria count was 79.
• Storm drain test site: Across the street from Horsepark on Via de la Valle where there is a storm drain and basin below the roadway.  Total coliform bacteria count was 2420.

These tests were conducted by Duncan Mcintosh, an environmentalist and horseman who has worked with multiple horse facilities to promote environmentally friendly barn practices. His family sponsored both the Clean Water Act and the National Resources Defense Council that created and actively enforce the Act. 

According to a statement from the San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Board, “The facility (Horsepark) and its operation continue to comply with the specific conditions and discharge specifications of Waiver No. 6,” as reported in the Coast News on Jan. 7th. “Specific waste handling practices (e.g., regular sweeping of elevated and covered stalls and pick up of manure, hay/straw; wash racks are plumbed to sewer and covered; storage areas are bermed) remain in place to ensure that stormwater runoff is not polluted.”

Instead of being shut down, Horsepark should be leased to a well-capitalized, knowledgeable equine operator who can generate profits for the 22nd DAA, provide needed facility upgrades and water remediation, and retain the public riding school.  Horsepark’s public stables and horse shows cannot be moved to the Fairgrounds due to competing events such as the Fair and horse racing. Two proposals have already been presented to 22nd DAA staff.

Local media already noticed the apparent disconnect of claims made in the 12/12/20 22nd DAA press release and reality:

https://rsfpost.com/2021/01/09/is-the-22nd-daa-being-truthful-about-horsepark/

Further information can be found at the Friends of Del Mar Horsepark website: www.friendsofdelmarhorse.com 

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