Hi All Horsepark Supporters,

Thanks to your efforts signing and sharing this petition, we are making progress. JUNE 8 we will hear the Horsepark Committee recommendation: https://www.delmartimes.net/news/story/2021-05-12/del-mar-fairgrounds-to-consider-three-options-for-reopening-horsepark?_amp=true

We researched the survey idea for dog shows such as obedience, rally, agility, conformation--finding out that the Pomona Fairgrounds and the City of Industry both lease out horse facilities to dog shows for incremental income. GREAT IDEA when the horses aren't around, like now while we wait for water board approvals, etc. Now the land lies fallow, growing weeds.

For those of you who like detail, Friends of Del Mar Horsepark sent the Fairgrounds Board an email setting the record straight regarding horse show revenues. Here's an excerpt: 

"...You need good data to make good business decisions. That is why it was surprising to hear at this week's board meeting that some Horsepark revenue was not "real" revenue due to "pass-thru" items such as feed and shavings. The 22nd DAA keeps some of that "pass-thru" revenue, so feed and shavings do contribute to overall profitability for each horse show.

For example, the Welcome Back 1 show held on July 8-July 12, 2020 lists Feed & Shavings revenue of $30,912.51, and Feed & Shavings expense of $24,185.22, netting $6,727.29.

The 22nd DAA kept 22% of the feed & shavings revenue paid by the horse show operator.   That is not “pass-thru” at all, and the dollar amount would increase depending on the number of horses. 

Our comprehensive historical financial review using data supplied by horse show organizers, trainers and a former 22nd DAA employee confirms that Horsepark is both profitable and pandemic resistant.

• Total Horsepark profit in 2020 was $750,000 with revenue of $2.1 million despite a shortened season.
• Revenue included $1,326,000 from 17 shows and $776,000 from stable leasing.
• Gross profit from horse shows of $750,000 after estimated expenses of $548,000
• Profit margins over 40%, even without ticket sales to spectators
• Horse show average revenue of $75,000 vs. $48,000 estimated in board reports
• Stable leasing, the region’s only public riding school, covered most overhead expenses ...

Financial analysis confirms that equestrian activities at Horsepark are both profitable and pandemic-resistant unlike most other events at the Fairgrounds..."

Closer to June 8, we will update all of you again on the meeting and how you can help bring horses back to Horsepark, and maybe a few dogs as well. Thank you again for your support!