Future of Conejo equestrian park sparks debate among residents

If you’ve driven past the open space along Potrero Road, you know the 50-acre equestrian park has long been a quiet gem for our horse-loving neighbors. But according to the *Thousand Oaks Acorn*, the Conejo Recreation and Park District recently held two meetings—on April 22 and 25—to discuss whether that land should stay exclusively for horses or open up to other uses. This isn’t a new conversation; it’s been simmering for two years, and it’s one that really gets at how we balance tradition with growth here in Thousand Oaks.

For many of us, those trails and pastures feel like a living piece of our Conejo Valley heritage—a reminder of the rural roots that still shape our community. But with more families moving in and looking for places to picnic, walk dogs, or just enjoy nature, it’s understandable that some are asking if we can share the space. What I love about this process is how the district is taking it slow, listening to neighbors at evening meetings rather than rushing a decision. It’s a classic Thousand Oaks approach: thoughtful, local, and rooted in what makes our corner of the 805 special. Whatever happens next, it’s worth paying attention—because how we use this land says a lot about who we are.