Polo field update

Here's a pic of the planned site for the new arena, off Via Pajaro and adjacent to the Equestrian Center. In addition to concerns of local residents in The Village and Los Ranchos Estates, boarders and trainers at the Equestrian Center have voiced concerns about the loss of turnouts to the polo ponies and incompatibilities between the way polo ponies are exercised versus hunter/jumpers and trail horses. "Polo players need to 'pony' their horses, cantering around in groups of 3 or more - not much of a match for kids on jumpers in a nearby arena or folks on a quiet trail ride", said one boarder who asked not to be named. Could be interesting times ahead.

New Polo Field Approved for Coto Equestrian Center

The Orange County Register is reporting that construction of a new arena has been approved by an OC zoning administrator. The arena will be built on previously undeveloped land adjacent to the existing Coto de Caza Equestrian Center on Via Pajaro. The project is the culmination of 3 years of negotiations and discussions between Silver-Bronze, the group which ownes the land, and members of the Orange County Polo Club, which will lease the facility. The field has been opposed by local residents because of concerns over parking and impact on views.

Silver-Bronze plans to use the lease revenue generated to upgrade the existing facilities they own, including the Equestrian Center, the Coto Valley Sports Club, and Gentilles at Coto de Caza. Ken Agid of Silver-Bronze says he expects the new polo arena to be completed and in use by April 2009.

Neighborhoods potentially impacted by the new construction include parts of The Village, one of Coto's earliest developments, consisting of all custom or semi-custom homes set among the hills and oak groves of Coto's north-eastern section.