ABOUT
Our History
EXCERPT FROM 2006 PUBLICATION
"Cowgirls in English Saddles"
Written by Mea Argentieri — Platinum Founding Member
In the early days of the last century, some 1800 horses lived in what is now West Los Angeles. Famous cowboys like Will Rogers and dedicated architects like Cliff May groomed great pastures and designed horse friendly homes and a wonderful community was born. As time passed, this horse friendly area was devoured by progress and horses were forced out. Only a small piece of land remained. This land, 8 plus acres of flat open space, at the mouth of Sullivan Canyon, was part of a development plan in 1936 by Cliff May. Little did he know then that his plan to create a neighborhood equestrian community would repeatedly be embroiled in social and political controversy.
​
Then in 1961, the LA unified School district acquired the property, by eminent domain, from thoroughbred horse trainer Elizabeth Tippet. Shortly after that the property was abandoned and unattended for years. The Sullivan Canyon neighborhood negotiated a lease with the school district and the Sullivan Canyon Riding Club was formed... Cliff May's vision had a second coming. But the threat to develop the land and push the horses out was lying dormant. Again in 1982 and ten years later in 1992, the school district attempted to offer the property at public auction. Each time, a strong community opposition and the problematic issue of land use zoning changes disabled these attempts.
​
In the year 2000, the threat to sell the property and terminate the Sullivan Canyon Riding Club's lease was back with a vengeance. So, homeowners in Sullivan and Mandeville Canyons banned together and formed the Sullivan Canyon Preservation Association, a non profit charitable organization dedicated to preserving the open space and riding facility. For two years, after exhausting every possible avenue, private and political alike, things looked bleak. Private donations from the community to purchase the land fell short of the large price tag. Against all odds, a visionary Guardian Angel graced us with generosity and commitment and in November 2003, the Sullivan Canyon Preservation Association finally acquired the property.
​
The SCPA and its board of directors has been entrusted with the sometimes challenging but ultimately rewarding responsibility of preserving and maintaining the open space and riding facility, now dedicated in perpetuity.
Click HERE to Learn More About the History of Riding in the Santa Monica Mountains
Who We Are
The Sullivan Canyon Preservation Association (SCPA) is a California nonprofit corporation and 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to preserving one of the last remaining open-space equestrian centers in the heart of Los Angeles. Located on the westside, Sullivan Canyon is home to a state-of-the-art equestrian riding facility and protected open space that brings together horses, nature, community and equestrians of all riding levels.​
While the history of Sullivan Canyon as a place for horses dated back to 1932, the SCPA in its current formation was founded in 2000 by local residents determined to protect the canyon from developers. The SCPA successfully secured the property in 2003, ensuring its permanent preservation for equestrian use, public access, and environmental stewardship.​​
Today, the SCPA operates a world class equestrian facility offering access to leading horse trainers with programs in dressage and hunter jumpers and catering to all riding levels from beginner to advanced.​
The facility focuses on sustainability and safety, while also serving as a unique opportunity for community outreach and education. Through partnerships and programs—including youth education, therapeutic and adaptive riding, field trips, and community events—we expand access to horses and open space for people of all ages and backgrounds.
At the SCPA, we believe a thoughtfully designed horse facility can do more than serve rider. It can inspire connection, learning, and care for the land. Our work is rooted in preserving open space, honoring equestrian heritage, and creating meaningful opportunities for the broader community to engage with nature in an urban environment.
Sullivan Canyon Preservation Association Mission Statement
SCPA is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation without members. SCPA has qualified as a charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. SCPA exists to own and manage for the public benefit the open space located in Sullivan Canyon approximately one-quarter of a mile north of the intersection of Riviera Ranch Road and Old Oak Road and extending between Old Ranch Road and Old Oak Road (the "SCPA Site"). The SCPA's charitable mission is to maintain open space in the Sullivan Canyon area of Los Angeles, with an equestrian use, education and community outreach.