The Los Angeles Equestrian Center sits at the edge of Griffith Park next to the Los Angeles River in Burbank. I went there to attend The Fiesta of the Spanish Horse, which was one of the center’s annual charity events.
Find more things to do and where to stay near Griffith Park, here.
Los Angeles Equestrian Center
The Los Angeles Equestrian Center has a huge Equidome that holds 3,500 people and is used for equestrian shows, rodeos, and dressage competitions.
The center also has facilities for boarding horses and there are outdoor corrals for practice and competitions. Horses are available to rent to go on group-led trail rides along the riverbed. The property is frequently used for movie shoots and there are several banquet areas both inside and out for weddings and other events.
The Fiesta of the Spanish Horse
The day of the event was pleasant so I watched multi-breed horses prancing about and going through their paces. Some of their manes almost touched the ground and a few even had braids.
There were vendor booths on the grounds selling purses, horse supplies, artwork, food, and cocktails.
Ballet Folklorico dancers from Mexico practiced near the Equidome in full costume for the main event in the evening. They were so beautiful and included all ages from children to seniors.
Watching horses perform in the main event
The fiesta started with the Star Spangled banner. The corral gates of the Equidome opened and the American Cowgirls Drill Team rode in on horseback carrying American flags as the crowd cheered them on. They rode through several times during the show and at one point carried flags from all over the world.
Watch my video of the Fiesta of the Spanish Horse
Click on the player below.
The Ballet Folklorico dancers later took the stage and performed. The little kids were adorable and they all looked spectacular in their colorful outfits.
We saw dancing horses, trick riders, and a variety of horse breeds including Andalusian, Lusitano from Portugal, Peruvian, Friesian, and plain old American. A comic moment was watching a competition in which riders on various breeds of horses had to hold a full glass of champagne and try not to spill it.
When I think of horses I think of magnificent and majestic. They are truly extraordinary creatures and I am always in awe of them. If you are a horse lover make sure to stop by.
The Los Angeles Equestrian Center is located at 480 Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506, and holds various events.
Do you enjoy watching horses perform? Please leave a comment below.
Sounds like a day well spent!
It was, Paula. I had a wonderful time.
My granddaughter rides. Photos are great.
Regarding my post: I am delighted you are going to watch Maisel. It’s a hoot. If you remember the character of MONK, that actor plays her father and he’s a joy to watch. Thanks for your comment, Beth
Thanks, for letting me know about Marvelous Mrs, Maisel. I didn’t realize Tony Shalhoub was in it too. Looks like an amazing cast.
They are gorgeous horses aren’t they Rebecca.
They really are, Sue. I loved watching them. They are so majestic.
I enjoyed your video of the horses and the dancers. Looking at the dancers, it must be so hard to control those dresses. I fear that I would have wrapped myself up in the dress within the first 30 seconds.
I am trying to find out if the Night of the Spanish Fiesta Horse Event will be held at the Burbank Equestrian Center this year 2023. I have attended in past years and would love to go again. Thank you!
Hi Jacqueline, I believe the person who was in charge of the event passed away and there has been a hold on the event since COVID. Hopefully, it will come back in the future. I agree, it was a lovely event.