Equestrian Center Seeks to Stay Open

Los Angeles Equestrian Center executives sought permission Wednesday to continue holding indoor polo matches at the center even though city officials ordered such matches halted pending the outcome of an investigation into the deaths of two polo ponies.

Dean Harrison, general counsel for Gibraltar Savings of Beverly Hills, which operates the Griffith Park facility, said the center is challenging the shutdown of its polo season by seeking a permit from the Department of Animal Regulation to allow it to host polo matches while the investigation continues.

Harrison said the center wants to hold a game Saturday between the Los Angeles Colts and the Houston Longhorns at the center’s 3,500-seat Equidome.

Michael Burns, district supervisor for the department, said if the center passes an inspection this week that proves that polo ponies are being properly treated and trained, it will be allowed to hold the Saturday match.

But even if the game is played, an investigation into the treatment of polo ponies at the center will continue, Burns said.