Pebble Beach Company to close its century-old equestrian center after years of losing money.

The Pebble Beach Equestrian Center first opened 100 years ago, in 1924, as a basic stable to board horses owned by Pebble Beach Resorts developer Samuel F.B. Morse and other property owners.

That long tradition is coming to an end a century later.

On March 4, Pebble Beach Company announced that it will close the equestrian center permanently on June 30, 2024. 

“While the Equestrian Center has a storied history, it is no longer economically viable,” Pebble Beach Company spokesperson David Stivers said in a press release. “The center needs more than $15 million in renovations, and has been operating at a substantial loss for many years. Given the overall downward trends in the equestrian industry and the continuing decrease in business at our center, this is the right decision for the company.’’

According a Pebble Beach Company spokesperson, revenue from the equestrian center started declining even before the pandemic, and is down 40 percent compared to 2019, with no sign of a rebound. 

Currently 60 horses are boarded at the stable. Of those, 40 are owned by 30 different owners, and Pebble Beach Company is offering those 30 horse owners assistance with transportation and rebates as they find alternative lodging for their animals. 

Pebble Beach Company is responsible for the remaining 20 horses, most of which it leases; those horses will be returned to their owners. The few horses that the company owns will be rehomed before the center closes at the end of June. 

While this means the end of guided horseback rides and lessons at Pebble Beach, the 27 miles of equestrian trails will remain open for riders who bring their own horses. 

Pebble Beach Company has also committed to keeping the dozen Equestrian Center employees on staff and will offer a retention bonus to those who stay through June 30, with an opportunity to be assigned to a new role.  

The original stable was constructed for a cost of $12,000 to lodge property owners' horses. It evolved in significance in the equestrian community over time. Under the management of horseman Dick Collins from 1946-79, the U.S. Team Trials for the Olympics were held at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center. 

Later updates included the addition of a hay barn (built in 1970), a polo barn and additional stalls. In 2013, Pebble Beach Company took back direct management for the first time since the 1940s, although that chapter only lasted for 11 years.