Trail History

Regarding the pedestrian use of bridle trails: in the "old days" it was not at all an issue — walkers and equestrians coexisted peacefully. That fact is illustrated by the 1980 "Hope Ranch Bridle Trails" map where all trails are of equal opportunity as shown by the same color. The historic dual use of our trails was recently confirmed by Judith Whiting, the granddaughter of Hope Ranch founder Harold Chase, when she wrote: "Many Ranch members walked along these paths over the past years safely enjoying the peaceful feeling because there are no sidewalks in Hope Ranch!" 

Later, however, the Hope Ranch Riding and Trails Association (HRRTA) began a campaign to create a new status for certain trails. It is important to note that this corporation has no more legal standing in Hope Ranch Park Homes Association (HRPHA) matters than any of its individual owners. HRRTA nevertheless has had a disproportionately influence on trail policy. It By-Laws state that one of it purposes is to "Preserve, maintain and improve existing equestrian trails, as well as develop new trails." There is no mention of pedestrians. By 2012 it and modified the historic trail map by designating certain "equestrian only" trails in purple that it later dubbed "inner" trails. This map was widely distributed giving the false impression that HRRTA was formally affiliated with HRPHA since the first two words in both organizations are "Hope Ranch."

For some time HRRTA has pressured HRPHA to change its CC&Rs to prevent pedestrians from using off-road trails, many of which lead to Hope Ranch Beach and run through some of the most lovely landscapes in the Ranch. For example, in a 2007 memorandum it insisted that the Board should designate "... the use and maintenance of the bridle trails as exclusive equestrian trails." And it asked for "... the protection of these inner trail easements for equestrian use only." It made its request to preserve equestrian exclusivity for a proposed Third Amendment of the CC&Rs, which apparently proposed to eliminate exclusive use. Since we can only find the Second Amendment on the Association's website it appears that HRRTA was partially successful in its efforts since Section 4.02(c) now reads: "Bridle Trail Easements shall be for equestrian use."  

Then, in August 2016, the owners of 1299 Estrella Drive blocked the Laguna Blanca Trail and HRRTA member Tom Fauntleroy encouraged both riders and walkers to do what they could to help reopen it. He sent us an email stating: "We also want to encourage HR resident walkers to utilize these trails, support their maintenance, and preserve our beautiful, rural setting."  We responded: "This seems to imply that HR walkers can use all trails. Is that true? If so, has there been a change in the rules?" And he replied: "We are accepting the fact that the trails need to be shared in a responsible fashion by HR residents. We all agree they can. If pedestrians step aside and allow riders to pass, wild dogs are kept on leash, and observe a few other courtesies, we should  all be able to get along. We do not want outside running clubs for instance to use the trails, just HR Residents. The reality is now that the trails’ survival will depend upon walkers' involvement." As a result of his promise, both pedestrians and equestrians joined the effort to reopen the Laguna Blanca Trail, an effort that eventually cost the Hope Ranch residents well over $300K in legal expenses.

This led to a detente between riders and walkers. By 2017 Vikki Hunt was HRRTA President and Anne Schowe and Charlotte Williams were Members at Large. Vikki worked with Anne and Charlotte to organize walks for both riders and walkers. She even planned to rename HRRTA to simply HRTA — Hope Ranch Trails Association in the hope of "Bridging The Gap Between Pedestrians and Equestrians." In June she wrote: "By changing the name of the association we want to reach the Hope Ranch Trails community, and that involves everyone. So many residents walk and use these trails everyday and it became increasingly obvious that we needed to acknowledge that and reach out to them. We want our new name to say, 'Hey, let's all get excited about our trails together so that we can all enjoy them together as a community." In this spirit Ron Williams made a HRTA presentation at La Cumbre Country Club titled "The Inspiring Beauty Of Hope Ranch" along with an exhibit of 16 metal prints, 10 of which sold, resulting in a profit of $1,300 which he donated to HRTA. 

Then, much to our surprise and dismay, the HRPHA Board of Directors meeting minutes of September 26, 2018 reported that: HRRTA President Vikki Hunt made the presentation. A survey of the bridle trails was done to determine existence and need for new signs prohibiting non-equestrians on many trails. Vikki explained that more bicycles and walkers have been seen on the equestrian only trails, creating liability for the Ranch and homeowners." The new large ugly signs read "Equestrian Use Only CA Penal Code Section 602" and were rapidly installed in numerous locations throughout the Ranch.

When we protested about this fait accompli and change in attitude, in a reversal of his earlier statement, Tom Fauntleroy wrote: "The only trails that are off limits to walkers are the Interior Trails. There are three reasons; the easements were granted from private landowners for Equestrian Use Only. These owners could renege if they felt safety, unauthorized usage, and liability were an issue. Second, these trails are too tight with blind turns that would be disastrous with walker, runner/horse encounters on the tight turns, last, these interior trails were never available historically for walkers due to these reasons."

In spite of Vikki's well-intentioned efforts the name change never occurred and HRRTA returned to its policy of prohibiting walkers on the Ranch's best trails. Although they were grateful for Vikki's attempt to bring riders and walkers together, Charlotte and Anne Schowe felt betrayed by HRRTA and they resigned. Subsequently they formed the Hope Ranch Ramblers, which sponsored a number of walking events. It was successful for over a year until Covid resulted in the suspension of activities.

Moving ahead to the present time, the issue of walkers on trails was on the agenda for the November 28 Board of Directors meeting. After a short discussion the Board voted unanimously to continue the prohibition of pedestrians on "inner" trails. One justification that was given was that the prohibition was "in the CC&Rs" in spite of the fact that there is no mention of pedestrians or "inner" trails in those CC&Rs. Perhaps the Directors confused the CC&Rs with the current HRPHA Rule Book, which reads on Page 3: "Bridle trails not on the Association's road easements, that is, those which run between private properties and not alongside the roads, may be used only by riders on horseback. No pedestrian or other traffic is permitted on these trails under the terms of the easements on which they are located and in the interest of the privacy and security of the adjacent properties." It is likely that this language was added in response to HRRTA's demands. And, in contrast to the CC&Rs, contents of the Rule Book may be changed by Boards of Directors.

Another reason the Directors gave was the perceived risk that outsiders would begin using our private trails if it became known that resident walkers were allowed on them. Two of the current candidates for the Board have responded to that fear by suggesting that electric equestrian/pedestrian gates, similar to the one at the Beach entrance, could be installed at trail entrances when necessary. For example, the Lower Beach Trail begins just behind a card-controlled gate. It is wide throughout with long lines of sight so it poses little potential for horses being spooked by walkers. There are also no owner homes visible from the trail. And there should be no problem regarding easements since it is situated on Association property. It is beautiful, restful, and inspiring to walk through the shady forest alongside the bubbling creek then breaking out into sunshine while beholding the blue sky and endless Pacific Ocean. It is short, sweet, and very little used by equestrians. While immersed in its beauty it dawned on us that it is actually a nature trail! There are trees, plants, and geologic features along the path that could help all of us to better appreciate the inspiring beauty of Hope Ranch.

For our equestrian friends we pose this question: Do you know of any other horse trails in California that prohibit pedestrians? We did an internet search and couldn't find any. Here's an example of 60 horse trails, all of which allow hikers. We know of at least one equestrian trail system that prohibited walkers at one time, but now allows them: the Live Oak Trails bordering Lake Cachuma. They were opened to foot traffic in 2021 after allowing only equestrians for three decades. Only walkers and riders are permitted with bicycles and dogs prohibited. While walking there we were struck by the grandeur of the scenery, far away from sounds of human activity and we could imagine being immersed in an unblemished California landscape during the age of the ranchos and vaqueros. Magnificent valley oaks graced the potreros, leaving space for sweeping panoramas with a wide variety of wildflowers nearby. A herd of horses came trotting up to inspect us. During our walks every equestrian we encountered was friendly and welcoming. Is it too much to hope that walkers and riders could enjoy the same experiences in Hope Ranch?