history
1st President Fred Sieman, 1944
Rose Bowl Riders was founded in 1944 by a group of horse lovers from the Pasadena area. These early members enjoyed riding from the Upper Arroyo Seco and past the Devil’s Gate Dam to Brookside Restaurant at the Rose Bowl, hence the name “Rose Bowl Riders.” In addition to trail riding, advocacy and horsemanship, members organized shows, socials and other events. In the early years before the Club had a physical location, shows were held at the Eagle Rock Stables (now the 134 freeway), Arroyo Seco Stables, Oak Grove Stable’s Hunter Field (now La Cañada High & Hahamongna Watershed Park) and the Flintridge Riding Club. These shows served as fundraisers for our very own main riding arena and clubhouse. The shows were widely popular and attended by avid equestrians from all over California.
Building the clubhouse, early 1950's
In 1952, with help from the City of Pasadena, Rose Bowl Riders came into existence in its current location. The clubhouse and main arena were constructed on just over 3 acres within Oak Grove Park, now called Hahamongna Watershed Park. Once the Club had it’s own facility, shows and other events could be held on-site. Guest stabling was added in 1960 for event participants as the Club’s popularity and shows grew.
In 1970, Rose Bowl Riders property increased to 12 acres. This expansion allowed the Club to build barns and tack rooms – going from strictly an event facility to the full-service equestrian center we are today, the only one left in Pasadena. In 1998 an additional barn and lower arena were built to accommodate expanded boarding and a lesson program.
Our members continue to use the beautiful Arroyo trails for their breakfast rides to Brookside Park and the main arena and clubhouse for shows. The Club has remained in its same location for over 60 years. We are proud to have more than 325 members, including children, families, and adults, all of whom love horses, the Arroyo Seco, and the great outdoors.
Browse historic RBR photos, newsletters, articles & so much more!
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Events Timeline PDF – 1944 to 1962 (with direct links to gmail drive)
