LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE – More than 60 riders saddled up alongside Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and the Department of Parks and Recreation last weekend for the rich equestrian tradition of “Barger’s Trail Blazers” – an annual horseback ride through the lush landscape of the county’s many miles of multi-use trails.

Accompanied by members of Mounted Assistance Units from Bonelli, Whittier Narrows, Walnut Creek, and the LA County Sheriff, the pack was led by Barger along a scenic creekside trail for a three-and-a-half-hour amble through the foothills of La Cañada Flintridge Saturday.

The festive event culminated with a barbecue featuring live country-western music.

“I want this event to encourage everyone to explore our extensive multi-use trails in Los Angeles County, whether on horseback, mountain bike, or foot. Today, we experience the lush native landscape in La Cañada Flintridge, but beauty can be found throughout the county, and anyone can be a trailblazer on a path,” said Barger, who represents the county’s Fifth District, which includes the Santa Clarita Valley.

“This year, LA County Parks launched our ground-breaking Trails LA County app to connect millions of residents and visitors to the hundreds of miles of public trails,” said Norma E. Garcia, chief deputy director of LA County Parks.

“Trails play a vital role in encouraging and facilitating the outdoor recreation that contributes to our health and wellbeing, providing unparalleled opportunities for equestrians, hikers, mountain bikers, fitness enthusiasts, bird-watchers and anyone else who wants to connect with nature, stay active, and enjoy our local natural beauty,” Garcia said.

In its third consecutive year, “Barger’s Trail Blazers” aims to promote public awareness about Los Angeles County’s magnificent system of more than 200 miles of multi-use trails, proudly maintained by LA County Parks, which feature connections to other municipal trail systems and provide outdoor enthusiasts with a full range of recreational opportunities.

Information on the local trails throughout Los Angeles County and maps to creating your adventure can be found at https://trails.lacounty.gov.

The iconic equestrian event was established more than 35 years ago by former Los Angeles County Supervisor Peter F. Schabarum and later continued by then-Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich. Barger carried on the tradition to keep County residents engaged in utilizing Los Angeles County trails, which offer a popular recreational activity for people of all ages.

This event is co-sponsored by Supervisor Barger and LA County Parks, in conjunction with the Bonelli Mounted Assistance Unit, the Whittier Narrows Mounted Assistance Unit, the Walnut Creek Mounted Assistance Unit, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff Mounted Unit.