Save the Temecula Equestrian District (TED)
Protect the future of our community!
Take action now by expressing your opposition to these drastic changes to the Wine Country Community Plan that will have a detrimental impact on our quality of life and public safety.
Save TED is a grassroots community organization formed by local residents who are deeply concerned about rezoning proposals that threaten the unique character of the Temecula Equestrian District (TED).
Our Mission Statement
“Protect the Temecula Equestrian District from Commercial Development”
We are especially alarmed by changes being pushed by Galway Downs and other developers that would bring incompatible development into our quiet, rural, horse-centered community. These proposals risk damaging what makes the Equestrian District so special—and we’re speaking up to protect it.
What’s happening?
On January 7, 2025, Galway Downs submitted an Initial Study/Environmental Checklist to the County of Riverside. Their goal? To change the language of Class II Equestrian zoning by amending Ordinance No. 348—a key regulation that currently protects the integrity of the Wine Country Community Plan.
This ordinance governs three distinct zones: Wine Country Residential, Wine Country Winery, and Wine Country Equestrian. Galway’s proposed changes would directly affect the protections in place for our Equestrian District.
How Are They Planning to Do This?
Galway Downs is asking the County to change the core definition of Class II Equestrian zoning for everyone—a move that would open the door to major commercial development in our community.
They want to introduce new standards that would allow the following:
- Amphitheater
- Multi-Use Sports Fields
- Hotels
- Resorts
- Bed and Breakfast Inns
- Country Inns
- Campgrounds
- RV Parks
What does this mean for us?
The proposed zone change (CZ 22000010) would allow landowners in the Wine Country Equestrian Zone (WC-E) to submit plans for new developments. If Riverside County approves this, it could pave the way for commercial projects across ALL of the land in our beloved Wine Country Equestrian Zone.
This means our quiet, open spaces—where horses roam and our community thrives—could face huge changes that could affect the way we live and enjoy this special area.
What would the zone change look like for other developers?
- Residential landowners and developers will be eligible to apply for the following developments: Bed and breakfast inns, country inns and wine country hotels
- Wineries
- Resorts
- Wine country equestrian campgrounds
- Multi-use sports fields
- Equestrian recreational vehicle parks
- Amphitheaters
- Commercial venues
- Special occasion facilities
- Wine country or equestrian resorts
- and much, much more
What would this zone change mean for Galway Downs—and for all of us who call this place home?
Galway Downs has shared plans that could change our neighborhood in big ways, including:
- Parking lot for over 8,000 cars. Imagine the traffic, noise, and lights near our homes and trails.
- Building a concrete amphitheater right next to the racetrack—bringing bigger crowds, louder events, and a very different vibe to the peaceful place we cherish.
- Concerts and other events requiring sound amplifying equipment to occur on the property until 12 AM.
These aren’t just plans on paper—they’re changes that could affect our daily lives, our horses, our quiet evenings, and the open spaces that make this community so special.
We all deserve to have a say in what happens here. Let’s stay connected and stand together to protect the Heart of our Home.
Why should I oppose this zone redefinition?
In 2014, people just like you—ranchers, riders, neighbors, and families who call this place home—came together with a shared love for our community. We didn’t just write a plan; we made a promise to protect the rural, equestrian lifestyle that makes our lives here so special.
This plan was shaped by us, for us. It reflects our values, our way of life, and our deep connection to the open spaces, trails, and quiet that surround us every day. Riverside County understood that too—they unanimously adopted it because they knew how important it was to protect what we hold dear.
Save TED believes in growing thoughtfully, in a way that respects our land, our horses, and the peaceful life we all treasure. TED isn’t just a place on a map—it’s where our roots are, where our families grow, and where our hearts are.
This is our home. Let’s protect it together.
Since TED was defined in the Wine Country Community Plan in 2014, new equestrian investment has come because it is a protected area. Horse owners who have been pushed out of other areas because of invading commercial usages have elected to come here after doing extensive research.
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Our Progress
Save TED has made significant progress in protecting the integrity of the Temecula Equestrian District from inappropriate rezoning proposals! Our efforts include:
- Legal action taken! Save TED has filed a lawsuit against Galway Downs to stop ongoing unpermitted and unlawful land use on Galway Downs property – specifically the recurring soccer events, weddings and other large events that have bypassed proper approval, burdened local resources and have not considered the impact on our community. Read the lawsuit here.
- The developer has withdrawn General Plan Amendment (GPA 240039) from consideration in June! This proposal would have removed six parcels on opposite corners of Los Caballos Road and Highway 79 S, more than 170 acres, from the equestrian district to construct a gas station, food mart, car wash and winery resort.
- Here is a link to the application on Riverside County’s Public Land Use System that confirms the date of the withdrawal in June. Please allow a few moments for the system to load.
These developments mark significant steps forward in our mission to protect TED. However, there is still work to be done and we must continue to fight and stop Galway Downs’ plans that would be detrimental to our quality of life!
This parking lot was once used as a training track for racehorses. It is now used as a parking lot for soccer operations.
Community Impacts
Why should Riverside County oppose the rezoning changes requested by Galway Downs?
- These proposed changes would bring a big increase in traffic, disrupting the calm and safety we all value on our roads.
- Developments like these put extra pressure on county services—our first responders might struggle to keep up when they’re needed most.
- Changing the zoning doesn’t fit with the character of the equestrian district or the wine country—it’s simply not the right place for this kind of growth.
- Our unique atmosphere and close-knit community would be forever lost. Currently, visitors come here seeking quiet, wide-open spaces and the special equestrian lifestyle we offer.
- The current Wine Country Community Plan was created to protect this way of life and your business—it doesn’t need to be changed or risked.
- If the noise ordinance is altered, caring for and boarding horses will become much harder, threatening the very heart of our community.
Take Action
Use Your Voice!
This is OUR community, and your voice matters now more than ever. Here’s how you can stand up and make a difference:
- Sign the petition to oppose the redefinition of the Wine Country Equestrian Zone—every signature counts!
- Write a letter or email sharing your thoughts and concerns. Send your comments to Russell Brady at rbrady@rivco.org or call 951-955-0972.
- Send a personal letter addressed to the Planning Commission and County Supervisor Chuck Washington. Email Russell Brady at rbrady@rivco.org and copy Supervisor Washington at D3email@rivco.org. You can also reach Supervisor Washington by phone at 951-955-1030.
Your words can help protect the open spaces, the horses, and the peaceful way of life we all treasure. Let’s come together and make sure our community’s future is heard loud and clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
1. What are the proposed changes to the Temecula Equestrian District (TED)?
A new proposal seeks approval for additional activities at Galway Downs, a zone change and an exception to the Riverside County’s Noise Ordinance (847) to allow concerts and other events with amplified sound. The proposal aims to transform the property into an events center featuring various recreational amenities, including a horse racetrack and equestrian facilities. Currently, Galway Downs is limited to certain activities due to a current conditional use permit (CUP)
2. Why was Galway Downs sued?
Save TED filed a lawsuit against Galway Downs to stop ongoing unpermitted and unlawful land use on Galway Downs property – specifically the recurring soccer events, weddings and other large events that have bypassed proper approval, burdened local resources and have not considered the impact on our community. Read the lawsuit here.
3. Why should I be opposed to these proposals?
We are deeply concerned about preserving the unique and cherished character of our community. The proposed land use changes are completely inappropriate for the equestrian district and would harm everything that makes this area special. This isn’t just another suburb — it’s a unique area that requires thoughtful oversight and protection.
4. Does this proposal go against the current Wine County Community Plan?
Yes! The developers are trying to confuse property owners into believing these changes are necessary for the continuation of existing, equestrian-related uses. However, this simply is not true. Residents and business owners do not believe these proposed changes will enhance and grow the Equestrian District. They will change its land use policies to more disturbing commercial uses that will make the raising and boarding of horses far more difficult. The current Wine Country Community Plan does NOT need to be changed.
5. How does this affect the character of our community?
Many of our community members have moved to this area because of the wide, quiet space and safety. Tourists also enjoy the unique character of the area and the equestrian lifestyle. The county has already cited some of these developers for multiple violations, making it harder to trust that these proposed changes will truly benefit our community. We want to continue the legacy of the Temecula Equestrian District, not allow it to be paved over for development!