“The number of people who love the park want to restore it to its former grandeur,” said Lynn Brown, vice president of Equestrian Trains Inc. Corral 38. “It’s an extraordinary thing.”
The event raised more than $11,000, Brown said, adding that the greater Griffith Park neighborhood council has offered to match the proceeds.
At the start of the event, riders checked in with their horses. Each were given a playing card and receive additional cards at each checkpoint on the trail. Winning poker hands received prizes.
Burbank resident Renee Parry and her horse, Hava came to show their support for Griffith Park.
“It’s fun to go up in the mountain and play poker,” Parry said, sitting on Hava. “But we need parks and there are so many developments and we need to keep [Griffith Park] pure.”
Riders from the Compton Junior Posse, a nonprofit group that provides activities and programs for inner-city youngsters, also joined in on the Poker Ride.
“Horseback riding is an experience that many inner-city kids don’t get to enjoy,” said Todd Lavergne, a volunteer parent with the organization.
Eight-year-old Khalia Akbar of the Compton Junior Posse wore a helmet and riding boots and waited in line with her horse, Kalifa.
“I like how they ride and how they act with people,” Khalia said of horses. “They act gently and not crazy.”
But not all participants rode horses up to the trails.
Burbank City Transportation Commissioner Paul Dyson took part in the event with Tom the mule.
Dyson rode Tom, the only mule participating in the Poker Ride.
“We are going to put 10 mules on the Burbank payroll,” Dyson joked. “We need to upgrade our transportation. We need more mules.”
Suzi Perkins of Burbank rode her horse, Cody. Perkins, who has been riding her horses at Griffith Park for 51 years, felt strongly about supporting the burn recovery fund.
“It’s a great place to ride,” she said.
