National Historic Designation 

July 18, 2024 – The Bell Canyon Equestrian Center (BCEC), a 10-acre facility located in the equestrian community of Bell Canyon in the San Fernando Valley, is proud to announce it has received recognition to the National Register of Historic Places.

In March of 2024, Ventura County’s Cultural Heritage Board unanimously agreed to recommend that the BCEC had met the necessary requirements to be nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.

“The BCEC is the stellar amenity of our 750-resident community.  Receiving this prestigious designation preserves our equestrian facility for families and horse owners to enjoy for generations to come and protects it for its intended use as an equestrian center,” states Ashley Forchelli, BCEC President.  “Funding for this designation was provided by private donations following the Bell Canyon Homeowners’ Association’s approval in September 2023 to proceed with the historic designation process.”

Bell Canyon, affectionately dubbed the “Bel Air of the San Fernando Valley,” was developed in 1968 as the focal point of a new equestrian community known originally as Woodland Hills Country Estates and later renamed Bell Canyon.  Located in southeastern Ventura County, BCEC was designed by renowned architect Cliff May, credited with creating the pitched-roof, low-slung California Ranch-style home and Mid-Century Modern designs widely coveted in the 1960’s and beyond.  The facility features signature May designs – stucco walls, an arched breezeway, a cylindrical tower, beautifully landscaped courtyard, one main building and four stable barns, three riding arenas, spacious turnouts, a round pen, wash racks and multiple areas with cross-ties for horse grooming.  Both box and pipe stalls are available to residents and non-residents of Bell Canyon.  The Center offers unparalleled training in Hunter, Jumper and Western disciplines via three on-site trainers.

While there are private homes with ranches and parklands that allow for horse riding, Bell Canyon is the only equestrian community of its kind in the San Fernando Valley and one of very few horse facilities still in operation in the greater Los Angeles area.