Horses have long been part of the Pebble Beach Resorts. In 1896, the posh Hotel Del Monte (flagship of the resorts and now home of the Naval Postgraduate School) built a combination race track/aviation and polo field. The field was used for transporting and entertaining hotel guests for several years and in February of 1920 featured "Horseback Field Day at Del Monte". This event included a steeplechase, a mounted tug of war and, according to the Monterey Cypress and American, "A corking good polo match".

Unfortunately, increasing air traffic in the early 1900’s frightened horses on the racetrack. So, in 1920, plans were made to build a combination air and polo field near the original lodge in the "fashionable residential colony of Pebble Beach." The airfield was dropped and construction started on new stables for the del monte company, (precursor of the pebble beach company) across from the polo field and where the equestrian center stands today.

Shortly after the stables and open arenas were completed, Del Monte’s First Annual Horse Show and Riding Competition for Children was held on August 16, 1924. Fifty entries competed in twelve events including open jumpers, children fifteen and under, and the family class.

While the band of the Thirtieth Infantry played, "Pebble Beach hostesses, their weekend house parties, and a large colorful assemblage from San Francisco and Los Angeles" watched the equestrians compete.

This one-day show started a tradition, which continued and was formalized on August 4, 1946, when Dick Collins, manager of the equestrian center, chaired the Summer Horse Show. The one-day show drew 87 entries in 15 classes. This year will mark the 52^nd presentation of the Pebble Equestrian Classics.

Today, under the management of Tim Postel, the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center is thriving as a full boarding facility, with a year-round comprehensive lesson program and trail rides that guide tourists and residents through the beauty of the Del Monte Forest. Competitors from all over are welcomed to the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center for an additional five shows throughout the year. This special facility has offered equestrians and non-equestrians a wonderful place to enjoy the horse for so many years. We are dedicated to preserving this tradition of the past, meeting the challanges of the future, and fulfilling our role as part of the outstanding recreational opportunities this unique, diverse, and beautiful part of California has to offer us all.

1951 Hunter Trial