Address: 10330 McBroom Street [Sunland-Tujunga-Lake View Terrace-Shadow Hills Planning Area]
Click on the GREEN HIGHLIGHT to view official documents and reports.
Current Phase of the Process: The public hearing occurred (See Notice of Public Hearing) and the Zoning Administrator “Took the Case Under Advisement” to allow Ms. Herman to submit written testimony.
Existing Use: Pursuant to Case No. ZA 2002-2741(PAD)A1, the property is authorize for a commercial equestrian facility, equine rescue, and equine evacuation for the purpose of training, boarding, breeding, stabling, birthing and rehabilitation,
Proposal: No construction or expansion of the existing facility or operation is proposed. The proposal is to renew Case No. ZA 2002-2741(PAD)A1.
Purpose of City Planning Process: Approval of Case No. ZA 2002-2741(PAD)A1 included Condition No. 7 for future review for Compliance with the conditions of approval.
It is typical to impose this condition as security in protecting the area. Upon reviewing the request to renew the CUP, the Zoning Administrator will ensure compliance with the conditions of the prior approval and evaluate if the conditions were successful in protecting the community.
The condition is in case of an operator’s possible lack of sensitivity to the needs of the community and for consideration of changed conditions in the surrounding area. The intent is that through this process, the Office of Zoning Administration is able to further the City’s goal to ensure that the establishment does not adversely affect the community.
Communications and Outreach
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- Neighborhood Council Consideration (TBD – Future input)
- Letter-Support (Bradly D. Perdue, D.V.M)
Most Recent InfoPost Documents Available for View and Download (Documents are not hyperlinked to other files. City Planning Case file has CD Disk with hyperlinked files)
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- Vicinity Map
- Site Plan
- ZIMAS Profile McBroom
- Case No. ZA 2002-2741(PAD)A1 (Approved September 26, 2003)
- Application (City Application Form CP 7771.1)
- Supplemental application (Discussion and Justification)
- Condition Compliance Report (Verification of compliance with conditions)
Planning Department Case Summary Database: (City Planning PCTS – Case Tracker)
There appear to be several inconveniences among we neighbors who use the “easement driveway” as our source of ingress and egress. I believe these concerns, which I addressed at the hearing are incidental. They do not reflect non-compliance with the conditions of my CUP.
Said concerns, I believe, can be resolved by a discussion among easement driveway users. They are as follows:
1. When hay is delivered I have been remiss in promptly cleaning spilled chuff. To my neighbor, Mike, I apologize and will clean the moment I see a need for post- delivery sweeping.
2. One neighbor wants required CUP delivery to potential easement driveway home buyers. I am willing to deliver said CUP, voluntarily. I am told there are possible legal ramifications.
3. Peacock Hill has contact info. This is in error. Each contiguous neighbor is in possession of a list of names, addresses and phones, plus all ranch contact info for the other 13 adjacent neighbors, plus the ranch advertises on line.
4. A complaint of excess traffic on the easement driveway: Note that my original traffic study showed an average of 7 round trips to the ranch in any 24 hour period. My facilities have increased by 4 pipe corral paddocks. Also, I now own a second entry road to the ranch, used freely by the boarders.
5. A complaint of easement driveway damage by trucks. The easement has required resurfacing one time during my 30-year residency. Damage is caused, creating pot holes, by continuous use of water that runs downhill to the end of my parking area/beginning of my DG stable yard.
6. Trucks damage easement driveway plants. A neighbor on the other side of a fence from the easement drive wishes to separate properties using hedging, yet plants on the easement driveway side. There is room for planting on his side of the fence. Further, with a pickup truck and horse trailer parked full time on the easement driveway, it is almost impossible not to damage the plants.
I, too have concerns. I need to be able to close my barn at 9PM on Saturday and Sunday evenings. I need to be able to haul an animal at any time of the day or night when thee is a medical emergency. I need to be able to run clinics from 8 to 6 in order for youngsters to have enough time to learn horsemanship, eat at mid-day and clean any mess created on the ranch or easement. I am otherwise content with my conditions and remind Zoning Administration that I have had NOT ONE complaint added to my file since my original CUP was approved in 2002.
Thank you, Royan Herman
I am writing in support of approving and renewing the CUP at Peacock Hill Ranch. I have known Royan Herman for over 25 years, which began during the period when my mother, Arline DeSanctis, worked for Councilman Joel Wachs as his Chief Field Deputy. My mother assisted Royan in attaining her CUP in 2003 due to the optimum equestrian services this premium ranch provides. Peacock Hill has been a great asset to the community because of it’s well established equestrian facility, which provides boarding, equine rescue and evacuation. Many of the horses boarded at Peacock are older retired horses, horses in rehabilitation due to injuries, or horses that are in need of a pasture environment and not able to be confined in a small 12×12 stall. This pasture setting is extremely difficult to find within our city limits.
My daughter and I have boarded several horses at Peacock Hill over the past 6 years and I am profoundly impressed by the cleanliness and beauty of this magnificent property. My daughter has had many invaluable experiences growing up in this ranch environment, not only with animals but learning to effectively deal with people. We call this our “little piece of heaven” because it is so peaceful. Also the ranch hands work tirelessly to maintain not only the property but the horses as well. The pasture closest to the easement is cleaned every morning and the arena is watered and dragged daily. The manure bin is covered with a large tarp and removed on a regular basis. Our horses have always been extremely well cared for, are de-wormed on a regular basis, are provided daily supplements, and are required to be vaccinated. Everyone associated with Peacock Hill including Royan, Trainers, Ranch hands, Vets, Farriers, etc. have always been caring and professional. The easement is cleaned daily as many horses, including horses from Shadow Hills Equestrian Center, use this channel to ride to the local trails in the Big Tujunga Wash, and to avoid reckless drivers on the busy streets. Peacock Hill Ranch is truly an asset to our community and we hope it’s allowed to thrive for many years to come.
To the City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning,
I am writing in support of authorizing the continued operation of Peacock Hill Ranch, “a commercial equestrian facility, equine rescue, and equine evacuation for the purpose of training, boarding, breeding, stabling, birthing and rehabilitation” at 10330 McBroom Street, case No. ZA 2002-2741(PAD)A1.
Peacock Hill Ranch is a huge asset to the community in so many ways. As a horse-owner who has had the pleasure of having boarded there, among other facilities in the area, I can state without reservation that Peacock Hill is by far the premiere boarding facility in the area. The quality of care there is unparalleled, and the level of community involvement in continuing an equestrian lifestyle is impressive.
Having lived previously in New York and Philadelphia, I must say how the ability as a citizen of Los Angeles to enjoy a somewhat rural lifestyle of horse-keeping quite naturally, within the city limits, is extraordinary and really sets this geographical region apart. That is only thanks to the efforts of people like Royan Herman and the resulting Peacock Hill Ranch. It is an important part of the Los Angeles lifestyle to preserve – one that brings enjoyment, recreation and interaction with nature to urban denizens.
Royan Herman is a responsible and conscientious proprietor and has created a truly unique facility where owners and horses alike are treated with respect and comfort in mind. Peacock Hill is the only boarding facility I know of in this city that offers a generous degree of free-grazing for the equine residents, a feature that cannot be overemphasized in terms of importance to a horse’s mental health.
Happy horses make for happy horse owners, and Peacock Hill is a source of joy to all who have the pleasure of involvement there. Even non-boarders get to participate in the numerous fund-raisers and festivities that are ongoing. Meanwhile, I have not been made aware of any potential harm posed by this magnificent facility. From my perspective, it would be against public interest to do anything to jeopardize the ongoing viability of Peacock Hill Ranch.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone or email with any questions.
-Paula Parisi
818-728-1645
To Whom it May Concern:
I have lived at 10354 McBroom, 2 properties south of Royan Herman for 16 years. I am also a horse owner with my horses on my property. !, along with the majority of the community are in favor of the continuance of the Peacock Hill CUP.
Along with being an extremely well run and clean facility, Royan has not only been a community activist held in high regard, but when we have had natural disasters in our area, i.e. the fires of 2017, Royan and her barn staff, helped evacuate horses from the area, and watched over the evacuated horses. Loss of this would severely impact our community.
I walk my dogs on the easement road every day. I ride my horse down the easement at least 3 times a week. I have never seen the road look dirty, other than within a few hours of a hay delivery.
Damage to the road is beyond the easement, on the drive that is owned by Peacock Hill:
a. The Margo Stone gardener blows dust, bark and dead leaves/flowers, etc. onto the easement weekly.
b. The Herman’s have been in residence for 30+ years. I believe the driveway has been resurfaced once.
c. All water on the drive eventually puddles where Peacock Hill asphalt meets decomposed granite of their stable yard. I think the permanent moisture from neighbors may cause the pothole at that locale. I know the Herman’s repair it every few years..
In her letters, Ms. Stone refers to piles of manure from the business. Royan Herman allows horses to pass through her property and up the easement to the street in order to avoid the two blind, killer curves on Wheatland where horses have been killed. Peacock Hill does sweep up after all horses several times each week. I have never noticed excess manure on the access road, in fact if there is a pile, it is cleaned up within a few hours.
Thank you for including my comments,
Susan Kaiser
My email is neryduenas@yahoo.com. My phone is 818 723-6378.
I am a full time handyman. For about 12 years I have worked, as needed, for Peacock Hill Ranch.
This year I have built a small retaiing wall to keep rain water from getting into the big barn. I have filled and sealed a hole where ashapt was crumbling as a result of sitting water. I have set up a program to remove all rats from the ranch house and stable. I moved the poop bin in order to be able to kill more flies and tarp the box so horse owners do not see it. Next week I am to come by and plug any pin holes in the barn roofs. This week i was asked to replace corrugated roofing over 4 paddocks to be sure we eat the rain season.
When anything at Peacock Hill needs maintenance or repair, Royan calls me. i sometimes bring a man with me. All the time I keep th entire property in good repair.
If you want to tlk to me, I have submitted my phone and emil at the beginning of this letter, Tank you
Nic, Here is the letter. I totally retyped it into the comments section of your website this morning. It was accepted for a decision to include or not.
Royan
Nic Brown, SATT, LLC
Thank you for typing the letter because the letter as presented cannot be posted in this format. However, I included the letter as submitted as shown above under “Communications and Outreach”.
You also noted in a post that, “Please note that THREE Equine Veterinarians have sent letters of support for our CUP, based on our quality behavior as a commercial barn in an equestrian/residential neighborhood”. Please forward any letter you receive to SATT and it will be posted. Further, be sure to take all letters to the public hearing for submittal to the case file. SATT will also send you a compilation of all posts and responses for submitted to the decision-maker for the record.
I am only stating concerns that are already in the CUP and need to be adhered to or unknown conditions that as observed. Through the years that need to be added to the CUP.
We were never given a contact #, so now we have an opportunity to voice our concerns.
I am not accusing. This is a review and I would like the concerns for the Historical Easement addressed and added ,if needed to the CUP.
Excess traffic on the Historic Easement, to be diverted to second easement as stated in CUP.
Consistent cleaning of the drive., needs to be written.. presently not consistent.
Hay clean up after deliveries, needs to be written
Baby pasture used as written in CUP.
Baby pasture sprinkled as written in CUP.
When property is sold, buyers need to be aware of CUP and conditions, Needs to be in writing in CUP.
Historic Easement needs to be be repaired if delivery trucks damage , easement, ex: 2 orange cones currently on easement, protecting the easement from further delivery truck damages. Needs to be written in CUP for all our protection. Has not been addressed.
Shared repairs on Historic Easement, by Peacock Ranch traffic to equal the % of use on the Historic Easement. This needs to be written in the CUP.
Having these conditions written, will protect the other residents on the Historic Easement from any misunderstandings when and if the property is sold.
This is not an attack, our concerns are for a fair review process.
It was brought to my attention after speaking to Nicolas Brown, that it is very important that if and when the Peacock ranch is sold that the new owners are completely aware of, what is in the existing CUP.
One more issue that needs to be addressed, the Historical Easement has taken all of the business traffic, deliveries as discussed before and all employee traffic. Up to this time we on the Historic Easement have shared the expense of repairs on that driveway. More than 1/2 the use is from the peacock hill business and it needs to be added to the CUP in writing that this business is responsible for 1/2 the repair expenses to the Historic Easement. This is a business and there needs to be written accountability.
There was damage a few months ago to the easement from a delivery. That has not been taken care of and we have 2 ugly orange cones on the easement so no further damage will occur.
Please address these concerns at the October 7 review.
I would appreciate an update of any changes we have requested.
Thank you.
I am Dr. Brad Perdue, an Equine Practitioner who provides services to Peacock Hill Ranch.
I am told that, while this CUP runs with the land, a final, delayed condition is now to be fulfilled, LA City Zoning Administration Plan Check review.
I want to cite a series of reasons why I enjoy working at Peacock Hill and respect its owners.
1. The facility is exceptionally clean and sanitary.
2. The owner, helpers and volunteers are professional and reliable.
3. The Peacock Hill group display good manners.
4. Manure is kept under a dark tarp and fully removed twice weekly.
5. The arena is dragged and moistened every morning, soaking shredded German felt which retains moisture throughout the day.
6. There is a fly system with a spray nozzle in every stall.
7. Peacock Hill hosts and supports community events and fund raisers in the interests of Shadow Hills as an equestrian community and horses in need of help.
8. Only top quality hay is fed to Peacock Hill horses.
The owner tells me that Zoning Administration can relieve her of the repeated expense of this one time condition in the future. It is safe to say that Peacock Hill has earned the right to any available benefit based on merit.
As a Shadow Hills property owner, I can attest to the fact that Royan Herman and Peacock Hill Ranch are a great asset to our community. The renewal of the CUP for this property shouldn’t even be such a tedious process. The ranch provides great housing and care for many horses, is well maintained and an absolute sanctuary to enter. This ranch does not invite excess traffic nor is it a nuisance! On the contrary, it is one of the best establishments, by far, in Shadow Hills. Royan has done a fantastic job in the upkeep of Peacock Hill Ranch! I, as well as many of the members of this community, fully support the continuance and the APPROVAL of the CUP!
I noticed a couple of negative comments concerning Peacock Hill. They were written both here on this site and in Next Door – Kagle Canyon.
In response:
Beginning in early 1950s, my ranch was a movie-horse boarding and training facility. Silver, the Lone Ranger’s iconic horse, lived here in luxury. In early 1980s this ranch was converted into an Airedale Kennel. In 1989, this property was purchased by the Hermans and again became a commercial stable.
In 2002 the City of Los Angeles instructed the Herman’s to obtain a Conditional Use Permit for continued commercial use of Peacock Hill and we did so. In 2018, to fulfill a final requirement of the CUP, the Herman’s applied for a Plan Check Review hearing before City Zoning Administration.
Information concerning the Peacock Hill hearing appears on this site, in detail.
We are not proposing to build anything. We are asking for a review by the community of the horse boarding and training facility at 10330 McBroom Street in Shadow Hills that is now in its 70th year of operation.
Respectfully submitted by Royan Herman
Concerns:
There was never a contact # given for our concerns.
#10, baby pasture, never sprinkled down for dust control.
Never used as a baby pasture or rehabilitation pasture as written. Many Boarded horses kept in this space and never sprinkled.
#C: A second easement created for all horse boarders to use, leaving the historical drive for deliveries and emergencies. This would have lessened the traffic on the historical drive as agreed upon. This was never implemented!
Hours are not being kept, as written.
The historical drive was resurfaced in 2016, shared 3 ways by the properties on the easement. Just to be Clear, even though the damage is done by the large trucks. Just saying.
The historical drive needs to be maintained , damage has been caused by the deliveries trucks. Nothing has been taken care of. The hay deliveries, block the entrance to the historical drive and there has been no clean up after deliveries.
The drive is to be cleaned daily after horse use, inconsistent .
Not asking for anything beyond what is written in the CUP.
Having been at Peacock for years now – I can attest to absolutely this pasture has been used for both babies and rehab. If you look at the horses boarded currently, many are older, a few can not manage more than a few hours out. Rehabbing includes reuniting horses to a herd – this is done beautifully. Once the pasture has horses that are ‘rambunctious” they have been moved to the larger turn out with more mature horses and can move about more.
The drive is cleaned at least once a day – and not all horses using this drive are from Peacock. Many are from adjoining barns so the riders and horses are safer than the streets. As a couple other people mentioned – there are have been a couple of recent accidents – and one we lost the horse and the rider is seriously damaged. The streets are no longer safe in Shadow Hills. The evacuation drive has indeed been maintained and used. Royan also added some beautiful trees to enhance the drive and also keep the sad sight of the neighbors who rarely clean stalls. With the trees we all aren’t racked with the desire to go over and rescue those poor horses!! So – although nothing is being asked of beyond written in the CUP – absolutely more is done daily and Peacock Hill, Royan and her team and exceeded expectations.
Are there some times people make mistakes? absolutely! is it in disrepair and not as asset – absolutely not.
Ms. Stone, thank you for your comments. Ms. Anderson posted a response to several of your concerns and I will discuss the others with Royan.
Nic Brown, SATT, LLC
I have been at Peacock Hill for 25 years and can wholeheartedly vouch for what a wonderful asset it is to the community. It’s not just a barn to board a horse, but a place where a horse can spend the day out in the open, free to frolic with others, close to a natural life, and spend the night safely tucked into a stall or paddock. Royan Herman has always made it a rule that there is always someone from Peacock Hill on the property 24 hours a day. That peace of mind is priceless. There have been clinics by well-known trainers, giving riders, novice or advanced, young or mature, the opportunity to improve or learn something new. Peacock Hill has also served as a rescue, giving horses in dire condition the opportunity to recover and move on to a new, well-loved, second chance. When there were major fires, horses were trailered in by their relieved owners, knowing their horses were safe and welcome. Peacock Hill Ranch and Royan Herman are without a doubt, a plus for the neighborhood, and reminds us how important it is to embrace the equine community.
Please approve/renew the CUP for Peacock Hill Ranch. I have been a neighbor of Royan Herman and Peacock Hill Ranch since 1985. I can view her property from mine. Peacock Hill Ranch has been a great asset for the Shadow Hills Community, providing greatly needed horse boarding/rescue services. The ranch is clean and well managed. Her ranch has always been available for community events when requested by local equestrian groups such as Equestrian Trails Inc. And, knowing there is a local ranch available that will take horses during evacuation emergencies (fires) is invaluable, especially when other horse boarding facilities in the area are being sold off to non-equestrians and subsequently closing. I feel grateful living so close to someone who not only manages a horse boarding facility but truly cares about the equestrian lifestyle and is willing to go the extra mile when asked by anyone in and around Shadow Hills. Once again, please approve/renew the CUP for Peacock Hill Ranch.
The answer to the question of whether Peacock Hill Equestrian Center is an asset to the local Shadow Hills community is an unequivocal YES. It is a facility that goes far beyond just the boarding of horses. At its core is a passion and care for the well-being of these beautiful animals and a safe haven for them in times of emergency, such as local fires and storms. Royan is the fixture at the center of Peacock Hill as well as the surrounding community and represents both with an astute understanding of the responsibility that requires. Peacock Hill is an asset that, if untouched, will continue to contribute to the local equine community and the larger municipality in which it resides.
Royan and her operation are an asset to the community of Shadow Hills. She assists anyone who needs help, rescues animals and cares for injured animals. She works very hard and is someone neighbors count on for help. Please approve CUP for this property.
Thank you. Adrine Golnazarian.
Peacock Ranch is a great asset to the Shadow Hills and the horse lover community that use the facilities every day. it must be preserved. Its one the few places left that you’re able to come enjoy nature’s natural beauty & country living.
To Whom It May Concern;
Peacock Hill is a pillar in the horse keeping community of Shadow Hills. It is a needed horse boarding facility that is well maintained and has unique horse herd ability. In addition, the owner has been a key proponent of protecting the horse properties over the years and has offered their property for dozens and dozens of Shadow Hills events. It is an asset to our community.
Ref: 10330 McBroom Street [Sunland-Tujunga-Lake View Terrace-Shadow Hills Planning Area]
Please renew the use permit for this location. It’s a wonderful resource for the community. Equestrians of all ages, junior to senior, visit and use it. Equistrian activities provide a healthy, character building lifestyle. Additionally as a rescue it offers a humane home for many horses.
My fear is if the permit is not renewed, the property zoning will change and evolve into a building project for for town homes; adding to the population density and traffic problems.
September 21, 2019
To Whom It May Concern:
I live and board horses in the Shadow Hills community. For years I have searched for a place to allow my horses to be in a natural and healthy setting. Prior to coming to board at Peacock Hill, my horses spent hours each day locked in a 12×12 stall until they could be granted time to stretch their legs. At Peacock Hill, my horses are able to be a part of herd. They have exercise all day, every day. They have interaction with other horses. And they have a beautiful staff to care for their needs. Many of us that board our horses here have been through health problems with our horses at places where they could not or would not accommodate individual rehabilitation for our horse’s needs. But here, many horses have been able to get their lives back. Many Shadow Hills residents have had their companions saved.
In addition to the welfare provided for equines, Peacock Hill has provided a safe place for equestrian youth. As many parents in this area can attest, there are no shortages of places for children to go. Many of these are on busy streets and are not well monitored for safety. I am also the parent of a 14-year old girl. Our family deeply appreciates the safe environment that Peacock Hill provides. It is gated and off the main road. My daughter is free to walk about and care for horses. There are always qualified and certified riding instructors available for lessons, training, and animals care. My daughter has learned invaluable skills that will serve her throughout her life. Many classes, workshops, and educational lectures have been sponsored here at Peacock Hill. As I watch the other youth that escapes the worlds parameters and finds respite at Peacock Hill, I feel connected to the other parents who breathe a sigh of relief that their children are finding healthy and peaceful recreation. Life in this world is often unkind to inexperienced youth. But here at Peacock Hill they have a chance to grow, to maintain healthy interaction with nature, animals, and their community.
Another interesting thing about Peacock Hill is the involvement in the community. The owner of the ranch, Royan Herman, is very socially aware. She is often involved with community clean up, disaster relief, and trying to help raise money for worthy charities. The students, boarders, and families have learned through her leadership that a strong community yields strong families. They have learned the volunteer spirit and the joy of giving. Giving back to the community and maintaining appreciation for what we have is a clean and productive way to live. Any neighborhood should consider a place like Peacock Hill to be a gem, to be a treasured part of their community. I hope this sentiment is adopted and appreciated by any who are introduced to this amazing place. Come and visit. Surely you will never want to leave.
Sincerely,
Deirdre Somers
This facility has been for public use for many years. This type of facility is disappearing from the valley therefore it must be preserved. A clean and well maintained operation has always been the norm here and will remain that way. It would not be advantages to see this facility disappear in our community.
I have boarded a horse at 10330 McBroom aka Peacock Hill Ranch since April 2005. At all times the owner, Royan Herman, and her staff have done a stellar job of maintaining a safe, clean, neighborhood friendly facility. The grounds are kept beautifully, the large trees, kept well trimmed and safe, all necessary fire abatement precautions taken, all manure and waste promptly hauled away, all fly and pest issues dealt with, and the welfare of the horses, boarders and rescues alike, always uppermost to her and her staff. An exemplary horse operation.
Additionally, Peacock Hill is always extremely clean & exceptionally well kept.
It’s my pleasure to speak on behalf of Peacock Hill & Royan Herman. I was a neighbor of Marc & Royan for over a decade and spent a lot of time at their barn; horse events, seminars, New Years Eve parties for our local equine group and dinner dances. Even though Marc passed away & I’ve moved, Royan has remained a loyal friend, always ready to help her community. I consider Peacock Hill one of the unrecognized jewels of the area and a huge benefit to the community. There is no doubt of the intelligence and commitment of Royan to her community, her facility, family, employees & country.
Peacock Hill and Royan Herman are a mainstay in our community. Peacock Hill itself has and is an intrical part in keeping the FTDNC area a low use, outdoor, equestrian area. Without a location for boarding horses our community would lose a huge part of its economy. Farriers, Vets, Feed and Tack, Dry Cleaners, Restaurants, and other small businesses would be great impacted.
Please reissue the above CUP, Peacock Hill is the true definition for a Benefit to the Community.
Margie Beeson
818 694 9266
To Whom It May Concern:
Shadow Hills is an equestrian community, one of the last remaining in the city and it is common knowledge among locals that Peacock Hill Ranch is the most desirable horse boarding facility in the area and an asset to the neighborhood. So, move along bureaucrats. Nothing here needs fixing.
Very Sincerely,
Dena Nelson
Shadow Hills Resident & Peacock Hill Ranch Boarder
I have owned my horse for over 15 years. he has been stabled at various places, but none has been as wonderful a home for him as Peacock Hill Ranch. the consistency of the care and ‘hands on’ attitude of the staff is incomparable. i am not able to visit as often as i would like, but i know he is in good hands and his needs are attended to. he is 30 years old and going strong. the facility is kept very clean and every effort is taken to protect and care for all the horses in their care.
as I read what I wrote above – they clean the easement road every day – just more frequently on weekends as that is when most people come for a ride out in the wash.
There are not enough good words to describe how wonderful Royan and the team are at Peacock Hill. Hay is topnotch (rare of a boarding barn) space for the horses to roam and be horses, clean space for the boarders to gather, play, ride and care for our horses, and the expectation set for the highest standards by Royan and the guys who work at the barn. My friend has boarded at Peacock for several years – and I’m a relative “newbie” with only a few years onsite. As for supporting the neighborhood – her guys clean the easement road at least twice a day on weekends – and many of the horses using that road are from a next door barn. They have always been good to help with neighbors needs and have helped make the space on both easement roads safer and more beautiful. When we had to evacuate from the fires in 2018 – we were a team, and not only helped our own horses and owners – we also helped take care of other horses that were displaced while out and helping them to get home. Royan holds her guys to high standards and expectations when it comes to horse care – and they exceed that all the time.
I currently board at Peacock Hill ranch. I’ve been there for about 15 years, originally with two horses – and have no interest in finding another place to board. Many who leave – come back. Peacock Hill is a unique place for boarders and animals alike. The retired horses have an opportunity to move around and be social – much like people, this is necessary to maintain their interest in life and keep all the body pieces and parts mobile. It is a joy to come to the barn at 7am – see the Peacocks and their babies, the barn dogs and their own joy, watch the horses nicker and call out — and watch them be well cared for by the gentlemen who work there. Royan has always insisted on a clean and happy place – so people who are negative, do not last. No one asks them to leave – they are simply not comfortable in a place where most get along. Royan is known for having some of the best hay – as she genuinely cares about the horses and the people. (Let’s be honest – we care for the horses best care and happiness more than the people … LOL!) I’m not sure who brought what allegations up that stirred this kind of action – but I’m sure they are not heartful nor happy people. So many horses and people come here at the beginning of their life – so much to learn from a herd and from caring loving people. And of course in the prime of their life – so close to trails, a nice arena to practice and to lesson in and so much activity with the other horses – they settle in and are content. The other end of the spectrum is many horses live their last days at Peacock Hill. I had a 30 year old who had her best last 5 years here. When she passed on – there was an outpouring from the other barn people. Royan and her team helped me contact the right group to pick her up – and everyone is most respectful of the loss. As a wonderful end of life memorial – flowers are placed in all the horses stalls who pass, and a large poster board is setup for everyone to sign their best wishes and memories. This is indeed a unique place and a place that is most definitely an asset to all.
This property known as Peacock Hill Ranch is a longstanding asset to the community of Shadow Hills. This facility has provided training, rescue, boarding, rehab, and other life-saving services for both equines and their owners for decades. Recently, there was a tragic accident in the neighborhood that resulted in injury to a rider and death to a horse. Royan Herman, the owner of Peach Hill Ranch, was a first responder and provided urgent care until medical help could arrive. I urge you to approve the CUP so that Peacock Hill Ranch may continue its good works and helping our community.
Peacock Hill is a breath of fresh air in the Shadow Hills Community. This horse facility is home to horse people who love their animals and KNOW that Peacock Hill offers the BEST facilities in the area.
The horses do NOT stand in a stall all day/week/month but are turned out in a large open area to socialize during the day: just like a horse is used to. The horses are then put in stalls at night for feeding and their own safety.
Royan Herman is a real asset to the local horse community.
Peter Rosenthal
peter0000@gmail.com