History & Purpose

The Paradise Horsemen's Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the Paradise horse arena located on Moore Road. Paradise Horsemen’s Association, or PHA, was started in 1989 when a local lady by the name of Patti Dorsey heard that there was a plan to demolish the arena and use the area for other recreational purposes. Patti then dedicated her time and energy to rally the horse owners in Paradise, Magalia, and surrounding areas to show the Park District what a valuable asset our arena is to the community.

As a non profit organization, we offer many different types of horse activities for both the membership and the community as well. Paradise Horsemen's Association continues to grow by offering many different types of shows, training clinics, as well as holding community events. In fact, every year the Paradise Horsemen's Assocation puts on a Horse Festival at the Paradise Horse Arena. This event is a popular, well-attended event with horsemen from surrounding areas bringing their horses to demonstrate in the arena different riding styles and various breeds of horses here in our community. Outside of the arena are game booths, pony rides, food, vendors, a raffle, and crafts for all to enjoy. This event is has become PHA’s main fund-raiser for the entire year.

Paradise Horsemen's Assocation educates the community by offering a basic horsemanship classes every summer. There are two classes in which are offered. The first is tailored to those who want a basic understanding about equines. The second is a more advanced class for those wanting to learn more on riding.

Paradise Horsemen's Assocation conducts fund raisers through out the year. These may be raffles or sponsored trail rides. Proceeds from these are used to either support our local community, as in providing assistance for those fire victims in 2008, to helping a nationally recognized charity, such as St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital by sponsoring a Saddle Up ride or the Prostate Cancer Foundation. The Paradise Horsemen's Association has recently offered a $500.00 scholarship to the youth of the local community.