Griffith Park Horse Rentals to close after nearly 50 years in business

GRIFFITH PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Griffith Park Horse Rentals has been around for roughly 50 years.

"When I took over Griffith Park Horse Rentals there were 20 horses - it was a sleepy horse rental," said Julie Schad, who took over the business about 15 years ago. "We've watched children grow up. We get a lot of tourists. We have a lot of repeat business, and we have a lot of first-timers."

But now, 55 horses will have to be relocated before Schad's sub-license agreement with the Los Angeles Equestrian Center expires at the end of May.

"I would rather stay, but it's not an option," Schad said.

According to court records, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center filed an eviction suit against Schad in 2016 - the case was dismissed. Schad filed two civil suits against LAEC over breach of contract, which were both settled.

It's unclear where Schad will move the business and who could offer the same services for Griffith Park when she leaves.

"We'd like to continue to serve the clientele that we have. We don't know if that's going to be possible. We may start over somewhere else," she said.

Until then, Griffith Park Horse Rentals will remain open seven days a week.