Ring steward is usually where Lynn Dordahl is placed as a volunteer. “I have a super loud voice and I like to keep riders informed,” says the 2024 Power Volunteer with a laugh. “However, if somebody gives me guff, I’m going to push back at some point.”
Guff doesn’t come Lynn’s way very often. As a result, her warm-up rings run smoothly, and most exhibitors get to the in-gate on time.
Dedication is another of Lynn’s attributes. The lifelong horsewoman and Temecula resident guesses she’s been helping out for close to 25 years. Her work as a Certified General Appraiser can get crazy busy at times, but she happily says “yes” to her volunteer coordinator friends whenever possible. “I work weird hours so I can’t always sign up in advance, but I always say, ‘Call me if you absolutely need me.”
Lynn rides at Kim Scheid’s Spring Creek Ranch in Hemet with volunteer coordinators Bernie Low and fellow volunteer, Yoko Black, so she gets those calls often.
All of Lynn’s horsey pursuits were stymied by a broken leg last October. The cause was a “giant step of grace” involving a mounting block and her Arab-cross mare. Using a knee scooter, she hoped to volunteer for the November International Horse Trials but her friends on the volunteer coordinator crew put the kybosh on that. “Probably a wise decision for my sake!”
In her nearly quarter-century of service, Lynn has enjoyed a front row seat for Galway’s evolution into a facility proposed to host the LA28 Olympic equestrian and para-equestrian events. The volunteer experience has evolved along with the quality of the venue and the competitions it stages.
Having her friends and riding pals Bernie, Jerri and Thamar Draper on the volunteer coordinators crew is the best illustration of how the volunteer experience has changed, Lynn says. They run a well-organized effort that enhances time spent in any position.
Galway’s Volunteer Incentive Program is a great way to attract and retain helpers. Vouchers for show-related expenses are great if you’re competing, says Lynn, who often donates hers to friends. Galway Downs swag and gift certificates are a welcome option for those who don’t compete.
The Friend Incentive
Friendships, camaraderie and staying connected to the sport may be volunteering’s best incentives, Lynn says. “You get to know people in ways that enhance your social life. It’s great fun and you can be involved with the shows, but you don’t have to show. There’s been times when I think, ‘I used to do this…’ And I realize I really don’t miss it because I’m getting to watch everybody else do it. And without the tension of showing!”
Before breaking her leg last fall, Lynn and her current mare, E Hucks Coralee, were focusing on dressage. Cora recovered from a few injuries just in time to make some progress before Lynn’s incident. “The mare is 100% sound, but we’re both out of shape now.”
Before Cora, Lynn competed in eventing and dressage with Gold Finch. “I purchased her as an unbroke 3-year-old out of Kim’s (Scheid) field. She was a homebred by Kim’s stallion, Goldwelt, and just a blast to ride. We made a great partnership.”
They progressed to 4th Level dressage together and were just a test away from their California Dressage Society Ruby pin before the mare went lame in 2016. Lynn lost the mare in 2017 when the issue progressed to complete loss of cartilage in her left hind ankle.
Equestrian Advocate
Combined with her passion for and experience owning horses, Lynn’s work as a Certified General Appraiser gives her a unique perspective on the equestrian opportunities possible at Galway Downs as well as the overall equestrian community. Over many years, and accelerating in the last several, Lynn has witnessed one equestrian facility after another disappear to development.
“All of the places I used to ride in the 70s (in San Diego) are gone,” she explains. She first tuned into community efforts to support equestrian facilities when the Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara dropped equestrian use from its mission statement in 2023.
Current community concerns involving Galway Downs caught her attention, and she attended a Riverside County meeting earlier this year. At issue are proposed changes to Galway Downs’ Conditional Use Permit and a re-zoning request involving a property near Galway Downs, but not part of the facility’s 242-acres. (See separate story here.)
Lynn acknowledges she was initially opposed to the CUP revision request but changed her mind after learning the details. She encourages all to attend county and community meetings where all sides of the issue are presented…and to do our own research.
Economic viability for a property that only hosts equestrian activity is a near impossibility these days, Lynn says, echoing points emphasized in the community meeting. Property values, taxes and the cost of doing business in California are very high.
Zoned for equestrian use as part of the Temecula Valley Wine Country Plan, Galway hosts soccer and special events that make it a financially viable business. Their revenue streams have also funded improvements that put the venue on the LA28 Olympic Committee’s radar.
They also generate traffic, noise and other inconveniences, Lynn acknowledges of valid community concerns. Traffic in general is a common issue for almost all equestrian/sports venues.
“You have to acknowledge change is a part of life and that life is going to be different.” Lynn advises. “You can either stand on the railroad track with your back to the train and get run over. Or we can run to the nearest switch and influence that train.”
Speaking up at the Feb. 19 community meeting organized by Galway Downs, Lynn says she saw both legitimate concerns and lack of understanding regarding the threats to equestrian properties. With Galway Downs, “You have someone who wants to work with you (owner Ken Smith). I would strongly suggest we start talking and figuring out a workable solution.”
Too many equestrian properties have been lost to development because those trying to prevent change didn’t recognize, or declined chances, to work together toward compromises, Lynn observes.
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