Marines to close San Diego base stables

SAN DIEGO, April 2 (UPI) -- Horse owners say they are stunned by the decision to shut down the historic horse stables at the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego.

The Marines say the use of the stables, which have been around since 1956, has dwindled and they require about $1 million in repairs.

"This just came totally and completely out of the blue. We're all kind of shocked," Stephanie Brown, a spokeswoman for Save Our Stables, told The San Diego Union-Tribune Thursday.

The organization asked the Marines for some time to develop a new operating plan for the stables.

The newspaper said about 50 active and former military members stable 96 horses at Miramar, which is located on the northern outskirts of the city and is home to Marine helicopter squadrons. The riders can access about 2,000 miles of riding trails from the base.

The stables are appealing because they are offered at discount rates and, as one owner said, folks there will look after the horses belonging to servicemen and woman while they are deployed overseas.