In The Pipeline:

“I screamed.�

That’s how Marina High School junior Lauren Delcoure said she reacted when she got the news that she’d won the first annual Huntington Beach Independent/In The Pipeline essay contest I announced in March.

Lauren was answering a question posed by KOCE-TV anchor Ed Arnold who, along with co-host Ann Pulice, interviewed Lauren and I for an edition of their local news show, “Real Orange.�

Show producer Maria Hall-Brown was kind enough to arrange the appearance as part of what the winner got to experience.

The other thing the winner gets, naturally, is that their essay runs in this column (it follows in a moment).

As I said on the show in response to a question, I thought this writing competition would be a good way to create an opportunity for an up-and-coming writer.

I was about 17 when I first saw my name in the paper for writing a piece, and I think it’s something you never forget.

Of everything I received in the competition, I felt Lauren’s was the standout for several reasons. She revealed something interesting about the city. Her fact-gathering was solid.

She conducted a good interview and also took good photos of her subject to complete the package.

Lauren likes many different types of writing, including journalism, fiction and playwriting, and I’m glad she entered her story.

Please help me congratulate her for her efforts, and I look forward to developing this competition in the next year to include middle school and college-age writers.

Great job, Lauren!

“Trailblazing in Huntington Beach�

By Lauren A. Delcoure

Huntington Beach is the proud home of many wonderful activities. From catching some waves at our gorgeous beach to watching Hollywood’s latest blockbuster hit at Bella Terra, our city is one buzzing hub of excitement.

But there’s something fantastic here that you will want to know about, and it’s at 18381 Goldenwest St: the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center. Horses are beautiful animals that have been used by our ancestors for farming, aid in warfare, transportation, therapy companions and now — more than ever before — fun.

The Equestrian Center is home to 400 horses, and it is a real treat for Huntington Beach to have this opportunity to experience all that horses have to offer. Are you unsure of what to do with the family over the weekend? A guided tour on the trails is the perfect opportunity for your family to spend an hour or two on the back of a horse, enjoying the outdoors and learning something new and incredibly special about your city.

I spoke with the Assistant Manager Heidi Ryder. Having worked at the center for five years, she runs it, overseeing boarding, feed changes and the like. She has been riding for about 20 years and working professionally with horses for about 15. It’s not a surprise that working with the horses is her favorite part of the day.

You have to be at least 7 years old to go on the trails or take a lesson, and to do so will most definitely be a powerful highlight in your child’s life. The center hosts birthday parties, horse shows and even weddings.

“It’s a great aspect of the city and one of the few places in all of Orange County you can do all of this,� Ryder said.

The Equestrian Center lets the people of Huntington Beach experience something so special and wonderful, and you don’t have to drive hours inland to do it. The sheer grace and beauty that a horse emits is an impressive sight to behold for all ages. Horses can teach us so much. They allow people to experience life in its most natural, beautiful setting.

It would be a shame for people who don’t know about the Equestrian Center to never discover it — like a pirate that never finds the treasure chest. The benefits of getting to know the city’s horses are endless.

Few others can boast that they’ve ridden a horse just mere miles from the tranquillity of the beach. Huntington Beach should be proud to have access to such extraordinary creatures. Much like Seabiscuit in the Match of the Century, success is assured. The center has so much to give to us, and even in this economy, reasonable prices. The adventure of a trail ride is just $55 away and the knowledge gained from a lesson is priced $60 to $70, depending on the trainer. This summer, take the reins and feel how fabulous it is to ride into the sunset.

You can visit the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center online at www.hcpec.com.

CHRIS EPTING is the author of 17 books, including the new “Huntington Beach Then & Now.â€� You can write him at [email protected] .