Sources:  Various

Record rains in Southern California have forced horse owners to move their animals to dry land.  

In just a six-day period, parts of the region have received the equivalent of half their full seasonal rainfall which has caused floods and landslides.  Some steep canyon hillsides lost all ground cover during summer fires and the heavy rain has soaked the ground which now has nothing to hold it in place.

In Orange County, the town of San Juan Capistrano has been hard hit with creeks overflowing causing homes and trailer parks to be evacuated and damage to buildings at the Mission. 

Local horse owners are urged to evacuate their animals to one facility, the Ortega Equestrian Center, which is part of a larger emergency plan.  The Orange County Register reported that the facility is prepared to receive flood victims.  Owner Kathy Holman stated that the her farm is dry and stalls have been readied.

California governor Arnold Schwartzenegger has declared a state of emergency in several communities, and there is no indication when conditions will improve.