The open lands and ranches keep the equestrian life galloping on in Marin.
Of course, you can see a hill covered in horses from the highway. It makes sense, and yet, I am charmed and thrilled every time I drive past Horse Hill. This glorious site, seen from the 101, is a pasture community of fourteen horses that connects Central Marin. The horses are privately owned, and the space is leased by Alto Bowl Horse Owners Association. Climb to the top of Horse Hill Fire Road for incredible views dotted with horses. Remember to give these amazing creatures plenty of space. Learn more about the space and its history at horsehill.org.
Then there is Blackie, a horse that was so epic, there is a pasture and statue in his honor! A beloved local, who could be seen when driving to and from Tiburon. Blackie lived to be 40 years old and was a retired military horse with a distinct sway back and a whole lot of swag! Read more about him in Blackie, the Horse Who Stood Still and at the Tiburon Peninsula Foundation’s website.
Morgan Horse Ranch is home to horses that serve and protect. They patrol the Point Reyes National Seashore and assist with seal and tule elk counts. The ranch started 50 years ago as a centralized breeding program for the National Park Service. The last filly was born in 1999. Now, Morgan Horse Ranch focuses on supporting the National Seashore and education. Folks can visit, learn and volunteer at this Marin gem. For more information, visit the following sites:
To learn more about horses, check out these great books from the library:
Photo Credit: Photographer unknown, "Blackie, Greenwood Beach" [Tiburon, CA], undated. Anne T. Kent California Room, Marin County Free Library. 2052.001.006
Contributed by Laura Kennett, Corte Madera Staff
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