Marin Horse Council Celebrates the Equestrian Community on August 22!

Please join us at special event that honors outstanding awardees and supports Marin Horse Council continue its important work advocating for equestrian barns and trail access. At this event you’ll learn more about the historic barns and volunteers who manage them, an outstanding farrier, and the historic ranch where this event takes place.  Here’s a taste…

Marin Stables (MS) and Marin Stables and Trails (MST), is recognized for its preservation and maintenance of the  historic stables built in 1937. The barn, tucked into a canyon in Fairfax, serves as an example of horse boarding at a public facility. Through volunteer leadership and boarders, programs like Hanging with Horses, community give-back through day-to-day welcomes, special events and programs like the Fairfax Parade, Fall Fiesta, and Toy Drive, the community connects with horses in a semi – urban environment. MS actively cultivates a positive relationship with the Marin Water, their landlord, and partners in the maintenance and broom busting of key hiking and equestrian trails. This would not be possible without the volunteer management of Karen Hannah and Kathy Risso, the MS staff, equestrian coach and the MST Board.  Because of their combined efforts, Marin Stables remains a viable operating boarding facility, equine ambassador and a window into the history of horses in Marin!

Ocean Riders (OR) at Golden Gate Dairy (GGD), another historic barn, is recognized for the facility’s historic preservation and sustainable maintenance.  GGD, built in 1898, has required ongoing perseverance and passion from Ocean Riders who partners with GGNRA to ensure this unique facility continues. They also provide on-going education to the public about horses as people hike, jog, bike and drive by on Shoreline Highway. In addition, GGD offers a great therapeutic program, Equinicity Marin, which helps people de-stress in nature and connect with horses. The volunteer leadership of Maureen Pinto and her daughter, Jess Pinto, now President of the Board, are the driving forces that keep Golden Gate Dairy operating as a viable horse boarding facility. Through their commitment to environmental sensitivity, educational outreach and adherence to GGDs historical roots, this unique barn continues as an important experience in Marin’s history.

RT Goodrich is recognized for his outstanding farrier and educational work that have made such a difference to so many horses and the broader community. R.T. supports many equestrian organizations, including MHC. For his clients, he applies both traditional and cutting-edge shoeing techniques to young and old horses alike, often helping horses with Laminitis walk again. His horse, Sid, the “Wonder Horse”, is a bonus, as Sid is an exceptional horse ambassador. R.T. always makes time to bring Sid to MHC educational events, such as the Marin County Farm Day and the Marin County Fair, where even exploding rockets don’t disturb Sid! RT regularly teaches classes at Santa Rosa JC and other venues, and travels the country and Canada, sharing his skills and knowledge to help horses and teach other farriers.  R.T.  is truly a hero to our community and the horses!

Pacheco Ranch Winery ”Situated in eastern Marin County, the winery site was originally part of an 1840 Mexican land grant to Ignacio Pacheco and since then, has been continually occupied by his descendants. The neatly terraced vineyards and historic winery are located on 70 acres in the North Coast Viticultural Area of California’s famed wine country. As such, the vineyards of Pacheco Ranch enjoy ideal climatic conditions, influenced by the San Francisco Bay and are similar to the Carneros District of Napa Valley. Pacheco Ranch annually creates approximately 800 cases of hand-crafted wines in their small, modern winery.” You’ll taste some at the August 22 event!