Day of the Horse events Day of the Horse events (October 05, 2005)

Tour the trails, pet a pony or take a ride in the Wells Fargo stagecoach at Woodside's Day of the Horse, on Saturday, October 8, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

The free festivities include a horse fair at Town Hall, 2955 Woodside Road, and a progressive trail ride through town.

Trail riders will be provided with maps and are eligible for goodie bags, snacks and prizes. There will be treats for horses as well as riders, like baskets of apples and a wheelbarrow full of carrots, at various points along the ride, which runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Riders can collect stickers along the route to qualify for prizes.

Riders who have not pre-registered should go directly to the Mounted Patrol grounds, located at 521 Kings Mountain Road.

About 200 people are expected to participate in the ride, and anyone arriving on horseback or with a horse in a trailer is encouraged to go directly to the patrol grounds, said Fentress Hall, one of the organizers. Pedestrians should head for the horse fair at Town Hall, she said.

There are a number of children's activities at the fair, including an equine petting zoo, bobbing for apples, taking a picture with a pony and decorating cookies.

Local horse clubs and riding programs are hosting information booths and there will be live music by The Press.

Wells Fargo Bank is hosting a hot dog barbecue, and the town is offering a carrot cake and apple juice social in Independence Hall, hosted by Cashin Co.

Blessing of the horses ceremonies are set for 12:45 and 2:45 p.m. at Mounted Patrol grounds.

Goodie bags are only guaranteed for the first 150 riders who sign up for the trail ride, said Ms. Hall. Numerous local businesses donated products for the goodie bags and prizes, she says. "Our sponsors have been incredible," she says.

The Woodside History Committee has organized an exhibit on the role of horses in Woodside that spans more than 200 years. The exhibit will be on display at the Woodside Community Museum, across from Independence Hall.

The Day of the Horse is organized by the Woodside-area Horse Owners Association (WHOA) with the participation of the town of Woodside. For information call 851-2667 or send e-mail to whoa94062@sbcglobal.net.

OTHER EVENTS

** Barn dance. Saturday, October 8, will be an eventful day in Woodside. The Woodside Barn Dance at the Runnymede Sculpture Garden is set for that evening, following the Day of the Horse events. For information, call the Woodside Recreation Committee at 851-3534 or go to WoodsideRec.com. ** Fire station. Starting the day is a pancake breakfast and open house at the Woodside fire station to raise funds for the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy. Breakfast will be served at the main station, 3111 Woodside Road, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the open house lasts from 8 a.m. until noon. For tickets or information call 851-2271.

E-mail a friend a link to this story.