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Humans owe a lot to horses. Dogs may be man’s best friend, but no other animal has enabled human endeavors more than the horse. Ever since Homo sapiens got the bright idea of domesticating these strong, agile, highly intelligent and sensitive creatures over 6,000 years ago, horses have been relied on for transportation, cultivation, hauling, herding and waging war.
In the industrialized world, the role of the horse has changed from what it once was, but they continue to enrich our lives and contribute to our economy in other important ways. Among other things, horses are the foundation for a wide range of recreational sports and activities and in recent years, they have become recognized as highly effective partners in multiple kinds of physical, mental and occupational therapies. Recent theories on longevity have even posited that aspects associated with living with equines (time outdoors, stress reduction, regular exercise and community) can add 10-15 years to a person’s life.
Woodside, with its mild climate and accommodating landscape, has been a haven for horses and the people who love them ever since the area was discovered by San Franciscans looking to escape the grit and chill of the city. In contrast to the rest of the Peninsula, the town and its environs remain the only place where horses are both part of the landscape and a key part of the daily life of many of its residents.
That any trace of equestrian culture and rural ambience survives at all in the middle of a metro area is remarkable. The fact that it does is due in large part to the foresight of the founders of the town of Woodside and a group known as WHOA!, the Woodside-area Horse Owners Association. Formed in 2000, the organization is dedicated to protecting the equestrian legacy and to educating others on the importance of the horse in modern life.
In 2004, recognizing that the presence of horses was key to preserving the unique rural ambience enjoyed by all town residents, the town declared that the second Saturday of October would henceforth be known as “The Day of the Horse.” With that, a small group of WHOA! volunteers organized the first official celebration, inviting local equestrians to participate in a progressive trail ride through the town.
Fast forward 20 years and Day of the Horse has expanded to three days of community-wide activities, all of which are endorsed and supported by the town and organized by an army of WHOA! volunteers. The events are complex and multi-faceted, taking months of preparation and hundreds of volunteer hours. According to Anne Van Camp, co-chair of the WHOA! Steering Committee, “Every year, we want to create a unique experience for all participants, and it really does take a village — a horse village!”
The theme for this year, “Looking Back, Galloping Forward,” is an opportunity to reflect on how much the group has accomplished and provides a glimpse into the future.
To date, WHOA! has contributed over $400,000 to various local projects through proceeds from the Day of the Horse, including the Folger Stable renovation, Town of Woodside trails, Woodside Junior Riders, Large Animal Rescue, scholarships, riding lessons and therapeutic riding opportunities for all ages.
About their achievements, WHOA! co-chair, Fawni Hill, said this: “We feel this has been an excellent investment in the future of equestrian activities in Woodside.”
Kicking off this year’s Day of the Horse is the opening reception on Friday, Oct. 11, from 6-9 p.m. at Woodside’s Independence Hall, 2955 Woodside Road. The party offers a chance to meet, greet and reminisce while enjoying live music, food and drinks. “Our opening reception will focus on this rich history, offer happy memories to all attendees, and recognize the dedicated people who had the original vision,” promised Van Camp.
On Saturday, Oct. 12, the town’s trails will be populated with horses and riders participating in the Progressive Trail Ride with entrants invited to try for a win in the Costume Contest. Contestants can pick the theme of their choice from previous years such as “Super Heroes” and “Saturday Night at the Movies.” Winners will be announced at the After Party at the Horse Park from 3-6 p.m. The Horse Park, at 3674 Sand Hill Road, is also planning to show the documentary, “Hoof Dreams,” at 6:30 p.m.
For more on costume themes go to: whoa94062.org/trail-ride.
The route for this year’s ride has been updated to include different, less traveled areas of the town and offers the unique opportunity to explore the perimeter trail of The Horse Park. Stops along the route allow riders and horses to pause, accept a treat or two and have their costumes admired. Riders may traverse as much or as little of the route as they choose but everyone manages to pass by Buck’s. (The BLT sandwiches offered to participants might be a factor.)
Sarah Rivers oversees the ride and says, “This is a chance to show our participants how terrific the Woodside trail system is. I love seeing riders enjoying our beautiful trails.”
The ride is a fundraiser for WHOA! and is the only event out of the three days that requires entrants to pre-register.
The Family Fun Horse Fair will be held on Sunday, Oct. 13, from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Woodside’s Town Hall. It has become one of the most popular events of Day of the Horse, attracting hundreds of families each year and introducing the next generation to the joys of equine companionship with pony rides, face painting and an array of activities, information booths and demonstrations.
In honor of Day of the Horse, the Woodside Community Museum is featuring a special equestrian exhibit of historic photographs, memorabilia and a timeline of Woodside’s equestrian history. The museum is located in the restored Matheson Farmhouse near Town Hall and will be open Sunday during the Horse Fair hours.
Day of the Horse. Oct. 11-13. Website: whoa94062.org.
