
ECWC Benefit Show for
CSHA Region 5 Gymkhana
Join us for the 2021 Stampede!
Check in at 7am
Show starts at 9am
Click here for ECWC liability release
Click here for CSHA liability release
JOIN US!
We want to encourage you to join our club in 2021. We truly hope to keep our organization open for you, your family and
your horses... forever ! NEW: You can now pay for your membership online, go to our membership tab above!
ECWC ARENAS ARE OPEN
BEFORE DRIVING TO ARENA, OUR MEMBERS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO ALWAYS
Check our calendar to see if there is a special event, weather requires closure OR arenas are closed due to CV19 restrictions
Questions? email VP@ecwc.org You must be a 2021 arena member to ride your horse at will in our beautiful arenas. Go to the membership tab above for more info about joining the ECWC or email our membership Chairperson Sue Howell at
Membership@ecwc.org Questions about riding in the arenas? Comments? Please email our Vice-President Therese Caples at
VP@ecwc.org or call 925-939-2929
Vice-President: Therese Caples
Welcome to the Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek!
Thank you for visiting our website. The Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek is located in the back of Heather Farm Park. If you take a left at the dog park, you will find us. We are small but mighty and we hope you will help us to keep the Equestrian Center open for many years to come.
Many are not aware that Heather Farm was actually a thoroughbred racehorse training facility, back in the 1920's. But, as they say, times changed and sadly the facility was closed. The good news is Heather Farm Park was opened to the public in 1970 by the city of Walnut Creek and the Equestrian Center was built by the efforts of local equestrians and volunteers.
One can only imagine what it was like in the 1920's with horses all over Heather Farm. Now, the only part left in Heather Farm related to horses are the 2 arenas. By the support of donations, members and volunteers, it has been kept open.
Heather Farm is a wonderful open space, with so many things to enjoy. There is a swimming pool, tennis courts, picnic areas, community center, Skate Park, volleyball court, fishing pond, nature pond, six athletic fields, a dog park, The Gardens and the Equestrian Center. There are restrooms and a connection to the Iron Horse Hiking Trail.
The Equestrian Center, which we consider the best part of Heather Farm, is run by a non-profit organization with the main purpose of keeping the 2 riding arenas maintained and open. We welcome any support, donations and would especially love you to join us by becoming a member. The more members we have, the bigger effect we have in the community to keep the Equestrian Center open. You do not need to have a horse to join the Equestrian Center; you only need to have the love of horses in your blood.
We have many events throughout the year and all are welcome. Admission is always free for spectators. If you check our calendar page, you can make plans to come and watch the next event, there are bleachers to sit on and a restroom, so all in the family will be comfortable. We have a great Snack Shack, full of tasty treats. So you not only get to enjoy watching the horses, you also get great food to go with it.
We love to educate our members and the public about horses. Horses can do so many wonderful things, and for some reason, they are kind and willing enough to let us do it with them. They are not only magnificent to look at but they are also kind and gentle if treated correctly. You do not need to ride them to enjoy them. Just the sight, smell or touch of these creatures can bring a smile to the old and young.
What can you do to help us keep the arenas open and to keep horses in Heather Farm? You can become a member, come to our events, volunteer with us for the events or help us maintain the arenas, buildings and immediate surrounding areas. Please go to our membership page to find out how to join. Of course we love donations as well. If you have money to spare, we have things to fix or replace!
We do not stable horses onsite and we do not give trail rides. If you go to local barns and trainers on our site you will find places that do. We do rent out our arenas for showing and events. Please go to arena rentals on our site for more information.
If you join you will make new friends, you will become more social, and best of all you will be helping us keep the Equestrian Center open for the future. Thank you for visiting, and please spread the word, there are horses in Heather Farm.
Written By Gaye DeRusso, Past President ECWC
Professional Photos and Videos on our Website are courtesy of
Bill Grant, https://www.youtube.com/smallbullproductions
Alan Myers http://www.amfoto1.exposuremanager.com
Andreas Koch http://www.akdesigninc.com/
Michele Nelson http://www.nelsonpics.com/
We had another fantastic work day for the 2019 Walnut Creek Community Service Day (picture from 2017). Thanks to everyone who helps us keep the ECWC riding arenas in great shape! Click here to see Walnut Creek TV's video footage shot at a past service day event at ECWC!
Join us for our
Wonderful World of Horses Series
Learning about horses, breeds and riding
Saturdays Mornings
June-Aug
(2021 dates and events TBA)
10-11 am at the ECWC Arenas in #heatherfarmpark
To see an example of one of our 2020 World of Horse Demos go to the ECWC Facebook Page to the videos section to see the video from Aug. 1st. Goldie Schnitzer and her gorgeous horse, Rory, performed Dressage movements to a Patriotic program of music and demonstrated Natural Horsemanship through love, language and leadership.
The Olympic sport Dressage began in 1912. It comes from the word training in French. It’s purpose is to strengthen and supple the horse while maintaining a calm and attentive demeanor. Each test and progressively difficult levels makes the horse and rider achieve the goal of musical ballet.
Dressage is based around principles of the Imperial Spanish Riding School of Vienna est. in 1572.
PLEASE, WHEN YOU COME TO THE ARENAS:
Wear a Mask and Social Distance,
thank you!
These events are generally available via facebook live, for more information about this event click here to go to our facebook page
RSVP via World of Horses tab above.
The Contra Costa County Fair 2020 Horse Show has been cancelledin Brentwood, CA . CCC Independent Youth, 4-H and FFA Youth who show in it in may qualify to compete at the California State Fair!How do you get involved? Read on...!Youth can participate in the County Fair show as independent exhibitors, or by joining a local CA 4H Club (there are 9 clubs in Contra Costa County!), or the Future Farmers of America.Registration for 4-H and FFA are held in September at the beginning of the school year.OR call 925-939-2929 for more info!
ECWC wants to thank
for the Amazing Vet Clinic & BBQ they held at the ECWC arenas on Sat Nov 9th!
Hosted by Jamie Textor, DVM
Also:
Farmyard Darlings
Premier Equine Center