Keeping the love of horses alive in our community.

1921 • John Marchbank, a wealthy gambling hall owner, purchased the Sulphur Springs Ranch (previously owned by Ygnacio Sibrian).

Marchbank converted the ranch into a thoroughbred training facility that eventually became the most important horse-breeding farm west of the Mississippi, raising dozens of champions. He named his ranch Heather Farm after his champion stallion, Heather King. The Spanish-style mansion he built still stands as the St. John Vianney Catholic Church rectory. The City acquired 50 acres of the farm and combined it with five adjoining acres donated by Phil and Ruth Bancroft to create Heather Farm Park.

1931 • Film actor Clark Gable filmed scenes for the MGM feature movie Sporting Blood at Heather Farm.

1970 • The Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek was built.

Due to the foresight and efforts of a group of local equestrians, the center was constructed. James Naviaux, DVM thought it was a good idea to conduct a course in horse husbandry for interested people in the Walnut Creek area. The overwhelming popularity of the class awakened residents to the need for more facilities for local equestrians.

1969 • There were nine clubs and 130 members in the Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek.

T.W. “Cap” Carrithers was President of the California State Horsemen’s Association in 1967-68 and the first President of the fledgling ECWC organization. Through fundraising and many volunteer work parties, the ECWC was launched.