Past President’s Letter
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