(Woodside, CA) June 17, 2019 – Celebrating 15 years of equestrian festivities, the Woodside-area Horse Owners Association (WHOA!) is expanding their traditional Woodside Day of the Horse celebration into three days of equestrian activities, Friday – Sunday, October 11 – 13. Now more than ever, there’s something for everyone, equestrians and not-yet equestrians alike.
Woodside Day of the Horse is a fun-filled celebration of the unique equestrian heritage of Woodside and the extraordinary contribution horses make to the quality of life throughout San Mateo County. It is made possible by a public-private partnership of Woodside-area Horse Owners Association (WHOA!), The Town of Woodside, Woodside Community Foundation, and the generous support of sponsors and volunteers. Proceeds are used to fund equestrian projects and programs throughout Woodside and San Mateo County. This weekend of equestrian celebration attracts nearly 2,000 people to Woodside each year on the weekend of the second Saturday in October.
Opening Reception & Art of the Horse – Friday, Oct. 11
An evening of fabulous equestrian art and exceptional wine kicks off a weekend of celebrating everything about horses in Woodside and the surrounding area, at the Woodside Town Hall on Friday evening, October 11, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, at a wine and cheese reception.
“Art of The Horse” is an equine art exhibition for all ages that celebrates the beauty and nobility of the horses in our lives. Open to all Bay Area residents, awards will be presented in two age categories, over 18, and 18 and under, during the reception on Friday evening. Artwork must be the artist’s original design, and may be in oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, pen and ink, graphic and charcoal, colored pencil, photography, sculpture, miniatures, or mixed media, as long as the artwork celebrates the horse.
Trail Ride & After-Ride Party – Saturday, Oct. 12
During this remarkable trail ride, which draws participants from all over California for one of the most unique trail rides in the Western United States, riders enjoy a glimpse of rural America right in the heart of Silicon Valley, while local residents enjoy the sight of riders costumed according to each year’s unique theme.
This year, it’s “Super Heroines and Heroes” so you can expect to see some truly fantastic costumes on horses and riders alike. The trail ride is held on Saturday, October 12, from 11 AM to 3 PM. Following is the “super” after-ride party from 3 to 5 PM at the Woodside Mounted Patrol Grounds with live music, food, non-profit and equestrian exhibitor booths, and equestrian arena entertainment.
Horse Fair for Everyone – Sunday, Oct.13
At the horse fair on Sunday, October 13, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Woodside Town Hall, there’s equestrian fun and information for everyone in the family, with hands-on experiences for riders and those who have yet to mount a horse. Children enjoy pony rides, listening to a horse’s heartbeat, and equestrian crafts. Adults wanting to get “Back in the Saddle” will find information on local riding programs and lessons at the BITS booth. And there’s much more, including the perennial favorite: rides in an authentic Wells Fargo Stagecoach.
