San Marcos, CA – The Horse Heritage Conservancy, in partnership with the Twin Oaks Valley Equestrian Association, proudly announces the return of the 19th Annual Ride & Stride Horse Heritage Festival, taking place Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Walnut Grove Park in San Marcos.
This much-loved community event draws equestrians, families, and horse lovers from all over the region for a day packed with outdoor fun, local vendors, horse performances, and family-friendly activities—all while supporting the preservation and improvement of public horse trails and arenas in San Marcos.
The day kicks off with the Ride and Stride – a scenic trail ride or walk that welcomes participants of all ages. Riders, walkers and their (leashed) four-legged friends are encouraged to wear festive Halloween costumes. Participation fee is $30.00 to ride or walk and the $100.00 VIP level includes an entry into the prize drawing. All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt. For more information or to register please visit: www.KeepItEquestrian.org/ride-stride
Following the Ride and Stride, attendees can enjoy the Horse Heritage Festival featuring interactive booths, horse demonstrations, games, food truck, and community fun for all ages. Highlights includes: the TERI Campus of Life Farmyard Photo Booth, San Marcos High School
FFA pumpkin patch, and Frontier Games with Rockin’ L&D Ranch.
The park’s historic Williams red barn will provide a stunning backdrop for performances by the Del Dios Peruvians, Angie Taylor Dressage, Temecula Cowgirls drill team, Lance Bennett Rancho Vista Show Horses, and Poway Valley Vaulters. Local favorites like Pacific Homes, Woof Gang Dog Bakery & Grooming, Friends of San Marcos, Vallecitos Water, Solana Center for Environmental Innovation, and many more will have vendor booths available, offering products, services, and giveaways. Don’t miss the chance to browse unique offerings, meet local business owners, and support small businesses while enjoying all the event has to offer. Alebriges food truck will be offering lunch and Granny’s Sweet Shop will have mouthwatering desserts.
Don’t forget to grab your raffle tickets for a chance to win some incredible prizes! Highlights includes a memorable one-night resort stay with a scenic pontoon ride, a Hugs and Hooves Therapy Session with a mini horse, an Oceanside Adventure whale watching certificate, and a
fun-filled gift basket from Sky Zone Trampoline Park and many more. You won’t want to miss out!
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Walnut Grove Park and its surrounding trails, helping to maintain San Marcos’ rich equestrian heritage and public access to safe, well-maintained riding spaces.
Thank You to our generous Sponsors. The festival is made possible thanks to generous sponsors including: Hollandia Dairy, Deer Springs Equestrian, California Horsetrader, Pala Band of Mission Indians, Allen’s Wrench, Equitage Horse Care, Pacific Manufactured Homes, San Dieguito Equine Group, Lakehouse Resort, Platinum Performance, Pathfinder Farm, Hugs and Hooves Therapy, California Center for the Arts Escondido, Valley Vet Supply, Oceanside Adventures, Sky Zone, Kahoots, George Boggs, In-N-Out Burger, Vons, Chins Restaurants, City Cruises, Cenote Grill, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Albertsons, Mary’s Tack and Feed, Ahi Sushi, Jersey Mikes Subs, and Mr. Taco #2.
About Horse Heritage Conservancy: The Horse Heritage Conservancy 501(c)(3) was formed in 2016 by the Twin Oaks Valley Equestrian Association (TOVEA). Together, both organizations work for equine advocacy and education, maintaining the trail system and horse park, and engaging all segments of the community to support local residents, equestrians, clubs, and organizations for the mutual benefit of businesses, equestrians, and rural interests. Through their public events, these passionate groups are able to keep introducing community members to the benefits and beauty of horses. Nothing compares to the wonder and curiosity that light up a young child’s face when they see a horse for the very first time.
Recently, the Horse Heritage Conservancy and the Twin Oaks Valley Equestrian Association were honored by the City of San Marcos for their outstanding contributions to our community. Mayor Rebecca Jones presented Patty Morton, President, with an official proclamation, declaring
May 13th as “The Day of the Horse” in the City of San Marcos. This special day encourages all residents to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate the vital role horses have played—and continue to play—in shaping our community’s history, culture, and spirit. We’re excited to carry this momentum forward and continue celebrating the legacy of the horse all year long!
