Teri Alasantro
San Marcos, CA – The Horse Heritage Conservancy, in partnership with the Twin Oaks Valley Equestrian Association, proudly announces the return of the 20th Annual Horse Heritage Festival and Ride & Stride on Sunday October 18, 2026. This family-friendly fundraiser will be held at one of San Marcos’s favorite gathering places, the Walnut Grove Park from 10:00 a.m.to 2:00 p.m. horse lovers, families, and
community members are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day of equestrian traditions, activities, and community spirit.
This year’s celebration is especially meaningful in honoring “The Year of the Horse”. For generations, horses have represented freedom, strength, grace, and the enduring bond between people and nature. Their hoofprints along local trails and sacred landscapes are more than traces left behind; they are reminders of a living lineage and a legacy built through trust, partnership, and shared experience. The day kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with the Ride & Stride, a scenic trail ride or walk, and welcomes participants of all ages. Riders, walkers, and their (leashed) four-legged friends are encouraged to wear festive Halloween costumes. The participation fee is $30.00 to ride or walk, and the $100.00 VIP level includes a complimentary lunch ticket and an entry into the prize drawing. All participants receive a commemorative 20th Annual Horse Heritage Festival t-shirt. Branded baseball caps will be available at the event for the very first time. A classic cap with unmistakable equestrian spirit.
For more information or to register please visit: https://www.keepitequestrian.org/ride-stride-2026
Participants can purchase coffee from Rise & Brew and lunch from Richie’s Burgers.
Don’t forget to grab your raffle tickets for a chance to win some incredible prizes! Highlights include gift certificates for luxury hotel packages, Mary’s Tack and Feed, Jersey Mikes, Back 9 Golf, In-N-Out Burger, Jimbos, Trader Joes, Mr. Taco #2, Baker and Olive, Soapy Joes and Chick-Fil-A. Other items include (2) premium, high-performance Melin hats and fun filled gift baskets from Friends of San Marcos, Ninja Factory and Sky Zone. You won’t want to miss out!
Following the Ride & Stride, the park’s historic Williams Barn will provide a stunning backdrop for the Horse Heritage Festival’s entertainment. The Temecula Cowgirl Equestrian Team will lead off the festivities with a patriotic flag ceremony and thrilling horseback riding drill choreographed to music.
The crowd is in for a real treat as the afternoon comes to a close with this year’s headliner, award winning singer, songwriter Judy Taylor. The gifted performer is sure to energize the crowd and bring everyone to their feet with her powerful music, authentic Western skills, and a larger-than-life stage presence. Whether she’s singing a heartfelt ballad, spinning a lariat, or showcasing the artistry and traditions of the Old West, Judy Taylor delivers a one-of-a-kind experience. Her performance celebrates the freedom, adventure, heritage, and enduring spirit of the American frontier. She can’t be missed!
Other activities include getting your picture taken at the TERI Campus of Life Farmyard Photo Booth, facepainting and picking out your pumpkin. The Frontier Games with Rockin’ L&D Ranch are always a fan favorite filling the arena with kids of all ages eager to have fun and to meet Bunny the miniature horse.
There will be stick horse, barrel racing, pole bending and obstacle course for all ages. There will be prizes for participation. The San Marcos Fire Department will have a truck on display and share valuable information about the importance of fire safety, maintenance, and evacuation procedures.
The San Marcos Historical Society invites you to admire and shop a stunning collection of quilts created by talented members of our community —and enjoy some delicious desserts along the way.
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. For more information or to register please visit: https://www.keepitequestrian.org/ride-stride-2026
Thank You to Our Sponsors. Without the vital support of our sponsors, our success would not be possible. Allen’s Wrench, American River Inn, Back 9 Golf, Baker and Olive, Belly Up Tavern,Big Frog T-shirts and More, BizSoup Talk Radio,California Horsetrader,Flagship Cruises & Events, Friends of San Marcos, Hollandia Dairy, In-N-Out Burger, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Jimbos, Kahoots, Lakehouse Resort, Mama Cat Crafts, Melin, Ninja Factory,Pala Band of Mission Indians,Pathfinder Farm, Oceanside Adventures,Pacific Manufactured Homes, Platinum Performance, Raising Cane’s Chicken, Richie’s Burger, Rockin L&D Ranch, San Dieguito Equine Group,San Diego Premier Outdoor Design & Construction, San Marcos Fire Department,Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Soapy Joes, TERI Campus of Life, Vallecitos Water, Wylde Horses and Therapeutic Riding Facility.
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.
We’re excited to carry this momentum forward and continue celebrating the legacy of the horse all year long!
