The Morgan Horse Ranch is celebrating its 52nd anniversary with a celebration 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 25 in the Bear Valley Visitor Center area.
Point Reyes National Seashore announced the event will include riding and horseshoeing demonstrations, knot tying, rope throwing and more, according to a June 20 news release. The family friendly celebration is free and open to the public.
"We are very excited to share this celebration of the Morgan Horse Ranch," Park Superintendent Craig Kenkel said in the news release. "Thanks to our park fundraising partner, Point Reyes National Seashore Association, the park has been able to make many improvements to the ranch this past year including new fencing and new saddles. This is all part of the park's efforts to revitalize the program and highlight its important role in park operations."
Morgan Horse Ranch provides programs for breeding and training horses for the National Park Service, according to the ranch's page on the service's website. Morgan Horse Ranch was dedicated in 1970 with help from the Northern California Morgan Horse Association. At the time, two mares were donated and a select breeding program was established with stud services provided by private owners.
"At its height, the ranch maintained a herd of approximately 35-40 horses and bred 73 horses over the life of the breeding program," the webpage said. "As foals were born, mature animals trained at the ranch were transferred to other parks. For many years, classes were also held at the ranch to train park rangers in horsemanship."
The website reported Morgan Horse Ranch is open to the public seven days a week with staff and/or volunteers usually present 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Interpretive exhibits at the ranch also provide information about the history of the ranch, Morgan horses and how the horses were trained.
Morgan Trail runs parallel to the paved road and behind the horse pasture. The nearby Woodpecker Trail, a shorter, more kid-friendly hike ends behind the Morgan Horse Ranch.
