SAN MARCOS — What do you get when you mix community spirit, hard work and good fun? How about a $10,000 fund-raiser for equestrian facilities during tough economic times?

That’s what the Fifth Annual Poker Ride In Stride event in San Marcos proved Oct. 9 at Walnut Grove Park.

More than $10,000 was raised at the event for the Walnut Grove Park arena during the Horse Heritage Festival and San Marcos Trail Day featuring pony rides, petting corrals and much more — including the poker ride/walk for equestrians and hikers. The event was spearheaded by the Twin Oaks Valley Equestrian Association and overseen by Patti Morton of Pathfinder Farm.

The winning team rode for Los Vallecitos Riders and took home the grand prize, and Natalie Muirhead on her Thoroughbred, “Freddy”, won the second-highest hand.

Morton thanked the many sponsors of the event, including Equitage Horsecare, Custom Saddlery, R Hay and Grain, V-Spurs, Legoland, Gambling Cowboy Chophouse and Saloon, Cenote Grill, Mad Art, Purina, City of San Marcos and Ultra Star Cinemas for providing prizes totaling $1,500 for the highest and second-highest hand of the day.

“The Horse Heritage Festival was a huge success and a good time was had by all,” said Morton.