SAN MARCOS — Carolyn Read, who rode her passions for horses, agriculture and historical preservation to a legacy for generations to come, has passed away on her ranch home of 63 years, her family said. She was 92.
In 1979, Carolyn blended her publishing background with her lifelong love for horses and created the California Horsetrader. She served as publisher until 1990 when she sold the business to her son, current publisher Warren Wilson.
“She is, and will be, profoundly missed. She was a difference-maker who had many gifts — her character, her abilities, her tenacity,” Wilson said. “She had an artist’s eye, a businesswoman’s mind, and a strong heart for her land and everything on it, especially her horses. Her opinions were strong, and so was her care and commitment to everything she loved. “
Her equestrian life ranged from serving in the volunteer mounted patrol at Cuyamaca State Park , to competing in the NCHA show pen, to breeding her Ward Ranch-bred performance horse stallion, Nic Chex (Reminic x Bueno Chex Kaweah). Her participation in community affairs over her lifetime included local efforts — like assisting fellow San Marcos residents in establishment of Walnut Grove Park in her beloved hometown — and to regional and national participation, like serving on committees of the National Reined Cow Horse Association.
But perhaps her biggest contribution to building statewide community in the horse world was California Horsetrader magazine. At a time when other publications published monthly, California Horsetrader came out twice a month, restocking shelves for avid readers. Carolyn’s marketing acumen and attention to detail was on display as the magazine grew, and her sense of community played a role in the magazine’s contribution to growth of the horse industry.
Carolyn is survived by her four children, Wynne Wilson, Robin Wilson, Bill Wilson and Warren; five grandchildren: Nile Wilson, Case Wilson, Lillian Wilson, Wyatt Wilson and Karina Wilson; and two great-grandchildren, Read Wilson and Rory Wilson.
A private family service will be held in early May, with a public celebration of life at the end of the month. In lieu of flowers, Carolyn encouraged friends to consider making a donation to Richland Heritage, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit that she co-founded in 2023 to preserve her historic, 14-acre San Marcos ranch for generations to come, offering educational programs in four heartfelt areas: equestrian, historic preservation, agriculture and undisturbed wildlife habitat.
If you would like to learn more about Richland Heritage or its programs, please email director@richlandheritage.org.
If you would like to submit tribute or memory of Carolyn, please comment below.
NOTE: This is a developing story and will be updated.
May 2nd, 2025 at 2:11 pm
I am heavy-hearted to hear about Carolyn’s passing. I still remember her clearly from my brief time at The California Horsetrader back in the ’80s. I picked up some skills there that I still use today. So many memories are coming back now… the stories, the friends and co-workers, the horses just outside the door, and the office cat who always made the rounds. Carolyn created something truly special, and I feel lucky to have been a small part of it.
My heartfelt condolences to all the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Amy
May 2nd, 2025 at 7:28 pm
Warren, I am so sorry to hear this. Your mother was a remarkable woman in so many ways. She leaves a tremendous legacy. You and your family are in my thoughts.
May 3rd, 2025 at 1:51 pm
My condolences to your family on Carolyn’s loss.
The California Horsetrader is a special publication and was my first job after college in the 1980s. Carolyn was always nearby the office and was a mentor and inspiration to many of us. She was a successful horsewoman and businesswoman who made great inroads in the industry. I’m grateful for my time there with the close-knit team, working on her creation.
I have never forgotten a compliment she gave me one day—I carry it with me to this day.
Sending warm thoughts to the family and may her legacy live on for years to come.
Much love, Maureen
May 4th, 2025 at 8:35 am
I didn’t get as much time as most to work among her in her golden years, but she was an astounding motivator and hustler though every season. No task is ever too small to do the best you can. That’s the best way I can describe what she showed me. I love you, Carolyn.
May 4th, 2025 at 6:16 pm
I remember Carolyn Read very well I use to place adds in the Horsetrader and would sometimes pick up a copy there. She was one of the nicest people I knew. My condolences to her family. She will be greatly missed.
May 5th, 2025 at 12:13 pm
I’m sorry to hear that Carolyn is no longer with us. She was a huge part of our lives when we opened our little training ranch in San Marcos in 2010, until we left the area in 2014. We’ve enjoyed short visits with her since then when we were in the area and she never ceases to surprise us with her fresh ideas and inspiring thought, (and always a glass of Chardonnay!). I’m so happy to hear her homestead will be preserved for future generations to enjoy, I know that was so important to her! We will be in SoCal at the end of May and hope to make it to her celebration of life.
May 8th, 2025 at 6:49 pm
To Warren and family, so sorry to hear about Carolyn, I just found out so I came here. Special lady, she always reminded me of my independent, take charge, horse loving grandmother. On a side note, we had a good laugh when we bumped into each other at Costco a few years back where she pretended to trip me, LOL! It was classic Carolyn :D May she rest in peace.