SAN MARCOS — The role of horses in the City of San Marcos dates back to 1797, and the Twin Oaks Valley Equestrian Association intends to play it forward for future generations.
More than 125 supporters attended TOVEA’s 20 Anniversary Aug. 3 at Walnut Grove Park, celebrating two decades of local equestrian advocacy and their cumulative accomplishments that have led today’s thriving horse community. For their contributions, volunteers and sponsors past and present were recognized, including California Horsetrader founder Carolyn Read, a 62-year San Marcos equestrian who passed away in April at age 92.
San Marcos today offers one of only two public horse arenas in San Diego County, Walnut Grove Park Equestrian Center, and its city-sponsored trail system and local training barn community comprise a unique environment for enjoying the equestrian lifestyle.
TOVEA, which will hold its monthly meeting Sept. 22 at Walnut Grove Park, has its largest community event scheduled for Oct. 19: the 19th Annual Ride & Stride and Horse Heritage Festival. For more info, see the ad on page 9 or visit the TOVEA website at https://keepitequestrian.org.
According to local historical accounts and legends, the area now known as San Marcos (“Los Vallecitos de San Marcos,” meaning “Little Valleys of Saint Mark”) was encountered by Spanish soldiers in 1797. They were pursuing Native Americans suspected of stealing livestock from Mission San Luis Rey. While fleeing, the Native Americans escaped into the hills, and in the process, the soldiers came across this fertile valley. Because it was St. Mark’s Day (April 25) when the valley was discovered, it was named accordingly.
MORE ONLINE: https://keepitequestrian.org
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