92 February 19, 2015
Cooperation between local horse groups and the City of San Marcos results in cross-over activities with non-horsepeople, such as this Horse Heritage Festival at Walnut Grove Park last October where hundreds of residents got to learn about—and ride—their horse neighbors.
Valley of Rediscovery S
Since its early days as a Spanish rancho, horses have been part of this North San Diego County town’s fabric. They still are—in exciting new ways.
by audrey pavia for the horsetrader
AN MARCOS—Times are challenging for horse people in desireable places with natural beauty, accessiblity and
a perfect climate. Competition for land and local government attention can be brutal as population increases while available property does not. Some California horsetowns are see- ing a reduction in equine activities, and even less people owning horses within the commu- nity. But in the San Diego County town of San Marcos, horses still reign supreme. One reason for San Marcos stability as a horse community is the dedication of horse
people within the Twin Oaks Valley, the northernmost section of town. Equestrian properties line the nearly 10-mile long Twin Oaks Valley Road, and are thriving.
Horsey Past San Marcos’ equine roots go back to the Mission era, when the San Luis Rey Mission lands occupied much of Northern San Diego County. The fathers of the mission raised livestock and came to have 2,000 head of horses, which grazed the rolling hillsides. The land changed hands several times aſt er the Mexican government took over the
Horsetown Highlights: San Marcos
• Population: 89,387 (2013) • County: San Diego • Avg. High Temp: 75° F • Avg. Low Temp: 55° F • Avg. Annual Rainfall: 16 inches • Elevation: 590 feet
• Median Home Price: $471,000
• Popular Horse Activities in Town: Horse shows of every discipline; trail riding
• Compelling Horsetown Features: Walnut Grove Equestrian Center; City of San
Marcos Recreational Trails; Twin Oaks Valley Equestrian Association; Los Vallecitos Riders; Vallecitos Spurs Gymkhana Club; world- class trainers in a variety of disciplines; Deer Springs Equestrian
California missions. In the early 1860s, Major Gustavus French Merriam, a pioneer from Topeka, Kansas, homesteaded 160 acres in the northern section of the Twin Oaks Valley. Here he produced wine and honey. German and Dutch immigrants soon
followed, and the fi rst town in the area was established just south of the set lement. Called Barham aſt er the man who founded it, the town boasted a post offi ce, blacksmith, feed store and weekly newspaper. In 1887, the San Marcos Land Company purchased nearly all the land in the area and divided it into tracts. The hamlet of Barham soon became
Horsetrader photo
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