Begun
in 2005 by two Woodsiders driven to preserve the equestrian
landscape of their community, the Woodside
Day of the Horse has become one of the Town's largest draws
and a major Annual event for both seasoned riders and those
interested in learning more about our hoofed friends.
With 335 riders on a Progressive Trail Ride on the roads and
trails of Woodside , and over 1200
in attendance at the Horse fair located near the
Woodside Town Hall, the 2010 event
was the largest ever, despite the recession!
"We
were thrilled to see the number of riders increase over 20%
overall counting 187 newcomers among them. If all riders
from the previous six years show up for our Seventh Annual
affair in 2011, we'll have close to 900 hundred participants
on the roads and trails of Woodside!"
said event co-chair Fentress Hall. What better way to raise
awareness for the horse than an abundance of riders stopping
traffic and turning heads in the community?
And let's not forget the Horse Fair that caters to families
and those looking to know more about horses and the various
equestrian related activities and services in the area. "Our
'Back in the Saddle' program, designed to encourage those
retuning to riding, had a lot of interest this year," states
Donna Poy, event co-chair. "50 people have expressed an
interest in riding again, and that's 50 more potential horse
owners and ambassadors for the horse in the area. We need
that to keep the culture vibrant and alive."
The event is organized by the Woodside-area
Horse Owners Association (WHOA!) and brings in critical
funds for horse-related causes in the area. Donations to the
community total $56,000 to date, and include $27,000 to the
Folger Stable renovation project, $16,500 to trail building
and maintenance, $3,500 for Large Animal rescue equipment
and $5,000 for the Veryl Goodnight sculpture now in downtown
Woodside.
"Without the Day of the Horse, WHOA! could not have assisted
with those important projects" continues Hall. "But it has
become a huge event that relies on the generosity of
hundreds of sponsors and a cadre of volunteers who assist
throughout the year to make the event possible. It really
'takes a village' in this case, and our volunteers are
essential, otherwise the funds raised would go towards
operating expenses."
The Seventh Annual Woodside Day
of the Horse will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2011.
Perhaps you would like to join in the effort and FUN in
making a difference in a vibrant equestrian community in the
Bay Area for generations to come. You can participate as a
Volunteer, Rider on the Progressive Trail Ride, or as a
Sponsor. Simply email
whoa94062@sbcglobal.net or visit the WHOA! website
at www.whoa94062.org
to find out more. |
