Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek Visits City Council

From ECWC: Twenty-five passionate horse enthusiasts stood up at the July 5, 2017, Walnut Creek City Council Meeting to support the Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek at Heather Farm Park. On hand were
equestrians in riding attire, Members of 4H, Pony Club, San Ramon Valley Horsemen’s Association and California State Horsemen’s Association, empty nesters new to horses, lifetime horse owners and lovers, and even ECWC’s youngest member who just turned four and napped through the open mic speeches.

Speaking on behalf of the ECWC was Jane VanderWerf, a decade long club member who is show manager for 9th Annual English Western Show in September as well as Webmaster and Social Media Chair. “The Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek was incorporated in 1968 and we are responsible for maintaining two riding arenas in Heather Farm Park for the horse and pony lovers of Contra Costa County,” said Jane who is also the Club’s former President and Board Member.

“As our charter states, the Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek serves more than just our immediate community: We have hosted the Contra Costa County Fair horse show, our arenas have served as an emergency home for horses during the Morgan fire. In addition, we provide space for police drills and ham radio
operator practices as well as the Seven Hills annual Civil War reenactment. It is a lovely, serene place…right here in the heart of Walnut Creek.”

Next year, the Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek will celebrate sixty years of service to Walnut Creek and on behalf of East Bay Horse Enthusiasts, VanderWerf asked the Walnut Creek City Council members to add the riding arenas to the Master Plan for Heather Farm Park. Also speaking on behalf of the ECWC was uniformed

member of East Bay Regional Parks Mounted Patrol Elizabeth Hudson, and equestrian Valerie Sterling, who spoke of a lifetime of enjoying the center and her desire to share it with her grandchildren. ECWC member Andrew Turnbull stood up holding his napping granddaughter clad in boots-and-jeans to the smiles and
chuckles of the City Council members.

“We recently received well over 100 responses to an online survey and learned that 75% spend over $6,000/year for each horse they own, more than 1/3 spend above $12,000/year, and two thirds of their purchases are local. Horse owners are solid taxpaying citizens supporting our local businesses!” explained VanderWerf. “The top three items survey respondents value most about the Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek are local riding, local shows, and preserving the history of Walnut Creek.

Jane quoted long time member, Shane Doherty, “Pay attention Walnut Creek. Pay attention to the outstanding cities of the world: New York has Central Park; San Francisco has the Polo Fields and the Equestrian Facilities in Golden Gate Park.” Encouraging the Council members to solidify plans to keep ECWC at Heather Farm, VanderWerf implored the members “Don't rush to destroy what is very, very special right here. Let Walnut Creek keep its Equestrian Center.”

For more Information: www.ecwc.org

ECWC membership does not require Horse ownership and many members are not horse owners. Over the years, lesson riders, spectators, and horse owners have enjoyed the Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek and want future generations to enjoy it too. Non-rider social members pay $10, Arena members who bring and
ride a horse pay $60 for Youth, $70 for 18+, or $80 per family annually.

Contact www.ecwc.org for suggestions about trainers, barns, and organizations that offer lessons and opportunities for beginners. Come enjoy family-oriented equine sports focused on physical fitness, outdoor activity and healthy relationships at the Equestrian Center of Walnut Creek.

Photo courtesy of ECWC (Clockwise from top left: MiaTerry & Hannah Nilsen, CaraRubin, and Kaysie Li Roth – allECWC riders - were on handfor the City Council meeting.Below: other horse enthusiastsalso in attendance.)