How Horses Saved A State Park

If you love horses, Bridle Trails State Park is the place for you. The Park sits on over 480 acres between Kirkland and Bellevue and is the largest equestrian park closest to downtown Seattle. In 2002, Bridle Trails was on the Washington State closure list due to lack of funding. Members of the Lake Washington Saddle Club formed the Bridle Trails Park Foundation and entered into an agreement with the State to fund half of the operating costs so that the Park could stay open to the public. Today, both the Lake Washington Saddle Club and the Bridle Trails Park Foundation continue to provide the State funds for improvements and maintenance.

The Ellensburg Rodeo Queen carries the Lake Washington Saddle Club flag at the Bridle Trails Foundation's annual fundraiser: "Party in the Park" on June 23, 2018 Photo credit: Jennifer Duncan

Whether you trail ride or enjoy the trails on foot, Bridle Trails State Park is still open because of a dedicated group of advocates. The Foundation and the Saddle Club also continue to host educational as well as other fun events at Bridle Trails throughout the year: the calendar of events can be found here.

In addition to events, the Saddle Club also provides an annual college scholarship to equine, environmental or forestry studies. Anyone can apply for this scholarship, you need not be a member of the Saddle Club. Applications need to be mailed by August 1st so there is still time to apply.

For more information about the organizations, click on the following links: Bridle Trails Park FoundationLake Washington Saddle Club