After undergoing significant upgrades and improvements over the past two years, Folger Stable is ready to let its hair down and show off how good it looks.
Therefore, the Bay Area Equestrian Connection (BAEC) - the concessionaire tasked by San Mateo County to run the equestrian facilities at Folger - is inviting all to a special Community Day event coming up on Jan. 19 in honor of the new-and-improved facilities.
"Folger Stable is really starting to shine," said Dan Byrum, BAEC's CEO. "BAEC is proud of the work they have managed to complete with San Mateo County, and are eager to share the improvements, as well as present the trail, and the English, Western and children’s riding opportunities now available to the general public."
The Community Day event, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., will feature trail rides for $20, pony rides for small children for $5, and light refreshments. Tours of the property, including specific barn tours for those interested in potentially boarding their horses at Folger, will also be held at noon and 2 p.m.
Visitors on Community Day "will get a glimpse at a thriving facility that is welcoming to the public, including those who just want a periodic adventure with a horse," Byrum said.
Among the recent upgrades to the historic equestrian facilities are new turnouts, staging areas for trail horses, lunging rings, and arena and drainage improvements, Byrum indicated.
In addition to public boarding for up to 30 horses, Folger also offers guided trail rides, spring and summer camps for children, and, for the first time ever in the property’s 100-year history, Western riding lessons are now open to the public.
"I am proud that we now offer easy, safe and affordable access to horses for everyone to enjoy. That is especially true given the many challenges involved in getting to this point," said Byrum. "I had a magnificently renovated main stable to work with, but the rest of the property needed a lot of work to make it safe for our clients and their horses."
"After two years, we have really reached a milestone, having created a sustainable community equestrian operation," he continued.
Byrum said he expected support in upgrading the facility from local nonprofits, but until recently, much of the capital investment has been borne by BAEC. But, Byrum said his love of horses and desire to be part of local efforts to preserve horse habitats in areas where it they are rapidly dwindling kept him focused.
"BAEC, with help from San Mateo County, has worked hard to be able to welcome everyone to experience the horses, beauty, and history at the Folger Stable in Wunderlich County Park," Byrum said this week.
As preparations for the Community Day event got underway, BAEC representatives said, "San Mateo County’s best-kept secret is about to be uncovered."
THE DETAILS:
WHAT: Folger Stable Community Day event
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Folger Stables, Wunderlich County Park, 4040 Woodside Road, Woodside
CONTACT: For more information, call 650-529-1028, e-mail info@folgerstable.com or visit www.folgerstable.com.
Don’t miss a thing in Redwood City and Woodside! Get the FREE Patch newsletter each morning. Register here .
Into social media? So are we. Join us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Want to share your opinions with the communities of Redwood City and Woodside? Start your own blog here.
