The Day of the Horse event in Woodside, California is one of my favorite horse events. When I saw this year’s date, I coordinated our travel so we could be in Woodside to join in the fun. Elaine was totally on-board. She had never done this type of event before. I invited our daughter-in-law, Rose, and grandson, Zane, to join us. Rose rented a truck and used our stock trailer, to bring her horse, Boone, to the event. Boone is a Drum horse. Rose was repeatedly asked during the ride what type of horse Boone is. I rode Elaine’s horse, Chuck. Elaine rode Lennox, because he has been really forward and we needed to keep him at a walk for the trail ride. Zane rode Mercy.
Prior to the ride, we had Zane ride Mercy in the arena to make sure he could control Mercy well enough on the trail ride. It’s a fairly easy ride and we would be riding single file through the town of Woodside. Zane had to be able to walk, turn, and stop Mercy.
The ride is basically trick or treating on horseback. Riders and horses in costume ride from table to table through the town of Woodside. Each table has treats for the horses (horse cookies, carrots or apples) and treats for the riders (cookies, pastries, and water).
This is a very well organized event. Each year they have a theme. This year’s theme was The 60’s and 70’s, so we wore matching tie-dye tops. I had a creator I use on Etsy make the happy face medallions for each horse. I kept our costumes simple this year because we were traveling.
Overall, the horses did well. This was Boone’s first time at this type of event and he didn’t get spooked by all the excitement and took everything in stride.
I am so glad I was able to do this ride with Elaine, Rose, and Zane. It really is a fun event. If you have never done it and live in the Bay Area, mark your calendar to try and join in a future event. It’s usually the second weekend of October.
On the other hand, Zane did not have a very good time. He bailed out on the ride when we were about 3/4 done. He was hot, tired, and hungry. So, we dropped him off at our trailer to hang with Ari, while Elaine, Rose, and I finished the ride.
While our costumes were fairly simple, some riders go all out. I am pretty sure these folks won Best Group Costume. Yes, they rode in those costumes.
Vaulting demonstration after the ride…there was a drawing between all the riders who visited all fourteen stops. Elaine and I both won. Elaine got a really nice lead rope and I got a beautiful new web halter.
That evening I wanted to show Elaine one of my favorite local restaurants. We visited Flea Street, Jessie Cool’s bistro in Menlo Park. Jessie checked in on us several times during the meal. She remains the consummate professional.
Elaine is on a gluten-free diet due to Celiac disease, but Flea Street accommodated her, even preparing some free baked gluten-free bread for her fresh out of the oven. Of course, we had to order Jessie’s signature appetizer - Purple Eggs. Eggs dyed with beet juice and filled with a curry flavored mixture. This is an upscale restaurant, but we have to splurge once in while.