Horses were first domesticated about 3500 BC, according to the British Museum. "The adoption of the horse was one of the single most important discoveries for early human societies," notes Nigel Tallis, Exhibition Curator. "Horses and other animals were used to pull wheeled vehicles, chariots, carts and wagons, and horses were increasingly used for riding in the Near East from at least circa 2000 BC onwards. Horses were used in war, in hunting, and as a means of transport." 

Sports involving horses developed quickly; some believe the chariot races held in Roman times are the earliest documented examples of horse racing. "First presented as a ‘military test' that evolved into three distinct disciplines–jumping, dressage, and eventing–at the 1912 Olympics Games in Stockholm, Sweden, many basic riding practices were born of military applications put in place for the safety and practicality of mounted troops," according to Jessica Lefroy in Horse Sport magazine. For example, to facilitate the use of a sword, which was most often carried in a scabbard on the left-hand side, riders mounted from the left, the bight of the reins was carried on the right, and manes lay on the right so as not to impede drawing or sheathing the weapon.

"Classical dressage also evolved from practical applications. Xenophon, the Athenian general and historian who penned On Horsemanship circa 360 BC, observed horses' natural movements–collection, pirouettes, and lateral motion–while they roamed freely in a herd. It was decided that if these evasive maneuvers could be trained for use in the battlefield, a major strategic advantage would be obtained over those fighting on foot. Modern dressage later evolved as civilians developed the sport, still retaining the classical principles of lightness and impulsion."

Long Racing History

America's oldest one-mile race track, more than 150 years old, can be found in the City of Pleasanton at the Alameda County Fair. The current Museum on Main exhibit called The Home Stretch: Horse Racing at the Fair, which runs until July 30, offers a historic look at the importance of horse racing locally. The area's connection to horse sport can be found beyond the region as well. Consider Alma Rossall, a Pleasanton resident who won the "powderpuff derby for feminine riders" while riding a horse called Relief at the famed Mexican racetrack Agua Caliente in 1942. 

More recently, in the early 1990s, Shelley Lee Riley trained horse Casual Lies to race in all three legs of the American Thoroughbred Triple Crown–The Kentucky Derby, The Preakness Stakes, and The Belmont Stakes–while living and stableling her horses in Pleasanton. "Casual Lies holds the highest finishing position for a horse trained by a woman in the history of the Kentucky Derby," according to Riley. The accomplishments of this historic trainer have been profiled in a variety of publications, including Sports Illustrated.

Many Choices

It is easy to learn to ride, take dressage lessons, stable horses, and enjoy the physical and mental benefits of horse riding on one of the many equestrian-friendly trails thanks to the rich equestrian resources available in the Tri-Valley. The horseback riding resource page from the East Bay Regional Park District, for example, offers helpful information about Equestrian Parks within the district, such as Livermore's Del Valle Regional Park. It also provides information about horse camping, riding lessons, and day camps available within the district. An online brochure from Visit Tri-Valley details 10 trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians.

Beginners who want to learn to ride, or more experienced riders seeking to polish their skills, have no shortage of options. A mere sample includes Livermore's Billing Equestrian, which is owned and operated by an award-winning equestrian who offers services to both dressage and western students. Double Hearts Riding & Rescue, also in Livermore, offers lessons, an apprentice program, horse clinics, volunteering, a 4H horse program, summer camps, and birthday parties. 

Five Star Equestrian is a private Hunter/Jumper and Equitation school located at Five Star Stables in Danville. Sarah Vernlund and Tom Hall established Pleasanton's Highland Stable in 1992, "to provide a safe and comfortable environment for horseback riding," according to the owners. In addition to lessons, a spring break camp and several summer camps are held there each year. Horizons East Equestrian Center "offers the finest in care for Hunter/Jumper performance horses and their riders," according to its managers, and is located on the border of Pleasanton and Livermore. 

Locals who own one or more horses but not a stable can rest easy thanks to the expert and convenient places that care for horses. One example is Cayetano Ridge Equestrian Center, a private training facility in Livermore that also boards horses. Another, Pleasanton's Iron Horse Equestrian Center, calls itself "the East Bay's leading luxury horse boarding center." 

As Winston Churchill famously put it, "There's something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." In fact, the American Heart Association lauds the health benefits of riding. Thanks to Tri-Valley resources, both residents and visitors have access to the beauty, benefits, and pleasures of a variety of horse sports. 

For more information about the Museum on Main exhibits, please visit www.museumonmain.org/exhibits.html.

For more information about horseback riding in the East Bay Regional Park District, please visit www.ebparks.org/recreation/horseback-riding. 

To download Visit Tri-Valley's digital brochure with equestrian trails, please visit visittrivalley.com/2015/01/trails-of-tri-valley.

For more information about Billing Equestrian, please visit www.billings-equestrian.com. 

For more information about Double Hearts Riding & Rescue, please visit doubleheartsridingandrescue.com.

For more information about Five Star Equestrian, please visit www.5starequestrian.com. 

For more information about Highland Stable, please visit www.highlandridingstable.com. 

For more information about Horizons East Equestrian Center, please visit www.showstables.com. 

For more information about Cayetano Ridge Equestrian Center, please visit www.cayetanoequestrian.com/index.html. 

For more information about Iron Horse Equestrian Center, please visit ironhorse-eq.com.

Image courtesy of Pleasanton’s Museum on Main (image cropped for publication).