By Jill K. Robinson, Special to The Chronicle
San Francisco Chronicle January 9, 2011
It may have started with a plastic pony collection when you were a kid, a trip to the races or a ride along the beach. Whether we’re lured to the wild spirit of the mustangs of the American West or the sweet draft horse in the petting zoo, the sleek animals have a strong and dedicated fan club. Are you a member of the horse-crazy gang? Here are five places where you can feed your equine addiction.
1. Ridgewood Ranch, Willits
If you were a racehorse, where would you want to retire? This ranch in a green valley with two creeks is where Seabiscuit spent his post-racing life – from 1940 to 1947. Owner Charles Howard even constructed the Depression-era icon’s stud barn within view of the family home. Walking tours of the ranch include visiting the stud and mare barns, seeing Seabiscuit memorabilia and hearing stories about the famous racehorse. 16200 N. Highway 101, Willits. (707) 459-5992, www.seabiscuitheritage.org.
2. Looff Carrousel, Spokane
This hand-carved wooden carrousel has lived in Spokane since it first began operation in 1909. The original 54 horses (with real horsehair tails), one tiger, one giraffe and two dragon chairs are still making their rounds for children and adults alike. Choose which brightly painted, jeweled figure to ride, but don’t forget to look for the richly carved details in the other animals. 507 N. Howard St., Spokane. (509) 625-6601, www.spokaneriverfrontpark.com.
3. Dahana Ranch, Kamuela, Hawaii
Go to the Big Island of Hawaii to hang out with paniolos on a horseback ride through the open country, a cattle drive, or a long roughrider getaway weekend. Native Hawaiian owned and operated, the ranch and its rolling hills are home to American Quarter Horses and Brahma bulls. Cowboy up and see a different side of the Aloha State on horseback. (808) 885-0057, www.dahanaranch.com.
4. Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch, Solvang
The quickest path to get your kids squealing for joy is a visit to the Quicksilver Miniature Horse Ranch. Packed with miniature horses (not ponies) the size of large dogs, the ranch has visiting hours seven days a week for fans to get up close to the tiny stars. Be careful – the kids’ requests for a puppy may evolve into a desire for a mini. 1555 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang (Santa Barbara County). (805) 686-4002, www.qsminis.com.
5. Hotel Cheval, Paso Robles
Smack in the middle of downtown Paso Robles (San Luis Obispo County), Hotel Cheval is a haven for the horse-lover. Rooms are named after horses and everywhere you look, equine decor is elegantly worked into the details. Retire in the evening to the hotel’s Pony Club wine bar, which features a Paris-style zinc bar shaped like a horseshoe. 1021 Pine St., Paso Robles. (866) 522-6999, www.hotelcheval.com.