Our History
In 1993, Mendocino County 4-H T.R.A.I.L. was created by three young 4-H members, Erin (Livingston) Holzhauer, Aimee Swearengin, and Daniel Bartholomew. With the help of their families and 4-H leader, Jerry Caldwell, they provided therapeutic riding sessions to individuals with disabilities at Ridgewood Ranch in Willits, California, the historic retirement home of the famous racehorse, Seabiscuit.
T.R.A.I.L. later became a 501(c)(3) non-profit called “Ridgewood T.R.A.I.L. Riders Association” and expanded to also serve adults with disabilities.
In 2016, we changed our program name to “Seabiscuit Therapeutic Riding Center”, drawing from the history of the ranch and the remarkable story of hope inspired by the famed racehorse and his jockey, Red Pollard. This is an appropriate change, as we recognize the legacy of horses who inspire, support, and heal humans through our work.
For the history of Seabiscuit and Ridgewood Ranch, visit the Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation website.