Ocean Riders of Marin is a 501(c)3 organization which leases the Golden Gate Dairy Stables from the National Park Service. Our mission is to provide a safe and comfortable home for the horses, preserve the historic site and buildings, and provide outreach programs to under-resourced youth and adults who may have limited access to horses and nature. 

 

Located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, our stables provide a home to 15 horses. Less than 100 years ago, the Muir Beach – Muir Woods area was home to multiple dairy ranches, all of which employed horses for ranch work and transportation. Horses have been essential to the development of our country and elsewhere in the world, yet land for them has become increasingly constrained. We believe it is a valuable endeavor to preserve a place where horses can have a happy life and where people can have an opportunity to observe and interact with these majestic animals.

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We are a small organization with a big passion that fuels the hard work required to keep the stables running smoothly 365 days/year.  The Management team is devoted to the daily care of the horses, including their social and emotional wellness, and our Board of Directors is made up of volunteers who give their time to realize our mission in collaboration with the NPS.  Monthly Board fees go to operational costs that includes daily horse care, manure management, rent to the NPS, upkeep of premises, feed and insurance.

 

As Park Partners and lease holders of the Golden Gate Dairy Stables, we are responsible for the care and maintenance of the property and the historic buildings, including the iconic hay barn.  These projects are funded through donations, fundraisers and fees from Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy programs for individuals, groups and teams.