Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation

Existing Ridgewood Ranch Programs

Rehabilitation and preservation of Seabiscuit's Stud Barn with the Willits Rotary Club.
Planning with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to secure historic preservation easements for the historic sites at Ridgewood Ranch.
Historic walking tours with the Willits Chamber of Commerce to educate the public about the history of the Ranch.
Museum exhibit, "Ridgewood Ranch: Home of Seabiscuit," with the Mendocino County Museum.
Therapeutic riding program for special needs children with the Mendocino County 4-H Club.
Watershed conservation program with California Department of Fish and Game and the Natural Resources Conservation District of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Conservation Easement planning with the Mendocino Land Trust, including a California Department of Conservation pledge of $1 million to preserve prime farmland.
100 year sustainable forestry management plan with California Department of Forestry.
Research with the University of California on rare environmental sites including vernal pools.
A 5-acre organic Bio-intensive garden training program with Ecology Action.
A 2-acre u-pick orchard with the Butler Cherry Ranch Project.
Veterinary science and livestock projects with Willits 4-H Club.

Potential Ridgewood Ranch Programs

Restoration and preservation of the RanchÕs many historic sites, including those related to Seabiscuit, Charles Howard, and his thoroughbred operation.
Horse-related programming and events, including:

Thoroughbred Retirement Center caring for "throw away" race horses. ( Many of these horses are still exported for slaughter)
Interpretive ranch riding experiences such as a ride around the re-creation of Charles Howard's half-track.
Construction of an indoor riding arena to expand the therapeutic riding program.

Production of living history programs such as blacksmith demonstrations, butter churning and other historic ranching activities.
Creation of elementary and secondary school programs to teach children about the history of the ranch.
Establishment of an interpretive center/museum about the history and environment of the Ranch.
Development of eco-tourism program such as docent-led nature walks, bird watching, garden and farm tours, and riparian area demonstrations.
Sponsorship of educational workshops with a focus on animal husbandry, blacksmithing, painting, and photography.
Additional historical, archaeological, and environmental research projects in conjunction local colleges and California universities.