Shadow of a horse on a grassy field with trees and hills in the background under a clear blue sky.

Our Story

HISTORY

Portuguese settlers first built the stables in 1870 as a dairy farm. They were once part of a huge ranch, and cattle grazed over thousands of acres in what is now the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Today, the Tennessee Valley Stables Foundation covers a little more than 7 acres.

Silhouette of two people riding horses under a large leafy tree.

Our Partnerships

the National Park Service

Tennessee Valley Stables Foundation operates in partnership with the National Park Service as the current stewards of this historic land. Our partnership helps protect this special place and keeps it open to the public for hopefully many generations to come.

Miwok Equestrian Center

Miwok Equestrian Center is a family run riding school with a deep commitment to providing the best care for the horses and a positive environment for the people who want to learn from them. If you are interested in learning how to ride please reach out to MEC directly through their website.

Together we protect and care for the horses, land and buildings, serving our local community and visitors from around the world.

Historic BuilDINGS

Person riding a horse at a rural farm with trees and hills in the background.

Ranch Bunk House

This building housed ranch workers for over 80 years and remains an active private residence today. It sits tucked along the creek, one of the most beloved landmarks on the property. Work to preserve it is ongoing. Please respect the privacy of the current tenants.

A group of people gathered outdoors near a barn, socializing and enjoying a community event, with a table of food and drinks.

Red Carriage Barn

Once used as a carriage house and garage by the last dairy ranchers on this land, the red barn fell into disrepair over the years. It was restored through a collaboration between TVSF volunteers, Chico State students, and the National Park Service. Today it hosts community gatherings, fundraising events, and summer camp for kids.

Board of Directors

We are a volunteer run group that deeply values the connection between horses, humans and the natural landscape.

A woman wearing a black helmet, sunglasses, black jacket, and riding gear, sitting on a gray horse with a black mane on a dirt trail in a countryside setting with shrubs and rolling hills.

Jessica Nenner

A woman in riding gear holding a red and white lead rope next to a brown horse with a white blaze on its face, outdoors on a sunny day with trees and a fence in the background.

Michelle McGill

A woman with long dark hair taking a selfie with a black and white horse outdoors in front of a red wooden barn and trees.

Ramesh Allen

A woman wearing a hat, black top, and beige riding pants standing outdoors with a white horse on a leash in a fenced area with hills and trees in the background.

Susan Schultz

A middle-aged man with light brown hair and a friendly smile, wearing a striped collared shirt and dark blazer, outdoors with a house and trees in the background.

Eric Rice

A woman riding a brown horse in a grassy field with hills and trees in the background.

Mirja Tague

A woman with curly gray hair wearing sunglasses smiling next to a brown horse outdoors in a grassy field with trees and hills in the background.

Rosey Lakos

A smiling man in sunglasses holding two colorful lorikeets in a lush outdoor setting.

Larry Reed

We are always looking for more volunteers to help us bring our mission to life and help us fundraise for preservation.
Please reach out if you would like to get involved.