Here’s another great Art of the Horse piece created back in 2017 for the Breeders’ Cup, which was held that year at the Del Mar Racetrack. This sculpture, a life-size replica of the Breeders’ Cup trophy, is titled California Harmony. It’s by artist Tish Wynne.
Painted on the racehorse are colorful coastal scenes full of crashing waves, running horses, birds, flowers and ocean wildlife. You can find California Harmony in Solana Beach, on Highway 101 in front of The Boardwalk retail and office complex, a bit south of Estrella Street.
Several years ago I photographed five other Art of the Horse fiberglass sculptures. (There were 20 unique pieces painted for the Breeders’ Cup.) You can see those horses here and here!
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I saw today that the Balboa Park Carousel is receiving new paint and some much deserved love!
The historic 1910 Herschell-Spillman carousel has been out of operation for most of the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the idle time is being well spent. The Friends of Balboa Park have already applied new coats of paint to various elements of their carousel, including much of the structural framework that holds the wooden horses and other carved animals.
You can see in the second-to-last photo how recently painted parts of the Armored Horse like the saddle appear brand new. All of the animals will get the same treatment!
Want to read some Fun Facts concerning this carousel? Visit this page!
I’m told the Balboa Park Carousel will reopen eventually–the timing depends on the future course of the coronavirus pandemic in San Diego.
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You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
State Park ranger Richard “Dick” Miller and Codi. Photo courtesy Richard Miller.
A couple weeks ago I wrote about a mysterious horseshoe and plaque at the top of some stairs at the Old Town Transit Center. The small monument memorializes Codi, Old Town’s Favorite Horse. (See my blog concerning the horseshoe here.) I asked whether anybody remembered Codi, and I’ve subsequently received photographs and a little information!
I learned that Codi was the horse of Richard Miller, who patrolled Old Town San Diego SHP as a mounted state park ranger. Richard “Dick” Miller retired in 2001 and came back to Old Town for another 12 years as an interpreter. He also started the group known as TRVEA, the Tijuana River Equestrian Association.
Codi and Dick Miller patrolled both Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and Border Field State Park. Codi was a Morgan grade horse who weighed 1400 lbs, and when he passed he was about 22 years old.
After Codi’s passing, the horseshoe monument was made possible by the Old Town Transit Center contractor’s inspector, who had become a friend of Dick Miller.
Do you recognize Codi in these old photographs? If you have lived in or visited San Diego, perhaps Codi has a place in your memories, too!
Codi and Dick Miller at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Photo courtesy Richard Miller.
Codi and Dick Miller at the 1985 Sandcastle Parade in Imperial Beach. Photo courtesy Richard Miller.
Painting of Dick Miller riding Codi in front of the Casa de Estudillo in Old Town San Diego, by artist Miguel Chavez. Photo courtesy Richard Miller.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Perhaps someone out there remembers Codi, Old Town’s Favorite Horse. I can find nothing about Codi when I search the internet.
This horseshoe with its plaque is likely noticed by very few people. It was placed inconspicuously at the top of some steps that lead under the train and trolley tracks at the Old Town Transit Center. These particular stairs aren’t often used.
I’ve lived in San Diego about twenty years, and I stumbled upon this horseshoe memorializing Codi just this afternoon!
Was this metalwork created at Old Town’s blacksmith shop?
Did Codi live in the corral beside Seeley Stable, where donkeys reside today? Did Codi provide rides or participate in parades? Are there photos of Codi?
Next time I see an Old Town San Diego State Historic Park ranger, I’ll try to remember to ask about Codi.
If you know anything, everyone would love reading your comment!
UPDATE!
Mystery solved! I now know the history of the horseshoe, and have posted photographs of Codi. To learn about Codi, click here!
CODI. January 1974 – November 2, 1995. Old Town’s Favorite Horse.
UPDATE!
A couple months later I noticed the bit of graffiti had been cleaned away, so I took another photo…
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Many have reported seeing Wild Horses running loose in Vista, California. The small herd tends to gather near West Broadway, on the grass right next to the Vista Village Creek Walk!
I saw this amazing public art today during a long walk around historic downtown Vista. Wild Horses is a grouping of outdoor sculptures by Ricardo Breceda. They were created in 2016.
Ricardo Breceda is best known for his creation of over 130 metal sculptures in Borrego Springs, which is located in the Anza-Borrego Desert east of San Diego. Large creatures abound, including dinosaurs, desert scorpions and bighorn sheep. Probably his most famous sculpture is a 350 foot sea serpent that swims through the sand!
I enjoyed looking at many cool sculptures during my walk through Vista today, but Wild Horses was easily my favorite. From a distance the rusty steel horses appear so lifelike!
A nearby plaque provides a quote: …the old timer told of wild horses running from the hills to the ocean every spring with their young…
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
Talented floreador Miguel Bautista performs rope tricks in Balboa Park during Cinco de Mayo!
Today was the first time I’ve gone to a big, festive Cinco de Mayo celebration in Balboa Park. What fun!
In the early afternoon I wandered down El Prado to absorb the general flavor of the event, but I spent most of my time watching cultural performances in the Plaza de Panama. The day’s highlight in my opinion was the noontime equestrian parade and rope handling entertainment.
I’ve included some fascinating info in my photo captions!
The festive 2018 Cinco de Mayo celebration in Balboa Park was the scene of great pageantry and life today!
Many traditional Mexican costumes, crafts and entertaining activities filled the Plaza de Panama.
Ballet folklorico dancers with the community group La Fiesta Danzantes de San Diego entertain a crowd in Balboa Park during Cinco de Mayo.
Buoyant traditional Mexican music is provided by City Heights Mariachi, an ensemble that welcomes all ages. They are actively seeking trumpet players!
Many people in diverse and colorful garb were in the audience.
The noon Equestrian Procession is entering the Plaza de Panama! The group is called Escaramuza Charra las Golondrinas.
Riders on horseback wear various traditional costumes. The caballero carrying the American flag is in the gala dress of a charro.
Circling in the Plaza de Panama so that all can enjoy.
The equestrian group’s floreador performs elaborate rope tricks for the crowd.
Great agility and showmanship on display.
Performing more amazing rope tricks up on the back of his horse!
This cool lowrider was out in the plaza. It’s a 1958 Chevy Del Ray Sedan Delivery painted with flames!
Several Balboa Park museums and organizations had tables in the plaza where kids could create Cinco de Mayo-themed artwork.
Many food trucks were lining El Prado!
When not on the main stage, City Heights Mariachi did some more entertaining along El Prado.
At one o’clock there was a Traditional Dress Showcase with models wearing regional attire from different Mexican states.
The various traditional Mexican dresses were from the Olga de la Vega private collection.
I believe this was said to be a dress from the Michoacán region. The shawl is an important aspect of the attire–it is used to send social signals.
Dress from the Mexican state of Guerrero, if my notes are correct. Images in the fabric include flowers and jaguars.
Abundant color and pageantry filled the Plaza de Panama during the 2018 Cinco de Mayo celebration in Balboa Park!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
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Hang On To Your Hats! Art of the Horse, created by artist Daphne Gaylord.
Breeders’ Cup racehorses are running down a street in Del Mar–and through several nearby cities, from La Jolla to Cardiff-by-the-Sea!
These horses–fiberglass sculptures to be precise–are life size versions of the Torrie Horse used for the Breeders’ Cup Trophy. Each one has been painted by a local artist and placed along a stretch of coastal San Diego County for the upcoming event, which will be held on November 3 and 4 at the Del Mar Racetrack. The project is called Art of the Horse. There are a total of 20 statues.
I’ve spotted four more Breeders’ Cup horses racing down Camino del Mar, south of the racetrack!
Milliner’s Joy. Art of the Horse, created by artist Robin Raznick.
Banner proclaims that The Best Are Coming. The Breeders’ Cup will be held at the Del Mar Racetrack in 2017, November 3-4.
La Mare De La Mer. Art of the Horse, created by artist Nancy Fraser.
American Flag. Art of the Horse, created by artist Vincent Dalmaso.
Hang on for the ride of your life! The Breeders’ Cup is coming to Del Mar in less than two weeks!
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A Wells Fargo stagecoach takes a turn around La Plaza de Las Armas in San Diego’s historic Old Town.
Here come photos from today’s Trades That Shaped the West event, which took place in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park!
A wide variety of demonstrations drew curious visitors to a cluster of tents in the park’s grassy plaza. Early San Diego in the 1800’s was completely different from our modern city of gleaming skyscrapers. In many ways, life back then was both simpler and more difficult. Many household objects that are manufactured today were crafted using raw muscle and sweat. Most ordinary tasks were neither easy nor automated.
One hopes that historical reenactments like this continue for generations, so that people don’t forget the unique and meaningful lives of our ancestors.
You might notice this isn’t the first time I’ve blogged about this annual event. I’m so fascinated by San Diego’s history, I decided to experience Trades That Shaped the West again!
Stagecoach Days is celebrated every Saturday in Old Town during the summer. There’s a different themed event every week!
Aspects of frontier life were reenacted today in Old Town San Diego. Visitors watch as a stagecoach passes by!
History comes to life during Stagecoach Days in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. There’s a different theme each Saturday in July and August.
Many fascinating demonstrations could be viewed by the public at the Trades That Shaped the West event today.
Young and old alike watched two blacksmiths at work with an anvil and small forge.
A wheelwright explains his craft. To make wagon wheels required great skill. Like cars today, wagons were an important part of life in the 1800’s.
The bent metal band tyre would be expanded with heat, then contracted using cold water once carefully placed around the wooden wheel.
We take laundry machines for granted today. Years ago in the Old West, cleaning clothes required a whole lot more work!
Irons, washboards and other objects from daily life generations ago were on display.
These ladies were weaving baskets. Basket-weaving is said to be the oldest of all human crafts.
The local Native American Kumeyaay would use willow baskets to protect their gathered acorns and other food from insects.
This portable green forge is being used for the first time. The handle turns a belt which operates an air blower. I recognized this blacksmith from the Fall Back Festival in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter.
Local blacksmith hobbyists created all the items you see here, including the ornamental snake (which took about an hour and a half to make) and the huge padlock!
This crafty gambler tried to entice me into playing a game of chance. Nice try!
A gentleman had a table containing old tintype photographs. He also had antique cameras on display that were used for daguerreotype photographs.
A new wheel is being produced by several wainwrights, trades people who craft and repair wagons and carts. These guys belong to the California Historical Artillery Society.
A variety of useful tools on their table. Many look familiar today.
The members of the California Historical Artillery Society were attending the annual Trades That Shaped the West event for the first time.
Sign shows average blacksmithing prices in the mid 1800’s. The prices were much higher in Northern California during the Gold Rush.
These guys also had a traveling battery forge, used by the Army long ago. Today they are often used in Civil War reenactments.
I noticed that a snake oil salesman had drawn a crowd!
An old lady with a bad case of lumbago was eager to try Dr. Montbank’s Tonic Elixir.
I’m not sure it helped much.
A guitar, a fiddle, and a bottle. These frontier musicians were getting themselves ready to provide a bit of Western entertainment.
Visitors to Old Town were walking in front of the Colorado House and enjoying a sunny San Diego weekend.
Look what’s coming! These pack animals have transported the mail all the way from San Antonio!
The Overland Mail Delivery arrived exactly at one o’clock!
I guess this would qualify as Ground Mail.
The small Old Town encampment excitedly greets the four-legged mail carriers.
Mail is handed out to many of the event participants!
These creative young folk are too busy writing their own letters to notice.
An educational reenactment of history was enjoyed today in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of fun photos for you to share and enjoy!
Cowboys on horseback drive cattle down Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego. They are promoting this year’s San Diego County Fair.
This morning there was a big cattle drive through downtown San Diego!
Huh? What?
It’s true! About 200 head of cattle were driven by cowboys on horseback and herding dogs down Harbor Drive, then up Fifth Avenue, then back west along Market Street. The intention of this unusual spectacle was to promote the San Diego County Fair, whose theme this year is How the West is Fun!
I followed along much of the way! Here are some photos!
At Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, police escorts gets ready for the big cattle drive!
The 2017 theme for the San Diego County Fair, which opened yesterday at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, is Where the West is Fun.
Excitement mounts nearby as the cattle drive is about to get underway.
A temporary corral set up by Ruocco Park contained about 200 head of cattle.
Here they go, starting down Harbor Drive!
Lots of cowboys on horses and some excited herding dogs start the cows along the street.
Hundreds of people lined the sidewalk to watch the unusual spectacle. It seemed like the Old West was being relived in San Diego!
The downtown cattle drive will head along Harbor Drive, turn north up Fifth Avenue, then head back west along Market Street.
You don’t see this every day!
Neither does this city dog! What is going on?
A guy in a crazy cow costume gets a photograph of the cattle drive.
Cowboys keep a close eye on the cattle as they head along San Diego’s waterfront.
Not your ordinary Saturday morning in the big city!
Skyscrapers in the background. The cows didn’t seem to notice.
The cattle drive heads past the San Diego Convention Center. So does a jogger.
The downtown cattle drive has turned onto Fifth Avenue. Here they come!
Cowboys ride under the famous Gaslamp Quarter landmark sign.
The Gaslamp hasn’t seen so many cowboys on horseback in a good century and a half!
The cattle are driven up Fifth Avenue into the heart of San Diego.
Folks ride in a wagon that promotes the 2017 San Diego County Fair – Where the West is Fun!
A rather unusual sight proceeds north up through San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter.
The Old West has come back to life in downtown San Diego!
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