Tag: horses

Horses and riders gather for St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

A horse is prepared in a corner of Balboa Park for San Diego's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade along Sixth Avenue.
A horse is prepared in a corner of Balboa Park for San Diego’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade along Sixth Avenue.  San Diego Bay and Point Loma can be seen in the distance.

Here are some fun photos!

Look what I discovered this morning as I walked through Marston Point, heading into the heart of Balboa Park. Horses and riders had gathered in the southwest corner of the park and were preparing for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade! Every year the big parade heads down nearby Sixth Avenue.

Both horses and riders would be wearing green today during the parade.
Both horses and riders would be wearing green today during the parade.
Horse and rider get ready in Balboa Park's Marston Point parking lot.
Horse and rider get ready in Balboa Park’s Marston Point parking lot.
Folks dressed in cowboy attire watch the proceedings.
Folks dressed in cowboy attire watch the proceedings.
A couple of horses from Valley Center wait by a trailer for the start of the parade.
A couple of horses from Valley Center wait by a trailer for the start of the parade.
A nice smile from a rider!
A nice smile from a rider!
Law enforcement would ride in the parade, too. These two horses were wearing some green shamrocks.
Law enforcement would ride in the parade, too. These two horses were wearing some green shamrocks.
A horse and rider with fancy braids.
A horse and rider with braids and curls.
This elegant carriage would soon be watched by thousands during the big parade.
This elegant carriage would soon be watched by thousands during the big St. Patrick’s Day parade.
A rider heads across the grass of Balboa Park's lush green Marston Point.
A rider heads across the grass of Balboa Park’s beautiful green Marston Point.

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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!

San Diego history comes alive at Fall Back Festival!

Horse rides in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. One of many fun attractions at the Fall Back Festival and Historic Children’s Street Faire.
Horse rides in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. One of many fun attractions at the Fall Back Festival and Historic Children’s Street Faire.

Late this morning I walked down to the Gaslamp to enjoy the 2016 Fall Back Festival and Historic Children’s Street Faire. A very long name for a very cool event!

Before the Fall Back Festival begins, clocks are set back one hour, as Daylight Saving Time ends. When the festival begins, however, clocks seem magically set back over a hundred years! Several blocks in the Gaslamp Quarter are transformed into a scene from the Old West, complete with cowboys, horses, a working blacksmith and more! The festival provides an idea of what San Diego might have been like in the mid to late 19th century.

Every year, the family-friendly Fall Back Festival appears about the same, but that’s just fine. Each journey back in time is wonderful!

Kids rides horses, as the citizens of San Diego commonly did in the mid 1800s.
Kids rides horses, as the citizens of San Diego commonly did in the mid 1800s.
The Horton Grand Hotel rises behind a crowd of people enjoying the 2016 Fall Back Festival, an annual event that celebrates a fascinating period in San Diego history.
The Horton Grand Hotel rises behind a crowd of people enjoying the 2016 Fall Back Festival, an annual event that celebrates a fascinating period in San Diego history.
Families dressed in Old West attire had a lot of fun as photos were taken at the Fall Back Festival!
Families dressed in Old West attire had a lot of fun as photos were taken at the Fall Back Festival!
All sorts of Western hats, cowboy gear and Victorian finery could be donned at this table.
All sorts of Western hats, cowboy gear and Victorian finery could be donned at this table.
Participants in the Fall Back Festival, wearing clothing from San Diego's past. I felt like I had been transported back in time.
Participants in the Fall Back Festival, wearing clothing from San Diego’s past. I felt as if I’d been transported back in time.
A friendly hog greets somebody at the Fall Back Festival.
A friendly hog greets somebody at the Fall Back Festival.
Two ladies smile for my camera at the front door of the historic William Heath Davis House in San Diego's Gaslamp.
Two ladies smile for my camera at the front door of the historic William Heath Davis House in San Diego’s Gaslamp.
A row of shiny vintage cars on display during the popular downtown San Diego event.
A row of shiny vintage cars on display during the popular downtown San Diego event.
Many organizations had tents along Fourth Avenue, including the Friends of Villa Montezuma, which is a famous Victorian mansion in nearby Sherman Heights.
Many organizations had tents along Fourth Avenue, including the Friends of Villa Montezuma, which is a famous Victorian mansion in nearby Sherman Heights.
Fourth Avenue runs through San Diego's Chinatown, which is officially called the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. A colorful lion dancer turns heads at the Fall Back Festival.
Fourth Avenue runs through San Diego’s Chinatown, which is officially called the Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District. A colorful lion dancer turns heads at the Fall Back Festival.
San Diego's relatively brief history is remarkably diverse. An informative poster at the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum table includes several photos.
San Diego’s relatively brief history is remarkably diverse. An informative poster at the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum’s table includes several photos.
I doubt anyone produced bubbles this big over a century ago, but I might be wrong!
I doubt anyone produced bubbles this big over a century ago, but I might be wrong!
A blacksmith attracted a big crowd on Island Avenue in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter.
A working blacksmith attracted a big crowd on Island Avenue in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter.
Hammering red hot iron. A very cool demonstration at the 2016 Fall Back Festival!
Hammering red hot iron. A very cool demonstration at the 2016 Fall Back Festival!

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Joan Embery’s My Animal World at Bonita Museum.

Joan Embery appears with Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show. Carol the Elephant paints on a canvas for the national audience.
Joan Embery appears with Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show. Carol the Elephant paints on a canvas for the national television audience.

Who doesn’t know Joan Embery? As a frequent guest on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, as Goodwill Ambassador for the San Diego Zoo, and as an international spokesperson for animal conservation, Joan Embery is loved by people all around the world. She is truly a San Diego legend.

So it’s fitting that the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center is now showing an exhibition about her life and career, titled Joan Embery’s My Animal World.

It was my first visit to this museum, and I was surprised to discover such a fine exhibition. Viewing all the displays gave me a great deal of pleasure. They brought back so many San Diego memories.

These few photographs only provide a small taste of what you will see at the museum. If you’re in San Diego, you really ought to head over to Bonita and check it out. The exhibition runs through December 3, 2016.

The Bonita Museum and Cultural Center is hosting a great exhibition about San Diego legend Joan Embery through December 3, 2016.
The Bonita Museum and Cultural Center is hosting a great exhibition about San Diego legend Joan Embery through December 3, 2016.
An elephant saddle is one of many cool artifacts on display at the Joan Embery's My Animal World exhibition.
An elephant saddle is one of many cool artifacts on display at the Joan Embery’s My Animal World exhibition.
Many photos show Joan Embery through the years--in Bonita, at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, travelling the world, and on the Pillsbury Ranch.
Many photos show Joan Embery through the years–in Bonita, at the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, travelling the world, and on the Pillsbury Ranch.
Joan Embery was born in San Diego and was raised by a family who loved animals. As a kid, she never could get enough pets.
Joan Embery was born in San Diego and was raised by a family who loved animals. As a kid, she never could get enough pets.
In Junior High School, Joan Embery took horse riding lessons in Bonita. From an early age she dreamt of having her own horse.
In Junior High School, Joan Embery took horse riding lessons in Bonita. From an early age she dreamt of having her own horse.
Wonderful photos of Joan Embery with Carol the Elephant. The two became good friends when Joan worked at the San Diego Zoo. She would become the zoo's world-famous Goodwill Ambassador.
Wonderful photos of Joan Embery with Carol the Elephant. The two became good friends when Joan worked at the San Diego Zoo. She would become the zoo’s world-famous Goodwill Ambassador.
Display at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center documents a moment in the life and career of Joan Embery.
Display at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center documents a moment in the life and career of Joan Embery.
Ms. Zoofari. While working at the San Diego Zoo, Joan learned about different animal behaviors and about daily zoo tasks.
Ms. Zoofari. While working at the San Diego Zoo, Joan learned about different animal behaviors and about daily zoo tasks.
Today, the 50-acre Pillsbury Ranch is the home of Joan Embery and her husband Duane Pillsbury. Students visiting the ranch learn about the many different exotic animals that live there.
Today, the 50-acre Pillsbury Ranch is the home of Joan Embery and her husband Duane Pillsbury. Students visiting the ranch learn about the many different exotic animals that live there.
Joan Embery's Tack Room with many related photographs can be found at her museum exhibit in Bonita. Above all, she loves riding horses.
Joan Embery’s Tack Room with many related photographs can be found at her museum exhibit in Bonita. Above all, she loves riding horses.
Joan oversees The Embery Institute for Wildlife Conservation. She has been involved with many programs dedicated to animal and habitat conservation.
Joan oversees The Embery Institute for Wildlife Conservation. She has been involved with many programs dedicated to animal and habitat conservation.
Mountain lion head sculpted by Joan Embery's talented artist husband, Duane Pillsbury.
Mountain lion head sculpted by Joan Embery’s talented artist husband, Duane Pillsbury.
Joan Embery participated on a mountain lion tracking team at Rancho Cuyamaca State Park east of San Diego.
Joan Embery participated on a mountain lion tracking team at Rancho Cuyamaca State Park east of San Diego.
Joan Embery is a San Diego legend loved by many around the world. She has appeared on numerous book covers, magazines and television shows.
Joan Embery is a San Diego legend loved by many around the world. She has appeared on numerous book covers, magazines and television shows.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! 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 enjoy!

Photos of Mormon Battalion Commemoration in Old Town.

Lots of music was being played during today's Mormon Battalion Commemoration event in Old Town San Diego.
Lots of music was being played during today’s Mormon Battalion Commemoration event in Old Town San Diego.

I love history. So I was thrilled to stumble upon a special event today in Old Town San Diego!

The Mormon Battalion Commemoration is an annual celebration that recalls a part of San Diego’s diverse, often surprising history. The battalion was formed in 1846. Composed of members of the Latter Day Saints and led by regular U.S. Army officers, over 500 men and several dozen women and children set out from Council Bluffs, Iowa and endured an almost 2,000 mile march to San Diego. Their presence in San Diego and several other locations in Southern California helped to support the eventual cession of much of the American Southwest from Mexico to the United States. Many members of the Mormon Battalion went on to play leading roles in the settlement of the West.

Of course, history–like life itself–is a complex thing that can be told and interpreted from many differing viewpoints. Happy reenactments don’t tell the entire story. But among so many costumes and demonstrations, one can start to imagine what life appeared like in San Diego over a century and a half ago.

I ambled around Old Town’s central plaza, spoke to some very friendly folks and took a few photos.

When I saw this rider on horseback as I entered Old Town this afternoon, I knew something special was going on!
When I saw this rider on horseback as I entered Old Town this afternoon, I knew something special was going on!
The public was welcome to this celebration of the Mormon Battalion. It included a parade, which I unfortunately missed.
The public was welcome to this celebration of the Mormon Battalion. It included a parade, which I unfortunately missed.
I saw kids in covered wagons, folks on horseback, and just a big whirl of activity all around Old Town today!
I saw kids in covered wagons, folks on horseback, and just a big whirl of activity all around Old Town today!
We are commemorating the end of one of the longest military marches in U.S. Military History. Five hundred soldiers known as the Mormon Battalion marched from Council Bluffs, Iowa to San Diego, CA. In addition...there were 35 women and 45 children.
We are commemorating the end of one of the longest military marches in U.S. Military History. Five hundred soldiers known as the Mormon Battalion marched from Council Bluffs, Iowa to San Diego, CA. In addition…there were 35 women and 45 children.
Various exhibits recreated aspects of camp life, and life in San Diego during the mid-19th century.
Various exhibits recreated aspects of camp life, and life in San Diego during the mid-19th century.
Marshmallow treats on a stick. Lots of families were present for the very popular history-based event.
Treats on a stick. Lots of families were present for the very popular history-based event.
One tent explained the hardships of women settling the West, and what life was like as a laundress.
One tent explained the hardships of women settling the West, and what life was like as a laundress.
Lots of folks were about Old Town San Diego State Historic Park in period costume. Many people participating in the event were themselves Mormons.
Lots of folks were about Old Town San Diego State Historic Park in period costume. Many people participating in the event were themselves Mormons.
More unique and colorful costumes worn to help reenact a fascinating period of local history.
More unique and colorful costumes worn to help reenact a fascinating period of local history.
Traditional folklorico dancing on a stage in Old Town. A strong Mexican heritage is a vibrant part of San Diego history.
Traditional folklorico dancing on a stage in Old Town. A strong Mexican heritage is a vibrant part of San Diego history.
During the festivities, a large crowd enjoyed music, dance, food and all sorts of interesting sights.
During the festivities, a large crowd enjoyed music, dance, food and all sorts of interesting sights.
Contestants in a Dutch Oven Bake Off prepare their tasty concoctions for the judges.
Contestants in a Dutch Oven Bake Off prepare their tasty concoctions for the judges.
Young people were shown how clay bricks were made in the early days of San Diego.
Young people were shown how clay bricks were made in the early days of San Diego.
I was told this fabric would be used in the making of dolls.
I was told this fabric would be used in the making of dolls.
These ladies on horseback and in a fancy miniature donkey-driven cart were being photographed right and left. Wearing elegant frilly dresses and holding parasols, they delighted everybody!
These ladies on horseback and in a fancy miniature donkey-driven cart were being photographed right and left. Wearing elegant frilly dresses and holding parasols, they delighted everybody!
One booth in Old Town's central plaza had a quilt-making demonstration, where kids could learn about the craft.
One booth in Old Town’s central plaza had a quilt-making demonstration, where kids could learn about the craft.
Of course, there were many historical exhibits that told the Mormon Battalion's story and described their contributions to San Diego's early life and culture.
Of course, there were many historical exhibits that told the Mormon Battalion’s story and described their contributions to San Diego’s early life and culture.
The Liberty Stand explained how Mormons believe in the vision of America's founding fathers, and their belief in values delineated by the U.S. Constitution.
The Liberty Stand explained how Mormons believe in the vision of America’s founding fathers, and their belief in values delineated by the U.S. Constitution.
Another demonstration had folks grinding nuts and seeds, a skill adapted from Native American Kumeyaay who lived in this region long before Europeans.
Another demonstration had folks grinding nuts and seeds, a skill adapted from Native American Kumeyaay who lived in this region long before Europeans.
A guitar and a banjo create upbeat frontier-style music
A guitar and a banjo create upbeat frontier-style music.
This nice lady at an information stand gave the thumbs up for my camera!
This nice lady at an information stand gave the thumbs up for my camera!
I wandered behind Seeley Stable because I noticed their famous blacksmith demonstration was open today!
I wandered behind Seeley Stable because I noticed their famous blacksmith demonstration was open today!
This lady was hammering glowing red hot iron while kids watched.
This lady was hammering glowing red hot iron while kids watched.
A miniature donkey pulls an elegant cart!
A miniature donkey pulls an elegant cart!

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Horse therapy helps veterans recover from trauma.

The Pegasus Rising Project, based in San Diego County, assists U.S. military personnel recovering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.
The Pegasus Rising Project, based in San Diego County, assists U.S. military personnel recovering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Every year, Pegasus Rising works to heal around 1000 veterans suffering from trauma. The San Diego County-based organization uses horse therapy to help U.S. military personnel recover and return to civilian life after experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury.

Today, in Balboa Park, a fundraiser was held in conjunction with a special New Year’s Day concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. A good crowd turned out to learn about this very important organization.

Pegasus Rising’s small herd is comprised of Polish Arabians, who were themselves rescued. The descendants of champion horses, they had been found suffering from severe neglect. The full story can be read here. Amazingly, one of the horses “was a descendant of the great stallion Lotnik, who had been imported previously by General Patton.”

While everyone at Pegasus Rising is a volunteer, caring for and feeding horses requires money. Perhaps you or someone you know can help out. Please click on their website to donate, or learn more about their fascinating, inspiring story.

A special fundraiser for Pegasus Rising was held on New Year's Day at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion during the afternoon concert. Jay the friendly horse was present.
A special fundraiser for Pegasus Rising was held on New Year’s Day at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, during the afternoon concert. Jay the friendly horse was present.
Please visit the Pegasus Rising website. You can find out how you can help this worthy organization as it helps to heal a thousand veterans each year.
Please visit the Pegasus Rising website. You can find out how you can assist this worthy organization as it helps to heal a thousand veterans every year.
An image of three Polish Arabian rescue horses in the herd at Pegasus Rising. Horse therapy greatly helps humans recover from trauma.
An image of three Polish Arabian rescue horses in the herd at Pegasus Rising. Horse therapy greatly helps humans recover from trauma.
Jay the kindly Belgian draft horse and a volunteer from Pegasus Rising, on a beautiful day in Balboa Park.
Jay, the kindly Belgian draft horse ambassador, and a volunteer from Pegasus Rising, on a beautiful day in Balboa Park.

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Photos of Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego.

A small parade during 2015 Fiestas Patrias (September 16 is Mexico's Independence Day) in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
A small parade during 2015 Fiestas Patrias (September 16 is Mexico’s Independence Day) in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Here are some photos of Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Mexico began their war for independence from Spain on September 16, 1810, and the occasion was celebrated today with music, food, games, an equestrian demonstration and traditional Mexican dance. I caught a bit of it!

San Diego’s fascinating history includes a Mexican period, which followed the early years of settlement and rule by Spain. Mexico and San Diego share a common border and a great deal of history. A blending of culture and friendly people adds to the richness of our city.

Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego included many cool events flavored with Mexican culture and history.
Fiestas Patrias in Old Town San Diego included many cool events flavored with Mexican culture and history.
Young musicians from Chula Vista High School Mariachi band smile for the camera!
Young musicians from Chula Vista High School Mariachi band smile for the camera!
Many event participants carried photos and images of important Mexicans in history. This gentleman holds a tribute to activist Cesar Chavez.
Many event participants carried photos and images of important Mexicans in history. This gentleman holds a tribute to activist Cesar Chavez.
Many tables contained interesting info and exhibits. This one featured sketches from the Battle of San Pasqual and some cattle brands from historic Mission San Diego de Alcalá.
Tables contained interesting info and exhibits. This one featured sketches from the Battle of San Pasqual and some cattle brands from historic Mission San Diego de Alcalá.
Here are many colorful, often spicy ingredients used in Mexican cuisine. Yum!
Here are many colorful, often spicy ingredients used in Mexican cuisine. Yum!
A super nice lady demonstrates grinding corn with a stone metate, a common practice long ago.
A super nice lady demonstrates grinding corn with a stone metate, a common practice long ago.
Someone paints during the lively festival. Historic Old Town is a picturesque place that inspires artists, at any time!
Someone paints during the lively festival. Historic Old Town is a picturesque place that inspires artists, at any time!
The award-winning Chula Vista High School Mariachi performers warm up before going on stage.
The award-winning Chula Vista High School Mariachi performers warm up before going on stage.
Everyone is ready for some traditional Mexican music!
Everyone is ready for some traditional Mexican music!
These student musicians were incredibly talented. Voices and instruments conveyed stirring emotion. They all received big applause!
These student musicians were incredibly talented. Voices and instruments conveyed stirring emotion. They all received big applause!
Beautifully costumed riders of the female equestrian group Escaramuza Las Golondrinas warm up behind Seeley Stable Museum in Old Town San Diego.
Beautifully costumed riders of the female equestrian group Escaramuza Las Golondrinas warm up behind Seeley Stable Museum in Old Town San Diego.
One rider prepares her horse for a sidesaddle riding demonstration in the afternoon.
One rider prepares her horse for a sidesaddle riding demonstration in the afternoon.
This rider was nice enough to smile! It's a perfect, sunny day for a fiesta!
This rider was nice enough to smile! It’s a perfect, sunny day for a fiesta!
A smiling California State Park employee throws a rope over a tree branch, getting ready to hang a piñata. She's got an awesome job!
A smiling California State Park employee throws a rope over a tree branch, getting ready to hang a piñata. She’s got an awesome job!
Fiestas Patrias in Old Town celebrates a rich Mexican heritage and the unique, diverse history of San Diego.
Fiestas Patrias in Old Town celebrates a rich Mexican heritage and the unique, diverse history of San Diego.

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Balboa Park Carousel provides fun nostalgia.

Lady twists balloon creations near the historic Balboa Park carousel.
Lady twists balloon creations near the historic Balboa Park Carousel.

Whenever I walk through Balboa Park, I almost always point my feet in the direction of the carousel.

There’s something just so innocent and joyful about the old merry-go-round. For generations it has faithfully awaited children of all ages at the north end of the park, right next to the San Diego Zoo. The whirling playful animals and marching organ music put a smile on my face and a lift in my spirit.

While the 1910 Herschell-Spillman carousel has been moved a few times, for one hundred years it has been located in San Diego. Today it is only one of two carousels west of the Mississippi that feature the nostalgic brass ring game. Lucky riders who grab a brass ring win a free ride!

People gaze at the 1910 Herschell-Spillman carousel on a summer day.
People gaze at the 1910 Herschell-Spillman carousel on a summer day.
The merry-go-round features 27 horses and 25 menagerie animals.
The merry-go-round features 27 horses and 25 menagerie animals.
A brightly painted carved wooden horse awaits a passenger.
A brightly painted carved wooden horse awaits a passenger.
The carousel has stood in Balboa Park for exactly one hundred years!
The carousel, built in New York, has stood in Balboa Park since 1922! It was previously located at Tent City in Coronado.
Old items in building include a rowboat.
Old items in building include a rowboat.
A brass ring game is still played today.
A fun brass ring game is still played today.
Many generations have enjoyed this cheerful San Diego attraction.
Many generations have enjoyed this cheerful San Diego attraction.
Another view past a ride for very young children.
Another view past a ride for very young children.

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A look at the El Cid statue in Balboa Park.

El Cid sculpture in Balboa Park, by artist Anna Hyatt Huntington.
El Cid sculpture in Balboa Park, by artist Anna Hyatt Huntington.

Near the center of Balboa Park, between the San Diego Museum of Art and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, you’ll find a 23-foot high bronze statue of El Cid. The legendary hero of Spain is mounted on his horse Babieca and proudly holds a spear and shield.

The striking sculpture is formally called El Cid Campeador and was created in 1927 by Anna Hyatt Huntington, a famous American sculptor who during her life won numerous awards and commissions. Most known for her lifelike animal sculptures, she is remembered for being the first woman to create a public monument in New York City. Her Joan of Arc was also New York City’s first monument dedicated to a female historical figure.

Anna Hyatt Huntington was married to Archer Milton Huntington, a wealthy philanthropist and art enthusiast, who founded The Hispanic Society of America. He made the very first contribution to the nearby San Diego Museum of Art, in the form of the painting María at La Granja, by famed Spanish post-impressionist painter Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida.

The El Cid in Balboa Park is one of several identical statues. The original stands in front of the Hispanic Society in New York City. Other copies stand in Seville, San Francisco, and Buenos Aires.

It seems that when the statue was installed in Balboa Park in 1930, there was a good deal of public comment about the horse’s unsightly posterior, and a debate over the direction it should face! To the relief of many, the horse’s rear end faces away from the central square and nearby buildings!

A much smaller horse sculpture by Anna Hyatt Huntington can be enjoyed a short distance to the north of El Cid, right next to the San Diego Museum of Art. It’s called Youth Taming the Wild.

El Cid Campeador, presented by the Hispanic Society of America in 1930.
El Cid Campeador, presented by the Hispanic Society of America in 1930.
El Cid, with Balboa Park's House of Hospitality in the background.
El Cid, with Balboa Park’s House of Hospitality in the background.
East side of El Cid. Mingei Museum in background.
East side of El Cid. The Mingei Museum is in background.
Balboa Park's free shuttle passes the El Cid statue on a sunny day.
Balboa Park’s free shuttle passes the El Cid statue on a sunny day.

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Caliente horse racing sign on downtown building.

caliente racing ad on san diego building

One of downtown San Diego’s historic buildings, which is now abandoned and used to be home of the California Theatre, features a large, eye-catching Caliente ad on its west exterior wall. The faded yellow sign dates from the 1960’s. Take a look!

The Agua Caliente Racetrack, not far from San Diego in Tijuana, Mexico, today features greyhound racing. It opened in 1929 as a horse racing venue where big Hollywood celebrities were often sighted. Its popularity was largely due to prohibition and the fact that both drinking and gambling were illegal in many nearby American states.

Large old Caliente racetrack sign on building.
Large Caliente racetrack sign on old abandoned building.

Seaport Village’s historic carousel horses.

seaport village carousel horses

One of the best things about Seaport Village is its historic carousel. I like to buy a hot dog or onion rings from the nearby food court, or an ice cream from Ben and Jerry’s, then sit down at a shady table and watch families and kids flock to the merry-go-round. It’s also pleasant to take in a bit of live music from local artists who perform near the carousel on weekends.

This fun Looff carousel was built in 1895 and features over fifty colorful animals including a dragon, a giraffe, a teddy bear, a lion, and two horse-drawn chariots. Master wood carver Charles Looff is famous for inventing the uniquely flamboyant Coney Island style of carousels. In his lifetime he produced many popular carousels, amusements parks, roller coasters and Ferris wheels. Very cool!

Horse decorates exterior of Seaport Village carousel.
Horse decorates exterior of Seaport Village carousel.
Signs details long history of this Looff carousel.
Signs details long history of this Looff carousel.
The fun merry-go-round is a big favorite of young and old alike.
The fun merry-go-round is a big favorite of young and old alike.
People enjoy a perfect day near the Seaport Village carousel.
People enjoy a perfect day near the Seaport Village carousel.

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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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