Mission

The Woodside-area Horse Owners Association  is an advocacy group. Its mission is to "preserve the fundamental role of horses in maintaining the rural character of the Town of Woodside and neighboring foothill communities, to enhance opportunities for equestrian activities, and to promote the enjoyment of horses in all their various roles".

Horses have disappeared from many of our communities because of economic, demographic and cultural changes. The Woodside area, dotted with family homes and barns, still enjoys the ambience which has drawn many of us here. Our equestrian heritage has helped preserve the land as we know it. We seek to protect this legacy so that future generations may also enjoy it.

History

The seeds of  were planted around a dinner table in 2000 when a group of equestrians agreed that a community-based association would help maintain the unique horse-friendly aspects of the area. Our equestrian trails, for example, are lauded as one of the best rural residential trail systems in the country. From that first meeting, it was decided that WHOA! could provide a set of resources, activities and opportunities to make life around horses a pleasure for riders and non-riders alike.

 operates under the fiscal umbrella of the Woodside Community Foundation, a 501(c) 3 organization. Federal tax I.D. # 94-6108531.

Get Involved!

You can be a part of WHOA! In spite of our acronym, you need not be an equestrian or own a horse to participate. Anyone who is interested in supporting horse-related activities is welcome to join WHOA! and give input at our quarterly meetings.

There are many opportunities to volunteer and be involved. WHOA! is guided by a Steering Committee which meets monthly and decides which projects to support. Each project is overseen by a member of that Committee. Supporters assist with projects and attend quarterly meetings where projects are reviewed and new ideas discussed.