On February 25, 2026, the Board of Directors of Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District approved an agreement with Friends of Bear Creek Stables (FBCS) to manage the equestrian facility and provide pubic programming. 

This agreement follows a 2-year process during which community input played a major role in determining the future of the stables. Located in the heart of Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve near Los Gatos, the stables are owned by the Open Space District and trace back to an estate built on the property in the late 1800s.

This agreement marks the beginning of a transformative era. Your contributions are the direct reason FBCS can now transition this historic 90-year-old site into a premier educational center for equine- and nature-based programming starting this spring.

On behalf of the Mounted Patrol Foundation (MFP) and Friends of Bear Creek Stables (FBCS), we want to express our profound gratitude for your incredible support.   The MPF raised over $40,000 to help this effort.

Rick Parfitt, President of FBCS, the non-profit group that will steward the facility said.  "Bear Creek Stables, which has operated for over 90 years, will transform into an educational center for equine- and nature-based programs, Horses will continue to be the focal point for programs, along with other nature-based programs. Both welcome the public into the natural environment to experience the Preserve's beautiful setting where outdoor learning and exploring happen naturally!"

The Mounted Patrol Foundation Board states: “Our mission has always been to preserve the equestrian heritage of our region and ensure that the bond between horse and human remains a cornerstone of our community. Supporting the new era of Bear Creek Stables is a natural evolution of that work. We are immensely grateful to the donors, Friends of Bear Creek Stables, and the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District for ensuring that these stables remain a place of learning, healing, and community.”

The MPF will be cheering on the entire FBCS team as they ramp up operations this spring. We will be continuing to learn about their future plans as they repair and update the equestrian facilities. We’ll be watching the progress closely and keeping our supporters informed.  They may need some funding in the future to achieve their goals.  We look forward to being able to ride the trails in the area.