The Stables
Nestled between the forest, creeks and grasslands of Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve, Bear Creek Stables is a welcome respite from busy urban life. It is a gentle and peaceful space for people and for the animals they love.
The stables were developed during World War I and have remained in continuous use for more than 100 years. Long used as a boarding stables, the area is being transformed into a public space for outdoor learning and exploring.
Families, school, and community groups will be able to visit horses, enjoy the beautiful trails, participate in a variety of programs and activities, and learn about the rich history and natural environment that surrounds the area.
The Tevis Barn
The main Tevis Barn was constructed in 1916 to house the Tennessee Walking horses owned by Dr. Harry Tevis, the owner of the former Alma Ranch. Tevis and his guests were part of a new era: horses were ridden for pleasure, which they did along the extensive trails and roadways of what is now Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve.
The design of the main barn is attributed to San Francisco architect George Kelham, a friend of Dr. Tevis. Although horses are no longer stabled in this Craftsman-style building, light filters in from rooftop skylights, illuminating the architectural details of this historic stable.
The Friends of Bear Creek Stables
Friends of Bear Creek Stables is a nonprofit 501c3 organization, formed in 2013. We promote an appreciation of horses and nature through interactive activities, including educational and recreational experiences, provided to the public in a pastoral setting. The organization is governed by a five-member Board of Directors.
Friends of Bear Creeks Stables will manage the property and offer programs in collaboration with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, which owns the property.
Rick Parfitt | President
Rick has been a Santa Cruz mountain community resident for over 30 years. He has extensive board experience, with the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council, the Loma Prieta School District School Board and the Friends of Bear Creek Stables. His experience with the FireSafe Council has been invaluable in developing the fire safety and wildfire resiliency programs at the Stables. Rick holds a B.S. in Physical Science, M.S. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from UC Davis, and a PhD in Medical Information Science from UC San Francisco.
Rick has been instrumental in raising tens of millions of dollars throughout his career, the Loma School District and Educational Foundation, and the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council. Rick can be found outdoors as often as possible – mountaineering, backpacking, mountain biking, running, and yoga, usually with his camera close at hand.
Melany Moore | Vice President
Melany is the current Summit Riders Horseman’s Association Secretary; in the past she held volunteer positions as Horse Show Chair, Vice President, President and as a grant writer for FBCS. She has been on the Friends of Bear Creek Stables Board since 2014. Melany has been an avid animal lover all her life.
Melany is from Tennessee, moving to the Bay Area in 1968. She holds a BA from the University of Santa Cruz with a degree in Environmental Studies, with a focus on Integrative Pest Management & Agricultural Ecology. Melany operated her business, Shanels Flowers in Campbell, since 1986; she is newly retired as a shopkeeper.
Karen Read | Treasurer
Karen is from Vancouver, British Columbia, where she completed a BA in Recreation Education at the University of British Columbia. She has 10 years of sales & marketing experience, having worked at Whistler ski resort, and at her Alma mater, UBC in the student housing and conferences department.
An equestrian since her early teens, Karen has been a horse owner for over 15 years. She volunteered daily for 5 years at Bear Creek Stables with Neigh Savers Foundation, rehabbing and readying off-track racehorses for adoption. In her current role, Karen works with young Thoroughbreds to ready them for the racetrack.
Marcie Colonna | Secretary
Marcie has served as the Friends of Bear Creek Stables Secretary since 2019. Ponies and horses have been a part of her life on and off since the age of 10. As an adult, Marcie came back to horses and enjoyed learning about the various disciplines from Dressage to Natural Horsemanship. She has boarded horses at Bear Creek Stables since 2017.
Marcie is from Connecticut, moving to the Bay Area in 1980. She holds a BA from Southern Connecticut State University in Education and a MA in Special Education from Santa Clara University. Marcie taught children with special needs all of her 43 years before retiring from Moreland School District in 2019.
Peggy Kauffman | Board Member
Peggy hails from upstate New York, where she attended Cornell and Princeton Universities before moving to the Bay Area. She is a professor at a local community college in Fremont.
Peggy began riding as a teenager at a hunter jumper barn where the owner re-trained off the track thoroughbreds. She has been a rider, horse owner or lessee for 30+ years. From her first horse, an unbroken Quarter horse to her Swedish Warmblood, Lucy, Peggy participated in a number of equestrian disciplines, including 3 day eventing, dressage, trail riding and natural horsemanship. Lucy was boarded at Bear Creek Stables until she crossed the Rainbow Bridge last year.
Friends of Bear Creek Stables is committed to providing equestrian- and nature-based programs for all members of the general public. Your support will empower us to continue our mission and expand these vital services, and to create a positive impact on everyone who visits Bear Creek Stables to reconnect with nature. Donate here.