2800 Pioneer Dr, Reno, NV 89509

Horseman's Park

Park Description:

Horseman’s Park is a 12-acre Reno park without restrooms.

Park Amenities:

Horse arena and trails.

Park Contact Information:

City of Reno - Parks & Facilities (775) 334-2417

Park Highlights

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Park History

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Horseman's Park

The land that is now Horseman’s park used to belong to the Caughlin’s Ranch and was purchased by the Lakeridge Development around 1990. The Lakeridge Developers, Alan Mears and Sam Jaksick, Jr, purchased the land from Betsy Caughlin Donnelly and Syrene Caughlin Seagrave, daughters of Crissie Caughlin, original owner of Reno’s well known Caughlin Ranch.

Image:
Caitlin Amburgey.

The Steamboat Ditch Trail

In 1874, George Andrews moved his family to Reno, after spending time apart from his wife while working in the harsh conditions of the Virginia City mines. His wife, Bettie Andrews lived in California prior to her relocation. He purchased land on what is now Mayberry drive and his property seemed lifeless and was incredibly dry. However, his engineering skills contributed to the development of The Steamboat Ditch trail, known as “The Last Chance Ditch”. The ditch was given this title because it was the last chance to get water from the Truckee River on this side of the state (between California and Nevada). As previously mentioned, the trail was engineered by George Andrews. However, Chinese laborers in the same time frame directly contributed to the construction of this ditch. It was vital to ranchers and farmers because it serves as the longest ditch trail in the region, this remains true today. Because the ditch rests at high elevation, it provides necessary water flow to lower water sources throughout Reno. In addition, historian Myron Angel commented on the importance of this ditch in 1881. In his book History of Nevada, he wrote “the water of Steamboat Creek and several irrigation ditches supply the necessary moisture for the crops, of which alfalfa, grain and vegetables are a great staple”. Figure 1 shows Steamboat Creek, the staple waterway that Angel references. Steamboat Creek diverges into several pathways including a connection along the Steamboat Ditch trail. Angel and many historians of Northern Nevada emphasized the importance of these ditches, as they were vital to local wildlife and vegetation.

Image:
Provided by One Truckee River.