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

1/1

Park History

Click the image to read each topic's full text!

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.

Get Involved!

Donate:

Make a donation to support the Parks Project or your favorite Parks Foundation program, project, or wherever its needed! Click here to donate today.

Volunteer:

Support our parks by volunteering with the Parks Foundation! Attend a volunteer event or choose an ongoing role. Click here to explore opportunities.

iNaturalist:

Out in our parks or open spaces? Try cataloguing the biodiversity around you with iNaturalist! All it takes is downloading the iNaturalist app onto your phone to get started.

Curious what's been seen in this park? Click the link below to see what species other have spotted!

Horseman's Park on iNaturalist

Contact:

Have a question about our parks or the Parks Project? Email us at parksproject@tmparksfoundation.org!

Want To Learn More?

References & Further Info:

City of Reno Parks & Facilities Directory - Horseman's Park
Lonie, Sheila. Crissie Caughlin - Pioneer. 2004.
Walton - Buchanan, Holly. From Land of the Buckaroo: Historic Ranches of Western Nevada. Jack Bacon and Company, 2013.
Reno Gazette Journal Archives (1870 to present) https://www.washoecountylibrary.us/downloads/rgj-archives.php
Marcus, Emerson. Reno Gazette Journal, 2013. https://www.rgj.com/story/askthergj/2013/05/16/where-does-the-steamboat-ditch-originate-and-go-is-it-safe-for-my-dog-to-drink/5675003/
One Truckee River, 2017. https://onetruckeeriver.org/2017/11/truckee-river-watershed-steamboat-creek/

Contributor(s):

Jill Richardson (history)

Haley McGuire

Caitlin Amburgey

Sam Lee

Genevieve Darling

Alex Shahbazi

Last Updated:

August 26, 2022 at 6:32:47 PM

Back to All Parks

Biodiversity

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

Park History

Click the image to read each topic's full text!

Get Involved!

Donate:

Make a donation to support the Parks Project or your favorite Parks Foundation program, project, or wherever its needed! Click here to donate today.

Volunteer:

Support our parks by volunteering with the Parks Foundation! Attend a volunteer event or choose an ongoing role. Click here to explore opportunities.

iNaturalist:

Out in our parks or open spaces? Try cataloguing the biodiversity around you with iNaturalist! All it takes is downloading the iNaturalist app onto your phone to get started.

​

Curious what's been seen in this park? Click the link below to see what species other have spotted!

Contact:

Have a question about our parks or the Parks Project? Email us at parksproject@tmparksfoundation.org!

Want To Learn More?

References & Further Info:

Contributor(s):

Last Updated:

August 26, 2022 at 6:32:47 PM