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Horses of Silicon Valley

Milpitas has a thriving horseback riding community based in our eastern hills. Board your horses or take horse care and riding lessons. Take a trail ride up into the hills to see expansive views of the Bay Area. Nearby stables for horses in other nearby cities also listed.

Milpitas Stables
Area Riding Stables, Lessons
Bay Area Horse Lovers Networks
California Organizations
History
Lists of Area Riding Stables, Lessons
Transportation of Horses
When Your Horse Dies

Milpitas Stables

A&J Stables
A&J Ranch offers horse boarding (no rentals), but has a list of all the horse stables in the SF Bay Area! A&J is nestled way up in the hills, off Calaveras Rd. If your stable isn’t listed, email ajlumas@ix.netcom.com.

HC Equestrian (formerly Indian Hills Ranch)
Less than three miles from Highway 680, Indian Hills Ranch in Milpitas is close enough to be incredibly convenient and yet right on the cusp of the Calaveras Hills.
3488 Calaveras Road
408-262-6234

Whispering Hills Ranch
Owned and operated by Manuel Franco since 2000, Whispering Hills Ranch still has the original late 19th century barn as the cornerstone of the property, but now features two new spacious custom barns, a pipe-corral mare motel, and well-kept pastures, round pen, and arena.
80 Evans Road
408-262-1292

Area Riding Stables, Lessons

Chapparral Ranch
Ed Levin Park, Milpitas, Winter, Spring and Summer Camps Now. Western lessons. Tail rides. Book your ride online or email us at milpitas@chaparralcorporation.com or call 408-726-8453.

Cliveden Chew Haas’ Riding Lessons for Children
English Riding Lessons for Children. Our horse or yours. Learn to handle your pony effectively and ride safely. Grooming, bridling, saddling, and care of the horse. Leadline and beyond Lessons taught at Indian Hill Ranch, 3488 Calaveras Road, Milpitas CA. 408-262-5250.

Equestrian Training
Gilroy. Christine Amber, Equestrian Training’s owner and trainer. Certified by the American Riding Instructors Certification Program and by Certified Horsemanship Association.

Highland Riding School
Pleasanton. A program specifically for beginning to intermediate riders who wish to either begin English riding or get back into riding.

Sugarloaf Farm
We offer kids and adults the opportunity to experience horses in a relaxed and safe environment.
3105 Godfrey Ave, Gilroy, CA 95020
408-857-6240

History

Eadweard Muybridge, The Horse in Motion
Eadweard Muybridge’s first success came in 1873 — a single frame of Stanford’s fastest horses racing on a track. “I’ve got the pictures of the horses jumping from the ground!” he shouted from the darkroom as the image first appeared. But skeptics took the photograph for a fake.

Lists of Area Riding Stables, Lessons

Horse Stables in the San Francisco Bay Area
Scroll down to Milpitas.

Bay Area Horse Lovers Networks

The Bay Area Equestrian Network
BAEN is a regional directory that helps you find horses for sale, services and products in your area. Look for equestrian events in the area.

California Organizations

Backcountry Horsemen of California
We are a non-profit organization made up of individuals from throughout the state who are dedicated to conserving backcountry wilderness and protecting stock users’ historic use of wilderness trails and forage.

California Dressage Society
All active members in good standing of the California Dressage Society are eligible to earn CDS Awards.

Riding Trails

Ed Levin County Park
Spanning over 1,500 acres, Ed Levin County Park is a paradise tucked away from the hustling Bay Area freeways, offering some of the most beautiful and accessible equestrian trails in the nation.

Transportation of Horses

Equine Disaster Preparedness
Equine disaster preparedness has become essential for horse owners, trainers, and handlers. On this site there is a list of resources to help you plan ahead for emergencies and evacuations when natural disasters strike.

When Your Horse Dies

How to Deal When Your Horse Dies
It’s something no one wants to think about, but at some point every owner experiences the pain of losing their beloved horse. Horse&Rider helps you make sense of moving forward.

McCarthy Ranch Major Stores

Anchor stores in McCarthy Ranch shopping mall.

Best Buy
With enhanced safety measures in place, we have more options than ever to help you get what you need safely and quickly.63 Ranch Drive
408-942-0201

Big Al’s sports bar, bowling center and arcade
Integrated in to the fabric of local communities and with 45,000-70,000 SQFT of the latest arcade games, 18-42 bowling lanes, and the region’s largest HD projection screens (55’!) as focal points of stadium-style Sports Bars, Big Al’s appeals to families, sports enthusiasts, event planners and anyone looking for a great time with great food in a contemporary NW-style atmosphere. Kids bowl free in summer of 2021.
27 Ranch Drive
669-271-0011

Dollar Tree
Check out back to school products.
Emergency Supply Checklist. Supplies available at Dollar Tree.
251 Ranch Drive
408-263-7565

PETsMART
Supplies for your pets. Some pets available for adoption or purchase.
175 Ranch Drive
408-956-1044

US Cricket Store
For all cricket lovers to enhance their batting skills & enjoy their free time in the game they love. Summer cricket camp for kids.
121 Ranch Dr.
510-244-8109

Wal-Mart Super-Center
Senior shopping event: Each Tuesday, those age 60 and older can shop the store and Pharmacy one hour before opening.
301 Ranch Drive
408-934-0304

McCarthy Ranch Marketplace
McCarthy Blvd.
Banking & Investing
Clothing and Footwear
Electronics
Health and Beauty
Home Furnishings and Crafts
Hotels
Major Stores
Restaurants

Pests & Control

Bee Man getting the honey bee hive
out of our house.

Who to call if you are being bugged by some insect or animal pest in Santa Clara County. How to avoid attracting pests to your property.

Oriental fruit fly
Milpitas is in the fruit fly quarantine area. County of Santa Clara Division of Agriculture urges residents in the quarantine area not to move homegrown fruits and vegetables from their property. These fruits and vegetables may, however, be consumed or processed (e.g., juiced, frozen, cooked or ground in the garbage disposal) on the property where they were grown. Affected residents may also dispose of homegrown fruits and vegetables by double-bagging and sealing them and placing them in their regular trash bins, not in bins designated for organic material and food scraps.

Animal Services Referral List
Who to call for dead or injured animal pickup, help with trapping or containing strays or pests.

Professional Wildlife Removal
AAA Creature Catchers operates throughout the San Jose region. Please don’t call about cats or dogs, just pesty wildlife.
408-550-7655

Santa Clara County Vector Control District
When it isn’t cute, looks like it bites, and is in your yard, then you can call these folks to help you out. The County Vector Control District is located at 1580 Berger Drive, San Jose.
408-918-4770

Small Bees
A family-run business. He rescues honey bees infesting homes and other unwanted places, and brings them home, makes sure they are healthy and content. She turns the honey and the comb into products to be sold at local farmers’ markets. Best parts: you get a lesson about honey bees, and a good chunk of the honey comb! Located in Los Gatos, but close enough to Milpitas.

Local Pests

These are commonly observed pests in Santa Clara County.

Coyotes
Because coyotes are so adaptable, problems may arise if they become comfortable seeking food or living in suburban and urban neighborhoods.

Domestic Rodents
Roof rats, Norway rats, mice and other rodents constitute an ongoing problem to residents in Santa Clara County. Rodents, especially roof rats are common co-inhabitants in our homes, regardless of socio-economic boundaries.

Dust Mites
Dust mites are an ever-increasing problem that has no silver bullet fix, but there are ways to combat the steady infestation. Our web site was created with the purpose of educating the public through articles and news about dust mites.

Town Cats
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) has proven to be the most humane and effective method of managing feral cat populations.
195 San Pedro AvenueBldg C, Unit 12Morgan Hill, CA 95037
408-779-5761 voicemail-only phone number

Feral Pigeons
The list goes on and on: the feral pigeon has contributed to civilisation in more ways than any other species of bird. So how – and, perhaps more importantly, why – has it become such a pariah?

Mosquitoes
Management of mosquitoes in Santa Clara County presents an ongoing challenge due to the variety of developmental sites and their proximity of urban areas.

Pocket Gophers – UC Pest Management Guidelines
Pocket gophers often invade yards and gardens, and feed on many garden crops, ornamental plants, vines, shrubs, and trees. They are classified as non-game mammals by the California Fish and Game Code.

Starlings
Starlings are non-native invasive species and are not protected by The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which means that federal law allows humane destruction of adults, nests, eggs, and young.

Potential Pests

These are a threat, but have not reached our county yet, though they may be in other parts of California. If you suspect you’ve seen one of these, call one of the agencies fast!

Africanized Honey Bees
No, these haven’t reached Milpitas yet, but they are in Southern California.

Glassy-winged Sharpshooter
A very fine mist or a whitish, powdery coating on leaves or fruit may indicate heavy glassy-winged sharpshooter feeding. Large, yellow sticky traps are commonly used in orchards to monitor for the adults.

Red Imported Fire Ants
These red ants originated in South America and infestations have been recently discovered in Modesto. These destructive and aggressive ants will bite.

Suggestions

CDC West Nile Virus Homepage
Even though summer is nearing its end, many human West Nile virus infections happen during September.

Something bugging you I haven’t a link for? Got a link for this site that will help us here in Milpitas get rid of some pest — one the of the critter type only, please! Want to advertise your local pest service? — contact me.

Cats in Milpitas

Where to find a cat to adopt in or near Milpitas. Find a cat hotel with or without you along. Learn about cat behavior. What to do about lost or stray cats.

Cats and Kittens
Available for adoption, many at the Humane Society in Milpitas and at other nearby community adoption centers.

Cat Behavior
It is only during the past few decades that new scientific tools and methods help shed light on feline behavior. These new understandings can help us improve the quality of our relationship with our cats. They also help to resolve behavioral problems in new ways and enhance our cat’s quality of life.

Cat-friendly Hotels in Milpitas
Best Western PLUS Brookside Inn, 400 Valley Way, Milpitas
Inns Of America- San Jose North, 270 South Abbot Avenue, Milpitas
Sonesta San-Jose-Silicon Valley, 777 Bellew Drive, Milpitas
Staybridge Suites Silicon Valley-Milpitas, 321 Cypress Drive, Milpitas

Community Cats & Trapping
Community Cats are very much like wildlife: they are able to thrive on their own and don’t enjoy human companionship. In fact, they do so well in most cases that they are very prolific breeders. Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is here to help keep Community Cats from continuing the breeding cycle through a proven and humane cat population control method called Trap-Neuter-Return or TNR.

The Dancing Cat
Can’t keep a cat where you live? Come get your cat fix here. Relax with cats and other cat lovers. Maybe find a cat, or a cat-loving friend, to take home.
702 East Julian Street, San Jose, CA 95112

Did You Find Kittens?
Call the city of San Jose Animal Care & Services.
408-794-7297

Town Cats – Spay Neuter Information
Santa Clara County low-cost spay and neuter program. This program is available to all residents of Santa Clara County. Please note that additional fees may be charged if the cat is in heat or pregnant. When deciding which clinic to use, ask about their requirements and any possible extra fees. Please call ahead for an appointment and bring tame cats in carriers. Please notify the clinic in advance to make arrangements for feral/wild cats

Dogs of Milpitas

Help finding dog-friendly places in or near Milpitas to be with your dog, as well as grooming, showing, training, and boarding opportunities for dogs.

Corgi Vlog: Monday’s w/ Nori at the Milpitas Dog Park up at Ed Levin.

Advice

Dog Behavior Training
Train your dog in 24 hours? Plus solve 25 behavior problems.

Humane Society Update to Services and Programs Due to COVID-19 Concerns
Thank you to all who have supported us during this challenging time. We have continued to reopen some of our services, and will continue to make changes to our programs in accordance with public health guidelines and local ordinances.

Boarding, Care, Training

AC Dogskool
This is your complete resource for your dogs training information. Learn about puppy training, dog obedience training, dog behavior modification, dog care and canine problem solving, clicker training, dog agility training, grooming and dog care, canine communication and dog training and safety tips.
111 S Main St., inside An Jans.
(408) 733-2829

Cooperhaus K9
For six decades, Cooperhaus K9 has established a reputation for outstanding obedience and protection dog training across the Bay Area. Boarding also available. Obedience classes are limited in sized due to Covid-19.
498 Gladding Ct.
844-935-6693

Humane Society Virtual Training
Does your new dog need to learn some better manners? Do you need help surviving puppyhood? If you’re ready for life with a well-behaved canine companion, we’ll help you get there! Using force free, reward-based methods we have effective behavior and training solutions for recently adopted puppies and dogs as well as long-time canine companions. Check out our offerings for dogs of all ages and talents! First two classes are online, and four follow-up classes will be held in-person at HSSV.

Red Rover Pet Resort
Doggy day care, dog boarding and dog grooming. Dog training and dog merchandise.
334 Turquoise Street
408-586-8690

Santa Clara Dog Training Club
SCDTC classes are postponed due to the Corona Virus. We will re-evaluate as the situation evolves. Be safe and hug your pup. Trains people and their dogs in the following classes: Basic Obedience (Puppy through Adult), CGC/TDI Testing, Conformation, Fetching and Retrieving, Nosework, Competition Classes (Novice, Open and Utility) and Rally.
344 Tully Rd., San Jose, CA 95111
(408) 806-3059

Dine with Dog Outside

Mil’s Diner
OK to sit outside and dine with your dog.
36 S Abbott Ave
Hwy 237/Calaveras Blvd.
408-946-4773

Dog Lovers

Paws on Patrol
New crime prevention program sponsored by the Milpitas Police Department to learn how to be observers while out walking your dog. You may use your steps tracker and win prizes for having the most steps per month among the members.

South Bay Chihuahua Meetup
Come out and enjoy an afternoon at the Milpitas dog park with the chihuahuas! Our meetup is FREE for all, friendly & informal and meets every 2nd Saturday of the month in the small dog section. (Fee for parking and annual pass.)

Dog Parks

Bark Here
Many of our County Parks allow dogs with certain restrictions. Here is a listing of our parks where you may take your K-9 friend for a walk or run off-leash.

Dixon Landing Park
A relatively small park, but has much to offer. There are numerous picnic tables, a children’s playground, tennis courts and a basketball court. Dogs welcome.

Milpitas Dog Park
Facebook group for those now participating in use of the dog park in Ed Levin Park. The Dog Park is open on a first come first serve basis. Picnic tables for up to 10 people from the same household are available.

Where To Walk With Your Dog
Bay Area Backcountry: San Jose

Events & Shows

San Jose/Bay Area Dog and Training Events
Brought to you by Stacy’s Wag’N’Train of San Jose. Don’t have to have a fancy or particularly well trained dog for about half these events. Note for 2020: Of course almost all of these events are currently cancelled. Absolutely check with the actual hosts/organizers before trying to attend!

Grooming for Pets

Carolyn’s Pet Grooming
227 S Main St #C
408-946-7387

Doggy Doodle Salon & Boutique
790 E Capitol Ave.
408-263-2222

Humane Society
Professional pet grooming services to animals in Silicon Valley. Let our groomers recommend the right service for your pet. HSSV Grooming Salon is open Monday-Friday, 10:00am to 5:00pm, by appointment only.
901 Ames Ave.
408-262-2133

PetsMart
Same-day delivery of pet essentials by DoorDash available. No events during Covid-19. Receive hands-on care for dogs and cats from academy-trained, safety-certified pet stylists. 7AM-9PM.
175 Ranch Dr.
408-956-1044

Sharon’s Canine Classic
1350 S Park Victoria Dr #45
408-946-1050

Tatiana’s Pet Grooming
87 S Main St.
408-946-7387

Laws Mostly Concerning Dogs

Milpitas Animal Regulations
Most concern dogs, though laws here also for cats and other animals.

Dog Park at Ed Levin (Milpitas Muni Code V-9-7.01)
Owned and maintained by the County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department, this park may be reached via Calaveras Boulevard. For information, call (408) 262-6980 or Visit the County website.
Location: 3100 Calaveras Road, Milpitas, CA 95035

Only dogs, dog handlers, and those persons accompanying them are allowed in the dog park.
Dog handlers must be 16 years of age or older. Any person under 16 years of age, in the dog park, must be accompanied by a person 18 years or older.
A dog handler, as defined herein, shall accompany his of her dogs at all times.
Dog handlers are responsible for picking up and properly disposing of all feces deposited by their dogs.
No more than two dogs per handler will be permitted in the park at one time.
Dogs in heat are not permitted in the park.
Dogs must be vaccinated and free of communicable illness and disease.
Dogs must wear proof of current license.
Dogs must be under voice control of their handler.
Dogs displaying aggressive or anti-social behavior are not permitted in the park. Upon signs of aggression or anti-social behavior the dog will immediately be required to leave the park.
All other City of Milpitas park rules apply to use of the dog park.
Only dogs less than 20 inches from the top of the shoulders are allowed in the “Small Dog Area.”
Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the park.
Users of the dog park do so at their own risk. Neither the County nor the City shall be liable for any injury or damage caused by any dog in the dog park.

Officer did not quack under pressure!

Officer did not quack under pressure!
June 28, 2021. Milpitas Police Department: Lets start off the week with some tails from this past weekend….On Saturday morning, a community member gave us a call about a pair of ducklings wandering around on their own on S. Abel St. and Corning Av. Officer Pham and his FTO found the duo who appeared to have lost their way. Our friends at Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley (WCSV) were called and picked up the ducklings to care for them before their eventual release back into the wild. Duckling catching was definitely not an Academy topic, but Officer Pham didn’t quack under the pressure of a new challenge and was able to wing it to help the duo. Have a great week Milpitas!

Birds

Identify the birds of Santa Clara County and the San Jose – San Francisco Bay Area. Help save the Burrowing Owl, and learn to build nesting boxes for blue birds. Share photos of our Milpitas Bald Eagles’ Nest

My tamed Western scrub jay, No Fear, opens peanuts while sitting on my hand. She either eats them right away or buries them in the yard. I’ve noticed the squirrels watch her carefully, and steal the hidden peanuts when she comes back for another. Taming and handfeeding backyard birds is a fun project.

Common and Rare Birds

BIRDS OF THE BAY AREA

Fremont Birding Circle (FBC)
Fremont Birding Circle (FBC) is a group dedicated to promote the birding activities in the City of Fremont, California. Goals of this group are to raise the public awareness of habitat preservation, promote birding ethics, explore hot and not-so-hot birding spots and report rare bird sightings in the city of Fremont. (Note: members of this group also have helped with our eagles project. As there is no Milpitas birding group, join this one for sharing bird photos and field trips.)

Joe Morlan’s California Birding Pages
Site of the author of Birds of San Francisco and the Bay Area.

Santa Clara County Bird Lists
Bill Bousman and Kendric Smith have kept these lists of bird sightings for several years now on this Stanford website.

BLUEBIRDS

The Bluebird Box
The starting point for finding information about bluebirds and other cavity nesting birds.

California Cavity Nesters Recovery Program
Engages volunteers in building, installing, and monitoring nest boxes in Santa Clara County. Data collected through our monitoring program is then sent on to the statewide California Bluebird Recovery Program.

Nest Boxes and Accessories
Fine-tune the performance of your nest box with these specially designed accessories. Broaden your installation options with poles, brackets and hangers. Deter predators with plates, grilles and protectors to safeguard the box and its precious contents.

BURROWING OWLS

Burrowing Owl Consortium
Primary causes of population declines in California, as elsewhere, are human conversion of habitats and eradication of burrow-generating mammals. The California Burrowing Owl Consortium, formed in 1990, has contributed to increased conservation of this declining species.

CONDORS

People Keep Condors Flying in the Pinnacles
Down to as few as 22 individuals in 1982, the condor population became the subject of one of the most radical restoration efforts ever undertaken — all the remaining wild birds were captured as part of an ambitious captive breeding program.

New bird in town: Rare California condors hang out on San Jose’s Mount Hamilton
June 24, 2011. Only 20 miles east of downtown San Jose, five endangered California condors have been sighted above Mount Hamilton, socializing with turkey vultures and perching atop a Lick Observatory dome.

EAGLES

Bald eagles make majestic return to Milpitas elementary school
Monday, January 15, 2018
MILPITAS, Calif. (KGO) — Rex Yip arrived at Curtner Elementary School in Milpitas Monday evening just moments before two bald eagles came soaring into sight, returning to their nest. He described it as breathtaking.

Our Milpitas Eagles Freed Facebook Group
Continuing coverage of some our favorite Milpitas residents. Unlike the other “Our Milpitas Eagles” group, this group will be free to join for all interested about the Bald Eagle nest at Curtner Elementary School in Milpitas California. Open to all those who wish to post photos of our eagles, write something about them, share lessons and creative endeavors featuring the Milpitas Eagles, or have an affiliation with Curtner Elementary School. No member turned away.

JAYS

The Way of a Jay
I, and several of my Ben Rogers’s Park neighbors have managed to tame one (or several) of these birds to eat peanuts from our hands. This species is quite bold and easy to tame.

MOCKINGBIRDS

Listen to the Mockingbird
Recently a reader emailed me that a mockingbird sings in a tree close to his house each night and keeps him awake. He wanted to know how to discourage this bird from nesting near his house or from singing there at night.

SNOWY EGRET

Snowy Egret
This beautiful little heron, one of nature’s daintiest and most exquisite creatures, is the most charming of all our marsh birds. They can often be spotted along the creeks that criss-cross our city.

WILD TURKEYS

Most common turkeys this Thanksgiving are wild
Once scarce as hens’ teeth, they’re making comeback
An estimated 242,000 wild turkeys live in California, according to Scott Gardner, an environmental scientist with the state Department of Fish and Game in Sacramento. A large flock lives up at Summitpointe Golf Course in the hills above Milpitas.

Concerns

Window Hazards
One of the leading causes of death for wild birds is flying into glass windows. A study conducted by Daniel Klem Jr. at Muhlenberg College, estimated that 97 million birds die each year in the U.S. as the result of collisions with windows. Tall buildings that relied heavily on large sheets of glass surface were especially hazardous.

Organizations

San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory
A nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats through science and outreach.
524 Valley Way
408-946-6548

Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
We have many volunteer opportunities taking place throughout the week (days and evenings) and on weekends. We would love to have you work with us. To get help identifying birds in your backyard, visit Backyard Birds of Santa Clara County.

Visit Common Backyard Birds of Santa Clara County for more birds.
Visit Notes and Tips from a Backyard Birder to learn more about backyard birding in Santa Clara County.

The Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group
A good site for finding more about the endangered (or not) predatory birds often seen in our hills. A resource to agency biologists, industry, and university researchers who require our expertise with problem solving and management of avian species, especially raptors.

Resources

All About Bird Feeders
A recent bulletin from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (CLO) reports that a whopping 43% of U. S. households now feed wild birds. And I know from my perch in the SCVAS office that it’s much the same story here in Santa Clara County. From the Audubon Society.

Adopt a Pet

Adoption Help Center
When considering the addition of an animal into your life, we encourage you to think seriously about the time and commitment involved. All animals need love, understanding, and patience – especially as they are adjusting to their new home. Humane Society of Silicon Valley.

Animal Friends Rescue Project
AFRP is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding good permanent homes for abandoned, stray, and abused companion animals, and to ending the overpopulation crisis through aggressive spay/neuter programs. Pacific Grove.

Companion Animal Rescue Effort
A nonprofit, all volunteer, animal rescue organization based in Santa Clara County.
665 S. Bascom Ave.
Campbell, CA
408-227-CARE

Furry Friends Rescue
We are a non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to rescuing, fostering and finding homes for companion animals in the San Francisco Bay Area. Located in Fremont.
510-794-4703

Pets In Need
A non-profit, community-based, no-kill animal shelter and adoption agency that receives no public funds.
871 Fifth Ave.
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 367-1405

South Bay Purebred Rescue
A non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue and placement of purebred dogs of all breeds. San Jose.
408-629-8293

Town Cats
We operate a Nonprofit, No-Kill Feline Adoption Center/Shelter and Feral Cat Advocacy Organization in Morgan Hill.
Voicemail: 408-779-5761