Disneyland’s horses have a new home in Norco, California. The Circle D Ranch had to be moved from its original location backstage at Disneyland. That area is now under construction as part of the “Star Wars” land project, which is scheduled to open at the theme park in 2019. The new Circle D Ranch is nearly twice the size of its previous location and sits on 5 1/4 acres.
Each of the 18 horses has an indoor/outdoor stall. The property also boasts 2 large turnout areas, 2 circular exercise pens, a large 5-horse exercise circle, and an outdoor bathing station. The house on the property was turned into an office and a break area for the 60 employees who work at the ranch caring for the horses.
The Percherons, Belgians, Brabants, Shires, and Clydesdales work on Main Street USA pulling the horse-drawn street cars or participating in other special events such as parades. They typically work for 3 or 4 days at Disneyland, then are transported back to the Circle D Ranch for a rest. Usually only 3-4 horses at a time are needed backstage at Disneyland, and the rest are back at the ranch.
