Before the Ranches
Marin’s history begins long before its ranches and riding arenas. Coast Miwok communities lived in the region before European settlement and continue here today. The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria describes the upheaval brought by missions, forced labor, and the loss of land, as well as the persistence of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo families in Marin and Sonoma.
Ranchland Before the Lake
The neighboring valley around Stafford Lake has its own ranching story. In 1864, John Redmond’s family moved to a 640-acre ranch there that later became the Redmond/Ryan dairy property. Local historian May Rodgers Ungemach describes Agatha Ryan returning on weekends to ride through its fields and hills. Much of that landscape changed when Stafford Dam was completed in 1951. The lake covered former ranchland, and buildings were moved or removed.
The Sunset Corral Years
In 2014, the Marin Horse Council recalled Sandy Greenblat taking lessons at Sunset Corral in 1993 and identified the stable as the predecessor of Willow Tree Stables. Greenblat went on to publish the Marin County Equestrian Trail Guide in 2006 and donated its profits to the Council.
A Trail Center guide updated in April 2000 lists Sunset Corral at 2901 Vineyard Road. Its entry describes guided trail rides, horse shows, and summer camps, alongside boarding and a covered arena.
The Willow Tree Community
In the same 2014 newsletter, a Willow Tree boarder described Friday potluck barbecues, horseback games for children in the lighted arena, and weekends helping restore local trails.
Horse Resource’s 2015 directory places Willow Tree Stables at our present address, 3777 Vineyard Road. Its listing includes English and Western lessons and a horse-sponsorship program.
Hindsight Farms Today
In 2018, Longview Stables moved to Vineyard Road and established Heritage Park. In March 2026 the farm changed hands to Hindsight Farms. Our care team stayed on, and we’re glad Longview Stables continues here as one of our resident programs.
A Note on the Records
Older directories list Sunset Corral at 2901 Vineyard Road and Willow Tree Stables at 3777. The Marin Horse Council connects the two names, but we have not confirmed the date of the change or the earlier property lines.