Five New Horses Arrive to Circle D Ranch at the Disneyland Resort

Hi everyone!

The Disney Parks Blog has introduced five new Disneyland horses that live and train at the 5.5 acre Circle D Ranch. Training can take from six months to a year, so it will be a little while until we see these beautiful horses out.

Dublin is a four-year-old Belgian and Percheron cross. Circle D cast members say he’s quite affectionate. He comes to Circle D from Ontario, California.

Champ and his half-brother Chip are five-year old Clydesdales from Montana. They look very similar but Chip has some black feathers among the white on his right front leg.

Lily is from Ohio and is five years old.

Pumpkin is the youngest at one and a half years old. She is a black Percheron from Tehachapi, California.

Disneyland Public Relations Manager Donna Fisk says, Although these horses are different breeds, they all enjoy a common thread, which is their thoughtful and calm personalities. According to Circle D Ranch Manager, Erin Simon, Disneyland horses are chosen for their intelligence and willingness to learn. These horses also love being with people!

The training process from arrival at Circle D to debut on Main Street, U.S.A., takes anywhere from six months to a year, depending on the particular horse. Training begins with exercises designed to build trust and respect between horse and human, continues with skill work for strength and coordination, as well as learning vocal commands. A fixed timeline for a horse to arrive at Disneyland park is not established, as each horse will meet goals at their natural pace. The result are horses that truly enjoy their jobs! Or, as has been said, “The Happiest Horses on Earth.”