Preserving and protecting our heritage.
Cider Horse Farm cider is now available for purchase.
Connecting our farm, farmers, community and food, with a purpose, for the soul.
Our mission is to restore, preserve and protect the land, carry forward the fruit of our work, so that others can learn by our example and improve our planet.
Welcome.
Cider Horse Farm is a 30 acre horse and apple farm located in Santa Cruz county, just east of the quaint seaside village of Aptos. Our farm is family owned and operated, headquartered out of a farm house situated on the site of an early historic homestead, orchards, barns and outbuildings. We focus on regenerative and restorative farming practices, educational opportunities as well as “best-practices” organic produce, beverage growing, handling and production systems.
Cider Horse Farm sits on a rich alluvial plain, the drainage of Valencia Creek. The site of a historic homestead and apple orchard, a living and beautiful testament of our heritage.
The beauty, diversity and depth of food resources in Valencia Valley was not lost on the Miwok and Ohlone tribes centuries ago. In the 19th century, the valley was settled by European immigrants, in pursuit of the timber and water resources. 100 years later, we are in awe of the orchard surrounding us, planted almost 100 years ago.
Farm School & Horse Riding Academy
Since inception, the co-owners have provided mentoring, coaching, horses and related resources to young people for training and education encompassing all aspects of horse husbandry and horsemanship. We believe in the power of horses to encourage and strengthen the mental and physical health of our students.
Additionally, the Farm School teaches sustainable and regenerative organic farming practices, including, but not limited to, the harvest of apples to the production of cider. Other fields of study include identifying, protecting and growing all native plants, with an emphasis on grasses. We also look to achieve “best practices” in preserving our land, wildlife, water resources, composting, grafting and propagation.
We will be hosting summer sessions, with artisans and experts in various sustainable farming disciplines, dates to be announced. If you or someone you know are interested in helping or indeed could benefit from our Farm School, please contact us.
Regenerative farming. Our small part to reverse climate change.
The combination of the three tenants of regenerative, restorative farming practices: No tilling of the soil; restoring the native grass understory under the orchard, and planting new trees to complement the historic Newtown Pippin denizens, we are drawing CO2 out of the atmosphere and restoring nitrogen and other important, life giving nutrients back in to the soil.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, both local farmers and consumers face new challenges producing and accessing healthy food. We invite you to join our Cider Horse Farm family and support your local businesses.
Ready to join the local movement?
Join us. We are a proud member of CSA. For the first time in over 100 years, our organic, heritage and historic Newtown Pippin apples, cider, juice, and other produce, will be available for the community to enjoy. We are grateful that we can provide healthy, fresh and low cost produce for our family, friends and neighbors in our local community.
“Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of man.”
George Washington
“Cider Horse Farm has a deep, unwavering commitment to the land, education, and our planet.”
— Tom Schreck & Celeste Gore
CHF Co-Founders