The vision, the dream, the reality. Come share it with us…
Farmers for Food
Our Story.
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.
Who we are.
With a deep love for land, ecology, preservation, horses and history, Cider Horse owners moved to Aptos to fulfill their dreams. We were raised and educated by our parents and families to have a deep respect and appreciation for natural beauty, healthy and thriving ecosystems, preservation and social purpose. We are extremely grateful and appreciative of the opportunity to share the resources and splendor of our farm, and the resources it provides, with our family, friends and community.
History.
The farm is characterized by its beauty, diversity of terrain, the historic Newtown Pippin apple orchard, the stands of redwoods that thrive next to Valencia Creek, as it meanders to the Pacific Ocean. This haven of flora and fauna is home to turkey, quail, barn and horned owl, red-tail hawk, mountain lion and bobcat The plentiful resources available in the Valencia Valley were not lost on the original inhabitants, the Miwok indian. Remnants of their encampments have been found over the last 100 years, particularly stone mortar and pestle. In the late 19th century, the valley was settled by European immigrants who were drawn to the area for the rich abundance of natural resources.
Why it matters.
As one wanders through the breadth and depth of the farm, through the orchard, down the horse trails to Valencia Creek, amongst the apple and redwood denizens, there is a deep, visceral sense of belonging, what is right and true, stepping back in time when life was simpler, one lived off the fruits of ones labor, entirely off the land. We believe we are only temporary custodians of the land, handing off the stewardship to the next generation. We embrace and encourage this responsibility, and share with all who care to protect our natural spaces, as we do.
Regenerative farming.
The three pillars of regenerative farming: no tilling of the soil; establishing a cover crop and/or restoring the native grass habitat, and lastly, preserving our historic orchard and planting new trees to supplant and replace the oldest and most vulnerable. The combination of these farming practices, to draw carbon out of the atmosphere, replenish the soil with organic nutrients and restore nitrogen levels, are a zero carbon impact on the earth, and establishes our small role in the climate change effort.
Newtown Pippin.
The Newtown Pippin is the quintissentially unique colonial New England apple varietal, having originated in the environs of New York City in the late 17th, early 18th century. The Newtown Pippin is considered to be the perfect cider apple, as it possesses a unique blend and balance of acidity, tartness and sweetness. Our pippins on the farm are light green in color, often times fringed with yellow and some freckles of red, a tell tale sign that they have been kissed by the sun.