Meet the new Disneyland horses at Circle D Ranch
There’s no doubt that some of the most popular cast members at the Disneyland Resort are the four-legged ones who live and train at Circle D Ranch — and now, there are five new horses at the “Happiest Place on Earth.”
Let’s meet the new Disneyland horses:
This is Dublin, a four-year-old Belgian and Percheron cross from Ontario, Calif, and the Circle D cast members say he’s very affectionate.
This is Champ and his half-brother Chip, both five-year-old Clydesdales from Montana. Their markings are very similar, but here’s a hint to tell them apart: Chip has some black feathers among the white on his right front leg.
This is Lily. She came to Circle D from Ohio and is five years old. Around the ranch, Lily is already known for liking to be in the spotlight, so she’s perfect for Main Street, U.S.A.
Rounding out the new group is Pumpkin, the baby of the group at only one-and-a-half years old. Pumpkin is a black Percheron from Tehachapi, Calif., with a very sweet nature — and very long ears.
According to Circle D Ranch Manager Erin Simon, Disneyland horses are chosen for their intelligence and willingness to learn, so although the five newest horses are all different breeds, they share the common trait of a thoughtful and calm personality.
“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,” writes Disneyland Public Relations Manager Donna Fisk in the Disney Parks Blog. “Training begins with exercises designed to build trust and respect between horse and human, and continues with skill work for strength and coordination, as well as learning vocal commands.”
There’s no set timeline for a horse to arrive on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland park because each horse meets the necessary goals at its own natural pace. No matter when they get to work, Disneyland’s horses genuinely enjoy their jobs — or, as has been said, they’re the “Happiest Horses on Earth.”
Want to learn more about Circle D Ranch? Check out this video tour from when the ranch opened in 2017.
