Carlsbad in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Saddle Up

Stable in the Hillside

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 5, 2026

1. Saddle Up Marker

Inscription. Imagine hearing Leo driving his work truck in, and opening the big, creaking doors to toss down bales of hay for the neighing horses. The tri-level stable and its fenced corral are built naturally into the sloping hillside. The lower level included six stalls. A bullpen and watering trough were outside. His beloved palomino horse, Conquistador, was stabled in the largest end stall.

Good Night, Cowboy
Upstairs is the bunkroom, where ranch hands, vaqueros and honored guests slept. Later, Leo made his office here.

[Caption]: Lea and his palomino, Conquistador, Spanish for conqueror, rode together in many California parades when Leo toured as the state’s Goodwill Ambassador.

[Caption]: L-R: Tony, Deedie and Leo with their prized Hereford steers.

[Insert]: A huge white-washed adobe barn is set into the hillside. On the opposite hill the heifers and horses graze. – Leo Carillo

[Caption]: Hand Stamped Approval. When stable construction was complete, Leo and his adobe building expert, Cruz Mendoza, gave their work a permanent high five!

Erected by Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park.

Topics and series. This

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historical marker is listed in this topic list: Animals. In addition, it is included in the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park series list.

Location. 33° 7.117′ N, 117° 14.209′ W. Marker is in Carlsbad, California, in San Diego County. It can be reached from Flying Leo Carrillo Lane, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located within the Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carlsbad CA 92009, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Peninsular Ranges.

It is also in the American Borderlands

and on the Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ranch of the Spanish Daggers (a few steps from this marker); Working Up a Thirst (within shouting distance of this marker); Pecking Order (within

Photographed by Tom Bosse, September 5, 2026

2. Saddle Up Marker

shouting distance of this marker); Garage to Classroom (within shouting distance of this marker); Cowboy Cantina (within shouting distance of this marker); Glamour Boys (within shouting distance of this marker); Living Californio (within shouting distance of this marker); Pais. Agua. Sol. (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlsbad.

Also see . . .
1. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. (Submitted on September 27, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)
2. Leo Carrillo. (Submitted on September 27, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 27, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 27, 2026, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.