Ranch History

The Movies

Once owned by famed Western movie hero, media mogul and baseball giant Gene Autry, Melody Oaks Ranch was part of the Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio where early movies and TV westerns were filmed.

Though now only occupying ten acres, it is still a working studio that produces movies, television shows and commercials. It is also the current home of the annual Cowboy Festival put on by the City of Santa Clarita, an event that attracts thousands of people from all over the U.S. one weekend each Spring.

Historic Newhall

Newhall itself still feels a bit like the old West, with its William S. Hart Park, old train station and buildings, and Western Walk of Fame. Newhall is one of the horse-friendly communities within the City of Santa Clarita. And despite that city's urban sprawl, Placerita Canyon has remained committed to a rural and equestrian lifestyle.

Paso Finos—the 500-Year-Old "New" Breed

Melody Oaks Ranch was built in 1983 and was for many years a well-known Paso Fino breeding facility. It was in the early 80s that Tanii became acquainted with this breed and made her first trip to the Ranch. Many years later, she bought a horse here—a horse she still has today (he's now 30 years old).

It was through her continuing association with the breed that she discovered in 2001 the Ranch was for sale. And the rest, as they say, is history! (Visit www.cpfha.org for more information about this wonderful breed.)

The Kissing Tree

Legend has it that Gene Autry had a strict moral code wherein as a married man, he considered it inappropriate to kiss his romantic co-stars. Instead, the camera would film the back of his head giving the appearance of a kiss.

However, it seems that on one occasion he actually did kiss his leading lady as she reclined on a low-slung branch of an oak tree. That tree—The Kissing Tree—sits in the middle of Melody Oaks Ranch, providing cool shade in the hot California sun, as well as a bit of history and amusement.

Community Outreach

Since acquiring Melody Oaks Ranch, owners Charles and Tanii Carr have hosted a variety of educational, community and philanthropic events. While many events have focused  on horse-related subjects and activities, some have been about diverse topics like drug and alcohol rehabilitation, local elections, and open space initiatives. Currently, events are being planned on an ongoing basis, so look for them!