Downtown Carnation has always been accessible by horse, but now, it’s encouraged to bring one.

A new hitching post outside Carnation Cafe allows up to two horses at a time, and a nearby bell alerts cafe staff to bring out free apples and carrots for the horses while they wait for the owner to enjoy a meal.

The project, supported by Carnation Cafe owner Don Langhans, is an effort by the Snoqualmie Valley Equestrian Association to make the Valley more horse-friendly.

“The hope is to do horse experiences in other parts of the Valley, possibly more hitching posts and drive more celebration of the equestrian lifestyle,” said equestrian association member Joe Mellin.

The post had a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 5, and several local horses (and their owners) turned up for the occasion, including Adarria, a rescue Clydesdale owned by equestrian association member Christina Lathrop. Adarria was the center of many photos, munching away on green apples.

Lathrop and her family, who have a farm outside Fall City, brought two more of their horses — a quarter horse pony named Trigger and a mini horse named Edgar Allen Pony.

The equestrian association also has a “pooper scooper” program, an idea inspired by Carnation local and former council member Dustin Green. Green, Mellin says, would pick up the horse poop around town when residents complained about it.

Now, if someone finds horse poop in town, it’s recommended they post its location in the Carnation Pooper Scoopers Facebook group. Those who could use the poop for their manure or compost will come pick it up. Picker-uppers also have the opportunity to get free “pooper scooper” T-shirts.

At Carnation Cafe, there is also a bucket where horse owners can put horse poop to be collected.

Over time, Mellin and the other members of the equestrian association — Lathrop and Susan Gerde — are looking to expand their horse-forward programming throughout the Valley. Mellin said the programming supports community-building and tourism, among other things.

“Making Carnation fun and having more joy in town is a good thing,” he said.

Carnation Cafe owner Don Langhans and Snoqualmie Valley Equestrian Association member Joe Mellin cut the ribbon at the ribbon cutting of the Carnation Cafe horse hitch post, June 5, 2025. Photos by Grace Gorenflo/Valley Record

Horseback riders pose on their horses at the ribbon cutting of the Carnation Cafe horse hitch post, June 5, 2025. Grace Gorenflo/Valley Record

A basket of green apples greets horses at the ribbon cutting of the Carnation Cafe horse hitch post, June 5, 2025. Grace Gorenflo/Valley Record

James Lathrop sits atop Adarria the Clydesdale at the ribbon cutting of the Carnation Cafe horse hitch post, June 5, 2025. Grace Gorenflo/Valley Record