Barns in Menlo/Portola Valley Area

[julia.eq.h]

Hello! I am looking for hunter/jumper barns in portola valley or around the Stanford area. I live around 40 minutes south, but the drive is worth it to me because the facilities are gorgeous and the trainers are amazing.

I am a hunter and equitation rider that wants to show in the 3 ft to 3’3 equitation and hunters. I’m looking for a place that really challenges riders and pushes them to be their best,. I’m always up for a good challenge and it makes me feel more confident in my abilities. Also preferably a place that isn’t the most expensive barn ever, with half leases less than 3000 per month.

If anyone has any ideas, please leave a reply!

[LovesHorses]

Look up the trainer at the Menlo Circus Club, Stanford Red Barn and Portola Valley Training Center. Guessing most places don’t have show horses at that level for half lease, maybe I am wrong.

[lintesia]

I know this is in the opposite direction, but is Morgan Hill too far? If not, maybe reach out to Susan Crenshaw at Ligara Farms… She’s a great trainer and is absolutely reasonable in all things horse-related.

[Demerara_Stables]

Have you visited these facilities in person? I wouldn’t exactly call them gorgeous (with the exception of the circus club). I’ve also worked for trainers at most of the large facilities in this area, and the vast majority of horses are not happy. They have no turnout, and some facilities don’t even allow hay to be fed. I can make a very few suggestions of trainers that are good, but I would never lease or keep a horse at any of the large training barns there. You might get lucky with a small private place, but they’re mostly full. Feel free to PM me if you’d like more info.

[julia.eq.h]

I’ve visited most of these places since I’ve tried to find a barn for a while. It’s hard to find places because of expenses and time because I live farther away, but hopefully I’ll be able to show and do stuff like that

[Demerara_Stables]

Make sure you research the care of the horses (how often and how long are they turned out? what is their diet? what medications are they on? how are they prepared before lessons?) and not just how many ribbons the barn wins at shows. Drugs can hide a lot of things, and horses are very stoic (meaning they might look ok but they actually aren’t).

[insidelegoutsiderein]

I’ve tried several of the barns in the area, can I send you a DM about my experiences?

[julia.eq.h]

Yes that would be great!

[SweetMutt]

A half lease for that level of showing is probably going to be hard to come by. You might have to find a trainer who has lesson horses or a lower level half lease and wait for the right one to pop up. Most of the barns that are seriously competitive are probably going to want you on a full lease or your own horse - and really, after you get the lessons you need and the horse gets regular training rides, there isn’t really much space for a second rider.

“The most expensive barn ever” basically describes that entire area. When I rode in that area, it was absolutely because the location worked for my life and not at all because I preferred the facilities or horsekeeping. Everything is crowded and expensive. If I were you, I’d be looking south first.

But I know that isn’t what you asked, so for places to check - as @LovesHorses mentioned, Menlo (probably the most expensive because of member fees, last I checked), Stanford, and PVTC are options. The horse park and Portola Farms also have some hunter trainers on the A circuit.