Converting to Western in the SF Bay Area?

[TobySocks]

I’ve recently relocated to San Francisco from Europe and am looking to get back in the saddle. I’m an experienced English rider, but I’d love to try something different. I’m not very familiar with Western disciplines, but I’m looking to have fun and learn something new, preferably with a bit of speed involved - or cows, cows are awesome

I don’t have my own horse, so am looking for somewhere with lesson horses. Anyone know of such a place in the SF Bay area?

[reinerspook]

I don’t know if he has lesson horses, but reining trainer Ollie Galligan is in Petaluma. His website is www.galliganperformancehorses.com

[bit]

Cows are a blast! Have seen several dressage riders in dressage saddles do some pretty fancy cow work. Western is differnt, so take some lessons from a good trainer. You aren’t so forward in the seat, those loopy reins…but really fun way to ride a horse. Might want to audit some clinics, too. Reno has some good western events, and not that far once the pass is open. Buck will be in Calif in April. Brent Graef will be in your area in September. Might want to join a horse forum within your local area. Locals know where to go!

Good luck!

[Natalie_A]

Since no one has mentioned this yet, a good source for Bay Area horse information is the Bay Area Equestrian Network, bayequest.com. It’s not comprehensive (neither of the resident trainers at my barn, for instance, are on there) but there are many barns and trainers listed. Coming from the city, you first will have to decide which way you want to travel to ride. There are horsey areas in all directions, but prepare to be stuck in traffic to and from the barn wherever you go!