Hi everyone. I’m looking for a hunter/jumper trainer for my horse in the Los Angeles area. He’s been there, done that and is an easy keeper. I’m an adult ammy. It isn’t working out with my current trainer. Ideally I’d like to spend around $800/month for training. No barn drama is a must. Thanks in advance 
Wow no responses at all? Did I say something wrong? Help a sister out here?
LA is a big area - maybe give some location specifics?
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Be good to know too your budget for stabling and if you want grooming? Will you be showing? Any specific needs as far as turnout etc?
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It might be your “no barn drama is a must”. You can only control yourself.
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You definitely need to post more specifics. What’s your price range for board? Are you looking to show? What area specifically are you in? How far would you commute?
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I ride at a nice, amateur friendly barn that is very low drama. In Cerritos, adjacent to the Auto Square. We do a mix of bigger A shows and smaller 3-day shows. The training is a bit over your desired amount, but the board is pretty cheap.
https://www.firstfieldfarm.com/training
But, as has been noted, LA is a big place.
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Where in LA are you, and what level of showing do you want to do? It’s a huge area. When I was in vet school I rode with Vanessa Voight at Devon Equestrian Academy. They’re in Covina now, and in your budget range. It’s not a fancy barn but Vanessa really knows her stuff.
I second this recommendation. Cerritos is in the Long Beach area, near Los Alamitos. Traffic is problematic but several freeways/Interstates are closeby and there are surface street alternatives, takes awhile but they work for anybody coming from the metro area or parts of Orange Co. Won’t work from the Valley and parts north, like Simi, That’s why knowing where you are coming from so important. Also need to know what general area you are coming from, help recommend something easier for you to deal with. Keep in mind horsekeeping is quite different in the warm to hot, dry southwest as well as heavily populated areas.
According to their website, rates are quite reasonable, keep in mind the hay out there is alfalfa in big 100 lb 3 wire bales, flakes are 10-12 lbs each. Most horses do quite well on that. Looks like the boarding is a separate business from the training, that’s a plus if you just want lessons or some Pro rides on an a la carte basis as opposed to a full program.
Thank you everyone! I live and work in the San Fernando Valley, so somewhere within 30 minutes of there would be ideal. Looking to spend $1500/month for board and training. I don’t need grooming, I’m used to doing it on my own. I’m looking to show locally on the B circuit.
I think Cerritos would be too far unfortunately, but your barn does sound lovely. I’m new to LA.
I would recommend George Bittar located at Fred Hanson Dam Equestrian Center. Not too good with LA area, but north of Hollywood and nearer to the so called mountains rather than the LA International Airport and beach. Three of his students went to Young Riders, Juniors & Children’s Finals and I think they all won. They also won a big series this past winter. Very good jumper trainer and an excellent horseman.
Thank you! I’m actually in the SFV so I think Covina would be a little too far during rush hour 
Do you know any smaller places closer to the Valley?
First Field sounds perfect except that it’s too far from where I live in the SFV Argh. Do you happen to know any places in Simi?
Near Simi is Moorepark, where you could ride at Elvenstar. They have a nice local program and you can step up to nicer shows over time.
https://www.elvenstar.com/show-stables#page141_container1
Alternatively, Shadowbrook has a very nice program as well. They do a great job with turnout and they have an indoor.
http://www.shadowbrookstable.com/
Lastly, I would be remiss not to mention Foxfield, which certainly encourages great horsemanship and self-care. It’s in Westlake.
I think your best bet would either be Foxfield, which offers boarding and lessons and I believe most everyone does self-care. There is a big focus on fundamentals, horsemanship and they have some unusual fun shows throughout the year onsite. It’s in Westlake. It’s sort of a classic, very steeped in tradition from an instruction standpoint.
http://www.foxfield.com/boarding
Alternative, Jeni Brown runs an excellent, low-key program in Moorepark. Her barn is Shadowbrook. They have great turnout (a rarity here), an indoor (also rare) and they go to a nice mix of shows. Jeni does a great job with adults and kids alike.
I have ridden with Anee Churchill in the past and she’s awesome. She’s in Calabasas http://futurity-farms.com/Home_Page.html
Covina won’t work from the Valley, can’t think of anyplace out that way with the kind if services and price to endure that drive.
You might try up around Hanson Dam, there’s lots of horse places of all sizes in that area and there’s places to ride out. Maybe Glendale still has some as well.
On the west side of the Valley, Calabassas (sp?) used to be pretty horsey and is near Foxfield and Westlake Village are nearby. I don’t remember where Moorpark is…but don’t think it’s too far out. Your budget and expectations sound decent enough to get you several options.
Might find some private places, check for a FB page for SFV owners, maybe you can find a smaller place. Sometimes it’s best to get the horse moved to a good enough temporarily place first then search for the perfect place after you get familiar with the nuances of the area, not to mention the horsekeeping norm which is quite different then many other regions.
Let us know how you are doing and if you need to ask about a specific barn.
Jeni Brown is wonderful but may be a bit far (just off the north end of the 23 in Moorpark). Great trainer and lovely facility with an indoor.
I second Anee Churchill, happy horses, happy riders, comes to all the B shows, Gold Coast, etc. She’s at Acres West in Calabasas.
Julie Conner-Daniels at Eclipse in Newhall is wonderful as well if you’re looking to come a bit north of SFV. Low key barn, big stalls, great group of people who show (anywhere from TVHSA circuit to Coachella/The Oaks/Flintridge/Showpark) She’s reasonably priced, has great turnouts and access to great trails and hills for conditioning.
