Hi I will be there for two weeks on business and was wondering if there is anywhere that I could get in some riding while I’m out there. Thanks in advance.
Elk Grove keeps growing but nearby rural Wilton is very, very horsey. The issue is finding a dressage trainer with lesson horses. The two I can think of are Stacy Sutton, whose barn is now in Sloughhouse, just past Rancho Murietta; and Sandy Savage, who now trains out of Clay Station Ranch in Wilton. Heide Choate and Mari Naten are also located in Wilton, but school horses?. Pacific Equestrian Center (Mari’s barn) hosts many shows, so you could spectate. Liz Jenner’s barn, Gateway, is about 20 miles south; I know she has school horses but it is a super kid-friendly barn and commute traffic on 99 can be a bear.
Mukluk, what level do you ride at? Are you looking for an advanced trainer with high level school horse? Or just a relaxed barn to get some saddle time in but not working at high levels?
For advanced riding with lesson horse I would recommend Sandy Savage at clay station ranch. If not for advanced levels then let us know, and I can recommend a couple others for more casual lower level lessons. fwiw, I live in Elk Grove so…
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I am lower level so no need for anything fancy!
HI Mukluk, ok so my ranch/trainer offers dressage lessons. She has regular lesson horses and also 2 or 3 more experienced horses (eg 2 cd level horses) that she uses for proper dressage lessons. This is Panoshe Ranch. Pm me if you would like contact info.
Also English Rose farm has lessons, but more like training/ a little first level work. And that trainer is a little hard to get ahold of. takes awhile to respond to emails, but is very competent and teaches correct work.
Heidi Choate is an excellent trainer but I do not know if she has lesson horses.
Stacey Sutton is well regarded. My DS had lessons with her for a little bit. She was very emphatic that basics are right before moving on. She was good but just not a good match for us. She is a little farther out from Elk Grove, but still easily driveable.
If you come to Panoshe I would love to meet you irl!!!
Thanks so much everyone!!!
A few corrections and comments - Heidi CHOTE (no A) at First Chance Farm. Also in the area, Starr Vaughn (Elk Grove/Sloughhouse area) with Genay and Michele Vaughn, not sure if they have school horses, but the facility is gorgeous!. A bit further up the road, but with an assortment of interesting school horses is Alexis Martin Vegue at Dorado Andaluz - it is about an hour’s drive, but if you want to play with flying changes and half pass, she’s got a few upper level Andalusian horses who are “downsizing” as they age.
I don’t think Heidi has any school horses (too bad, she’s an excellent teacher). Sandy may - worth a phone call. Donna (English Rose Farm) usually has Training Level school horses. Mari Naten usually has some school horses (PEC). Rachel Wade also trains out of PEC.
For shows, check Golden State Dressage (at Rancho Murieta), Starr Vaughn Equestrian, and Pacific Equestrian (usually smaller one ring shows). Depending on your timing, you might also contact some of the local dressage chapters (Valley Oaks and Foothills) for educational events. I am the chair for Valley Oaks, which covers that area - Wilton is your best bet for horsey stuff in the area. If you want to PM me, I am happy to let you know what is going on during your 2 weeks…
