Hi all,
I have a non horsey best friend who lives in Newport CA with a few horse interested girls age 8 and 12. Any recommendations for a great place for them to get started? I’m not from that area so I haven’t a clue but I want to steer her in the right direction. She’s looking into summer camps too…
Doesn’t need to be fancy, but safe and fun with a good horsemanship program.
TIA!
Kristy Miller and Elvenstar Orange County should both have summer riding camps. Contact info here: http://www.hcpec.com/trainers.html
The Orange County Fairgrounds is the closest to Newport Beach, and the Sabos, as mentioned by poltroon are probably your best bet there. While I don’t know them personally, they have a very good reputation.
Thanks Chef Jade and Poltroon, these all look like good suggestions. And, I did not know there was an Elvenstar in Orange County. I have heard good things about them as well.
You could also try Huntington Beach. Ginny Spooner (Richard’s mother) has a riding school there.
Sabo eventing is a good suggestion. I know one of the assistant instructors there and she’s awesome!
If you’re looking for low-key, focus on horsemanship and summer camp, check out the OC Riding Academy in Orange. My girlfriend’s daughter does hunters there (they live in Newport Beach, too). I rode my horse over the other week to meet up with her there and met a lot of the instructors, students and parents. Great atmosphere, lesson horses, not exclusive and seemed very supportive and accepting of all levels and disciplines. My friend raves about it. http://www.ocridingacademy.com/
PM me if you want to pass on my friend’s contact to your friend, if she wants to ask any questions.
Kristy Miller / Elvenstar / Ginny Spooner are all great choices, and Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center is a very nice facility (I am biased, having been there - this time around - for 23+ years). Have not seen their camp schedules posted yet, but all three have them.
