My husband has accepted a job in Portland, and we’re moving to the Cedar Mill area this summer. Now that I’ve figured out housing and schools for the human family members, I need to figure out housing and training for the equine member of the family (though my daughter argues that her horse should have been higher on the to-do list 
.)
Where would you recommend for a late-elementary age kid and her hony? She rides hunter and equitation and is in her first summer of rated showing. Kiddo has dreams of medal finals someday; parents are more concerned with a solid program that will help her develop both horse and life skills, prioritizes kids well-being (mental and physical) and is fun, while also advancing in her riding. Other kid-riders and a trainer who is positive and good with kids are priorities, as is having a trainer at home when others are away at shows (school doesn’t allow for a ton of travel shows between September and June.) Also a trainer who can do schooling rides with the horse, since in my experience that’s essential for a kid’s horse. And, of course, excellent horse care that also prioritizes the long-term well-being of the horse.
Finally, I know geography complicates this. There seem to be more options south and east of the city v. to the west, where we’ll be living. When I map some of those commutes it’s daunting, especially knowing that for most of the year we’ll be needing to fit in homework and family life, too. Ideally we wouldn’t be driving more than 30 minutes each direction after school (and even less is better), when, of course, traffic also picks up.
Thanks for any info you can share! Our current trainer is also putting out feelers in her network, but I’m trying to cover my bases.
