I just recently moved to Kirkland and am looking for a jumper barn. Have heard good things about crooks showjumping and that they have had fantastic results. Anyone have any details about barns in the area? Thanks!
Hi! I’m in the neighbor hood! Give me a few days for the guests to leave, and we can get a coffee and talk barns. Welcome to the area!
More n more…the secret of the PNW is getting out 
I’m new to Washington State but I live over in Spokane. Though if my horse can ever get a ride he will be moving to the Seattle/Blaine area. (I’m not really sure exactly how far away those two towns are to be honest) I’m envious of the number of barns in the Seattle area though! Once this horse gets a new home I’ll eventually be shopping again and I think I will end up having to shop over there or go home to Ca. It seems like the H/J world is almost non existent over here! We have been here 10 months and so far I love it up here. Though ask me again tomorrow when we get that 3-5" of snow they are predicting. I can’t wait to get over to Seattle to explore. I think we may come in March for our first dog show of the season. (also something lacking on this side of the state!)
What level are you looking to ride at and how often do you want to show (e.g. C shows versus the A circuit). Also, how far are you willing to travel for shows?
The Crooks have one of only a few very large jumper programs in the area, and travel the circuit more than most (CA to Calgary and down to KY, FL, etc.). Both Sean and Lauren ride very successfully at the GP and FEI levels.
If you want a big show barn, that’s definitely one of them. If you’re looking more for a local show barn that sticks around WA/OR, there are smaller programs that you might find more suitable.
Kestrel knows her stuff, though, so I would definitely take her up on the coffee offer!
If the Crooks program travels more then you want, their aunt Denise Youell of Farpoint farm is wonderful. Did an excellent job helping me develop my green horse. She is everything I look for in a trainer.
New to area - Seattle
Check out Flying Changes, they have a directory. The jumper barns range from Crooks who spend the winter in Florida on down. Good jumper barns I would recommend are the Crooks, Denise Youell, Lauren Crawford Bream at Hang Time Hunters & Jumpers, and Scott King currently at HTH Farms. All are good solid knowledgable folks who go to the big shows and some smaller ones like Jumpernite. Good luck in your quest.
Thank you, PNWJumper. blushes
AliceWindsor, the kids have headed home but I’m going to the Seahawks game tomorrow. I’m pretty much free after that, other than going to the barn. Let me know if you want to meet up.
You also might want to visit Courtney Palmer at North Star Farms in Arlington. She has a nice customer base and is great with the greenies. I also host lots of clinics there. Our next one is Jan 24&25 with Bernie Traurig, then Jeff Cook March 21&22.
There are many great barns in the area. It really depends on how far you want to drive. So, for jumpers, I’d suggest that you check out the following. But there are many, many more, and I’m sure lots of others can chime in with great recommendations.
The North end - Denise Youell/Farpoint Farm or Kylie Forst/Crest View Equestrian.
The South end - Tami Masters/Starfire Farm or Shannon Hendrickson/Signature West
Eastside - John Turner, Quinn Partridge/Thumbs Up Farm;
Sorry, OP, I just saw that you moved to Kirkland! The barns I suggested are a ways out.
You mentioned Crooks Show Jumping. They are in Clearview. If you’re willing to drive that far, Denise Youell (as recommended by others) would be a terrific alternative. Denise has a fabulous feel and is as nice as they come.
Legacy/Shelley Kerron in Woodinville is another option. Although she has a lot of hunters these days, she has turned out fabulous jumpers and has lots of experience at the top level herself. If she has somebody with the interest, she does a fantastic job.
What about Potcreek in Redmond? Cara Anthony has certainly produced some amazing horses and riders. I’m not as familiar with the area, so not sure if that would be too much of a trek.
[QUOTE=Calvincrowe;7930789]
What about Potcreek in Redmond? Cara Anthony has certainly produced some amazing horses and riders. I’m not as familiar with the area, so not sure if that would be too much of a trek.[/QUOTE]
PM me if you need more info about Potcreek. I worked there as the assistant for 4.5 years and still do the barn managing for Cara. Welcome to the area!
I’m pretty happy with my trainer Patrick Billes of Straightforward Dressage and Jumpers. He’s in Snohomish above the fairgrounds. He stays more local but does do evergreen and some others.
I saw the video of Patrick winning the bareback high jump contest at Aspen last fall! Gosh that was fun! He can certainly ride and train. Wow!
I think there are a ton of great trainers and barns in the Seattle area to choose from. Definitely go out and watch or take a lesson. Traffic is the big issue when living in a metro area like Seattle or Portland–sure makes the barn a chore or a pleasure to go to!
