Places to exercise horses around Los Angeles?

[IndiaAnderson]

Hello!

I’m India Anderson, and I’m entering USC’s Thornton School of Music as a tuba performance major. However, besides music I have a passion for horses, and have been riding for 6 years. I mainly ride dressage, although after the summer of 2015 I was unable to go back to Ohio during the summers to visit my grandparents and ride at my dressage barn there. Lately I’ve been riding with a jumper instructor where I live in New Jersey just because she’s the most feasible option, but I haven’t jumped much and don’t really plan on it. I have a lot of experience working on horse farms, I’ve fed and medicated horses, done hay, exercised horses, cleaned stalls and have done just general barn work and repair. The summer of 2015 I also trained a Western quarter-horse to dressage and showed her that August, winning both training level classes I entered.

I’d like to continue this in college, but I don’t think I’ll have the time or the money to join the equestrian team or buy consistent lessons. I was wondering if anyone here would know of a barn that would need someone to exercise any of their horses. I would do it for free, I would just really like to find someplace to continue riding without breaking the bank for lessons on top of expenses for college.

India

[atlatl]

Welcome to So Cal.

I suspect that you will be hard pressed to find someone willing to let another exercise their horse that is not a professional trainer or someone they already know. That said, you never know. You can try to make contacts at a barn near you, LAEC is probably a good place to start. You might be able to find someone who is open to what you suggest or trainer that will work with you in exchange for help.

I can’t count the number of times I’ve had complete strangers offer to “help” exercise my horses for me. I always politely decline.

Let me say, as a former horn player, it is all about the bass.

Good luck!

[Feathered_Feet]

You’ll have to get involved with a barn in some way. People need to see you ride, like you, and think you’re a good fit for their horses. That will probably mean you’ll need to take lessons at first. As atlatl said, going in cold is not likely to net you many takers. Owners have to see you, like your riding, and approach you.

[Mukluk]

Congratulations on your musical aspirations!!! I would think the best thing for you would be to take some lessons with a good trainer and let it be known that you are available to work with horses. That way the trainer can vouch for your riding abilities. Good luck to you.

[NSC_Los_Angeles]

https://www.dreamhorse.com/ad/2049407/looking-glass-grey-holsteiner-gelding-talented-warmbloods-and-tbs-to-ride-no-lease-fee-california.html

Hi - welcome to Southern California! Not sure how far you are from Temecula, but this ad has been circulating in the area for awhile. Good luck to you!

[AriA1]

Hello India,

It so happens that I am looking for a work exchange student for my current dressage trainer. She’s incredible and needs help around the barn. She would like to exchange riding lessons for barn work. With all of your experience, you seem like you’d be a great fit! Only thing is I am not quite sure where you are located. She is in Los Angeles near Griffith Park. She needs someone who can lead, saddle, groom, clean and turn out.

If you’re interested, pls contact at 818-836-0210…Hope to hear from you!

[Fiesta01]

Just wanted to point out that the original post is 5 years old. But someone else may be interested in the position.