Searching for barns near South Bay or OC area - Los Angeles

[Leroy_Brown]

I’ve searched through the threads and can’t find anything pertinent to my search. I’ve recently moved with the family to Hermosa Beach and I’m looking for a barn to train with. I’ve come from Northern California (Bay area) and loved the great options for trainers out there (McIntosh, Harley Brown, Guy Thomas). I competed in the A/O jumpers about 15 years ago and recently got back out into the adult jumpers. I’m looking to continue and hopefully move up.

Obviously, I’m looking for a great trainer, who can give me confidence, but would also like a nice facility with good footing and not too crowded. Somebody honest, and preferably with a great assistant trainer, as I can’t be on the road constantly showing. I do want to show regularly (probably more locally - Thermal, Showpark, Del Mar, etc.) I’m not interested in hunters and would like somebody jumper focused.

I’m willing to travel up to an hour (during the day) to reach a suitable trainer.

Thanks so much for any recommendations.

[Chef_Jade]

Your closest and fantastic option would be Seahorse, in Palos Verdes. http://seahorseridingclub.org/
I ride in Orange County with Edgar Pagan. https://www.facebook.com/edgarpaganshowjumping/ It would be a haul every day but my trainer has people that do it. We have a super fun group of mostly amateurs, and go to about 1 “A” show a month and a handful of county shows each year. We do a couple of weeks at Thermal, Blenheim, Showpark. It is more of a boutique barn with lots of individual attention, but freedom to do your own thing if that is your style.

[Peggy]

Seahorse and Portuguese Bend are the best close options IMHO.

I ride in Cerritos at First Field Farm. Could get close to an hour of travel from HB if you pick the wrong time. I live in Torrance, am 17 miles away, and it takes me just under 30 minutes unless I try to go out after about 3 pm.

Trainers are great and old fashioned in a good way. Someone is always at home. We do a mix of higher-end A shows and LA County rated shows (that are also USEF). Nice group of amateurs and a few (also nice) juniors. Most eq and hunter focussed, but some jumper riders. The assistant who does much of the riding has two jumpers of her own that she shows at 1.3m+ Facility is functional, but not fancy. https://www.firstfieldfarm.com

[Greypolopony]

I live in Hermosa and board in Palos Verdes. I have ridden all over Palos Verdes, which as other people have mentioned is your closest option (20-30mins). As far as boarding, your options are Portuguese Bend, Palos Verdes Stables, Seahorse Riding Club, Peter Weber Equestrian Center, and I believe Peninsula Riding Club will be converting to jumpers in January. There is also Empty Saddle Club, but it is very, very Western. I don’t think any of these barns will be what you’re used to coming from Norcal, but they are cozy and close by, and there’s a decent trail network, public arenas, and parks. The first three barns I listed definitely have programs that do the show circuit to varying degrees. PM me if you want to chat about it.

[Chins06]

What about Bridgeport Farms? I think they are in your target area. We stabled near them at shows a few times and the group seemed nice.

[PonyPenny]

I have heard good things about this barn in Palos Verdes Estates http://alderinsporthorses.com/index.html

[Linda]

I rode with Devon at Seahorse for years. She is a great trainer - calm, patient and encouraging. I boarded at seahorse for years, but I also boarded at private homes in the area as well… That was ideal as my horse could have a large turnout area and a covered shed. I had about a 15 minute hack over to seahorse for lessons and since I was in a lesson program, I could use the ring. There is also a public ring up the hill behind seahorse that is available to all.

There is a local feed and tack store just up the road from seahorse (up the hill to the light and turn left. Its on the left side down the road) and they have a bulletin board that advertises boarding options at homes if that is something that is of interest.

[mckenna310]

I rode with Devon and Christie at Seahorse for about 4 years. Devon especially is an awesomely gifted instructor. Board with full training was pricy for me so I boarded next door at Peter Weber Equestrian Center and trail rode over for lessons. Several others did the same. They are the best, most professional show barn on the hill for sure.