Hey all!
Just recently acquired a coming 4yr old ottb. I’ve been on hiatus from horses for a good while so I’m looking for referrals for boarding and training that specializes in restarting youngsters like mine. Prefer to stay around Norco, Corona, Chino , Chino Hills but would consider further for the right fit. I’ve tried looking on my own but I’m not having much luck. I would also consider hauling in or having someone come to me.
Thank you!
JellyBelly
You might try Megan Gastel in Norco at Pepperglen. Has experience in both HJ and eventing. A friend is there with a TB (not a recent OTTB) and is happy. I have never watched her ride or teach so am not basing this on actual observation.
Do you want someone who is going to ride the horse or someone who is going to train you while you ride? That might make a difference.
I was in Chino Hills for a number of years and know a number of the people in the area, at least as of a year and a half ago. Now in Cerritos which would be a bit of a drive for you.
Thanks! I’m looking for both actually! I’m definitely in need of some refresher lessons and I don’t want to screw up the youngster.
JellyBelly
Mary Nicita at Emerald Bay Farms in Norco is excellent with OTTBs.
https://m.facebook.com/pg/Emerald-Bay-Farms-461775470605679/about/
Mary Nicita at Emerald Bay Farms in Norco is excellent with OTTBs.
https://m.facebook.com/pg/Emerald-Bay-Farms-461775470605679/about/
Janie Steiner at Mountain View Farms would be my go to. She used to exercise ride I believe, and has been specializing in OTTB’s for years. She’s in the Norco area.
If this link doesn’t work, just google her. https://www.facebook.com/mvfjanie/
Sandriine Sieffert at Hanson Dam is great. She gets horses off the track, and reschools them to do hunter/jumpers and then sells them. She is a knowledgable kind rider yet gets the horses to relax and work with her. Hanson Dam is HUGE which is nice as there are lots of different rings to ride in. I had my young horse out there about a yr ago, and almost every time I was out there, I had the ring to myself (which was great for my greenie)
That’s aways from Norco tho
Yes I get that - BUT if you were planning to put the horse out to get started for a couple of months, it wouldn’t be a permanent drive. I started my young horse and it was NOT easy…and yes I have done this a lot over the years…(although not recently and I am older now (sigh).
Sandrine did a great job with my guy. I rode him in a dressage clinic a year ago and the clinician was “wowed”. Said I had a really nice horse. Glad I did that!
Yes I get that - BUT if you were planning to put the horse out to get started for a couple of months, it wouldn’t be a permanent drive. I started my young horse and it was NOT easy…and yes I have done this a lot over the years…(although not recently and I am older now (sigh).
Sandrine did a great job with my guy. I rode him in a dressage clinic a year ago and the clinician was “wowed”. Said I had a really nice horse. Glad I did that!
Thank you for all the suggestions. I’ll be touching base with some of them and see about taking some lessons first and finding the right fit!
jellyBelly
Since you want someone to ride your horse, make sure whoever you go to actually rides the horses themselves or that you like whoever they use for riding.
In your situation and assuming this is a fresh OTTB, I would send it down to Doug Snell in Temecula for a bit while you do lessons closer to home and check out the various programs. You could then go down and start riding your horse with Doug a time or two a week. Although Doug rides in a western saddle, he has been starting/fixing/rehabbing horses for a variety of disciplines, including HJ and dressage for years and understands the needs in those disciplines. He has also worked with race horses. Heck, he was even quoted extensively in a Chronicle article when the young horse he prepped won the Western Sallie Wheeler. He is located at NexStar Ranch. Temecula is a bit of a haul, though not that bad if you’re in Norco and it would be short term.
I second the Doug Snell recommendation. He is great with youngsters and OTTBs.
[QUOTE=Peggy;8969738]
You might try Megan Gastel in Norco at Pepperglen. Has experience in both HJ and eventing. A friend is there with a TB (not a recent OTTB) and is happy. I have never watched her ride or teach so am not basing this on actual observation.
Do you want someone who is going to ride the horse or someone who is going to train you while you ride? That might make a difference.
I was in Chino Hills for a number of years and know a number of the people in the area, at least as of a year and a half ago. Now in Cerritos which would be a bit of a drive for you.[/QUOTE]
Pepperglen Farms where Megan trains out of it is a lovely facility. They even have hunter/jumper and dressage shows (regular and western). Megan spends a lot of time with flat work which is nice. Some of the facilities in Norco are kind of dumpy and aren’t maintained well. I lived in Norco for 25 years and know the clientele there very well.
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You may also receive promotional emails from The Chronicle of the Horse. You can opt out at any time.
For Customers
Company
Terms of Use
