I’m an upper-level event rider looking to do a bit more work in the jumper ring. I already work with a Grand Prix dressage instructor to fine-tune the flatwork and am looking for the same keen eye and attention to detail over fences. Who is your favorite person to work with and why? Thanks in advance!:winkgrin:
How far north are you talking? North as in Petaluma?
I just moved from the Bay Area and rode on the peninsula (@PVTC) but I know of some great trainers in the petaluma area. If you can be more specific on location I can send you some names.
Anywhere within 1.5 hours of SF would be ideal. Thanks!
bump!
Buddy Brown gives the best lessons/schooling period, hands down if you’re looking for a Jumper trainer. Technical, theory, how to, etc…love watching him teach!!
He and Vanessa are at Stanford Red Barn, in Stanford/Palo Alto area, about an hour south of S.F., if even that far.
Peter Lutz and Mary Manfreddie at Davenport
I agree with this! I don’t ride with Buddy (yet) but I do ride with his awesome assistant, Nicole, so I get some of the Buddy “trickle down” effect. Another eventer here at Stanford does take jumping lessons with Buddy and has learned a ton and is doing remarkably well with her young horse. Not only does Buddy possess a high level of expertise, he is also very personable.
Third strong recommendation for Buddy and Vanessa. They are located at Stanford’s Red Barn on the campus (Alpine Drive exit off 280). They have a full service training business, and also have many ship-in clients.
www.derbyhillfarm.com
http://www.alderlanefarm.com/trainer.shtml
I happen to think my daughters trainer - Dusty Blackwood - is a very good jumper trainer. She rides and competes as do all of her assistants. The barn is in Cotati which is about 45 minutes from SF and many people do commute from there. The facility is beautiful, the arenas are some of the best around, many well known clinicians have clinics there - this year Frank Madden and Jeff Cook held clinics there. Mattias doesn’t train there any more but another trainer - Julie Young who is the head coach of the USA Vaulting team (go Julie at WEG) is the second trainer there.
She is a stickler for flat work - poles, cavalettis, transition work, lenghtening… etc. She is patient and she is a good communicater. Daughter adores her and has been riding there for nearly 4 years now. She loves the jumper arena.
Elizabeth Kilham up in Nicasio
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Elizabeth Kilham up in Nicasio[/QUOTE]
Okay… even though I love Dusty I have to give a thumbs up to Lumpy as well. I have a video that I favorited of her doing the GP at the Northern Winter Classic on a horse named Ukkepuk. Love that video… love that horse.
I’ll second both Elizabeth Kilham (her nickname “Lumpy” though I haven’t seen/heard her use it much publicly lately) and Buddy & Vanessa Brown. All extremely well qualified trainers and high quality individuals. Depends on whether it is easier for you to drive north across the Golden Gate to Nicasio or south to Stanford.
Much good luck to you with your eventing !
I’m leasing a young horse that belongs to a client of Dusty Blackwood’s (in Cotati). She started this horse and showed him in hunters. This horse has been given an amazing foundation on the flat by Dusty and her staff. The horse works solid 2nd level, in his sleep, and he hasn’t really been schooled in dressage, per se. I’m pretty impressed.
Have you ridden with Yves Sauvignon? Not a jumper trainer of course but very good with fencework just the same.
I highly recommend Nina and Mariano Alario of Estancia Farms for help with jumpers. They are very knowledgable and have clients showing up to the Grand Prix level (along with themselves).
Another rec for Buddy and Vanessa Brown (Derby Hill). FANTASTIC trainers and equally nice people
