Debbie began horseback riding as an adult, and has been riding for over 17 years. She has enjoyed both dressage (to Second Level) and hunter/jumper (at local SAHJA shows as well as “A” shows) and has also spent time trail riding. Debbie offers lessons for beginning riders to show competitors and for all ages. We want our riders to be happy and confident on their horses, so we concentrate on teaching a balanced seat until the rider chooses his or her favorite discipline.

Our program is devoted to creating safe, well-rounded riders with a solid foundation in English riding, trail riding, jumping, and dressage. Good horsemanship is a must, and lessons are customized to each student's interests and abilities. Students are welcome and encouraged to engage in fun horsey activities together, such as group trail rides, clinics, and horse shows.

Lessons are $40 per hour, and newcomers are always welcome to come meet the horses and audit a lesson. We have some lease horses available. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a lesson, please call Debbie Smith at (916) 769-4519 or send her an email at gdsmith01@earthlink.net

No longer employed here

Molly Brock, 42, has been riding and competing her whole life. Her current program is inclusive of all levels of horses and riders and she welcomes those wishing to start from the beginning, taking lessons on her school horses, to those wanting to compete on the A show circuit.

As a junior, Molly started on family ponies but quickly realized she had the urge to compete. She trained with local Sacramento trainers, Lindsey Pounds-Costigan and Patty Ball, focusing on hunters and equitation. At the University of California at Berkeley, where she graduated in 1990, she turned her attentions to rowing. Upon graduation, she followed her ambition in that sport, moved east, and trained for the United States National Team. Nine years of training and competing in five World Championships, the Pan American Games and two Olympic Trials culminated in the highlight of winning the gold medal in the World Rowing Championships in St. Catherine?s, Canada in the lightweight women?s quadruple sculls in 1999.

In the last 11 years, Molly has devoted her energy to her first passion, the horse world. In 2001, she developed Blue Star Farms in Petaluma, CA, a small training barn focusing on thoroughbred rehabilitation, rehoming and sales. During this time she competed as an amateur with trainers Duncan and Gry McFarlane, Macella O?Neill, Hilary Hayward, Hope and Ned Glynn and Tracy Cotchett on her Holsteiner jumper, Carl. She started her professional career in Portland, OR in 2007 and established Inverness Ridge, a hunter/jumper training and show barn competing on the A circuit in the northwest. Back now in California for the last 2 years, she and Inverness Ridge are here to stay. Her own experience and training continues to evolve. A believer in constant learning, Molly apprenticed with top southern California trainer, Mike Edrick in 2009 and currently clinics regularly with Brian Sabo.

Molly?s approach with her students is fresh and open. She is friendly, smart and has a strong work ethic. She welcomes all levels of students, from beginners of all ages, to hunter jumper competitors competing on the A circuit. Molly Brock mollymbrock@gmail.com 916-505-8808