Horse Trainers in Southern California: A Guide to San Diego's Equestrian Professionals
Originally featured in the 2014 Equine Almanac
San Diego County is home to a thriving equestrian community, complete with world-famous competitors, trainers, and horses. From A-Circuit horse shows to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and San Diego's polo community, the region has long attracted exceptional equestrian talent.
Whether you're a beginning rider, an experienced competitor, or a horse owner looking for the right training program, finding the right trainer is key to an enjoyable riding experience.
The 2014 Equine Almanac highlighted an impressive collection of equestrian professionals throughout Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Encinitas, Temecula, and greater San Diego County.
Choosing the Right Horse Trainer
Before selecting a trainer, it's important to consider your individual riding goals, your horse's needs, and the type of equestrian experience you're looking for.
Important questions to ask yourself:
Does your dream home include equestrian facilities? What are your specific needs?
Do you already own horses, or would you prefer a trainer to help you find one?
Are you interested in recreational riding, competitive showing, or trail riding?
What level of care and accommodations do you want for your horses?
How much time would you like to spend traveling to competitions, and what is your budget?
The EQ team recommends meeting several trainers within your riding discipline before making a decision. Carefully review boarding and training agreements, payment arrangements, commissions, and liability waivers.
Understanding your trainer's expectations, lesson schedules, barn policies, and horse show expenses can make a significant difference in your overall riding experience.
Hunter/Jumper Trainers in Southern California
Southern California has a longstanding reputation for producing accomplished hunter/jumper riders and trainers. The 2014 Equine Almanac featured several professionals who helped shape the region's competitive show jumping community.
Hap Hansen | Rancho Santa Fe
One of the most recognized names in American show jumping, Hap Hansen achieved 99 Grand Prix victories throughout his career. A student of legendary trainer Jimmy Williams, Hansen received numerous honors, including the CPHA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Based at Osuna Ranch in Rancho Santa Fe at the time of publication, Hansen trained competitive hunter/jumper horses and riders, emphasizing confidence as an essential part of successful riding.
“Just jump the jump.”
Philip Cillis | Encinitas
With more than 30 years of professional training experience at the time of publication, Philip Cillis worked extensively with Hap Hansen before establishing his own training operation.
An accomplished Grand Prix competitor and former Nations Cup team rider, Cillis focused on developing junior and amateur riders competing on the A-Circuit.
“Use the entire ring.”
Marc Grock | Highland Farms
Marc Grock established Highland Farms in Olivenhain, offering professional hunter/jumper training and sport horse sales.
A Grand Prix competitor with multiple Horse of the Year honors, Grock emphasized patience, compassion, and enjoyment while helping riders achieve success in the show ring.
“Have fun and ride what you see.”
Mandy Porter | Encinitas
Mandy Porter brought international show jumping experience to Southern California, having represented the United States on three Nations Cup teams.
Her training philosophy focused on horsemanship, balance, rhythm, and helping each rider reach their individual potential.
“Keep it simple.”
Guillermo Obligado | Woodgrove Farm
Originally from Argentina, Guillermo Obligado represented his country at the international level, including the 2004 Athens Olympic Games as a reserve rider and the 2006 World Equestrian Games.
At Woodgrove Farm in Rancho Santa Fe, his program welcomed riders from .80-meter competition through Grand Prix, with an emphasis on finding the right partnership between horse and rider.
“Believe in yourself and trust your horse.”
Chance Arakelian | Fairbanks Riding Club
A longtime student of Hap Hansen, Chance Arakelian developed a training program centered on the fundamentals of pace, rhythm, balance, control, and track.
Together with his wife, Joanne, Arakelian provided instruction, horse sales, and competitive opportunities at major A-Circuit shows.
“It's all about the details.”
Michelle Parker | Cross Creek West
Grand Prix rider Michelle Parker founded Cross Creek West in 2004, working with a select group of A-Circuit hunter/jumper clients.
Her approach emphasized hard work, dedication, and consistent effort as the foundation for competitive success.
“Just do it one more time.”
Additional Hunter/Jumper Professionals
The 2014 Equine Almanac also featured Alicia Saxton, Susan Hutchison, Leah von Henkle, and international show jumping professionals Eduardo Menez and Enrique Gonzalez of E2 Stables.
These trainers brought experience in competitive show jumping, rider development, horse sales, and international competition to Southern California's equestrian community.
Dressage Trainers in Southern California
Dressage has long been an important part of the Southern California equestrian landscape, with accomplished professionals developing horses and riders from introductory levels through international competition.
Christine Traurig | Rancho Santa Fe
Christine Traurig is an accomplished international dressage rider and trainer whose career includes representing the United States at the Olympic level.
Her experience in developing dressage horses and riders made her an important figure in the region's competitive dressage community.
Rebecca Rigdon
Rebecca Rigdon was among the dressage professionals highlighted in the 2014 Equine Almanac, contributing to the region's community of competitive dressage riders and trainers.
David Blake
David Blake was featured among Southern California's dressage professionals, representing the region's strong tradition of dressage training and competition.
Lena Nordlof-Davis
Lena Nordlof-Davis was also included in the Almanac's dressage section, highlighting the range of professionals available to riders pursuing the discipline.
Marie Medosi | Rancho Santa Fe
Originally from Hawaii, Marie Medosi pursued her dressage education internationally before working with respected professionals Sue Blinks and Christine Traurig.
After establishing her own training program in 2013, Medosi focused on developing young horses and helping riders improve their own skills.
“Work on yourself—the horse will follow.”
Lynn Devenport | Escondido
Lynn Devenport was featured as part of the region's dressage training community, with an approach welcoming riders across different levels of experience.
“From beginners to winners.”
Western Horse Trainers in Southern California
Southern California's equestrian heritage extends beyond the hunter/jumper and dressage arenas. Western disciplines, including cutting, reining, cow horse events, and western pleasure, remain an important part of the region's horse culture.
Glen Aspinall | Temecula
Originally from Australia, Glen Aspinall developed a career in western performance horses after working with respected horsemen including John Ward and Bob Avila.
His training focused on cow horses, cutting, and reining, with an emphasis on traditional horsemanship and developing riders from beginner through competitive levels.
“If you can't explain, they won't obtain.”
Clay MacLeod
Clay MacLeod was featured among the Almanac's western trainers, with an emphasis on teaching the principles of good riding and horsemanship while ensuring students enjoyed their time in the saddle.
“Western pleasure should be just that—pleasure and fun.”
Chris Willson
Working with riders and horses of various experience levels, Willson emphasized strong horsemanship fundamentals, accessible instruction, and the enjoyment of riding.
“Ride hard to a soft feel.”
Nicole Johnson | Fairbanks Equestrian Center
Nicole Johnson was also featured among the region's western equestrian professionals.
“Believe in what you want to happen.”
Eventing Trainers in Southern California
Hawley Bennett | Temecula
Canadian eventing rider Hawley Bennett developed her competitive career alongside her horse Livingston, representing Canada at major international championships, including the Olympic Games.
Based at KingsWay Farm in Temecula at the time of publication, Bennett welcomed riders of varying experience levels, emphasizing effort, dedication, and personal growth.
“If someone tells you no, it just makes you want to try harder.”
Breeding, Foaling & Young Horse Development
Tish Quirk | Rancho Santa Fe
Tish Quirk and her husband, John, have made significant contributions to the international equestrian community through breeding, horse development, publishing, and major equestrian events.
Their involvement included bringing the World Cup Finals of Show Jumping to Del Mar in 1992 and later to Las Vegas.
Inducted into the Spruce Meadows Hall of Fame in 2006, the Quirks have played an important role in the development and promotion of equestrian sport.
Tish's program in Rancho Santa Fe included breeding, foaling, developing, and training horses.
The Equestrian Lifestyle in Rancho Santa Fe & San Diego
From the competitive hunter/jumper circuits of Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe to the dressage arenas, western training facilities, and eventing programs throughout San Diego County, Southern California offers a diverse equestrian community.
Finding the right trainer is about more than competition results. It's about building a partnership that supports your goals, prioritizes your horse's well-being, and allows you to enjoy everything the equestrian lifestyle has to offer.
As the Equine Almanac reminds us:
“Happy horses, happy trainer, happy riding life!”
Editor's Note: This article is adapted and condensed from the 2014 Equine Almanac. Trainer affiliations, locations, accomplishments, and programs reflect the original publication and may have changed since 2014.
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