By Alicia Doyle
Sunday Signal Writer
Santa Clarita’s rolling hills are home to an equestrian world where children learn to bond with their first horse, couples escape for trail rides among riverbeds, and seasoned riders hone their skills in rings and arenas — welcoming anyone who dreams of a life lived one hoofbeat at a time.
Avalon Farms
At Avalon Farms, “we focus on putting the horse and rider together in a balanced, relaxed form of horsemanship,” said Laurel van der Linde, who lives in the Santa Clarita Valley.
She noted that their method of training is “different from the way others might train” in that it’s “applicable to all forms of riding.
“We like to divide between Western and English, but if you know how to stay on a horse with balance, it doesn’t matter — the foundation is the same,” she said, offering the comparison of the various styles of dance, from ballet to modern.
“It’s applicable across all forms if you have a solid foundation and know where your center of gravity is,” she said. “Horses are no different. If you have a solid foundation of balance, you can pick up any other discipline. And the bottom line is, it’s a much safer way to ride if you’re matching your center of gravity to the horse, you’ll never fall off.”
For local residents interested in giving riding a try, “we offer ‘the come on over and try it and see if you like it,’” van der Linde said. “You don’t have to have a horse to come here if you want to learn how to ride the right way.” And if you happen to already have a horse that needs training, “we offer that as well.”
At Avalon Farms, “I teach everything from the ground up,” noted van der Linde, adding that this includes how to clean the horse’s feet and other grooming procedures, as well as how to be safe.
“There’s a whole procedure that you should learn before you get on the horse so you’re safe,” she emphasized.
She added that all this takes place in a “very relaxed environment.
“We work with all age ranges, from kids to adults,” said van der Linde, noting that she loves working with children.
Above all, she considers the relationship between horse and rider “a partnership … it’s a dance.
“It’s the two of you working together to accomplish something — it’s all cooperation, and the horses respond beautifully.”
Avalon Farms is located at 30841 Gilmour Rd., Santa Clarita, CA 91384. For more information, call (661) 600-3365.
Santa Clarita Valley Equestrian Center
Considered a “full-service equestrian facility,” the Santa Clarita Equestrian Center is able to “effectively accommodate every level rider — from children and adults who’ve never seen a horse up close to expert riders.”
Owned by Scott and Kelly Pointer, the center welcomes walk-in riders six days a week, as well as group lessons that include grooming and tackling with 45 minutes of riding time.
Flat lessons in Western and English are offered Monday through Saturday for $40, with group lessons costing $45. Additionally, private riding lessons are available by appointment only for $60 that includes 30 minutes of riding time.
Featuring boarding, a massive selection of lessons, trail rides, roping, special events, parties and filming opportunities, the Santa Clarita Valley Equestrian Center “has something for everyone.
“We wanted to create a space where the joys of an equestrian lifestyle could be comfortably had by anyone who wanted to benefit from it,” Scott Pointer said. “That’s why we have classes for both kids and adults, special lessons for children on the autism spectrum, really affordable trail rides and special events that get people off their phones and into nature.”
Surrounded by rolling green hills and steps away from the riverbed, the Santa Clarita Valley Equestrian Center is perfectly positioned for easy access — all while feeling a world away.
“Parents bring the kids here, couples go on first dates here, cousins sign up for summer camp together here — it’s a magical place that encourages authentic connections,” Kelly Pointer added.
The Santa Clarita Valley Equestrian Center is located at 28680 San Francisquito Canyon Rd. in Saugus. For more information, call (661) 310-4044; or visit www.scvequestriancenter.com.
MulberryMare Equestrian
MulberryMare in Santa Clarita invites all riders, adults and children older than seven years of age — as well as all levels of experience — into the ring.
Owned and operated by Rachel Rubin, MulberryMare is a full service hunter, jumper, and equitation training facility. With a driving focus on the combined skill of technique and self confidence, Rubin gives each client detailed attention to ensure proper learning, growth on confidence, and safety.
MulberryMare Equestrian is located at 27101 Sand Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. For more information, call (818) 605-0639 or visit www.mulberrymare.com.
Rosewood Equestrian
Anjelica Glosup, the owner and trainer of Rosewood Equestrian, started Rosewood on May 1 of 2013.
Involved with horses for more than 20 years, she started riding at the age of four and never stopped. In her younger years she competed heavily in Gymkhana and Barrel Racing, winning buckles, trophies and saddles. She additionally rode on the hunter/jumper circuit — and to top it off, she competed all over the United States on reining horses. Additionally, she rode in the NRHA Affiliate Finals Championship in OKC, Oklahoma, Las Vegas and more.
Glosup has ridden and competed in all different disciplines. She has started numerous horses from their first ride to being a champion in whatever division that horse was started in. Horses are her life and passion — and she loves to see a horse grow and love their job.
“We start riders from the age of two years old and up — from beginner to winner. Whether you want to ride competitive or for leisure, at Rosewood we have the environment to facilitate all riding dreams.”
Rosewood Equestrian is located at 29874 San Francisquito Canyon in Saugus. For more information, call (661) 713-9206; or visit www.rosewoodequestrian.org.
