I started riding with Mark a few weeks ago after a bad accident on my personal horse at another barn left me sidelined by injury for a year and a half. I sold my horse, hung up my spurs, and didn't want to ride anymore. Somehow I found my way to Mark when I decided to give it another try and he is just amazing. By the third ride, I was feeling happy and comfortable and reminded of my passion for horses. Mark is so calm, reassuring, wise, and experienced. He immediately identified some basic problems that were holding me back as a rider and gave me usable guidance to correct them. I can feel the difference already and I'm having fun again. The horses are all extremely well trained and taken care of, and all of the barn folks are friendly and welcoming. Footing is good, stalls are bright and cheery, and the horses are happy. What more can I say? Five stars and thank you! read more

My daughter Lyra has been riding with Mark for more than 13 years. She was taking riding lessons at home in Austin, TX and she started taking lessons with him when we were visiting my parents in California. His instruction transformed her riding. She had developed a lot of bad habits with her instructors in Texas and he worked hard with her to undo those habits, really helping her improve. He really pushed her, sometimes spending entire lessons on foundational drills that helped her with her form. Each class was a master class in riding. Nobody here even comes close to his talent. He also runs a 1st-class barn. The horses are well cared for and the facilities are always clean. He really cares about the health of the horses and has the highest standards. The lesson horses far exceed any we've seen at the other barns where my daughter has ridden over the years. And because of this, he has attracted a community of passionate riders that is welcoming. We wish we could take him back with us to Austin! read more

See all

Fantastic! I have had to pleasure to know Mark for a few years now. We sent our young horse to Mark in San Diego, CA for training a couple of years ago. Mark is great with young horses and did a great job helping my daughter bring the horse along. I just recently moved to the Lexington, KY area and was THRILLED to learn that Mark and part of his CA team also moved to the Lexington area. Mark and his team always have the horse, and what is best for the horse, as their primary focus. We have had a couple of training rides and lessons here in Lexington and, not surprised, they went GREAT. The footing in the indoor is terrific, the facility is very well maintained and ALL the horses on the property are well cared for, including the retirement horses. If you are in the Lexington area or want a safe horse retirement location - talk to Mark. I definitely recommend Concord Equestrian Center! read more

I have been riding at Concord Equestrian for six years, I started my freshman year of high school and now in my sophomore year of college. During my school breaks I come back and pick up my riding and training with Mark. My favorite thing about the way Mark teaches is he adjust to the learning style of his students and approaches things in a way that is most effective for his riders. The reason why I love Concord and would recomend it to anyone looking to ride is because of the atmosphere it provides. Concord is truly like a big family and I believe that is what makes us different. We make the effort to get to know one another and support each other no matter the age or level difference. Aside from riding there is always opportunites and activities put on by Concord for everyone to participate and hang out in, like barbeques and in barn fun shows. I never feel like I am out of place or unable to talk to any of the staff and clients. I am always challenged to my fullest capability on and off the saddle in training and learning. Concord does'nt only help you inprove and learn in the sport but also with life lessons in a safe and comfortable environment. read more

Great place!!! Started riding there this week. LOVE a pony named Truffles there. AWESOME place. -daughter of prassana read more

I have spent most of my life riding and caring for horses - Mark is hands down the best instructor I have ever had. His teaching skills are exceptional and his students excel as a result. His school horses are well trained, well cared for, and a pleasure to ride. I highly recommend Concord Equestrian Center. read more

I was in San Diego for work and took a lesson with Mark. It was a great lesson! I learned a lot and Mark was great about making sure I understood the things we were working on. My lesson horse, Nick, was a total pro and the facility was beautiful! read more

I started riding here around 3 months ago. I came from a strictly dressage background, training with Christine Traurig for over 3 years. I had tried jumping in the past but felt that I wasn't learning much, and the condition of the lesson horses was usually not great. After selling my dressage horse I decided to try my luck at the hunters/jumpers again and I could not be happier that I chose Concord equestrian center. Everyone at the barn is so helpful and welcoming, it truly is like having a second family. Mark made my transition from dressage to hunters/jumpers so easy, and I have no doubt it's because of his extensive dressage background. I learn something from every lesson, and he always makes sure that you fully understand what he's trying to teach. Mark is truly passionate about horses, and that's evident in both his teaching and the condition of his horses. I've never seen such happy and healthy lesson horses in my life. I highly recommend concord to anyone looking for a Hunter/Jumper facility. read more

Every year when our out of town cousins come into town, I try to plan something special for each child based on their interests. For my 6 year old niece who loves horses, I wanted to find a horse back riding experience for her. I came across concord equestrian and could not have been happier with the experience. We had three kids to ride, a 4 year old and two 6 year olds. Marybeth (the director?) worked very hard for us to get all three kiddos riding at the same time. The two boys were a little hesitant about riding, but the very laid back and no rush style of the employees was exactly what they needed. The kids got to take their time getting to know the horses and never once did they feel rushed to pet the horse or to get on it. The ride was a perfect length, felt like a nice long ride but the kids did not get tired. There were two students and Marybeth who worked with the horses and our kids. The students were very nice and did a great job, but I was very glad that Marybeth was there. She definitely knew exactly what she was doing and is very experienced working with little kids. As we left, my brother in law looked at me and said of the experience "A+". We would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a first time experience. read more

My daughter started riding here about 2 months ago. We couldn't be happier with the entire staff here. Mark is an excellent trainer who pays attention to every small detail and has definitely helped my daughter refine her riding skills. He has a firm yet gentle way of teaching that motivates his students to be their best. The entire staff is very friendly and helpful. We felt at home right away. Not only are the students well looked after but so are the horses. We highly recommend checking them out for yourself! read more

Corcord's Pony Ride experience is wonderful for little kids new to horses. Maribeth was kind and patient with the child; the small horse (Truffles) was so sweet and well-behaved. All the horses seem of high quality, healthy and well-groomed. The whole equestrian center is a class act for English style riding. The "lesson" for newbie kids is lengthy and fun, well worth the $35 price. I brought my niece for a Pony Ride as a gift for her 6th birthday and everything was perfect. She will talk about the fun she had here for a long time. I highly recommend this experience. Sorry, Maribeth, I planned to tip you but you went off with your next student before I could get my act together. Hopefully my Yelp review can make up for that. read more

I started riding at Concord a few weeks ago, when my husband bought lessons for me as a gift. I showed horses my entire childhood, but hadn't ridden since then (which was about 28 years), so was more than a bit nervous. Jeni is my trainer and she couldn't be any more wonderful! I've had a great time at every lesson and she is very patient with me, and I feel like I'm making great progress toward being the confident rider I was as a kid. The lesson horses are extremely well cared for and very loved. The people in the barn, whether working or just hanging out, are so friendly they make you instantly feel comfortable there. I couldn't have picked a better place myself! read more

My 9 year old granddaughter had a wonderful, educational experience at her first lesson. Maribeth is professional, kind and an inspirational teacher. The entire facility is first rate. read more

Concord is a great place. My daughter was very much a beginner 9 months ago and because of the patience of the experienced instructors she has improved week after week. She loves it... great horses (well cared for, by caring groomers like Hector and the rest of the staff). She has trained with three different instructors so they are all great... but Maribeth is the greatest. read more

We scheduled a Buckaroo ride for our 2 1/2 year old granddaughter. The pony she rode is named Cinnamon and was very gentle and patient. The whole experience from booking the ride, pre-ride time with the pony (brushing the pony), the ride, and giving the pony carrot treats after the ride was wonderful. Our granddaughter loved the experience and has been asking when we are going again. She has also told all her friends at daycare and the teachers about her ride. Our guide for the ride, Vanessa, was excellent with our granddaughter, very patient with a first time rider, and informative as to what a pony's needs are. We look forward to bringing our granddaughter and a friend or two back to Concord for another Buckaroo ride and would highly recommend Concord to those looking for pony rides for a child. read more

Best place to be to ride in San Diego. They have excellent instructors for all levels of riders from beginners to advanced and showing. They offer a wide variety of services incuding camps, pony rides, lessons, and full training. I have ridden there for years and it is one of the best places to be. The people there really are one big happy family and are always looking for new people to join. There are a lot of social activites at the barn with shows and BBQ's. The instuctors are great and really focus on your communication between horse and rider. A great place for anyone who rides or would like to start. There is always something going on at the barn. read more