The one thing that needs to be said: you KNOW your horse is being taken care of even if you can't…read moremake it out there! Been there 15 years...

Update at the end of 2024: Cindy has been super busy with…read moreall kinds of projects around the barn. She's upgraded both of the arenas at the far end of the property and they are GREAT! She put mulch down on the bridle paths and it feels like you are walking through a springy forest. Really nice. The place is hopping every day with happy horses and nice people. I feel very lucky we found this barn.

If you're looking for a top notch trainer, look no further. Stacie is amazing, my daughter fell…read moreinto the cracks at another barn, just recently she has been riding with Stacie and the improvement Is AMAZING! Stacie really has a way of explaining and showing the proper way to ride that my 10 yr old can understand. Another big bonus is everyone at the barn is like family can't imagine anywhere else to be.

I was referred to Stacie when I wanted to find a good trainer to help start my young horse…read morecorrectly, as well as give me lessons on my senior horse. While I do not consider myself her traditional client, having two horses with opposite training needs, she has really enhanced my experience with both. She creates a barn atmosphere that is hard working and efficient, and makes learning fun. This is the most enjoyment I have had with horses in more than 10 years, and it is so rewarding to see how well my horses are doing. I am now taking lessons and am enjoying refreshing my riding skills as well. Whether the lesson is on one of Legacy Farms' well trained horses or on my own, it is really nice to test what I can do and feel myself riding correctly again. It is also great to watch other members of the barn ride and support everyone at shows. In this barn I found a trainer I can trust and care I can count on for my horses, I could not recommend it more highly for hunter/jumper enthusiasts of all ages.

As I write this, I'm approaching two years with Lisa at Burgeon Sport Horses -- and even now, it's…read morehard to put into words what this experience has meant to me. Burgeon didn't just bring me back to riding. It brought me back to myself. When I first came to Burgeon, I had been out of the saddle for five years. I came in with no guarantees -- just a deep love for horses, a willingness to work hard, and a quiet hope that maybe I could rebuild something I thought I had lost. What I found here was so much more: a trainer who believes in her riders, a program rooted in integrity, and a place that truly changes people from the inside out. Lisa is more than just a talented trainer -- she's a mentor who meets each rider where they are and helps them rise. Whether you're a complete beginner just finding your seat, or an advanced rider refining your skills, she sees the potential in every student. She doesn't just teach lessons -- she teaches you how to think, how to listen, how to partner with your horse. She builds confidence with patience, celebrates every step forward, and always holds space for growth. The program at Burgeon is built with care, depth, and real horsemanship at its core. The horses are happy, well-conditioned, and respected. Lisa pours herself into every ride, every student, every decision -- and you feel it the second you step into the arena. It's about the work -- the quiet, powerful kind that builds a rider not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too. For me, this journey has been transformational. I've gone from being unsure and full of self-doubt to finding a deep confidence that's changed my life far beyond the barn. I've grown stronger -- not just as a rider, but as a person. I've learned how to trust myself again. How to be patient with progress. How to take up space. I've found community, purpose, and a sense of belonging I didn't know I was missing. Every lesson, every ride, every hard day and breakthrough moment -- it's all shaped me. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Burgeon Sport Horses is the kind of place that stays with you. It's for people who are ready to work hard, grow with intention, and build something real. I feel so incredibly lucky to be a part of it. Lisa has changed my riding, and she's changed me -- and this is still just the beginning. -- Maddie S.

Lisa is a knowledgeable, professional and well-organized horse trainer and a person of integrity. I…read morerecently purchased a horse from her and throughout the process she was honest about the horse's strengths and, most importantly, areas where the horse needed development or might not suit what I was looking for. She gave me time and sufficient opportunity to assess the horse's suitability. This clearly demonstrated that she was most interested in making a good match than making a quick sale. I am very pleased with the horse I bought from her and it was an enjoyable process to boot!

My daughter and I have been riding with Mimi since December 2014…read more I chose Mimi after actively searching for a new barn for a month and a half. I visited dozens of places in the East bay, visited many barns several times (watching lessons, getting a feel of the barn's atmosphere), and finally my daugher and I took trial lessons with a few trainers (I highly recommend trial lessons for anybody looking for a new barn, it is hard to judge a trainer just by looking at them teaching somebody else). In the end, the whole family agreed Mimi had the best teaching skills and we have not regretted our decision to bring our horses to her! I have been riding since I was a child, but Mimi is the only trainer who has been able to teach me to ride properly and thanks to whom I now feel I know how to ride. Mimi is extremely knowledgeable and has a passion for teaching which is so important because many trainers, while great riders, just can't explain how to ride. She is very methodical and helps her students develop the tools needed for any rider who wants to become an accomplished rider. I came to Mimi terrified of jumping. I had jumped 2'3-2'5 with my previous trainer but had many stops and painful falls, and finally been lectured that I couldn't be taught how to ride because I was afraid (I tell you, after falling dozens of times, I think any 45 year old woman has the right to be scared). Mimi was very patient, we started with flat lessons, then poles, counting strides between poles, then cross-rails. I now show at 2'11 successfully with a little arabian horse! I entrusted Mimi to teach my then 14 year old daughter who came to her knowing very little and ended up 2016 USHJA and PCHA champion for 3'3 jumper division! Mimi is not only an amazing trainer for my daughter but she is also a great role model, always working very hard while promoting a relaxed and fun atmosphere at the barn. There has been no drama, no tension in our 2 years with Mimi; just focus, learning, and fun! I know that after my daughter leaves for college she will always look back at her time with Mimi as one of the highlights of her life! I'm so happy we could offer that to my daughter! Mimi takes impeccable care of the horses who are very fit and mentally happy. They understand their work and love it! I know I can travel far away and I have no second thoughts about this as I know Mimi will take care of our horses in the best possible way. She will be there for any medical emergency, will openly communicate, will arrange vet visits, take care of any treatment. I don't have to worry about anything, she is there for the horses. And last but not least, Mimi's barn is located at Sunny Hill Farm in Walnut Creek. I had never seen a barn such as Sunny Hill before I visited it! It is beautiful, very clean, has 3 arenas (one indoor dressage, one outdoor jumping, one indoor jumping). Rain is never an issue. Footing is amazing in the 3 arenas. The jumps look new and Mimi changes the courses several times a week. Because Mimi is the only trainer, there is no schedule conflict to enjoy the rings. Have fun barn hunting! Take the time to do your homework. Make sure to check out Mimi!

I have been riding with Mimi Harwell (Clean Flight Equestrian) for several years and I can't say…read moreenough about how great the experience has been. Mimi is extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, and supportive...she has given me confidence to learn and grow as a rider. She, Carlee and Dan take fantastic care of the horses. They give the clients and horses an outstanding level of devotion and care - - highly recommended!

I'm so glad I made the decision to bring my horse to Vanguard Eventing after they moved to Five…read moreStar Stables. I own a 6 year old off-the-track Thoroughbred, and since he's been with Dani and Joe, he's become a different horse. He was anxious and reactive at our old barn, but here, he's settled down into a gentle packer that is a joy to be around. Dani and Joe are patient and kind in their training, and they understand the needs of a young horse. Danielle and Ky also provide wonderful daily care to your horses -- I don't feel like I need to worry about whether or not my horse will get his feed or supplements when I'm not there, they care as much as I do! We recently had an emergency situation with my horse and Joe and several other members of the Vanguard team stepped up to help my horse while I drove up to meet the vet. I felt truly supported by a family, and I am eternally grateful for them. The facility at Five Star is also gorgeous, well-kept and has plenty of space for everyone. It's always peaceful, never overly busy and you'll never have a hard time finding space to ride with 3 beautiful arenas.

As far as I'm concerned, Joe and Danielle are as good as it gets when it comes to training and…read moreequine knowledge in general. I rode as a kid but stopped riding for a long long time. I'm so glad I found them when I decided to start riding again! They have great school horses and don't pressure you to buy a horse (even though I eventually did thanks to them finding me the perfect horse). They have definitely pushed me to be a better rider each lesson but they are patient and teach to every level. Plus they are flexible, reasonably priced, and fun to be around!! They have literally changed my life In so many positive ways. Stop daydreaming and come on down to Five Star (which is a great barn) and check them out. You won't regret it!

Lovely people, would recommend for beginners to advanced riders. We have been through many trainers…read moreand David's group is very motivating and positive no matter the level of rider

Wonderful place. Beautiful facility at Ironhorse equestrian Center, but that's just the start: the…read morereal jewel in the crown here are New Heights' owner David Acord and lead trainer Maaike Martin. David is warm, responsive, enthusiastic, and supportive. And Maaike is the hands-on, every day, day in and day out remarkable resource for training, teaching, guidance, and general all-around amazing barn management. I came to this barn after two years at a place that - let's just say - operates on a different set of values. The experience here has been joyous and transformative. Maaike has helped me advance my technique, develop confidence in my abilities, and supported my goals. And David is there all the way along to encourage and reinforce. I cannot express my gratitude sufficiently.

Love this place!! Dan does so much for the kids and the events are well run and FUN! We boarded…read morethere for years and our horses were always well fed and cared for.

I tried riding horses here and it was amazing I have been riding there for a year now and it is…read moregreat.

Windmill Ranch is a great barn to ride with. Irene Lorimer really knows her stuff and is a one in a…read moremillion trainer. She has a wealth of knowledge and the experience to back it up. If you are looking to take lessons or competitively ride, Irene can help you achieve those goals. I have been riding for over 10 years and with Irene for a year and a half and feel that I have found a trainer that I will stay with for a long time. I recommend Irene 110%!

Irene is an amazing coach in teaching children to ride and loves horses. She has a very kind and…read moregentle manner with the kids. My daughter is hooked and can't wait for each new lesson.