San Luis Obispo County provides many barns where the community and equestrians can horse around. At the various barn locations, the people of SLO have fun riding horses. They offer beginner or intermediate riders different disciplines, whether Western, English, or trail riding.
“I don’t think we have a better riding community than here on the Central Coast. [SLO] has incredible trails, and places for jumpers like Paso Robles, and western riders [have] the rodeo,” Mindy Smith, manager and owner of Mindy Smith Mountain Rockies said.“It’s pretty limitless here in SLO county for horse riders.”
Western riding involves barrel racing, reining, roping, and Western pleasure. English riding is more etiquette-based, and the styles within the discipline include hunter-jumping, showjumping, eventing and many more. However, there is also local trail riding in the wilderness of SLO. Another trail riding discipline includes endurance riding, a competition based on testing horse and rider stamina while galloping long distances.
“As a young girl I dreamed of being able to do what I do now, not many people get to do exactly what they love for a living which is why I feel very blessed to do all the things I get to [do] with my horses and share it with the community around me,” Smith said.
Smith provides trail riding services for all people with her horses. Smith is also known to sell most of her well-bred horses she raises from birth; all her horses are experienced and great for any rider regarding a rider’s horse experience.
“With age and experience, I had more opportunities come my way working for established trainers, grooming at shows, and eventually showing as a professional myself,” Lisa Pravec, owner and manager of First Light Barn, said. “I just kept saying yes to any opportunity to grow as a horseman. I had no big goal other than aligning myself with as much horse time as possible.”
First Light Equestrian is led by Lisa Pravec, the barn’s head trainer. First Light prioritizes within the English and Western disciplines, which Pravec has previous experience competing in. Pravec has competed throughout the nation and a few times internationally, and trains young riders who look to future success within their riding career. First Light is located right at the heart of SLO. She bought the barn when she was 18 and a freshman at Cal Poly. Pravec aims for her students to be able to compete at horse shows that are local to SLO County.
“I believe my barn provides the community a safe place to enjoy horses, whether as a hobbyist or a competitive rider. First Light provides the flexibility and freedom to achieve your goals and dreams as a rider. It also provides a safe, controlled environment designed for horses to be mentally and physically comfortable,” Pravec said.
La Ranchita Riding School, also known as Full Circle Veterinary Center (FCVC), located in Huasna, only boards its lesson horses for riding students. The riding school often hosts horse workshops, which include riding, taking care of horses, or planning events for students to participate in. Lead trainer Aleta Camacho motivates young or new riders to ride to the best of their ability and build bonds with their horses. Natasha Lilly, a veterinarian and owner of the property, is a former show jumper who shares her passion for horses with young riders.
“I love teaching new students because seeing the connection between the people and the horses is so gratifying. It’s my way of giving back to the community,” Camacho said.
SLO County provides horse fun for everyone who needs some in life. Throughout the county, there are many more barns to support a rider’s disciplinary needs with their horses or for learning. Due to a horse’s size, it can often frighten people, although local barns and trainers aim to guarantee the safety of their horses. Local barns across the county provide the adventure of a lifetime for visitors and riders who aim to build their experience with horses or plan to have a good time.
