Galway Downs Equestrian Center

Exhibitor Spotlight – Bailie Corless of Shingle Mills Eventing

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Northern Idaho is not a hub of eventing.

Yet…

“We’re more of a rodeo town,” laughs Bailie Corless, head trainer at the family-owned Shingle Mills Eventing in Sand Point, Idaho.

Sand Point is about an hour from Coeur d’Alene, ID and Spokane, WA, in a beautifully forested area around Lake Pend Oreille. Bailie grew up with horses, enjoying recreational and western activities. She discovered english riding in a 4H camp, continued with lessons and “it snowballed from there.”

Which is an understatement given that the sport is now a Corless  family affair.

Bailie brings two horses to the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs and her mother Jodie will compete one. Dad Brian brings his construction experience to help build for CCI1* and Horse Trials cross-country course designer Allesandra Allen-Shinn.

Inspiring Eventers

“We are the only eventing barn in our area,” Bailie explains. The Shingle Mills crew regular hauls 90 minutes to the Spokane Sport Horse Farm for cross-country schooling and recognized competitions. The Farm is a hub for a larger eventing community in the region.

From spring through fall, Bailie and her students train and condition on Shingle Mills’ outdoor arena and 15-acre field. There’s plenty of room for galloping work and legging up for competition. Logs on the ground to Novice level obstacles and a few Training level sized challenges enable preparation and progress.

Snows bring riding to the indoor arena through much of the winter. “You just bear down and get in whatever rides we can,” Bailie explains.

Twice yearly schooling shows have helped nurture interest and participation in eventing throughout the area. The general population throughout Northern Idaho is growing dramatically, and Bailie sees interest in eventing expanding with it. She loves introducing young riders to jumping and cross-country and seeing them get hooked just like she did.

“We are trying to make eventing better known,” Bailie says. “It’s fun to watch kids who have never ridden english, watch one of our shows, see how fun it is and decide it’s something they really want to do. It’s super rewarding to see them find their passion for eventing and the good horsemanship it involves.”

Introductions to the sport at Shingle Mills are often followed by a 3-hour trek to Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, MT.  During The Event at Rebecca Farm in July, students and their families see eventing on a bigger stage and highest levels and come home further fired up about their own goals.

Going To Galway – Again.

Bailie and Casualleigh will debut together at CCI2*-L, the high point in a two-year partnership. “Casper” was sourced by Bailie’s coach, Jil Walton, the 1992 Olympian who splits her time between Rebecca Farm in Montana and Galway Downs in the winter.

The familiar “leigh” part of Casper’s show name identifies him as one of many strong eventers to come through the Jil Walton pipeline by way of Leigh Gray’s rehoming and rescue efforts. Mom Jodie Corless’s Training Rider division partner, Exactleigh, is another.

Leigh Gray is winding down her efforts, per this US Eventing Assn article, but the horses carrying her will long demonstrate how well horses meant for the track do in the eventing realm.

Casper is a 14-year-old Oldenburg. He is a “very strong powerhouse who loves his job,” Bailie says of her 17-hand partner. She bought him sight-unseen off Jil’s recommendation when looking for a Preliminary horse. Bailie figured out on their first ride that, “he wants you to let him go and stay out of his way.” Their start together was slowed by a knee injury for Bailie, but they’ve now found a balance between “OK, buddy, I can let you go on this one and now you have to listen to me and pay attention.”

Bailie is excited to return to Galway Downs. Thanks to the Jil Walton connection, Bailie and Jodie are already familiar faces. They spent a few winter weeks based with Jil in 2020 and 2021, concluding with Bailie competing Beginner Novice, then Novice, during the Spring International.

A CCI2*-L Debut

Last winter, Bailie spent four-and-a-half months at Galway, with Casper and two other horses. They added Ram Tap and Twin Rivers and a Tucson, AZ, event to their trip. “Spending that time riding for and with Jill was super fun and by the time we were done, Casper and I really got going in our relationship.”

Targeting Galway for their CCI2*-L debut was a natural next step. “I’m very happy with how he’s doing and excited to see how he does.”

Bailie will also compete the 6-year-old Irish Sport Horse, Just Mister, in the Training/Novice Championship. Also sourced by Jil, Mister is intended to be Jodie Corless’ mount, but mom may have to wait to get him back. “When I was working with Jil last year, we agreed he has potential to go far and do big things, so he’s turned into my ride for now.”

The warm reception the Corlesses have received visiting Galway Downs epitomizes eventing’s friendly, welcoming and supportive character. On each visit, Bailie is wowed by improvements to the venue. In 2020, it was the VIP Pavilion, which was erected during their six-week stay. “Every time we’re there, there’s a new arena, or new landscaping,” she notes. “It’s really amazing to watch how it’s all come together into such a huge, beautiful place.” The prospect of hosting the 2028 Olympic equestrian competition amplifies her excitement to see what’s new at the venue.

Exhibitor Spotlight – Auburn Excell Brady

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Auburn Excell Brady is well known throughout the West Coast equestrian world as a talented and tough competitor who regularly rides into our winners’ circles.

Auburn Excell Brady and BSP Boudica
Auburn and Boudica BSP. PC: Tina Fitch Photography

If all goes to plan, the rest of the eventing world will know her that way, too.

“I want to use the next 10 years to really work on becoming a top rider,” says Auburn. “I want to compete at the top level of the sport and I feel like I’m ready to do that now. I have the experience, the supportive customers and a handful of super nice horses to take it to the next level.”

International success would add to already impressive accomplishments.

Auburn has a thriving eventing training program, Excell Equestrian, based at the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Center (formerly known as Sycamore Trails).

She is a USEA ECP Level 4 certified instructor and a US Dressage Federation silver medalist closing in on gold. She’s a regular at jumper and dressage shows to keep her horses and clients in tune.

Auburn with husband and super horse guy Sean Brady.

Plus, she has a husband, Sean Brady, who’s become a masterful horse hauler, handler, bringer of apples and carrots and all-around great guy who fully supports her quest.

Horse Power

Auburn’s equine partners in the current phase of this journey are very different.

BSP Tuxedo is “my trusty old shoe,” Auburn shares. They’ve done several seasons of Advanced and CCI4*-S competitions. He’s coming back from a few years’ break in great shape and is pointed at the CCI3* at Aspen Farms in Washington state this month, then Rebecca Farms in Montana in July.

Auburn’s rising star is Boudica BSP, the 7-year-old mare who most recently topped the Horse Division in Galway Downs’ Preliminary Challenge. This pair has come a long way since Boudica came to Auburn in the fall of 2022 as a sales horse. “She was never an easy ride, but I finally started getting along with her.”

At the suggestion of Sean, the mare’s name was changed to that of a notorious Celtic warrior. “Maybe I’m superstitious, but I think that might have helped, too!”

You can’t miss this pair. Boudica is 18.2 hands and she’s not afraid to use her mass to get her way.  She was originally imported by Andrea Baxter of Twin Rivers Ranch, but that horse-rider size differential didn’t help them connect. Auburn is grateful to Andrea for sending the mare her way.

 “I am really excited about her,” Auburn shares. “As of the Preliminary Challenge I really felt like everything was coming together. I’m also reminding myself not to be greedy. To keep things easy for her, keep her confidence up. The mare keeps me humble. She reminds me not to skip any steps!”

Auburn’s third current star is Galliard’s Lancer, owned by client Lauren Hsieh. Their 3rd place finish in Galway Downs’ spring CCI3*-S this year hints at Auburn’s expectation that this can be a 5* horse.  Because he’s a sales horse, it may be that Auburn’s success with the 13-year-old KWPN will result in another rider fulfilling that potential. But that’s a familiar reality for most professionals, and she’s enjoying bringing out his best in their time together.

Auburn Excell Brady and Galliard's Lancer at Galway Downs
Auburn and Galliard’s Lancer. Photo: Tina Fitch Photography

Tuxedo and Boudica are co-owned by Auburn and Sean, and by long time client Larry Sawyer.

A clientele that’s evolved to mostly adult and college age equestrians supports Auburn’s goals. Her pursuit of the sport’s top levels involves “paying attention to who I am surrounding myself with,” she explains. “My clients appreciate the quality of our lessons and horse care, and they recognize that I have my own goals.”

Being based in coastal Orange County, Auburn does not have regular access to cross-country work. She has a collection of portable obstacles – a coffin combination, brush fence, skinnys and corners — but they’re set in the arena. “We have to load up the trailer and go somewhere if we want to ride in the open and do any galloping,” she explains of a reality faced by many eventers.

Galway Downs, Tamie Smith’s base across the street at Kingsway Farm, and the Hoffos family’s Copper Meadows in Ramona are weekly destinations for Auburn throughout most of the year.  Putting pedal to metal in wide open spaces is critical to maintaining the nerve and appetite for speed work and galloping, Auburn notes.

Taking A Stand

Getting to the top of the sport requires having a place to pursue it locally. Throughout her career, Auburn has made time to advocate for the equestrian lifestyle in Southern California and especially in San Juan Capistrano.

She’s active in the San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition’s long running efforts to preserve the city’s equestrian heritage and activity. That includes the Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, which has been embroiled in challenges mostly related to its impact on water quality.

Horsekeeping’s impact on the environment is an issue in which equestrians everywhere need to educate themselves, Auburn urges. “There’s a lot of ‘It’s not our problem until it is.’ It’s taken a long time for people to recognize how serious a threat this is within our community.”

“I am optimistic,” she continues. “I feel like our equestrian community is strong. We’ve been fighting for 20 years and have a lot of energy behind us. However, it’s not easy. Doing what I do for a living and being involved in these kind of things is tiring and it can be disheartening.”

That work gives Auburn immense gratitude for what eventing organizers do to provide high quality competitions on the West Coast. “It is probably emotionally and financially challenging to keep this sport going,” Auburn says. “The eventing community is so special and fun, promoting such a different way of horsemanship and riding and of collaborating with each other.”

She appreciates the Baxters of Twin Rivers Ranch, the Horse Park at Woodside team, the Terry Hilst-led team at Ram Tap and especially Galway Downs. “(Organizer) Robert Kellerhouse does an amazing job at Galway and with all he’s done for Area VI. He is one of the most instrumental organizers that we have.”

“I love the sport and I’m grateful to be part of it. I want to do all I can to help it grow on the West Coast.” One of the ways to make that happen is excelling nationally and internationally, while based in the West.

And that’s Auburn’s plan.

Meet Our Exhibitors – Ava and Jordan Chase

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West Coast eventing is often described as a unique community. Jordan and Ava Chase are a couple who contribute mightily to that community – its horsemanship excellence, its volunteer spirit and its forward-thinking focus.

Ava and Kingston at Galway last summer. PC-Tina Fitch
Jordan and Boyd Martin

Ava and Jordan met as kids competing at Ram Tap in Fresno. They were friends growing up on the Southern California Pony Club circuit – Jordan is an “A” graduate – and on the eventing scene.

Marriages to other people and careers took them on separate tracks for much of their adult life. But when they reconnected 10 years ago and got married, Ava and Jordan made up for lost time by jumping fully back into the horse world.

Four years ago, the Chases bought a western horse training property in San Diego County’s San Marcos. They transformed it into a first-class equestrian boarding and training facility called Far View Farms.

High-caliber resident trainers provide daily coaching, while international riders visit regularly to help everybody up their game.  Boyd Martin and Liz Halliday visit from the East Coast regularly,

And San Diego-based Olympian Sabine Schut-Kery is a frequently visiting coach.

Compelling Life Chapters

“I look at life as a series of chapters,” reflects Ava. “I’ve always been a learner and we like to take on projects because we want to learn new skills.”

That desire drew Ava to earning her US Eventing Association technical delegate license, which she used officially for the first time at Twin Rivers in April.

She’s close to earning her USEA judging credentials, too.  Pursuing TD and judging credentials are time intensive tracks. Ava has kept on those tracks alongside working full time in the “real world” and managing the farm with Jordan.

Somehow, she’s found the time to volunteer, too,

“Both Jordan and I were eventers as young people. When we came back to riding, we wanted to be super connected to the sport.” Initially, they both got back in the saddle and back to eventing competition.

New Way To Engage

At some point, however, Ava decided that “I don’t bounce as well as I used to.” She opted to cut back on riding and accelerate her licensed official path. Already, she finds this less physically risky path is a fully engaging way to stay in and contribute to the sport.

Jordan continues to ride. His work is based in Ft. Lauderdale, FL., so he’s been commuting between Florida and California for the past few years. Along with Ava and Far View Farms endeavors, Jordan has adult children and grandchildren in Southern California, deepening his roots to the region.  Jordan’s current horse stays in Florida, where they work with a jumping trainer to keep their skills sharp.

Far View Farms in San Marcos

Now that Far View Farms has fulfilled Ava and Jordan’s vision for it as a first-class equestrian center, they’ve decided to make a fuller commitment to bi-coastal living. Far View Farms is newly on the market, with hopes that a new owner will be equally committed to keeping it a hub of equestrian sport and horsemanship education.

The Chases will base at their San Diego condominium when in California, balanced with time on the East Coast.

Ava’s daughter Tatiana Parker is an accomplished hunter/jumper trainer who operates Tati Parker Equestrian in Charleston, S.C. “I’ll be able to help her a lot with the knowledge that I’ve gained through Far View Farms,” Ava says.

The idea of jumping in to help as needed – versus being responsible for every detail—is appealing, Ava shares. “It’s kind of like being the grandmother,” Ava laughs. “You can step in when help is needed, but you don’t have to be completely enmeshed all the time.”

California Roots

Even spending ample time on the East Coast, Ava and Jordan are confident of staying fully connected to their home state.

“We were here in the early cowboy days of the sport,” Ava reflects on their start with horses in Southern California. “To see how much the sport has risen is amazing.”

Along with loving to compete and volunteer at Galway Downs, Ava is very appreciative of Robert Kellerhouse’s support of her educational pursuits. Both involved apprenticing with licensed officials several times. “He always helped me make sure I got my apprenticeships done.”

Whatever coast they’re on, the Chases will be fully engaged in eventing. They are part of horse owning syndicates for two of Boyd Martin’s horses – Fedarman B and Barney Rubble – and one of Liz Halliday’s horses – Newmarket Cooley.

And they have their tickets to this summer’s Paris Olympics booked. “We are going no matter what!” Ava reports.

From their beginnings on a relatively rudimentary West Coast eventing scene, the Chases continue to pursue their passion in ways that have helped Southern California become the world class eventing stage that it is now.

Smith, Hoffos, McIver and Holland top International Horse Trials

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Tamie Smith & Mai Baum, Photo – Sherry Stewart

Horses and riders were undaunted by the condensed schedule mandated by Saturday’s heavy rain forecast. They embraced an unusually busy day of competition to close out the Galway Downs International Horse Trials with super sport and high spirits.

The CCI4*-S concluded as predicted. Tamie Smith and Mai Baum jumped clear and careful, with only a few time faults on cross-country. They retained their dominant lead after a 23 dressage score and double clean show jumping on Thursday.

The 18-year-old German Sport Horse was raring to go. “He was happy to be out of the start box, and pretty wild out there,” Tamie said of her longtime star owned by Alexandra Ahearn.  The finish was perfect prep for the next phase in their hopeful Paris Olympic journey – the CCI4*-S at the Defender Kentucky Three Day Event in late April.

Young rider Molly Duda and Disco Traveler continued an impressive ascent in the sport, finishing 2nd in their 4* debut.They were third after dressage, dropped a rail in show jumping, then roared across cross-country as the only pair to make the time over Clayton Fredericks’ track.

A freshman at UCLA, Molly left the gate determined to make the time. “He’s the best cross-country horse I’ve ever ridden and I know I can open him up out there and have him come back to me. We’re both very competitive and we had a blast out there.”

Doing the U21 and U25 training camps over the winter built on the super successes this pair had last year. Molly also credited show jumping work with Tamie Smith and dressage coaching from Robyn Fisher as key to their continued rise.

Molly was also 4th in the 3* with a newer horse, Carlingfords Hes A Clover, a 12 year old Irish Sport Horse. “Tommy” lives in the Bay Area with Mickayla Howard, who brought Molly up to the 3* level.  Juggling a pre-med academic track, Molly is a time management master. “I compete and go to college full time. Both are really important to me. It’s a lot, but I love it!”

Rebecca Farm CCI4*-L is the next big goal for Molly and Disco Traveler, a 15-year-old Swedish Warmblood.

Bec Braitling was thrilled to finish third with Arnell Sporthorse’s Caravaggio II, a 13-year-old British Sport Horse. They are prepping for the Defender Kentucky CCI5*-L after gathering useful experience campaigning in Europe last summer. Today’s finish adds to their reserve champion result in the CCI4*-L at Galway Downs last fall.

Pace was Bec’s priority on cross-country.  Incurring only 1.6 time penalties allowed them to move up from 6th after dressage to third. And that was even with a new noseband that gave the California-based Australian “more whoa than I wanted.”

Bec loved the track built by fellow Aussie, Clayton Fredericks. “I thought it would ride more twisty. But it was smooth and really fun to ride.” 

She liked the re-shuffled schedule, too, with 4*-S dressage and show jumping on Thursday. “It makes it busy, but I loved being able to work on the fitness aspect of it for him.”

Emilee Libby and Toska added 10.8 cross-country time penalties to their dressage score to land 4th overall.

A rising star in Tamie Smith’s string, Kynan, finished 5th and felt “incredible, strong and so rideable,” she said. Another of Tamie’s mounts, Elliot V, had a tougher day — falling from 4th after show jumping, to elimination with three cross-country refusals. At the end of the day, Tamie said the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood is probably telling her that 3* is his happy place.

Hoffos & Regalla top the 3*

Taren Hoffos & Regalla – Photo: Sherry Stewart

Taren Hoffos and Regalla accomplished important goals in logging a wire-to-wire win of the CCI3*-S. This pair won the CCI2*-S in 2022, the CCI3*-S last year and this year they defended their title by finishing on their dressage score — a 32 — and under the cross-country time allowed for the first time at this level.

“Riding a smooth track, taking good lines and trusting her that I don’t need to set her up as much as I might think I do,” were keys to their winning effort, Taren said.

The forward mentality started with dressage. “Bec Braitling and I have been talking about FEI trends toward judges really wanting to see you ride forward – to put your hands forward and go. And I think that carries over.”

Show jumping has been “a struggle” in the past, but it was double clear over Marc Donovan’s route today. Taren had ridden in the Ingrid Klimke clinic here in December, where a crowd of 800 auditors buzzed the already electric Grand Prix Arena vibe. Taren thought the exposure contributed to Regalla’s focus in the same ring this morning for show jumping. “It was really valuable to ride in that atmosphere and that kind of pressure, but in a fun and positive way.”

Next on the 13-year-old Oldenburg mare’s agenda is moving up to Advanced at Twin Rivers in April.

Megan McIver and Elle, a 12-year-old Holsteiner, stayed on their 32.7 dressage to finish second. Bred by owner Tally Chang, the 15.3-hand mare is 70% Thoroughbred and “loves” cross-country, Megan explained.

“I could barely keep her in the start box she because was bouncing around with excitement,” said Megan. Once out of the box, they easily made the time to finish a close second. Elle goes in a snaffle, and “barely needs a touch to bring her back,” Megan said.  “I never have to look at my watch to know she’s making the time.”

Elle’s sensitivity made dressage a challenge in the early days of their partnership. Megan credits Tamie Smith with coaching that clicked for the dressage court, plus ongoing work with Anke Herbert at her Northern California base. The Advanced Combined Test at Twin Rivers will be next for Elle. “She’s feeling like the 3* is too easy!”

Auburn Excell Brady and Galliard Lancer proved themselves a new pair to reckon with. They stayed on their 34.2 dressage to finish third.

McIver & Igor B Top the Parker Equine Insurance CCI2*-S

Megan McIver & Igor B – Photo: Sherry Stewart

All three phases of the Parker Equine Insurance CCI2*-S and the CCI1*-S took place today.

After two phases in the 3* with Elle, Megan McIver turned to a newer ride, Igor B, an 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood, for this division. They moved up one rung with each phase to win on a 31.7.

Igor came from the U.K. with 4* experience, purchased by Leo Wang help Megan pursue her international goals. They first ran Training Level at Twin Rivers three weeks ago, then felt fine to advance to the 2* here. “But I didn’t expect to win!”

Young rider Hanni Sreenan and Ebenholtz were tied for 6th after their 28.4 dressage, then went clear in stadium and added 3.6 time penalties to finish 2nd. The result keeps this pair in the news after their USEF CCI2*-L National Championship and USEF Young Rider CCI2*-L National Championships at the Eventing Championships at Galway Downs in November.

Amber Birtcil and the 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood Mississippi went double clear on show jumping and cross-country to leap into 3rd place.

Holland and Joshua Tree Win the CCI1*-S

Fiona Holland & Joshua Tree Photo: Sherry Stewart

Fifteen-year-old Fiona Holland and Joshua Tree, a 10-year-old Holsteiner, continued to establish themselves as a pair for the future. They won their first 1* by staying on a 27.5 dressage score.

Fiona aspires to the top of the sport and credits work with Tamie Smith, Kaylawna Smith-Cook and Bec Braitling for her auspicious outing today. That’s on top of riding on her own and weekly lessons with Julie Corlett in her Santa Ynez home area.

“We are both learning and I am stoked that we were able to take this step up together,” Fiona said.

Lauren Billys Shady and new ride Kingston 60 followed on a 29.6, and Grace Brownrigg and Dhaulagiri were third on a 31.2. 

Ready For Rain

With the FEI divisions completed, the Horse Trials continue Saturday rain or not. The footing for all three phases of Galway Downs competition has proven its ability to withstand Mother Nature’s worst many times in recent years.

A festive dinner and awards ceremony closed out the international competition. Galway Downs organizer Robert Kellerhouse thanked exhibitors for their flexibility with the tightened-up schedule.

He expressed gratitude for the year-round support of Galway Downs’ sponsors. Robert welcomed Adequan’s Kat Kilcommons and Parker Equine Insurance’s Cheri Hubbert to help present the night’s awards.  

Meet Our Exhibitors – Over The Moon Equestrian

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Conversations about the future of equestrian sports emphasize the “base of the pyramid.” This is the entry level where, ideally, people have a great experience and get hooked on horses for life.

Over The Moon Equestrian in Moorpark is doing exactly that.

Owners Jenna McEwan and Vivian Hall came from a former equestrian hub and funnel for the sport – Mill Creek Equestrian in Topanga Canyon. Vivian is a third-generation horsewoman with experience in several riding styles. Jenna earned an Equine Science degree from Centenary College and brings solid experience in jumping and dressage.

Focused on eventing, dressage and, above all, horsemanship, Over The Moon offers affordable access to horses and learning opportunities to those with and without their own horse.

“Our main emphasis is our riding school,” explains Jenna. “We are fostering all aspects of horsemanship, not just the time in the saddle.” All students begin with lessons that include horse care and building knowledge. The goal is to prepare students to become responsible, self-sufficient horse owners.

“We foster an environment in which people can ask questions and understand why we are asking them to get their own horses ready,” Vivian says. “We hope to create riders who eventually don’t need us. We want them to be educated enough to prepare and warm their own horses up.” Grooming basics and the purpose and proper use of tack are part of their riders’ lesson plans. Health basics and signs a horse isn’t feeling well are part of their education, too.

Fostering Horse-Human Friendships

PC: Tina Fitch

In short, “We want our riders to be educated enough that they can be safe and enjoy a friendship with a horse.” Jenna and Vivian consider daily progress and/or show ring success the ideal reflection of that friendship between horse and rider.

Over The Moon has nine school horses and it’s one of few programs where students can take them off property for clinics or competitions.

In fact, Jenna and Vivian have several horses coming to this weekend’s Kick Off Horse Trials, including those campaigned by students. Many prepared by participating in the Fundraising Clinic last month. The considerable rain and mud did not deter them. “Nobody’s made of sugar,” Jenna notes in true eventer style.

Over The Moon offers Interscholastic Equestrian League hunter/jumper and dressage teams for middle and high school riders. There’s a place for all ambitions. One of their longest time students is a 70-year-old woman who is very happy to work on walk and trot.

Continuing A Legacy

Jenna and Vivian

Jenna and Vivian started Over The Moon in 2020, and with the advantage of having several clients from the now-gone Mill Creek Equestrian Center come with them.  The pandemic closures were a boon to many riding schools, including theirs. Families sought safe, outdoor physical activities for their kids who suddenly had the time and schedule flexibility that’s ideal for diving into a life with horses.

Vivian and Jenna’s own riding ambitions take a back seat to those of their students. Competing fits in with their desire to develop nice horses for amateurs. They have schooled horses up through Training Level and currently compete mostly at Beginner Novice. Figuring out what a horse wants to do is key to their development, Vivian comments. Whether it’s jumping or dressage, wherever the horse feels most comfortable is where they’ll be the safest and most suitable and enjoyable partner.

“A wonderful thing about riding is that there’s a space for everyone,” says Vivian.

Over The Moon’s owners and clients are big fans of Galway Downs. To start with, it’s a reasonable distance from their Moorpark base north of Los Angeles. And, it has an ideal combination of being a big, competitive atmosphere and a fun place to be.

Over the Moon student at Galway Downs
A little bit of mud and rain is no match for an Over The Moon student at Galway Downs’ fundraising clinic.

For many of their students, a trip to Galway Downs is their first experience with the “outside” horse world. “It’s great because it’s busy enough that they get the feel of a big show, yet it has a local, friendly feel.

“We send even our youngest students off on their own to pick up their show packet at the office,” Jenna continues. “Sometimes it’s the first thing they’ve done on their own. Everybody who works at Galway is so nice. And the venue is beautiful. It’s so fun to have people who are new to the sport come down and watch us ride.”