Our Prized Students

Show News!

"Lisa Matta earned her bronze medal at the June 06 show at Starr Vaughn Equestrian"

"Anne Air is now showing Scout Prix St. George. Photo taken at the Starr Vaughn Equestrian Show in June"

Welcome & Congratulations Kara Marken& Repertoire

Kara Marken with Repertoire

Getting Started
Well it all started for me when my mom got her first horse. Wide eyed in amazement I saw this animal move and the joy on my Mom’s face. I ran back to my dad and started tugging on his shirt, begging him to let me start riding. Then at the age of 8 I sat on my first horse. I took lessons for about 3 years and started looking to dressage after trying jumping. Then that year I was told I would be getting my first horse. We looked around for a while then we found Lexus, a 11 year old Oldenburg gelding. We went up to Canada, I rode him (if that’s what you want to call holding the reins and bouncing around hysterically) and spent some time with him. I was in love. So we bought him, trailed him down to the USA to get started on our career. After bringing him to my mom’s barn, we found Fieldstone. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for Lexus and me. We started training with Louise and were improving so fast under her guidance we started showing 1st level that year, never going below a 60%. Then next year, still going strong, we decided to shoot for 3rd level after consulting with Nick Wagman and Louise over dinner one night. The next day, in a clinic with Nick, we started trying flying changes and half passes, I could not keep the smile off my face. Lexus and I did well at 3rd level and were part of the reserve 3rd level championship team at the Jr. CDS championships. Now 14, Lexus is retired (because of arthritis) in a pasture up in Canada with his former owners and his brother, living the fat and happy life style. After months and months of searching for a new dressage prospect, we came upon Reperateur (now spelled Repertoire), a 7-year -old Dutch gelding. “Rep” is so wonderful, loves to work, and has such a sweet personality. I am so excited with Rep, my dream with him is to make it on the Young Rider team, I guess you could say I want to be Louise’s little successor!

Life Besides Horses
Do I have a life besides horses? Yes, I have school. I am starting as a freshman in high school this year, at Tech High at Sonoma State. It is a Math and Science school. I don’t have a job yet (come on, I just turned 14!!) I used to make money video taping clinics and hopefully I will start with that again. I might even start video taping at shows!

Working with Louise
Working with Louise has been the most amazing experience in my life. Her ability to ride is one thing, but to be able to teach just as well is REMARKABLE!! She is great, especially for me, I tend to tune things out, but not with her! She has solutions for everything, whether its, “he is just to lazy, or “that’s why he is getting stuck”, “get him more off your leg!” She has been a great help in getting the nerves out of my stomach right before I go in to the dressage ring, she does it with an encouraging remark! I cannot express how much training with Louise has done for me, all I can say is that I am SO grateful to have her as a trainer and as a friend!!

Liz DeKock with Armani
Starting
The "riding bug" got me as a 9 year old holidaying with the family on a farm in Wales. My brother had disappointed everyone by refusing to walk on our hikes! The farmer's solution was to "mount the little ' uns on Mrs Jones ( the pony)" and lead her over the countryside. It was not long before I also refused to walk and the vacation was spent with Mrs Jones trudging behind my mum and Shaun behind my dad. I was smitten and pestered a whole year for lessons - I haven't stopped since!!
The "dressage bug" got me in my late 20's in the Namib desert ( South West Africa) when I watched, awestruck, as a horse passaged up the dry river bed just outside of the local riding club. It turned out the lady astride had been one on the riders/trainers of the Lippizaner team at Kyalami ( Johannesberg). I wanted to ride like that!!
And now
Armani is my 6 year old (16.3 chestnut Hanoverian gelding)partner, who I bought 2 years ago from Louise. We are training 2nd level under Louise's guidance and I am loving every step of the journey with both of them. Armani is such a wonderful "guy" - his party piece is to lick his admirers from head to toe ( a veritable chick magnet!).
I aim to be just the best I can be and to enjoy everything on the journey with Armani.
Working with Louise
I have a huge amount of respect for Louise's total commitment to her teaching and training. She has a great talent for honing in on what's important, to be clear in her instruction, and explain using positive reinforcement. She has great integrity. There is a connection she creates between horse, rider, herself that stems from a deep love of the horse. It is a privilege to train with her.
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Lisa Matta on Wassi

Getting Started
I have been riding for about 20 years, we had horses as children but I never rode. My first horse was Spats, a TB hunter; unfortunately I had an accident with him after riding for the third time and was unable to ride for some time. When I returned to riding, I knew that if I ever wanted to ride I would have to overcome my fear. I decided learning dressage would help give me confidence again, and it turned out I was right. After months of shaking at the walk, we finally were on the road to recovery. Spats taught me many valuable lessons about life and myself, besides teaching me how to post the trot! I own two horses at the present time, Noebel and Wassini.
I purchased Noebel as a yearling, and then successfully rode him through 2nd level until he sustained an injury. I tried for a couple of years to get Noebel back to work, but getting beyond 2nd level seemed impossible as some misfortune would sidelined the training process.
After I sustained a neck injury that I felt might one day prevent me from riding, I decided that to reach my riding goals of PSG I would need another horse and purchased Wassi. Both Noebel and Wassi are 9-year-old Hanoverian geldings. My goal with Wassi is the FEI and I am sure that we can get there. Wassi is a fun horse but we need more time to get to know one another and grow together. I am certain that I will be able to ride the PSG movements and show with one of my boys in the near future. I want to learn to ride Wassi well and continue to improve and grow as a rider.
Life Outside of horses
My life has little time for much besides horses, my husband, two dogs, and my job as a safety consultant. I can’t really separate my life out from the horses because they bring me so much joy and peace while consuming all of my spare time. I feel like I get a vacation everyday when I see my horses at the barn. I forget all the troubles of the day and just relax!
Working with Louise
I consider myself lucky to have found a friend, trainer, and a mentor all in Louise! Louise has really made huge improvements in my riding abilities and confidence. I have been riding with her since 1998 and feel fortunate to have found her. She has taught me more about riding in our time together than I ever imagined I could learn. She coached Noebel and I through all of our first shows together including my first Annual Show experience. Louise knows just when to push me to get me through something with a successful outcome. She is a very talented rider and trainer. I feel so fortunate to have found someone that is honest with integrity and the ability to adapt to each rider and their goals. It is amazing that someone so young and talented is so dedicated to her students while pursuing her own riding goals. She is never too busy to fit you in if you have a problem or need some advice with your horse! I credit her with inspiring me to keep going and with helping me to keep pushing myself to improve. Louise is a real professional that constantly strives to improve her own riding and guide her students to the highest standards.

Lizbeth Hamlin-Haims with Wimbleton
Getting Started
I rode as a young girl owning a backyard horse when I was 12 years old. I showed and leased many horses until finally going off to college. As a senior rider now, I have been fortunate to have brought Wimbleton up through the levels. I raised Wimbleton from a foal, he is now 15 and together we have received our USDF Bronze & Silver Metals. Wimbleton has been a remarkable horse to work and it would be impossible to list all the successes we have enjoyed together. I plan on showing Int 1 & 2, although the daily ritual of being with my equine friend is healing for me.
Life Outside of horses
As a local psychotherapist for 30 years, it was a natural step to expand my business services to help riders release their fears and break through obstacle. I have been a columnist for The Press Democrat's "Healthtime" for the last 1 1/2 years. I have been in a long term marriage with a 12 year son, that side of the family are avid tennis players.
I love to write, be with my friends, travel, and enjoy my work. I am an advisory council member for Sutter Breast Care services, and participate in education and fund raising.
Working with Louise
I have know Louise for nearly 10 years, and watched her grow as a rider and teacher. She has ridden with top trainers on top horses, and has an innate skill in being able to communicate clearly. My favorite part is the intuitive working relationship we have - I know where I am going and she supports and helps me get there. It is with Louise's help that I have progressed to FEI.

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Kurt Stevens
Getting Started
As a child in Germany, I was fascinated with horses. I never owned a horse there, but parents of my friends allowed and encouraged me to ride their horses. When I went to college in Germany, I would rather drive 30 miles to a training facility then learn to play tennis. I was a gymnast so riding came naturally to me though I knew nothing when I started. My partner and I have bred 9 young German Sporthorses, and I am riding the second born, a 6 year old Pik Solo mare. My goal is to go as far as I can go while never forgetting that this is my pleasure, regardless of how difficult the work is. I hope I will be riding a horse on my last day.
Life Besides Horses
I came from Germany as a student to the US. I always worked for myself and started my own business related to the women's fashion and garment industry in New York, Hong Kong, India, and Europe. I returned to California, started a large manufacturing business, and worked with stores like Macy's, Bloomingdale, Robinson, Foleys, Henry Bendel, Marthe, and other top stores in the US.
I retired to Calistoga and started a Bed & Breakfast named Meadowlark Country House in 1985. I have been with my partner for 10 years, we enjoy socializing, traveling to foreign countries and cultures, the Arts, and the wonderful Napa Valley food & Wine where we live.
Working with Louise
Besides being an exceptional person with charm and beauty, Louise is an effective trainer of both the horse and the rider. Her kindness makes it a pleasure to take instructions. I am fortunate to have found that beautiful barn called Fieldstone Farm where I feel welcomed as part of the extended family.

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