Horse Training

Horse Riding Lessons

   Horse Riding Camps

     Our Show Team

    31441 Avenida De La Vista

San Juan Capistrano, Ca. 92675

GREG SOLENTE

Customized Training to Achieve Your Dreams

Greg grew up riding in France, and began his U.S. riding career in Seattle, WA. He has worked for several trainers throughout the West Coast while refining his skills with young and developing horses and as an instructor.

Greg teaches the American Forward Riding system and is a loyal follower of longtime USET jumping chef d’equipe George Morris. With horses, that translates to a big emphasis on flat work.

“When you do your homework on the flat, then your horse learns very quickly over jumps,” Greg explains.

Horses in his program are trained to be very sensitive to leg and rein aids. “I teach a horse to be forward first and soft in the mouth. I want him to be responsive to my leg and to not fight my hand. It’s pretty simple.”

He has also completed the United States Hunter Jumper Assn. Trainer Certificate Program.

DANA SMITH

Dana is celebrating 41 years of training aspiring equestrians. The experience and training

methods have proven successful for riders with the goal of performing from local and highest

level competitions. Starting young riders from their first ride to successful show careers.

Most proud: Many of these riders have achieved immense success with several

professional careers in the equestrian industry. It’s a thrill to be thought of as their mentor.

Professional Career Accomplishments:

1983 - Present  

     *Founder, Owner and Trainer DANA SMITH SHOW TEAM, Inc.

     *Hunter/Jumper Rider Program

     *45 training horses - 9 riding school horses - 70 riders training

     *3 full time instructors - 2 full time grooms

     *Certified Instructor - United States Hunter Jumper Association 17 years

     *Imports mulitple Europen warmbloods each year (Jett Martin Sport Horses)

     *Daily task - lessons scheduling - email returns - runs social media - web site - invoicing

1978 - Present

     *Equine Shipping up & down California, carries Class 'A' Commercial Drivers License

     *On call for Veterinarian Emergency Hospital Shipping & transporting Europeon Imports

     *Trained and member of Large Animal Rescue Team (LART)

1979 - 1982

     *Veterinarian Technician - Equine Veterinarian Associates Hospital, Yorba Linda

1978 - 1983

     *Trained - Big K Stables, Santa Ana

Professional Activities/Affilations:

1994 - Present

     Orange County Horse Show Association (OCHSA) Board of Directors

          *27 years as Presidnet, Vice President or Treasurer

          *OCHSA Championship Horse Show Committee          

          *Chairperson 26 years, oraganizes yearly championship show

2001 - 2022

     Interscholastic Equestrain League (IEL) Board of Directors

          *Office of Secretary 16 years

          *Scholarship Committee Chair 14 years

          *Awarded 'Trainer of the Year' 16 years

2009 - Present

     San Juan Capistrano Equestrian Coalition (SJCEC) Board of Directors

          *Serves on committee yearly fund raisers

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