A&A Equestrian

A&A Equestrian is a horse boarding and training facility located on 20+ acres in Santa Ynez, CA. For me, it's important that (1) Adrianna and Agapito (the owners, trainers, and riding instructors) live on site; (2) There is a large covered arena and a large outdoor arena which makes for good riding all year round; (3) For the horses' living quarters, there is a variety of outdoor pens and paddocks as well as stalls inside the main barn. There is a common tack room and a bathroom with shower. A&A accepts horses in training at all levels and riders of all levels and ages, too. Don't worry if your horse has flunked out of, or bucked off, a few different trainers. They have a couple of schooling horse available for lessons and there are a few cows on site, too.I have been boarding and training at A&A for the past six months and it has resulted in significant improvement in my seat, my aids, my horse's movement and behavior, and my horsemanship skills. Adrianna and Agapito are bonafide dedicated professionals who aim to develop capable riders and horses, whatever the goals may be. Expect to be positively challenged, engaged, and riding.Between the two of them they have experience in Classical and Competitive Dressage, working cows, Hunter/Jumpers, Eventing, Working Equitation, Californio Bridlehorse, and other Western roping and riding styles. The broad experience encourages an inclusive and supportive environment because the focus is not on a specific discipline. In my group lessons, no one is in exactly the same tack as another rider but we are all working on the same foundation that prepares us to do, with success, anything we want to do with our horses.It's great to not be at a "Name Your Discipline" barn but know that at anytime, if I want, I could get specific.Although they make a genuine effort to accommodate and customize services for all, if you are super high maintenance and make demands that dismiss all professional advisement, you may be better off somewhere else. This is not a pristine facility with a dozen staff to accommodate your whims. With that said, vet, farrier, and other services can be scheduled through the barn. If you can't be there, your horse will be taken care of. Most services can be invoiced to you with your monthly board, too.

I took lessons from Agapito on my dressage horse. He is a young master, very accomplished and helped improve my confidence, riding and ability. Adrianna and Agapito really care about their clients and horses and keep a beautiful facility. I would recommend them for beginners to knowledgeable riders.