Oak Canyon Equestrian Center

 My family moved to Santa Clarita from the East Coast. My daughter had begun taking horseback riding lessons in New Jersey, I was eager to find a barn in SCV. I mentioned this to a new friend, she wholeheartedly recommended Oak Canyon Equestrian Center where her daughter took lessons. Soon, I was driving to the barn for my daughter’s first lesson with head trainer, Carrie Treadway.
We immediately felt at home at this cozy barn tucked into Wildwood Canyon in Newhall. Surrounded by oak trees and rolling hills, just being there brought a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of life. Unlike some barns, where the horses are already tacked up, at Oak Canyon learning to ride also means learning to halter and lead your horse, groom them, tack up and untack and take care of them after your ride. My daughter loved this extra time with the horses and quickly fell in love with each horse she rode.
Although there are many barns to choose from in this area, what sets Oak Canyon apart is the true sense of family and camaraderie between everyone at the barn. Some are very young children, teenagers, young adults and those like me who are more “seasoned”. Some take an occasional lesson, some own their own horse. Some never compete and others are competing every month. But everyone is a member of the family. All victories are celebrated, whether it’s a first canter, a first crossrail, or a division championship at the biggest show. I learned this when my daughter started selling pastries to earn money to buy her own horse. I have never seen a barn eat so many baked goods and celebrate so much with an 11-year-old girl whose dreams finally came true.
I would be remiss if I didn’t point out the level of expertise that both Carrie Treadway and Ashley Elliott possess. They are both excellent at teaching all ages and levels of riders and horses. Just this morning I heard another rider exclaim, “One training ride with Carrie and my horse is a completely different girl!” They have the patience to work with all types of riders while being both firm and encouraging.
So, whether you are 10, 40, or just not saying, Oak Canyon has something to offer every horse lover. From Mommy and Me classes, Summer Camp, weekly lessons, or full training, there is no reason not to indulge your “horse fever.”
For more information, please call Marsha at 661-259-5191.