Featured Facility Sterling Farms
Quiet, Classical, Quality Nestled in the beautiful backdrop of Little Gopher Canyon Road in Vista (N. San Diego County), Sterling Farms is a gem. Owned and operated by Jane Frank, the Sterling Farms Dressage facility is her dream in real life. “To promote Dressage, the health of the horses and the camaraderie of a private training barn where everyone gets along” – those are the ideas which led Jane to develop the farm over ten years ago. Sterling Farms is home to two wonderful Trainers – Bridget Braden and Kimberly Monk. Each Trainer brings a unique perspective to the riders at Sterling Farms. Bridget’s philosophy incorporates FEI classical training with a rider’s fitness directly to their position in the saddle. Through her BioRider Fitness program, Bridget and her clients start with a short, tailored workout right there at the barn, to help riders gain strength and muscle awareness and tone needed for correct Dressage riding. Then from their fitness routine, students go under saddle for instruction – teaching which becomes enhanced from the rider’s new knowledge of biomechanics and how their riding posture affects each ride. Bridget Braden Bridget is an accomplished rider and trainer herself, successfully training and competing with her horse Dublin up the FEI levels to secure her USDF Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals. She has trained with Olympian and World Cup Champion Steffen Peters and Pan Am Medalist Jan Ebling. Bridget’s perspective is two-fold: “teach the horse to balance himself naturally, then train the student to ride lighter off of their seat and aids” – the results are amazing! Kimberly Monk is a British Horse Certified Instructor and has received all USDF rider medals on self-trained horses. She is a 5 time National Champion who specializes in classical training methods and test riding strategy with over 30 years of competitive Dressage experience. Currently, Kimberly is attending the L program for judging. She also travels frequently to Germany for furthering her education and on horse buying trips. Kim has trained and competed on a number of horses through FEI levels during her career. She has helped many young professionals, adult amateurs and junior riders to receive their USDF Bronze/Silver rider medals… achieving their personal Championship dreams. She invites new clients to share in the journey to make their own dreams a reality in 2012. Kimberly Monk Both Kimberly and Bridget will be planning some unique and specialized clinics at the facility in 2012. To combine classical riding instruction with improved rider fitness will not only lead to better form in the saddle, but also to gaining the most out of the horses’ performance. Whether you ride for fun or in competition, this pairing of expertise is not to be missed! Contact either Trainer and visit the facility website for more information about these clinics. Sterling Farms offers just the right combination of amenities at the facility for keeping the horses healthy and happy. The breezeway show barn is welcoming, with indoor client tackroom and restroom, grooming stations and oversized stalls. Especially for larger horses, the barn stalls are 12x16 with runs that are separated so neighbors won’t fuss. The stalls are matted and have automatic waterers, plus a fly spray system. Another stabling option is the fully covered larger mare motel stalls – as large as 24x16 for room to move around. Freedom and movement are two perks of the full service boarding at Sterling Farms – the owner Jane believes horses need several hours of turnout time every day to be mentally happy. They have 5 turnouts, and the horses are rotated outside in good weather to enjoy time to move about, play or simply enjoy the outdoors. There is also a hand-walking or “hack track” that runs around the barn and arena so even when the weather is bad, the horses can get some time and exercise outside. Attention to every detail was made in constructing the regulation sized Dressage court at Sterling Farms. The expert grading has stood the test of time and the drainage is perfect, and the LightFoot rubber additive mixed with sand was installed by Footings Unlimited. There are full mirrors along the short side of the court, and a nice gazebo for viewing. Jane even thought of having lights for the arena, in a beautiful black iron décor which reflects her personal touch. The facility also offers a second, all purpose arena for riding and turnouts. In addition, the facility is properly zoned for agricultural business, which gives complete peace of mind to the boarders and training clients that the facility is here to stay for the long term. Sterling Farms is offering a few spaces in their training barn for new clients – those with their own horses who want to improve in the sport of Dressage or clients who are looking to lease or purchase their own Dressage horses. Both Trainers are happy to assist clients in finding their most suitable riding partners, whether it is for purchasing the right horse or perhaps returning to riding through leasing. Kimberly Monk also specializes in select sales of Dressage horses, with a small number of horses for sale at any given time. Full service boarding rates are $550 or $600 per month, with training rates available from each Trainer. For a select group of horse owners who are seeking personal attention, exceptional care for the welfare of their horses and top quality Dressage instruction, Sterling Farms is the perfect place. Please contact the facility for more information by phone at 760-726-7253 and be sure to visit their website at www.sterlingfarmsinc.com. Article written for SoCalEquine by Sue Schindler. To have your facility on the Home Page as an upcoming Featured Facility, please contact SoCalEquine at 951-440-2492.