Susan Blake started her 40 years of experience riding horses at the age of 12. She began lessons as therapy for a broken leg, she sustained while ice-skating. Her riding experience began in Southern California at the Flying J Ranch, where she took lessons from horse trainer Don Kleckner.
At 14 she began training horses with Don. Susan bought her first horse, a yearling named Sugar Buff (Buffy). To pay for Buffy’s expenses Susan began giving lessons and training horses after school. She showed Buffy and did well in open shows in Southern California. Susan had the opportunity to work with a number of trainers and found each of them contributed to her “horse” knowledge. Susan attended college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She studied animal science and worked with horses at the college.
Susan loves to teach children of all ages to be excellent equestrians.
is to introduce people to the amazing world of horses. In educating you about these amazing animals, we hope to inspire respect, admiration and passion for the sport and recreation of horseback riding.
Rolling Hills Riding Academy is more than a business, it is a community. We began this business because horses have made a significant difference in our lives and we want to use our personal experiences to enhance the lives of others. Rolling Hills Riding Academy offers horse camps, one day camps, clinics, and lessons for both the able bodied and special needs students.
Rolling Hills Riding Academy teaches important life lessons including showing respect and compassion for others, how to conquer goals, practice makes perfect and most importantly, building self-confidence. Our school caters to the young (3) all the way through the young at heart. We strive to teach our students everything about horses in a very fun and safe way, while providing you with a quality equine education. Our professional instructors cover English and Western lessons designed for riders of all levels and all interests. Our lesson plans teach horsemanship, showmanship, equitation, horsey games, gymkhana events, trail, and even jumping! Whether you are looking to compete in shows, or just want to develop a hobby that gets you exercising more, we have a program for you.
Along with hands-on training and education about grooming, feeding, anatomy, and tacking up, you will ride for an entire hour and work on various skills for guiding and maneuvering your horse around the ring! Rolling Hills has five fabulous lesson horses that will carry you all the way through the program from the very beginner up to the show ring winner!
Rolling Hills Riding Academy also provides disabled individuals with therapeutic riding lessons, concentrating on ability rather than disability. We serve special needs clients of all ages and all disabilities. With the help of skilled horses, a team of certified therapeutic riding instructors and volunteers, students are taught the foundations of horseback riding. Riders can experience increased balance, muscle control and strength while working in a positive atmosphere.
Rolling Hills Riding Academy is privileged to be in the business of making dreams come true for so many people.