Horse Riding Training Stable in Watsonville, CA
Welcome to Belmont Training Stable, a top-tier horse riding training center nestled in the heart of Watsonville, California. Our family-operated equestrian training center has earned a reputation for its dedication to competitive excellence, professional horsemanship, and personalized instruction. With more than three decades of experience in both English and Western disciplines, we specialize in developing riders and horses to compete successfully in Hunter, Jumper, Equitation, Hunter Derbies, and Grand Prix events.
Our peaceful 25-acre property serves as both a competitive launchpad and a wellness haven for horses and riders alike. The Belmont family brings together traditional horsemanship and modern competition techniques to create a private, focused environment where equestrians can thrive. Whether you are a teenager starting a junior career, an adult aiming to refine your style of riding, or an owner looking to start a young horse professionally, Belmont Training Stable offers the expertise, space, and support to make it happen.
Purpose-Built Facilities for Total Training
Our equestrian center was designed with intention and care to support every aspect of a horse’s development and a rider’s progression. From daily training routines to long-term show preparation, our facility supports both the physical and mental health of horses while providing a focused and distraction-free setting for learning.
Key features include:
- Three professionally maintained riding arenas for flatwork, jumping, and show prep
- A round ring, ideal for groundwork and colt starting
- A Eurocizer to improve equine fitness and aid recovery
- Large, well-ventilated stalls with attached runs
- Outside paddocks and open pastures for turnout
- Twenty-five acres of shaded trails through oak trees, perfect for cooling out and fitness rides
We maintain a calm and quiet environment where both horses and riders feel comfortable. Unlike large public barns, our private setup minimizes chaos and allows for uninterrupted progress in a supportive atmosphere.
A Training Team with Multi-Disciplinary Expertise
The Belmont family brings a rare combination of English and Western horsemanship to the training program. This approach allows us to offer a wider range of services, from competitive coaching in medal finals to foundational colt starting.
Cassie Belmont
Cassie leads our English riding program with a focus on hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines. Her career includes decades of coaching riders in Northern California and beyond, with a specialty in preparing teens for equitation medals, hunter derbies, and advanced jumper competition. Cassie’s students have won at major finals including CPHA, NorCal, and PCHA championships, and have represented Belmont at Indoor Equitation Finals and USEF Pony Finals.
Perry Belmont
Perry provides the foundation of our Western training program, handling colt starting, reining, and cattle work. Raised in Carmel and trained by cowboy legend Ray Hackworth, Perry is known for his quiet, respectful approach to horse development. He works with green horses and those needing a reset, helping them gain confidence and responsiveness. His facility setup also includes an arena and corrals suited for reining patterns and cow work, giving young horses valuable exposure and experience.
Grace Belmont
Grace grew up riding at Belmont and brings a contemporary perspective to our competitive training. Her junior career was decorated with wins in medal finals, hunter derbies, and Grand Prix competitions. She captured team and individual gold at the USHJA Platinum Finals at Thermal and continues to train, ride, and coach our current show team. Grace offers training rides and mentorship for both up-and-coming and advanced riders looking to step into higher levels of sport.
A Competitive Riding Program with Results
At Belmont, we are not just a horse riding school. We are a competition-focused training center with a proven system for preparing riders and horses to succeed in the show ring. We work closely with students and families to build skills, prepare horses, and plan show schedules that align with their goals.
Our show services include:
- Personalized competition coaching and strategy
- Horse show scheduling, entries, and management
- Horse transportation and showground logistics
- Daily warm-ups and coaching at the show
- Training rides before and during show weeks
- Post-show evaluations to inform future training
Riders from Belmont have gone on to earn top placings in hunter derbies, equitation medals, and jumper classics at shows across Northern California, Southern California, and national events. Whether your sights are set on the “A” circuit or local competition, we provide the tools, support, and instruction to help you succeed.
Horse Development and Training Services
A key strength of our program is the versatility and depth of our horse training services. From training rides that keep seasoned horses fit and tuned for competition, to colt starting and young horse development, we offer full-cycle support for equine athletes.
Training options include:
- Daily and weekly training rides to maintain conditioning and progress
- Professional colt starting services with a focus on long-term confidence and safety
- Fitness conditioning using our Eurocizer and trails
- Groundwork and behavior training
We value the health and soundness of each horse and work closely with owners to ensure training is aligned with their horse’s temperament, goals, and physical needs.
Programs for Teen Riders and Juniors
We have a strong focus on teen horseback programs and the development of junior riders. Many of our students begin in middle or high school and progress through the ranks of hunter jumping, equitation, and jumpers. Our junior program balances structure and fun while promoting confidence, independence, and competitive skill.
Our junior and teen rider program offers:
- Structured lesson plans that grow with the rider
- Access to competitive lease horses for medal finals and show circuits
- Coaching for equitation and hunter competitions
- Show team camaraderie and mentorship
- Goal setting and performance tracking
This age group is at the core of our community. We understand the balance teens must maintain with school, sports, and other responsibilities. Our private setting and personalized support make Belmont an ideal fit for families looking to invest in their teen’s growth and equestrian career.
Disciplines We Specialize In
Hunter
We focus on form, rhythm, and presentation in the hunter ring. Whether preparing for pony, junior hunters, or derbies, our approach is detail-oriented and results-driven. Riders learn to deliver smooth, stylish rounds that reflect balance and control.
Jumper
In jumpers, the emphasis is on precision and speed. We coach riders in course strategy, turns, and the mental discipline required for timed competition. Our jumpers have competed successfully up to the Grand Prix level.
Equitation
Equitation is the cornerstone of our program. It teaches riders to be balanced, effective, and composed under pressure. We prepare students for medal finals and classic equitation classes at both regional and national levels.
Hunter Derbies and Grand Prix
For advanced riders, we offer intensive coaching leading into hunter derbies and Grand Prix classes. These events require a combination of polish, power, and technical skill. Our team works with riders and horses to prepare them mentally and physically for these high-profile competitions.
Reining and Colt Starting
Perry’s reining and colt starting work brings a unique depth to our program. He focuses on soft, responsive movement, respectful handling, and building trust from day one. This solid foundation prepares young horses for any future discipline, whether they remain in Western training or transition to English performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
We work with a wide range of riders, from beginners to advanced competitors. Many of our students are teenagers developing in the hunter jumper world, but we also train adult amateurs and returning riders. We tailor our programs to each rider’s needs and experience level. Beginners follow a step-by-step approach focused on safety and control, while experienced riders refine technique and prepare for high-level competition. Our training environment is supportive, structured, and designed for riders who want to improve seriously.
Yes. We offer full-service boarding for horses enrolled in our training programs. Each horse receives a spacious stall with a run and daily turnout in a paddock or pasture. Boarding includes feeding, stall cleaning, turnout, and access to our arenas, Eurocizer, trails, and conditioning areas. We emphasize clean, safe environments, consistent routines, and individualized care, and we keep owners informed about progress and any health or behavioral observations.
Yes. Leasing is a popular option for riders who are not ready to purchase but want consistent training and competition opportunities. We offer both part-lease and full-lease horses suited for equitation, hunter, and jumper divisions. Each pairing is carefully matched based on rider goals, experience, and style. Leasing through our program includes coaching, show access, and professional daily management of the horse.
Students compete in both local and rated competitions throughout the year. We typically attend one to two horse shows per month, depending on the season and competitive goals. Our calendar includes venues in Watsonville, Woodside, Sonoma, Sacramento, and Southern California. We provide full show support including coaching, grooming, hauling, and strategy. Participation is tailored to each rider’s readiness and ambitions.
Yes. Starting young horses is a core part of our program. We use quiet groundwork, gradual exposure, and consistent routines to develop confident, responsive horses. Services include colt starting, retraining, and transitions into new disciplines. Young horses are introduced to saddling, lunging, trail work, cattle exposure, and riding in a calm, structured environment designed for long-term success.
Begin Your Journey with Belmont Training Stable
Whether you are aiming for the top of the podium or seeking a supportive place to grow as a rider, Belmont Training Stable is ready to help you take the next step. As a family-run horse riding training center, we are proud to offer professional coaching, exceptional facilities, and a personalized approach that honors both the horse and the rider.
Our training center is more than a barn. It is a community built on trust, experience, and a shared passion for the sport. We invite you to visit, meet our team, and see how Belmont can help you and your horse thrive.
Contact us today to schedule a tour or consultation. Let us help you build your future in riding with confidence, skill, and support.