Meet The Trainers

Shari Lefmann

Shari Lefmann

She has been teaching English Riding in Southern California for over twenty years. She began her riding career at the age of 8 on the East Coast. She rode mainly in Virginia where after many years of instruction, she taught young children and worked with developing young horses. Her passion for horses and teaching were evident even then. As well as teaching in Southern California, she has conducted a Pony club for several years and managed an equestrian center. She has a great love and respect for the horse and believes a good teacher must help and encourage each student. Every equestrian should be someone who learns to understand and appreciate their horse as well as constantly strive to improve their riding abilities.

She has trained many top riders and specializes in hunters, ponies and equitation riders. She has a special love for ponies and has had a number of top ponies on the west coast. The ponies have included Cloth O Gold, Farnley Brightlight, Conway Cabbage, Budweiser, Final Lustre, Just A Dream, Royal Cabaret, Parsley, and The Snooty Fox.

Sarah Lefmann-Tate

Sarah Lefmann-Tate

A native of Orange County, California, her love for horses was passed on through her mother, Shari. At the age of five, Sarah's passion for horses was already evident. Starting with her first pony, Sarah became enthusiastic about jumping, showing and the daily dedication to her pony. She continued riding and showing as a junior at Local and "A" shows. Throughout her junior years she had success in the hunters, jumpers, ponies and equitation divisions resulting in many awards and year-end championships.

While attending Cal State University at Fullerton, she once again returned to the show ring as an amateur. With much success in the show ring, she ended up the top Adult Amateur Hunter Rider in 1998 on her hunter Degas. Sarah also had many wins in the equitation divisions and was a top qualifier for the Ariat Adult Medal.

After graduating from college, she rode for various trainers part time and in 2004 formed a partnership with her mother. They focused on sales for some time until they decided to increase their clientele and redirect their business to the show ring. This is when Sarah decided to apply her degree in child development, helping teach others the same skills her mother once taught her.

Sarah's goal is to make Hunter's Glen the type of atmosphere where clients can feel comfortable riding at any level, regardless of age, background or previous riding experience. Her bottom line is that everyone shares a common love of horses and a passion for equestrian riding.

Doug Christie

Doug Christie

Without the traditional upbringing of a family steeped in equestrian history, Doug discovered at an early age a passion for horses.  Growing up in San Gabriel Valley, California, Doug started riding ponies for the local pony dealer.  Riding through the neighborhoods and fields, jumping anything he could find.  "Riding was natural and fun."  After getting his first horse at thirteen, he started his formal training at a Quarter Horse barn. From here he had the opportunity to start riding formally at Rainbow Canyon Ranch via a wonderful woman and first mentor, Francis Creveling.

After a few years' hiatus in his late teens and early twenties to travel the world pursuing his other passions, singing and dance, Doug missed the horses and brought riding back into his life.  First, in the mid 80's riding and teaching at the then new Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center riding school program. Like a dancing gypsy, he spent years riding at various barns in Orange County all the while having his own horses and observing the professionals in the industry.  Doug is a strong proponent of the powers of observation "you can learn a lot by watching."

Doug is a natural leader and has always loved instructing.  He audited the AIRCP program for instructors in its early days on the West Coast.  Over the years, Doug has developed a deep appreciation for the foundation of Dressage, "its like ballet is to dance," and he truly believes in leaving no holes in the training of both horse and rider.  "Understanding the mechanics of the horse and the goals of the discipline are key to being a success."  "Riding, like dance, is full of technique and fundamentals that should always be rehearsed."

In addition to this full life, Doug is a 20-year veteran of UCI where he is the Director of Business Services for the Dean of Students.