Goldspirit Farm

About

Students often tell me they learn more in one lesson from me than lessons elsewhere. I love what I do! I am great at starting new riders, and teaching riders new skills. My motto is: safety first. Safety comes from balance and leadership. I believe we have to understand how to use our body to talk to the horse. Many people ride and do not understand why they do what they do, or they do everything from their hands. I teach riders how to master communicating with the horse with their body to increase leadership and safety.

I am a USEA certified instructor and an approved pony club riding center. I love what I do and I do it well! We have a beautiful, peaceful place at Goldspirit Farm with great lesson horses and room to board yours! Learn more about me and Goldspirit Farm at www.goldspiritfarm.com and like us on facebook!


Highlights

Hired 1 time
1 employee
25 years in business
Serves Lake View Terrace , CA

Specialties

Riding styles interested in

English

Have a horse

Students who have a horse, Students who do not have a horse

Student's interests and goals

Show jumping, Dressage

Experience level

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

How often

Once a week, Multiple times a week

Student's age

19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old

Reviews

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VB

Vance B.

Susan is an expert of very rare caliber. The attention shown to each rider and animal in her care demonstrates her commitment to safety and good horsemanship. I arrived barely able to sit in an English saddle, and in a few short months was able, with Susan’s expert tutelage, to develop enough skills to tack, mount, and ride Beginner (working on Novice!) If I didn’t have to move across the country for work I would be delighted to take lessons from Susan for years to come. Show up ready to learn, take direction, and have your skills consistently boosted by one of the finest teachers I’ve ever had the privilege to learn from.
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February 24, 2020
Hired on Lessons

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Lydia B.

I have been taking lessons with Susan for over three years now and I love this barn, the horses and how much progress Ive made since I started working with Susan. She can see exactly what youre doing wrong and will fix it. I came to the barn barely able to canter and now I jump with confidence. Thank you Susan!
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February 15, 2019

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Debra W.

I believe Susan Friend is an excellent trainer. I love Goldspirit Farm and the atmosphere and of course the horses. I would recommend her to anyone who wants to learn to ride or to enhance their equestrian skills.
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February 14, 2019

JS

Jennifer S.

Susan is a fantastic teacher! Ive been riding for over 15 years and Ive improved more as a rider in the past 4 with Susan than anywhere else! The horses and property are all well cared for and the people are the nicest Ive met. If you want a great place to ride with great people, Goldspirit Farm is it!
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February 13, 2019

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Orchard F.

Susan is incredibly knowledgeable and professional. She takes excellent care of all of her animals. We learned so much about proper horse care, tack care, and riding techniques. She has excellent lesson horses and always made our lessons challenging but fun. Goldspirit Farm was our home away from home!
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February 12, 2019

JC

Jane C.

The instructor, Susan Friend Letourneur really cares about her students and wants to see them excel. She pushes you and knows you can succeed, even when your self talk and inner fears are trying to hold you back. Sometimes there is tough love, but just as there is tough love, there is praise and support when a certain skill finally clicks. She is very knowledgeable trainer who will take you to the next level. She takes excellent care of her horses which is a plus.
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February 11, 2019

Frequently asked questions

All lessons with new students are private.  The one one time is the best way to learn horsemanship skills and develop riding skills.  For those who know how to ride, the first lesson is a great time for you to evaluate me as  well as for me to see what you know and where we can go!

I have been riding for nearly 40 years; I have been teaching for more than 20 years. I opened my own place, Goldspirit Farm, in 1999.  I was one of the first instructors in the country to be certified by the  US eventing association. I am also an approved pony club riding center. I have written nearly 100 articles over the years on everything from training, to barn management, to grooming, to inspiration.


Services offered

Horseback Riding