Skylark Equestrian

Skylark is a lovely facility, and I just love the care and attention that all my horses get. I’ve been at boarding facilities that don’t really keep track of what is going on with my horses, but not at Skylark. My horses always have ample water, they feed hay/​alfalfa/​forage 3 times a day, well spaced out with the last feeding at 7pm. And the facility is open and inviting, so much so that my horses settled right in the day we arrived. My gelding usually has a hard time at new boarding places and he is even less attached to my mare, after being here for a while. I really love the cross country course, as well! They’ve got some pretty unique and interesting jumps, one jumps is made to look like a fire truck, and a water complex with some banks and a bridge. There are sizes of jumps from intro up to prelim.
And Joe Mckinley is a really good instructor. He is classically focused and really has an eye for what works and knows a ton of riding exercises to help a rider fix their own position. And he is especially good with teaching my 13 yr old daughter, which to me is the most important compliment. Being able to get to the kids, and teach them so that they can understand and will actually listen is really valuable.
OH and this may not be a plus for some people but I pay board with my debit card, and I love it! I hate having to write checks for anything, and do most of my banking online, and this is a luxury I haven’t had at other boarding facilities.

Did not pay me for work done. Alex has a strange temperament. Appears very sweet but is in deed very bitter. Held off to be paid monthly and when i was in a bind and needed my pay that was do to me. She withheld it from me and did not show up to a sit down with a mediator to discuss but rather will drag it through court and dispute my claim. When i was paid i was always shorted the change. Even though it was only fifty cents it was still mine. I should have left when it was only change. Best of luck in your dealings with her. I was told by several people to be weary and did not listen. Be weary.

I love boarding here and I love riding with Vanguard Eventing. Alex, the barn owner, is involved, friendly, welcoming, and incredibly thoughtful in regard to the care of each and every horse on the property. She runs a lovely facility that feels like home. I was worried when I moved to the Bay Area that I wouldn’t find anything similar to the environment I experienced at my barn back home in Davis. I’m glad to say that I was wrong and Skylark has been a wonderful addition to my life. My horse is happy here and Mario takes such great care of him, despite my horse’s many health ailments and special diet requirements. He is patient and willing to work with me, which I really appreciate. Joe McKinley runs a fantastic lesson program and that is just the icing on the cake for me. I couldn’t be happier here.

I’ve been at Skylark just short of a year now, and I have to say the barn is amazing. The place is always clean, the horses are extremely well cared for and everyone is always helpful and positive; combine it all and you have a nice welcoming barn. If that wasn’t enough, Alex (the owner), really cares for all the horses under her care and will do whatever is needed to ensure that they are healthy and happy.
The facilities are first class, with a covered arena for the rainy days, a dressage court to practice before shows, a jump arena, a nice conditioning track; everything you need to keep an eventing horse going.
Which brings me to the trainer, Joe McKinley. Joe is a very patient and positive trainer. His attention to detail and ability to break down questions into workable exercises are a sure recipe to set up any horse/​rider for success.

Skylark Equestrian is a wonderful facility, and Alex is just awesome. Having been there over a year, can say that I have never felt more welcome and at home at a barn. Not to mention Mario takes excellent care of the horses and grounds. Joe runs a super program, can’t wait to watch Team Vanguard out competing this season!

Ask for Tony Martinez, he gave my daughter lessons and was a great instructor.