Photo courtesy of Alden Corrigan Media
The Paso Robles Horse Park is one of the newest premier horse show facilities in California, opening its gates in 2015. Located in the heart of the Central Coast, the Park now hosts a multitude of events from local schooling shows to USEF ‘A’ Rated Hunter/Jumper competitions that attract top equestrians throughout the West Coast. The Paso Robles Horse Park is a dream turned reality for longtime equestrian and Park founder Linda Starkman.
Lifelong Passion
Linda Starkman was introduced to horses as a young child by her grandparents, but her passion for riding took a back seat until her 30s when her children began riding lessons. Starkman quickly engulfed herself in the competitive hunter/jumper world with her Amateur Owner Hunter “Castaway Teddy” who was named Pacific Coast Champion of the Year.
Starkman’s passion for horses led to her role as President of the West Hills Hunt Club in Los Angeles, and eventually she found her niche in sporthorse breeding and young horse development. From there, Starkman has been the proud owner of numerous successful show jumpers including “Fairway” a winning Grand Prix Thoroughbred campaigned by Show Jumping Hall of Famer Hap Hansen.
Fairway owned by Linda Starkman, ridden by Hap Hansen
Today, Starkman continues her passion for young horse development with her remaining homebreds including “Sun Warrior” who was sired by the famous Grand Prix stallion Flexible. This lifelong dedication to developing show jumpers is apparent in the different programs and incentives offered by Starkman at The Paso Robles Horse Park.
Linda Starkman and Homebred “Sun Warrior” AKA Junior ridden by Kaitlin Campbell
“That’s part of the magic of horses, from grand prix jumper to backyard pony, they each find a way to touch our lives.”
Dream Turned Reality
Starkman’s passion for breeding and love for Paso Robles inspired the foundation Fox Hollow Ranch, her ranch located in Paso Robles that she has dedicated to breeding Hunter/Jumper sporthorses. After much time spent traveling away from home for horse shows Starkman realized her dream of hosting premier horse shows on the California Central Coast, and thus The Paso Robles Horse Park was founded.
Not only did Starkman wish to provide quality equestrian competitions in an area lacking rated horse shows, but she also wanted to share her love of Paso with visiting competitors. With these two goals at the forefront of Starkman’s mind a schedule including Schooling Shows, ‘B’ Shows, ‘A’ Shows, and other community events has been crafted and expanded each year since the Park’s opening. Starkman and the Park’s staff take tremendous pride in their quality and fun horse shows of varied levels that provide different programs and opportunities to make horseback riding and competition more accessible to all participants.
“If it’s not fun, we’re not doing it.”
The Paso Robles Horse Park is excited to kick off a fun and safe 2021 show season with their Sold Out Kick-Off Schooling Show on April 10th! Check out the Park’s upcoming events on Equivont.
Equivont is a proud supporter of the Paso Robles Horse Park and is excited to be sponsoring the free fun classes at each ‘B’ Show as well as the Outreach Hunter Derbies! Learn more about these special classes on the Park’s Equivont Profile.
