ABOUT

Virginia began her riding career at the ripe age of 7, at the Camp Pendleton riding stables.  Through her 7 years and 14 riding instructors there, she learned to ride every manner of lesson horse and learned what worked for her, and what challenged her most.  She knew from an early age that she needed to share horses with others, and wanted to teach.  

She attended Virginia Intermont College and graduated in 1997 with her BA in Equine Studies, and went to work for the legendary Jimmy Wofford, hunter and "R" judge in Spartanburg SC.  During her time there she would expand her knowledge into how to build a lesson program from the ground up, and how to restart and reintegrate Off the Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs).

In 1999 she returned to Southern California to work for Mary's Tack and Feed as their floor manager, event coordinator, and English Tack buyer while also going back to where it began for her, Camp Pendleton Stables, to begin teaching her own program.

Over the course of the next decade she grew her program and successfully helped the once small lesson program grow into a locally recognized entity, and most importantly, established many incredible client relationships, several that are still with her today.

in 2010 Virginia decided it was time to take the next step and create her own independent program, and Mystic Equine was born.  Since that time, her students have competed successfully on the GSDHJA circuit, and run the Vista Palomar Rail show for several years, as well as their own summer schooling series started in 2017.  Her students range from 'up down' beginners and adults who are simply interested in learning the basics, to regional championship riders who have gone on to collegiate equestrian studies as well.  She has instructed hunters, jumpers, eventers, dressage riders, and even the occasional barrel racer and cow chaser.

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Virginia believes that above all, riding is hard work.  It is fun, exciting, and highly rewarding, but the work you put in is the result you will get out.  She values her relationship with each student and client and strives to partner the right person to the right horse and guide them together to the best ride possible.  

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Some of our Mystic Horses!