As I write this, I'm approaching two years with Lisa at Burgeon Sport Horses -- and even now, it's hard to put into words what this experience has meant to me. Burgeon didn't just bring me back to riding. It brought me back to myself. When I first came to Burgeon, I had been out of the saddle for five years. I came in with no guarantees -- just a deep love for horses, a willingness to work hard, and a quiet hope that maybe I could rebuild something I thought I had lost. What I found here was so much more: a trainer who believes in her riders, a program rooted in integrity, and a place that truly changes people from the inside out. Lisa is more than just a talented trainer -- she's a mentor who meets each rider where they are and helps them rise. Whether you're a complete beginner just finding your seat, or an advanced rider refining your skills, she sees the potential in every student. She doesn't just teach lessons -- she teaches you how to think, how to listen, how to partner with your horse. She builds confidence with patience, celebrates every step forward, and always holds space for growth. The program at Burgeon is built with care, depth, and real horsemanship at its core. The horses are happy, well-conditioned, and respected. Lisa pours herself into every ride, every student, every decision -- and you feel it the second you step into the arena. It's about the work -- the quiet, powerful kind that builds a rider not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, too. For me, this journey has been transformational. I've gone from being unsure and full of self-doubt to finding a deep confidence that's changed my life far beyond the barn. I've grown stronger -- not just as a rider, but as a person. I've learned how to trust myself again. How to be patient with progress. How to take up space. I've found community, purpose, and a sense of belonging I didn't know I was missing. Every lesson, every ride, every hard day and breakthrough moment -- it's all shaped me. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Burgeon Sport Horses is the kind of place that stays with you. It's for people who are ready to work hard, grow with intention, and build something real. I feel so incredibly lucky to be a part of it. Lisa has changed my riding, and she's changed me -- and this is still just the beginning. -- Maddie S. read more

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Lisa is a knowledgeable, professional and well-organized horse trainer and a person of integrity. I recently purchased a horse from her and throughout the process she was honest about the horse's strengths and, most importantly, areas where the horse needed development or might not suit what I was looking for. She gave me time and sufficient opportunity to assess the horse's suitability. This clearly demonstrated that she was most interested in making a good match than making a quick sale. I am very pleased with the horse I bought from her and it was an enjoyable process to boot! read more

I took a child here for a first-time horseback riding lesson and was extremely pleased with Lisa's ability to be patient, attuned and kind. She made sure the child was comfortable throughout the entire lesson and patiently answered many questions that came her way. The horse Lisa chose for the lesson, Bell, was incredibly gentle, at ease and well trained. Lisa even invited me and the child to explore the grounds after the lesson which was neat as well. I would highly, highly recommend coming here. Thank you so, so much, Lisa! read more

Lisa as Riding instructor + Horse Trainer I appreciate Lisa's training style. She is patient and at same time treats her clients as intelligent people. I love her energy, especially when, every lesson after lesson, i see great, measurable improvement in riding and confidence. Although, i have not seen her training young horses (which is her speciality), any minor problems i get with the horse i ride, she was able to fix them very easily (bad behavior while mounting, Mare's attitude when didn't want me to pick her hoofs... ). Not only i recommend her as a coach, but as a horse trainer. 5 Star equestrian barn Facility is very beautiful, with great views. Its clean, nice environment for your horses, as well as nice arenas for you to work. read more

My husband and daughter used a Groupon from Then this last weekend. They had a wonderful experience with Lisa and her helper. It was a great introductory session on how to care for the horse, walking it and riding it. Highly recommend it. read more

Lisa is the 100% best at what she does. My 12 yr OTTB was having serious anxiety (violent and stubborn) with my straight load trailer. He would not get in no matter what we tried - food, positive reinforcement, extra hands. When we could get him in he would blow back, break butt bars and injure himself. Lisa worked with him patiently and at the end of only one month he now self loads happily and stands like a gentleman in the trailer munching on hay until a verbal cue to back is given. Lisa not only helped him figure out that the trailer was not scary but also gave me the tools to continue to be successful when I took him of property. I cannot recommend her enough! read more

Burgeon Sport Horses - No big deal (anymore)! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Livermore, California

I have been taking Dressage lessons from Lisa for about 4 months now. I have taken weekly lessons from a variety of coaches over the last few years. She's one of my favorite instructors to date. She communicates well, is very organized, reasonable rates and is quite professional. She challenges me to push myself. She's no-nonsense, but kind and approachable. Often, instructors can be bossy or condescending - I've never felt that way with her. I feel my confidence as a rider has grown the most as a rider under her coaching, and that she values the experience I bring from other avenues of my horsemanship. Also, and equally important to me is that from day-one I felt like I was a valuable member of the team and was included in plans for field-trips and competitions. I really appreciate that. I also appreciate that she has a horse that matches my needs - one that's younger, has energy, learns well, is patient and wants to work and grow with me. I look forward to our continued journey together. read more

I have learned to ride on really well trained horses at Burgeon Training (not your average burned out lesson pony). I have booked a lesson almost every week and definitely keep learning new skills. I knew some basics of riding but Lisa, as a dressage rider and jumper, knows the nuances that you cannot learn on your own. Instead of spending your time in a lesson getting a horse to move, Lisa's horses have energy and response: 5 stars for continuing to build my confidence. read more

I wish I could give this trainer zero stars. I purchased a Groupon for three 1-hour long private or semi-private lessons. I have been riding horses on and off for more than 20 years and decided to get the Groupon to explore new trainers in the area. Anyone who has ever ridden horses knows that a group lesson means you each get a different horse and ride together in the same arena. Well I guess to Lisa it means splitting time and sharing the same horse, but paying the same amount of money. I spoke with her and explained to her on the first initial call that I am not a beginner rider and would not like a beginner rider experience. She acted like that was fine and would try to match me up with someone who was the same experience level as me. She never once mentioned we would be sharing a horse. She was supposed to email me a release form. When I never received it and the lesson came closer I asked her for it again. During that conversation it came up that I had to share not only the lesson (which would have been fine) we would also be sharing a horse. This is when she decided to tell me that we would only get about 15-20 mins of ride time each and the rest of the time we would watch the other person ride. Please keep in mind I paid over $80 for this and that was with an extra 20% discount from Groupon. This is a complete scam on her part and she is overcharging beginners in hopes of making some extra cash. Please if you are a beginner rider or any type of rider for that matter do not trust her services. There are far better trainers out there who care about their students and do not try to make extra money by scamming unexpected people. read more

The best! Great energy! Wise!, compassionte!, and gets results! What more can you ask for?