Dana Smith's show barn is top notch. She's an incredible trainer for beginners through advanced riders, with amazing lesson horses and fun, highly effective lessons. The program is professional, supportive, and the jumping experience is fantastic. Highly recommend! read more

Dana Smith Show Team - Two of the most amazing lesson horses, Cheers and River!!! Fun day riding!! - Horseback Riding Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Dana Smith Show Team is home to some of the most personable horses. They seem to find the biggest personalities that are a joy to see every time I drop by. Dana is an inspiration to female business owners and carries herself with a fabulous professionalism that you can feel a mile away. One of her trainers at the barn, Katie, is so good at teaching beginners. She is kind and patient, she explains things in a way that feels tailored to you. She's good at meeting you where you're at, and progressively pushing you to keep growing. I've loved every lesson with this company! read more

I've only been riding for a few months and this would be my second trainer/barn. if your an adult rider who is a beginner this is exactly where you need to be. Dana is not my immediate trainer Katie is but Katie is incredible for a beginners. she can really dumb down the skills you need and explain it in a way that you understand. she will take every part of riding and simplify it enough where you can make it happen. these horses are truly work horses, they will listen to your communication and help you better your skills so you can continue to advance. and most importantly this is a safe place for riders of all ages. i have seen ever age ever level and ever type of rider. men, women, children and they are all different levels in life but we all get great training. if you are an adult beginner if you can ride at least a handful of times a week a suggest that. i am a beginner but i ride anywhere between 3-4 times a week which is why i have seen huge improvements but if you don't care how quickly you advance do the amount you feel comfortable with. that jus my two cents based of how my experience, the more you ride th better chances of you getting the hang of it! read more

I have had the pleasure of riding for Dana for 3 years and the honor of working for her for the past year and I have never known a trainer that wants you to succeed like Dana does. Not only did she invest in my riding, but also in my growth as a person. She encourages you to step out of your comfort zone while providing all the tools necessary to help you along the way. She puts horse and rider before anything! I got to experience many firsts at this barn, and it has become my family. If you're looking for a show barn that feels like home, this is the place to go! If you're looking for a lesson barn for your child or you to have fun, this is the place to go. If you want to lease or buy, this is the place to go. Bottom line- whatever you're looking for, this is the place to go!!!! Pictured is how she transformed my old horse when I first moved to her barn, and then some photos of me and my lease horse she helped me find when I was competing more regularly. I love Dana and the show team so much read more

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Dana and Brianna are wonderful. She's definitely the right fit for me with my riding ability, her horses and staff. I'm on lesson 3 and loving it. Although, I will be moving when we are back in 3 years she's the one I'll come back to. I'm getting back into jumping again after ankle surgery and I'm truly excited to see where my lessons lead to prior to my move. read more

Dana Smith Show Team - Horseback Riding Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

We booked a party for my daughter's 5th birthday, and everyone had so much fun. Dana's staff were all very patient with the girls and even though we had a range of ages for riders in our party (5-11) , all party goers enjoyed their experience. This was the perfect, low key event for my daughter's birthday. For the last year she has wanted to be a cowgirl when she grows up, and now she wants to even more :) read more

Dana is an awesome trainer. She has wonderful lesson horses and she matches horses and riders. She is well respected within the community as well. The barn is always organized and friendly. For the young kids, she really develops young riders gain confidence and knows exactly how to challenge in a lesson while being caring band wanting the best for you. She has great horses in training and many loyal clients. They also have a good group of adult riders so that is nice as well, can recommend this barn enough! I appreciate that the barn has a Friendly and welcoming vibe compared to others I have visited! read more

With more than 32 years training everybody from beginners to highly advanced competitors, Dana Smith has rightfully earned a sterling reputation as a trainer. I rode from the age of 13 until 35, then quit to build a business the next 30 years. Last year I finally had the opportunity to ride again. My daughter, a very accomplished competitive rider who trains with Dana, insisted I sign up with Dana. So glad I did! As I got my legs back after such a long layoff, I learned far more than I ever did before and have had the time of my life! Dana is not only patient, she is incredibly positive and kind. This is reflected in all of her students - an awesome group of people full of happiness and fun - my new family. My goal was to get good enough to compete again and last weekend I entered four classes and actually won some ribbons - not bad for 65 plus guy. Dana and Taryn were with me the entire time with encouragement and smiles. I also spend a lot of time watching her work with more advanced riders and it is indeed a great education. What an awesome team!!! read more

This is where I learned to ride as a kid, came back years later and am still working with Dana. She is a joy to be around and truly cares about her students with her whole heart. I look forward to my time here always. read more

Dana Smith Show Team has been nothing less than home to me for the last 8 years. I started riding with Dana when I was in 4th grade and now I have graduated high school. Dana brought me from my first ride on a horse up to competing at Thermal in the junior hunters. I have also gone to Germany with her and imported 2 incredible horses. In addition she helped me grow my vet school application and invited me to shadow her during dialing a mare! She is like a mother to me and all of the girls who ride for her. Our show team is a family that supports you and pushes each other to ride better. At OCHSA Championships, we always the most fun in the costume class, achieve the most champion ribbons, and have the most beautiful setup. On top of that, Dana Smith is a legend that is known by all in the horse community. Come join our show team! read more

Dana Smith Show Team - Horseback Riding Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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My daughter has been taking lesson at Dana Smith for a couple of months. I signed up for a specific trainer and I get someone else. Also, the trainers I have had spent more time on their cell phone then helping my daughter. They have my daughter ride in circles while they talk. I have had contact with Dana herself. She has been rude. read more

My daughter has been riding with Dana for almost 2 years and we couldn't be happier. Dana is great if you just want to try out the sport and not spend a lot of money doing it, all the way up to competing at local shows, and anything in between. Even her birthday parties are great (so fun to see all the little kids). The big difference between Dana and many other barns/trainers (and we have been at this for 6 years), is that she genuinely cares about the students (and the parents) and is focused on everyone having a lot of fun. You shouldn't hesitate, just go for it!! read more

We have been with Dana for over 16 years. As parents we have watched our daughter become a wonderful rider under Danas' watchful eye. Not only a superb trainer, she is also family to us all. This barn, staff and other riders are amazing. If you come here, welcome home! read more

If you are interested in riding and having a fantastic experience, Dana Smith is the right place. Patience and years of experience make this barn the perfect place to get into the saddle. Young riders will learn proper riding skills to last a lifetime. Mature riders like myself, will have the time of their lives! Dana Smith has everything to make sure you enjoy and excellent riding experience. Happy Riding! read more

Although my daughter loves the horses I have sent numerous emails and tried calling with no return response. I find that unprofessional.

Dana Smith and her team are among the best in town! The trainers are persevere and patient and they build that great confidence that your daughter needs. Great flexibility with scheduling, great atmosphere. Dana has your daughter's best interest at heart... Love them and highly recommend them!! read more

My family has been so impressed with Dana and her staff. Our daughter fell in love with horses her first day there and has been riding ever since. She has made tremendous progress and is so much more confident in her riding abilities thanks to great trainers,great horses, and Dana. We are so lucky to have found them. read more

My daughter rides with Dana and this is a wonderful barn! A great family oriented place with quality horses and instruction. My daughter is 6, when she arrive a year ago, she only knew how to walk and trot on the lunge line ( even though she had been riding at another barn for about 7 months. She did not progress at all at the other barn) Now thanks to Dana and her team is jumping courses getting ready to show. The lesson horses are kind and gentle and the instruction is wonderful. Highly recommended for those new to horseback riding and or advanced riders with their own horse who want top notch instruction. read more

I've been a client and horse owner for the past 20 years! Dana Smith has taken the best care of my horse and helped instill the value of hard work, perseverance, strength and the value of taking care of something bigger than myself into myself as well as all of her students. I highly recommend Dana Smith and her program to any horse and any rider! read more

We LOVE Dana and her awesome crew! Courtney is a fabulous teacher, so patient and gentle! Our daughter has loved taking lessons from Dana Smith Show Team!!! read more

I started working with Dana over 2 years ago, with zero experience riding. Dana is passionate, knowledgeable and an experienced trainer. She takes time to get to know her riders, assesses their strengths and targets lessons towards areas in need of improvement. Dana and her staff are organized and accommodating! I highly recommend her for riders of all levels! read more

I came to Dana a year and a half ago. Knew of her flawless reputation as an honest, caring trainer. I am an older rider years, but not ready to hang up my spurs! It has been a wonderful experience to settle into a more laid back program, and choose my level of competition. My horse and I are having a great time, he gets to relax a bit, and I get to have a solid program of my choosing. I highly recommend her for her team! Sally read more