About Belmont Training Stable in Watsonville, CA
Your Premier Stable in Watsonville, CA
Belmont Training Stable was built on horsemanship, family tradition, and a shared passion for helping riders and horses reach their full potential. As a family-owned and operated horse riding training center in Watsonville, California, we have spent over 30 years providing top-quality instruction, expert horse development, and a facility designed to support serious riders in a fun, safe, and private atmosphere.
Nestled on 25 acres of oak-dotted countryside near the coast, our equestrian center has become a trusted destination for riders across Northern California. From junior riders beginning their show careers to competitive athletes preparing for medal finals and Grand Prix events, Belmont offers a balanced environment where talent can grow and thrive.
Excellence in Every Discipline: Meet Cassie Belmont
With over 30 years of professional training experience in Northern California, Cassie Belmont has established a legacy of success built on a compassionate, positive training philosophy. Her system focuses on identifying the unique strengths of both horse and rider, translating them into top-tier performance at the most prestigious venues in the country.
From foundational equitation to the high-stakes world of Grand Prix jumping, the Belmont program offers:
- Championship Equitation: A proven track record including six NorCal Finals wins, two NCEA Finals wins at Thermal, and the Ronnie Mutch Championship.
- National Hunter Success: Multiple National and International Derby wins and top honors at Junior Hunter Finals.
- High-Performance Jumpers: Expert guidance leading riders to success at Prix de States, NAYC Young Rider Championships, and the Grand Prix level.
- Collegiate Pathway: A premier pipeline for young athletes, with graduates competing on NCEA teams nationwide and a 15-year winning streak for the Belmont IEA team.
- Expert Perspective: As a licensed USEF ‘R’ judge in Hunters and Equitation, Cassie provides riders with the “judge’s eye” perspective necessary to win at Premier events.
Whether you are aiming for the USEF Medal and Maclay Finals or seeking a supportive environment to develop your first show horse, Cassie’s experience ensures a clear path to your goals.
A Family-Owned Training Center Built on Experience
Belmont Training Stable is more than a business; it is the lifelong work of a horse-loving family. Every part of the facility, from the arenas to the training programs, reflects decades of knowledge, teamwork, and care.
Cassie Belmont
Owner and Trainer
Cassie leads our hunter jumper and equitation programs. With over 30 years of training experience, she has coached riders to major wins in CPHA, NorCal, and PCHA finals. Cassie grew up riding in Pebble Beach and has built a reputation for clear, effective instruction that brings out the best in riders and horses. She is known for helping teens transition smoothly from beginner classes to the biggest equitation stages. Her focus on form, rhythm, and competitive poise creates a strong foundation for riders who want to succeed at high levels.
Perry Belmont
Property Manager and Western Riding Trainer
Perry handles the ranch infrastructure, colt starting program, and Western training. He was raised in Carmel Valley, where he rode reining horses under Ray Hackworth, a Hall of Fame cowboy. Perry is known around the ranch as the “Cowboy-in-Chief” for his quiet confidence and practical horsemanship. He brings a calm, measured approach to young and green horses, using groundwork, trail exposure, and reining patterns to establish lasting trust. Perry also manages facility improvements and oversees horse care and conditioning with a hands-on approach that keeps the ranch running smoothly.
Grace Belmont
English Riding and Hunter Jumper Trainer
Grace is our resident champion. She grew up riding at Belmont and learned from both her parents as well as other professionals in the industry. Her junior career included wins at top medal finals, hunter derbies, and Grand Prix events. She earned team and individual gold at the USHJA Platinum Finals at Thermal. Grace brings modern competition insight, strong technical skill, and a passion for mentoring young riders. She contributes training rides and offers coaching for both juniors and adults aiming to reach the next level in the show ring.
Training Philosophy and Approach
At Belmont, we believe great riding starts with a solid foundation. Our training system emphasizes equitation as the base of success. Riders develop proper position, a quiet yet effective seat, and the ability to communicate clearly with their horse. From there, students graduate into the hunter ring, polishing rhythm and style, before moving into the faster and more technical jumper ring.
Our instruction is personalized, goal-oriented, and structured to meet riders at every level. We emphasize consistency, correct fundamentals, and sportsmanship, always maintaining a focus on long-term growth and the wellbeing of both horse and rider.
Our program includes:
- Individual and group lessons
- Professional training rides
- Customized training schedules
- Competition prep and strategy
- Horsemanship education for all ages
We do not believe in shortcuts. Instead, we invest the time and attention needed to develop confident riders and well-schooled horses that can perform in any ring.
Trusted by Families Across Northern California
Since our founding, we have helped hundreds of riders and horses grow into their full potential. Our reputation has spread throughout the Northern California equestrian community thanks to consistent results, thoughtful instruction, and a deeply personal approach to training.
Families choose Belmont because:
- We have a long-standing track record of success at competitive shows
- Our private facility offers peace of mind and structure
- We balance competition goals with horsemanship values
- Our team works together to support every horse and rider
- We are transparent, professional, and fully committed to the health of each horse
Whether you are looking for a safe start for a young horse, a home base for your competitive show schedule, or a supportive program for your teen rider, Belmont Training Stable is ready to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We are proudly family owned and operated. The Belmont family — Cassie, Perry, and Grace — live on-site and are actively involved in the daily care, training, and management of the facility. Our family-first approach creates a warm, accountable atmosphere where every rider and horse is treated with care and respect. When you train with us, you become part of a team that genuinely wants to see you succeed.
We specialize in teen and junior riders who want to train seriously for competition, while also welcoming adults and beginners who are committed to their progress. Our lesson and training programs are tailored to meet riders where they are and help them advance toward their personal goals — from foundational skills to preparing for hunter derbies and medal finals.
Yes. We provide boarding for horses enrolled in our training programs. Our stalls are clean and spacious with attached runs, and horses receive daily turnout in paddocks or pastures, regular feeding, stall cleaning, and access to the Eurocizer and trails for conditioning. We prioritize individualized care and maintain a quiet, professional environment to support each horse’s well-being and performance.
Yes. We frequently offer part-lease and full-lease options for riders in our training program. Leasing is ideal for students who want to ride and compete consistently without the long-term commitment of ownership. We carefully match horses and riders based on experience, goals, and riding style, and all lease horses receive ongoing professional care and training.
Our riders compete in both local and rated horse shows throughout Northern and Southern California. We regularly attend competitions in Watsonville, Woodside, Sonoma, and Sacramento, as well as larger venues in Southern California. Our show services include training rides, hauling, grooming, coaching, and entry management to ensure riders are fully supported at every level.
A Place Where Riders and Horses Thrive
At Belmont Training Stable, we promise to provide a fun, safe, and professional environment where horses and riders can achieve real goals. Whether you are starting your journey or looking for a serious training program to take you to the next level, our family is here to support yours.
We invite you to schedule a visit, tour the facility, and meet our team. Let us show you why Belmont Training Stable has earned the trust of families across Watsonville and the greater Northern California horse community.
We look forward to helping you and your horse reach your full potential, together.