Premier Hunter Jumper Training in Watsonville, CA
Welcome to Belmont Training Stable
Watsonville’s leading destination for high-level hunter jumper training. Our family-owned and operated program blends decades of horsemanship with modern competitive excellence. With over 35 years of experience and a strong legacy in equestrian sport, we specialize in training riders and horses for success in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings.
Located on 25 scenic acres in Watsonville, California, our stable is a quiet and professional environment where horses and riders can flourish. Whether you are just beginning your riding journey, seeking to advance your skills, or striving to compete at top-level events like medal finals, hunter derbies, or grand prix classes, our experienced team is here to support your path every step of the way.
A Proven Program With Real Results
We have built a system that works. Riders who train with Belmont are prepared, confident, and successful. From local schooling shows to national competitions, our students have earned championships, medals, and ribbons in every ring. Our training rides and equine fitness programs keep horses in top form, while our coaching prepares riders mentally and technically for the demands of competition.
Our facility supports this success with:
Three outdoor arenas for jumping, flatwork, and warm-ups
- A round ring for groundwork and colt starting
- A Eurocizer for conditioning and recovery
- Large stalls with runs, outside paddocks, and grassy pastures
- 25 acres of gentle trails ideal for cool-outs and fitness
This full-service setup allows us to provide complete care and structured progression without the distractions of a large public barn. Riders at Belmont benefit from a quiet, focused environment where time in the saddle is always productive.
Meet Our Team
The Belmont family blends expertise in both English and Western riding disciplines, creating a uniquely well-rounded training program. With this diverse background, we’re able to provide everything from high-level medal finals coaching to solid groundwork and colt development.
Cassie Belmont
Cassie leads our hunter jumper and equitation training. With a successful junior career based out of Pebble Beach, Cassie has competed and coached at shows across California. Her students consistently place at CPHA, PCHA, and NorCal medal finals, and many have moved on to national stages, including Indoor Equitation Finals and USEF Pony Finals. Cassie brings a sharp eye, calm presence, and deep understanding of rider development to every lesson.
Perry Belmont
Perry is a true horseman with roots in traditional western horsemanship. Raised in Carmel Valley and trained by Ray Hackworth, a Hall of Fame cowboy, Perry brings a quiet, effective approach to colt starting and young horse development. He works with our reining and cutting horses, builds training infrastructure on the ranch, and plays a vital role in keeping horses healthy, happy, and willing. His hands-on experience is unmatched, and horses respond to his calm demeanor and deep feel for their needs.
Grace Belmont
Grace combines the best of both worlds. Raised in the Belmont program, she has absorbed the knowledge of her parents while also working with top professionals across the industry. Her junior career included wins at major medal finals, success in hunter derbies, and multiple grand prix victories. She also earned team and individual gold medals at the USHJA Platinum Finals at Thermal. Grace now helps students with their training rides and provides show coaching and mentorship for developing competitors.
Helping Riders and Horses Achieve Their Goals in a Fun, Safe, Private Atmosphere
At Belmont Training Stable, our mission is simple: to provide a focused, supportive setting where horses and riders can achieve personal and competitive success. We work closely with students and families to create individualized training programs that promote long-term development and strong horse-rider partnerships.
As a full-service equestrian facility, we combine advanced training methods with practical daily care. We offer everything from colt starting and training rides to competitive coaching for hunter derbies, jumper classics, and equitation medal finals. With a blend of English and Western expertise, our program is uniquely positioned to help each rider and horse find their best path forward.
We have proudly served riders and horse owners since the early 1990s, welcoming clients from Watsonville, Pebble Beach, Carmel, Santa Cruz, and beyond. Over the past three decades, we’ve trained hundreds of riders and helped countless horses grow into confident, competitive partners.
Show Team and Competition Services
Our full-service show team is built for riders who want to reach the next level. Whether you are a junior aiming for national finals or an amateur rider working toward regional success, we provide everything needed to prepare, travel, and compete confidently.
We offer:
- Competition-focused training plans
- Horse show travel and logistics
- Horse leasing and show horse matching
- On-site coaching and warm-up at shows
- Professional grooming and care at events
- Post-show analysis and continued development
Our riders frequently earn year-end championships in Northern California, and we regularly compete at top-rated shows across the state. From local competitions to high-stakes events in Southern California, our team is ready to guide you to the winner’s circle.
Teen Horseback Riding and Junior Rider Development
Teen riders find a home at Belmont. We offer a structured and supportive environment where young equestrians can develop their skills, build confidence, and set competitive goals. From the first lessons to medal final preparation, we guide students through every phase of their journey.
Our teen and junior program includes:
- Skill-building lessons focused on hunter jumper riding
- Show preparation and coaching for teen horseback competitions
- Mentorship and goal planning for long-term development
- Lease options and access to seasoned show horses
- Horse care education to build strong horsemanship values
We understand the importance of balancing achievement with enjoyment. Our program helps teens become competitive riders while instilling a lifelong love for horses and the sport.
Specialties in Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation
Hunter Ring
We take pride in our success in the hunter ring. Smooth, polished, and stylish rounds are our goal, and we have a proven track record at events including Hunter Derbies and USEF Pony Finals. We love helping riders and horses find their rhythm, polish their form, and succeed in these beautiful classes.
Equitation
Equitation is at the core of our system. Our riders learn to ride correctly and effectively, with a strong base of support and soft, invisible aids. We prepare students for local and national medal finals, helping them achieve high scores and consistent results.
Jumpers
When the time is right, we move riders into the jumper ring. Here, timing, strategy, and focus are everything. Our riders have earned wins from local jumper classes to the Grand Prix level, including high placements in fast, competitive jump-offs. There is nothing quite like riding against the clock and seeing your hard work pay off.
Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome riders starting at age 8 and work with students through their junior years and into adulthood. Our lesson structure is flexible enough to meet the needs of complete beginners, experienced juniors, and returning adult amateurs. Younger riders build strong fundamentals and confidence, while more advanced riders focus on refining skills, preparing for competition, and strengthening the rider-horse partnership.
Yes. We provide full-service boarding for horses enrolled in our training program. Our facility includes large stalls with runs, paddocks, and pasture options based on each horse’s needs. Boarding includes daily care, feeding, stall cleaning, turnout, and access to all training amenities. We work closely with owners to ensure proper conditioning, wellness support, and consistent progress.
Yes. Leasing is an excellent option for riders who are not ready to buy. We offer both part-lease and full-lease horses, many of which are seasoned competition mounts suited for hunter, jumper, or equitation divisions. We carefully match riders with horses that align with their goals and experience level.
Our riders compete in both rated and local shows throughout the year. We typically attend one to two shows per month depending on the season and competition calendar, including regional circuits and larger Southern California venues. Show participation is customized to each rider’s goals, whether occasional competition or preparation for major finals.
Your first lesson focuses on evaluating your riding level, discussing your goals, and pairing you with the right horse and program path. Beginners start with groundwork and basic riding skills, while more advanced riders may begin jumping or refining technique. After your first ride, we provide guidance on lesson frequency, training options, and next steps toward competition if desired.
Join the Belmont Community
At Belmont Training Stable, we are more than just a training facility. We are a family, a team, and a supportive environment where riders of all ages and levels can thrive. Our program offers expert guidance, personalized horse riding training, and comprehensive competition support.
Whether you want to explore the sport for the first time, improve your skills, or compete at a high level in hunter jumper events, our team is here to help you achieve your goals.
We invite you to contact us today to schedule a visit, learn more about our training programs, or sign up for a lesson.
Join our growing community of dedicated riders and experience the difference that a thoughtful, focused, and experienced training program can make.