Our Philosophy

What truly sets the Nighthorse Farm training program apart is our family-oriented approach to top-level showing, and the support, camaraderie and sportsmanship that result.  Riders who demand a rigorous training program, but also yearn for a friendly, supportive group of fellow riding enthusiasts and trainers, will feel right at home at Nighthorse Farm. 

We offer instruction for all types of riders, from novices to seasoned equestrians. Debbie and her staff custom tailor each training program to meet individual client needs. Our riders have the opportunity to compete at all levels, with a strong emphasis on showing in Northern California and at the medal finals statewide.  We attend two to three shows every month except December and January when everyone enjoys time at home. Our students have won year-end awards at local, regional and national competitions.

Debbie insists that horses and riders connect on the ground as well as in the ring.  That teamwork has produced champions year after year. The Nighthorse Farm training philosophy proves that A Circuit success and supportive kinship can go hand in hand.  Above all, we encourage our riders – and their horses – to enjoy the sport and have fun!

Our Program

Nighthorse Farm takes the training of horses and riders very seriously.  Debbie Stone’s seven-day-a-week training program involves two days of rigorous flat work, two days of grid work, two days of jumping courses, and one day off each week.  The horses enjoy supervised turnout on Mondays.

Debbie requires that all horses receive supplements, grooming and treatment, which includes acupressure, regular maintenance, and chiropractic care.  Mark Christen provides veterinary care on site as needed.  In addition, for the convenience of riders and owners, Blue Ribbon Tack’s owner Julie Horrigan visits the barn weekly to deliver supplies and customer orders.

Boarding is available only to clients enrolled in a full training program.  Horses may be housed in either a single or double box stall, and boarding may include daily turnout in individual paddocks.  Stalls are cleaned daily and bedded deeply with shavings.  Barn supplies such as fly spray, hoof oil, brushes, boots, and tack cleaning supplies can be provided for an additional monthly charge.

Horses are fed three times daily with a combination of grass hay, alfalfa hay and Elk Grove Milling Company pellets.  They also receive Top Form and Platinum Performance and any other owner-requested supplements.  All horses are blanketed and unblanketed by staff daily, depending on the weather.  Vet check-ups take place twice a year and include teeth inspection and regular maintenance to ensure good health. Shoeing is provided on site once a week by Mike Collins, who has worked with Debbie for 24 years.  The horses are wormed six times a year.