Jessie and Catherine
Sometimes the internet really does connect you with the best people - I met Lauren and Demerara Stables through Instagram. It's nearly impossible to find a barn that not only takes turnout seriously near Woodside but also offers the space, safety, and quality of life that I wanted for my mare Jessie. I wrote to Lauren with a rather big ask: could I bring Jessie in for training for a few months, while I was leaving the country? I had bought Jessie as a barely started eight year old off a ranch and had given her a slow restart with the hope of some jumping, some trail riding - a little bit of everything. Jessie settled in while I was gone and Lauren began with the basics. When I returned, I could see a huge change in Jessie. Not only was she so, so much happier living out and in a herd, but Lauren had started to work on some of the deeper issues, both physical and emotional, that were holding us back. I decided to stay at Demerara, and it was the best choice I could have made.
Over the next two years, Jessie blossomed into an incredible horse. Lauren worked patiently to help her stretch, find forward and balance, and keep her engaged and happy in her work. Key to this is the holistic care - managing diet, vet, farrier, bodywork, and saddle fit to help every horse feel their best and, especially for Jessie with her background, to work past memories of pain, finding comfort under saddle again. Lauren's attention to detail and commitment to caring for each horse as if they were her own is priceless. It's never easy to leave your horse in the care of another person but when I had (frequent and long) work trips, I never worried about Jessie's safety and education. This peace of mind was priceless - a relief and a huge change from other barns.
At Demerara Stables, Jessie and I had the opportunity to do some of everything, and she became the horse I hoped she could be. Through regular lessons, clinics, and training rides, Jessie learned to jump - and more importantly, to relax and carry herself through a course. We trailered out for cross-country schooling and gallops at the Horse Park, allowing me to explore eventing and Jessie to show off how much she loves it. We also went on countless trail rides, to the beach and through the redwoods, as well as exploring the property around the barns in San Gregorio and Half Moon Bay. As our skills progressed, Lauren offered the opportunity to show in Paso Robles, building our confidence from crossrails to 2' hunters (and more if I'd had more time!). Showing also taught me just how far Jessie had come at Demerara, as she marched around with Danica, the fantastic working student, at her first show. Jessie wasn't the green horse I bought, just leaving the farm where she was born, but a confident mare ready to work with her partner - and bring home the ribbons!
I had bought Jessie while I was writing my PhD; after graduation, my career took me to Europe. It was heartbreaking, but I knew an international move would be too much. In the happiest of endings, Jessie has stayed at Demerara, where she is so happy and loved, and where she has the very best care and training from Lauren. And now Jessie can show her new partners the joy of Demerara Stables!
Wendy and Elyse, Kistler, and Lani
Lauren has taught me so much about each of my horses. I have three and their needs are as unique as they are. I was eager to learn more about horses and Lauren was not only able to provide continued training in the ring but opened the door to learning about horses outside the ring, which changed everything.
Horse One
Elyse, my mare who had been retired became overweight and bored. I moved her to Lauren’s care to get her back in shape and to get her back under saddle. Lauren slowly and methodically started her back into a routine. Elyse flourished, lost weight slowly, and came looking for her training time. We also discovered that she loves to go on trail rides and is an excellent Mama Mare. She is living her best life.
Horse Two
Kistler, my younger gelding had always had issues with trailer loading. This became an emergency issue when he needed to be evacuated during one of the forest fires. He had to be drugged to get him out. Lauren started working with him, understanding and rewarding, his smallest tries. She had him loading calmly, repeatedly, and in different trailers in no time. In the end Kistler would turn around and look at her like what is the big deal! Watching this process was like watching magic. She understands horse language and in turn the horses understand her.
Horse Three
Lani, my other gelding, a once big time show jumper, was transitioning into his second career – teaching less accomplished riders – to learn his craft of jumping. A beautiful and forward mover with a great mind he had it all. Sadly, he did have post wear and tear from his career. Lauren knew we needed to attend to these issues and to design a program to rebuild muscle, strength, and flexibility. It was amazing to watch the physical and mental changes as his body felt better and better. Living with full pasture turnout with friends was the biggest step towards that change. Add in feed changes, supplements, therapy, hill walks, trail rides, dressage training, all led to this boy being back in the ring happily jumping around doing the job he loves.
Being able to reward your horse for all of they do is important to everyone. Being able to give them the most natural life is the first step. Having access to the best program, training, care, and facilities will change your life and theirs forever! A rare find in the Bay Area for sure.
Janis and Tux
I highly recommend Lauren Lockliear and her Demerara Stables!
Lauren is a treasure. Trustworthy, knowledgeable, capable, kind to the horses, and helpful, cheerful, and kind to her customers.
She is meticulous in caring for the horses, be it for night checks, medication management, daily grooming, or planning and executing a wildfire evacuation.
Lauren’s training speciality is with starting young horses, and for this she is truly gifted.
Absolutely 10 Stars for Lauren and her beautiful Demerara Stables!