“The essential joy of being with horses is that is brings us in contact with the rate elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and fire.”
Pleasant Valley Horse Club Crew
We have several trainers to choose from at PVHC so our students can succeed in their unique styles of instruction, communication and different ways to effectively get our message across. We have learned about body language and how to give positive feedback to encourage our students to be their very best. Part of our riding instructors’ roles and responsibilities is to make sure our riders to feel comfortable, safe and their parents are happy to leave their children and horses in our care. Our instructors take pride in teaching their students. They build a specific curriculum for each individual child that includes quarterly progess reports.
We strive to prevent injuries and accidents by safeguarding both horses and riders. We regularly assess our facility, our horses and our students. We have extensive liability insurance and a release forms are required to avoid extreme costs in any emergency.
MIchelle
Alex
Lucas
Michelle LeClair, Owner
Michelle has been a primary school teacher in local schools for 15 years and has been riding for over 35 years. She has ridden competitively in both English and Western disciplines, earning several championships in each. She has had the privilege to work under Tom Dorrance for several years in the 1990's, where she learned about Natural Horsemanship and rehabilitating recued horses. She has taken what she learned from Mr. Dorrance, and combined it with her teaching experience to create the unique program at Pleasant Valley Horse Club. Michelle’s philosophy is to establish well balanced riders with plenty of time in the saddle and a strong core foundation in a friendly, family environment. Over the years, PVHC has produced many champions due to her approach.
Alexandria LeClair, Barn Manager
Alex has been riding and working with horses for over 20 years. She grew up learning classic Hunter/Jumpers. She has a degree from Cabrillo College with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. Alex has also studied at UC Davis and is a certified equine nutritionist. When teaching she uses a kind, fun, and natural approach to help students feel supported, safe, and respected to reach their riding goals. She has worked for PVHC for over 11 years. Alex is PVHC’s head coach for our English team.
Lucas LeClair, Jedi Master
At 17 Lucas had already won the AA California State Championships for Barrel Racing in '04 and '05. He also won the All Around Boys Western Series in Carmel, and has many ribbons from Western Pleasure, Trail, and Junior Cattle Sorting. He has also shown well in Jumpers and Endurance riding. Lucas has been riding from the time he was "around four" and was raised with horses his whole long life. He has a gift for training and has worked with horses from the ground up. Lucas helps today with camp safety and barrel lessons. He is also a certified EMT and a graduate from Cabrillo in Fire Science.