Equestrian facility has many options for horse and rider

When Samantha Fairfield and her husband, Jeff, saw an ad in the paper looking for a horse trainer to live and work on a 25-acre equestrian facility located on Cloverdale Road in early 2012, they jumped on it.

Fairfield and her husband accomplished their desire of turning a vacant equestrian center into a workable horse and arena facility - after loads of cleaning and building extra paddocks.

Fairfield named the center SGF Sporthorses. The letters are the initials of her full name.

"The barn and stalls were already here," says Fairfield. "This used to be the Cisco Stables, but it's been horse-vacant for about seven years."

Fairfield learned to ride at the age of 2 and began her professional career as a trainer at 17 years old. She rode whatever horse was available and whenever she could, from Saddleseat to Western and Competitive Trail to Showmanship.

"I grew up with the pony club and even participated in fox-hunting. My husband and I are from Maine and fox hunts are a normal event," Fairfield recalls.

An accomplished equestrian, trainer and instructor, she has worked with many riders in the Dressage, Eventing and Hunter/Jumper worlds. Fairfield has extensive experience training and showing all breeds of horses and riders of any level from beginning to FEI levels.

Since moving to Central Oregon in 2007, Fairfield has worked extensively training FEI endurance horses. With a strong emphasis on cross-training and bio-mechanics, she can help any horse and rider improve their strength and stamina in endurance disciplines. Her focus is on developing happy, confident horses and riders, and her students have enjoyed successful show careers with emphasis on fun, correct riding and training.

"I believe in a slow, holistic approach, always setting the horse and rider up for success," says Fairfield.

Also a licensed massage/polarity practitioner for equines, canines, and humans, Fairfield believes in a sound mind and body and incorporates bodywork into her training program for horse and rider.

This winter, Fairfield will be coaching English riding when the Sisters High School Equestrian Team begins their practice on December 1 at SGF Sporthorses.

"We have a coach for each style of riding," Fairfield says.

Yvette Chandler is the coach advisor of the equestrian team practices. Teddy Georges will be coaching gaming.

"We have a lot of new students this year," said Chandler. "We are having a tack sale, and 20 percent of the proceeds will go to support Sisters High School Equestrian Team. This will help with team costs for the season, year end awards and help provide safe and useable equipment for athletes to practice with."

The Sisters High School Equestrian Team will meet for practice at SGF Sporthorses December 2013-May 2014.

SGF Sporthorses not only offers training, lessons, clinics, events, and more, they also offer boarding and leasing horses as well.

"We have 26 horses right now and are expecting up to 10 more this winter," says Fairfield. "I have two personal horses, boarders, and also have horses for lease and resale at times."

"My long-term goal is to turn SGF Sportshorses into an event facility that hosts shows and clinics. We've already had five horse shows here, and last year we hosted an Oregon Dressage youth clinic," Fairfield said.

Fairfield is currently working on a master's degree in teaching through Eastern Oregon University, and believes in constantly educating herself and her students.

"The training of the horse and rider should be slow, correct, tailored to each individual, with emphasis on building confidence, strength, and most of all happiness. Without happiness one cannot succeed to their fullest potential," says Fairfield.

To contact Samantha Fairfield at SGF Sporthorses visit www.sgfsporthorses.com.