Horse boarding and training in Sonoma County at Jaz Creek Farm

Hunter/Jumper Training & Facilities in Sonoma County

Jaz Creek is Sonoma County’s premier destination for hunter/jumper training, boarding, and competition preparation. Located in Petaluma and serving riders throughout Santa Rosa, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, and beyond, our facility combines world-class amenities with expert instruction to help riders achieve their equestrian goals. With over 30 years of hunter/jumper experience on staff and facilities designed specifically for jumping disciplines, Jaz Creek stands as the leading hunter/jumper facility in Northern California’s wine country.

Purpose-Built Hunter/Jumper Facility

Unlike multi-discipline facilities that attempt to serve all riding styles, Jaz Creek was designed with the hunter/jumper rider in mind. Our 2022 renovation focused specifically on creating the ideal environment for jumping horses and their riders, from arena footing engineered for takeoff and landing to jump storage and course-setting capabilities that rival prestigious show grounds.

Arena Infrastructure for Jumping Excellence

Covered Arena – All-Weather Training: Our signature 30,000 square foot covered arena complex features a 100′ x 200′ riding space that allows for full hunter and jumper courses regardless of Sonoma County’s weather. The arena is enclosed on two sides, eliminating wind interference while maintaining excellent ventilation. Premium GGT footing was specifically selected for its shock absorption, stability, and consistency—critical factors for horses landing from jumps. The footing is maintained daily and performs excellently in all conditions, giving riders confidence to school year-round.

Outdoor Competition Arena: At 165′ x 270′, our outdoor arena provides ample space for schooling grand prix courses and practicing related distances. The custom sand blend footing was designed in consultation with hunter/jumper professionals and provides the ideal combination of cushion and stability. Professional-grade show jumps, standards, and course materials allow trainers to set technical courses that prepare horses for any competition challenge.

Hunter/Jumper-Specific Amenities

Extensive Jump Collection: Dozens of custom show jumps including verticals, oxers, combinations, and specialty jumps in various colors and styles
Lightweight Standards: Easy course adjustment for trainers working with multiple riders
Jump Storage: Organized storage keeping equipment accessible and well-maintained
90-Foot Round Pen: Perfect for free-jumping, lunging, and foundational jump training
68-Foot Eurociser: Maintains fitness between rides and conditions horses specifically for the demands of jumping

Expert Hunter/Jumper Training Programs

Jaz Creek partners with Ijula Equestrian to provide comprehensive hunter/jumper instruction for riders across all levels of experience. From riders taking their first cross-rail to seasoned competitors preparing for A-rated shows, our training philosophy emphasizes correct fundamentals, confidence building, and horsemanship knowledge.

“Excellent care for horses—from foals, to Hunter/jumpers in training, to retirees. Happy horses, happy owners, great facilities, and a nice relaxed atmosphere.”

— Lauren K., Hunter/Jumper Client

Training Levels & Programs

Beginner Programs: New to riding or jumping? Our beginner program focuses on developing a secure position, understanding pace and rhythm, and building confidence over ground poles and small cross-rails. School horses with forgiving temperaments help beginners learn without the pressure of horse ownership.

Intermediate Development: Riders working on equitation, course work, and technical skills receive focused instruction on developing an automatic eye, riding adjustable distances, and mastering course strategy. Training incorporates gymnastics, grid work, and progressive course difficulty.

Advanced & Competition Training: Competitive riders preparing for rated shows receive intensive coaching on technical courses, time-allowed classes, and competitive strategy. Video analysis, mental preparation, and show simulation create well-rounded competitors ready for any challenge.

Horse Training: In addition to rider lessons, we offer full training programs for hunter and jumper horses. From young horses learning their first courses to seasoned competitors fine-tuning for championships, our training develops confident, scopey jumpers with good form and consistent performance.

Competition Preparation & Show Support

For riders with competitive ambitions, Jaz Creek provides comprehensive show preparation including:

Course Simulation: Practice courses set to mirror show challenges
Show Strategy Sessions: Course walks, time management, class selection
Mental Preparation: Visualization, routine development, competition confidence
Show Coaching: Trainers available for on-site coaching at local and regional shows
Horse Fitness Programs: Conditioning specifically designed for jumping demands

Boarding for Hunter/Jumper Horses in Sonoma County

Understanding that sport horses have unique needs, Jaz Creek’s boarding program is tailored specifically for the hunter/jumper athlete:

Turnout Options for Jumping Horses

Proper turnout is essential for keeping jumping horses sound and mentally fresh. Our all-weather paddocks allow consistent turnout schedules regardless of rain—critical in Sonoma County’s wet winters. Options include individual paddocks for horses requiring solo turnout, small group turnout for compatible horses, and large grass pastures for horses who thrive with herd dynamics.

Conditioning & Fitness

Beyond regular riding, our Eurociser provides controlled cardiovascular work that maintains fitness during heavy rain periods, aids in warming up before training sessions, and assists with cool-downs after intensive work. This specialized equipment is particularly valuable for jumpers requiring consistent conditioning but needing to limit concussive work.

Injury Prevention & Soundness

The quality of our arena footing directly impacts horse soundness. Both our covered and outdoor arenas feature carefully engineered surfaces that reduce concussion on joints while providing stable footing for takeoff and landing. Combined with our trails for long, slow conditioning work and paddocks for free movement, Jaz Creek’s environment promotes long-term soundness in jumping horses.

Why Sonoma County Riders Choose Jaz Creek

Centrally Located in Wine Country

From our Petaluma location, Jaz Creek serves the entire Sonoma County equestrian community:

10 minutes from Petaluma and Santa Rosa
Less than 10 minutes from Rohnert Park and Cotati
15 minutes from Sebastopol
Easy Highway 101 access for trailering to shows
Central to major Northern California show venues including Sonoma Horse Park

Professional Expertise

With over 30 years of combined hunter/jumper experience, our management and training staff understand the discipline’s demands. From recognizing subtle lameness issues common in jumping horses to knowing how to progress young horses through their first courses, experience matters when caring for valuable sport horses.

Trainer-Friendly Environment

Outside trainers are welcome at Jaz Creek. We recognize that many competitive riders work with trainers from around the region, and we support these partnerships rather than restricting them. Our facilities are designed to accommodate multiple training programs simultaneously, and we maintain a professional, drama-free environment focused on horses and their development.

“Not only a state-of-the-art hunter-jumper facility, Jaz Creek has proved to be ideal for the horses in the all-encompassing dressage program. The superb footing helps to keep our horses sound — jumpers and dressage horses alike — literally from the ground up.”

— JM., Multi-Discipline Trainer

Comprehensive Care for Sport Horses

Hunter/jumper horses require more than just good riding facilities—they need comprehensive management that supports their athletic careers:

Customized Feeding: Grain and supplement programs tailored to individual horses’ work levels and nutritional needs
Preventive Care: Regular monitoring for heat, swelling, or changes in behavior that might indicate developing issues
Veterinary Coordination: We work seamlessly with your veterinarian for routine care, pre-purchase exams, or treatment protocols
Farrier Services: Accommodating specialized shoeing needs for jumping horses
Blanketing & Weather Care: Responsive management during weather changes
Show Preparation: Bathing, braiding coordination, and turnout preparation available

Young Horse Development Programs

Starting young horses correctly is critical for long-term soundness and success in the hunter/jumper world. Jaz Creek’s young horse program includes:

Foal handling and early imprinting
Yearling and two-year-old ground work
Starting under saddle with emphasis on correct basics
Progressive introduction to poles and small jumps
Exposure to various environments and stimuli
Show ring preparation and first shows

Our safe environment, experienced handlers, and foal-safe fencing throughout the property provide the ideal setting for developing young hunter/jumper prospects.

Multi-Discipline Friendly

While hunter/jumpers are our specialty, Jaz Creek welcomes horses from all disciplines. Our facility hosts successful dressage programs, eventers, and pleasure horses alongside the hunter/jumper community. Quality footing and well-maintained arenas benefit all disciplines, and we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, inclusive barn culture.

Visit Sonoma County’s Premier Hunter/Jumper Facility

Experience the Jaz Creek difference firsthand. We invite you to tour our facility, watch lessons in progress, see our arena footing and jump equipment, and meet the horses and riders who call Jaz Creek home. Whether you’re searching for a boarding facility for your competition horse, looking for quality hunter/jumper instruction, or considering a young horse program, we’d love to show you why Sonoma County’s serious riders choose Jaz Creek.

Schedule Your Visit:
📞 Phone: (415) 716-8905
📍 Location: 3392 Roblar Road, Petaluma, CA 94952
🌐 Website: jazcreek.com
📧 Contact Us Online

Frequently Asked Questions – Hunter/Jumper in Sonoma County

What makes Jaz Creek the best hunter/jumper facility in Sonoma County?

Jaz Creek was specifically designed for hunter/jumper training with purpose-built arenas, premium footing engineered for jumping, extensive jump equipment, and experienced staff with over 30 years in the discipline. Our enclosed covered arena allows year-round training regardless of weather, and our comprehensive care approach keeps sport horses sound and competitive.

Do you offer hunter/jumper lessons for beginners?

Yes! Ijula Equestrian provides hunter/jumper lessons for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced competitors. We have school horses available for riders who don’t own their own horses.

Can outside trainers work at Jaz Creek?

Absolutely. We maintain a trainer-friendly environment and welcome outside professionals. Many of our boarders work with trainers from throughout the region.

Is the facility suitable for competitive show horses?

Jaz Creek is ideal for competitive hunters and jumpers at any level. Our facilities match or exceed many show venues, allowing horses to train in environments similar to where they’ll compete. Many of our boarders actively show at local and national competitions.

What age riders do you accept for lessons?

Ijula Equestrian works with riders of all ages, from children to adults. Programs are tailored to each rider’s age, experience level, and goals.

Do you help with show preparation and strategy?

Yes! Our training programs include show preparation, course strategy, mental preparation, and on-site coaching at competitions for riders pursuing their show goals.

Schedule a Tour
Learn About Lessons