Fernando Blanco

Santiago Castro

Santiago Castro - Argentina

Laura McEvoy

Laura McEvoy is one of those blessedly lucky people who knows what they want to do with their life, practically from the day they`re born. Laura was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, in the heart of horse country. As a young child she mercilessly pestered her parents to "stop and let her pet the pony" every time they passed near a horse. Realizing her passion for horses, her parents enrolled her in riding lessons at the age of five.

Laura pursued her love for horses all through her youth, owned ponies and horses, and competed in dressage, combined training, and even endurance riding! When it came time to go to college, Laura moved to California to attend UC Santa Cruz. Of course she pursued her equestrian training. She began to compete in events in combined training events in USCTA Area VI. Also, Laura began instructing students in riding skills while in Santa Cruz.

During her time in Santa Cruz Laura`s passion for Three-Day Eventing grew, and she decided to pursue a profession as an equestrian trainer. She moved here to Santa Rosa, to train with Yves Sauvignon at Oakridge Training Stables. Eventually her acquired skills landed her a position as Assistant Trainer to Mr. Sauvignon.

Her work at Oakridge enabled Laura to hone her riding and training skills. She competed to the Advanced level in three-day events all around the western U.S., and was the Advanced Reserve Champion in USCTA Area VI on her horse, Mickey Finn. She also was able to study and perfect her skills in dressage during this time.

Along with her own riding skills, Laura acquired a lot of experience working with new riders as a trainer. She was highly involved in summer camps, and the pony school. She acquired her own clientel, and was a valued member of the staff at Oakridge. She came to enjoy working with experienced riders, and beginning and children riders as well.

After several years Laura realized that it was time for her to move out on her own and establish her own facility. Being a very upbeat and positive person herself, Laura developed a training business with her basic philosophy of having a "happy barn". Her belief was that it is most important for her clients to have fun. She quickly acquired a loyal following of students from all levels. They were attracted to the positive and friendly atmosphere at her barn.

Of course Laura pursued her own competitive career during this time. She was competing in Combined Training at the intermediate level. She and her horse, Maui, became the USCTA Intermediate Champions in Area VI.

Eventually, Laura`s business became so popular that she outgrew the facility where she was located, and she began looking for a barn that would accomodate the growth she envisioned for her training programs. In 2004 she located the 100-stall barn that would house all of her students, and which would host the camps, clinics, and events she wanted to offer. a place in which riders of all skills and ages could have an environment which addresses all aspects of a horse barn, and which offers a relaxing oasis in the for her clients from their busy lives. Idylwild Farms was born. Today Laura has a staff of her own, and has become a well-known and popular trainer in Sonoma County.

Laura offers programs for all ages and skill levels. At the same time she is traning her own horses to compete in Combined Training and Dressage all over the U.S.

You can email Laura to learn details about her training programs. Or you can telephone her at: (707) 546-4177



Santiago Castro