Our Story
Lisa Rivas has built her reputation specializing in training young sport horses over the last 10 years. Over the last decade many trainers and breeders have come to see the benefits of how 'Natural Horsemanship' and classic 'cowboy' style training can be beneficial to young sport horses. Though, there has still existed a gap and lack of understanding in the transition from 'breaking' to beginning flatwork and work over fences. Lisa with Burgeon Training has fulfilled that gap.
From birth Lisa was raised on a 2500 acre cattle ranch in San Jose CA. Here is where Lisa learned the importance of having a solid and well rounded horse for both work and pleasure. Around 2003 Lisa took on a full time position for nationally known trainer and clinician Charles Wilhelm whom specialized in young horses and problem horses. This was an invaluable education where Lisa learned to think outside the box and focus on what individual basics each horses required.
Always interested in Eventing and Dressage Lisa turned to Alexis Helffrich (upper level Event rider and trainer) to close the gap between the two worlds. Starting out with just weekly lessons Lisa spent the next 7 years as Alexis assistant trainer. Learning from such an educated and extremely talented trainer Lisa learned the art of teaching young horses confidence over fences and into the show ring. Closing the gap between 'green youngsters' too seasoned show horse.
Lisa has always kept in mind that the best athletes are horses that are continually educated to be well rounded and are continually exposed to work in and out of the arena. Regardless of their specific discipline; the Dressage horses should be happy to go outside and gallop and the Event horses should also be relaxed enough to walk down the trail.
Lisa recently moved her family and her business to the East Bay Area. Training at Graceland Equestrian Center in Castro Valley Ca.
