Hi I'm Ali, I am new to California. I am originally from Seattle but have moved a lot with the military. My horse background is extensive. I started riding lessons at age 6 and once I got the horse bug, there was no stopping me. My personal horse and I did a lot of team penning, cow chasing, and lots of mountain trail riding. I rode western pleasure and started to do barrel racing as I progressed in my riding.

When I moved to Boston, I spent 10 years jumping and riding Dressage. I moved to Florida and worked with a trainer getting horses into shape and out to colleges to use. My college degrees are in Animal Science and Equine handling/care. I started teaching lessons in a variety of disciplines, building a solid foundation for student riders.

I love seeing my students succeed and I'm happy to be here at Topiary Farms!

Hi, my name is Davida. I started riding when I was 6 and have been hooked ever since! Working with horses helped me develop confidence and leadership skills.  Over the years my main focus has been dressage, show jumping, and cross country. I showed competitively and was lucky to train with some incredible coaches. 

I am from the East Coast, but moved to California a few years ago to attend college. I love teaching and helping new riders to progress through the levels. I believe it is crucial to create an atmosphere in which the student feels comfortable and trusting. I also ride many of our horses, which allows me to know them inside and out. I am thrilled to be a part of the Topiary team and to help students improve. 

Hi I'm Helen,  I am originally from the UK.  My husbands’ job moved us to California in August 2022.

​

I started riding when I was 9 years old and got my first pony when I was ten. I was a UK Pony Club member as a child, competing in local show jumping, gymkhana competitions and X Country training days.

I've worked at event yards, riding schools and an agricultural college. I have an equine degree in Equitation and Science, and hold a British teaching qualification. I've now been teaching 26 years and have taught riders from the age of three up to someone learning for her first time at the age of 70! My job is my hobby and I love seeing riders progress!

​

I started teaching at Topiary Farms in October 2022, I have a lovely array of students and look forward to what the future holds.

Hi, I am Tash Diaz.  I am originally from the east coast where I owned a facility that focused on importing and breeding.

I have been training and  teaching hunter/jumper for 10 years, with a focus on Equitation.  I have been competitive in the horse industry both in English and Western. My students have consistent winnings at A circuit level at all ages and levels.

I strive to teach the same quality to all levels and disciplines regardless of being recreational or competitive riding. I have a strong background in Dressage, starting young horses & sales. I'm looking forward to teaching new students at Topiary Farms and bringing them to their full potential as riders.

​

Hi my name is Kate,   I was given my first horse when I was 13.  Since then my journey has been working under Professional Trainers and working with off-the-track rehabilitation facilities.  I LOVE to teach children so turned to instruction doing individual and group lessons.  We have fun, but learn how to be safe from the start, so they have all the tools they need to move forward and excel!  My true love and passion is taking a horse who may be unhappy with their job, or confused, and helping the rider and horse become a pair.