About the Trainer
Trainer/Instructor Carole Watkins' love of horses and riding began at the age of two, when her parents took her every Sunday to Little Britches pony rides. Carole’s parents would say that the other children would cry to get off the ponies, and Carole would cry to ride longer. Carole’s horse interest might be genetic as her grandmother and
Trainer/Instructor Carole Watkins' love of horses and riding began at the age of two, when her parents took her every Sunday to Little Britches pony rides. Carole’s parents would say that the other children would cry to get off the ponies, and Carole would cry to ride longer. Carole’s horse interest might be genetic as her grandmother and grandfather both were experienced horsemen. Her grandmother rode a 250 mile ride in 1910 before there was such a thing as endurance riding, and her grandfather drove carriage horses.
At age nine, then living in Southern California, Carole got her first horse. She rode with multiple trainers who passed their vast knowledge to her. These included the greats; clinicians George Morris and Victor Hugo Vidal. At a young age she qualified for multiple medal classes, one of which was the LA County Medal. Not having a horse of her own at the time, she catch rode a horse that no one else wanted to ride who was deemed too difficult. After being called back in the top four for the work off, the riders were asked to change horses and then proceed to ride the whole course without stirrups. Carole rode for the win of the finals under the instruction of Shari and Merle Rose. At age seventeen Carole was selected to ride in the screening trials for the United States Equestrian Team conducted by Bertalan De Nemethy held at Foxfield in Westlake Village, CA.
Carole later found out that not only did she have a love of horses, but also a love and desire to pass on her knowledge to students. In 1991, she started Winchester Farms and through her instruction, developed many children and adults into champion riders. She also bred, foaled, started, and trained multiple champion horses. Although Carole is proud of these champions, her true passion is about teaching students to be well rounded in their equine education. Understanding all aspects of horsemanship and equitation are of the highest priority for Carole to pass on to her students.
Carole is interested in helping you whether you are a beginner interested in getting started, an advanced rider interested in polishing the skills of horse or rider, or anything in between. Come join Carole in your quest for education and fun. She looks forward to meeting you and helping you with your goals!
