Trillium Farm - Woodside, California

Astrid Usong

Trillium is an amazing equestrian school and farm. My daughter started almost one year ago and has thrived under her instructor, Yulia. Having been at two previous barns before, the instruction here is unparalleled. We went from not knowing much about horses to knowing so much about horsemanship, caring for horses, riding, barn etiquette, and potential pathways to pursue as my daughter develops.

Yulia focuses on both the rider and the horse, and she paired my daughter with an amazing horse who she could see my daughter just clicked with from the beginning. Her instruction is very specific and actionable, and she works steadfastly with the riders until they accomplish the skill she is teaching them. She also is tuned into their personalities (both rider and horse) and adapts the lesson plan accordingly.

As an added bonus, everyone at the barn is extremely nice and are all passionate about horses. From the owner, Etsuko, to the youngest riders, there is a wonderful camaraderie, and it is lovely to see the experienced riders encouraging and mentoring the younger riders. Plus, the barn itself is very well organized and tidy. Everyone does their part to keep the tack and common areas clean. The arenas are maintained well, and the property is peaceful and gorgeous in any season.

Rachel

This is a wonderful barn, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

I am an adult amateur who has ridden at a number of barns over the years, and Etsuko and Yulia are two of the best. They keep lessons fun, but I always come away having learned something new. I already feel like my riding is improving after just a few months in their program. In addition to the lesson program, there are ample opportunities to show or participate in clinics (but no pressure to do so if that's not your thing).

Most importantly, Etsuko, Yulia, and the whole Trillium team put the welfare of the horses above all else, and they are kind and responsive to their clients.

I also enjoy spending time with the other riders at Trillium. People were immediately welcoming, and there is a nice mix of kids and adults, so you'll find your people no matter your age. Trillium feels like a community in the best sense.

After a few short months with Trillium, I knew I had found my new barn home, and Etsuko and Yulia helped me purchase my first horse as an adult. They spent time learning about me, what I was looking for in a horse, and also working within my budget.

When I moved at the start of the year, I spent a weekend looking at most of the barns in the area, and could not find a place with the right balance between fun and friendly people, but a serious lesson program and excellent trainers who would help me grow as a rider...until I landed on Trillium. And I couldn't be happier with my experience. If you are looking for a barn, this is the place!

gail reimer

We LOVE Trillium!!!Trillium is the best for every level of riding. Etsuko helped my daughter find the perfect first lease horse. Her lessons combine all aspects of riding and she is able to meet the riders where they are and push them to challenge themselves each time they ride. All the trainers are fabulous and the community is extremely supportive and passionate.

Leslie Chin

My hunter/jumper lesson is the highlight of my week! Trillium is a wonderful facility. I've been taking lessons with Etsuko and Yulia for several years, after a long break from riding. Horsemanship has changed a lot in the past 40 years! And they know and happily share their wealth of knowledge. Lesson horses are healthy and well cared for; I learn so much in every lesson from getting to ride the variety of school horses. I have never ridden better schooled lesson horses, and there is a horse or pony for every skill level. Lessons with Etsuko and Yulia improve not only your skill set as a rider, but help you understand the importance of the bond between individual horse and rider, and achieve that teamwork with your horse. The staff at the barn, Maynor, Elodie, and Luis, are friendly, supportive and knowledgeable. I look forward to every lesson and the time I get to spend at the barn doting on the horses!

Diana Yang

I've been with Etsuko and Trillium Farm for 12 years, on and off. First as a working student, then for lessons, and now for training. As a working student, I found her to be a great boss who was never once unreasonable. As a riding instructor she provided consistently excellent instruction and advice. As a matchmaker, she helped me find my horse, who has proven to be even more than I expected in a dream horse. And now, as my trainer, she is helping us both make great progress.

She taught me to ride well. During one of the times I was not with Trillium Farm, there was a reputable dressage team in the area in need of exercise riders. The trainer was considering me for the advanced level dressage horses. This experience marked for me just how excellent Etsuko's level of instruction really is. Previous to this, I focused on how much there still was to learn about horses; not the fact that I might be considered "advanced."

Underestimating my ability with horses was also highlighted by what I thought I wanted in a horse. Etsuko found for me a horse that would properly challenge me as a developing horse person, while being of the right temperament to make the process achievable. I would have picked something I would have outgrown in a few years. Instead, I have a fantastic horse that I can take in any direction, with a fabulous personality.

I have seen horses and people thrive under her care and tutelage. I have left my horse with her for a month only to come back and be further along in our progress because of the level of training she gave my horse.

Unfortunately, I have also seen some very few specific people leave with personal disgruntlements. Some might return months afterward to leave negative reviews. Some might interview once for a working student position that never fruitions. Each is allowed an opinion, and I personally disagree with them.

COMA Fight

Have been looking for a stable for a long time, most of them sedate horses and are mostly interested in you spending time at the barn rather than the result. Here everything is different, the approach is more professional, they challenge you and pushing you to the limits they determine precisely, based on their extensive experience and knowledge - very rare thing to encounter in Bay Area. Yulia is a rockstar with the insight you will barely find in this scene due to her European equestrian roots, which I prefer over American. Not a barn for everyone, but if you’re serious about developing your skills, that’s the place to be!

Chelsea Rose

I was at Trillium for almost 2 years. My experience started positive and ended very poorly. Like many people, I left Trillium very sad and frustrated.

Other professionals have described Trillium best in saying "the intent is good but execution is poor." I agree with this and I believe the staff and team want to do right by horses but ultimately the horses in their care are seriously over worked (even horses owned/in training). There are young horses (4-5 year old) used for school lessons resulting in a myriad of issues in almost every lesson. This was a massive shift from when I started and the horses were older, sound and experienced.

I often felt unsafe in lessons and went as far as feigning an injury to avoid poorly structured lessons. My horse’s “training” led to massive gaps and gaffs resulting in imbalances in his body and diet; he was also treated in ways I found deeply unsettling - aggressive spurring (to the point of drawing blood).

Working students often handle the pro rides for horses in training and the main assistant, Elodie, that handles the “schooling” rides for school horses and lunges for client horses is not a professional, nowhere close. Again: problematic as this leads to issues and gaps in the horse’s “training.”

TLDR: no price sheets, inconsistent billing practices, erratic lessons, poor communication, and all of the above mentioned issues were what resulted in my departure. There have been a lot people that have left under the same terms and said nothing, but I feel that it’s time to be honest about this unsafe and unethical barn.

Aziza King

I have been looking for a new riding community to be a part of for a very long while, and when I found Trillium I was very excited to take the time to get to know everyone. I went in as a working student, and ended up being told to leave because I would not work there 5 days a week(around 5-6 hours a day) without pay.
The community was fairly kind. I didn't feel as judged as I have by others in the past, as people tend to do with/towards working students, but in the end I felt...almost disgusted at such a blatantly exploitive request.