Rick Baer has been training horses for more than 30 years. He started riding at a young age and began his horse training career working for the late Glen Gimple, for whom the Glen Gimple Memorial Horsemanship Classic and the Glen Gimple Memorial Bronze are named. Rick worked with Glen for eight years and then in 1985, Rick opened his own training business in Huntington Beach.
With a strong work ethic and a no-nonsense approach, Rick's honesty and integrity are evident in every facet of his business. His ability to customize each program to suit the needs of the rider and the horse, whatever their goals might be, is a key aspect of his success as a trainer.
Rick has done everything from breaking young horses for the hunter/jumper arena, to starting and finishing champion reiners, and everything in between! So, whether you are a beginner or an advanced rider, are interested in basic western or reining, have a green or experienced horse, Rick can develop a training and riding program customized just for you.
Laura Melto and Sophia Ritchie have been a part of the Rick Baer Training Stables team for years. Laura started working for Rick back in the summer of 2013, before starting her senior year of high school. Sophia joined the team later in 2017 after working as a chef for years.
Both of these trainers have proven what Rick’s program can do. Their horsemanship skills have transformed! They enjoy teaching riding lessons, starting colts, and watching all of their clients and horses show in the reining industry. Laura and Sophia have been competing professionally in open classes in the sport of reining and they thrive on growing their experience.