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"true master"
"safe environment"
"wealth of expertise"

Premier horse training and lessons

Carol Dal Porto has offered lessons, horse training and show teams for more than 40 years.

serving you since 1985

About Us

Take a look at the rich history that gives Carol the experience and knowledge to guide you to success.

Meet the owner

Carol Dal Porto

Carol has spent the last 40 years training, breeding and mentoring several horses and riders to succeed in the all-around shows. She has won many awards and coached several others.

Show history

She won her first world title at the young age of 18 in the Open division of trail and has continued over the years to win several world titles in western riding, western pleasure, hunter under saddle and trail including 30 plus futurity wins in western pleasure and Hunter under Saddle. Additionally, she has several NSBA wins.

Student success

Her students have gone on to win several world titles in showmanship and horsemanship as well as Western pleasure, hunt under Saddle, hunt seat equitation and Trail. Some students have even received full ride scholarships to the top universities as well as several opportunities to go on and represent our breeds showing in other countries like being selected to represent the United States at the European championships and to represent their breed at the all-breed challenge in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Gallery

Guided by the past. . .focused on the future.

Horse Training &Youth & Adult Lessons
Services tailored to fit your budget
Call Today 925-683-2193
Dedication

Wealth of knowledge

With over 40 years of experience in training and showing world-class western pleasure and All Around Performance horses, Carol brings a wealth of knowledge to the APHC, APHA, and AQHA performance horse industry.

Helping you meet your goals

If you’re looking to build a partnership and success with your horse Carol can guide you to any goal whether it’s completing in the local 4-H show, getting on a college equestrian team or a world title she can give you the tools and confidence it takes to get there.

  • Coaching: Carol has coached trained and mentored over 400 world champion horses as well as many national and circuit champions in her career.
  • All levels: Carol accepts all levels of clients, whether you are just beginning to explore horse showing or interested in training and showing at an advanced level.
  • Clinics: Carol is available at her facility and she's available for hire at your facility. Please contact directly for prices and availability.

The interesting numbers

1985year founded
400+Champions coached
customized programs

Services

Carol Dal Porto has offered lessons, horse training and show teams for more than 40 years.

Our Specialty

Training Horses & Show Teams

We specialize in training quality Paint and Appaloosa horses to show on the breed circuit. We enjoy working with horses and riders of all ages and training them for the All Around events.

  • Our goal is to prioritize the welfare, enjoyment and safety of our riders and horses. This has helped us turn out well rounded riders who are both knowledgeable and competitive in and out the show arena.
  • Through proper guidance each rider will be able to learn in an environment that emphasizes safety and learning at a level that fits their ability and desire.

Training to fit your needs

Carol‘s training program is designed to fit any level of horse and rider whether you want to ride at the top or just want to dabble in showing her program can fit your needs.

Beginner to advanced

Carol accepts all levels of clients, whether you are just beginning to explore horse showing or interested in training and showing at an advanced level. Whichever you are looking for Carol can give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to be successful.

Variety of levels

She not only takes full-time training horses, she also offers haul-in lessons, overnight stays along with horses available for lease.

Our training gets results

We have trained, shown and taught clients who have won multiple World Championships in Trail, Horsemanship, Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Huntseat Equitation, Western Riding and Halter.

  • Additionally many Year End High Points and All Around Championships have been won by Carol and her students.
  • Feel free to contact us today for a free consult. Together we will review your goals while getting to know one another to see if we are a good fit for working together.

Youth & adult lessons for all levels

Carol specializes in lessons that give you and your horse the confidence in and out of the show arena to achieve your goals. She offers lessons on both her horses and yours as well as haul-in lessons and does have a few horses for show leases.

  • Preparing a horse and rider for shows is not a one-size-fits-all type of program. Carol believes in building a program that’s specific to each horse and riders needs.
  • The training and lesson program can look very different from client to client, Carol offers several opportunities to fit each client goals and budget.
  • 01

    Training packages

    Each clients’ package is different based on their needs and goals. Once a goal meeting is set, Carol can give you a price based on services needed to obtain your goals.

  • 02

    Haul-in & overnight stalls available

    In addition to offering full-time training horses, Carol also offers haul-in lessons, overnight stays abd stalls available. She even has horses available for lease.

  • 03

    Clinics

    Clinics are available at her facility and she is available for hire at your facility. Please contact us directly for prices and availability.

Gallery

Check out our training and lesson photos.

Training & Show Teams

Youth & Adults Lessons

Showing

Lesson & training facility

Dal Porto Show Horses holds all lessons and training at the Rafter D Ranch facilities. Their address is 8400 Byron Hwy, Brentwood, CA 94513.

Many happy students

Contact

Feel free to contact us today for your free consultation. We’ll review your goals while getting to know one another to see if we’re a good fit for working together.

925.683.2193
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Reviews

Drag the slider to hear from our many satisfied customers.

I have had the pleasure of riding with Carol in a variety of capacities, including haul-in lessons, leasing a horse to show, showing my own horse, and full-time training. She encourages me to reach my potential while working at a pace suitable for each individual horse and rider. Carol is a true master of her craft with a wealth of expertise — I learn something new at every lesson.

Isabel J.

It was important that our daughter learn the art of listening to and understanding horses because we were novices to the horseback riding world. Carol worked very closely with our daughter in lessons to ensure she was safe at all times, as it can be easy for a 7-year-old to become overenthusiastic around the horses. The bond Carol fostered between my daughter and her horses will last forever.

Liz L.

If you are looking for open, honest and hard working trainers, this is your place . I have been with them for 40 years. They are upfront about your horse, they are upfront about your skills and what you need to work on, and will give you the push you need to get to the next level. No better place to learn to ride. Dal Porto Ranch is the place to be if you want to be the best horse (person) you can be. It’s an excellent place for both youth and adults riders. You will be challenged and you will continue growing and improving.

Arthur S.

I have ridden at Dal Porto Ranch for 12 years. Starting there when I was only 6 years old, in Kindergarten, I can assure you that as I am finishing out my senior year in high school and getting ready to go to the University of Findlay, a college on the other side of the country, specifically for an Equestrian program, Dal Porto Ranch played a huge role in my life.

Hailey P.

It took some courage to get back into horse showing after being away from it for 20 years. The choice I made to come and ride at Dal Porto Ranch has been one of the best decisions I have made. I am challenged in a way that motivates me and it is rewarding to ride with a world class coach and supportive teammates. I am excited and confident as I move closer to my dream of riding at the world show.

Christine F.

What a treasure this program has been! Today I have the ability to turn weaknesses into natural strengths. I have developed skill and insights that boost my confidence, self assurance, fortitude and poise. While these assets certainly provide insurmountable competitive advantages, the real gift is the marvelous tapestry they weave into every area of my life, everyday.

Kandi M.

FAQ

What shows do you go to?

We go to ApHC, APHA and All-Breed local shows in Northern California. We will travel to world shows accordingly.

What are your prices for your services?

Although training, lesson, clinic and team rides are set at a price, each clients’ package is different based on their needs and goals. Once a goal meeting is set, Carol can give you a price based on services needed to obtain your goals.

Do you give lessons if I do not own a horse?

Yes, we do give lessons on our horses for people interested in the all-around show riding.

Do you have to be in full-time training to be in your program?

No, you do not have to be in full-time training to be in our program. We have many different options, including haul in lessons and leases.

Do you travel for lessons?

I do not travel for lessons, but you are welcome to come here. I will travel for clinics, please call for daily rate.

Where are you located?

We are located at Rafter D Ranch in Brentwood, California.