There's a world-class stable nestled right on the very edge of Rocklin. As a person who has curiosity as my GPS, I see lots of great things in Placer County and can say that Flying Change Farms has earned its reputation for being a world-class equestrian boarding and training facility. Please join me in experiencing the remarkable stable which surpasses all equestrian expectations. Read on to see how it's done.

The Flying Change Way of Life

Full disclosure. I don't ride and wasn't raised in an equestrian family. However, I have a niece who is passionate about the sport of hunter/jumper riding. She and her parents have invested deeply into the sport for her. I've followed her career for years and can say I am an avid fan of the sport with absolutely not one second of experience at it from the back of a horse myself. There, that's out of the way. But even to a non-rider, I can easily see the qualities that make Flying Change Farms a remarkable place for those who are serious riders. But first, let me tell you a bit about the name.

I attended a barn event last year and was fortunate enough to hear it's founder/owner, Grace Kamphefner, talk about her history. She said that she named the barn Flying Change Farms because it's not only an industry term for changing from one canter lead to another but also because that's how she's lived her life. Changes have happened in flight rather than happening on the ground. That's paraphrasing her but the message tracks. This is a woman who has risen to several leading positions in her life and the changes she's made come with a leap rather than a slow trot. And her reputation for excellence is part of each phase of her life. Hence, the name Flying Change Farms and its excellent reputation. Now let's jump right into the facts of Flying Change Farms.

Care About Horse Health and Environmental Sustainability?

Imagine 40 acres of property that’s both beautifully groomed and supported naturally. Imagine a place where each horse's health is top priority. Now imagine a welcoming, upbeat and drama-free equestrian community that supports its riders as well as its horses. Now combine all that with leaders in the riding and instructing world and that's what you'll find at Flying Change Farms.

For the health and welfare of the horses boarded there, Flying Change Farms offers larger stalls with ventilation as a key component. A raised-center, aisle roof with large overhead fans and cardboard bedding are used to reduce dust and ammonia exposure. Horses have what's called paddock turnout so that they spend time each day in an open paddock. The manure-handling system is built around Airlite Bedding and an Earth Flow in-vessel composting system. As already pointed out, it was a top priority for Kamphefner to run an animal and earth friendly barn. The use of Airlite Bedding means stalls are cleaner, drier, and provide lower dust footing for the horse. Once stalls are cleaned or as they say, “mucked”, bedding that combines well with manure creates an opportunity for composting rather than becoming a disposable issue. It's literally a way to capture carbon and return it to the soil. As a person committed to always doing earth-friendly methods, Kamphefner was adamant about the use of Airlite Bedding. Using Earth Flow in-vessel composting is the finish line for earth-friendly excellence. This is an enclosed, automated composting system used to process bedding, manure, and other organic materials quickly. The composting is happening in a contained system rather than out in the open. This ensures that the right amount of moisture to oxygen levels is maintained.

Added benefits to riders and horses include ample space to condition between four arenas (two covered and two open) and numerous riding trails. And then there's the instructional part of it all. Hang on and be impressed!

Where to Find Industry-Leading Riding Trainers?

Flying Change Farms' dressage trainer, Sebina Rijssenbeek, and is a Grand Prix Dressage Instructor. She has been offered positions in many other countries and is an Olympic qualifier. I've been so fortunate because I get to spend time with her each time I visit Flying Change Farms. Listening to her instruct riders is as magical as the style of riding she teaches. Anyone fortunate enough to learn from Rijssenbeek is guaranteed to be learning from the best in class.

For hunter/jumper and equitation disciplines, Kristie LaFreniere trains horses and riders for competition. LaFreniere has competed in high-level events including winning champion in 1.10 m jumpers. She’s a highly competitive rider who graduated from Colorado State University which has one of the most prestigious equine science colleges in the nation. My niece has been under LaFreniere’s training for several years. I’ve seen the results of her work and understand why she’s so well respected. She’s also an expert in the equitation part of riding (the rider’s positioning, effectiveness, accuracy and overall riding skills). It’s amazing to listen to her instructing riders on so many details at once.

Flying Change Farms stands out for its strength in hunter/jumper competition, where it has shown a high degree of success in derbies, junior hunters, and regional jumper circuits. By using the expertise at Flying Change Farms, riders have access to programs with real competitive credibility, knowledgeable instruction, and opportunities to develop in a serious show program. Flying Change Farms is the best of all equestrian worlds. Everything that happens here is in the best interests of riders, horses and the earth. Words can't capture the Flying Change Farms way so please take a ride on over there to see for yourself.

Stanford Ranch Self Storage

A situation many riders often find themselves in is safely storing the gear associated with the sport. At Stanford Ranch Self Storage, we have storage units that are perfect for the highly specialized, seasonal gear that riders often find themselves having to store year-round. Things like trunks, blankets, show clothes, signage and saddles are valuable and take up more room than people often have in an average sized home or garage. One of our state-of-the-art units is the perfect storage and staging solution. Please visit us soon so we can show you how to take tack and gear storage to that next level.

Flying Change Farms
5145 James Dr.
Loomis, CA 95650
916-765-0086
Operation hours are Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Access is available only with gate code. Appointments are available for tours.
flyingchangefarms.com