Hooper Trail Horses - Testimonials

"Learning to ride with David has been amazing. I went from having little confidence in the saddle, to truly beginning to understand the principals of good horsemanship. David teaches in a very easy, almost conversational way. Best of all, you are getting real time in the saddle and on the trails."

Ryan Ganimian

"I highly recommend David. He takes the rider beyond the basics and shows you how to really have fun on horses. His horses are wonderful. The whole experience is enjoyable and you want more.

Good work David."

Anne V.

"I had only ridden horses a few times before working with David, and had no formal training to speak of.

His approach to teaching is wonderfully open and nurturing. He is calm, attentive, and respectful of each student's needs. He gave me all the tools to feel confident in horseback riding by encouraging my every step of the way as I went from simple walks around the arena to full out gallops to Mt. Hollywood.

I learned by doing, and never felt nervous because David was always right there next to me if I needed help. His love and deep respect for horses is infectious. He's studied them for most of his life and has a seemingly endless store of information dealing with equestrian science. I felt like I learned so much just chatting about his experiences as we rode through Griffith Park!

I would highly recommend him as a teacher and riding companion. He is excellent!"

Alice S.

"This was by far the most fun I've had horseback riding! Great trainer, awesome horse, beautiful scenery and very reasonable rates, especially considering you're getting a private lesson.

I've always had an interest in riding horses and have gone a few times with a group of people, but this by far was the best experience I've had. Because David (the owner) only offers private rides/lessons, you go at your own pace. For me, this meant going faster than the slow walk that I've been forced to do in groups. It also gave me a chance to really learn how to control the horse.

I've gone two times so far and am looking forward to doing this on a regular basis. Because the stable he houses his horses are next to Griffith Park, there are several different trails you can travel. I can't wait to go on my next ride!"

Kehau R.
Also on Yelp

"This is an amazing experience - whether you want to just get out of LA for a day or learn to be a horse expert, David will guide you through the gorgeous trails of griffith park and you will have an amazing experience on some amazing horses.

Hooper trail horses offers a completely unique adventure through the hills. David is an awesome guy who really loves his horses and knows his stuff he can turn any city-slicker into a cowboy in no time! Best of all, the rides are extremely fun for riders of all levels, from beginners up through experienced riders. I highly recommend hooper trail horses!!!"

Sean B
Also on Yelp

"I would highly recommend David Hooper for you horse learning needs. He is a true professional. His horses are the best. He will take you all over Griffith Park and the best thing is that it is one on one and he goes at your pace. His horse Trigger will take care of you from the walk to the lope. There is nothing like this anywhere, I have looked around. His knowledge of horses had me hire him to look after and exercise my horse Buck."

Bernie Fried
Founder, Clinical Director
one80center

"David hooper is an excellent, patient and experienced horseman. He has the skills and ability to turn anyone in to a safe and efficient Trail Rider.

His lesson horse Trigger is a dream to ride and will take care of you out on the trail. He will teach you not only how to ride, but also trail safety.

He also will help out at the barn looking after the horses during my absence. I would highly recommend him for you trail riding needs."

Suzanne Peika
Manager
Silver Spur Riding Club

"A few years ago I lost an acting role in a feature film because I didn’t have the sufficient riding skills needed to portray the character. I can proudly say that after only 6 lessons with David Hooper I feel extremely confident to saddle and ride any horse on any film or TV set. Prior to meeting David I had only been on a horse a few times and had no clue what I was doing. However, after working with David for just a short amount of time, his wisdom, patience and expertise has allowed me to hone and develop my horse riding skills to a level I never thought possible.

David’s horses are well-trained, very gentle and wonderful animals. I’ve had the pleasure of training on Trigger and he’s the best horse ever! But then again, so is his owner. David’s a great guy. He’s very personable, knowledgeable and extremely responsible. He’s great with any age student, any level, from amateur to pro!"

Bryan Chesters
SAG- AFTRA- EQUITY ACTOR
Actors Access

"As an acting student, who is about to begin his career, Horseback riding is one of the skills that actor must have. David teaches you how to ride and handle a horse in the safest way possible. Two horses he owns are very gentle and well-trained horses, which makes you feel very safe and comfortable when you are on them. I didn't know anything about horses before but after having lessons with David, I totally fell in love with it. You will be confident enough to handle horses after riding with David."

Dash

"David Hooper has such a profound understanding of horse training and horse riding that he makes expert-grade riding accessible to students of any experience level. His approach is pragmatic and universal, which is extremely important to me as an actor, and to any actor who seeks to list riding as a skill.

I've never been on a horse until I'd saddled up one of David's, and since our first ride I feel like I've been riding horses my whole life. David is that good. And on top of all that, he's just a really great guy."

Joe Tower

"Dear David,

I've had the wonderful opportunity to take lessons with you since October 2008 and what I've gained is more than I thought possible. My goal had been to become comfortable at even the lope, I've been riding pretty steadily for about six years now taking multiple one hour lessons but never without tensing up at the trot and the lope. So, here I was in my 60's deciding it was now or never.

David, you have the most incredible teaching style. Lessons out on the trail with me on one horse, you on the other greatly exceed what can be done in the ring in terms of the amount of time spent on a single skill, learning control techniques, and troubleshooting, By riding behind your student, you are able to fine tune every movement. Confidence builds steadily as good riding skills are reinforced and practiced in your 2-3 hour sessions. The best part was the opportunity to ride and get to know an amazing horse like Trigger. He has the most wonderful gait at the trot and the lope; and, he turns heads constantly while out on the trail providing the experiences of a lifetime. And, we did it! Now I would rather trot than walk and last week we had some nice long lopes that were more fun and relaxed than I have ever experienced.

Thank you is not enough."

Marilyn
BedorSouth Pasadena,
Ca

"I've found a way to have a lovely ride on a regular basis with David (and Dallas and Trigger). I get to trail ride for hours on a lovely horse with an amazing trot and canter (willing to go and willing to slow down). David is so easy to be with. He gives me pointers when I ask for them and often we simply ride. This matters because I don't want to ride alone and I don't want to have a lot of chatter. We visit, trot, canter, ride in silence. I couldn't ask for a better combination. And I'm aware that it's thanks to David and his well behaved and cared for horses that I have such a weekly treat.

Pam Paige

"It is with great pleasure that I would recommend David Hooper (Hoopie as I call him) to anyone who wants to have a great time horseback riding. Having a young new Arabian (named Ima), I initially retained David to introduce her to Griffith Park. He ponied her alongside his horse Trigger and by the time he was done, Ima was ready to go. I'm sure you can understand, that riding an 8 year old Arabian is no small task; so at first, I was apprehensive riding alone. David coordinated his schedule and we rode everywhere; I discovered The Observatory, the Batman caves, and the Greek Theatre just to name a few. Needless to say, David was my
"Life Saver". Since then, we've become good friends, and I always try to catch him on the days he rides alone.

David Hooper is a true horseman. He has the formal education and the know-how. I've seen him many a times with his students riding the trails. He is very patient and easy-going; plus he has two fantastic horses (Dallas & Trigger) that are just fantastic. So if you’re a beginner or an experienced horse person and if you want to have fun while learning (David will always give you tips) I strongly recommend David. He’s wonderful!"

Chantal Mariotti
And Bellissima (aka “Ima”)

"I've ridden lots of horses, but none as well trained as
David Hooper's horse Trigger. David really knows what he's doing when it comes to training horses and teaching people how to ride."

"I've been riding under David's instruction since May."

"I'm such a believer in his work, I'm signing up my wife for lessons too."

"I highly recommend David Hooper and his great horse Trigger to anyone who wants to learn how to ride, or improve their horseback skills."

Sincerely,
Mark Bedor
South Pasadena

To Whom It May Concern:

"There is no question David Hooper’s knowledge of horses and horse training is superior to most within the equine industry…he has been awarded a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies by Breyer State University."

"In addition to his credentials, it is his character, dedication and commitment that allow us to recommend him without reservation."

Donald D. Blazer - Horse Courses Online Administrator
Breyer State University • Equine Studies institute
838 Georg Oaks • Bulverde, TX 78163
donblazer@horsecoursesonline.com
602.689.6171 • Fax 830.438.6192

Dear Equestrian Enthusiasts'

"What a great day of horseback riding. I have my cowgirl hat to this one. This ride is like nothing else, you definitely are not going to ride an overworked rental horse. And i should know, as I am a horse owner who likes to ride whatever city I happen to be in at that time."

"These horses are fun and responsive and love to go. I was on a ride with David (the Owner) and myself. The ride started at the stables where I met my horse Trigger. He was all groomed, saddled and ready to go. I have found a place where I can ride a quality horse and have a personal guide such as David. I have been ridden all over the world and this was a unique experience. He took me all over Los Angeles' Griffith Park. The trails were well groomed and the views spectacular. I felt safe and accommodated the entire time."

"I heartily recommend that anyone looking for a truly unique horseback riding experience must go for a ride with David and Trigger. What a wonderful time with such a nice mellow cowboy."

Bonita Waldron
Exeter, California

"Riding with David Hooper is a really fun experience. His horses are responsive, safe and willing. Not only are his horses well trained, but they're pretty, and happy to go out for a ride! Riding in Griffith Park with an experienced horseman who is both personable and safety conscious, makes the ride a good learning experience as well as a fun adventure. Did I mention how incredibly beautiful it is to ride in Griffith Park? It's paradise right in the middle of the city."

"David is an experienced and talented horseman, who teaches both riders and horses to achieve their highest potential. David has a gentle and safe approach with horses and their riders. He combines lessons for both horse and rider out on the trail, which adds to the fun of learning!"

Leslie A. Larson, Ph.D.

"David has exceptional communication skills with horse and rider; and, he's extremely dedicated to making sure the training is done right."

"During 2006, David effectively scheduled and managed weekly rides tailoring a training program to the changing needs of my Mustang. Under his guidance, I can now safely ride on trail."

"On trail or off, David has a steady hand with horse and rider."

Cheerios!

Cristy