Kelley Lehner

At Valen, our priority is the welfare, enjoyment and safety of our riders and horses. We believe in creating a strong foundation for horses and riders as a team to attain successful goals. Through proper guidance, each rider will be able to learn in an environment that emphasizes fun, safety and learning at a level that is appropriate for your ability and goals.

With over 25 years of experience in the equestrian industry, Kelley Lehner founded Valen Equestrian in 2017. The vision of creating a high-end, private training facility where horses and riders can thrive together. Kelley has come full circle in her equestrian career, as a Junior and Amateur she successfully competed in the Big Eq and Grand Prix with accolades of winning Medal Finals, Grand Prix, and Rider of the Year. After a break from horses and pursuing a successful international business career, her daughter, Valentina’s love for horses rekindled her passion for the sport and the equestrian industry. With a keen eye for detail, in-depth knowledge of the sport, and compassion for horses and riders, Kelley dedicates her energy full-time as a professional to give back to the equestrian community.

Certifications: 25+ years experience in horse industry

Geographic Area Serviced: Conveniently located in Aptos Hills servicing Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties

Area of Expertise: Our training program is based off of strong fundamentals and focuses on building confidence between the horse and rider. We strive to be consistent and methodical in our training methods to achieve a successful partnership. Discipline, proper education, and compassion are key components in our program whether you are a beginner learning to walk and trot, jumping the 1.45m, and everything in between. Half and full training is available. We focus on strong flatwork, pole work, gymnastics, and various level-appropriate jumping exercises. Training rides for your horse are also a key part of our training program to help keep horses balanced and tuned up for their riders. We travel to 10 - 12 rated horse shows per season, which averages out to about 1 - 2 shows per month. Competitions are an important part of our training program because they allow our riders and horses to execute what we’ve learned at home and give us focus and drive as to what we need to continue developing in our training program at home. Our Lesson Program is designed to bring riders along from their very first lesson to learning how to jump and graduate into our leasing program. Beginner lessons focus on learning to walk, trot and canter. This crucial time is when riders learn the proper position that will be the foundation for their riding careers. These lessons are mostly private lessons until the rider can walk and trot on their own. Once trotting proficiently on their own they can graduate into small group lessons with a maximum of 3 horse/ rider combinations. We also have an IEA Team and have a few spots to fill for the upcoming 2024-2025 Season

Types of Horses: Specialize in Hunters/ Jumpers and Equitation. Work with horses and riders from beginners to 1.45m Jumpers