The Livery has four full-time instructors, three part-time instructors, and a staff of counselors and instructors-in-training. Livery instructors are credentialled to teach riding, regularly attend clinics to update their training, and have years of experience teaching students of all ages.

Our teaching philosophy includes learning about the world of the horse, communicating and creating a place of unity with the animal. As Linda says,
"If your lesson was safe, fun and you learned something about horses, then we have done our job."

Linda Rubio, owner and head-instructor of Miwok Livery, has been training horses and riders for over thirty years. She has instructor certifications from the American Riding Instructors Conference, Certified Horsemanship Association, and Centered Riding, Inc. She has completed thousand of miles of Endurance Rides, finishing in the top ten of the world famous Tevis Cup Ride. She enjoys traveling, especially on riding tours in Ireland, France, Italy, and Spain with students from the Livery.

Bianca Stark-Falcone teaches our dressage and jumping classes, and is certified by the British Horse Society and the National Certified Horsemanship Association. She has worked at Miwok Livery since high school, taking time out to graduate from the University of California at Santa Cruz, with a year abroad in Scotland and two years completing her rigorous training curriculum and internship in Ireland for her British Horse Society certificate.

Christine Pearson is certified by the national Certified Horsemanship Association as an English and Western Instructor. She grew up in the Sierra foothills riding her mare Mia, and enoying packtrips in Minarets wilderness. After a successful executive career in San Francisco, Christine escaped back to the country lifestyle she enjoys, trading her briefcase for a bridle. She worked at other barns in the Bay Area before coming to Miwok, where she has been for seven years. She has participated in numerous clincs, including Natural Horsemanship, Centered Riding, Intuitive Horsemanship and Leadership & Horses with Ariana Strozzi; T-Touch with Linda-Tellington Jones; and Connected Riding with Peggy Cummings. Christine volunteers at the annual International Equine-Guided Education Association (EGEA) Conference and Giant Steps Therapeutic Riding Center.

Mia Simmans brings over thirty years of equestrian experience to the riding arena. Mia began riding at age 6 and participated actively in the Woodside and then the Los Altos Hunt Pony clubs as a junior. She obtained her dressage training with Lilo Fore at Springdown Farm and competed in 3-day events and hunter/jumper competitions. She worked for and trained with Betty Kilham, Patricia Holmes and Carole and Jennifer Atkinson. Mia also worked for Welsh pony breeder Polly Swinerton and gained experience in breeding horses as well as training young horses to ride, jump and drive. We are delighted to have Mia join our staff this year.

Amelia Mazer practically grew up at Miwok Livery. Beginning as a student in the Livery programs as a little girl, Ameila showed promise at an early age, first in Little Britches, then moving quickly up through the camps and Afterschool, making the Show Team early on. Amelia's love for people, horses, ponies and puppies makes her a popular favorite with everyone around her. Her skills as a horsewoman and an instructor make her a valued member of our staff. She makes you feel like the sun is shining, even on a foggy day.

Derek Williamson joined our staff last year, coming from a strong background in Natural Horsemanship training. An avid rider himself, he figures he has logged over 4,000 miles on Boyd, his Morgan, in the last two years alone. He began riding at the age of eight, first on his Uncle's calf, then moving on to horses. A born teacher, he gives his students confidence and inspires them with his infectious love of the sport.

Other popular instructors not pictured here but no less invaluable to the Livery are John Gordon and Amy Hull.