Lisa Sabo riding her 'Dressage test' ~ this is the First phase of a Three-Day Event
Phase 1: Dressage
The first test of horse and rider involves a series of prescribed classical movements performed on the flat in an enclosed arena. The judges look for a supple, balanced, and lively yet relaxed ride. As in figure skating, both precision of individual movements and overall impression enter into the scoring formula.
**Lisa Sabo On Course ~ This is called Cross-Country ~ the Second phase of a Three-Day Event
Phase 2: Cross Country
Eventing’s best-known phase, this crucial second test is the heart of the sport. Horse and rider gallop over natural terrain, jumping a variety of fixed obstacles along the way. The rider may inspect the course beforehand, but the horse leaves the starting box not knowing what lies ahead. This discipline demands absolute trust between horse and rider.
Lisa Sabo on Course ~ This is called Stadium Jumping ~ the Third phase of a Three-Day Event
Phase 3: Show Jumping
In this phase, horse and rider jump a series of painted fences in an enclosed arena. Show jumping tests the obedience and suppleness of the horse and demonstrates that sufficient stamina and fitness still remain after the strenuous demands of cross-country. This phase completes the breadth of testing in the eventing triathlon.
Newport Mesa Riding Center
“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” ~Winston Churchill
Brian and Lisa Sabo have been top level competitors and coaches for over 40 years. Riding and training through the Olympic level. Over the last several years they felt the Orange County area did not have a program that developed riders in a classical method. So Brian and Lisa started the Newport Mesa Riding Center and the Newport Mesa Pony Club.
The “Sabo System” is the foundation of excellent horseback riding and learning to ride correctly thorough a step by step system. We teach the essential basics of riding and horsemanship in a consistent manner.
Horsemanship is both a physical and mental language, and everyone learns in a different way, so a variety of methods are utilized to develop the communication from trainer to student and then from student to horse.
Whether it’s a child starting out, to the Advanced level competitor, Newport Mesa Riding Center offers high quality horseback riding lessons. Lessons include riders of the same skill level – the whole family is invited to watch and enjoy the atmosphere. Our supportive environment emphasizes sportsmanship and fun. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call us at 949.244.8615.
Brian Sabo ~ Looks like he is riding Cross-Country (phase 2) or quite possible 'Roads&Tracks' judging by the 'penny' he is wearing.
Newport Mesa Riding Center Lessons
The Riding Center Program is a perfect way to start horseback riding. Our focus on equitation is the foundation of excellent riding. The instructors teaching the Sabo System can take a rider from a beginner to advanced level, all ages welcome. Our focus on horsemanship will help the riders become well rounded horseman. We have school horses available for lessons and lease. We have excellent, friendly and knowledgeable instructors.
Introductory Lessson: Your first horseback riding lesson at Newport Mesa Riding Center will be a private lesson. This lesson is an opportunity to introduce you to our program and allow us to assess your current skill level. Afterward, we will discuss your goals in order to develop a program to best suit your needs. The Introductory Lesson is $60.00.
What will you need on your first day? You should wear long pants and a boot with a heel (no high heels!) We have boots available it you need them. We have riding helmets available but you are welcome to bring your own if it is an ATSM/SEI approved helmet. Please arrive 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork. We ask you to please advise us of any physical limitations that may affect your ability to ride.
Please give a 24-hour notice if you need to cancel a lesson. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at 949-244-8615.
Location: Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center, 905 Arlington Ave., Costa Mesa, Ca. 92626. Gate 9, pull up NEXT to gate and it will open, park on right, walk to Barn J and K.
For Information: Lisa Sabo 949.244.8615 lisa@saboeventing.com
Brian & Lisa Sabo in each others arms!!
Copyright 2015 Sabo Eventing & Newport Mesa Riding Center
Calendar of Clinics and Events
2015 Sabo Eventing Calendar
Feb 14 – IEL Dressage Show in San Juan.
Feb 15 – Galway Downs One Day Cross Country Schooling
Feb 15 – NMPC D1 Prep Clinic @ 12:00 to 2:00 pm with Melissa Jaffe, cost $10
Feb 21 & 22, 2015 – Copper Meadow CC Schooling and One Day Event
Feb 27, 28 and March 1, 2015 – Twin River HT Intro to Advance
February 28th 2:00 to 4:00 pm – NMPC Horsemanship Class with Joanna Ritchie – $20
March 1st at OC Fairgrounds D1 test -
Mar 7, 2015 – NMPC So Cal Pony Club Region Quiz Rally
Mar 13, 14 & 15, 2015 – Copper Meadows HT Intro to Advance
March 22 – So Cal Region Dressage Rally
Mar 27, 28 & 29 2015 – Galway International Event Novice to Advance
Apr 4, 2015 – NMPC Rating D2 to C2.
Apr 10, 11 & 12, 2015 – Twin River International BN to advance
*Apr 18 & 19, 2015 – Copper Meadow CC Schooling and One Day Event
Apr 24, 25 & 26 2015 – Fresno HT BN to Intermediate
*May 7, 8 & 9, 2015 – Galway HT and Dressage Show - So Cal Regional Qualifying Rally – IMPORTANT for Pony Clubbers
May 16 & 17 2015 – Copper Meadow CC Schooling and One Day Event
May 23, 24 & 25, 2015 – Woodside HT BN to Advance
Jun 5, 6 & 7, 2015 – Copper Meadows HT Intro to Advance
Jun 19, 20 & 21, 2015 – Shepherd Ranch HT Intro to Preliminary
Jun 27 & 28 2015 – Copper Meadow CC Schooling and One Day Event
Jul 3, 4 & 5 2015 – Camelot HT BN to Preliminary
Jul 10, 11 & 12, 2015 – Coconino HT Intro to Preliminary
Jul 16, 17 & 18, 2015 – Coconino HT Intro to Preliminary
Jul 24, 25 & 26, 2015 – Rebecca Farms Event in Montana
Aug 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9, 2015 – Pony Club West Coast Championships in Woodside
Aug 15 & 16, 2015 – Copper Meadow CC Schooling and One Day Event
Aug 21, 22 & 23, 2015 – Shepherd Ranch HT
Aug 28, 29 & 30, 2015 – Woodland Station HT in Northern California
Sep 4, 5 & 6, 2015 – Copper Meadows HT Intro to Advance
Thu Sep 17, 18, 19 & 20, 2015 – Twin Rivers HT Intro to Advance
Oct 2, 3 & 4, 2015 – Woodside HT Intro to Advance
Oct 9, 10 & 11, 2015 – So Cal Region Eventing Rally at Fallbrook
Oct 16, 17 & 18, 2015 – Fresno HT Intro to Advance
Oct 24 & 25, 2015 – Copper Meadow CC Schooling and One Day Event
Thu Oct 29, 30, 31 & Nov 1, 2015 – Galway Downs International HT Novice to 3*
Nov 7 & 8, 2015 – PC Standards/Ratings Clinic and Annual Banquet
Nov 13, 14, & 15, 2015 – Fresno HT Intro to Intermediate
Nov 21 & 22, 2015 – Copper Meadow CC Schooling and One Day Event
2015 Camp Dates:
Winter Break: February 16 – 20
Spring Break: April 6 – 10
Summer Camps:
July 6 – 10, July 13 – 17, July 20 – 24, July 27 – 31, August 10 – 14, August 17 – 21
Run Fast, Jump High, Lisa
Horse Trials: If you are not yet ready to ride at these Events, come, watch and learn about Eventing!!!! If you volunteer you will learn a lot and receive a schooling certificate worth $50 to $100. I will be sending emails with information about how to volunteer.
Copper Meadows: On Saturday a Look B4 You Leap are cross country clinics at Copper Meadows with Lisa Sabo, then on Sunday we participate in the schooling One Day Event. The Event will include a dressage test, show jumping and a modified cross country. This is a fantastic introduction to Eventing. We will be attending these events as we have the numbers.
Pony Club Dates: If you are in NMPC and want to attend please RSVP to me ASAP.
Spring and Summer Horse Camps – see camp page.
Brian Sabo Clinics – contact Brian Sabo brian@sabogroup.com
Copyright 2015 Sabo Eventing & Newport Mesa Riding Center
Brian Sabo!! Looks like a Clinic or an actual Event that or where Brian Sabo is discussing 'The Course' to be Jumped by his Students
Copyright 2015 Sabo Eventing & Newport Mesa Riding Center
Sabo Eventing ~ Our Mission
The core purpose of Sabo Eventing is to educate and inspire riders to become better horsemen. Our emphasis on horsemanship will include a high regard for the general welfare of horses.
Sabo Eventing will be a resource for education, safety, horse welfare, training and information.
Sabo Eventing teaches essential training principles for riders and horses, drawn from time-tested sources and from experience with today’s competition challenges. At Sabo Eventing understanding why something works and the steps to achieve that understanding are critical parts of our program.
Sabo Eventing will provide access to the materials, facilities and mentorship opportunities that present these training principles in a developmental sequence.
Sabo Eventing will provide coaching and competitive experiences to riders at the highest level.
Sabo Eventing will provide an atmosphere of professional openness and support to all riders so that on-going sharing and learning are facilitated.
Sabo Eventing will positively impact horses and peoples’ lives by providing encouragement, support, training opportunities, and educational programs that promote character development and life enhancing values through the sport of Eventing.
Copyright 2015 Sabo Eventing & Newport Mesa Riding Center
Brian & Lisa Sabo in pictures you can still see the love!!
About Brian and Lisa Sabo ~ Sabo Eventing
Brian and Lisa Sabo are living a classic love story. While growing up on the same street in Southern California both became interested in riding horses. When Brian was riding ponies at a Los Angeles area barn his mother Kitty Sabo began a long friendship with a then very young and now internationally famous Olympic dressage rider, judge and clinician, Hilda Gurney. Before long Hilda had struck out on her own as a trainer and Brian followed her. Hilda and Kitty founded the Woodland Hills Pony Club in 1965. Lisa’s family moved to the same street in 1970 and Lisa’s interests soon turned to horses. This common interest led Lisa to train at the same barn as Brian and they both developed a passion for the Olympic sport of Eventing (also known as the Equestrian Triathlon). After years of training together and competing from coast to coast each went their separate ways. In 1981Brian moved and bought land in Paso Robles on California’s Central Coast with the plan of starting an equestrian center. Lisa left home in 1982 for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to pursue her education. Realizing how much they missed being together they began dating and eventually married in 1985. This partnership led to the development of the Hurdledale Equestrian Center. From 1985 until 2001 Brian and Lisa built and ran Hurdledale, where they rode, trained, held shows and hosted clinics.
Lisa and Brian are both graduate “A” pony clubbers and advanced level competitors. In 1974 Brian passed his “A” rating. Brian served as D.C. of this club two times (1975-1977 and 1980-1983). Lisa passed her “HA” in 1983 and her “A” in 1984. Lisa is now running the Newport Riding Center and Newport Mesa Pony Club.
Hilda, the inspiration for many of the top trainers and riders in the United States was in the finest sense a mentor to Lisa and Brian. Through her leadership both were introduced to the sport of Eventing. Brian won his first Preliminary (Now CCI 1*) Three-day event in 1968 followed by winning the National Intermediate (CCI 2**) Championships in 1969. This was also the year his coach, Hilda, won the U.S. Open Championships (CCI 3***). Brian has been recognized as the leading event rider in USEA Area VI in both 1969 and 1981.
Lisa has also had a very successful competitive career which continues today. A member of the Silver Medal Area VI Young Riders team in 1984 and also USEA Area VI leading rider a number of times, Lisa has produced a large number of competitive horses all of which she worked with from the very beginning. Lisa has ridden a number of horses she trained through the Advanced level including riding at Rolex Kentucky on three different horses. Lisa has been long listed for the U.S. Olympic Team.
Lisa has always specialized in starting young horses, working with difficult horses and competing and teaching both Young Riders and Adults. Lisa has been recognized as one of the leading riders in USEA Area VI and produced a large number of higher level horses between 1984 and 2009.
Brian remained active through the advanced level on both coasts until 1984 when his coaching activities began to take precedence. As a volunteer to the horse community Brian has served as a USPC District Commissioner, USEA Area VI Chairperson (1985-1987), CDS L.A. chapter public relations chairperson (1973), AVA (American Vaulting Association) board of governors (1976-1978) and Woodside Horse Park founding vice president and board member (1976-1989). Brian was selected Chief Liaison Officer for the 1984 Olympic games. Asked to help with the show jumping phase of the three-day event by good friend Neil Ayer, Brian was eventually awarded the contract to design and build the three-day event show jumping course at Santa Anita for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Brian is currently teaching a full schedule of clinics across the nation and coaches the Méxican Eventing Equestrian Team. This team is the current Gold medal holder at the Central American Games. Brian also sits on the USEF Board of Directors and is President of the United States Eventing Association (USEA).
Lisa is also a founding member and Vice President of the Orange County Fairgrounds Preservation Society (OCFPS). The OFFPS was recently recognized as Orange County’s leading community activist organization. The OFFPS is at the forefront of keeping Equestrian Sports in Orange County.
Currently Lisa has developed the Newport Mesa Riding Center. Newport Mesa caters to a diverse riding group. Many college age riders and adult amateurs enjoy Lisa’s clear and well educated approach to bringing out the best in both horse and rider. Lisa who credits her systematic teaching style to her early Pony Club experiences is also the founder of the Newport Mesa Pony Club. The Newport Mesa Pony Club holds regular lessons, camps and educational programs geared toward children of all ages. The two groups complement each other and help create a professional and rewarding experience for all the riders that participate.
The primary focus of both the Newport Mesa Riding Center and the Newport Mesa Pony Club is horsemanship and education. Riders learn not only how to ride and compete but also in-depth education on the art of horsemanship. Riders learn from hands on experiences that emphasize classic and correct equitation along with instruction from nationally ranked instructors.
Lisa and Brian’s other business interests focus on developing the Sabo Group which is a national and international Amway business. Their focus on health, wellness and sports nutrition was nurtured through the years of conditioning horses and riders for the highest level on international competition. Learning proper use of foods, supplements, vitamins, minerals and herbs have enhanced the performance and energy levels of many of their riders and business associates.
Copyright 2015 Sabo Eventing & Newport Mesa Riding Center
United States Eventing AssociationNEWS
Brian Sabo Nominated to Become Next President of the United States Eventing Association
RELEASE: March 18, 2010
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By the United States Eventing Association
The United States Eventing Association (USEA) Nominating Committee is pleased to announce that Brian Sabo of Newport Beach, CA, has been nominated to succeed current president Kevin Baumgardner when his term expires in December 2010. Sabo’s nomination, which will be subject to confirmation by the Board of Governors at the USEA Annual Convention in Scottsdale, AZ, December 8-12, is the culmination of an intensive search process by the members of the Nominating Committee, which consists of Chairman Roger Secrist, Kyra King Stuart, Beth Lendrum, Malcolm Hook, and Jon Holling.Sabo, 56, first competed in the sport of eventing in 1962 in Pebble Beach, CA. Over the years he has worn many hats in the eventing and equestrian world, from being a leading rider to designing and building the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Eventing show jumping course to coaching Vaulting and Eventing Young Riders programs. Currently he is a member of the USEA Board of Governors and on the Executive Committee as Vice President of Membership. Sabo is also a highly respected trainer, a faculty member of the USEA Instructors Certification Program, and a successful businessperson in his non-equestrian pursuits.
Baumgardner expressed pleasure at the nomination of Sabo, and tendered his thanks to the Committee for their hard work. “Brian is an outstanding choice. He is someone who understands the sport inside and out, and who has the vision, energy and personal skills to really make a difference. Most importantly, Brian understands the challenges faced by eventers at every level, and will listen to and respect the viewpoints of all segments of our membership. I look forward to working closely with Brian over the next eight months to effect a smooth transition of leadership and to ensure that he can hit the ground running when he takes over as president in December.
Sabo said he is energized by the challenge before him. “I look forward to continuing the work of our passionate membership.
The solid foundation of leadership and innovation laid by our Board of Governors, President Kevin Baumgardner, CEO Jo Whitehouse and the USEA staff has kept our association moving forward,” said Sabo. “Eventing is one of the world’s most exciting equestrian sports, and the USEA represents this sports finest equestrian community. Our 50 year history of quality programs and activities is unparalleled. Coupled with a committed membership that includes fans, spectators, riders, trainers, vendors, organizers, officials and equestrian professionals from all fields, the USEA has set a course for a safe and exciting future. It will be an honor to play a small role in that future.”
Brian Sabo President
President Sabo: Our new president gave an excellent speech which touched on his past experience as a horseman and his goals as the new leader of the USEA. If President Sabo’s speech is any indicator of his personality, we are in for a great three years. He was very entertaining and intelligent, but also gracious and tremendously humble. He poked fun at himself several times and, overall, I was extremely impressed.
President Sabo stressed that he wanted to unite the “factions” in our sport by governing evenly with a broad brush. He spoke about how he personally relates to each element of our sport, including upper-level riders, lower-level riders, riding parents, organizers, course builders, volunteers, course designers, breeders, owners, and affiliate organizations. He joked by saying “the one group I don’t get are the officials,” which I think we all sometimes can relate to.
President Sabo finished his speech by saying that, like President Baumgardner before for him, he would have an open-door policy to all USEA members, and he announced his email to the entire crowd. Give President Sabo a big welcome and a word of support at brian@sabogroup.com.
2013 USEA Annual Meeting and Convention: Speaker Spotlight
Authored By: USEA Thu, 2013-11-07 09:44
2014 Dressage Test Preview
Speaker: Brian Sabo
Speaker: Brian Sabo
Get your tracing finger ready, the new dressage tests have been written! Track right or left? It is time to resurrect your good study habits! Rising trot or sitting? Outgoing USEA President and Founder of Eventing Training Online is going to preview the new dressage tests using targeted video footage. Test A or B? View footage of a rider performing each test, receiving professional feedback, and riding the test again. Halt at X or G? With this kind of educational preview, you’re sure to score a personal best with these new tests! And don’t forget… All King Edward’s Horses Can Manage Big Fences (AKEHCMBF).
Born into a West Hills Hunt family, Brian Sabo was quickly immersed into the USPC system at Woodland Hills Pony Club with Hilda Gurney. In 1974, Sabo passed his “A” rating and then served as D.C. of this club twice from 1975-1977 and 1980-1983. Brian’s competitive career began in 1963 and he won his first Preliminary Three-Day Event in 1968. He followed this up by winning the National Intermediate Championships in 1969, earning him the leading rider award in Area VI in 1969, a feat he repeated in 1981. Brian has traveled across the U.S. competing at most of the great American three-day events including Ledyard, Chesterland, and Kentucky.
Brian’s competitive career at the Advanced level on both coasts continued until 1984 when training and coaching began to take precedence. He served as USEA Area VI chairperson from 1985-1987, was a founding vice president of CTETA (Woodside Horsepark) from 1976-1989, as well as volunteer service with the California Dressage Society and American Vaulting Association. In 1983, Brian was appointed Chief Liaison Officer for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games and, supported by his good friend, Neil Ayer, was awarded the contract to design and build the three-day eventing show jumping course at Santa Anita.
A USEA Level IV certified instructor, Brian serves as an ICP faculty member and focuses on helping others become the best instructors, trainers, and mentors possible. Brian has been married for 30 years to Lisa Sabo who is a graduate “A” Pony Clubber and a USPC Center owner. Lisa is also a USEA ICP Level III Instructor, Advanced level competitor, and Gurney protégé. Together, Brian and Lisa founded Eventing Training Online with the goal of capturing on video the techniques of top trainers worldwide and then making this knowledge available to equestrians anywhere at any time. Brian and Lisa live on Lido Isle in Newport Beach, California.