Meet Lari Shea

After receiving a degree in Anthropology from UC Berkeley, I moved to Mendocino in 1968. For twelve years, I was the director of the Horsemanship program at the College of the Redwoods, lecturing in equine science, including equine anatomy, physiology and genetics, reproduction and breeding, veterinary diseases and injuries, equine psychology, horse training, and teaching classes in both English and Western riding, from novice through advanced levels.

I have competed extensively in both dressage and endurance racing. The year I competed for First Level Horse of the Year in dressage, my horse, Nature's Tzar and I won 27 classes against international level competition. I have completed 6,000 miles in 50 and 100 mile endurance races, with top ten completions in 94 of 106 rides. More importantly, my horses have won 31 Best Conditioned Horse awards, which is nearly 30% of the races we have completed.

Having taught horseback riding for 37 years, my methods have evolved to insure safety at all times, while ensuring riders and horses both enjoy the experience. As an "instructor's instructor", I insist my student teachers learn the same. All assistant guides at Ricochet Ridge Ranch complete courses in both horsemanship and first aid.

Lari and Sherif winning the 1989 Tevis Cup

I began producing the Tevis Trail Endurance Training Seminar in 1980, conducting 20 seminars over the next dozen years. Since 1988, I have produced endurance training seminars in Mendocino each year.

The Redwood Coast Beach & Forest Riding Vacations began in 1985. These riding holidays are unique in offering extraordinary horses, both Western and English style, to carry riders for miles over deserted beaches, through extensive cattle ranches and through magnificent Redwood forests. Lodging, elegant dining, fine California wines, hot tubs, and entertainment are provided at unique local inns, such as the Hill House Inn of Mendocino. Instruction in horsemanship, riding techniques, and equine sports conditioning methods is provided on each trek. Participants learn to measure their horse's heart rate with a stethoscope, and test their mounts for a dozen signs of metabolic function. A mock endurance ride is undertaken on the 5th day of our trek, with riders choosing short, medium, or long distance trails. Three different nights during the week, we delight in live entertainment. Private concerts by talented local musicians are enjoyed on Wednesday evening, and Saturday night’s farewell party is enlivened by the Mendonesians band, with folk music from around the world.

Please familiarize yourselves with the many offerings of the Mendocino Coast. A tourist destination place of great popularity, our area abounds in natural and artistic beauty. Most of our county land is in State Parks or Forests. We boast the longest (ten miles) beach for riding in the continental United States. The visual and performing arts draw people from all over the world to Mendocino. Non-riders will find activities galore.

Best regards, Lari Shea