California Riding Magazine • May, 2009

Van and Clarissa Heggelund
Veteran trainers join Irish Oaks team.

Irish Oaks is proud to welcome Van and Clarissa Heggelund, of Heggelund Training. Irish Oaks is owned by Howard and Gerry Morrow, the owners of Irish Oaks since 1984. Howard and Gerry have been involved in Thoroughbred racing and breeding. The grounds include grass pastures with shelter, a hot walker, round pen, laser leveled arenas, pipe corrals, a breezeway 60-stall barn and a race track. In addition to training, the facility also offers a full reproduction center with a full-time vet, Dr. Richard Tramp. The facility is located 20 minutes from Interstate 15 and 10 from Escondido. Both Irish Oaks and Heggelund Training welcome visitors.

The Heggelunds have been training horses for a combined 40-plus years. “We made the move to California in 2006, mostly because the economy is better and the weather is always nice,” Van Heggelund explains. “Clarissa and I were sick of shoveling snow!” He took over Heggelund Training from his well-known equestrian father Al Heggelund in 1978. Clarissa joined the team in 2001. Together they have developed a program that works for both horse and rider.

“Our goal is to develop horses that want to work: horses that will accept the different challenges we ask of them and trust our decisions,” Heggelund explains. “You have invested a lot in your horse. We offer practical, proven training development for your horse and are confident that you will be satisfied with the results. We developed this program because we knew there was a better way. The horse, in his own world, is very successful. It’s our job to introduce this magnificent animal into our world. We stress trust, personal space and understanding. We assess each horse daily to determine how its training should be modified. Our motto is, ‘Don’t make the horse fit the program, make the program fit the horse.’ We are proud of the success achieved through our personalized care and training program.

“We specialize in starting young horses with a solid foundation,” the trainer continues. “We also accept behavioral problem horses. We can help you figure out the problem and make the horse more comfortable in his world. More than likely he will return the favor.”
Clarissa Heggelund adds, “There is nothing like getting a horse into training that can’t even lead on the line, but after two weeks of trust drills and learning about the particular horse and what he needs to be successful, we work into riding and training. It is an amazing feeling to be the first one on such a powerful animal, and when they take that first step off, trusting my decision about it, it starts a long term relationship between horse and rider.”

The Heggelunds have started horses for local veterinarian Dr. Lynda Byers, and well-known horsewoman Sandy Aston.

Happy Customers

Jill Sackinger, long-time equine enthusiast, says, “I came to Heggelund Training after noticing the versatility, health and well-being of the horses in their barn. They quickly assessed my horse’s strengths and weaknesses and tailored a comprehensive program which has transformed my pushy ‘off the track’ Thoroughbred into a healthy, well-mannered and willing athlete. Clarissa communicates quietly but effectively with my horse, and has achieved a balance of respect and trust that I rarely see. The team is organized and reliable, and always available for hands-on help or sound advice. I’d recommend them to anyone! My horse is now competing healthy and sound on the hunter/jumper circuit; he is amazingly well-mannered and willing to do his job, all thanks to Van and Clarissa.”

The Heggelunds have shown at local and national levels in western pleasure, hunter/jumper and dressage. Through their training program they can take a horse and start the horse with a solid foundation for any discipline. They have worked with Quarter Horses, Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, Arabians and Gypsies, among many other breeds. “Every horse and breed is different, but we have the same goal for all of them,” Clarissa Heggelund states. “We want them to be strong, respectful and willing to do their job. No matter what breed or discipline every horse should have the same outcome, just happy to be there and willing to be one with the handler.” The Heggelunds strive hard to make a communication clear with both the horse and the rider.

As of last year the Heggelunds had a great show year. Clarissa Heggelund was the Del Mar National Hunter Hack circuit champion, PVRA Year-End Champion in Western Pleasure and Hunter Under Saddle Open, SCPHA Year-End Green Horse Champion. Client Christina Campbell was the Youth Halter Horse Champion with Reward Me Im Hot. Shelby North and Swingin Soul were the PVRA 13-17 Youth Reserved Champion of the Year and the Del Mar Nationals Horsemanship Challenge winner. The Heggelunds have youth and adult amateurs competing at all levels and are happy to assist all with their equine needs.

For more information on full-time boarding, training and lessons, and/or a tour of Irish Oaks, call Van and Clarissa Heggelund at 760-705-7257 or 760-580-5218 or visit their website, www.heggelundraining.com.