California Riding Magazine • April, 2010

Looking To Lease?
Far West Farms extends its horse/rider matchmaking services.

“When a horse owner has found the equine love of their life, it’s really hard to let go of him,” says Far West Farms co-owner Nick Karazissis.
“It can seem like selling a family member, even when the rider has outgrown the horse, and it’s rarely what the owner wants to do. We’re offering an alternative, giving owners the option to lease their horse to a new rider so the horse can continue his career.”

Far West Farms is a premier hunter/jumper show barn and riding school in the Los Angeles area’s Calabasas with over 40 years of experience, and a well-earned reputation for nurturing happy, sound horses with long careers.

“We have been training horses for a long time and we’re well-known in the industry for matching horse to rider, and bringing out the champion in both,” states Karazissis. “The relationship has to work. Both the horse and rider must be happy with each other.” Leasing has even greater appeal today, and Far West Farms has riders of all levels looking for horses they can care for, progress with and show. “Often a rider will outgrow the horse they are competing on, or want a second horse in order to compete in another discipline.”

Leased show horses will stay at Far West Farms and be in full-training. “That is the only way we can oversee the use, well-being and safety of the horses placed in our care,” Karazissis says. Horses leased to the Far West Farms Riding School have their own box stalls and daily supplements, and are cared for by professional grooms. “Our Riding School horses are well-loved and were the first teachers for many of our top riders.”

Lease agreements can take many forms depending on the needs and desires of both parties. Every circumstance is unique and each lease is designed on an individual basis.

For more information, call Far West Farms’ barn manager, Kathy Boone, at 818-591-2180.