California Riding Magazine • February, 2012

Holly's Back!
Well-known trainer and judge
returns to California.

Holly Hugo-Vidal has returned to her favorite place on earth, California! To be more exact, Rancho Santa Fe. Holly lived and trained here for a number of years, until her mother's health forced her to return to the East Coast. Now to quote George Morris, at a recent clinic he gave in Fallbrook, "Holly's back!"

Originally from Westchester County, NY, Holly spent most of her life in Bedford Village. It was there that she met and trained with the legendary horseman (and current USET chef d'equipe) George Morris. Shortly after graduating from The School of Visual Arts, in New York City, Holly was prompted by George's methods, high standards, dedication and integrity to opt for a career in horses rather than art.

Today, Holly's approach to training reflects the influence of the legends with whom she has been associated. With former husband, Victor Hugo-Vidal, she ran the successful show barn, Cedar Lodge Farm in Stamford, CT. It was during that time that Victor's wonderful teaching abilities became a strong influence.

Her next mentor was another legend, Rodney Jenkins. Rodney's unique talent, coupled with his ability to read horses and create in them a desire to please, provided her with invaluable lessons.
Holly's experience with each of these great horsemen is reflected in her own methods. She shares with her students George's belief in solid basics and his demand for excellence, Victor's ability to help anyone with a desire to accomplish his or her goals and Rodney's insight, wisdom and horse savvy.

Holly's latest book, Build Confidence Over Fences, has been very popular with many riders since its publication and continues to be a big seller.

Paige Wilson riding the junior hunter, Best Foot Forward.

What Holly enjoys the most is developing horses as well as riders. When she was based in California before, she developed a wonderful horse called Overseas. John French rode him in the Regular Working Hunter division and her junior rider competed him in the Junior Hunter division, having worked her way from Children's Hunters. Holly has had a long time relationship with John and whenever possible has him ride her horses in the professional divisions. The latest is a First Year Green hunter called Best Foot Forward that John successfully showed at WEF last winter. The horse also showed in Kentucky and at the Capital Challenge, ridden by John and junior rider, Paige Wilson, another rider who started young (in the pony division) with Holly.

In returning to California, Holly has set up shop at Horsepark, where she plans to start working with and developing riders. Her biggest requirement is that clients have a desire to learn and must love their horses.

Holly is an ''R'' rated USEF judge as well as a highly-sought clinician. She has given clinics across the country as well as in Panama and New Zealand.

For more information on Holly Hugo-Vidal visit www.HollyHugo-Vidal.com or contact her at 828-674-7983 or pacificblue2020@gmail.com.