Many adults can reminisce about the times they missed the school bus as a child; in most of these incidents, missing the bus unintentional. But as an adolescent, Kim Guill Harries, owner and head trainer of Southern Cross Show Horse in Santa Barbara County’s Santa Ynez, intentionally missed the bus home. Why? Because the bus driver wouldn’t take her to the barn.
Walking from school to the barn is only part of Kim’s tale, but it gives great insight into her resolve and work ethic. As a young rider without the financial support that many top junior riders have, Kim grasped every opportunity that enabled her to remain involved with riding, showing and working with horses. She braided and groomed at horse shows, mucked stalls and participated in every facet of the horse world.
On her quest for experience, Kim rode everything from hot-Thoroughbreds and bucking ponies to top show horses. Her determination to succeed paid off. Today she credits her education to respected trainers such as Victor Hugo-Vidal, Mark Mullen, Judy Lagerstrom and Far West Farms’ Kost, Jenny and Nick Karazissis, as well as the wide variety of horses that she has had the opportunity to ride, train and show.


(left to right) Cara Evans, Barbara Meyer, Tori Johnson, Kristina Jackson, Kristina Novak-Wideman and Alexandra Wedemeyer lined up during a group lesson.

Her experiences with horses span more than just disciplines, it spans continents. In addition to grooming for top international rider Bernie Traurig, Kim had the opportunity to accompany the Saudi Arabian Olympic team to Spruce Meadows in the early 1990s.
Kim feels that it is her obvious determination to succeed and to follow her dreams, while remaining closely connected to each horse, that separates her and Southern Cross from other programs. “I believe in doing more than going from the barn to ring. I don’t have a 50-horse program and I am very detailed oriented by nature. The best way I could describe Southern Cross’ program is: a resort lifestyle with training,” explains Kim with a smile in her voice.
To ensure top-quality care for every horse, Kim takes a very hands-on approach to the day-to-day operations of Southern Cross. Every member of her team, from her farrier and vet, to the chiropractor and dentist, all provide first-rate care and have long, strong relationships with Southern Cross. It’s all part of Kim’s success based philosophy.
“A healthy, happy horse is more able to do their job, and if you start on the right path, then that path is already more likely to lead you to success…I find what works and I stick with it. I think consistency in your program, begets consistency in your riders, begets consistency in your horses. My program is all about being consistent and working to be little bit better than you were yesterday.”
Kim’s goal is to help her students hone their skills and thus meet their goals. She tries to have something for everyone. Though Southern Cross mostly attends ‘AA’ shows, Kim also makes sure to attend several ‘B’ rated and county shows throughout the year – so every one of her clients has the opportunity to have fun in the show ring.
When not at shows, Southern Cross calls Valley View Farm home. Kim describes Valley View Farm as an “incredible facility!” It has a 15-stall show barn with 16’ x 12’ stalls, as well as a second barn with 16’ x 16’ stalls with attached runs. There are grass turn-outs and a professionally engineered 150’ x 250’ arena with custom footing.
“Santa Ynez is just a beautiful area,” says Kim. “There are so many fun things to do and the difference between counties is huge. Horses want to be here! Some of my clients have to drive three hours to get here and they only drive up occasionally on weekends or for horse shows. But they feel it’s worth it!”
For more information on Southern Cross Show Horses visit www.scshowhorses.com, call the barn at 805-686-9414, Kim’s cell 661-345-9657 or e-mail scshowhorses@gmail.com.