Meet Lari Shea

I was educated in Anthropology at the University of California, moving 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 4,800 miles in endurance competitions, having completed 63 races of 50 or 100 miles, winning 16 races, and winning 11 "best conditioned horse" awards. I've placed in the top ten 80% of my races overall, and in the last decade, I have placed in the top five over 90 percent of the time, top ten 98 percent, and received 17 Best Conditioned Horse Awards (more than 1/3 of races in last decade).

Having taught horseback riding for 30 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 the Cleone Gardens Inn, Hill House Inn of Mendocino, Howard Creek Ranch Inn or The MacCallum House. 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 a classical guitarist and a new -age pianist fill Monday and Wednesday evenings. Saturday nights' farewell party is enlivened by the Mendonesians band, with folks 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