Windmill Ranch, Livermore

The timpani beat of hooves drifts across the 120 acres of rolling hills and green flatland at Windmill Ranch. Glimpses of the Livermore Valley sweep out beneath riders as they practice proper equitation technique. The ranch’s owner and head trainer, Irene Lorimer, hails from a family of passionate horse enthusiasts and has herself been riding since age 4. Her illustrious career has included numerous titles as a youngster and training with an international bronze medalist. Today, she oversees all instruction in the disciplines of hunter-jumper and equitation, ensuring that students pick up proper techniques, whether they want to show on the competitive circuit or simply make convincing neighing noises every time they call a daytime radio show.