Lincourt Stables, Los Angeles

The careers of a veterinary technician and a real-estate agent don't typically overlap—unless you're Patricia Lincourt, who holds both jobs. Having scoped out 10 acres of tree-shaded property, Patricia oversees a team of horses on the verdant grounds, now known as Lincourt Stables. She channels her third title—that of a licensed "L" dressage judge—to train students of all skill levels in hunter, jumper, and dressage disciplines. Though many of her lessons focus on competitive technique, others instruct students who saddle up solely for pleasure or to finally intimidate a much taller sibling. Regardless of the goal, all of the sessions strive to build confidence and poise in a calm, family-friendly environment. Students steer their mounts in one of six arenas with sand footing, two of which boast full jump courses. Accompanying turnouts and grassy expanses allow horses to roam freely as visitors recline in a picnic area.