Hillcrest Training

01/31/2024

We are so excited to host Mark Purcell for a private in barn clinic February 3rd & 4th at Hillcrest Training.

Mark grew up in the heart of fox hunting country in Pennsylvania. He started riding when he was ten years old and snuck away as a kid to watch the Devon Horse Show (which was practically in his backyard). Mark has ridden and worked for some of the greatest horsemen in the industry: Rodney Jenkins, Andre Dignelli, and Emil Spadone.

He has lived in California for almost nineteen years now. In 2003, Mark started Dry Creek Farm in Southern California training some of the top junior and amateur hunter, jumper, and equitation riders. In 2018, he joined Far West Farms.

Mark’s experience showing at the top horse shows from coast to coast has given him a competitive edge and a unique perspective when it comes to training and competing.

Mark has also traveled abroad with horses. He’s bought, imported, trained, showed, and sold numerous horses from Europe. He’s also has worked for a private Korean family. In 1996, he traveled to Sweden to help the family qualify for the Summer Olympics in Atlanta GA

11/02/2023

We are excited to host Amanda Gelderman at Hillcrest Training for a 2 day jumping clinic, November 11th & 12th! Riders will be scheduled in small groups for personalized instruction at every level.

Amanda moved to Sandamar Farm in Poulsbo with her family at the age of 2. She knew from a young age she wanted to be a horse trainer and riding instructor. At 16 she started training horses and after graduating high school she received a full ride scholarship to the University to Montana Western where she coached their equestrian team to 2 regional championships and was the high point rider three years in a row earning her trips to IHSA nationals her sophomore-senior years.

After graduating college in 2012, Amanda moved back to Poulsbo to start her career as head trainer of Sandamar Farm which became Evolution Equestrian. Since then she has brought horses and riders through the 1.20 level and competed through the 1.30s and regional Grand Prixs on her horse Spring Fling.

Her students have found success in everything from jumpers to medals and winning hunter derbies. Amanda loves working with horses and riders from all levels, and believes that positive and uplifting methods of training bring out the best in everyone.

04/28/2023

The horses had a lovely day enjoying the grass field turnouts today!! It seems April is going to finish filled with blue skies and sunshine ☀️
We have 2 horse stalls and 1 pony stall available for our full board and training program. Message us for an interview and tour today!

03/18/2023

It’s time to gear up for our PNW show circuit.
Hillcrest Training has some nice new horse/pony and rider teams joining our local and national competition programs!! We still have a beautiful competition lease horse available for a 6-12 month in barn lease. Contact Heidi Snider Kauffman for more info.

01/26/2023

An excellent read about the Big Eq finals.

This year, my equitation-obsessed, 14-year-old-daughter, Quinn, embarked on her journey in the “Big Eq.

01/17/2023

01/01/2023

“Nothing beats kindness,' said the horse. 'It sits quietly beyond all things.” - Charlie Mackesy
Happy New Year 🎊 From Heidi & Deisy!!

12/28/2022

We ❤️ Ponies at Hillcrest Training!!
There is 1 spot left in our pony program for a rider who is ready to move up from the local competition level to qualifying for and competing at pony finals in 2023. You do not need to currently own or lease a pony.

Applicants can set up a private tour/interview by sending an email with your rider’s age, riding experience and future goals to
[email protected]

10/13/2022

Fall is here and it’s the season for new partnerships, new blankets and new kitten friends. We are excited for our show team to head to the Sunshine Series in in Thermal CA in a few weeks.

08/29/2022

Yes 🙌 🏆🥇🏵

True story 😂
credits: Pinterest

08/26/2022

We had a great start to the Oregon Summer Show and NW Derby Regional Finals!!
Highlights of the first two days…

Heidi Kauffman showed
🔹At Last TW to 5/5 blue ribbons and the Championship in the Large Hunters.
🔹Fiorella to 3/4 blue ribbons over jumps and the Championship in the 2’9 USHJA Hunters.
🔹Arnaby Bo Gracious to the Championship in the 2’ USHJA Hunters.
🔹Doheny to the Res Championship in the 2’6 USHJA Hunters.

Deisy Jiminez showed
🔹Versailles to the Reserve Championship in the 2’ USHJA Hunters
🔹Blue Ribbons 🥇 on Merci Cherie in the Young Hunters & High Tide WF in the 2’9 hunters.
🔹O’Neil Van K and WT Exclusive to top placings in the jumper ring.

03/29/2022

Congratulations to our 2022 Desert Mid Circuit Champion and Reserve Champions!!

🏵 Gorgeous George Champion in the Hunters & Eq with Gordon Rounds
🏵 Arnaby Bo Gracious Champion in the Hunters with Keswick Rounds
🏵 High Tide WF Reserve Champion in the Eq with Aravind Swaminathan

We are also excited to have Assitant trainer Deisy Jimenez join the Hillcrest Training team!!