Nestled in the foothills of the Angeles National Forest, less than half an hour from congested downtown Los Angeles, lies Goldspirit Farm.
Owned and operated by USEA Level II certified instructor Susan Friend LeTourneur. Goldspirit Farm is a private training facility for three day eventing, Most people don’t even know this place exists. When searching for a trainer or a barn for their daughter or themselves, prospective customers usually wind up at the bottom of the mountain next to the freeway at one of the big equestrian centers in Los Angeles. Pity.



Established in 1999, Goldspirit Farm embodies all the sought-after qualities of the dream farm location. The skies are blue and free from smog and the mountains offer majestic views from the jumping ring and dressage court. There are some cross-country fences, including ditches, banks and a water jump. There is a gallop track on the perimeter and trails into the hills on the property for a peaceful walk before or after a ride. There is access to the local trails for miles of conditioning or just out-for-fun trail rides.
The barn facilities are clean, organized and safe. Stalls are bedded weekly with fresh shavings. They have automatic waterers and fly-sprayers and are well ventilated. “Well cared for stalls make happy horses,” says Susan. “Happy horses make for great riding!” There are lights in the tack room, grooming areas, barns and arenas for lighted horse keeping and enjoyment even during the short days of winter.



The property is gated and the gate code is given only to members of Goldspirit Farm. In addition, Susan Friend LeTourneur and her husband, who were just married last year, live on the property. As such, they provide 24-hour security. There are no barn hours, and dogs are allowed with certain restrictions. Susan strives to make all members of Goldpsirit Farm feel welcome and at home while at Goldspirit Farm.
The best amenity of Goldspirit Farm is the riders. Ask Susan about the facility and she will talk more about her students than herself. “The boarders and students here are the best group of equestrians,” says the facility owner and trainer. “They are friendly, honest, helpful and fun. They not only want to achieve new goals with their horses, but have fun along the way.”
It is very important to Susan that Goldpsirit Farm is a haven from every day life. “We come to the barn to be at peace with ourselves, our horses and the world. Here we can do that. There are no barn politics, no gossiping and no hatred. We work as a team. I love to see the friendships that develop from students at Goldspirit Farm. Goldspirit Farm is my haven, and I want my clients to have the same good feelings.”
Susan built Goldspirit Farm to have a place to train riders wishing to excel in their sport, as well as to provide a place for herself to do the same. Susan has several horses that are available for lessons. Most of these horses have years of competition under their belt, and enjoy competitions still.
Among these horses are Wolfcreek and Jewel. Wolfcreek was Susan’s Intermediate horse, with whom she ran the Radnor CCI** several years ago. Jewel is a super fun imported Belgium Warmblood that is fun to jump and do dressage with, Susan reports.
Susan has three of her own horses that are currently competing. After recovering from an injury in 2006, Felix the Cat is back to enjoying his competitions at the Preliminary level. Susan and Felix have two completed Preliminary horse trails this summer with clean cross-country rides and they plan to qualify for a CIC* next spring.
Can’t Touch This is a new horse for Susan. He is a dashing, yet complicated 11 year old Thoroughbred gelding that is currently competing in Training level. Her youngest horse, Baloo, is just starting his career. He completed his first horse trials at the Beginner Novice level in the summer. Susan also rides Peter Pan Can, a 6 year old Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse cross owned by her uncle Lawrence Friend. According to Susan, he is one of the neatest horses she has ever jumped. “I am blessed right now with some great horses that love their job; making my job much easier.”
Susan welcomes those who “want to escape from the everyday crazy world without traveling outside the Los Angeles Area and want a fun, safe place to ride and enjoy great views and great company” to give Goldspirit Farm a try.
For more information check out the website at www.goldspiritfarm.com, or call at 818-834-1272.