Celebrating a Decade of Equestrian Excellence
By PIPER KLEMM, Ph.D.
As the Paso Robles Horse Park celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the facility stands as a testament to how vision, community focus, and thoughtful design can create an equestrian venue that serves riders of all levels while maintaining a commitment to accessibility and excellence. Founded by lifelong horsewoman Linda Starkman, the Paso Robles Horse Park has become a “showcation” destination–a combination of high-quality horse shows and a vacation experience.
Lovingly grown by a long-term team–Paso Park director Amanda Diefenderfer has been with the Paso Park since before it opened its gates–Paso Robles Horse Park is committed to creating an environment that serves competitors across all levels in an area of California known for, well, everything.
“Paso Robles is an incredible community–the food downtown is spectacular. There’s wine tasting throughout. You literally can get a vacation rental amongst the vineyards… and then in 20 minutes be sitting at the beach. No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for on your showcation, it’s definitely here near the show grounds.”
While many venues focus exclusively on nationally-rated shows due to financial incentives, the Paso Park intentionally maintains what they call their “Pathway Series” –B-rated shows and schooling shows that provide affordable stepping stones for riders working their way up the competitive ladder. This commitment to accessibility is evident in their pricing structure. Stalls for their Pathway Series cost just $200, while schooling show stalls will never exceed $100–a point that Diefenderfer notes that Starkman and the Paso team are adamant about maintaining.
The venue also offers innovative programs like the 2EX Young Horse Program, which allows competitors to build custom divisions for developing horses at all levels, not just those on track for Grand Prix or high-performance hunter careers. Their scholarship program provides financial support for competitors at every competition they host.
As the equestrian show world continues to evolve, Diefenderfer expresses concern about the loss of smaller, boutique shows that offer unique experiences. “I think if we don’t see the sport stand up and fight for the unique experiences, they’ll look back one day and wonder where they went,” she says. “And I think it’s really important that our industry continues to stand up and protect the things that are unique and are not just those that we have to go to but that are the shows we want to go to.”
The Paso Park’s design reflects Starkman’s experience as a competitor, with wide roads, spacious 20-foot barn aisles, and large warm-up arenas that prevent congestion. This thoughtful layout, combined with a commitment to finishing most show days by 5 PM, encourages competitors to enjoy both the competition and the surrounding area.
A strong focus on wellness for both horses and humans is another hallmark of the Paso Park’s philosophy. They maintain exceptional footing as a key contributor to horse health and have a dedicated wellness staff member–a retired trauma ER professional who not only helps with emergency preparedness but also inspects hay quality and monitors other factors affecting horse and human competitor wellbeing.
Community building remains central to the Paso Park’s mission. Staff members are empowered to recognize and reward good sportsmanship, and educational hours bring industry professionals together with riders to break down barriers. Diefenderfer personally makes a point to be visible and accessible during shows, walking the grounds regularly.
Their volunteer program offers opportunities for involvement at all levels, tailored to each individual’s interests and experience. This not only helps with show operations but also provides pathways for those interested in learning more about potential careers in the equestrian industry.
As Paso Robles Horse Park enters its second decade, it continues to embody its founding principle: “If it’s not fun, we’re not doing it.” By maintaining this focus on accessibility, community, and quality experience, the Paso Park is helping preserve what makes horse shows special, ensuring that equestrian sport in California has both a strong foundation and a bright future.
