About Us

Located in Burbank, Bennett Farms is an oasis for horse lovers in Los Angeles. Our programs and services are developed with the best interest of horses and riders in mind, and our community is open to all.

Jim Bennett

Owner & Trainer

Born into an equestrian family near Shelbyville, Kentucky, Jim Bennett began showing horses at an early age. Along with a lifetime of show experience and equine knowledge, Jim brings over 40 years of horse training expertise and a Master's degree in Behavioral Psychology together to train horses to perform at their very best. Using this combination of behavior modification, psychology, and a lifetime of horsemanship, Jim has defined the goals of Bennett Farms. Jim's dream has been to create a supportive environment for all equestrians to grow in their equine knowledge and skill, share their love of horses, and find a warm equestrian community.

Sharon Grosshans

Riding Instructor & Interscholastic Coordinator

As a 4th generation equestrian, Sharon Grosshans has been surrounded by horses her whole life, and she showed Equitation in the mid-west extensively in her youth. With over 20 years' experience as an instructor in the LA area, she is passionate about helping her students realize their goals. A strong advocate for the recognition of her riding students' skills, Sharon worked with the United States Equestrian Federation to establish the Saddle Seat and Western School League of Greater Los Angeles (SWSL).

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Alexa Sivazlian

Riding Instructor

A graduate of William Woods University in Missouri and a native Los Angeles resident, Alexa works tirelessly to provide the best care for the Bennett Farms horses, and the best lessons for the Bennett Farms clients. You can find Alexa as an integral part of the barn's daily routine - working the horses, giving lessons, and enjoying her free time with her horse Moe and dog Biscuit.

Nancy Goebel

Lesson Coordinator

A life-long horse lover, Nancy began riding seriously in 1998 when she and her daughter started taking riding lessons at J. Bennett Farms. Drawn to the welcoming and relaxed community, she now coordinates the riding lesson program at Bennett Farms. Nancy is a fantastic teacher to young students, and she has a special interest in those who, like herself, came later in life to the sport. When not at the barn, Nancy is hard at work at her orthodontic practice where she helps both children and adults find the smiles they've always wanted.

Jim Bennett at Del Mar, 1984

OUR HISTORY

Born in Kentucky, Jim was raised in the home of the American Saddlebred and the historic horse shows like The World's Championship Horse Show in Louisville. In 1984, Jim brought a piece of that history to Los Angeles when he brought his Saddlebreds here to train and founded Bennett Farms in the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Now after 30 years, Bennett Farms is one of the largest stables in the Center, and the Los Angeles home of the Saddlebred. We strive to provide the best services to our clients, providing for riders of all levels and interests. From first lessons to world championships, we are here for the journey together.