About Us
Founded in the Los Angeles Equestrian Center over 30 years ago, Bennett Farms is one of the largest stables in the Center, and we have based our entire platform on one thing - our shared love of horses. Our barn community and services offered are all developed with the best interest of riders and their horses in mind. We love to share our excitement with new riders, and we strive to maintain an environment that grows with our clients, providing for all riders of different stages and interests. Whether you are a horse owner, leaser, new student, old friend, or just want to be around horses, we'd love to welcome you to our community.
Jim Bennett
Owner, Horse Trainer, & Riding Instructor
Jim Bennett was born and raised near Shelbyville, Kentucky. Born into an equestrian family, he 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. It is through this unique combination of academic training and work experience in behavior modification, psychology, sociology, and a lifetime of horsemanship that 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 with others, and find a warm community for competitive and hobbiest riders alike. Looking at Bennett Farms today, it is easy to see Jim's dream realized - it is a place where people with a shared love of horses come to relax, grow, and enjoy riding.
Sharon Grosshans
Riding Instructor & Interscholastic Coordinator
Sharon Grosshans, 4th generation equestrian, has been surrounded by horses her whole life and 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 her riding students, Sharon began working with the United States Equestrian Federation to establish the Saddleseat and Western School League of Greater Los Angeles, (SWSL). It was her personal goal that students in grades 6-12 be recognized for their time and their skill. The SWSL Horse Shows help students meet the requirements for the USEF Varsity Letter Program.
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.
Courtney Martin
Riding Instructor
Celebrating Who We Are
With 3 Generations of Ladd Women
This is what Bennett Farms is all about - creating a community that can be shared with generations, built on our love for these amazing animals and companions. We're so happy to have such wonderful riders and genuine people in our midst!
Watch this awesome video below on our best gals, the Ladd ladies! It's a special thing to have three generations involved so closely with the same passion, and so inspiring to hear how they all started, and what their goals are. (and see all of them ride so beautifully!)
Video courtesy of Richfield Video Production. Check out their impressive video archives here!