Introduce your company and your role within it. What problem were you compelled to solve when you started?
Oakland Stables’ focus is to develop world-class sport horses and riders within a program built on excellence, precision and Welfare of the Horses. Rooted in top-level international show jumping, the business blends elite competition with thoughtful training, horse development, and a strong team culture.
With bases in Wellington, Florida, Darien, Connecticut and Europe, Oakland Stables operates year-round, focusing on producing and campaigning horses at the highest levels of the sport while also fostering the growth of riders at various stages of their careers. The program emphasizes consistency, and long-term development rather than short-term results.
At its core, Oakland Stables is driven by a passion for the sport, a commitment to equine welfare, and a belief in building partnerships — between horse and rider, owner and trainer, and within the broader equestrian community.
Describe your core business model. Do you work with in-house teams, external partners, or a hybrid approach—and why does that structure work for you?
Oakland Stables operates as a high-performance, full-service show jumping program centered on structured planning, individualized horse management, and a collaborative team approach. The business runs across two seasonal bases — Wellington, Florida, and Darien, Connecticut — allowing for year-round training, competition, and horse development.
Daily operations are built around carefully designed training schedules tailored to each horse and rider, ensuring optimal fitness, mental well-being, and competitive readiness. The program integrates top veterinary care, farrier services, physiotherapy, and nutrition planning, working closely with a trusted network of industry professionals to support horse health and longevity.
Competition planning is strategic and long-term, with horses and riders placed in appropriate classes and circuits based on their stage of development and performance goals. At the same time, Oakland Stables maintains a strong focus on mentorship, education, and team culture, fostering a professional environment that values discipline, respect, and horsemanship.
Overall, Oakland Stables operates with precision, consistency, and a commitment to excellence — prioritizing sustainable success in both sport and horse welfare.
In an increasingly competitive market, what truly differentiates your company?
What truly sets Oakland Stables apart is not only its leadership at the highest levels of international show jumping, but the exceptional quality of its broader training team. The stable is built around a group of highly skilled, experienced, and respected trainers who bring diverse expertise across disciplines, levels, and styles of riding. Each trainer is carefully selected for their technical knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to the Oakland Stables philosophy, ensuring that every horse and rider receives world-class guidance — regardless of their stage in development.
This depth of talent creates a truly comprehensive program, where riders benefit from multiple perspectives, structured mentorship, and a consistent standard of excellence across the entire operation. The collaborative dynamic among trainers fosters innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement, setting Oakland Stables apart from more individually driven programs.
Additionally, Oakland Stables’ multi-base model — operating in Wellington, Florida; Darien, Connecticut; and select locations in Europe — allows for year-round development, access to premier facilities, and seamless participation in top international competition circuits. This global footprint strengthens the program’s competitive advantage, providing continuity for horses and riders while ensuring strategic access to both American and European showjumping calendars.
Which industries or sectors do you primarily work with today, and how has that focus evolved over time?
Oakland Stables serves a diverse and discerning clientele within the equestrian community, including competitive riders, horse owners, and aspiring athletes at various stages of their development. The program works with elite international competitors seeking top-level management and performance support, as well as ambitious amateur and developing riders who are committed to improving their skills within a structured, professional environment.
The stable also serves horse owners who prioritize thoughtful development, exceptional care, and strategic competition planning for their horses. Whether a young prospect, a high-performance athlete, or a seasoned competition horse, each Horse is managed with individualized attention and a long-term perspective.
Beyond riders and owners, Oakland Stables serves the broader equestrian sport by contributing to the training, mentorship, and development of talented professionals within the industry, fostering a culture of excellence that extends beyond the barn.
What services or solutions are currently most in demand—and why do clients seek you out specifically for them?
Clients come to Oakland Stables for expert guidance, structured development, and world-class performance management in show jumping. Riders and owners seek out the program for its strategic, results-driven approach to training, competition planning, and horse development, as well as its reputation for professionalism and integrity at the highest levels of the sport.
Clients rely on Oakland Stables for individualized training programs that balance technical precision with horsemanship, ensuring both competitive success and the long-term well-being of the horse. Many also come for access to top-tier coaching, a collaborative team environment, and exposure to premier competition circuits in the United States and Europe.
Additionally, clients look to Oakland Stables for comprehensive management — from selecting and developing young prospects to campaigning elite international horses — as well as mentorship, career development, and a clear pathway for riders aiming to progress within the sport.
How do you personally stay ahead of industry shifts when insights and data age so quickly?
Oakland Stables stays ahead through a combination of strategic planning, continuous innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in both sport and horsemanship. The program takes a forward-thinking approach to competition and horse development, consistently evaluating training methods, performance data, and industry trends to ensure that horses and riders are positioned for long-term success.
A key element of staying ahead is Oakland Stables’ access to and collaboration with leading veterinary, farrier, and performance specialists, allowing the team to integrate cutting-edge care, conditioning, and technology into its daily operations. This holistic approach helps optimize horse health, soundness, and performance while reducing risk and enhancing longevity in the sport.
Additionally, Oakland Stables’ global presence — with operations in the United States and Europe — provides strategic flexibility, exposure to different competition environments, and the ability to adapt quickly to shifting calendars and opportunities. This international perspective keeps the program competitive at the highest level.
Finally, Oakland Stables remains ahead by investing in its people — fostering a culture of learning, mentorship, and collaboration among trainers, riders, and staff. By continuously refining its standards and nurturing top talent, Oakland Stables ensures that it remains at the forefront of modern show jumping.
Do you see a strong base of repeat clients? What do you believe drives that long-term trust and loyalty?
Client loyalty at Oakland Stables is built on trust, transparency, and a genuine commitment to each client’s long-term success. The stable prioritizes strong, lasting relationships by providing consistent communication, personalized attention, and a clear strategic vision for both horses and riders. Clients remain loyal because they feel supported, valued, and confident in the program’s direction.
Oakland Stables fosters loyalty through its dedication to excellence in horsemanship, competition, and professional conduct. By consistently delivering high standards of training, care, and performance management, the team earns the confidence and respect of its clientele.
Additionally, the collaborative and supportive culture within Oakland Stables — where clients are treated as partners rather than customers — strengthens long-term relationships. This shared commitment to growth, integrity, and achievement is what keeps clients engaged, invested, and loyal to the program year after year.
How do you measure success beyond deliverables, and ensure a consistently high client experience?
Oakland Stables manages success by combining high performance with a structured, transparent, and client-centered experience. Clear communication, thoughtful planning, and individualized strategies ensure alignment between the stable and its clients at every stage of development.
The program has a proven track record of mentoring riders to the Olympic level, while multiple horses developed and campaigned within Oakland Stables have also reached the Olympic Games — demonstrating excellence at the highest level of the sport.
Client satisfaction is maintained through professionalism, consistency, and a commitment to both competitive results and the long-term well-being of every horse and rider in the program.
What kind of post-engagement support or ongoing collaboration do you offer clients?
Oakland Stables maintains ongoing collaboration with clients through continued communication, performance feedback, and strategic guidance. We remain available for follow-up coaching, program planning, and advisory support to ensure continuity, trust, and long-term success beyond individual competitions or training periods.
How is your pricing structured (fixed, retainer, milestone-based, or otherwise), and what philosophy guides those decisions?
Oakland Stables operates on a fixed, structured pricing model that provides clarity, consistency, and transparency for clients. Our pricing is guided by the level of service, expertise of our team, and the resources required to deliver the high-performance standards and care that define the Oakland Stables program.
What is the typical investment range for your projects, and how do you communicate value at that level?
At Oakland Stables, value is measured by quality, expertise, and long-term results rather than price alone. Our program represents a premium investment that delivers sustainable development, high-level performance, and exceptional care for both horse and rider.
Have you ever declined projects due to scope or budget misalignment? What are your minimum requirements for a successful partnership?
Oakland Stables serves riders from our riding academy through Olympic-level athletes and everything in between. Our minimum requirement is a commitment to learning, respect for horsemanship, and a willingness to work within a structured, professional program.
What has been one of the most defining challenges your company has faced in recent years, and how did you overcome it?
In recent years, Oakland Stables has adapted to changing competition schedules, travel logistics, and economic conditions with flexibility and strategic planning. By maintaining operations in both the U.S. and Europe and prioritizing clear communication, the stable continued to develop horses and riders while strengthening its program for the future.
How do you foster innovation internally while staying adaptable to emerging trends?
In recent years, Oakland Stables has adapted to changing competition schedules, travel logistics, and economic conditions with flexibility and strategic planning. By maintaining operations in both the U.S. and Europe and prioritizing clear communication, the stable continued to develop horses and riders while strengthening its program for the future.
What role does company culture play in your success, and how do you intentionally build and protect it?
At Oakland Stables, culture is a fundamental part of our strategy. We have built a high-performance environment rooted in respect, accountability, collaboration, and horsemanship — principles that guide every aspect of our program. This strong, values-driven culture ensures consistency in how we train, compete, and care for both horses and riders.
By fostering open communication, teamwork, and mutual trust among riders, trainers, staff, and clients, we create an environment where everyone is aligned toward shared goals. This culture not only supports individual success but strengthens the overall program, enabling Oakland Stables to perform at the highest level with cohesion and integrity.
Where do you see your company in the next 5–10 years? What bold goals are guiding your decisions today?
Looking ahead, Oakland Stables is focused on continuing to elevate its presence at the highest levels of international show jumping while expanding its impact as a leading training and development program. The stable aims to further strengthen its global footprint across the U.S. with a strong presence in Europe as well,, building on its success in developing top horses and riders for elite competition, including the Olympic and championship level.
Oakland Stables remains committed to innovation, excellence, and sustainable growth — investing in its people, its horses, and its facilities while maintaining the core values of horse Welfare, integrity, and teamwork. The long-term vision is to not only achieve competitive success, but to shape the next generation of riders, professionals, and equine athletes within the sport.
How has your leadership style evolved over time, and what experiences have shaped it most?
Oakland Stables’ leadership style has evolved to be more collaborative and people-centered while maintaining a strong performance focus. Competing at the highest levels of international sport, managing elite horses and riders, and building a multi-location operation have shaped a leadership approach rooted in communication, adaptability, and strategic vision.
Which emerging technologies, platforms, or market shifts are you most excited about right now?
Our sport is dynamic and there is always new technology coming along, not only tack wise, which focus on our horses and their performance, but training aids and methods to be used by our trainers. Something we are really excited about is the use of AI in veterinary care , particularity for diagnostics, and health monitoring to support proactive horse management.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders? Share one lesson from your journey that still resonates deeply.
Be patient, stay disciplined, and always put the horse first. The best careers are built with integrity, hard work, and a lifelong commitment to learning