Warm welcome to new chapter members Lauren Ogden and Tim Forster, a husband and wife team whose training program is located at Asuncion Valley Farm in Templeton, CA.
Lauren began riding at age 12, teaching at age 14, and has many accolades in the show world including her USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals, and our own chapter's 2024 FEI Highpoint award. She became assistant trainer to Olympian Guenter Seidel in her early 20's and had the privilege of riding under Guenter's tutelage for many years. She has studied with many top trainers including Christine Traurig, Herwig Radnetter, Dietrich Von Hopfgarten and Heidi Gaian. Lauren is passionate about bringing horses and riders up through the levels using a gentle and compassionate approach.
Pictured below with Dr. Diamante, a bay Holsteiner, Lauren has him moving up from second level to Intermediate in just two years after a career as a jumper. Lightness, harmony, and a classical position are the foundation of her training methods. Lauren’s students appreciate her high standards coupled with her patience, and they have enjoyed much success in the show ring while developing rewarding relationships with their horses.
Tim Forster is an accomplished horseman with extensive experience across Europe, North America, and Australia. He managed prestigious stud farms in both Australia and North America, overseeing all aspects of horse care, from breeding and foaling to weaning and early training. With a track record of starting over 1,000 horses across all riding disciplines, Tim has developed a reputation for producing well-rounded, adaptable equine athletes. Below,
In the competition arena, Tim has successfully shown through the FEI Small Tour, often working with horses that required a change of discipline or re-education within their field. His training philosophy emphasizes ride-ability, ensuring that horses develop a relaxed, confident, and positive mindset - a hallmark of his program's success. Tim is shown below riding 17.1HH KWPN gelding Index, who was spirited and some thought even dangerous. With the goal of building relaxation, confidence and trust at the root of his re-training, Tim took the talented Index from Second Level to PSG in one year, scoring 67% at Thermal. Index is now the sweetest barn favorite.
Please feel free to call or email if you would like to visit Asuncion Valley Farm, and if you see Lauren or Tim at a local show, please pause to say hello!
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