About Sarina

Sarina Oliver — Founder, President, and Head Trainer

Sarina's journey in the equestrian world began at the age of 7 at Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center (MBHTC) under the guidance of Anne Phipps, where she first learned to ride. From an early age, she also volunteered at Anne’s therapeutic riding program, helping children with special needs experience the joy of horses. Those early years taught Sarina compassion, patience, and the power of connection between horses and people of all abilities — values that continue to shape her teaching and training philosophy today.

Her passion for horses grew into a competitive career in hunter jumper riding from age 8 through her teenage and young adult years. As a young rider, she was an active member of the United States Pony Club and now serves as the Center Administrator of a local Pony Club Riding Center. In high school, Sarina rode for her school's Interscholastic Equestrian Association team, qualifying for regional zone finals two years consecutively.

With over a decade of experience teaching riding lessons and training horses, Sarina’s expertise has been shaped by diverse and meaningful experiences. She spent two formative years as a working student under Shannon Lilley, which deeply influenced her approach to riding and training — and sparked her enduring love for Three-Day Eventing. In recent years, Sarina has continued her education in dressage under the guidance of renowned trainer Vicky Matisi in Santa Cruz County.

Sarina operates her training program primarily from Ramor Oaks Riding Club in Watsonville, CA, while her lesson program is centered at Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center in La Selva, CA. She takes pride in fostering strong, trust-based connections between horse and rider, prioritizing exceptional horse care, and tailoring every program to the individual needs of each student and equine partner.

Recognizing the need for greater accessibility and inclusion in the equestrian world, Sarina founded Da Vinci Equestrian Foundation, transforming her successful lesson program into a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable, inclusive, and educational horsemanship opportunities for youth of all backgrounds and abilities.