CHALLENGING MOUNT; CLINIC HELPS RIDERS IMPROVE SKILLS.

Byline: Angela Randazzo Staff Writer

Whether you're a beginner or at home in the saddle, most riders work to improve their horsemanship, which is why youngsters and adults are turning out this week for an equitation clinic at Elvenstar Riding Academy.

Among them was 9-year-old Whitney Coleman, a student at Santa Rosa Elementary School who did her studying Tuesday at the stables.

``We're learning how to control our horse, keep our hands still and keep a tight rein,'' said Whitney, who has been riding for two years and enjoys competing in local events. ``Horses are very sweet and kind.''

Nestled in the hills of Moorpark, the Elvenstar Riding Academy with its pristine stables, white fences and lush shade trees has a quaint English charm. This week's clinic taught by blue ribbon-winning rider and show judge Scott Hofstetter is one of a variety of training classes held throughout the year.

Hofstetter, who started riding when he was 8 years old, won the Maclay Finals Competition in 1986 in Madison Square Garden, one of the top events for young riders.

He hails from Florida and goes around the country giving clinics in English-style riding and jumping. This is the first time Hofstetter has taught at Elvenstar and riders were eager to learn from his expertise.

``I'm going over the basic positions,'' said Hofstetter. ``The weight and the heels. How to sit on a horse and exercise to help develop their balance.''

During the pony skills class, six riders under the age of 10 practiced their body position as their horses trotted around the arena.

Then, they worked on their jumping technique.

``I want to make sure the kids aren't afraid to jump,'' said Hofstetter. ``I don't want to push them too hard. I have to figure out who I can push and who I have to lay off and let them take their time.''

Katie Bergerson of Chatsworth brought her 8-year-old daughter, Kari, to the clinic and watched as the child and her horse, Tia, went through their paces.

Kari Bergerson started riding when she was 2-1/2 with her mother in Elvenstar's Mommy and Me classes.

``Kari loves horses,'' said Bergerson. ``Working with Scott will help her to improve certain points in her form and to gain experience.''

The three-day clinic is among a range of services at Elvenstar, from boarding horses to grooming services.

Owner Jim Hagman strives to make his riders, as well as his horses, feel at home.

``It's a place for people to come together who have similar interests,'' said Hagman. ``Everyone who comes here is a part of the family.''

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4 Photos

Photo: (1--Color) Nicolleta Von Heidegger, 8, left, Suzie Middlebrook, 10, and Whitney Coleman, 9, listen to instructions Tuesday during the riding clinic.

(2--Color) Students at the Elvenstar Riding Academy clinic spent two hours Tuesday with show rider Scott Hofstetter jumping hurdles and learning basic showmanship skills.

(3--Color) Riding coach Scott Hofstetter keeps an eye on Whitney Coleman, 9, as she makes a jump with her horse at the riding clinic in Moorpark on Tuesday.

(4--Color) Scott Hofstetter, an award-winning rider and show judge, gives directions to students at equitation clinic.

Eric Grigorian/Special to the Daily News