Exclusive Interview: How Lisa Durbrow and Cyd Shald of Longview Stables Picks Their Next Top Horse?

Longview is family-focused, providing meaningful connections that go beyond the riding arena, with a range of service offerings that are tailor-made to your aspirations and requirements.  We have lessons and in-barn leasing for those just starting out, full board and training for your own horse, as well as the contacts and services necessary to find you a horse that fits with your style and budget.

Our training philosophy: dressage-disciplined flatwork as well as show-ring-level training over fences.  We “save” the big jumps and see greater results from technical flatwork.

Cyd and Cavalier, 3’3 performance. PC - Official photographer from Thermal ESI

PE - What characteristics must the horse have in order for you to consider purchasing?

LS - We like a confident horse.  It is much easier to teach a rider on a horse who knows his job, enjoys it and looks forward to going to the ring.  

PE - Do you have a specific type of horse that you prefer or that you've found to have the most success with? Perhaps they don't move as well but have an incredible jump or vice versa. 

LS - We prefer horses who are light in the bridle.  They do not have to be a hack winner, but a good canter with uphill balance is important.  
 

Cyd and Calou in the 1.10s at SH . PC - Deb Dawson

PE - Do you try to stay within a specific age range when trying horses? 

LS - We don’t do many young horses.  Most of our riders are on horses from 8-15 yrs.  If a horse is in good physical shape we do not shy away from age.  We are proud to have some older, wonderful teachers in our care, a couple are pushing 20! 

PE - Do you think the horses physical capability or mental attitude are more important?

LS - His physical capabilities must get the job done in good form, but we are all about a solid mental attitude.  The horses we get are teachers.  The short stirrup horse and the 1.30 meter horse must have the experience for the job, and the mental attitude to allow a rider to get miles at the respective heights and arenas.

PE -  What are some of the questions that you ask the horses previous owners or whoever you are purchasing the horse from?

LS - We like to know his history both medical and other.  For the bigger jumpers, we like to know if they have been ridden by juniors.  We like to know how much the horses show.  For us, it is important to know how the horse is at home.  Can a child tack it up, graze it, and ride it around the property or down the road.  We stress ‘hands on’ for our riders.  Years ago we bought a large pony and were warned, “This is a child’s pony, but not a pony for a child.”  They weren’t kidding, but the pony (and the child) learned!  We always ask about preparation at shows.  

PE -  Do you prefer to bring along a green horse yourself or a horse that already has experience and training? 

LS - We prefer to have horses who know their jobs.  Usually, we like to be able to have the horse step down to a riders level and then take the rider up the levels.  

Cyd Shald and Lisa Durbrow. PC - Woodside Images

A special thank you to Lisa Durbrow and Cyd Shald of Longview Stables for taking the time to answer our questions and share some of their insights into the equestrian world. To see the current horses that Longview has listed for sale be sure to visit their ProEquest profile!