Thoughtful Training. Confident Horses and Riders. Lasting Partnerships.

Nestled in a beautiful, well-maintained boarding facility just minutes north of downtown Fort Collins and 10 minutes from CSU, we offer a welcoming environment for horses and riders to learn, grow, and thrive.

Our programs include horse training, riding lessons across multiple disciplines, and seasonal youth camps, with opportunities for everyone from first-time riders to experienced equestrians looking to refine their skills.

Regardless of experience level or discipline, we believe that continued growth begins with understanding. Our approach emphasizes connection, communication, and proper horse-and-rider biomechanics, using thoughtful instruction and individualized exercises to meet each rider where they are in their journey.

Our goal is to build knowledgeable, confident riders who develop a deeper understanding of their horses, creating stronger partnerships built on trust, balance, and communication.

Thoughtful Training. Confident Horses. Lasting Partnerships.

Every horse is an individual, and their training should reflect that. We believe in building a solid foundation through patience, consistency, and clear communication rather than rushing the process or taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Whether starting a young or unhandled horse, developing a green horse, providing a tune-up, or working through specific challenges, our goal is to develop a safe, capable, and confident partner who understands their job and is willing to do it.

We prioritize correct fundamentals, physical and mental well-being, and a positive attitude toward learning. By taking the time to develop balance, softness, responsiveness, and confidence, we set each horse up for long-term success, both in and out of the arena.

Because a well-trained horse is more than one that knows what to do. It's one that understands, trusts, and enjoys doing it.

Join our barn family, where you can develop new skills, forge friendships, relax, challenge yourself, and achieve a sense of accomplishment every day. The facility features a spacious, heated, indoor arena with dressage letters and plenty of poles to play with, an outdoor arena with a complete jump course, and close to trails. Learn on one of our happy, safe, well trained lesson horses or bring yours.

We believe that our connections with horses can impart valuable life skills and foster confident, capable individuals who act with kindness, patience, and fairness. Check out our classes, learn about our instructors, and reach out to discover more, schedule a meet and greet or lesson.

Call Us

Sunshine Farm LLC
Welcomes You

Head Trainer

students and trainer at horse show with winnings

Stefanie Thompson

970-698-2433

Living her passion for horses and teaching, every day.

Stefanie grew up in S. Florida training and showing with top trainers in hunter/jumper and dressage. She became a working student during her teen years for a Grand Prix dressage trainer learning how to correctly start young horses. She also worked part time as a groom and rider for several top Hunter/Jumper barns. Stefanie moved to Fort Collins, Colorado in 2001 and began working as an assistant trainer to a top Morgan trainer in the area. Hungry for knowledge, she shadowed other trainers in the front range to learn as many teaching techniques and disciplines as possible. They traveled the Morgan circuit and took horses and students to Nationals in OKC each year. Eventually taking over as head trainer before returning to a more diverse group of horses and riders in 2008. Currently she is teaching and training hunter, jumper, equitation, western pleasure and equitation, dressage, western dressage and runs seasonal youth camps. Traveling to local schooling and CHJA shows along the front range. Showing is not required and students that do not wish to show are happily welcomed with the same enthusiasm as those that do. Her priority is to keep students and horses safe, happy, and educated while ensuring they continue progress along the way. Stefanie feels blessed to have had the opportunity to help countless students and horses acquire foundational skills, develop new techniques and confidently move forward in their learning journey. She is passionate about her work with students and horses of all ages, temperaments and disciplines, while celebrating and supporting their differences. She provides a wide range of services to students and horses from all backgrounds and levels, with a program tailored to each horse and/or rider for their specific needs, goals, and learning styles.