Historic Westwind Barn is owned and operated by the Town of Los Altos Hills. The facility sits on 15 acres and is adjacent to the Byrne Preserve. The Countess Margit Bessenyey purchased the property to serve as a breeding facility and training center for her Hungarian horses. She worked out of Westwind Barn with world-renowned trainer, Linda Tellington-Jones, whose work with people and their horses continues today in clinics across the country. In 1976, Countess Bessenyey donated the Westwind site to the Town. In 2009, Westwind Barn underwent extensive renovations, making it a state-of-the-art horse boarding and training facility.

Amenities

• 50' x 100' brand new all-weather rubber and sand dressage court
• 100' x 200' all-weather rubber and sand jumping arena, with full sets of jumps, flower boxes, gates and a liverpool
• 51' new Eurofelt round pen with 4' 6" wood panels to minimize kick injuries
• Large grass field with jumps
• Cross-country track around the lower half of the property. Jumps include a bank, coups, standard fences and log jump
• Connections to the Town's Pathway system, with direct access to San Antonio, Arastradero, and other large, local spots for trail riding. In all, there are 63 miles of maintained trails in the Town
• Hot water wash racks
• Boarder tack rooms, with one saddle and one bridle rack, space for a standard-size tack trunk, and two grain bins
• Multiple cross ties, wash racks and tie rails
• Comfortable meeting room with small kitchen

Boarding

Boarders at Westwind Barn have access to facilities that are maintained daily to a high quality standard. Boarding is open to the public and options include stalls and pasture. Additional services are available to boarders, including 7-day blanket service, grain, trailer parking, free-choice hay nets, and extra turnouts.

Training

Horse owners at Westwind Community Barn have several options for maintaining their horse's training or furthering it. They may work with one of the Town's trainers, or since the barn is a public facility, horse owners are welcome to bring their own trainers. Proof of professional liability insurance is required, and the Town of Los Altos Hills must be named as an additional insured. A facility use fee is charged each time a professional uses the facility, and haul-ins must pay an additional facility fee.

For more information on training and boarding, please contact Barn Manager, Crystal Petralli at 650-941-6113 or 650-269-5129 (cell).

Year Round Riding Program

The Town's Park and Recreation Department offers a Year Round Riding Program. The program provides riding instruction aimed at the beginner and intermediate riders who do not own or lease a horse. Classes are six weeks in length, are held in small groups and are available to youths and adults alike. Week-long riding camps are offered during the Spring, Summer and Winter breaks. Riders are grouped according to experience, age, or individually. Private lessons and leases are also available. For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 650-947-2518.

Westwind 4-H Riding Program

Westwind 4-H began its program of providing horse riding lessons to children with physical handicaps in October 1987. Riding lessons during Fall, Winter, and Spring are held on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. In the Summer, riding classes are held on Monday evenings in July.

Westwind 4-H is operated through the Santa Clara County 4-H, which is part of the University of California Youth Development Program. For more information, call 650-947-8689 or visit the 4-H website at www.westwind4h.org.