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Welcome to Hillview Equestrian!

Specializing in multi faceted training with an individualized approach. Ruben believes there is no one system for all horses and adjusts his program as such.  With the help of access to two premier facilities  he is able to help all levels of horses and riders as well as focusing on bringing up young horses to their maximum potential.

Please enjoy exploring the website and discover how Hillview Equestrian
can bring the top rider out in you. Welcome to our barn!

About Us

Ruben Arce
Trainer / Owner
Ruben rode his first horse at the not so young age of 17 after being persuaded by a friend to attend a nearby riding academy.  Already an athlete, it came natural to him and he learned to jump and moved up the levels quickly. He spent a good portion of his short amateur career winning at local and regional shows in the jumper ring.  Ruben started his professional career as young rider in the world of three day eventing.  He worked his way up the ranks at Goose Down Farms in New Mexico where, after proving himself as a dedicated horseman, he was given the opportunity to ride and show horses from beginner novice to the 2* level. Perusing a more demanding training opportunity, Ruben moved west to California to train at Denville Kannani Farms.  He helped many clients find, train and compete horses, as well as his own, for many years. Building a reputation for good character and ethics in his business practices, as well as his talent and skill working with horses, it was time for him to move on and start his own business.  He had a boutique eventing training business out of Woodmyst Farms where he also focused on starting young horses. Although he appreciated the skill and ability of the event horse and the cross training process, it was time to move on and focus on competing in the jumper circuit.  The opportunity to work with Peter Breakwell in Portola Valley came along at the perfect time. For the last 4 years he had the pleasure to work with top quality hunters and jumpers out of Breakwell Stables, and really hone his skills towards the training of jumpers at all levels.  Ruben has had the opportunity to train, clinic, compete and work with top quality horseman in many disciplines and brings these experiences to his clients today. He constantly continues to  better himself so he can be the best trainer possible.  Not all riders or horses are the same, and we all have different goals. Ruben caters his program to make sure we are all successful in our personal and professional goals.
Sonee Arce
Barn Manager
Inheriting a love for animals, especially horses, from her grandmother as well as her mother- it seemed fitting that Sonee caught the bug as well.  Her first horse was a shiny, chestnut, AQHA mare they found in the Penny Saver.  Copper was the perfect first horse, showing Sonee how to stay on and deal with red headed mares and truly love going fast and adventuring.  Spending most of her junior career in the gymkhana ring or trail riding bareback- most of her formal training was a bit later in life.  Many wonderful horses and excellent trainers later (including Ruben for almost the last 12 years!), she has been blessed with the opportunity to compete in the upper levels of dressage and eventing.
 
Although the technical skills needed for hunters and jumpers were not a strong skill set of hers, the appeal of the process grew and for the last 5 years she has had the pleasure of competing her horses in those arenas. As an amateur rider she balances her riding and competing schedule between working as an office manager for the family owned veterinary clinic in the East Bay, while taking care of Ruben, her horse Moose and their three dogs Chili Bean, Leila and Butters.
 
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