Who We Are

Moonstone's humble roots began in Santiago Canyon with our head trainer, Kim Stanford, and her daughter, Sami Riffenburgh-Franco. Together, the two have worked on building their riding academy and sharing their love for horses and the equestrian sport to many others.


Through hard work and dedication, Moonstone Riding Academy grew to become home to many wonderful horses and fantastic riders.


Our Community Culture: 


Family like support, building friendships with other likeminded individuals who enjoy the equestrian world and lifestyle.  

Through Deliberate practice, working through desirable difficulties, stretching your goals, reaching your accomplishments step by step/inch by inch to become who you may not even know who are going to become.  There's an amazing possible future for all but we do have put in the work. 

At Moonstone, we are here to be on that journey with you if you desire to attempt that path.  


We welcome you to join us and become part of our horse-crazy barn family!

Our Team

Dedicated to the well-being of our horses and riders.

Kim Stanford

Head Trainer, Owner
Kim started riding at a young age and competed throughout most of her Junior years. Her knowledge and experience helps her with guiding her students to become better, well-rounded equestrians. She has many years of experience with equine rehabilitation, successfully bringing horses back from severe injuries into the show ring.

Javier Franco

Barn Manager, Head Groom
A third generation horseman, Javier was raised around horses from a very early age. He has worked for many large-scale race trainers at Pomona Fairplex and Los Alimitos, along with several private facility trainers. He has experience working for reining trainers and has been head groom at Hunter/Jumper shows for over a decade. He has a love and passion for athletic, well groomed, healthy horses and takes pride in his work.

Sami Riffenburgh-Franco

Assistant Trainer
Sami began her riding career at a young age and worked as an exercise rider for years. She has successfully taken green riders and horses from the basics to the show ring and has a passion for teaching. Her method includes building confidence for horse and rider through gentle guidance, correct riding, and patience.

Ally Powers

Riding School Instructor
After 8 years of helping build this Academy, Ally has gotten married and has moved out of state to start the next phase of her life.  We all will miss her dearly but will look forward to seeing what her next adventures  will be.  Many happy years to come for her and her family.

Starting at a young age, Ally has always had a passion for horses. She began riding at age twelve but certain circumstances had to put a hold on her lessons. She found Moonstone after her long break and joined the team in early 2012. Under the guidance of Kim and Sami, she has been able to pursue her love of horses and continue riding. She greatly enjoys working alongside the horses and loves teaching younger students.

Harley & Luna

Barn Mascots, Rodent Experts
Harley and Luna hold a special place here at Moonstone Riding Academy. Luna was adopted summer 2013 as a kitten; Harley joined early 2015 from another barn. Both are known to many around the stables, especially Luna as she enjoys long walks around the facilities and loves making new friends. Harley prefers staying close to his favorite spot in the office and is never afraid to remind us when it's dinner time.

Our Academy Horses: active mounts: Moby, Rogan, Roxy pony, Jackson

Captain Hook
"Hook" We are heartbroken to share that The Captain has left us on June 18th, 2020  He crossed the Rainbow Bridge & is now galloping in the heavens he deserves. You have earned your Wings big man.  

Breed: Thoroughbred

Color: Seal Bay

Favorite Thing: Treats

Boston Brahmin
"Boston" Retired in a well earned pasture to relax after years of service.

Breed: Trakehner

Color: Bay

Favorite Thing: Ear Rubs

Clara D
"Clara" Was retired and living the good life at Heart Bar Farms & recently left this beautiful earth and earned the Angel Wings she always deserved 

Breed: German Warmblood

Color: Bay Tobiano

Favorite Thing: Chin Scratches

Reality Check
"Hershey"

Breed: Thoroughbred

Color: Seal Bay

Favorite Thing: Shoulder Scratches

Mobius
"Moby"

Breed: Dutch Warmblood

Color: Bay

Favorite Thing: Wither Scratches

Trix 'R For Kids
"Trixie"  Retired and moved to Family off site

Breed: Miniature/Shetland Cross

Color: Chestnut Tobiano

Favorite Thing: Food