About Sophie
Turning a childhood dream into reality.
Sophie St. Clair is a Grand Prix rider and trainer based in Southern California, operating out of San Pascual Stables in South Pasadena. She began riding at age seven at the same barn she now calls home returning years later as a coach, rider, and founder of Saint Clair Equestrian.
Her junior career was shaped under the guidance of European Grand Prix champions David and Caroline Sterckx. By the end of her junior years, Sophie and her mare Ottavia des Hayettes had become top competitors on the Southern California Grand Prix circuit.
After earning degrees in Legal Studies and Media Studies from UC Berkeley, she returned to the sport with a renewed sense of purpose not just to compete, but to build a values-driven coaching program rooted in passion, integrity, and excellence.
Sophie’s Approach
Where competitive edge meets character-building
In 2020, she founded Saint Clair Equestrian, a boutique training and sales program focused on high-performance coaching, international horse scouting, and the development of young talent both human and equine. Sophie is especially passionate about developing young Grand Prix prospects and helping her students shine on the national stage. Her approach blends correct foundations, mental resilience, and a deep respect for the horse.
Sophie’s approach produces riders who don’t just win; they grow into confident, capable young people ready to lead in and out of the ring. Her students and their parents know they’re part of a program that values character as highly as clear rounds.
Whether she’s bringing along a promising six-year-old or coaching a rider to Pony Finals, her mission is the same: to cultivate greatness through patience, precision, and partnership. If you’re ready to work hard, ride with purpose, and rise to the challenge, you’re in the right place.
From the trainer:
“When chasing big dreams, the right guide changes everything.”
