Jim Cherry
Trainer/Owner
The story of Cherry Stables goes way back to childhood for both Jim and Helen. They both were born and raised in California and met at the age of eight taking lessons with Anne Speck at Rancho Del Mar. Growing up, they attended the same high school and were childhood sweethearts. When Jim was thirteen his family put horses in training with Hall of Fame trainer, Rob Tanner. When asked about his career choices growing up he replied, “I thought I’d be a horse trainer or a baseball player, but I never grew tall enough for baseball.” Jim’s parents began raising American Saddlebreds in Missouri and he traveled there to train the colts. Jim and Helen together began their business in Missouri and pursued their passion to train American Saddlebreds. After moving back to California years later, together they created Cherry Stables in Vista, California. Currently, Jim is a respected and accomplished judge in the horse show circuit, having judged at the World’s Championship Horse show just a few years ago. As of 2021, Jim proudly serves on the American Saddlebred Horse Association board. Jim’s success as a trainer is not just about accolades; it’s about his unwavering dedication to every team he mentors. He invests his entire being into thinking about how to make each individual team successful. His approach is not just professional; it’s personal. For Jim, it’s not just a career; it’s a lifelong passion, and every victory achieved by his teams is a reflection of his dedication and expertise. With Jim at the helm, Cherry Stables continues to thrive, creating successful partnerships and achieving remarkable milestones in the world of The American Saddlebred.
Helen Cherry
Trainer/Owner
While also growing up in California, Helen began her show ring career riding under the instruction of Anne Speck. Helen became a very accomplished equitation rider, having won top awards at the American Royal. Once returning from Missouri to California, Helen began her instructing career under the guidance of Anne Speck. Since opening Cherry Stables, Helen and Jim work alongside each other to run a successful business. Helen’s first personal world championship ride was on WCC Victoria Lynn. She then later instructed her youngest daughter, Caroline, to her own World Championships on the same horse. Helen has instructed many riders to the equitation winners circle, such as the UPHA National Pleasure Equitation finals, World Championships, and National equitation finals at The American Royal. Together, this team has reached the pinnacle in every realm of the Saddlebred world. They are the perfect complement to each other. Helen isn’t just an instructor; she’s a leader, a mentor, and the backbone of our business and lesson program. Her passion for teaching, her dedication to her students, and her love for the Saddlebred world shine through in every lesson she imparts. Her ability to instill confidence, refine skills, and nurture the unique bond between rider and horse is truly exceptional. In Helen, we have found an invaluable asset. Her commitment to excellence, her leadership skills, and her genuine joy in seeing her students succeed make her the driving force behind our success. Together with Jim, she forms the perfect team, ensuring that Cherry Stables continues to reach new heights in the world of Saddleseat.
Kiko Urena
Trainer
Everyone meet Kiko! With a rich background in training acquired from farms across the country, Kiko brings a wealth of experience and a warm, approachable demeanor to our stables. Kiko is a dedicated professional who understands the intricacies of horse-human relationships. His commitment to creating perfect pairs is unmatched, and he devotes undivided attention to every horse and rider under his guidance. His friendly nature and positive attitude create a welcoming atmosphere, making both beginners and experienced riders feel at ease. Throughout his extensive career, Kiko has mastered the art of horsemanship through hard work and a genuine love for his craft. His ability to connect with both horses and clients on a personal level sets him apart. Cherry Stables considers itself incredibly fortunate to have him on board. His expertise, coupled with his patience and kindness, ensures that every training session is not just productive but also enjoyable. Join us in experiencing the joy of riding, guided by Kiko’s expertise and dedication. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, Kiko is here to help you achieve your equestrian goals and forge unforgettable partnerships with our magnificent Saddlebred horses. Come, be a part of our riding family, where passion, professionalism, and positivity converge under Kiko’s expert guidance.
Alex Boersen
Instructor
Welcome to our vibrant riding community, where passion for horses is met with expert guidance from our dedicated instructor, Alex. Alex grew up in Michigan and her husband is in the Marines. Together, their adventurous personalities have found a love for the outdoors. Her versatile personality paired with a genuine love for teaching, Alex has become a driving force behind our equestrian program. Alex is patient, knowledgeable, and endlessly encouraging. For beginners, Alex’s calming presence and clear instructions instills confidence from the very first lesson. Intermediate riders benefit from her insightful guidance, helping them refine their skills and overcome challenges. Our advanced riders find inspiration in Alex tailors her lessons to match individual skill levels, allowing everyone to progress at their own pace. Her positive and encouraging approach creates a friendly atmosphere where riders feel comfortable asking questions, trying new techniques, and, most importantly, enjoying the ride. Her knowledge of horse behavior and her commitment to safety allows for her students to enhance their riding skills and their overall horsemanship. We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have Alex as part of our team. Whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps into the equestrian world or an experienced rider striving for excellence, Alex is here to inspire, educate, and guide you on your riding journey. Join us for lessons filled with positivity, encouragement, and expert instruction, and discover the joy of horseback riding under Alex’s expert guidance.
Daughters, Allison and Caroline, grew up successfully showing American Saddlebreds from coast to coast. Allison has a successful career as an elementary school teacher, and now focuses her time on raising her two adorable daughters. Her eldest daughter, McKenzie has recently started taking lessons at Cherry Stables. We already know she shares our love for animals and passion for the sport. Caroline lives in Los Angeles and is pursuing a PhD in molecular toxicology. Her future plans definitely include returning to the show ring!
Cherry Stables 