Clean Flight Equestrian

I have been riding with Mimi for about a year and a half now. When I was referred to her, I had recently moved back to the Bay Area, was horse-​less, and when I went back to my previous trainer, it was apparent they were more invested in making a buck than finding me the right horse. I started looking for a horse (unsuccessfully) on my own, and had pretty much thrown in the towel, until someone recommended Mimi.
Having grown up riding hunters and later working for a 3 day trainer, I know just how much can go on when an owner is not at the barn, and how much wool can be pulled over a clients’ eyes. I was not too sure about working with any trainer. Desperation must have gotten the best of me, because I ended up giving Mimi a call and setting up a time to meet and get a tour of Sunny Hill Farms, where they are located. Ironically, the day I arrived, Sunny Hill Farms was more like ‘Complete Downpour Farms’ and everyone was cozy in their stalls. Mimi gave me a shortened tour of the farm, (per my request, as I didn’t bring my water wings), told me about her program, and answered all my questions. What struck me most about Mimi that day, was her positive, upbeat attitude, experience, and her ability to listen.
Soon enough we were horse shopping together, and I was pleased to find Mimi shared my exquisite taste in horses and understood my desire to get something that I could ride now, yet have lots of room to grow on. Mimi and I looked at a lot of horses, and her reputation offered us the flexibility of bringing several in on trial. Mimi’s determination, perseverance, and eye for quality, helped me find a wonderful horse, and the transaction went smoothly. Before ‘Mr. Right’ came along, there were a few ‘Mr.Okay’s’ and a ‘Mr. No Way’, I found Mimi to be very professional when dealing with other trainers and sellers.
Mimi’s work ethic is second to none, to say she is dedicated seems like an understatement. She is fully immersed in her work, and she is great at what she does. It is not just about what happens inside the arena for her. Mimi and her barn manager, Carlee, handle everything from the ground up. It is not uncommon to see Mimi at the mounting block with a horse who has forgotten their manners, patiently dismounting and re-​mounting until the horse stands still.
Mimi seems to have endless amounts of patience for her horses and clients. When she is riding, you will often hear her praising the horse verbally. When she is teaching, she offers her insight in a tangible way, as well as listens to what you are experiencing.
The last thing I would say about the Clean Flight program are the high standards of horse care. Mimi makes sure the horses are taken care of properly, which is important to me. The horses get excellent care every day of the year. They also hold everyone to high standards of care, which minimizes the risk for all the horses.

I have been riding with Mimi Harwell (Clean Flight Equestrian) for several years and I can’t say enough about how great the experience has been. Mimi is extremely knowledgeable, compassionate, and supportive… she has given me confidence to learn and grow as a rider. She, Carlee and Dan take fantastic care of the horses. They give the clients and horses an outstanding level of devotion and care — — highly recommended!