Autumn Sun Farms Owner and Trainer Sara Wortley turns out balanced horse and rider combinations with a strong emphasis on dressage principles.  She has safe lesson horses and welcomes new students to her program.  She excels at training young talented horses and instilling confidence in riders from beginners to experienced hunter/jumper equestrians. Sara keeps her riding skills sharp by attending monthly clinics at Mar Val Stables with Jutta Schott, who believes in true classical dressage.

While majoring in Equine Studies at U.C. Davis, Sara trained the U.C. Davis Equestrian Team for three years.  After graduation, she continued her equestrian career by working for Rudy Leone. During her three years at Leone Equestrians she rode the sale and training horses and ran the day school lesson program.  Sara then moved to Southern California to train under Mandy Porter and ride with Holly Hugo Vidal.  Sara moved back to the Sacramento area in 2006 to be the assistant trainer for Carol Wright of Melodic Farms.   Using the amazing experience she obtained both riding and instructing, Sara created her own training system and opened Autumn Sun Farms in 2007.  

Sara currently rides out of Mar Val Stables, located on Lucas Road in Lodi, California, where Sara was born and raised.  Mar Val offers three arenas, including a jumping arena, grass turnouts and several affordable boarding options.  There are also miles of trails to cool out and give your horses a little break from training.  The stables are surrounded by almond trees, which provide a beautiful atmosphere year-round.  Horses enjoy being here, and it shows in their appearance and temperament.