Monte Vista Christian School in Watsonville is one of only a handful of California schools affiliated with an equestrian training center. This middle school and high school equestrian program offer horseback riding lessons as well as advanced equestrian training for students starting in 6th grade. This equestrian program in Santa Cruz County serves students from such areas as Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Salinas, and San Jose. Not only is MVC one of the few schools to boast such a program, its affiliated Belmont Training Stable also has one of the top show barns in Northern California. Belmont Training Stable’s Interscholastic Equestrian Association team has earned a state championship for 12 consecutive years. Students love being able to come to school and groom and ride horses. One student shares, “The team is so much fun! Being able to ride at school makes every day exciting!” Students who own their own horses also have the added benefit of being able to ride them during the school day, since Belmont offers a horse boarding program.