Our Trainers
At Hunter Lane our experienced trainers offer a wide range of services and riding styles, including Western and English instruction. If you would like more information, or to set up an appointment with a trainer, please reach out to them directly.
If you or someone you love would like to try therapeutic riding, please see our Equitherapy page.
Jack Burns
English
Jack offers a thoughtful, individualized process rooted in classical principles and shaped by real-time insight.
His practice is in dressage and working equitation, but his approach is shaped by a broad and deep background across disciplines. He specializes in working with horses who’ve been rushed, confused, or shut down by conventional systems—and with discouraged riders who know there must be a better way.
For more information about working with Jack, please contact him directly.
Dianne Sommerfeld
Western
Over 40 years Dianne has developed a successful non-pro program for those that would like to show or just enjoy bettering their horses and their riding skills.
Dianne Sommerfeld is originally from Long Island where she Evented and rode Hunter/Jumpers. She made her way to Santa Rosa, Ca, to work with some of the great Bridle Horse/Stock Horse greats. Dianne’s clients have been successful in the showpen in Reining, Ranch Riding, Cowboy and Western Dressage.
For more information about working with Dianne, please contact her directly.
Caryn Hoeflein
Western
With more than 35 years of experience in the horse industry, Caryn Hoeflein has dedicated her life to developing well-rounded, confident horses and knowledgeable, safe riders.
Caryn's background includes barrel racing, gymkhana, reining, cow horse, obstacle challenges, drill team, ranch riding, and natural horsemanship.
She has been the coach and is the current drill team captain for the PRDC Rodeo Drill Team and has twice performed on horseback onstage at the historic War Memorial Opera House during productions of Carmen with the San Francisco Opera. Caryn also works closely with the CHANGE program, training and helping to adopt rescue horses that enter the program.
In addition to training, Caryn became a certified equine body worker in 1998 and continued her education in acupressure, Bach flower therapy, and KT taping for horses. She believes successful training starts with whole-horse health, focusing on stretching, balance, conditioning, and strength development. “If we expect horses to perform like athletes, we must train them like athletes.”
Specializing in problem horses, rehabilitation, and natural horsemanship, Caryn emphasizes safety, communication, and helping owners better understand how horses think and learn. Her goal is to create confident partnerships between horse and rider built on trust, consistency, and respect.
Caryn offers full training programs, lessons, re-starting, rehabilitation work, and personalized coaching for both horse and rider
