James Hagman, Head Clinician at Stanford University Equestrian Team 

A pivotal moment in this Ventura County native’s life was when Jim’s parents purchased a 12.5 acre parcel of rugged, rocky California hillside and created “Elvenstar Riding Academy and Show Stables” in 1980. Jim’s passion for horses began at the age of nine, trail riding in the beautiful mountains between Hidden Valley and Thousand Oaks. His early equestrian experience encompassed trail rides, gymkhana, and local horse shows.

This passion took Jim to Foxfield for his first formal lesson and an introduction to a riding academy structure and layout. Jim’s interest and his parents support provided him many years with the most prominent professionals in California, showing and training horses as a junior rider.
After college, (and nearly succumbing to a career as a lawyer!) his love of riding brought him back to his life-long passion with horses and resulted in the establishment of “Elvenstar,” one of the most successful riding academies and prominent show stables in the United States. Many of Elvenstar’s students have achieved regional, as well as national awards, including at the Metropolitan National Horse Show held in New York at Madison Square Garden.

Jim partnered with Stanford during the initial concept phase of the barn’s redevelopment using his vast experience to help provide a vision of the new facility. After recognizing his many talents, Stanford persuaded Jim to work with the Stanford Team as a Coach and Clinician. He makes the trip up to Palo Alto as often as he can around Elvenstar’s busy show schedule to do intensive clinics with the Team. Jim’s is truly the Team’s Equitation Specialist and works with all levels on their riding and presentation in the show arena. The Team appreciates Jim’s goal-oriented focus, boundless energy and never-ending sense of humor.

Excerpt from: Standford University