Marissa Walker
Manager Horse Play Rentals, Inc.
Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center

My horse fever began young when I rode my first pony at the OC Fair at the ripe age of 3. My non-horse parents were keen to observe my fever and do what any good parent would do and allowed it to flourish. I spent my summers in horse camp and my winters watching Black Stallion, Pharr Lap, Horse in the Grey Flannel Suit, and the Man from Snowy River. I scraped up rides through elementary school with friends that had horses and would devote my spare time to reading every horse book in print. At the end of elementary school, my parents allowed me to lease my first horse , JimBob. He was an old trail QH from the mountains and I was determined to turn him in to my own little Hunter/Jumper. He loved it, I loved it, and we were great! He taught me so much and was so patient with my poor seat and horrible cues.

As his owners were headed for a divorce, I inherited one of their other Hunter/Jumpers, Missy. Missy was my first horse and a hot QH/Morgan cross. We jumped but she wasn't nearly as patient with me as JimBob. She taught me even more and as we could not afford training, I continually sought more information. I would sit and watch the great trainers' lessons. Being an Orange County brat, we were blessed with world renowned trainers at our boarding facility. I would sit and watch the lessons and then try to apply what I watched.

I lost interest in horses at the typical age of 17 where boys and parties were more fun. I eventually sold Missy to the program where I first learned to ride. I continued to teach horsemanship classes for the recreation department and found myself having a child a couple years later. Child in tow, I looked hard to get back in the industry. I ended up in Orange at a trail riding and lesson facility. I was in heaven again! I had found my dream job! I guided trail rides, taught lessons, and gloated in the daily horse care. I eventually had to continue my college education and headed to Oregon State University's Equine Program. Once in Oregon, I received a lot more formal training in classes and was a working student for a high class Three Day Eventing barn. I showed throughout college in the Interscholastic Horse Show Association, USCTA, and locally in schooling shows. After graduating, I was a bit burned out on horses and took a couple years off to give back to the community as a social worker.

My two years out of the industry left me with desire and drive to return to the industry. I applied vigoursly for equine employment as a trainer, saddle distributor, farm manager, riding instructor, magazine sales rep, stall cleaner, anyone that was willing to open my resume. I realized I would have to broaden my Atlas page and include the whole West coast and not just the Northwest. I took a job working for a horse magazine in the central coast of California. The area was beautiful but the job just wasn't for me. Fortunately, the Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center advertised their need for a manager of the trail riding business in our magazine. I was hired on the spot and moved back to Orange County to fulfill my dream job! Here I am, working with wonderful people, wonderful horses at a wonderful business.

I currently manage a small trail riding business in which we take the public on guided trail rides. We also offer clinics, birthday parties, children's programs, Girl Scouts, Internships, and enrichment programs. A wise horsewoman once told me, "Do what you love and you will never work another day in your life." So here I am loving every minute of it!