Owner and Trainer:
Wanda Weldy (Livelsberger)

   I was born and raised in San Diego and being a horse brokers daughter I began my riding career before I could walk. By the age of 4 I was breaking my own ponies and at age 5 I headed for the show ring. I began showing in Western Pleasure but was soon drawn to share the love of Hunter/Jumpers with my sister Wendy. I purchased my first jumping pony, "Springtime," at the age of 7 for one dollar, of which I payed for in change out of my piggy bank. Springtime was for sale because the show barn she was at didn't have any kids that could ride her. Springtime taught me and I taught her. We progressed from cross-rails to 2'6" but tragically she passed away before our debut in Pony Hunters.
    Many more ponies came and went through our family ranch, all of which I trained in various disciplines according to their strengths and sold. But by the age of 10 my older sister was outgrowing  her Connemara pony, Killer Kelly, and felt that I had come far enough to take him over. Killer had earned his name only due to the fact that he had been saved from slaughter by my mom at the age of 2. Now at the age of 10 he was still afraid of his own shadow but had the biggest heart of any pony I had met. Through some trial and tribulation we finally found our bond and we achieved many Pony Hunter championships as well as jumpers through 3'6". In fact, one day, when we were both 14 years old that amazing large pony sprouted wings for me and we won a local high jumping contest at 4'6".
    Later, at the age of 16, I launched my equestrian teaching career by starting a training business called "Hot to Trot". I taught children basic horsemanship skills and hunt seat and we participated in local and one-day county shows. Through the years I have had the opportunity to teach in many different programs always learning and growing as an instructor as well as a rider.
    Now, 15 years later, I'm enjoying my place at Royal Oak Stables where I can combine my passion of educating young riders with developing equine athletes in preparation for the show arena.
    The MOST rewarding aspect of my work is watching my students fall in love and truly appreciate the horses they work with. I then, only need to take that bond and help them both focus it toward success.

A tribute to
"Killer Kelly"
For 25 years I was watched over, taken care of and unconditionally loved by a very special pony with an oversized heart.
He taught me many of life's valuable lessons and helped me to see what was truly important.
Killer Kelly gave me wings to fly, he helped me to soar over every trial and every journey that life took me through.
I only hope that each of my students can have a similar experience to take with them through life.

Killer Kelly
1977 - 2004
Thank You for everything
We love and miss you

        Seventeen years ago, assistant trainer Kim Cullip attended a two-week long summer horse camp, where she fell in love with riding. As she grew up, Kim spent hours at the barn riding any horse she could. Her hard work and dedication was rewarded with many championships throughout the years. Five years ago, she moved from her hometown of Bakersfield to San Diego to attend college, where she joined the UC San Diego Equestrian Team. There, Kim gained knowledge, experience, and versatility as she served as team captain for three years and qualified for the intercollegiate nationals her senior year. Since graduating from college in June 2008, Kim joined the Royal Oak team full-time, where she enjoys spreading her love of the sport to the kids and their ponies.

Wendy Jo Weldy (Auburne) came on board with Royal Oak Stables in the Summer of 2008. Sister of Wanda, Wendy shares much of the same background breaking and training green ponies as a child. Her love and dedication to the Hunter/Jumper style has awarded her numerous Championships throughout her Junior years. Now back in the horse industry Wendy Jo brings her skills and talents as a horsewoman to the Royal Oak Team and has proved to be a very valuable asset.