The Lakewood Equestrian Center

Meet Our Trainers

Sigourney Gallo Funderburk

Sigourney Gallo Funderburk of Wildling Equestrian LLC has built her career in the horse world from the ground up, guided by a lifelong passion that began when she first climbed into the saddle at just six years old. What started as a barefoot, bareback “wild child” connection to horses gradually evolved into a dedicated pursuit of horsemanship, where she honed her skills through hands-on experience, including working student positions that shaped her discipline and work ethic. Today, she channels that journey into her work at Wildling Equestrian LLC, a training-focused program rooted in foundational horsemanship and rider development, helping others progress from their first ride to competitive arena.

Programs & Pricing

Pepe

Pepe is a horseman who has devoted his life to working with horses and the people who love them. With experience across a wide range of breeds and disciplines, Pepe brings both knowledge and passion to every aspect of horsemanship. His greatest interests are barrel racing and team roping, but his approach emphasizes balance—keeping horses happy through a mix of arena work and time on the trail.

When not working with his own horses or helping clients with theirs, Pepe can often be found traveling to competitions. His lessons focus on building strong partnerships between horse and rider, with an emphasis on communication, understanding, and mutual respect.

Pepe believes that every rider and horse can achieve their goals, whether big or small. He works alongside his students to create clear goals and guide them step by step toward success.

Programs & Pricing

Sandie Mercer Stables

Sandie Mercer offers lessons and training onsite at the LEC. Sandie Mercer Ranch, Inc. has a well-established program of bring new riders along. A stable of suitable school horses are available for students to start and learn on. Programs provided by Sandie Mercer Ranch include summer camps and scouting group programs along with year round private and group riding lessons. Introductory English and western lessons are $85 per 1/2-hour private lesson. Discounted packages of 4 and 8 weekly sessions are available. Training of privatly owned / leased horse and riders is available through Sendie Mercer Stables. Training packages can be customized to fit the goals and needs of each horse/rider pair.

Sandie grew up on horses from age 2 riding and showing hunters, Jumpers and equitation along with Saddle seat and western disciplines. At 15 she began teaching lessons at Equestrotel Stables in Long Beach and moved to Lakewood Equestrian Center in 1986. Sandie and many of her clients have local and national wins and year end Championship awards within the regional divisions throughout Southern California. Sandie believes in the public riding school model offering horses for clients to learn on prior to buying or leasing their own horse.

Programs & Pricing

Barnyard Buddies

Lessons for the youngest riders ages 3-7 are available throuh our pony ride operator. Beginning lessons and basic horsmanship skills are offered on super safe ponies and small horses. BYB lessons are a great first step for any aspiring young equestrian!

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Heather Cecola

Hunter / Jumper Lessons with Heather Cecola at LEC!,

Mentor and Coach for Horse, Rider, and Aspiring Professionals

Heather is a lifelong horsewoman known for her calm, grounded presence in the arena. With experience ranging from the racetrack to the jumper ring, western work, rehabilitation, and re-starting, she brings a deep understanding of both the horse’s mind and the rider’s process. Heather specializes in mentoring riders who are returning after setbacks, building new confidence, or learning to communicate more clearly with their horses.

Her approach is simple and steady: slow down, listen well, and do the work that’s in front of you. She focuses on clarity, honesty, and thoughtful progress — helping both horse and rider set real goals and reach them one meaningful step at a time.Heather is available for training resident horses at the Lakewood Equestrian Center, with limited availability for haul-in lessons or training.

Programs & Pricing