Our History
How Mar Val Started
If you are a little curious about where the stable name came from .... the late Mardee Kidd (1926-2005) and his brother Val started a grocery store in Lodi, in 1952 called Mar Val Food Stores. His father, Hobson was involved in thoroughbred racing for many years. Val and his father, spent some time as trainers. Mardee preferred to be a breeder/owner as much of his time was spent running the grocery stores. Mardee started Mar Val Stables in 1974
The Start of the Stables
August 1984, Simon and Nannette, along with their children, David and Jenny came here, to manage Mar Val as a private breeding farm for thoroughbreds, including lay-ups from the track.(the property also included Almonds and grapes). Then in 1987, we took in our first boarder (Bev, is still here), and put in our first arena.
In 1995 we have hosted dressage shows which became so popular, that riders come from all over Northern California. In 2006 we expanded to two full courts. We hosted 2 recognized dressage shows including Western Dressage each year and several schooling shows including Western Dressage till 2021
Expansion and Growth
In 2003 we expanded to including a retirement pasture under the shade of almond trees, We also upgraded the lights to our main arena
2005 Mardee Kidd past away, the late owner of the Stables, if it was not for him these Stables would have never existed
In 2005 We cleared some of the Almond orchard to make space for more pasture, which will also serve as parking for when we have events. Sara Wortley starting her training program (left in the Spring of 2014)
In 2006 we expanded by adding a jump arena, relocating the dressage court for future horse shows, plus added a smaller arena for free exercising the horses, along with a 20-meter round pen
In 2011 we built a new hay barn that can store enough hay for all winter, replaced the wash rack and added a second one, built a Break Room with fridge, message boards and a place to sit and eat a snack or go online with your own computer. We had our first Halloween Show which was a great success
In 2012 We expanded into the almond orchard to make room for another 14 horses with 10 large grass paddocks.
In 2013 Nancy Stanley (current English trainer) arrived, with her, came years of experience along with a great sense of humor and energy. We also cleared our last remaining orchard for a trail/obstacle course
2014, We finished with expanding, sat down and had a cold beer! Plus celebrated 19 years of dressage shows
2017 Alice Kidd passed away, the wife of the late Mardee Kidd, she will be forever in our hearts. I wish today they both could see what they started, a place that brings joy and peace for the clients and their horses. A unique place in the modern era of technology
2021 After 26 years of hosting Dressage in Almonds we held our last one, we certainly enjoyed creating lifelong memories with our northern California community of equestrian enthusiasts.
2024 Lanine started lessons for beginners and continues sharing her passion for with riders of all ages and experience levels.
2026 After 42 years of building the stables we are now proud owners of a thriving facility that continues to foster a love for horses and riding among people of all ages. Our mission is to continue providing a welcoming environment for both beginners and seasoned riders alike. We look forward to our son, David continuing what Mardee and Alice started