About Us
Why we're different
At M Bar K Equine, we believe horses thrive in a calm, attentive, horse-first environment where quality care and honest communication matter just as much as the riding itself. Located alongside more than 400 acres of BLM land, our smaller, more intimate barn offers endless trail riding directly across the street, along with two well-maintained arenas and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for riders of all disciplines.
Owners Kristan Cross and Melissa Schumann bring decades of hands-on horse experience and are deeply committed to the health, happiness, and individualized care of every horse on the property. M Bar K Equine was built for owners looking for a peaceful, no-drama barn where horses are genuinely cared for, riders feel supported, and people can settle in for the long term.
Horses First
At M Bar K Equine, we know that no two horses are exactly alike. Some are playful, sensitive, anxious, stubborn, quirky, or full of personality and we believe those differences should be understood, not suppressed. Our goal is to create a relaxed, low-stress environment where well-mannered horses are allowed to move, explore, and simply be horses while still receiving attentive, knowledgeable care.
Why M Bar K Equine is for you?
At M Bar K Equine, we welcome horse lovers at every stage of their horse journey from first-time riders taking beginner lessons to experienced horse owners/riders with years in the saddle. We believe learning should feel supportive, encouraging, and free from judgment or unnecessary pressure. Whether someone is building confidence around horses for the very first time or continuing to grow their knowledge and skills after decades of experience, our goal is to create an environment where both horses and people feel comfortable, respected, and excited to keep learning.
M Bar K Owners
Kristan Cross
Kris has spent her life around horses and truly found her home with them. A barrel racer by passion and a trainer by experience, she is a deeply hands-on owner who takes the time to understand each horse’s individual personality and behavior. With a strong intuition for when something isn’t right, Kris is committed to the safety, well-being, and proper care of both horses and their owners. She is the backbone of M Bar K Equine, ensuring the facility operates with integrity, care, and intention.
Melissa Schumann
Melissa’s love for horses began in Pasadena, California, riding the legendary Griffith Park ponies as a child. Gifted riding lessons in 5th grade, she trained for seven years with Greg Shrake before expanding into English and jumping disciplines. She came to met Kris as a boarder at another barn, drawn to a barn that values horse health, soundness, and thoughtful care where she could ride her way, ask questions, and seek guidance without judgment.
Now, Melissa shares her passion with Kris, enjoying trail riding and western pleasure showing. A well-rounded rider, she has the confidence and skill to handle a variety of situations in and out of the saddle, always prioritizing the safety and well-being of both horses and riders.