I moved to San Diego in 2008 to attend SDSU and fell in love with this city! After graduating with a degree in anthropology, I began my career as a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor. In October of 2020 I left the therapeutic riding center I was working for and started my own business. I saw there was a great need for connection, being outside in nature, and having a safe space to be amidst the pandemic. My lesson program has now expanded to offer healing workshops and sessions using the horses and other healing modalities, including yoga and reiki. When I am not “horsing around” I enjoy exploring everything the different communities in San Diego has to offer. I love attending music and dance events and connecting with people in the health, movement, and art communities.
About Samantha Hoffman
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I grew up in the Bay Area with my parents and younger sister. Throughout our lives, our parents have been incredibly supportive of anything we want to do. I loved horses and my sister loved dancing, and our parents helped fuel our passions. Both of my parents are self employed and having the example of entrepreneurship is something that has influenced me in my own career path. As a family, we share the values of following our passions, leaving things better than we found them, and spending quality time together creating memories.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
The underlying theme for my current, past and future careers is helping people. I absolutely love seeing the transformations and breakthrough moments my clients have when working with me and the horses. Helping people tap in to their most authentic and embodied selves lights up my soul. I have always loved horses and felt a special connection with them, and it is such an honor to be able to share that with people of all ages and abilities.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Never stop exploring and growing. There is so much to be experienced in this life, and we are only here for a finite time. Follow your heart, take the risks, and live life fully.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I see myself continuing to grow and learn, both in my business and in life. I see myself hosting and facilitating healing retreats, starting a family of my own, and picking up many new hobbies along the way.
Samantha Hoffman & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My go-to restaurants in my community are Maya Moon, Red House Pizza, The Haven Pizzeria, and Stella Jean’s Ice Cream. I am gluten, dairy and soy free, and these restaurants have some delicious options that work for me, and for my family and friends who have no food sensitivities.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have been living in San Diego for almost 15 years!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
One of my favorite things about living in Normal Heights is how friendly the community is. I love walking down the street and greeting everyone who passes by. During the pandemic, all of my neighbors in my apartment complex and some of the surrounding apartments became a really close community. We would have potluck parties and hang out in the courtyard. In a time that was so isolating, I feel so fortunate to have been able to be in a place where we created such a great community
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I live a short walk from Kensington and one of the things I love is that some homes have portraits of the home painted on the sidewalk. I love all the street art on Adam’s Ave as well.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would love to have lunch with someone I had never met before. I really enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories, and learning about life through the experience of others. We would meet at Red House Pizza for some delicious pizza and then walk down the street to Stella Jean’s for ice cream.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
One of my favorite movies is Across the Universe
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that I used to be incredibly shy growing up.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Living in San Diego. The food scene is amazing, we have incredible nature from the beaches to the mountains, and pretty amazing weather a majority of the year!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My students inspire me to be better and continue growing
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, safety, love
