Deerfield Farm

A+++ My daughter has been taking lessons at Deerfield and has LOVED every minute of it. she is excited to go to her lessons each week and loves the horses and the instructors. If you are looking for a place that will offer structured and safe lessons while giving your child discipline in a loving way- this is the place! I also highly recommend the camps, my daughter age 7 at the time was introduced to Deerfield during camp. She will remember her time at camp fondly for many many years to come. more

The barn there is very nice and welcoming. The girls on the team and the staff is very open friendly. There at deerfield you can be completely open and you will be so safe and cared for. There is no gossip, or clics at the barn. The trainers and everyone there is like family. more

My daughter has been taking lessons here for several years now. I love deerfield and believe they have made a huge impact in my daughters life--many other barns I tried were no where close to the same level. This program comes at a hefty price, though, and as of lately I have been questioning whether or not it's worth it. We could pay half as much for board elsewhere and get better facilities. They teach western and say they teach jumper but despite being promised jumping lessons my daughter has gotten to jump only a handful of times over the past year (and this is with two lessons a week). Lessons with the show trainer are $85/lesson. LEASING a horse is over a thousand dollars a month which is crazy and ridiculous compared to any other barn. As I said the people here are great--Jessica is one of the best trainers in the entire region English or Western. Katie is great with the kids and throws a fantastic summer camp. My daughter has improved her self confidence ten fold since she started here and has made many great friends. Her horse is well cared for. But we have had to make a lot of sacrifices to afford it and I know several other parents who would have to leave Deerfield's program if they had any financial difficulty which to me is not right. I will fight tooth and nail to keep my daughter with deerfield on their junior team for as long as I can, but I am constantly in fear of the day when I can no longer afford it. My one last critique aside from the price is that despite saying they do english, they really don't. I see a few people in english sometimes but there is a lot of pressure to ride western and often you aren't allowed to choose. My suggestion for improvement would be to LOWER your prices! $85/lesson and $1000+ for a lease is crazy especially when your barn is so small. more

I didn't start here until last year, so my experience is recent. However I want to counter the older reviews which are negative and about the state of the barn. I was with the barn all winter and there were no flooded barn aisles or leaky roofs. Yes, during the winter paddock use is limited but every single horse is worked in the morning and given proper exercise every day (I've been there in the morning to see it). Anyway, this place is fantastic. It's truly a positive environment in which you can be yourself and grow. The girls on the senior and junior team are all sweet and helpful. Yes, it does cost a lot of money to be in their program (especially compared to other barns in the area with better facilities) but the care these horses receive is top notch and the girls are well rounded and don't act snobbish at all. I have never seen a horse here that was too thin or unhealthy. I've been here when emergencies happen and they get the vet over IMMEDIATELY to look at the horses. They don't joke around with your horse's health or safety (which should be true of any show barn, but sadly it isn't). Their bedding is high quality (pellets, which are best for a PNW barn). The feed is good and many of these horses are in top condition (if anything they're kept a little fat). The trainers here are fantastic and while they have interns on and off, the assistant trainer has been here since before I got here. There are several people who take lessons and don't show, so don't be discouraged if you're not the show type. The number one thing I have learned from deerfield is not only how to ride, but how to support my horse's body while riding and pay attention to how he supports himself so he can be stable and operate at his best. Instead of allowing to ride kids until their horses are hollow, deerfield teaches you the proper way to ride. I wouldn't trust any other trainer in the area to work my horses, either. All in all.. fantastic place. Great loving community. My only criticism is the cost. more

I just moved here from the east coast I have been everywhere taking lessons so that I can fine the right place for me. I have never been to a more loving safe facility EVER!!! The head Trainer was very helpful and knowledgable. She said the facility is run by herself, her husband and her interns both girls. They run a tight ship, they know their horses very well and make sure that safety is the number one thing. I watched a few lessons and was blown away at the excitment they had for their students, it's high energy and the kids on the equestrian team may come from afluence but they are sweet and eager to help. I can't say enough good things about the place! more

I was reading through the reviews and I felt I should put my 4 years of expirience down. My child had been riding at Deerfield Farm for over 4 years. We were looking for a new facilty due to the lack of safety at the previous barn. I have spent countless hours in the barn aisleway observing and the awarness the riding instructors have while the kids and horses are together is amazing. The schooling horses are gentle and safe. I know the trainer and instructors run the facilty and work very hard to have it be as great as it is. Thank you, Jessica, Katie and Marada keep up the good work. Thank you for inspiring my child to be extraordinary and thank you for showing her whats possible. more

Deerfield farm to me is a place were you can be who you want to be. Deerfield costs alot of money but the benifit of this program your child will have for life. Deerfield is an extrodanary place were its safe for every one to just be, and thats very rare now-a-days. The horses there are cared for so well. The kids that own them them so much. For me deerfield is my life. threw these horses i have lerned things that have altered my life for the better. Thew this program i have got a better relationship with my parents. my grades went frome being at F's to A's. I have friends at school. this happend threw my commitment to deerfield. The trainers there are amazing that truely welcome you with open arms. I feel safe at Deerfield, as there is NO gosip, Rumers, Clicks, or snobyness (this is not tolerated) like you would fined at school. Deerfield showed me the differance that i can make in the world. This program is my life, and i love it. It is fun, energizing and a difficult program. Words can not discribe how much it means to me to be in this program. This program is life altering. more

Good: I love Deerfield Farm sooooo much! This is my favorite place in the whole world. The instructors are great and know a ton! they hav gr8 summer camps and amazing well trained horses, many of which that have been to national and world shows. All the people that ride there are really nice.. Bad: Deerfield charges WAY too much for board and lease. They charge 1200 a month for lease + lessons and 1500 a month for board+lessons. They also have trouble keeping assistant trainers for more than 6 months. Improvements: It would be my dream come true if Deerfield lowered their prices. If my parents told me my only Christmas present was that I could have a horse at Deerfield because they lowered their prices, I would be so happy!. Other: I love this place so much! I want a spot on their equestrian team so bad because Deerfield would give me a chance to really truley turn riding into a mastery skill and even have a shot at competing at NATIONAL shows. I LOVE the horses their soooooo much, they are all great in their own ways. Everyone that works their and rides their are really nice. I also love how hard they push their students, I enjoy the pressure and the challenge. Their monthly overnights are so fun/crazy. I love this place so much. more

I love Deerfield Farm soooo much i cant put it into words! This place has honestly changed my life since i started riding there a little over a year ago. Deerfield is run by great people who are all very knowledgeable when it comes to horses and riding. The lady that owns it is a very neat person. She has incorperated yoga and art into the program as well, which teach you how to focus and express yourself, two qualities that you have to be a truly great equestrian. The head trainer is great an d knows a lot. All the other instructors are really good. My current instructor has taught me so much, not only about riding, but about life. All the girls (and couple of boys) that ride there are all really nice. Deerfield also gives you the oppurtunity to work with WORLDCLASS horses and even compete at NATIONAL/ WORLD shows. The lesson horses are all super sweet and perfectly safe to be around. Deerfield is huge on safety! Deerfield also has AWESOME summer camps! I had soooooo much fun at the one I went to last summer! The only thing I can complain about are the fact that they are SUPER expensive and that they have trouble finding instructors who will stay there for longer than a few months! Ive had 4 instructors in the last year, and although theyve all been great, it would be nice to have a stable situation. Deerfield is also REALLY expensive, as I found out when they asked me to join pre team and then told me i would have a spot on junior team in december. I wanted to do this more than anything, but to lease there, they charge $1200 a month for lease + lessons and $1600 a month for board and lessons! So if you think your kid even might be interested in showing and you cant afford this, then avoid even starting here because then you avoid the pain i have of having to leave an amazing place. Deerfield is also a serious show barn, so if you dont want to get pushed REALLY hard, then i wouldnt ride here. I have so many truly great things i can say about Deerfield, but if you cant aford it, avoid the pain more

I can not out into words how much I love Deerfield farm. Deerfield is a place that teaches extreme dedictation and dicipline. The instructors are great and they know a ton about horses so not only can they turn you into an amazing equestrian, they can bring out the best in you. The barns, both the Jr and Snr barns, are very clean and nice. The stalls are big and roomy and get cleaned at least once during the day. The Young Riders Academy, the program they run through, is a great program that is designed for people who want to be the best they can be, but that means working extremely hard, but in the end you always have fun. My current instructor deserves most of the credit for my riding ability now. When she started at Deerfield in July, she taught me the importance of having a positive attitude and always trying to find the bright side of every situation. Their summer camps are SO fun. These camps teach you equine care, important values, and of course, at least an hour every day of riding instruction. I STRONGLY recommend doing the overnight camps. Their lesson horses are also all excellent in their own ways; whether it be in the show ring or in lessons. Deerfield also provides you with the opportunity to work with world class horses, and if you are lucky enough to be a member of the equestrian team, you may even have the oppotunity to own one. On the other hand though, there are somethings I think are important for people to know. The most important their prices being WAY too high even for a serious showbarn. What they charge for lease and board is almost twice as much as what most other barns charge, as I found out when I was asked to join the Pre Team and then told there would be a spot for me on Junior Team within a few months. Its no surprise to me now why they don't post anything but their lesson prices on their website. So in other words I love this place but they are too expensive! more

We gave this place quite a few chances. As an experienced rider, I was very frustrated with lack of awareness for safety when my daughter was taking lessons. What made us decide to leave was the arrogance of the owner - when our concerns were objectively brought to her attention we were made out to be the problem. more

Deerfield Farm has changed my life SO much, i started riding there about 3 years ago and i am now on the Senior Equestrian Team. Since i have started the program i have been taught extreme state management, how to work with horses (of course), but also just how to be an extraordinary human being. I know i am VEEEERRRYYYYY far off from being perfect, but my eyes have opened. Ever since i have joined the team my grades have improved, because i know what hard work now means. I disagree strongly with the comment that read "Deefield has a snobbish aditude", the team is closer than ever, we are all best friends here, there is no jealousy or gossip, it is one great big sisterhood! All of the girls on the team are endearingly sweet, independant, and caring people that i could not even to begin to describe :).....the jr. traiers are sweeter than a button, and are most certaily on their way (as well as we are) to sucess, they are taught by jessica and Sue quite often, so dont worry about your child not being educated correct and well. And many reveiws have said that the facility is gross and dirty. ALOT of work has been done there, and it is mantained TOP NOTCH, i board my horse there, and he is groomed regularly (when it is not me) ridden 5 days a week by jessica the head trainer, fed well, and his stall is always in great condition! And it is ABSOLUTELY beautifle there (especially in the summer)....and the summer canps areAWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just wanted to put it out there HOW MUCH I LOVE DEERFIELD FARM, and would not trade the experience for ANYTHING IN THE WORLD! more

Deerfield Farm has changed my life SO much, i started riding there about 3 years ago and i am now on the Senior Equestrian Team. Since i have started the program i have been taught extreme state management, how to work with horses (of course), but also just how to be an extraordinary human being. I know i am VEEEERRRYYYYY far off from being perfect, but my eyes have opened. Ever since i have joined the team my grades have improved, because i know what hard work now means. I disagree strongly with the comment that read "Deefield has a snobbish aditude", the team is closer than ever, we are all best friends here, there is no jealousy or gossip, it is one great big sisterhood! All of the girls on the team are endearingly sweet, independant, and caring people that i could not even to begin to describe :).....the jr. traiers are sweeter than a button, and are most certaily on their way (as well as we are) to sucess, they are taught by jessica and Sue quite often, so dont worry about your child not being educated correct and well. I just wanted to put it out there HOW MUCH I LOVE DEERFIELD FARM, and would not trade the experience for ANYTHING IN THE WORLD! more

Good: I love how Deerfield farm is so dedicated to making extraordinary people as well as extraordinary equestrians. They work very hard on helping you develop focus, work ethic, patience, and confidence thru mastery of horsemanship. Also, very friendly and smart staff.. Bad: This barn is more suited to rich people because of the PRICE. $950 per month for board, $600- $800 to be on show team. However, your horses will get worked and trained every day for you.. Improvements: More politeness from the manager. She is a good person, just a little rude sometimes.. Other: Overall, great place. People training, not just horses! Deerfield will teach you how to kick your own butt in life!. more

Deerfield farm is, like Jessica mentioned, truly a special place. All of the instructors are great, knowledgeable, people and are serious about teaching. All of them are expert riders and strong people in body and soul. One of the things I like about Deerfield is that they not only teach you to become an extraordinary equestrian, but an extraordinary person. I love how they have the tradition of saying what they're grateful for before they eat dinner every night. Everyone at Deerfield appreciates life for what it is. If you are looking for a special place that will wrap you up in it's beauty and knowledge of horses, come to Deerfield. more

Deerfield farm is a very special place. When you first get there, there's always a nice instructor to greet you when you walk in. The people (especially the junior instructors) are fun, crazy, and zany, zany, zany. All of the instructors know a lot about the art of horsemanship and are the best in creating the perfect equestrian out of you. However, if you are looking for a barn that is purely dedicated to fun on a horse, this is not the barn for you. Deerfield is a world class, serious show barn that cares and is passionate about the sport of horseback riding. Even though, Deerfield is a serious equestrian barn, no one's to say that it isn't for beginners. If you walk in never having seen a horse before, they will take you under their wing and turn you into a champion. Hundreds of world and national names have Deerfield farm at their roots. If you want to be the best rider and person you can be, Deerfield is the place for you. Deerfield farm is also a very nice place to board your horse. Experts ride and train your horses every day. (If you wish, of course.) Finally, I would like to compliment Deerfield's lesson horses. Each one of them has such a different personality. Altogether, they make up quite a large variety horse personalities, helping to make you an even better rider. So, whether you are in the pursuit for perfection, or just want to become a better human being in mind and body, Deerfield can help you with it all. more

This barn seems to cater to and support snobbish attitudes. While the instruction is great when the lessons are being taught by the head trainer, the junior instructors are seriously lacking not only in people skills but in riding ability. The horses seem to be well fed, but are kept in a stall except when being ridden. If you are interested in riding strictly for fun then this is not the place for you. more

I am not sure that the person who wrote that the facility is bad is talking about the right Deerfield, Deerfield Farm in Preston has a great trainer who has been there for 4 years, and the farm has had major improvements that make it a great place not only for the horse but also for the students. more

deerfield is a place where you fined purpose the 5 points of deerfield to me are 1. focus 2. to teach your kid that they do not get what they whant always when the want it,they have to work for it "Delayed Gratification" and what better teacher to teach them then a horse? 3. to have communicating responsibly 4. to help the body, mind and spirit 5. to have goles, the path where life occurs. deerfield is more then a barn it is a life changing place where you go from every where to in the moment if you are into a barn that can teach world class people deerfield is that place! more

The youth program is fabulous (however they lost their top trainer last year). However, the facility is horrible. The stalls are mostly wet as the barn roof is leaky, the property has virtually no drainage. All of the pastures are unusable in the winter months and the barn aisles flood. The footing in the arena is not regularly replaced. The stalls are not cleaned well and they only use very minimal bedding. The bedding is always wet (which is due to the leaky roofs) Also, I found the hay quality extremely poor. Much of the fencing is bad. It is too bad that the facilities do not match the top notch youth training program. more