This barn was told to me as a good, warm place to go. It might be if you're 12, and don't own a horse or have cared for your horse, or know anything about horses in general. Not a good barn for people who have had horses in their lives forever, and know the ropes. This barn has good care for the horses, and all the horses look good, but the management has their own agenda. If you are a boarder, they require you take lessons despite the fact that both you and your animals are very seasoned--in some cases more than the people who want excercise your horse. The owner is wonderful and down to earth, but is only there on the weekends. I found there to be a gaping lack of communication between the person who was ""working"" with my horse and myself. I had specific things that I wanted to be accomplished for the extra cost, and she wanted to do her own thing. The barn opens later in the AM than most, (normal feed times at MOST barns is around 6AM) and closes earlier than the average working person can get home and change to go and ride. (7PM) Apparently, this does not even allow for the normal ""bed check"" at night time right before the horses go to sleep for the night to make sure that all the horses are okay. (There is a 12 hour gap where the horses are on their own) If you want later hours, special arrangements must be made prior to coming on the farm with the owner. All in all, this is not a barn that has a good ""community"" bonding for more experienced adults who just enjoy riding. It's great, however, for children who need to learn not to walk behind horses, how to tack a horse, and learn to walk, trot and canter. I have been to about 4 barns since owning a horse (15 years) and this is the most uptight and rule-regulated barn I have been to. Not a barn for those who expect to be respected as knowledgable and experienced equestrians.
Pros: The owner is really a lovely person. The horses look good and are taken care of.
Cons: The barn is over-run with children taking lessons, and doesn't promote a sense of community.
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