ok, to be honest didnt start great. First few sessions weren't that great. My mom got our daughter a Groupon for Christmas for 4 lessons.( Our daughter was born with a gift of loving horses and so good with them! she's rode a few times and did summer camp here. ) My husband and I felt very disappointed until we gave them another chance buying another month of lessons at normal rate (as they won't let you use another Groupon even if you didn't purchase it. ) we were skeptical. ......... Until we met Molly. She BLEW us away! She changed the game. Our 9 year old really responded to her well, it was shocking the change in her attitude and lesson. Finally, our daughter was riding like she should've been the whole time. Learning more in that one lesson than the entire month before. I would say we lost money in that fist month but in the end we were blown away. It was worth it. I cried at our last lesson (fist with Molly) as I FaceTimed my husband a mom as well as videoed our daughter doing so amazing and riding with confidence. Molly changed the game. We now have each lesson with Molly and found our daughter the best lady in town! It was worth it in the end. I think you just have to find your child or yourself a teacher that fits best with your child's or your personality. I wish it didn't take as long as it did though. I don't like to see my daughter in lessons with "teachers" doing nothing though(especially at the rate in this economy) which sucked but there is a silver lining thankfully... we went through 4 "teachers" and we only want molly! The owner has been amazing as well to communicate all our needs and help us make our daughters dreams come true in this life of being a horse riding cowgirl! Thank you Amythyst!!! Molly is a star! read more

Lynne Hartman leases horses from people and does not care for them properly. I had to take my horse back when it was "discovered" he had an extremely advanced case of white line disease. I recently was contacted by her former student who informed me she had told Lynne about the white line long before it progressed and it was ignored. She was having students show and take lessons on him all the while he was lame. The only reason she told me about it was because a potential buyer got x rays. After I took him back she told people he was dead. I also learned she forced a horse with a broken jaw to continue to give lessons and she's abused other leased horses. She must have one hell of a lawyer because apparently cases against her get dismissed. We had to spend all of our money on rehabilitating him so we could not afford to sue although she absolutely deserves it. I'm writing this only in hopes I can save another horse from this. Please beware of this woman. Photo is the horse in question getting his foot x rayed and resected. She's completely full of crap so I'm sure she will have some retort. Read the other 1 stars, all these people who don't know each other had the same experience. I wish I saw these before I sent my sweet boy there. read more

Amythyst Preformance Horses - My horse having his hoof x rayed and resected to repair the damage caused by neglect. - Pet Training Near Me - Oregon City, Oregon

We had my daughter's 11th birthday party here and it was really great! After the adults signed waivers and the kids picked out helmets and got a quick safety chat, they were ready for some horse time! The kids each had a turn brushing two horses (we were a party of 12). Then they each rode for about 10 minutes on the two horses around the indoor arena. Some even got the horses to trot! They made sure we had time for photos with the birthday girl and the horses. The party ended the party with everyone taking turns giving the horses some treats. Everyone was smiling ear to ear. The party ran for a little over one hour. Hot tip: bring jackets since it was very cold in the barn. Thanks for the great time Amethyst! Highly recommend. read more

The people there are so kind. They really care about their students. Even if you have never been on a horse before, you are in good hands.Many programs offered. They always make me feel welcome. read more

Attended my nieces birthday party this past weekend, and WOW was I not only SHOCKEDA at the level of unpreparedness this place was to host a child's birthday party, but the way the staff handled the entire situation. The owner was not present to help ensure that there were enough horses for riding, they only got 30 mins to ride and had to rotate using three horses, and the barn that was advertised to have the party in was not in fact an option to be used. Instead, they moved a dirty picnic table outside into the parking lot filled with mud, horse manure, and where the cars and trucks parked, and the staff laughed and joked about hanging party decorations on the porta potty!!! I would not recommend this establishment if you are looking for a professional, fun, and as advertised kids party location. read more

We were gifted two, one hour horse lessons. I called the business number and the lady wasn't overly friendly. She was quick to get back to me with a time for a first lesson, however. I asked about a second lesson and that was ignored (although I refuse to take my daughter back there anyway). There was no instructions given about where to go when we get there and what to wear. When we arrived there was quite a few workers and no one came to greet us, I had to ask someone where to go. The lady who did our horse lesson didn't introduce herself she just handed us a consent sheet to sign without saying anything. She told my daughter to brush a horse with no instructions on where to brush it (she's 5 and started to brush his back and he started squirming so I told her to only brush his side). That seems simple to know but when a kid has never been around a horse there should be instructions given on how to "be" around a horse and to not walk behind one, etc. There was no direction given at all on how to be safe around a horse. After 20 minutes of getting the horses ready they finally got to ride. At the end of the lesson another trainer brought another horse into the arena to ride while my daughter and her cousin were both still riding. It looked like the trainer pulled back on the reins or one of the girls horses got too close to the horse and the horse stood up on his back legs and fell directly backwards on top of the trainer. I understand wanting to make sure the gal was ok but the horse was left in the arena unattended while my 5 year old and her cousin were unattended on their horses for quite awhile. I was terrified of their horses acting out. Finally I grabbed another worker hoping they could take the other horse out of the arena and help our girls get off the horses. But she seemed to panic more and did nothing. Thankfully the girls horses remained calm the entire time. Animals can be unpredictable, I don't fault them for the situation happening but the way it was handled was crazy. I thought we should have called 911 right away (I work in the medical field) but there was all this talk of needing to ask "Kevin" first. In hindsight I should have just called because I don't care what "Kevin" thinks when someone is hurt I was told that horse is young and needs much more training. So my problem is that this horse should have NEVER entered the arena while my 5 year old who has never ridden before and her cousin are riding. I just felt like this establishment was not super friendly, abrupt and unprofessional from the first phone call to the lesson and the incident happening. We were all really worried about the trainer that was hurt so I texted (I'm assuming the owner) to check in on her and I felt like she really minimized what had happened when four adults watched exactly what had happened. It's unfortunate that we are giving up a second hour lesson but I no longer trust them with my daughter's safety so it's not worth the money lost. I hope the trainer is truly ok and there can be some positive change out of this. I rarely leave negative reviews because no business or person is perfect so I try to give grace but this one I felt like other people need to hear before coming here. Neither myself, my husband or my brother and his wife will ever bring our children here again nor recommend them to anyone else. read more

My friend and I both participated in the adult horse camp at Amethyst Performance Horses. I used to ride horses a lot when I was younger and had my own horse when I was an adult. However, it has been years since I have ridden regularly. My friend is new to horses and we both thought it would be fun to take part in the camp. Our experience at the camp was wonderful! Lynne went over basic information about the horses which was all new to my friend and a bit of a refresher course for me. The horses we rode were very sweet and gentle. Lynne's instruction and direction throughout the time we were there was extremely positive and helpful. She was very knowledgable about horses and answered any questions we had. We left the the camp feeling extremely satisfied and happy with our experience. I would recommend this place to anyone who is interested in riding. read more

We've had a wonderful experience at this stable! All of the trainers are very knowledgeable and work well with my 8 year daughter. She feels confident learning to groom and ride horses. My daughter says "100/100, super fun and cool" it's clean and the horses are well taken care of. She also has enjoyed being able to ride multiple different horses. We plan on continuing lessons for the foreseeable future. Thank you!! read more

My 9-year old was left in the ring without an instructor TWICE, once for the instructor to manage a personal issue (ok, that happens) and once for her to troubleshoot something for the lesson after us. I have both safety and instruction performance concerns with this. On top of that, we didn't start grooming the horse until 10 minutes after our start time but still got off the horse 10 minutes before the scheduled end of the lesson in order to groom and remove tack (which is standard). So, about 20 minutes on the horse, at least 5 of those without an instructor, $50 and 45 minutes of driving (one way)... Not worth it. Lastly, indoor area is very small with multiple riders using it at the same time which is not our preference. read more

Just finished the adult horse camp with Lynn and I had an amazing time! Lynn was so encouraging and knowledgeable! I felt comfortable because everyone was welcoming and helpful! I would recommend this camp for anyone who wanted to go to horse camp and didn't as a child...or even if you did and it's been a long time since! read more

I prefer not to leave negative reviews, unless the business has chosen to not rectify the experience. Lynne (owner) has chosen to disregard my many concerns and complaints. I expressed to her my concerns regarding the extremely poor quality of service for horse camp. I was met with arguments, aggression and zero responsibility. Our 1st and last with this "barn". I strongly discourage anyone from doing business with this barn for horse lessons/camp. I have a lot of experience with different barns. Some better than others. None as negative as this one. That said, Be warned. Save your money and choose another place. Seriously. read more

We had a little group birthday riding sesh for my daughter's 4th birthday here yesterday. Madison was our host, she was wonderful, super professional, friendly and great with the kiddos. She educated them, made them feel comfortable and was just very engaging. The kids had a amazing time and couldn't get enough, so thank you! read more

Amythyst Preformance Horses - Pet Training Near Me - Oregon City, Oregon

Any horse there is fabulous. I've been learning to ride as part of my stroke recovery. This has been a very positive experience with rebuilding my confidence and balance. I don't have the right words to emphasize enough how fabulous horse therapy is. My fiancé who accompanies me occasionally has experienced the profound peace from being with the horses. The staff are all very friendly and helpful. I have learned so much and recommend this place to all my friends. I just can't say enough good about them read more

After not being on a horse in what seems like FOREVER! I came across an add for a riding Intructor wanted, me being the go getter I am I decided to give it a go and I can not be more pleased with this place! The owner was so nice and friendly, costumers we're so understanding and patient! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone! read more

Fun! Fun! Fun! Went with my girlfriends for a lesson and had a great time! Friendly staff and great horses. Place was easy to find! read more

Didn't have a good experience... was rushed off of the horses after 35 minutes of riding (it was supposed to be an hour long riding lesson). Lynn didn't do any part of the lesson herself, some other lady on a horse near us gave some basic instruction. She (Lynn) embarrassed my teenage daughter to the point that she cried! Having paid for 4 lessons, we decided to give it one more try a few weeks later, to see if maybe things would go a bit smoother. (Although the daughter that had been so humiliated refused to go back). As we arrived, before we even got out of our car, Lynn was waving her hands at us, telling us she'd cancelled our lesson! She said we were late, and although she would schedule us for our next lesson, this one would have to be forfeited! I explained that we drove over an hour to get there, and that we had arrived just as the 15 min. grace period was up. Could she please reconsider? Especially since our first lesson had been cut short for some reason? She just looked at me and said "No." So, there it is. This is the first review, good or bad, that I've ever posted ANYWHERE. But I feel very strongly about this. There were just so many negatives to this entire experience. I would like to think I might spare someone else the time, money, and needless aggravation that will come with trying to get a simple riding lesson. read more

That lady Lhin, I don't know how to spell her name, but she is the owner , she should definitely take some anger management classes. We paid $100 dollars for only 20mns. LHYN decided to train a person to start working on that day that we arrived and it took a very long time in within the hour that we payed for it. One of the horses that one of our kid was riding, was limping and unable to do much. Lhyn whispered to her worker, that the horse had a cortisone shot on th hat morning and that's why it was limping and tired. She was mad from the very beginning, but we thought it was going to get better. That lady was getting so stress out that she was going to have a birthday party and other events pretty soon she said. It was just creepy seeing her how she looked mad and very stressed and coming in and out and leaving another new person whose first day of job was that day and our kids . Terrible person, I really hope this would soften her heart and be grateful that she still have customers who don't know what to expect or how poorly their kids are going to be treated after parents pay $100 dollars. You are paying to be treated Horrible They even have complaints at Business Better Bereau read more

I adore horses and love people too! I never gave a one star review before, and I am sorry I have to. I bought the 4 riding lessons from Living Social and will never return to Amethyst after just one visit. I wasted $75. The owner,a woman Lynne, is very unfriendly, and not helpful at all. From the phone call to having a problem getting in the gate Lynne was short and abrupt. I can't believe she is in the business she is in. Horses are therapeutic but, my time there was anything but. These were not lessons at all. She didn't teach or instruct. There was a small arena and we were given the reigns and told to take our horses out there. When out there she came out there she grabbed a garden hose and was watering down the dirt for the 40 minutes we were there. Her only instructions was "keep your toes pointed up and heals down and to not grab the saddle or you will lose control of horse". We just went in circles for 40 minutes then, she said she was leaving and we could ride them for a bit longer if we wanted....What? Our lesson was suppose to be an hour long. She disappeared. Upon bringing the horse in myself I had trouble finding her. There were tons of stalls, with many horses and when I did find her I asked her if the horses ever got a chance to walk trails. She hesitated and said occasionally. ..... I noticed on some of the stalls the horses had been chewing on the wood a lot. They are not exercised properly! Horses chew wood when they are under-stimulated or under-exercised. Bordom. Being confined to a stall with nothing to do doesn't allow the horse to fulfill many of their natural behaviors. These poor animals! This woman is trying to generate money, and doesn't show any concern or appreciation for the people that come, and doesn't appear to exercise her horses enough. That is animal abusive! It's like putting a person in a small room in front of a TV and taking them on a two block walk daily. WTF? This "so called" lesson was depressing! I'd started riding 20 years ago and this place is just the worst. read more

I bought a groupon but could never get a hold of them. After playing phone tag 5 times back and forth for three days, leaving messages and then finally only getting 2 out of 4 of our lessons booked I was exhausted. Waited 5 weeks for this first lesson and decided to confirm before making the drive, played phone tag for a few days again since she couldn't just leave a yes or no on my voicemail to learn that she never had us on her books. (This was my daughters only birthday present and after marking the days off her calendar for 5 weeks until her first lesson !) Finally decided that this deal was not worth the headache. Called left voicemail to cancel other date and she called me 1 week later to say she would have to cancel our appt. We were pleased to find HSRS. A very organized, professional place in Estacada! read more

To this day I still wish I would've reported this women for animal abuse. When I took lessons from her I was a beginner, naive, didn't know any better. That's how she makes money, she gets people with no other experience so they assume she's great. I am now a horse trainer, worked with mustangs from blm, problem horses that nearly sent people to the hospital, and I look back at this place in horror. Lynn the one who runs the whole thing does not know how to handle horses, I saw her punch a horse in the mouth extremely hard repeatedly for eating some hay in the aisle way. She would punch and kick horses all the time if they didn't do everything perfectly. It appeared her and the other "lesson instructors" had anger problems and simply took it out on the horses. They does not teach well, hardly teaches at all for that matter! Lynn leaves the arena while people are riding, would rather talk to the people on the sidelines oppose to watch her students. All the "lesson instructors" there did the same thing, but none were as bad as Lynn about leaving the students completely unattended. One of the other people that either used to teach or still teaches got a horse named Bailey killed according to Lynn, Lynn is also the one who taught that person... stay away from this place people! read more

Bought the Groupon (have owned horses in the past). Talked on cell phone, left myself and another woman alone most of the time, brought a horse in thru the arena we were in that was really acting up. It was bucking, making a fuss, ears pinned. I was concerned how the other horses we were on might react or if the horse got loose would run in with us and spook our horses. She spent our time helping a young girl with this horse who had no business bringing that horse into our lesson area. Learned nothing, had a stressful time. Never went back for the other lessons I paid for. read more

I came to Amethyst after receiving the Groupon as a gift, and stayed around for further lessons and lease. Arena is 1/2 covered and 1/2 open air which makes for great year round riding. The program offers birthdays to kids too which is pretty neat. read more

See all

Just had the owner, Lynne help us buy our first horse today. My Grandaughter has been taking lessons here for about 4 months and is hooked! Great instructor and great staff! Looking forward to lots of fun times! read more

I have never written a yelp review before but felt so strongly to do so after my daughter's birthday party. I wish I would've read the other reviews before I planned her party with Lynn, the owner of this business. I reserved the party date a few weeks in advance, sent the deposit check which was quickly cashed, called three times the week of asking to touch base about details via voicemail...never got a call back but a text the night before, "good to go for the party tomorrow "....I quickly replied asking her to confirm the address of Jamestown Ranch....with no response. The following morning I text her again, got a response, "yes. Do you know how to operate a tractor? My tractor person isn't there today." While I assumed she was confused with whom she was texting, I replied, "no, I do not." She got back to me rather quickly this time, "well we can do an evening this week then." I had NINE 10 year old kids ready to meet at 3pm that day to ride horses and have a birthday, that's exactly what I text her, her response "ok".....I then called her, she answered and told me "we are good to go! Yep-nine kids at 3pm." I was thinking maybe I was just over stressing the poor communication and maybe all would be ok when we got there. Well, guess what? It was exactly what my gut told me. She was abrupt and rude and every single person at the party could tell she did not want to be there, she was inconvenienced, and rushed. I was so embarrassed as the other moms gave me big eyes as she yelled at the kids. She had two horses....for nine kids....I paid $180 total for each kid to walk seven small laps in the arena while the other seven stood there and had to stay single file against the wall. She had two twelve year old girls leading the two horses while she barked out orders from the gate. The property was absolutely beautiful and the weather was perfect.... other than that-BUST. It's a rare occasion I complain about things, I never send my cold food back at a restaurant and I never complain about bad customer service....but I just had to share this experience. Frantically googling how to operate a tractor three hours before my daughter's dream birthday party....life lessons as a mama. I would advise all people to further research a place to have a horseback riding party, Lynn is not the person you want to be leading your child's big day. read more

The horses are gentle and well-trained and the facility is well-maintained. I enjoyed my time there, but I have had a lot of experience with horses and have ridden for years. This was a good way for me just to get back on a horse and mess around. However, if you want good instruction, especially if this is your first time on a horse, go elsewhere. The instructors only give the most basic of guidelines (pull this rein, kick harder, etc.) and there is no attempt to explain in any helpful way how we can communicate with a horse and why they respond to things like our voice, seat, hands, legs. To a little girl who was scared, the only attempt to alleviate her fears was a generic, "Don't worry, this horse is really kind," which he was, but there was no effort to really explain or engage with the young child in an age-appropriate way. In addition Lynne was MIA for one of my lessons. Apparently she forgot I was scheduled at that time (?). For my other lessons I was taught by a high-schooler who, literally, only told me things like, "Ok, now why don't you trot. Now change direction. Check your diagonal" and spent much of our lesson time talking with another similarly-aged young man who was messing around bareback on his horse during our lesson. read more

Reported to BBB and the BBB received no response from Lynne or her business. Steer clear, this "business owner" makes no attempts to make it right with her clients. I PAID $100.00 in advance and only ever received one partial lesson. Lynne, I hope your satisfied taking money for services you never preformed. read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. We had bought a Groupon for lessons, and after two visits, we're not going back. I'm not even going to bother asking for a refund, because it's not worth the effort. First, Lynne starts by saying that if you give her a positive on-line review, you get a free lesson. Not a good sign if she has to buy reviews. She's not very friendly, but I figured that maybe she's just not a people person, and was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Although my 9 and 11 year old girls have some experience with horses, I was amazed that she would leave them alone for long stretches of time with no supervision. Her instruction was completely contrary to what they've learned at other places, and she seems to rely on the spurs and whip to get the horses to do what she wants them to. When my girls would brush the horses, the brushes were filthy, and you could tell the horses were too. I don't know much about caring for horses, but my sense is that these animals are suffering. While we were there, the horses would kick at their doors, which my girls tell me is a sign that they need to get out and exercise. I wanted to give this woman the benefit of the doubt, because I sense that her business is hurting. (She even asked me to look through some flyers for candles and oils that she is selling.) However, my concern for her horses and the safety of the children that might go there for lessons weighed out, so I'm posting this review. read more

We bought the Groupon for these lessons as a way to get my horse loving daughter on a horse at an affordable cost. The lessons consisted of her basically getting on the horse and going in circles in the arena while the instructor chatted on her cell phone the entire time. Giving guidance was not something we experienced. Teacher did come up for air long enough to try and get us to do the 4H program and lease a horse. We got the strong impression that the Groupon offered was not to teach but rather generate income from non regulars. Horses were nice and looked to be well cared for. read more

Never ever coming back here again. The "instructor" spent the entire time going around in circles in the arena while talking on her cell phone and complaining about the customers calling her. She never returns phone calls and is very unfriendly. She tried to make a 60 minute lesson for my son a 25 minute lesson because she said kids don't last very long. I wouldn't recommend her to anyone and I will make sure Groupon and every review site is aware that she just wants the money and not to teach. If I could make this zero stars I most definitely would! read more

Avoid at all costs! Lynne barely paid attention to my child during her two lessons there. She took phone calls and held long involved conversations with adults at the side of the arena instead of noticing that my child was uncomfortable and struggling. At different points, my child was left alone in the arena on a horse, or in the stable with a horse. I was flabbergasted. If she's insured, I can't imagine that her insurance covers that sort of negligence. Don't pre-pay for lessons like I did (I'm kicking myself now!). Once you figure out you're getting a worthless/dangerous service, you'll want a refund and she doesn't give them...a fact she's careful to neglect to tell you up front. I did try to talk to her about the quality of lesson - she couldn't be bothered and didn't even pretend to be interested in my complaint. I gave her a chance to give me half the refund show owed me. No dice. If you sign up for lessons here - good luck. read more

I agree with all the all the bad reviews. My friend and I bought two riding lessons up front for our daughters (6 and 7) through Groupon. After about 3 weeks of texting/calling to find a good day that worked for Lynne, turns out it was another instructor. After our first lesson we scheduled the next one and and Lynne cancelled the lessons TWICE the day of, once an hour before the lesson. We we asked for our money back she said she "doesn't do refunds". She is obviously using Groupon to make quick money - this is a SCAM. Don't do it. read more

Horrible experience. Instructor arrived late for the lesson. She was rushed, distracted and inattentive. Placed me on a horse that was agitated and beyond my skill level. Left the arena multiple times during the lesson. Allowed a child to be in the arena during the lesson. Spent lesson time taking photos of the little girl. Sustained a significant injury. Instructor has been defensive/uncooperative since that event. Do not get sucked in by the heavily discounted coupons/Groupons offered by this business. You get what you pay for! There are many qualified riding instructors in our area. Do your research and work with a competent and safe professional. read more

I started getting lessons from Lynne about a year ago. She is very knowledgeable about the lessons and has answered all of my questions I have had. She has birthday parties for kids and very understandable with work schedule. She makes sure all the horses are well cared for. If she has to call me back to reschedule she usually does it that evening. I recommend her to everyone I speak with and hand out her business cards. read more

My daughter has had 12 lessons with Amethyst Performance Horses. She had good experiences for the most part. She had opportunities to learn proper horse care and to practice riding around the riding arena. She enjoyed learning how to trot and canter on the horse. Lynne was good about scheduling her lessons at convenient times. I would have liked the lessons to last a full hour, but otherwise we were happy with the experience. I would recommend this horse stable for a beginning rider who wants to gain experience riding horses. read more

I went to ride as i had not for a long time, the staff where rude, talking about other people and other customers meanly, 3 horses seemed lame, the instructor was on phone never helped me at all, I asked about horses getting out time and was told by staff they have runs, but no out time, there where 3 others at my lesson none of who got attention, and 2 where beginner kids. the staff girl Amanda was rude, knows nothing but thinks she does tried to tell me something i knew was way off. I used to own horses, she is mean to horses. I saw her son I think his name was Jake abusing a horse, I had to do most saddling and unsaddling myself for others too. I did it as they obviously needed help. I put the horse I rode in its stall glanced down at feed in bucket, they get very little hay like 1 inch flake of alfalfa and some green pellets that cant be enough at all and a horses food should be mostly forage, I know this from owning horses, 4H, FFA when young. Please dont go there it just is not right at all, poor horses. They where also late for lessons and tried to push me into more lessons. Kids are not safe not properly being watched. and a lesson you should learn something. very bad customer service. buyers beware. read more

we bought the Groupon for 4 1 hour lessons when she finally showed up there was hardly a welcome my daughter was left alone for most of the lessons Lynne spent most of the time complaining about her boyfriend to anyone who would listen she seemed to have her little groupies that hung on her every word. All 4 lessons were no more then 30 to 40 minutes and after waiting for Lynne to show up all she did was ride around in a circle. They never even attempted to teach her how to put on a saddle a lot of the girls there are working for her in exchange for lessons which means they do everything she asks including pawning them off for lessons when they have no idea how to give and don't want too. This place has so many safety violations and the horses are clearly not being cared for when I called another horse stable they told me they just rescued one of her horses and she has had a lot of complaints but unfortunately is making money. I looked at her craigslist add and it said they are taking girl scout groups I cant imagine Girl Scouts endorsing a place like this. read more