My boyfriend gifted me a 3 lesson Groupon for horseback riding with High Standard Equestrians for…read moreour anniversary. I went to my first lesson Saturday, May 4th with trainer Cecilia. First of all, it's at Brookside Equestrian Park so I thought I was lost, but I wasn't. High Standard Equestrian is toward the back of the property and across the parking lot from the bathrooms. The trainer, Cecilia, and owner, Clint, met me at their office and were very friendly, professional, and helpful. Right away, Cecilia took me to the horse I would be caring for and riding (Stewart) and had me take him out of his stall and into the grooming stall (I don't know what it's exactly called). It was my first time leading a horse anywhere, but Cecilia was encouraging and walked me through the process, as she could tell I was nervous. She taught me how to groom Stewart and then I went through all of the grooming steps (I even picked up his giant hoof and picked the dirt out of it!). She also showed me all of the steps to putting the saddle and bridal on. I led Stewart out of the grooming stall and then it was time to get on the horse! As I was standing on the steps to mount him, I casually mentioned to Cecilia that I was afraid of heights. She assured me I would be alright. I, very ungracefully, got on Stewart and was quite a bit terrified. He happens to be the tallest horse in the stable! Cecilia waited patiently until I was a bit more calm to lead us into the indoor arena. Once in the arena, Stewart and I (led by Cecilia) walked around in circles for a while so that I could feel more comfortable. After a few laps, Cecilia taught me how to do "posting" and once I had a handle on that, we moved onto "two-point" which was easier, but I was more afraid of (it involves standing on the horse while holding onto his neck!). At the end, Stewart and I went for a trot! First, while I was sitting and then we tried posting and trotting (that was a bit sloppy for me). Last, we tried trotting and two-point, which was a lot of fun! I have to say that Cecilia was a great trainer. Every time we moved on to a new "move" she seemed to have more confidence in me than I did! I never felt pressured to go on to the next thing, but I'm glad she was there to push me to learn the next thing because I was quite content walking in circles haha The next day, I could barely move! Apparently I am out of shape and horseback riding requires some muscles I didn't know I had! Two days later, I am still sore but I can't wait to go back! It was so much fun! When I go back for my next lesson, I'll be bringing a bag of carrots for the horses :)

First time training with horses. I found Clint on Groupon. He is absolutely amazing. Well educated…read morein the field of riding and horses in general. I was a little nervous about riding and was feeling discouraged a bit but client has a great way of personalizing your lesson, finding what works for you. He's so patient and has a great sense of humor. He has a hand full of horses to train with so you can find a great fit for you. Definitely recommend taking lessons here!

**** Child Endangerment**** Gaslighting*** We are no longer…read moreattending. Brittney, the owner, attempted to scare a horse, by slapping it very hard and loudly, that my daughter was escorting out of the barn. My daughter, a beginner and a child, was holding the reins of the horse tightly. Brittney hit the horse from behind, out of sight of my daughter and the trainer. Luckily the horse did not take off running. My child, could have been seriously hurt. This is the first time that I had seen her violently hit a horse. If you have children, please be careful. There are humans that will try to hurt you or retaliate against you via your child. And there are people that will put your child in danger, not care, and attempt to twist the truth. I believe the owner targeted my child because of the Yelp review I did from April 2022. Most horseback riding accident victims are girls between the ages of 10 and 14. This is my daughter's age group. Children do not have the reaction capabilities that adults have. Safety for girls in this age group needs to be taken very seriously. I sent them an email expressing my concern for my child's safety. And instead of apologizing, they decided to lie and gaslight me... Examples of their gaslighting- (Twisting reality) I was told that I wasn't there when it happened and I heard about it from someone else... (The truth) I WAS there. I was THERE. I did not hear about the smack from anyone else. I heard the smack and I heard the trainer immediately ask Brittney, "Did you just smack Misty?" And Brittney said, "Yes, haha! I told you Misty wouldn't do anything." I HEARD that conversation, because I was THERE. Testing the horse's reaction to being loudly hit like that while a child is holding it is unprofessional, irresponsible and disgusting. (Reality) Everyone in the barn looked shocked and looked towards Brittney because the noise (of the hit) was so loud. I SAW that, because I was there. And I looked too. It sounded like a book being dropped. (Denial of reality) They denied that Brittney hit the horse and said it was a "pat." (Reality) It was a very loud smack/hit. (Minimization/confusion) They said I was the only one "expressing extreme concern about a horse being pat." My concern was/is/has been my daughter's safety and her holding a horse that was getting loudly hit. And they said I am at fault for not immediately expressing my concern to the trainer. And I did speak to Brittney after she was done teaching her student. If you bring up any concern to the owner she will yell at you OR flat out gaslight you. And the rider's safety is not always taken into consideration, depending on the student. Some students will be discriminated against. No, I do not recommend this business.

Doesn't respond back. Doesn't answer calls. Unprofessional LLC. Takes your $ and Doesn't try to…read morework with you. Will report to BBB if no response soon.

Jennifer and her mom are extremely knowledgable and excellent trainers. I have taken about 8…read morelessons so far and love it there! If you are looking for a hunter jumper trainer I would highly recommend them!

I started riding here about three years ago, and the progress I've made says everything about this…read moreplace. I went from riding western a few times each summer to now being able to jump cross rails. There's no doubt they know exactly what they're doing. As far as pricing goes, they're by far the most affordable barn in Elk Grove, especially for everything you get in return. Every other place I looked into in the area was way more expensive, and most required you to own your own horse. At Hoofbeats, Jolin (the owner) has lesson horses available, so all you're really paying for is lessons and the chance for you or your child to get started in the equestrian world. It may not be the fanciest barn you'll ever see, but honestly, neither is horse ownership. What matters is the experience, the learning opportunities, and the care that goes into helping riders grow and this place does exactly that.

I would NOT recommend. She is slimy and stole my money by not providing lessons I already paid for…read more I've been riding for years and have had some amazing trainers, this place was bottom of the barrel. You can find much better.

Alicia is an amazing trainer! If you're serious about improving your riding abilities and willing…read moreto put in the work, she has so much to teach. The barn is tucked back in Carmichael right next to ARC. The arena is well kept and the barns are clean. The lesson horses are great and provided tack is in great shape. If you're seriously about improving your riding, I highly recommend Alicia and her assistant Chloe.

From the owner: Specializing in eventing, jumpers and dressage instruction for all levels of riders. From full…read moretraining packages, to finding your first horse, I can customize a program for you, to help you reach your goals! Our team attends competitions and clinics regularly throughout California that we encourage everyone to join! Supportive team members, in a family style atmosphere.

I started taking beginning riding lessons from Jan Heinze, JEM Stables, in April 2010. My…read moreexperience with Jan has been very positive. Jan is a very patient teacher, very cautious with beginning riders, very vigilant about the safety of the rider and the horse. Jan goes the extra mile during our lessons. Whether your are 5 or 65 and want to learn how to ride - JEM Stables is your place to be! Norma Berrettoni

From the owner: Jem Stables is a Hunter Jumper Training and Show Horse Barn conveniently located just off I-80 in…read moreDixon, Ca, on a beautiful private facility. Offering a beginning riding lesson program on top quality lesson horses as well as programs for the avid horse and rider. With over 35 years in the business, every rider receives quality instruction based on classical basics and good horsemanship in a welcoming, family oriented environment. Check us out and see for yourself!

Facility: Not sure why it is called English Rose Farm. It should be renamed English Junk Yard…read more There are over ten non-operable vehicles scattered around the property. Parking is a challenge because of all the unmovable vehicles. When you walk into the barn, it isn't any better. Chicken poop is everywhere. Horse tack is lying around on the floor, on the bench, and all over the crosstie area. There are dirty dishes on the table. Food wrappers are on the floor and in the arena. No restroom. However, there is a portable toilet that you must pay to use each month. Each time my children rode a horse, she had to search for the tack because it was rarely in the same place. Instruction and Supervision: The first few lessons were decent. The instructor showed my child how to groom and tack the horse. After the third lesson, the instructor expected my child to retrieve the horse from the pasture, groom, tack, and warm up unsupervised. As the parent, I was expected to help my child get the horse ready.... Not my idea of quality supervision or a safe environment. While my child was grooming the pony, the pony pawed at the floor. The owner/instructor picked up a grooming brush and threw it at the pony. The sudden noise scarred all of us. Then, the owner/instructor picked up a whip and walked toward the pony when it continued to paw. That was enough for me. This was not a positive environment for my child or the pony. When we spoke about the situation, the owner made excuses for her behavior and then got defensive with me. We left and never came back. I would NOT recommend this facility or instructor. There are much better horse-riding/lesson facilities in the area that supervise the children when handling a horse.

If you want to learn to ride horses then Donna's your lady! She makes you feel so comfortable and…read moreSAFE. I started riding at another place and the horses were unpredictable and not very schooled. I didn't feel very safe. The instructors there were quite young although very experienced they were not very thorough and didn't take the time with me that as an adult learning to ride I felt I needed. The horses at English Rose are very sweet and very well behaved. I finally feel that I'm learning how to ride!! The price is great and Donna teaches EVERYTHING you need to know about horses... If you are an experienced rider Donna can make you a better one. She is a veteran In the arena and extremely skilled in the art of dressage. She can teach you? GO!

Title: A Stellar Experience at Badger Creek Veterinarian and Hunter Stallion Station Located in…read moreWilton Ca. Rating: (5/5 stars) As a dedicated pet owner and Equine owner, finding the best veterinarian clinic for my companions has always been a top priority. Fortunately, my quest led me to the exceptional Badger Creek Veterinarian and Hunter Stallion Station, and I can confidently say that it stands out as the best vet office I've ever encountered. From the moment I stepped through their doors, I was warmly greeted by their attentive and friendly staff. Dr. Robert Hunter, the heart and soul of the clinic, exudes a passion for animal care that is evident in every aspect of his practice. His expertise and gentle approach make him the ideal veterinarian for any pet. He took the time to listen to my concerns and answered all my questions, putting my mind at ease about my pet's health. The support team at Badger Creek is second to none. Alturo, Alturo, Felix, Amy, and Cheryl Bellew, among others, work seamlessly together to ensure the clinic runs smoothly. They are knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly love what they do, which shines through in their interactions with both pets and their owners. I felt reassured knowing that my pets were in the hands of such a dedicated and caring crew. The facilities at Badger Creek are immaculate and equipped with the latest technology, showcasing their commitment to providing top-notch medical care. They offer a wide range of services, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries, ensuring that each pet's unique needs are met with the utmost attention and expertise. One particular aspect that sets Badger Creek apart is their emphasis on educating pet owners. Dr. Hunter, Amy, and his team take the time to explain treatments, preventive measures, and proper pet care, empowering owners to be proactive in their pet's well-being. This personalized approach fosters a sense of trust and partnership, making the experience all the more rewarding. On several occasions, I've had to contact the clinic during emergencies, and the staff has always responded promptly and with genuine concern. They prioritize urgent cases and handle them with the highest level of professionalism and care. I cant thank Cheryl Bellew enough~ I am not the easiest customer to deal with as my animals mean more to me than people lol. I tend to panic and Cheryl knows how to calm me down and make me feel confident. In conclusion, Badger Creek Veterinarian and Hunter Stallion Station have exceeded all my expectations for a veterinary clinic. Dr. Robert Hunter and his extraordinary team are the epitome of excellence in animal care. Their compassion, expertise, and genuine love for animals make them an invaluable resource for pet owners in the area. I wholeheartedly recommend Badger Creek to anyone seeking the best possible care for their beloved pets. They truly deserve all the accolades for being the most amazing crew a person could ask for in a veterinary clinic.

Had my first riding lesson on Wednesday and I am absolutely smitten! My trainer Kristin is kind and…read moregreat at giving direction and teaching, and the lesson horse I rode - Soldier - is sweet and patient. He's an gentle soul! If he felt me leaning to far off from center or too far forward he'd stop so I wouldn't fall off. This made me feeling more comfortable with learning to post to trot. Looking forward to my next lesson!

Another great charity event at Project Ride. Annual Spaghetti Feed 2025 was awesome. Excellent…read morespaghetti, salad and garlic bread. This fun, kid friendly supports a great cause for special needs kids and young adults. Good price for tickets, raffle tickets with great prizes and the UCD Equestrian Team was there to help, big help. Thanks to the Sacramento Sheriff's Office cadets, local high school young people. So much fun!

The volunteer opportunities seem great but I was denied entry to one just because I didn't have a…read moreliability form and although I completely understand safety concerns and what not, I wasted time to drive out then have to go back home right after. I am very disappointed because my dad was there and he would have signed another liability form but the check in lady said no, "you have to be on my list, your teacher should have sent the forms out already" and this was for the Spaghetti feed today. After that she told me "well there is another opportunity in January you can do" but I will definitely never volunteer for this place again.