I've been riding at Castle Farm for a little over three years. I needed a barn that was a closer…read moredrive in Knightdale/Raleigh and this was a good fit. While you have the opportunity to do horse shows (eventing; hunter/jumper; dressage; drill team), it definitely does not have the snobby "show barn" vibe like many places. It really is a team/family environment and I've made some wonderful friends here who I do things with away from lessons. Horses have a way of bringing people together! Heather (owner/operator) has been doing this for decades and is incredibly knowledgeable both in horse care and riding itself. She gets to know each individual student and their quirks/personalities. You won't just be sitting on a pony walking around a ring...you will learn the ins and outs of horsemanship and equitation. I appreciate that Heather takes the time to explain the mechanics of things rather than just pointing you at a jump. Safety is the top priority (closely followed by "Did you have fun?") for both riders and horses. I have ridden off and on since I was around 10 and I can say that Castle Farm ranks #1 for this of anywhere I've been previously. Lessons (group and private) are available for children and adults every day except for Thursdays and Sundays. There are around 15-20 horses, all of them with individual personalities and for riders of varying skill levels. The farm has a medium sized arena/stadium jump ring, a large field with various cross country jumps, another field with stadium jumps, and a grassy dressage arena. Come check it out!

I rode at Castle Farm in high school it is an amazing environment! I was also one of the feeders…read morefor Heather she is great! She fosters a welcoming and friendly spirit there i learned a lot from her. Even after i left the Raleigh area she had been a tremendous help for me as a resource she has given me so much advice over the years. i am truly grateful for all the experiences she facilitated!

This post is in response to Gary and Carol Maguire's comments AND to celebrate 25 years as a…read moreboarder, student, and finally, dressage instructor, at MacNair's Stables. Unlike the Maguires, I was not a first time horse owner and had boarded at several different barns in two states. The care and concern for the horses at MacNair's is exceptional. As an instructor, I have had the opportunity to visit many boarding stables in and around the Raleigh area. MacNair's stands out with the many opportunities and facility highlights that are available on the 150 acre grounds. While primarily a hunter jumper teaching facility, you will find dressage, eventers, trail riders, western, and endurance. There are many horses on the property that are stabled in two separate barns as well as pasture boarding. There are two indoor riding arenas, one dressage arena and two large sand arenas as well as large grassy areas and miles of trails. Children can begin lessons at the age of 8 and there are a few riders in their 80's. There are about 200 lessons given on the farm every week with numerous trainers. With that in mind, the Maguires mentioned "arrogance" which affects ring use. With 200 students in one week, group lessons will have priority over ring space. One rider, on his own, cannot expect to have a ring to himself. There are many places to ride. The stalls are thoroughly cleaned each and every day as well as the water buckets. If an owner comes hours after the stall has been cleaned, there should be manure and urine there. If not, something is wrong. If the water buckets were just cleaned and an owner comes to the stall, there will be a slight delay as the buckets will be filled one at a time. There will be a short window of time with an empty bucket. This is normal. The Maguires mentioned a bacterial infection with their horse. Their horse had a bone fracture and had to have a surgical procedure at the vet school. Any time there is a surgical procedure, there is a chance of infection. This is true with human or horse. Roundup is used, by the owner only, in areas that need weed control. Its use is strictly administered, as directed, for farm use with horses and cattle. As far as the comments from the Maguires about "cliquey, uppity, arrogance, superiority" - I must say that children, friends, family, complete strangers, and many others continue to come to MacNair's in order to participate in the whole horse learning experience that I have come to love over these 25 years. These people have become life long friends and mentors to me. To finalize, let me tell you about our lesson horses. Some are now in their 30's and continue to thrive under the care of the fine staff at MacNair's. They are healthy and sound. They are well taken care of. They love the job of teaching young and old the special bond between human and horse. And to you, the Maguires, may God richly bless you and keep you as you continue your search for perfection in your next horse adventure. Amen!

Gorgeous barn and endless trails and pastures to explore. Well loved and cared for horses. Kids…read morelearning responsibility WITHOUT staring at a phone. Well-run shows and great support from trainers ensuring that riders meet their personal riding goals. A great place to spend time with horses and friends.

If you're looking for a laid-back no drama facility to board your horse, relax on amazing trails or…read moretake lessons, then look no further than Hidden Spring Farm! Lighted arena with great footing, dressage ring, open field jumps and great trails. What more could you want?!? Full board to pasture board, they have you covered! You and your horse become part of the family. No matter your skill level they have you covered with lessons from beginner to advanced.

This company is one of the worst I have ever experienced. My kid took lessons for about 3 years and…read moreI wish I would've opened my eyes sooner. My kid has gone through multiple instructors. Learned nothing about how to safely ride. The instructors are under-qualified and many just yell the same words at kids over and over. They are just in it for the money. The owner is creepy and flat out rude to his employees. This barn is dangerous and horrible for the equestrian community

Don't recommend boarding here. School horses are over ridden. Too many horses in pasture/paddocks.read more

My friends and I went to the advanced horse camp this past week. Our instructor Paige, who taught…read moreus Thursday and Friday was absolutely amazing!!

We did a spring break sampler for After School Art and More here and I was really impressed at how…read morewell they worked with the kids. The age group was for 5-11 year olds. My son was the youngest (turning 5 in a month). The kids were able to pet and interact with the goats, pig, cats, dog, lamb and chickens. They brought a pony out and did really well at exlaining the safety issues on a level the children could understand. I wasp also impressed at how hands on they allowed the young kids to be while still maintaining a safe environment. The kids were able to groom the pony, including combing and brushing it, and were able to pick out its hooves while the educator held the horse's leg and made sure they didn't hurt the horse. This was a great way of teaching them to be responsible for an animal while still letting them enjoy interacting with it!

Love the environment here! All the workers are so kind and helpful. All the horses are so sweet…read moretoo!!!

For a Therapeutic Horse riding facility... it has come a long way to attaining the whole…read moreperspective that they are trying to achieve. They care about their deserving riders as well as the non therapeutic riders. Lessons are given to beginners to experienced riders who want to learn and all those funds go towards the support of the facility and it's programs it offers to those in need. Riding a horse is quite the experience,not only for those that are able bodied, but those that need that kind of a connection in the world to make it right. And put a smile on their faces as well as their parents/care takers! What a facility and right up the road from me, gratefully!

The Cub house is a super cute indoor play area that has a lot of open space for kids to run around…read moreand play. They also have seating outside of the play area so parents could sit and watch their kids play while enjoying a drink from the café area.

Wow, this place is wonderful! I live out of state but my sister in law is a huge fan and took us…read morehere and it was truly fantastic. I so wish we had something like this in Tucson! It's a play space and cafe! Brilliant. My kids looooooved it. So many toys and areas to explore, and even an18 months and under specific area that my 16 month old adored. He ran right to it. There's even a separate back room with different activities set up depending on the day. We went on arts and crafts day so it was set up with those activities and my daughter especially loved that. Tables surround the play space so if you're trying to multi task and get stuff done while your kiddo plays--it's doable! Plus the in-house coffee shop is clutch. I got a cold brew and my husband got a coffee. I also have to comment on how clean and new this place was. Even though it's a kids space it was pretty immaculate. All of the toys were in good shape too. Very impressive. My sister in law is a member and I definitely would be too if I lived in the area! A must!

Decided to try this place on a whim. My almost 5 year old needed to release some energy after a…read morefull day of lounging in out pajamas. I didn't even check the reviews prior to arrival. Committed to going based on its proximity to my home. Upon entry I was immediately pleased about how clean it looked and smelled. Most indoor playgrounds smell like feet. I observed employees cleaning the play area an equipment multiple times and we were only there for an hour. The space and planet theme was ever present in the play space. From space ships, to rockets, glow lights, and others images, my son enjoyed it. There was an area carved out for smaller toddlers and the rest was for kids no older than 8-10. It's freezing in there so parents or observers, be prepared. There's no concession stand like most places, but there are multiple vending machines. There is space to host Birthday parties and I imagine that they allow outside food since they don't serve any. Entry fee was comparable to similar facilities, but the fact that the place was so clean. Made it worth it. The membership price was higher than most, but I think I'm going to pay it simply because of how clean it is and close it is to my home. My son enjoyed his time here. The staff was friendly, helpful, and alert to the happenings in the play space. I'll probably host a future Birthday party in this space. The space is ideal for younger kids. Take the tweens and teens to the feet smell filled places!

Safe, clean and fun for everyone! They offer birthday…read moreparties and they host monthly events!