If you are taking the time to read this review, it probably means that you either own a horse or love horses. In my case both are true. Virginia has more than 300,000 horses and, in part, as a result, countless places for you to board your horse, take lessons and compete. You can choose according to your budget, your discipline, the level of care, prestige, whether the stable offers lessons, what level of horse shows they compete in - you name it, there is something for everyone and everything. The "horse world" is often competitive, brutal and even dishonest, which is a shame given that owning, caring, and showing a horse is already an activity that is not for the financially weak of heart. However, there is one place that can check so many of the boxes that you need to consider when you are looking for boarding a horse, taking lessons and competing, and that place is Epona Farm, LLC. Located on Gordonsville Road in Keswick in the heart of one of the "horsiest" parts of Virginia, if you are within 1 hour of this location, then you are in luck. Owned by Rebecca West and her husband Marty Hoard, Epona Farm is a multi-discipline "A" level show barn. Epona Farm is managed by Jaime Andrews-Feola, a distinguished trainer and rider across disciplines. Whether you are interested in the Jumpers, EQ, or Hunters, Jaime is the trainer for you. She has competed at the national level to great success in all three disciplines. Sitting and chatting with Jaime quickly makes you understand that she was practically born in the saddle. Daughter of a renowned "Chef d'Equipe" and nationally recognized trainer, Becky Andrews, Jaime was raised to ride. Jaime's training was also shaped at an early age by the internationally recognized trainer, rider and master horseman, George Morris (http://www.equestriancoachworld.com/coach/?tid=1942). Jaime's long experience included being a trusted rider for many horses owned by Hyperion Stud, the internationally recognized breeder and sales operation for jumpers from Europe http://www.hyperionstud.com. Despite her many, many distinctions, Jaime remains down to earth and approachable. As a trainer, her depth and breadth of knowledge will identify and correct issues with your riding that you may have been grappling with for ages. She will equally identify problems that you did not even know you have. As a result, you will notice immediate improvements in your riding, and if you like to compete, and Jaime does and will encourage you to compete, the improvement will translate into accolades for you personally. And, it will be not be just you who will benefit from Jaime's attention. Your horse(s) will be cared for by a team that Jaime has personally selected, keeping in mind at all times the health and comfort of your horse. Your horse will benefit from the daily maintenance of impeccable stalls, appropriate food and water, excellent grooming, well grassed turn out, and a watchful eye. If life takes you away from your horses for whatever reason or whatever length of time, you can rest at ease knowing that they will be in excellent hands. I have two horses at Epona and neither they nor I could be happier or ask for more. Neither has taken a lame step since they have been there and both have never been more fit and healthy. This is due not only to the excellent care and healthful conditions at the barn, but also the quality and excellent footing of both the indoor and outdoor rings - an added bonus that allows you to ride comfortably year round and in any weather. Epona Farm's rates are competitive and fair especially since you are saving in health care and vet bills given the maintenance and upkeep of your horse. I have boarded horses at other places and by far Epona Farm not only offers the best services, but also offers the greatest opportunities for your horse and you as a rider. Moreover, and finally, the attitude and the friendliness of the staff, owners and other riders make it a pleasure to spend your time at the barn. read more
