Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Equest Farms

    3.3 (11 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Equest Farms Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Equest Farms

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    EquestFarms response to riding goals

    ACTUAL STUDENT REPORT: As an adult student taking lessons for 1+ yrs at Equest Farms, I'll shed a fair light for anyone thinking about sending their child here or taking lessons herself. THE GOOD: the horses are well-maintained, a lot of horses, turn-out time. Nice setting, convenient location. THE BAD: Limited class schedule (for adults, I don't know about kids), unprofessional attitude of the staff, outdated and harmful instruction methods, and abominable customer service. Here's just a few of the concerns I heard from other students recently: "...Equest[Farms] has no interest in teaching us anything."   - Student 1 "IDK why [EquestFarms] can't be reasonable and understanding or caring about anything.  It's a lot of bullshit and really rude, entitled treatment of everyone." - Student 2 ".... Good god, Equest[Farms] is terrible.  ..... they gave me a horse I feel unsafe on repeatedly in spite of me asking them not to."  - Adult Student 3 "I got off my horse and brought him back to the barn in the middle of my lesson it was so bad."   - Adult Student 4 HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE/NO REGARD FOR STUDENTS' CONCERNS: The horse in question is used in lessons even though he is very horse-reactive. He's unsafe for anyone but the most experienced riders but Equest assigns him to beginner riders repeatedly anyway. (Yes, as riders, we push our comfort zones to get better, but that doesn't mean we should be put into unsafe situations.) The question to the staff is: Why keep him as a lesson horse and if so, why assign him to anyone but the most experienced riders? And obviously this horse isn't thriving anyway so why not provide a different life for him altogether? Equest's response: "We don't accommodate requests regarding horses, period. Your class is too needy and you need to ride horses like that. He lunges and bucks at other horses when you stand in Canter so just don't stand in Canter with him." (Yeah, ok. That's a great solution. And what about the 5 other reported incidents with this horse?) (Quick note - I got off a horse during class only 1 time and that horse was later deemed unsuitable for lessons and sold. So this is not an issue of me or other students avoiding the more challenging horses; this is a safety issue. And not to mention riding is very expensive so I'd like to enjoy it as well.) EVEN LESS REGARD FOR the STUDENTS' LEARNING GOALS: If you have learning goals, EquestFarms does not care. They DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR LEARNING GOALS. I can't speak for kids but I can speak for adults. They want you to pay the fees, go round and round in a ring and keep quiet. For example, I've been working hard for over a year to get better and I'd like to progress - you'd think they like that in their students but after months of myself (and another student) asking to learn the Canter, we got nothing but pushback and attitude from Equest staff. Eventually we both just gave up. REGARDING CHILDREN, a couple of instructors are good but two in particular SHOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO TEACH CHILDREN. These instructors use old school military-style instruction: humiliation, "you're not listening, you're not trying, don't make me regret letting you do this..." (These are 7-12 yr olds I'm talking about). Other adult students and I cringed at some of the stuff these particular trainers say to kids. I mean we literally had to bite our tongues. This is not only harmful but it's wholly ineffective for skill improvement. Nobody every got better at something by being made to feel small and stupid. EquestFarms is just lazy, outdated teaching. FULL DISCLOSURE: No surprise to anyone whose brought up an issue at EquestFarms, I was asked not to return because I went directly to the staff (instead of just gossiping) and shared the students' concerns about that aggressive horse and I asked to discuss my learning goals. No, really. That's it. (Turns out their asking me for my riding goals and responding they couldn't meet those goals was a farce, an excuse to remove me from school.) The real reason they removed me is because I took a stand for the students afraid to ride the unruly horse. (See the picture attachment). EquestFarms has gotten away with their attitude because they're currently the only game in town. When a stable opens and treats students with even a grain of respect, integrity and professionalism, this place will finally be forced to change.

    See all

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    10 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    A nice place for riding lessons. They're sticklers for punctuality though. Their equipment is limited, so you might need to bring your own.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Equest Farms Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Equest Farms

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Horseback Riding 142 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Horses, Hops and Cops

    Horses, Hops and Cops

    4.8
    (6 reviews)
    0.4 mi

    This annual festival held near Mardi Gras is awesome. You can see the police horses for the mounted…read moreforce, and the Budweiser Clydesdale horses. There is a stage with a band, several food booths, but the highlight is the horses. Really. I could have beer for cheaper somewhere else, better food elsewhere. But to be **this** close to such large and beautiful animals is awe inspiring. Truly. Be careful of the muddy spots, as it may not be mud. These are large animals and can leave a landmine or two if you know what I mean. It is free, it is annual (from what I understand), so buy something, bring a chair to sit and enjoy the music, relax. Parking can be an issue as there is not a paved parking lot. Make sure you are parking on firm ground to make your exit from the car, and eventually exit from the parking lot, easier. This is a great event for families with small children. There is beer for the adults and the kids are distracted by the horses. I think this is a fun time for all. Wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting dirty and bring cash. The event is held in a place without much pavement, so you will be walking in the dirt and grass. Toilets are portable potties.

    Horses, hops and cops is an event I look forward to each year. It is a great family event with good…read morefood, good music, and beautiful horses. It is also a great way to celebrate our police officers. I suggest arriving early, as traffic gets a little hectic. Plus, you can see the horses in the day light.

    Photos
    Horses, Hops and Cops
    Horses, Hops and Cops
    Horses, Hops and Cops

    See all

    Saddle Up & Ride

    Saddle Up & Ride

    5.0
    (6 reviews)
    9.1 mi

    What recently brought our Boy Scout troop to earn their horsemanship merit badge. Bobbi was…read moreprepared, thorough, and covered the entire badge. It was a wonderful outing and a great day! I recommend this business.

    Genuine Western horse riding lessons taught by an experienced and patient instructor. Bobbi Jo…read moreteaches about horses and how they behave, not just how to ride them. And safety is always emphasized. Each lesson starts with grooming the designated horse, saddling up, exercising the horse, and only then, riding. This was a bucket list thing for me and has become a high point of my week. This is a working ranch and stable, not a fancy club. I leave all the stress of daily life behind when I turn down the road into the ranch on Sunday mornings. One special memory is the day we worked in the small arena and she told me to close my eyes while riding. I could really feel the movement of the horse then, and felt no fear at all. A second was the day she pronounced me no longer a beginner and sent me off for a solo victory lap around the big arena. And a third was when we first rode at speed between poles. So far we have worked on three different horses, each selected as the best for that day's learning. I have learned a lot about horses, but also a lot about myself. Rates for lessons are truly reasonable, especially when purchased in blocks of five.

    Photos
    Aboard Conan, a gentle giant, in the small arena.
    Aboard Conan, a gentle giant, in the small arena.
    Saddle Up & Ride
    Apple time for Trey, a beautiful and responsive quarter horse.

    See all

    Apple time for Trey, a beautiful and responsive quarter horse.
    Cascade Stables

    Cascade Stables

    3.9
    (15 reviews)
    6.5 mi

    I started at Cascade as a beginner at age 54. Although I rode as a child, the instruction I…read morereceived back then doesn't compare to what I have experienced here. Over the past eight months, I have spent time at the barn almost daily after being offered the opportunity to lease a beautiful horse, with all the support I needed to learn, build confidence, and feel safe. One of the things I appreciate most is the lease program. It has been very affordable and has given me opportunities I never imagined having, especially with an American Saddlebred. I have loved getting to know this beautiful breed and look forward to continuing my journey as a rider. The horses receive exceptional care, and it shows. Everyone at the barn is welcoming, helpful, and genuinely invested in creating a positive experience for both horses and riders. I've also enjoyed the trail rides. The horses are calm and dependable, and riding through the park is peaceful and beautiful. Whether you're new to horses or returning to riding later in life as I did, Cascade is a wonderful place to learn, grow, and be part of a supportive equestrian community. I highly recommend it. Barbe Smith has a huge heart and does a lot for the community. Her son and daughter in law are professional trainers and are excellent to learn from. I love my lessons with Wylie too - her 1-1 and group lessons are a blast!

    The guide was terrible and completely disengaged from the start. He didn't say a word to us when we…read morestarted the trail and wasn't even paying attention. He was impatient and seemed like he didn't want to be there. If you don't have any experience riding horses, this is not the place for you. (You can check one of two boxes for any experience from riding 0-10 times or more than 10 times.) The horse, Oreo, only wanted to eat grass, and I struggled as soon as we got to the park. We were told both horses were calm. The guide barked instruction from the front of the other rider instead of coming over to explain. He just kept telling me to kick the horse harder and pull the reins harder. I would pull the reins up and the horse would immediately put his head back down to eat grass. I tried multiple times to get him away from the grassy area. I was afraid and felt unstable, so I grabbed the saddle and the guide fussed at me for grabbing the saddle. He repeated the same instructions over again, which weren't working, and eventually came over to me. I ended up being terrified on top of the horse. So, the guide called someone to come out and help. I didn't feel safe at that point and just asked to get down. I ended up walking back and will never get on another horse after this experience. There's no refunds. It was a total waste of time. The other workers didn't seem to believe me when I complained about the guide (big guy named Lane, I think) until the one other rider explained how disengaged the guide acted. My friend has done a bunch of trail rides and never experienced such bad service. Save your money and go do something else. This stable doesn't care about its riders.

    Photos
    Horse stables at Audubon Park
    Horse stables at Audubon Park
    Cascade Stables
    Riding horses at Audubon Park

    See all

    Riding horses at Audubon Park
    Fraziers' Homestead

    Fraziers' Homestead

    5.0
    (7 reviews)
    70.7 mi

    I'll start by saying what a lovely experience. I've always loved horses and was so excited when my…read morefriend coordinated a day that we could go horseback riding. Fraziers' Homestead is a wonderful spot! We went during December, and honestly, the cold weather made it perfect (otherwise I'd be profusely sweating while riding). Our guide was friendly and constantly checked in on us and our horses to make sure we were getting the most from our trail ride. We even saw the owner and shared a good laugh about the "intricacies" of staying on top of the horse. The trail was pretty with bushes and trees filling the space and even a portion where we saw the rest of their horses- I miss it! My only critique would be that the trail ride, for me, was not as long as I would have liked. To be fair, though, I could ride alllll day. This place is great because once you're finished with your trail, you get to go back to their arena and practice riding and/or trotting some more. If you're curious about $$$, I would have no problem paying again. It was 3 of us, and I want to say it was about ~$67/person not including tip. I definitely hope to go back soon and who knows- maybe even get the same horse :).

    We went to Frazier's Homestead and thoroughly enjoyed the trail ride and some fun in the arena with…read morea barrel. Our horses were Girly and Teddy, and they were amazing along with the staff and our lovely guide Liz who made the entire experience seamless and comfortable. I had experience riding in the past, but this was my fiancés first time ever interacting with a horse and the care taken to get him on the perfect, most gentle fellow was appreciated. The only negative I can think of is I didn't get to bring the horses home! Facilities were very well maintained and the animals are well cared for and so healthy and beautiful. Thank you!

    Photos
    Girly and Teddy on the trails
    Girly and Teddy on the trails
    Fraziers' Homestead
    Girly

    See all

    Girly
    Angels Grove Ranch

    Angels Grove Ranch

    5.0
    (1 review)
    41.9 mi

    Angel's Grove Ranch was the setting for our 9 year old daughter's farm themed birthday party…read more Beautiful location in the country, 20 minutes from downtown Covington. Arranged for a 3 hour party- arts and craft time in a barn with AC, games, animals to pet, horse back riding, and a hayride. A nice patio with tables and benches overlooking the riding rings and barn allows adults to watch over the activities. Incredibly nice and thoughtful people and very safety conscious. All for a noble and humane cause of rescuing at risk horses. Everyone had a great afternoon and we'll be starting riding lessons next. Highly recommended!

    From the owner: Want to get away from the hustle of city life for a day? Schedule a day at the ranch! Only 10…read moreminutes from Covington and Abita Springs, we are a volunteer run, non- profit horse rescue facility. All proceeds from our many services go toward the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of these majestic animals! We offer: horseback riding lessons, birthday parties, a petting zoo, summer camp, holiday camp, trail rides and much more. Ask us about our Horse Sponsorship program and our 12 week Jr Horsemanship program-a great present for the horse crazy person in your family. Looking for a volunteer opportunity? We are always looking for dependable volunteers to help with our special events and help around the ranch. Visit our website for more information.

    Photos
    Riding
    Riding
    Ziggy
    Ziggy
    Pond Fun

    See all

    Pond Fun

    Equest Farms - horsebackriding - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...