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.

This is a small, family-owned farm that offers basic lessons. The owner is friendly, and it's a…read moregreat place for kids to get comfortable riding and taking care of horses in a low-stress environment. Some of the horses are older, which makes them gentler and slower with younger kids, but that means they are also less responsive. There are periodic shows / competitions. They don't offer jumping or trail rides.

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!

An absolutely fabulous facility where they take great efforts to not only teach you to ride safely…read morebut to be a truly great horse person in every category. This is far and away the best equestrian facility I have ever lessoned at. The environment is full of kind humans and is inclusive and welcoming to all. Highly recommended.

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!

Blue skies of maple view is the best barn in the WORLD! This stunning stable has changed my life…read moreforever in the best way possible! The horses are so gentle, well cared for, sweet and loving! Summer camp at Blue Skies is one of my favorite times of the year! The best way to describe it is a cowgirls heaven! Each day you get to ride horses, learn about horses, and draw horses, and then take a refreshing dip in the pool!!! I have been riding at Blue Skies for six years and every moment I have been smiling! Ms. Deborah is one of the kindest, most loving and patient people I have ever met! She is so passionate, caring and truly the heart of Blue Skies! This delightful barn has an amazing community, full of kind and loving people who share their appreciation and compassion for these amazing horses! When someone asks me if i could go anywhere in the world, my answer is always Blue Skies! If you are looking for a phenomenal, non-competitive, welcoming and unforgettable barn, than Blue Skies of Mapleview is your place!

I love this place! It feels like home to me with Deborah and those that I've met here. Everyone is…read moreso warm and welcoming. Deborah and Zoe really know what they are talking about, I've never been to a barn with so much respect for the horses and others and it's wonderful. I've learned so much here and found some a deeper respect and love for these beautiful horses.

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

Triton is the best! Trainers are amazing! They are great teachers. My daughter has been riding for…read more2 yrs at Triton.

As an older adult who always wanted to learn about horses and riding, and after trying out other…read morestables in the area, I am really glad I selected Triton. Their knowledge of everything horses and horsemanship is incredible. They seemed to be able to tell everything going on between me and my horse in the ring and how to teach me in order to finally create the trust that the horse needs in the rider to make for an in-sync combo. Not to mention professionally riding the horse themselves in order to keep him "tuned up". My only regret - having to move out of state before going as far in the learning process as I wanted to go.