I want to give this place 5 stars. I really do. There's just a few things holding me back.
If you're looking to ride horses in the GP area, and are willing to shell out an extra car payment a month, then this is the place to go.
They accept riders of all ages and ability. However, I do believe there is currently a wait list. The property is huge and very welcoming. I do suggest calling and setting up a tour, if possible. The schooling staff couldn't be more nice and helpful. If and when you or your littles do get into a class, there are indoor viewing lounges to watch the lessons and keep warm or cool, depending on the season. You can also observe from inside the arena as to be able to hear all that is going on. The lounges are quite cozy with plenty of comfortable seating and some playthings to keep any siblings entertained. But do make sure they are entertained as horseplay and loud noises are a big no-no around the 700lb+ animals that can get spooked and spill a rider. The students are expected to help get the horses ready (tacked) for each lesson. As well as getting the horses untacked afterwards. Depending on the age and ability of the student, the staff will help and teach along the way. But as you/they progress this responsibility falls to the student. Parents will have to assist or at least accompany the student for about a half hour prior and at the end.
Now, for the "bad" bits...
-Some of the other rooms and areas of the property need a lot of love. As I said, it is a huge property that obviously was a bit run down by previous ownership. There does seem to be constant upgrading and in due time it should all be quite nice.
-The barn, in particular can be VERY dirty at times. Lots of cobwebs and poop and birds and bird droppings and dust. A lot of dust. This is no barn for a clean freak. I assume it comes with the territory.
-The prices for lesson packages are astronomical. We're talking upwards of $100 per weekly lesson. With a little research, one could find the same type/style of lesson at half the cost elsewhere. But, as noted earlier, the facility itself and the ideal location (especially for Grosse Pointers with gobs of disposable income) justify some of the high pricing. Otherwise, you're traveling at least 25 minutes to next closest location.
-The entire facility is also shared with Boarders. People who keep their horses stabled at the barn. The school horses only take up about 25% percent of the stalls. The boarders walk around as if they own the place (they kinda do) and some have no qualms about telling you how they think you should be acting at their "club". However, some are equally as pleasant and helpful. They do tend to occupy one side of the very large U shaped barn. The school is only on the other side. So, interaction is quite minimal.
-One other minor issue is the fact that there is no "Western Style" riding focus. It's all Dressage and Jumping.
All in all, if you've got the money to spend and a healthy stick-to-it-iveness attitude, this is the place for you. read more