We went horse back riding with the grandchildren on yesterday and we found this place in Apex we…read morehad never been on horses before and this was a wonderful experience for the grandchildren and the price was very reasonable. I would highly recommend this place especially if you are first timers. The children had an opportunity to groom the horses and give them treats

Stay away!! Worst experience I've ever encountered with any sport or recreational activity. The…read moreowner/ manage is completely absent and unresponsive to communications. They do not check or respond to emails. They over charge and the trainers do not really teach for progression. My daughter kept being put on horses who clearly do not want anyone riding them so she could not learn any new techniques. When providing feedback to the owner, Andi, she doesn't follow up or even address it. It's clear they are only about taking money and not giving quality services. In all honesty, they should lose any business license they have based on the lack of service. When multiple texts, calls or emails repeatedly go unreturned, there's a huge problem with saying this is a legit business.

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!!

Pasture Boarders Beware…read more Jim's barn is beautiful with gorgeous indoor and outdoor arenas. There is a tack room for boarders, and slots for tacking up as well as several wash stalls. He has one person working for him, Pancha, who feeds all the horses, cleans stalls, and generally takes care of things. The horses in the barn seem well cared for. The pasture has 2 run-ins that seem in good shape, and 17 acres to spread out on with seemingly good grass. The water trough was a little questionable... There is only one other horse on pasture board and it's his horse (RED FLAG). There are lessons on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays - if you want to ride on those days, outdoor arena only. Feed for pasture boarders is grain in pans 20ft apart. I expressed that I was concerned about that because one of my 2 eats significantly more than the other, and the one who gets less will steal food. Jim stated (his idea) that there was a paddock in the field where one horse could go in to eat so he wouldn't steal food. He stated that I would have to pay his help extra for her time. I made sure to tell him that one of my horses was 18hh. He didn't seem to have a problem with it and asked more questions about his breeding. I asked if he would feed supplements and he said yes. I also asked about using an open stall temporarily while I tacked up one of my 2 horses and he said yes as long as I cleaned up after myself. I moved in and everything seemed fine. Jim was very pleasant and easy to talk to. I felt very comfortable with him and our decision to move there. I watched a few lessons - he was very kind and patient. I helped Pancha feed the horses that evening and the next morning so that they could get used to their new routine and one of them going into the paddock. We talked the whole time (in what little Spanish I know) and she even was showing me pictures of her family. I brought my horses inside to ride and put one in the "preapproved stall". I gave him a flake of hay to munch on while he was waiting (it is explicitly stated on the website that grain AND HAY are included in board). While I was tacking up my other horse, Jim walked in and told me "you're expecting too much as pasture board horses and you need to leave". I tried to fumble through a question as to why and he simply stated that I expected to much and Pancha was not comfortable working around my horses. I said ok, I'll try to find another barn as soon as I can, but it may be next week sometime to which he replied "the sooner the better, you need to get out". I told him that I had given a flake of hay to my horse and offered to buy a bale (EVEN THOUGH HAY IS SUPPOSEDLY INCLUDED IN BOARD per the website) and Jim stated that I was stealing..... I immediately packed up my trailer and left after being there less than 24 hours. He went from being very friendly and easy to talk to, to INCREDIBLY rude and hurtful in a very short period of time. I think the real issue is that I was too much of a presence in the barn. I never saw any other boarder there, and in the boarders tack room, pretty much everything was covered in dust. He is obviously used to doing things his way and in his routine, and I was interrupting that. I also don't think he really wants to deal with pasture board horses. So, if you have a horse that you need stall board for and don't plan to ride often, this is the place for you. They will be well taken care of. I think if you just want lesson, this is also a great place to come. Otherwise, stay away.

Jim is a terrific teacher He is particularly patient and gentle in his criticism. The facilities…read moreare terrific, safe and convenient for those who live in Chapel Hill and Durham. Although Jim is best at teaching English but he was willing to take me on as an older adult who just wanted to refine his Western riding. Kind man with a good manner

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.

We just moved to the area from Tampa Bay two months ago and discovered Black Creek Hill Farms while…read morelooking for trail rides. We are so glad we found them. Brenda, the owner, is an incredibly warm and friendly person who does some wonderful things at her farm. The day we arrived for our trail ride Brenda greeted us, got us situated with gear and horses. Then she personally adjusted the saddles and stirrups to ensure the best fit. The farm has a number of volunteers who help guide the riders through the trails in the beautiful surrounding countryside. Our two volunteers were incredibly polite and thoughtful as they guided us through the ride. The horses were gentle and responsive. The entire experience was wonderful from start to finish. After we returned to the stables Brenda talked about the impact the horse therapy they do at the farm has had on participants. This has literally changed peoples lives. Outstanding place and people. We will absolutely be returning. Highly recommended.

Fun and excitement riding the trail with my grown girls. Staff was very professional, patient, fun…read moreand accommodating. I recommend Black Hill Farms for beginners and experienced riders. We had a great time.

I had my first horseback riding experience here, and it was honestly better than I expected…read more I rode a horse named Preacher, and he was such a good boy. Super calm, gentle, and perfect if you're nervous or brand new to riding. I'd definitely recommend him for first-timers. My husband rode Kahlua. She was funny and entertaining; trying to eat everything that came across her path. Lol The guides were upbeat, informative, and kept everything running smoothly, which made me feel a lot more comfortable. You can tell they know what they're doing. All of the staff were friendly, patient, and really knowledgeable, which made the whole experience even better. I had a great time and can't wait to come back again!

Fabio and Emma were great. I had such a fun time! the trail guides are really friendly and the…read morehorses are beginner friendly !