I cannot say enough lovely things about Sue and the program she runs. She is kind and compassionate but firm in her instruction. My daughters have flourished under her tutelage. She teaches personal responsibility, and the girls know that hard work is rewarding. The facilities are stunning and well kept. I cannot imagine a kinder or better riding instructor than Sue. My girls have become stronger and wake up each day excited to go to the barn and learn from Sue and her gorgeous horses. read more

High Meadows Farms - Horseback Riding Near Me - Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

This place is amazing! The barn is beautiful, horses are well trained and cared for, the trails are lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed riding with Sue. I first went there for a trail ride and went back for a lesson. I am an experienced rider and felt really good about my lesson. I will be returning for more lessons. read more

Sue and the staff were very accommodating and the service was top notch. This a very clean and scenic property. The trail ride was the best that we have done. We groomed my horse, set the tack, went into the ring before going on the trail ride. Once finished, we took off the tack and then fed our horses a snack. I highly recommend. Derek read more

I can't recommend this business. Although it's a lovely, beautifully kept farm and many people seem to like it here , I experienced a disheartening event. I am a lifetime equestrian and owned my own facility for over 40 years. I am an international, commended Co Counseling teacher specializing in the emotional well being of children. While on an extended vacation I decided to ride with Sue. I was in a group lesson with children ( which was fine, as Sue didn't know me and could only take my word about my experience). It was actually fun, as I adore children, until there was an incident. One of the children was a bit timid. I offered to change horses as the one I was riding was calmer. However, instead, Sue started to criticize and demean the child. She shamed her in front of the class and basically called her a sissy. The poor girl was mortified and started to silently cry. I didn't want to make matters worse for the child by starting an argument with Sue in front of all the other kids, but I was able to whisper words of encouragement and validation to the poor kid as our horse were next to each other. Sue , in my opinion, is not for everyone. read more

After some time, I have decided to leave this review. The barn is beautiful, very well taken care of and clean which is a rare find. The horses are treated well and everything seems to be above board. I am speaking on instruction, not on trail riding. Sue is a decent instructor, and the price is reasonable for group/private lessons. She knows how to get you into the proper form. However, it is difficult to make progress in the group lessons due to how they are structured. At other barns, the group lessons were structured in such a way that it was easy to make significant progress while riding once or twice a week. Sue is passive aggressive, I don't believe she is intentionally rude, it's just the way she is. At times she lacks empathy for riders, ignoring legitimate problems they may be having, and placing blame on something which may or may not be their fault. The lessons almost always start late, normally about half an hour to an hour late. There is never an apology. I have never ridden at a barn where the lessons start so late, I do not know why it is such a problem at this barn. This could be an easy fix. Over time I began dreading the lessons because I did not want to interact with Sue. I remember the last time I rode, there was quite a rude comment made (to a different rider) and I realized I needed to find another barn. I wish it wasn't this way as the instruction was good for the price. read more

Where to begin? The grounds were beautiful! The trail had fall colors, which we were hoping for. The owners daughters were sweet, while we waited for to finish a lesson. The lesson made our start time 30 minutes late. No apology was made. The owner "Sue" was rude in every way! Snarky remarks and a lack of compassion for a lady that fell off her horse. Her description of the ride was it was not a trail ride. We would get freedom. No walking in lines. We would even get to trot. We'll we start with the rule that we can't pass her. She is walking in front of the horses. Three assistants walking along also. Everytime we trotted they held a n to the reigns! We traveled from California for our 22nd Anniversary. Photos were not allowed on the trail. Only when we got back. We've ridden over a dozen times in different places. This was by far our worst experience. When the lady fell off her horse. Sue casually walked over to her. Telling the lady her falling was all her fault. The saddle was not tightened properly, and slid to the underside of the horse. The ladies hand was bleeding. Sue asked " how did you do that?" (In her snarky voice) Then made fun of the lady for having trouble getting back on the horse from the ground. At the end of the ride. Sue told us to ride over to the mailbox for a treat. I went first. When I opened it I said"I thought it was going to be carrots or apples for the horses". In her snarky voice she scolded me for thinking such a thing! It was dumdum lollipops, skittles and sugar babies for us. As if we are children! The ride itself was short. She spent much of the time dishing out rude comments. Here are some examples. " Don't talk to the horses like Disney characters!"( The horse was Tinker Bell) another remark. " I would never ride in a car with you!" To my husband "Your a big strong man! You can kick harder than that!" The tension was thick the whole ride. We were in shock and very disappointed! The ride was going to be one of the highlights of out trip! At the end we wanted a picture. We made an attempt to get closer to each other. Sue scolded us and said "Horses need their personal space like people do" We had asked for horses that liked each other because it's our anniversary. She said no problem. They all get along. This was an $85 per person pony ride that did not make any fond memories. If your looking to ride horses in New Hampshire, stay clear of this place. read more

Fantastic place. I've gone trailriding many places but this one is special because you learn so much.I loved saddling up and choosing my horse. Sue is so accomadating,no matter what level rider you are. Oh yes, I almost forgot The scenery is spectacular. I would definately consider taking lessons here as well. read more

High Meadows Farms - Horseback Riding Near Me - Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

High Meadow Farms get High Marks Being in the real estate business--in the summer--in the lakes region--is no fun for our kids to endure. So on my way to moving up to Prudential Spencer-Hughes, I looked up a place my daughter could have much more fun in than following me from showing to showing or open house to meetings. That's when by chance I found High Meadow Farms--a beautiful 80 acre farm located on a High Meadow with spectacular views of the Ossipee White Mountain range--and amazingly only 15 minutes from downtown Wolfeboro (and my office). My daughter has been to many different horse camps in New Hampshire. This camp is in a league of its own. Sue Ballentine, owner and trainer, is a petite woman with a wide smile, calm disposition and seemingly strong as --well a horse-- She inspires every student. They come out with a true working knowledge about horses, and the business of horses, while making the experience fun and memorable for all. Her facility is by far the best I have seen with views like no other. Sue's ability to command an entire group of riders (and parents) of every skill level yet gain the respect of everyone regardless of their age or experience is amazing. It is a place where the students come from all over the world and all share a little piece of it together--leaving with new friendships and great memories forever. They all look forward to coming the next day. The horses are well cared for and happy--well they do live in a paradise even us people who can only drive a horseless carriage can appreciate. Each horse has a personality, and every kid has their favorite-- The main barn is beautiful and clean and full of young riders scampering about doing their chores with joy--if only we could see that joy in our own homes when it comes to chores. Every Friday our kids get to show off their weeks worth of riding skills to all us proud camera toting, video taking smiling parents. Thank you Sue for welcoming my daughter into a place where she has been transformed from a girl interested in horses to a young adult with a genuine knowledge of your world now filled with memories and friends for a lifetime. Come by--and you will see why it is hard for your kids to leave. High Meadow Farms. 975 Beach Pond Road Wolfeboro, NH 03894 sueball2007@gmail.com 352-287-9989 read more

High Meadows Farms - The fabulous barn of High Meadows Farm - Horseback Riding Near Me - Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

See all

Nothing but positive things to say! My boyfriend and I visited the farm for a private lesson (it had been about 5 years since either of us last rode) and were both delighted with our decision (well worth the commute from Boston). The stables are immaculate - easily the cleanest facilities I've ever seen - the horses are happy, clean and pampered and the owner, Sue, is a ray of sunshine! Her attitude and commitment to her horses and riders is contagious. You cannot help but smile when you're there! Sue took her time reacquainting us with the basics of horse handling safety and grooming and made sure we felt comfortable with our assigned horses. We had a crash course in riding basics and then were free to trot around the gorgeous (heated) indoor riding arena. It was a relaxed, informative lesson that was driven by what my boyfriend and I wanted to learn. I cannot stress how much fun we had - a large part thanks to Sue's enthusiasm. Her horses are very well trained and we perfect for any sort of rider, new or old (and young or old for that matter)! I also highly recommend this stable for kids! Sue is wonderful with children!! We will most certainly be returning for future lessons! Thank you Sue! read more

Sue was great! She was fantastic at explaining how to ride. The farm has a good view and is Beautiful Would definitely recommend high meadows farm. read more

Sue was excellent in explaining the processes and the horses personalities that we could then pair with our own. I chose Kermit and as a first timer, that was bold in itself as he is definitely full of personality and likes to challenge. He is the tallest horse there and can be stubborn as a...no pun intended. We clean them before riding and after and that really gives you bonding time and understanding they are not machines. Sue and her little helpers were great! Two thumbs up!! read more

My daughter and granddaughter had a wonderful experience! Not just an ordinary trail ride but great educational experience for the horse-crazy. Granddaughter from SC wants to come next year for riding camp. Beautiful facility and wonderfully kept horses! read more

I took a 60 minute private lesson with Sue. She is an excellent riding instructor. She is extremely patient and can work with people of all ages. In my lesson, I learned how to groom and take care of a horse in addition learning how to ride. Not many places will teach you how to groom the horse. The field and arena are huge. When you learn from Sue, you know that she is an expert on horses. The horses are well taken care of. If you want a farm that is highly competitive, but still gives excellent lessons, then this is the place. read more

While vacationing in New Hampshire my wife and I, along with our 5 and 7 yr old children, visited High Meadow farms for some horse back riding. It was awesome, Sue is a great instructor and worked really well with the children. We leaned how to groom and saddle the horses, got a riding lesson then it was off to the trails. All of us had a great time and will definitely stop back if we visit NH again. Highly recommended. read more

I have been riding at High Meadows Farm for 3 months and I have absolutely fallen in love. The view is gorgeous, the horses are incredible, and the staff are super helpful in every way. Sue has taught me so much this past summer and has made me into the great rider that I am. I have won multiple first place ribbons in shows and I have grown so much since I started. I have suggested to all of my friends and family to check out the barn and they have all fallen in love as well. It is an amazing place to bring your family for trail rides, lessons, or just the occasional drive up to see some beautiful animals. read more

See all

Sue was awesome! She Maintains a beautiful facility, and is very thorough in explaining the process of horseback riding. We got to choose, brush, saddle and then ride a few of her special horses! Very well tempered animals and perfect fall scenery on the trail. Sues helpers were just as impressive as she was. I specifically got to work with Josie, who was very knowledgeable and sweet as could be. I would highly recommend high meadow farms as a fun activity to do while in the area! read more

My adult family and I had the ultimate trail ride. When we were leaving, three of us were bitten by two of the horses. Tic Tac bit my daughter and Tigger bit my son and I. When my kids were growing up they had horseback riding lessons and so I asked each of them about being bitten- it never happened. In fact I learned that biting had to do with not being cared for properly. I was surprised even though the owner knew about my daughter getting bit, she did not really say anything. Also, one of the helpers were right there when my son and I were bit and she said absolutely nothing. Being bit was shocking and I left without saying anything, but wrote an email later to the owner, which was not responded to. We signed waivers before the trail ride, she went over safety around the horses (never mentioned the possibility of being bitten) and we were very careful to not get kicked or in any way or startle the horses. read more

I found Sue through Yelp so thought it best to leave a review here. I emailed her prior to vacationing in NH with my family. She was prompt in responding and helpful. I touched based with her when we arrived and she scheduled a session for my two-year-old that was accommodating to my family, which I appreciated having 2 young children. One thing to note for anyone planning to visit, do not use any GPS other than Google maps. Anything but Google maps will take you completely out-of-the-way. When we finally arrived, Sue was very patient with my son who sometimes takes some warming up to. Like I said he is only two years old and at times can be temperamental. He immediately took to Sue, and followed her every word. He helped brush Jelly bean and prepare for riding. He had such a fun time and you could see it on his face the entire time. It is hard to find something for such a young child to do, as many of the area activities are tailored to slightly older and taller children. He loves horses though and from my first contact with Sue, I knew this would be a big hit. ((Just be sure to read her website, she does not accept credit cards.)) read more